don't give up on me

Oh dear, awol again.

I can only plead extreme busy-ness and a camera that suddenly won't let me plug it in to the computer to upload photos. And maybe I'm kind of distracted and unmotivated. No excuse, really, but that's the story.

I will post enough to say that I'm fine, my family is fine, and things are actually going well. Also, for anyone who is interested, I have lost about 20 lb. by now, so I'm pleased with that.

I have a couple of exciting opportunities coming up this summer. One is a chance to exhibit (if my work gets past the jury process) at an event called the Flinthills Symphony, featuring the Kansas City Symphony Orchestra giving a concert in a pasture in eastern Kansas. Should be fun. There's a similar but smaller show in a small town near here that I'm also planning to participate in, plus the annual Art in the Garden and Artful Taste of Autumn events. I think four shows seems like enough, especially since I'm still exhibiting at the VAAM Gallery and there is such a thing as spreading yourself too thin.

The newlyweds are getting along fine. The usual adjustment phase I think, learning how to live together. It's a good thing they'd dated for three years before they married. At least they had maybe an inkling of how life would be.

I am now going to check in on all the blogs I've been neglecting these few weeks. I hope to do better in the future, and especially to work on getting my camera to cooperate so I don't have to post without photos.

kyrie eleison

Have mercy on me, O God,

according to your unfailing love;

according to your great compassion

blot out my transgressions.

Wash away all my iniquity

and cleanse me from my sin.

For I know my transgressions,

and my sin is always before me.

Against you, you only, have I sinned

and done what is evil in your sight,

so that you are proved right when you speak

and justified when you judge.

Create in me a pure heart, O God,

and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;

a broken and contrite heart,

O God, you will not despise.

from Psalm 51, New International Version

fat tuesday (mardi gras)

I don't usually pay too much attention to the day before Ash Wednesday, but circumstances alter cases sometimes. In the next couple of days I look forward to taking delivery of the following:

I saw this jacket on ebay and had to have it. $7.99 brand new.

This is my little kiln. The firebox is only 6" square, but that should be fine for PMC and warm glass projects.

In other news, I am currently working with our local hospital's nutritionist to get my weight under control. I see her for a weigh in every other week. She keeps me honest and is a darling person with whom I enjoy talking. I've lost 9 lb. so far.

Fat Tuesday, indeed.

congratulations to dylan

On the very day of Adam and Emily's reception Dylan participated in his boy scout troop's pinewood derby and came in SECOND!! He was so excited and proud. So we had lots to celebrate on that day.

We're gradually getting back to normal around here post wedding. I've been able to spend some time in my studio creating things, and have taken the plunge and purchased a small electric kiln to fire my PMC pieces and maybe try some warm glass techniques. I'm very excited to get it, and so is Christopher who has been wanting a kiln for his own glass projects. Should be fun.

I've been enjoying getting more or less caught up on people's blogs. If anyone is on facebook, I'm there too as of a few weeks ago. We can be buddies!

mission accomplished

I'm happy to say everyone survived the wedding and related festivities. It was really a lovely ceremony, performed by my brother which added so much to the meaningfulness of the day.

This is one of two alter bouquets, made by me. Actually I did all the flowers but the mothers' corsages.

Ring pillow--I made this.

Guest book--I made this. (I'm detecting a theme here.)

Cutting the wedding cake, which I did not make. Did the flowers, though. Aren't they sweet kids?

I love the look on Emily's face in this shot.

So now I have a daughter-in-law. They are very happy. Life is good.

We will now commence regular programming.

a photo for Chris

no time to talk

As you might imagine I have been rather busy with work and wedding plans. The event is this coming Thursday evening, with a reception the following Saturday. After the wedding itself there will be a dinner for everyone attending the private ceremony.

Adam and Emily have asked me to create their wedding guest book, so I've been busy with that among many other things. I will definitely photograph it, and will post the photo along with wedding candids.

I hope you are all well. Thank you for the kind comments recently. I will leave you with a snap of the happy couple.
Adam and Emily Shepard, 2/12/09