The hand of God

It may seem here like I haven't been very creative recently, as there is a distinct lack or art posted here. But in fact, it is the opposite. I have been so busy with work (and life and baby etc) that I haven't had the time to post at all!

When I have completed a bit more, I will post some hopefully suitable arty bits, but for now I need to keep my head down and get on with it.

Today's picture is of a couple of Icons from my wall. My husband would like a new tattoo at some point, and would like an interpretation of 'The hand of God'. Course, I was supposed to be designing that too, but passed it up as I am too busy. So we took this picture to take to the artist that will do the design, so she has something to work from.

The 'Milagros' or 'Miracles' are the little brass symbols on the hand, and represent prayers or 'wishes' for things, like love, health, wealth etc. I'll keep you posted, when his tattoo comes to fruition.

Nesting

Spring in the US feels very much like a time to be nesting - or moving! In the UK, moving time happens at any time of year, but here in the US I've noticed that most moving seems to happen in the spring. As we all know, the housing market is terrible, so I'm not even going to begin to think about that here, but instead dream of the possibilities.

This week, between rain showers, I took a wander round the yard to see what jobs need to be done, prior to listing the house for sale. I have a lot of bird houses - this I know, but it struck me that they are all 'little houses', and with the cottage at 'Potterton Marsh' it made me realize how many buildings I have around the place. Like a whole village or community for little animals or beings.

Today's picture is of one of my favorites. If I were tiny, and looking for a home, this is the one I would choose. But I am big, so I will instead dream that I will one day live in such a house.

Oh! in cat news, it seems that a ginger kitty is renting the space under our house! This explains the unusual activity, the poop, and the dogs going crazy every time they go outside. My husband went under there to have a sort out, and there he/she was, snuggling on a folded patio umbrella. We have seen Kitty several times since, and in fact, when we returned last night from an outing, Kitty was waiting for us, mewing in the rain. I ran in the house and got a chicken treat, which seemed gratefully enjoyed.

I must ask around the neighborhood to see who Kitty is!

Apologies and mysteries.

I feel bad. On my last post about the winner of the glass hearts, having promised to not reveal the address of the winner, I realised that accidentally posted it - Argh! So in my eagerness to remedy the situation, I have now accidentally deleted the whole post. Hmm, and I was beginning to think that me and technology were on first name terms,.

So, firstly, to ZT, I apologise. It is now gone. And I am hoping that perhaps it was not even viewed. Oh - and your heart will be posted soon!!

Secondly, in the interest of the space/blog continuum, I will post the pictures from said post, as I am still waiting for a response from Clemence, the second winner. Clemence! You won! Email me your address so I can post it!!

Finally, to distract you all from everything, here is a picture of a tiny snake on my deck, basking in the sun that briefly interrupted the rain. Not sure if he is the new tenant in the cottage of Potterton Marsh, in my garden. I will have to go knock on the door at some point when the rain stops, see if he does live there. What does one give snakes for welcome gifts?

In the meantime

Whilst I wait for Monday to come around (the end of the giveaway waiting period) the rabbits have been back in the yard. All the rain has brought with it new green life, bursting from the usually rock hard and dusty ground.

Most mornings when I open my blinds, one, or both, can be seen having a light breakfast or reclining in the morning sun.

I sneak the pictures that I can, of course, but they do not usually appreciate the intrusion of the paparazzi, so in true 'expose' style, some of my pictures are blurred, or taken from a great distance. This was the case with these shots, as I was unable to get closer as they shared a grooming session.

The shot I didn't get (no camera in hand this time) was yesterday morning. I opened the front door to see a cat shoot by, as if it was being chased. At a safe distance, the cat turned to see if it was still under attack, so I followed it's line of sight to see the fearsome fiend, and saw......

the rabbit. (double-take from me) yes, the rabbit, which stared at the cat and then hop hop hopped towards it (menacingly) All this was just too much for the wide eyed cat who then ran off through the yard.

Cats have been pooping in my yard recently, which is not a problem, but Pixie has been eating the poop that the cats have been strategically placing around said yard, and that IS a problem, so I fed the rabbit a carrot, and hoped that that meant we now have 'an understanding'.

WHOLE new meaning to the word 'Bouncer'

(Note to self: buy carrots)

Today I give away my heart

Today, after just over a year of blogging, I celebrate my 100th blog post. As promised I have the spoils of last weeks hot glass fun, so if you would like to win a heart, here is what to do:

Post a comment and tell me which heart you would like, all of them have names. On monday next week I shall draw a winner from the magic bag and tell you here! The winner can then give me details for sending the heart to it's new home. Hope you like it!

The hearts:

Cherry Darling: Red frit with gold overlay, deep dark color and weighty.

Midnight sky: Aqua blue frit with gold overlay, looks like a meteor shower in the night sky.

The dark side: Feminine pink and dichroic glass, all wispy, with a black liney dark side. We all have a dark side!

Spring flowers: Light and pretty, multi colored frit over clear glass makes for a confetti like spring flower mix.

How to make a heart

Into the mold

Necking the glass

Working at the bench

Into the crucible

At the glory hole

Adding the colored frit

Back into the crucible

I've been pondering the 100th blog post, and what to do for a giveaway. Inspired by Valentine's day, I decided to make a hot glass heart or two, post the pictures here, and then give one away to you!

So, here is the process, and when they come out of the kiln tomorrow, I will post pics of the finished hearts, and explain the giveaway!

Happy Valentines to you!

Five years ago

Five years ago today, having packed boxes and cases, we waved goodbye to friends and family and came west to America.

Everything is so clear in my head. Trying to get Ruby and Dolly to pee at 4.30am in the freezing dark in Staines,UK before kissing them and loading them into crates for the flight. Wondering how there were, 5 hours into the flight, hoping they weren't scared. Landing at SFO, picking up a rental car and wondering where we would be sleeping that night. Arriving at our 'new home' and having to think of strangely practical things like: what shall we have for dinner, and where is the nearest supermarket to buy it?

Each year, we like to remember the day, and recognise it's importance in our life. This year is no different except for the fact that Ruby and Dolly are both gone now, and we have a baby!

I mentioned the anniversary to a friend this morning, and she asked: were we scared?

No, we were not. Occasionally in life you have such clarity and clear vision, that it is remarkable and extraordinary. Coming to the USA on that day was like that. We knew without a doubt that it was the right thing for us, and five years later, the clarity is still as clear as if it were yesterday.

The picture is of Ruby and Dolly in the UK before we came here.