Don't really know just why I'm bothering to update my blog, as I'm sure any customers I once had have long since given up on me. Oh well, for anyone who may be interested, here's what's been happening.
Absolutely nothing to chat about bead-wise. I haven't fired up the torch since my last set of beads on Feebay (and when *was* that? I can't even remember myself - 2, 3, 4 months ago? Whatever). Any time I do have off (which is very rare as I spend just about every waking moment working in my day job since Russ is still not working) I spend playing games, reading or relaxing. I do have a friend in NZ (hi Lea!) who I have promised I am going to make a bracelet for - free of charge as I want to use it as an excuse to give myself the kick up the you-know-where to melt glass again, but apart from that, I haven't even thought of melting glass.
Not much else happening. The only other thing I can report on is come mid/late September my website will be no more. I've been hosting it for years on the free website my ISP has provided me with, however, they've made the decision that they'll no longer be offering free web hosting. As I don't think I can justify the expense of moving my website elsewhere (or paying my ISP to keep it going) as I hardly ever (never?) make beads these days, I've decided that I'm just going to let it die. I will keep the blog going and when the website goes offline my url of http://2cats.cjb.net will bring you directly here, so if I ever *do* start making beads again, you'll be able to find out by visiting my blog. If or when I begin making beads again on a regular basis, I'll consider bringing the website back, but at the moment, it's not high on my list of priorities.
So, that's really about it for the moment! See you later ;)
Showing posts with label lampwork. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lampwork. Show all posts
Saturday, 11 July 2009
Monday, 27 April 2009
Venezio. . .
Well, here they are - my first set of beads for sale since August last year. Although I've missed beadmaking, I most certainly HAVEN'T missed FeeBay. What a nightmare. Since I haven't sold anything on there since last year, I didn't realise the changes they've made - it took me over an hour and a half to list the auction. Almost more trouble than it was worth!
Anyway, enough moaning out of me for one day. If you feel so inclined, click here to visit the auction. Thanks for stopping by!
Anyway, enough moaning out of me for one day. If you feel so inclined, click here to visit the auction. Thanks for stopping by!
Sunday, 26 April 2009
New Beads! . . .
Yep, you read that right. I *finally* made a set of beads. Well actually, I made 2 beads back in late Feb (my last blog post) but made the rest of them today. DH Russ cleaned my studio for me last weekend and I think it gave me the kick up the bum I needed to start melting glass again.
So, if you want to see them - then check back sometime tomorrow. I should have them up on FeeBay mid morning. Hopefully this will be the first of many sets in the near future (no promises though!).
So, if you want to see them - then check back sometime tomorrow. I should have them up on FeeBay mid morning. Hopefully this will be the first of many sets in the near future (no promises though!).
Monday, 23 February 2009
Stay tuned. . .
Amazing as it may seem, I actually spent a few hours in the studio yesterday. I won't get a chance to finish this set of beads today (my oxy concentrator still hates the heat), but come next weekend/early the following week, I may finally have a new set of beads up on FeeBay. Stay tuned. . .
Monday, 1 December 2008
Not Dead, Busy. . .
Yes, yes I know I've been a terribly slack cow lately, so this post is for those of you who have emailed lately inquiring as to how I'm doing, and wondering if I will EVER melt glass again.
Well, the answer to the first question is that I'm absolutely flat out with my day job lately. So busy in fact that I barely have time to think about anything else. Not that I'm complaining - with Russ still out of work, that's a good thing. However, I've been given a 'sort of' promotion to manager/team leader, so along with my own transcription work, I'm also taking on the responsibility of other MTs. It's fun in its own way, and best of all, I still work from home. After being self-employed/home-based in one capacity or another for almost 12 years (God, has it really been that long?), I couldn't bear to return to an office environment. So, that's the major reason you haven't seen much from me.
And the answer to the second question - will I ever melt glass again. The answer is a definite yes, however, when it might actually happen, I have no clue. I have the best intentions on the weekends to fire up the torch, however, with the extra work I've taken on lately, I just never seem to have enough hours in the day. I'm hoping that when Russ has his back operation (which looks like it might happen around 15 December - which is a real bone of contention with me - 10 days before Christmas. The worst time of year to have him stuck in bed for weeks on end) and he's back to normal and working again, I may have a chance to take life a little easier.
Ultimately I would love to return to my glass work full time again one day. It is something I do plan on... just not sure WHEN. I really do hope to have at least one set of beads up on FeeBay in the not too distant future. This is the longest I've gone since I started making beads around 7 years ago without melting glass. I would make it my New Year Resolution to get back to it more regularly, however, past experience has taught me that I never stick to those. I'll just play it by ear for the moment.
See you again soon.. Thanks for stopping by and for your concern. I really am okay!
Well, the answer to the first question is that I'm absolutely flat out with my day job lately. So busy in fact that I barely have time to think about anything else. Not that I'm complaining - with Russ still out of work, that's a good thing. However, I've been given a 'sort of' promotion to manager/team leader, so along with my own transcription work, I'm also taking on the responsibility of other MTs. It's fun in its own way, and best of all, I still work from home. After being self-employed/home-based in one capacity or another for almost 12 years (God, has it really been that long?), I couldn't bear to return to an office environment. So, that's the major reason you haven't seen much from me.
And the answer to the second question - will I ever melt glass again. The answer is a definite yes, however, when it might actually happen, I have no clue. I have the best intentions on the weekends to fire up the torch, however, with the extra work I've taken on lately, I just never seem to have enough hours in the day. I'm hoping that when Russ has his back operation (which looks like it might happen around 15 December - which is a real bone of contention with me - 10 days before Christmas. The worst time of year to have him stuck in bed for weeks on end) and he's back to normal and working again, I may have a chance to take life a little easier.
Ultimately I would love to return to my glass work full time again one day. It is something I do plan on... just not sure WHEN. I really do hope to have at least one set of beads up on FeeBay in the not too distant future. This is the longest I've gone since I started making beads around 7 years ago without melting glass. I would make it my New Year Resolution to get back to it more regularly, however, past experience has taught me that I never stick to those. I'll just play it by ear for the moment.
See you again soon.. Thanks for stopping by and for your concern. I really am okay!
Monday, 13 October 2008
What To Say. . .
Hmmm. So, here I am. Almost two months since I made beads for sale. Does it bother me? Yes and no. Yes, in the sense I keep wondering what the hell has happened that's made me lose interest. No, in the sense that I have other things on my plate that are way more important to me at this moment in time, and melting glass seems like something I used to do in another life. I did make 4 round beads on Saturday. I absolutely hated them, and although they made it into the kiln, I'm not happy enough with them that I would even consider selling them.
I've spent quite a considerable amount of time the last few days looking through all the photos of beads I've made the past 7+ years. Oh, the agony. I almost started crying - as I've already said, it felt like another life. The only good thing to come out of the whole exercise is that a part of me, a very tiny part, still felt the desire to melt glass. I'm hoping that's a good sign. Time will tell.
So, beads aside, what else to talk about? Well, my brother-in-law. He has a brain tumour, and it looks like he only has weeks to live. I haven't seen him for a few weeks, but Russ saw him last weekend, and although he's obviously ill, he is apparently still in fairly good spirits most of the time. We're planning to see him this Saturday. He's going into palliative care very soon, so, unfortunately, that's not a good sign. Radiotherapy hasn't worked, he's only had one treatment with chemotherapy as the doctors believe it's not going to do any good. So now it's just a waiting game. Not good news, it's not fair, but that's life isn't it? The only thing any of us can be sure about in life is that we're going to die. I really try to get my head around the point of it all, but, the more I think about it, the more I feel there is no logic to it.
I do however believe that death is not the end. As a matter of fact, I believe that death is only the beginning. And what does that mean, you may ask? Well, it's not easy to explain. Although I was raised Catholic, I absolutely loathe organised religion. I have no problem with people who feel that organised religion is right for them, but it just doesn't work for me. I do however believe, no, I am *positive* that this existence, this physicial existence, is merely a journey - one of many. I believe we choose to come to the physical world. I believe we choose our life path. I believe we choose who we surround ourselves with. I believe we choose EVERY major event in our lives - including our death. I believe that we leave the physical body when we die, but we return home to our true home - that of the spiritual world.
Okay, so enough of that. Not going to bore you too much. If you want to look for evidence that death is not the end, search my "Stuff I Love" links or do your own research. The evidence is there if only you look.
Can you believe that Christmas is just over 2 months away? I'm not that big on Christmas - well, not in the sense of presents. The two things I *LOVE* about Christmas are the TV programs (and is it just me, or has there not been all that much in the way of Christmas shows on TV the past few years?) and the decorations. I've been spending up big on decorations the past few weeks in preparation - everything from ornaments to decorations for the tree, to LED lights for the garden. I seriously LOVE Christmas decorations. I'm almost eccentric enough to keep my house decorated for Christmas 365 days of the year. As a matter of fact, as I'm typing this, one of my newest Christmas decoration purchases is adorning the entertainment unit - a cute Christmas village with a train slowly making its way around the village, complete with changing colour LED lights, snow covered driveways and Christmas carols. Yes, I realise it's only October, but like I said, I just love the whole Christmas decoration "thing". There's something so magical about it.
Well enough raving on for one day. Will update again soon.
I've spent quite a considerable amount of time the last few days looking through all the photos of beads I've made the past 7+ years. Oh, the agony. I almost started crying - as I've already said, it felt like another life. The only good thing to come out of the whole exercise is that a part of me, a very tiny part, still felt the desire to melt glass. I'm hoping that's a good sign. Time will tell.
So, beads aside, what else to talk about? Well, my brother-in-law. He has a brain tumour, and it looks like he only has weeks to live. I haven't seen him for a few weeks, but Russ saw him last weekend, and although he's obviously ill, he is apparently still in fairly good spirits most of the time. We're planning to see him this Saturday. He's going into palliative care very soon, so, unfortunately, that's not a good sign. Radiotherapy hasn't worked, he's only had one treatment with chemotherapy as the doctors believe it's not going to do any good. So now it's just a waiting game. Not good news, it's not fair, but that's life isn't it? The only thing any of us can be sure about in life is that we're going to die. I really try to get my head around the point of it all, but, the more I think about it, the more I feel there is no logic to it.
I do however believe that death is not the end. As a matter of fact, I believe that death is only the beginning. And what does that mean, you may ask? Well, it's not easy to explain. Although I was raised Catholic, I absolutely loathe organised religion. I have no problem with people who feel that organised religion is right for them, but it just doesn't work for me. I do however believe, no, I am *positive* that this existence, this physicial existence, is merely a journey - one of many. I believe we choose to come to the physical world. I believe we choose our life path. I believe we choose who we surround ourselves with. I believe we choose EVERY major event in our lives - including our death. I believe that we leave the physical body when we die, but we return home to our true home - that of the spiritual world.
Okay, so enough of that. Not going to bore you too much. If you want to look for evidence that death is not the end, search my "Stuff I Love" links or do your own research. The evidence is there if only you look.
Can you believe that Christmas is just over 2 months away? I'm not that big on Christmas - well, not in the sense of presents. The two things I *LOVE* about Christmas are the TV programs (and is it just me, or has there not been all that much in the way of Christmas shows on TV the past few years?) and the decorations. I've been spending up big on decorations the past few weeks in preparation - everything from ornaments to decorations for the tree, to LED lights for the garden. I seriously LOVE Christmas decorations. I'm almost eccentric enough to keep my house decorated for Christmas 365 days of the year. As a matter of fact, as I'm typing this, one of my newest Christmas decoration purchases is adorning the entertainment unit - a cute Christmas village with a train slowly making its way around the village, complete with changing colour LED lights, snow covered driveways and Christmas carols. Yes, I realise it's only October, but like I said, I just love the whole Christmas decoration "thing". There's something so magical about it.
Well enough raving on for one day. Will update again soon.
Sunday, 28 September 2008
Patch & Suri. . .
Hi ho. Well I finally uploaded some photos of Patch & Suri. They've been sitting on my computer for almost a month and I've been too slack (read lazy) until now to upload them.
This is one of the cutest photos, though if you click the picture, you can see loads more on Flickr. It took Suri ages to get used to Patch, but nowadays they have become the best of friends, evidenced by this photo. They sleep like this every night on my bed. Suri follows Patch *everywhere* now - wherever Patch is, you can be sure Suri is following him - she's literally become his shadow. It's so cute to watch the two of them together. He's become very protective of her, and you can often find him snuggling up to her, making cute little "cooing" noises, and cleaning her. I'm so pleased they've become friends. Tasha, my Tokinese, hasn't taken to her though. She pretty much avoids her at all costs, and if she does run into her, she more than not hisses at her and runs off. Oh well, perhaps given enough time, they may become friends.
Not really much else to report. I haven't made beads (other than a pitiful one that ended up in the bin) since late August. Part of me misses it, but mostly I've just accepted it. When, or if, I get the urge to melt glass again, I'll fire up the torch. Until then, well, that's just the way it is. I'm sick of fretting about it.
This is one of the cutest photos, though if you click the picture, you can see loads more on Flickr. It took Suri ages to get used to Patch, but nowadays they have become the best of friends, evidenced by this photo. They sleep like this every night on my bed. Suri follows Patch *everywhere* now - wherever Patch is, you can be sure Suri is following him - she's literally become his shadow. It's so cute to watch the two of them together. He's become very protective of her, and you can often find him snuggling up to her, making cute little "cooing" noises, and cleaning her. I'm so pleased they've become friends. Tasha, my Tokinese, hasn't taken to her though. She pretty much avoids her at all costs, and if she does run into her, she more than not hisses at her and runs off. Oh well, perhaps given enough time, they may become friends.
Not really much else to report. I haven't made beads (other than a pitiful one that ended up in the bin) since late August. Part of me misses it, but mostly I've just accepted it. When, or if, I get the urge to melt glass again, I'll fire up the torch. Until then, well, that's just the way it is. I'm sick of fretting about it.
Sunday, 24 August 2008
Westward. . .
Well, here they are - it only took me (almost) 2 months, but I finally have beads on up FeeBay - click here to take a peek. I've added a Buy It Now price too for those of you who don't like auctions.
Hope you like the beads, and thanks for stopping by. Hopefully you won't have to wait so long for the next lot of beads for sale! :)
Hope you like the beads, and thanks for stopping by. Hopefully you won't have to wait so long for the next lot of beads for sale! :)
Saturday, 23 August 2008
Believe It Or Not . . .
For the first time in almost two months, I made beads today. Not only did I make beads, but I managed to make enough for a set! So come tomorrow, there will finally be a set of beads up for sale on FeeBay.
I was determined to melt glass this weekend. My back is still giving me grief, however, if I keep waiting around for it to get better, I may never make beads again. So, I took it easy, had lots of breaks, and I managed to make enough beads for a set. And who knows? I may even be able to make more tomorrow - no promises on that front, but if my back doesn't play up too much, well.. you never know. If I do make beads tomorrow, I don't think I'll work on a set - perhaps I'll make a few focals and put those up for auction, or else put them in my Etsy store. I'll see how I feel tomorrow.
Stop by tomorrow if you'd like to check the beads out - I'll be listing them at auction and also with a Buy It Now price. See you then!
I was determined to melt glass this weekend. My back is still giving me grief, however, if I keep waiting around for it to get better, I may never make beads again. So, I took it easy, had lots of breaks, and I managed to make enough beads for a set. And who knows? I may even be able to make more tomorrow - no promises on that front, but if my back doesn't play up too much, well.. you never know. If I do make beads tomorrow, I don't think I'll work on a set - perhaps I'll make a few focals and put those up for auction, or else put them in my Etsy store. I'll see how I feel tomorrow.
Stop by tomorrow if you'd like to check the beads out - I'll be listing them at auction and also with a Buy It Now price. See you then!
Tuesday, 15 July 2008
Signs (and other stuff) . . .
I'm still processing my appointment with Nelson (the acupuncturist/Chinese medicine specialist I saw yesterday). The acupuncture itself doesn't seem to have really done all that much at the moment, but then again, I'm not all that surprised at that - I fully expected it to take more than one session. However, other 'stuff' that happened literally blew me away.
If you know anything about me, I've long been a believer in the universe providing, or "what you think about, you bring about". Nowadays, thanks to the movie The Secret, you may have heard about that theory - it's more commonly known as the Law of Attraction. Too much happened during the consultation for me to ignore it. I had lost my way lately, but after seeing Nelson, I am fully back on track. Apart from acupuncture, he's a life coach, so I've made the decision to commit to 12 months with him. I really need to explain far more about what happened - but I just don't have the time. Suffice to say, this is something I cannot ignore as random coincidence and/or chance. The universe has given me the unmistakable kick up the butt I've been asking for, and it's time for action. I'll keep you posted.
Other stuff. I've been spending loads of time lately adding to my DVD collection - in the past 2 weeks alone, I've purchased Seasons 1 & 2 of Extras, Seasons 1 & 2 of The Love Boat, the complete series of The X-Files, the complete series of Columbo, and the complete series of Due South (and I admit, I always had a crush on Paul Gross, the actor who played the Mountie, Benton Fraser). Next on my hit list is the complete series of V, Season 1 of Fantasy Island, and Season 4 of House. I'm really quite excited about watching these. I guess this goes a long way to explaining how easily I'm amused (or perhaps how dull my life really is).
As to beads, I'm not sure whether I'll get a chance to make anything for you guys this weekend. My first task on my road to taking accountability for my own life, is to make three beads for Nelson - I have to make one for his daughter, one for his wife, and one for his mother in preparation for my next appointment with him on Monday. Yeah, I know many of you probably don't understand this whole universe "thing", but it makes absolute sense to me.
And here's a little something I thought I'd add that sort of sums up how I have always looked at life - until recently, when I seem to have forgotten it. Have you seen the film Evan Almighty? I actually haven't, but someone once recommended a scene out of this movie to me, when I was moaning about no matter HOW much I seemed to be asking for the "good stuff", I seemed to be getting more "bad stuff" to contend with. This whole clip isn't from the movie, but it starts about 44 seconds into it, with Morgan Freeman ('God') explaining to Lauren Graham's character about how God delivers things in ways we least expect.
This is actually what happened in my consultation with Nelson on Monday. He said to me, "I never really got 'it' - this whole concept of praying and/or asking for the universe to deliver the good things, and instead all I seemed to get was more of the difficult things to deal with, until I saw this movie". Before he could tell me the name of the movie he was referring to, I said to him, "Let me guess, you're talking about Morgan Freeman's explanation in Evan Almighty about why things happen the way they do?". And he said, "Exactly!".
In reality, this whole clip, although related to Jesus, is my view on God/Yahweh/Buddha/Allah/the Universe (substitute your own particular religious deity) answering 'prayer'. If you're not into organised religion, then please don't let that deter you from watching this. I was raised a Catholic, but I am not a fan of organised religion. Each to their own, but organised religion just doesn't ring true to me.. elements of it sound logical, but on the whole, most of it leaves me cold.
Okay.. that's it outta me for one day. Thanks for dropping by.. catch you again soon.
If you know anything about me, I've long been a believer in the universe providing, or "what you think about, you bring about". Nowadays, thanks to the movie The Secret, you may have heard about that theory - it's more commonly known as the Law of Attraction. Too much happened during the consultation for me to ignore it. I had lost my way lately, but after seeing Nelson, I am fully back on track. Apart from acupuncture, he's a life coach, so I've made the decision to commit to 12 months with him. I really need to explain far more about what happened - but I just don't have the time. Suffice to say, this is something I cannot ignore as random coincidence and/or chance. The universe has given me the unmistakable kick up the butt I've been asking for, and it's time for action. I'll keep you posted.
Other stuff. I've been spending loads of time lately adding to my DVD collection - in the past 2 weeks alone, I've purchased Seasons 1 & 2 of Extras, Seasons 1 & 2 of The Love Boat, the complete series of The X-Files, the complete series of Columbo, and the complete series of Due South (and I admit, I always had a crush on Paul Gross, the actor who played the Mountie, Benton Fraser). Next on my hit list is the complete series of V, Season 1 of Fantasy Island, and Season 4 of House. I'm really quite excited about watching these. I guess this goes a long way to explaining how easily I'm amused (or perhaps how dull my life really is).
As to beads, I'm not sure whether I'll get a chance to make anything for you guys this weekend. My first task on my road to taking accountability for my own life, is to make three beads for Nelson - I have to make one for his daughter, one for his wife, and one for his mother in preparation for my next appointment with him on Monday. Yeah, I know many of you probably don't understand this whole universe "thing", but it makes absolute sense to me.
And here's a little something I thought I'd add that sort of sums up how I have always looked at life - until recently, when I seem to have forgotten it. Have you seen the film Evan Almighty? I actually haven't, but someone once recommended a scene out of this movie to me, when I was moaning about no matter HOW much I seemed to be asking for the "good stuff", I seemed to be getting more "bad stuff" to contend with. This whole clip isn't from the movie, but it starts about 44 seconds into it, with Morgan Freeman ('God') explaining to Lauren Graham's character about how God delivers things in ways we least expect.
This is actually what happened in my consultation with Nelson on Monday. He said to me, "I never really got 'it' - this whole concept of praying and/or asking for the universe to deliver the good things, and instead all I seemed to get was more of the difficult things to deal with, until I saw this movie". Before he could tell me the name of the movie he was referring to, I said to him, "Let me guess, you're talking about Morgan Freeman's explanation in Evan Almighty about why things happen the way they do?". And he said, "Exactly!".
In reality, this whole clip, although related to Jesus, is my view on God/Yahweh/Buddha/Allah/the Universe (substitute your own particular religious deity) answering 'prayer'. If you're not into organised religion, then please don't let that deter you from watching this. I was raised a Catholic, but I am not a fan of organised religion. Each to their own, but organised religion just doesn't ring true to me.. elements of it sound logical, but on the whole, most of it leaves me cold.
Okay.. that's it outta me for one day. Thanks for dropping by.. catch you again soon.
Friday, 11 July 2008
I've Given In . .
Well, the sciatica and back pain have finally beaten me down. I'm not sure how many more nights I can bear waking up around 2.00 am with that searing/cramping/burning pain down the back of my left thigh & calf. An undisturbed sleep has become but a faint memory, and if I have to continue on like this much longer, I swear to God I'm likely to do myself in.
As I have an aversion to seeing doctors unless I'm more or less bleeding from every orifice, my best friend, Yvonne, recommended a local acupuncturist. He's apparently marvellous and specialises in relief from sciatica, so with that in mind, I booked in to see him next Monday at 9.00 am. I admit I'm a little skeptical as to whether he will really help me all that much, but at this point in time, I'm willing to give it a go. Now I just have to keep my fingers crossed that it works.
In other news, it was DH Russ' 53rd birthday on Monday, and Mum & I decided to go halves in a GPS for him. So, after searching around online, we decided on one and placed the order on 23 June for $389. I have purchased lots of products from this particular company and their service has always been fantastic - the items have nearly always arrived within 2 days of placing the order, leaving us with plenty of time before his birthday on 7 July. I received an email from the company (along with a post office tracking number) on 2 July saying the item had been shipped that day. Okay, so that's longer than the usual 2 days, but still left plenty of time for it to arrive in time for his birthday.
So Monday (his birthday) arrives and still no sign of the GPS. I tried the post office website, entered the tracking number, and it tells me it was delivered on 4 July - of course, it hadn't been. So after much to-ing and fro-ing with the post office, and the company I purchased it from, they told me it had been delivered, but they would investigate further. GRRRR.
Eventually the company emails me to apologise - not only it not been delivered (yeah, thanks I already knew that), but it appears it hadn't even been shipped AT ALL - the item was now out of stock. They finally issued me with a refund in the form of a cheque which I'm still awaiting to arrive (and I have to wonder WHY a cheque, when I paid via credit card - obviously a vain attempt at hoping I'd use the credit on some other item on their site - yeah, fat chance of that).
Anyway, we managed to track down another website that had the exact same GPS in stock - this time for only $355. Brilliant we think - we'll order it through them! I placed the order yesterday and thought "Oh well, it might be a belated birthday present, but at least he's finally going to receive it".
So I woke up this morning to find an email from THIS company to say that they too no longer have the item in stock, but "not to worry, as they haven't debited my credit card". I immediately logged into my bank account to find that they HAVE debited my card. SIGH. And after more to-ing and fro-ing with THIS company, they tell me that yes, it shows as debited, but they haven't actually processed it and my credit card company will actually delete the charge in the coming days.
So now I'm out approximately $750 for a GPS that should have cost me half of that, with no sign of either company refunding me at this point in time. Russ ended up finding another website and ordering it (3rd time lucky perhaps?) and using HIS credit card. Maybe he'll have better luck. If I ever receive the refunds, I'll pay it off his credit card.
Here I was thinking the internet was supposed to make life easier. I'm glad I don't run my business like these morons - I can only imagine how many happy customers *I'd* have if I offered beads for sale, accepted payment for them, only to tell the buyer that "Heck, I'm sorry but the beads are no longer in stock". Some birthday it was for him.
And on to beads.. I really hope to fire up the torch this weekend, so stay tuned. Assuming my back doesn't play up too much (ha!), I may actually have new beads to offer you soon.
Have a great weekend.
As I have an aversion to seeing doctors unless I'm more or less bleeding from every orifice, my best friend, Yvonne, recommended a local acupuncturist. He's apparently marvellous and specialises in relief from sciatica, so with that in mind, I booked in to see him next Monday at 9.00 am. I admit I'm a little skeptical as to whether he will really help me all that much, but at this point in time, I'm willing to give it a go. Now I just have to keep my fingers crossed that it works.
In other news, it was DH Russ' 53rd birthday on Monday, and Mum & I decided to go halves in a GPS for him. So, after searching around online, we decided on one and placed the order on 23 June for $389. I have purchased lots of products from this particular company and their service has always been fantastic - the items have nearly always arrived within 2 days of placing the order, leaving us with plenty of time before his birthday on 7 July. I received an email from the company (along with a post office tracking number) on 2 July saying the item had been shipped that day. Okay, so that's longer than the usual 2 days, but still left plenty of time for it to arrive in time for his birthday.
So Monday (his birthday) arrives and still no sign of the GPS. I tried the post office website, entered the tracking number, and it tells me it was delivered on 4 July - of course, it hadn't been. So after much to-ing and fro-ing with the post office, and the company I purchased it from, they told me it had been delivered, but they would investigate further. GRRRR.
Eventually the company emails me to apologise - not only it not been delivered (yeah, thanks I already knew that), but it appears it hadn't even been shipped AT ALL - the item was now out of stock. They finally issued me with a refund in the form of a cheque which I'm still awaiting to arrive (and I have to wonder WHY a cheque, when I paid via credit card - obviously a vain attempt at hoping I'd use the credit on some other item on their site - yeah, fat chance of that).
Anyway, we managed to track down another website that had the exact same GPS in stock - this time for only $355. Brilliant we think - we'll order it through them! I placed the order yesterday and thought "Oh well, it might be a belated birthday present, but at least he's finally going to receive it".
So I woke up this morning to find an email from THIS company to say that they too no longer have the item in stock, but "not to worry, as they haven't debited my credit card". I immediately logged into my bank account to find that they HAVE debited my card. SIGH. And after more to-ing and fro-ing with THIS company, they tell me that yes, it shows as debited, but they haven't actually processed it and my credit card company will actually delete the charge in the coming days.
So now I'm out approximately $750 for a GPS that should have cost me half of that, with no sign of either company refunding me at this point in time. Russ ended up finding another website and ordering it (3rd time lucky perhaps?) and using HIS credit card. Maybe he'll have better luck. If I ever receive the refunds, I'll pay it off his credit card.
Here I was thinking the internet was supposed to make life easier. I'm glad I don't run my business like these morons - I can only imagine how many happy customers *I'd* have if I offered beads for sale, accepted payment for them, only to tell the buyer that "Heck, I'm sorry but the beads are no longer in stock". Some birthday it was for him.
And on to beads.. I really hope to fire up the torch this weekend, so stay tuned. Assuming my back doesn't play up too much (ha!), I may actually have new beads to offer you soon.
Have a great weekend.
Sunday, 6 July 2008
New Beads. . .
Edited Monday 7 July: These sold with BIN - sorry if you missed out! More beads coming soon (I hope!).
Its only taken a month and a half, but I finally have a new set of beads up on FeeBay ... oops ... eBay. Click here to take a peek. I've also added a Buy It Now price on this set, for those of you who don't like auctions.
Not sure now when I'll have another set of beads to offer you. I hope to fire up the torch again next weekend, but as its taken me 3 weeks, from start to finish, to make these, who knows when I'll next have beads for sale? If this back pain would let up, it would make life easier, alas, that doesn't seem to be happening at the moment.
Anyway, thanks for dropping by, hope you like the beads, and I'll catch you again soon.
Its only taken a month and a half, but I finally have a new set of beads up on FeeBay ... oops ... eBay. Click here to take a peek. I've also added a Buy It Now price on this set, for those of you who don't like auctions.
Not sure now when I'll have another set of beads to offer you. I hope to fire up the torch again next weekend, but as its taken me 3 weeks, from start to finish, to make these, who knows when I'll next have beads for sale? If this back pain would let up, it would make life easier, alas, that doesn't seem to be happening at the moment.
Anyway, thanks for dropping by, hope you like the beads, and I'll catch you again soon.
Sunday, 29 June 2008
Good News, and Not So Good . . .
The good news is that I did actually manage to make 4 beads today. The not so good news is that means I won't have anything to offer you tomorrow. I want to make another 5-6 beads to complete the set, and since I'll be working in my day job (yawn) for the next 5 days, I won't get any opportunity now to fire up the torch until at least next Saturday.
I had high hopes of finishing the set I started today, unfortunately, my back and associated sciatic pain had other ideas. After each bead I had to stop for 20 minutes to walk around the house to ease the leg pain. The problem is I find myself automatically sitting in a certain position when I'm at the torch, and wouldn't you know it, it's the ONE position that is guaranteed to aggravate the hell out of my sciatica. It was that bad that after each bead, and reaching down to put it the kiln - which only finds me bending over slightly - I'd get this awful burning/stinging pain shooting into my thigh and calf. And wouldn't you know it, it was a good beadmaking day too - the first in over a month where I *really* felt like I could have made beads for hours.
This back pain and sciatica is really starting to get me down. It was truly awful this morning - I had a major coughing fit and I was in agony the whole time. I couldn't sit, I couldn't stand, I couldn't lie down - anything I did made the pain worse, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't stop coughing, and the more I coughed, the worse the leg pain became.
Oh well, such is life.
So next Saturday I am definitely going to put the finishing touches on the set I started today. I doubt very much I'll have much chance to do it next Sunday, as Russ & I, and Yvonne & Farid, are heading over to Frankston to celebrate Arthur's birthday (Hi Art - I know you read my notes from my blog on Facebook :-)), and it will no doubt be a very late night and we'll probably end up staying in Frankston on Saturday night.
In the meantime, I hope you have a good week, and I'll catch you again early next week with new beads.
I had high hopes of finishing the set I started today, unfortunately, my back and associated sciatic pain had other ideas. After each bead I had to stop for 20 minutes to walk around the house to ease the leg pain. The problem is I find myself automatically sitting in a certain position when I'm at the torch, and wouldn't you know it, it's the ONE position that is guaranteed to aggravate the hell out of my sciatica. It was that bad that after each bead, and reaching down to put it the kiln - which only finds me bending over slightly - I'd get this awful burning/stinging pain shooting into my thigh and calf. And wouldn't you know it, it was a good beadmaking day too - the first in over a month where I *really* felt like I could have made beads for hours.
This back pain and sciatica is really starting to get me down. It was truly awful this morning - I had a major coughing fit and I was in agony the whole time. I couldn't sit, I couldn't stand, I couldn't lie down - anything I did made the pain worse, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't stop coughing, and the more I coughed, the worse the leg pain became.
Oh well, such is life.
So next Saturday I am definitely going to put the finishing touches on the set I started today. I doubt very much I'll have much chance to do it next Sunday, as Russ & I, and Yvonne & Farid, are heading over to Frankston to celebrate Arthur's birthday (Hi Art - I know you read my notes from my blog on Facebook :-)), and it will no doubt be a very late night and we'll probably end up staying in Frankston on Saturday night.
In the meantime, I hope you have a good week, and I'll catch you again early next week with new beads.
Monday, 19 May 2008
Simply Berry . . .
Here's the 'teaser' pic for the new set I was talking about in yesterday's blog entry. The weather wasn't much better today, but at least I managed to get slightly better shots than what I achieved yesterday. I can almost guarantee if you like the picture, then you're going to *love* the beads in 'real life'! Can you tell I'm pleased with this set? LOL ;-D
These are now up on eBay - take a peek!
Okay, my one (and only) break of a WHOLE 15 minutes for the day is over, so I better keep plodding along in my day job - still have another hour to go. Have a good night/day/morning/afternoon - or whatever time it is in your part of the world ;-)
These are now up on eBay - take a peek!
Okay, my one (and only) break of a WHOLE 15 minutes for the day is over, so I better keep plodding along in my day job - still have another hour to go. Have a good night/day/morning/afternoon - or whatever time it is in your part of the world ;-)
Sunday, 18 May 2008
Want Beads? . . .
Well, you're in luck! I put the finishing touches on a new set today, and here's a sneak peek for you. Excuse the awful photo, unfortunately, the weather is still overcast, and after spending 20 minutes trying to get a half decent shot, I gave up. Hopefully, you'll get a 'feel' for them with this photo.
There'll be 10 beads in this set (which includes a large focal and two spacers). As I always say, I'm not a pink lover, but there's just something about these I *love*. The Raku flowers are divine - I managed to coax some lovely shades of purple out of it.
So with any luck, these should be up on eBay on Tuesday morning (weather permitting, of course). There's no way I'll have time before I start work tomorrow to photograph them and list the auction, but I'll do my best to photograph them around midday, when the light seems to be the best for photographing, and they'll be ready to go on Tuesday.
See you then!
There'll be 10 beads in this set (which includes a large focal and two spacers). As I always say, I'm not a pink lover, but there's just something about these I *love*. The Raku flowers are divine - I managed to coax some lovely shades of purple out of it.
So with any luck, these should be up on eBay on Tuesday morning (weather permitting, of course). There's no way I'll have time before I start work tomorrow to photograph them and list the auction, but I'll do my best to photograph them around midday, when the light seems to be the best for photographing, and they'll be ready to go on Tuesday.
See you then!
Saturday, 17 May 2008
A Quick Hello. . .
Another weekend is upon us, and boy, am I glad of that. Although I enjoy my medical transcription work, with all the extra hours I'm putting in, I find I need the weekends more than ever to recover. Amazingly enough, I actually managed to melt glass today. Five beads in the kiln as I type this, and more to come tomorrow. With any luck, there should be a new set of beads up on eBay either Monday or Tuesday. I'm pretty sure I'll manage to finish the set, but I'm just hoping the weather picks up - it's been raining all day here, and there's no way I can take decent photos until that clears. I can't really complain about the rain - we desperately need it - but it's not the best weather for photography. Oh well, perhaps it'll pick up by Monday, fingers crossed.
It will be only 2 weeks tomorrow until Russ & I go away to Howqua. I know I've mentioned it numerous times, but I am so looking forward to the break. I can't remember being so desperate for a break as I am at the moment. The best part of the place we're staying it is that it's totally secluded - no phones, no neighbours, no mobile phone coverage - NOTHING (which, I have to add, gives Russ the greatest pleasure. His fear was that I would take the laptop and work the whole time. Lucky for him that's impossible - because, sadly, I admit he's probably right). It's like a little slice of heaven on earth. Russ & I will be spending the first 3 days doing nothing but lounging around the house, catching up on our reading, and spending time in the hot tub. When our friends, Yvonne & Farid, arrive on the Thursday for the last 2 nights, we'll be well rested and ready for some serious fun! It should be fabulous!
And on that note, I'll say TTFN. Make sure to drop by again in the next few days to see the new set of beads. If you're a pink lover, then I think you'll like them!
I'll just leave you with one of my favourite videos. I'm not an SNL fan (or a Will Ferrell fan for that matter), but this skit has always made me chuckle. I always loved "Don't Fear The Reaper" by Blue Oyster Cult, but this puts a totally new spin on it. We definitely need more cowbell! LOL
It will be only 2 weeks tomorrow until Russ & I go away to Howqua. I know I've mentioned it numerous times, but I am so looking forward to the break. I can't remember being so desperate for a break as I am at the moment. The best part of the place we're staying it is that it's totally secluded - no phones, no neighbours, no mobile phone coverage - NOTHING (which, I have to add, gives Russ the greatest pleasure. His fear was that I would take the laptop and work the whole time. Lucky for him that's impossible - because, sadly, I admit he's probably right). It's like a little slice of heaven on earth. Russ & I will be spending the first 3 days doing nothing but lounging around the house, catching up on our reading, and spending time in the hot tub. When our friends, Yvonne & Farid, arrive on the Thursday for the last 2 nights, we'll be well rested and ready for some serious fun! It should be fabulous!
And on that note, I'll say TTFN. Make sure to drop by again in the next few days to see the new set of beads. If you're a pink lover, then I think you'll like them!
I'll just leave you with one of my favourite videos. I'm not an SNL fan (or a Will Ferrell fan for that matter), but this skit has always made me chuckle. I always loved "Don't Fear The Reaper" by Blue Oyster Cult, but this puts a totally new spin on it. We definitely need more cowbell! LOL
Monday, 12 May 2008
Finally . . .
Yep, new beads. Were you starting to wonder if I was ever going to have another auction? Well, I was. I was absolutely determined this weekend not to type a single medical report, and instead concentrate on melting glass. So, these beads are the result.
The beads are now up on eBay - take a peek.
Have a good day, and I'll catch you again soon.
The beads are now up on eBay - take a peek.
Have a good day, and I'll catch you again soon.
Monday, 28 April 2008
When The Going Gets Tough . . .
. . . The tough get going. Or so the saying goes.
Since Russ will probably lose his job as soon as he recovers enough to return from his recent back pain exacerbation, we have had to make plans. We both realise the day is fast approaching when I'm going to be the breadwinner - and having to support myself, Russ, and my mother, along with paying the mortgage and all the other bills, is weighing heavily on my mind.
So I made the decision over the weekend to increase my hours of work. As of today, I'm working from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm, Monday to Friday. That's 9 straight hours of typing each day - apart from the occasional bathroom break - remembering that I don't take lunch and/or tea breaks. At this stage, I don't even know if I'm going to earn enough to cover everything, but, I have to do something.
My shift for the day has just finished, and I have to admit, I'm exhausted. Although it's only 2 hours' extra per day, I'm feeling it in every fibre of my being. It's probably complicated by the fact that for the past 3 days I've been feeling like I'm coming down with the flu. And speaking of that, I'm starting to think it may actually be something a little more than the flu. As I was sitting here this morning (typing away in my job) in my turtleneck sweater (winter is just around the corner 'down under') I noticed I was absent-mindedly pulling at the sweater on the left side, due to a slight irritation on my neck. I didn't think much about it until I had a bathroom break and looked in the mirror to find that I have a little red rash on my neck. As soon as I saw it, I realised what I *could* be dealing with - shingles.
I had shingles back in 2001, just after Russ & I returned from the US. At the time, as you may remember if you're a regular reader of my blog, Russ & I had arrived in the US on the morning of 9/11, and then found out the next day that he was out of a job due to Ansett Australia going bankrupt. Funnily enough, although I was obviously a little stressed about our situation at that time, I don't remember feeling totally overwhelmed. For those who have no idea about shingles - here's a little explanation. It's basically the chickenpox virus that sits dormant in your spinal cord - until something sets it off. So, if you've ever had chickenpox (and let's face it, most of us suffer this condition in our childhood), the chance is there that one day you may develop shingles. Experts aren't really sure what that "something" is - although it's more prevalent in the elderly, those with a weakened immune system, and/or those under stress.
In 2001, I ended up with it in my ophthalmic nerve on the right side. Luckily Russ persuaded me to go to the doctor back then *before* it really took hold (I wasn't going to go, thinking it was "just a small rash"), so I was able to get my hands on the antiviral medication, and after taking that and seeing an ophthalmologist, I was given the all clear within a week or two. This time I don't know if it *is* shingles, but I'm going to keep an eye on the rash, and if it spreads in the next 24 hours, I'll be going to see the doctor.
So, if I do have shingles again, the stress of the past few days has more than likely set it off. It can quite often start off with flu-like symptoms (which is what I've had), and within a few days of that, the rash appears - again, that's what seems to have happened. Oh well, at the moment it's just a few tiny sore red lumps and may have nothing to do with my other symptoms, but I'll just see how it goes.
Anyway, what about beads? Well, quite obviously, I don't have anything new to offer you. As I haven't been well the past few days, I haven't been near the studio. Unfortunately, I can't even give an estimate as to when I *may* be in there. After working for 45 straight hours a week, I can't imagine I'm going to want to work on weekends either, although I will try my best in the next few weeks to attempt melting glass. But, if not, well.. I have to say I have much more important things I need to deal with at the moment than making beads. Once upon a time I could rely on the sales of my beads to keep the money rolling in, alas, those days seem to be over. I now need to concentrate all my efforts to what *is* making me money - hopefully, we will get back on our feet in the not too distant future.
I'll keep you posted.
Since Russ will probably lose his job as soon as he recovers enough to return from his recent back pain exacerbation, we have had to make plans. We both realise the day is fast approaching when I'm going to be the breadwinner - and having to support myself, Russ, and my mother, along with paying the mortgage and all the other bills, is weighing heavily on my mind.
So I made the decision over the weekend to increase my hours of work. As of today, I'm working from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm, Monday to Friday. That's 9 straight hours of typing each day - apart from the occasional bathroom break - remembering that I don't take lunch and/or tea breaks. At this stage, I don't even know if I'm going to earn enough to cover everything, but, I have to do something.
My shift for the day has just finished, and I have to admit, I'm exhausted. Although it's only 2 hours' extra per day, I'm feeling it in every fibre of my being. It's probably complicated by the fact that for the past 3 days I've been feeling like I'm coming down with the flu. And speaking of that, I'm starting to think it may actually be something a little more than the flu. As I was sitting here this morning (typing away in my job) in my turtleneck sweater (winter is just around the corner 'down under') I noticed I was absent-mindedly pulling at the sweater on the left side, due to a slight irritation on my neck. I didn't think much about it until I had a bathroom break and looked in the mirror to find that I have a little red rash on my neck. As soon as I saw it, I realised what I *could* be dealing with - shingles.
I had shingles back in 2001, just after Russ & I returned from the US. At the time, as you may remember if you're a regular reader of my blog, Russ & I had arrived in the US on the morning of 9/11, and then found out the next day that he was out of a job due to Ansett Australia going bankrupt. Funnily enough, although I was obviously a little stressed about our situation at that time, I don't remember feeling totally overwhelmed. For those who have no idea about shingles - here's a little explanation. It's basically the chickenpox virus that sits dormant in your spinal cord - until something sets it off. So, if you've ever had chickenpox (and let's face it, most of us suffer this condition in our childhood), the chance is there that one day you may develop shingles. Experts aren't really sure what that "something" is - although it's more prevalent in the elderly, those with a weakened immune system, and/or those under stress.
In 2001, I ended up with it in my ophthalmic nerve on the right side. Luckily Russ persuaded me to go to the doctor back then *before* it really took hold (I wasn't going to go, thinking it was "just a small rash"), so I was able to get my hands on the antiviral medication, and after taking that and seeing an ophthalmologist, I was given the all clear within a week or two. This time I don't know if it *is* shingles, but I'm going to keep an eye on the rash, and if it spreads in the next 24 hours, I'll be going to see the doctor.
So, if I do have shingles again, the stress of the past few days has more than likely set it off. It can quite often start off with flu-like symptoms (which is what I've had), and within a few days of that, the rash appears - again, that's what seems to have happened. Oh well, at the moment it's just a few tiny sore red lumps and may have nothing to do with my other symptoms, but I'll just see how it goes.
Anyway, what about beads? Well, quite obviously, I don't have anything new to offer you. As I haven't been well the past few days, I haven't been near the studio. Unfortunately, I can't even give an estimate as to when I *may* be in there. After working for 45 straight hours a week, I can't imagine I'm going to want to work on weekends either, although I will try my best in the next few weeks to attempt melting glass. But, if not, well.. I have to say I have much more important things I need to deal with at the moment than making beads. Once upon a time I could rely on the sales of my beads to keep the money rolling in, alas, those days seem to be over. I now need to concentrate all my efforts to what *is* making me money - hopefully, we will get back on our feet in the not too distant future.
I'll keep you posted.
Monday, 21 April 2008
Gaia. . .
And here's a photo of the beads I'll be listing on eBay tomorrow. This is more or less a sneak peek, as of course, I haven't listed the auction yet. I hope to have it up and running around 9.00 am - 10.00 am my time - sorry, but I'm too tired to figure out what time that will be in the USA. After approximately 8.5 hours working non-stop in my day job today, I'm just too exhausted to worry about converting it.
Anyway, the links will lead you to either eBay, which will show no auctions for the moment, or the photo on Flickr, until I've actually listed the auction. So make sure to stop by tomorrow if you'd like to check them out.
Thanks for stopping by.
Anyway, the links will lead you to either eBay, which will show no auctions for the moment, or the photo on Flickr, until I've actually listed the auction. So make sure to stop by tomorrow if you'd like to check them out.
Thanks for stopping by.
Sunday, 20 April 2008
New Bead(s) . . .
So here's a preview of one of the beads from my newest set. I'll list them on eBay either tomorrow (Monday 21 April) or Tuesday (depending on whether I have enough time before I start work tomorrow). I'm really happy with how they turned out. They're freeform (no presses used), and I've used a combination of Moretti and CiM (Creation is Messy) glass in Periwinkle, Aqua, Lapis, French Blue and Leaky Pen. A little difficult to tell in this photo, but there's hair-thin black stringer on these beads, but the part I'm really excited about is the murrini. I made these murrini ages ago and I only had 6 left, so I decided to use them in this set. As you may be able to tell from the photo, the murrini is sort of "floating" in clear glass on one edge of the bead, with a tiny bubble in the centre. I was inspired by Corina Tettinger's "Quark" beads, and I have some more ideas I want to try further down the line. The beads are lightly etched, except for the little "window" with the murrini which I've obviously intentionally left shiny.
So.. hope you liked the preview ... if you want to check out the entire set, remember to pop back either tomorrow or Tuesday. :)
So.. hope you liked the preview ... if you want to check out the entire set, remember to pop back either tomorrow or Tuesday. :)
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