Just write something! Gosh, it’s been SO long! So I am writing my thoughts on some stuff while looking back on 2010 and some of it’s personal highlights and how those things helped define my personal goals for 2011. I often jokingly say that I’m going to let 2011 decide, but that’s not true. I’m a builder and one can’t build without a proper blue-print.
I had planned to go back to school, originally for a bachelors, then I decided on a masters. After that, I thought, what the heck, why not a doctorate? I was all ready to go when it occurred to me how much personal freedom I would lose over the next six long and potentially BORING years. Psychology fascinates me. Anyone close to me can well confirm this, but to be quite honest, I find myself without the ability to acclimate myself in this particular field, even though the idea is really good in theory and I’m sure I would enjoy it. Perhaps it is that I have commitment issues or maybe now is just not the time. Honestly, I’ve found far more personal inspiration and fulfillment through my astrological studies. Most of my “free” time goes to personal readings for friends and the study of worldly and regional mundane events. It’s exciting work. I find it to be time well spent and more emotionally stimulating than any other way that I could find to spend my “quiet time”. So, at this point, after giving it thought for about 6 months, I’ve decided to go to a specialized school for archetypal astrology/psychological astrology. Funds are the difficult part. . .The education will cost me about 6 grand out of my own pocket so who knows when I’ll get to start. But fantasizing about it, is most certainly rewarding even though it gives me a goal that may be viewed by others as being unorthodox and strange. This field of study is actually what I’ve wanted to do from the get-go but what kept me from taking the idea seriously is the thought that others may not take me seriously, and that in the end, I would be viewed by everyone I knew as yet another eccentric weirdo whose unattached to reality. (I don’t think of astrologers this way, I just know people who do.) My mind is made up at this point. 2010 has taught me that carrying fears based on what others may think of me is hardly conducive to my personal success. I have a strong connection with my own soul and I need no one to validate my goals other than myself. SO LOOK HERE, 2011!. . .I’m jumping on your back and I have every intention of breaking you down and OWNING YOU! Although I may do it quietly, as I have a fear of public microscopes. 
For the first time in my years as a career bead maker, I’m going to be teaching group classes. In the past, the idea of teaching has filled me with uncontrollable anxiety. Again, it’s fear. Such an ugly word it is, but we ALL fear things. Every single one of us. Even the crazy daredevils we see on TV, and the crazy people that walk into our lives who wish to show us that not only are they totally unhinged but that they HAVE NO FEAR. Well, friends, they are the ones who carry the DEEPEST wells of fear induced anxiety, hence their projected unconventional and often times irrational, way of projecting themselves. Their need to prove how crazy they are stems from fear. So, my thought is this. . .If people can publically make spectacles of themselves by doing really stupid and dangerous things all while screaming about how they HAVE NO FEAR, then why can’t I buck it up and teach a few lampwork classes? So I am going to do just that, but not outside of the US or any place that I can’t drive to because as worldly traveled as I’d like to be, I have a strong FEAR of flying. Hopefully one day I can overcome it. . . I’m looking into psychological therapy. Lol
If anyone reading this is interested in classes, please visit this link for further info.
2010 was not a pleasant year for me and the consensus seems to be that it wasn’t for a lot of people. I’ve decided to have faith in 2011, so if you’re in my camp of “2010 TOTALLY BLEW!”, I hope you can find some faith in 2011, as well. If not, then just try the mindset on anyway, then spin around in a circle in front of your mirror. It’s one size fits all! I’m sure it’ll look great on you!
Happy 2011!!!
When you “set pen to paper” as it were, you don’t waste any words! You are absolutely correct…you don’t need to show anyone anything. The things you’ve talked about are personal choices. I’ve loved being allowed to share them with you; however, they are your choices and thanks for sharing. I’ve never wanted to melt glass (silver is a different story) so I’ll continue as a fan and enjoy the fruits of your labors. Happy Every Year. Best wishes always!
And a very happy EVERY year to you, too, Ruth!!
You know, I think I just figured out why sharing insight into my personal world via this blog can be so difficult at times. It’s so ME oriented. I would much prefer to know how Ruth is doing. . .Did you have a nice holiday celebration?
By the way, I’d LOVE to see your silver work. What type of silver work do you do?
How nice of you to care. I’m only to the manipulation of metal level so far. Soldering, wraping, torching, some metal clay. I especially like finding new ways to create clasps that are easy and fit the specific necklace or bracelet. I’ve taken several classes from Connie Fox, which has given me a solid basis to work from. I need the relaxation making jewelry gives me. I do bookkeeping and word processing by day (Business Office Support Services) which has supported me well for 25 years; however, it’s fun to “engineer” something to fit a particular need by night!
In order for me to enjoy what I do, I need you and other very clever, creative people to provide me with the necessary inspiration! You do that so well and I thank you for all the beauty you create.
I had a lovely Christmas with my younger daughter’s family in Solana Beach, CA. They even allow me to take along my dog, so I don’t have to have a dog sitter when I go to visit. Two of my grandchildren were there. Brandon, who is 22, and Chelsea, who is 19, were both home for the holiday. Loved every moment of my time there.
New years’s day is a me, me, me day! I go no where and enjoy immersing myself in whatever currently makes me happy!!!
Should you ever need a vote on continuing to melt glass — I definitely am a YEAH vote! Thank you,
Ruth
Ah, well I thank you for the vote Ruth. I’m not going anywhere. . .While my interests are vast, I suspect I’ll be making glass beads till my time is up. I enjoy the creative process so much. . .The flame is hypnotic and I’ve yet to find a medium that challenges me as this one does. Plus, if you want to leave something behind for centuries, glass or metal is the way to go! I would like it if my beads would be appraised on the Antique Smart Road Show in the year 2515.
Sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year’s Day! I did also. I went home for Christmas and spent it with my family. . .I also took my dogs. Boy, THAT was a challenge and a half. Doubt I’ll try that again. I don’t like kennels anymore than they do but that’s how we’ll roll before I attempt “over the river and through woods” again. Whew! I’m exhausted just thinking about it.
I’d love still love to see what you do in your silver work. I make my own clasps too. I love the creative potential and flexibility. Plus, I can trust them NOT to break! lol
Don’t you realize that unorthodox and strange is one of the many things we all love about you! It’s these aspects of your personality that bring out the beautiful artistry in your work. The great news is that you will continue making the beads we all love to drool over. I agree completely that 2010 sucked. A new year brings such great promise. I’m looking forward to it. 2010 is past us and we can all be thrilled we lived through it. 2011 has gotta be better.
Beads, beads, beads! Don’t know that I could ever walk away from bead making. I enjoy it too much.
I have hope for the new year Nora, but so far, 2011 seems to want to break my household appliances! lol