Playing with Glass: Breaking Through Parameters

With any new endeavor comes the trial period.  We ask ourselves, what is possible?  What are the limitations?  What has been done?  What hasn't been done? For years I have explored the possibilities of papercrafting, surprising even myself at the wide range of paper's potential.  I love when others marvel at what can be unexpectedly created with "just paper."

I have begun exploring another medium, called Glass Fusion.  It is the art of combining random pieces of colored glass which will then be fused together in a high-temperature kiln to become a functional, decorative piece.  This, too, appears rather limiting; but as I play with the possibilities I am finding that one is really only bound by the preconceived ideas of what those parameters are. The sky is beginning to seem like the only limit.  When one isn't afraid to imagine more, then more becomes possible.

I fear that, too often, we put restrictive parameters on ourselves in other facets of our lives.  We imagine preset boundaries that we convince ourselves are unyielding.

     "I can't do this because . . ."
     "I'll never become . . ." what?
     "I haven't the talent to . . ."

Hogwash.  Where are these restrictions coming from?  Most likely from our own fear, hesitation, lack of vison and imagination.

My friends at Mor-Art in Lincoln City are so helpful and encouraging.  They have convinced me that anything is possible and willingly offer suggestions on how to make my ideas and visions become a reality.

Where paper may seem too weak and two-dimensional, and glass may seem too rigid and unmaleable--incredible things can be created, stretching the limits of the expected.  And that is very gratifying.

Not So Obvious

Some film and television stars are obvious casting choices. They may have a casual elegance, swarthy ruggedness, carry themselves with grace, or possess chiseled features that easily cast a spell and invite viewers to tune in regularly and come back wanting more.

And then there is Doc Martin.



Sorry, Martin.  Handsome, you are not.  Elegant?  No.  Swarthy?  Uh-uh.  Charming?  Not really.  Funny and quick witted? Nope.

Engaging in any  possible way?  Well, actually, Yes.  I cannot explain it. I don't fully understand what keeps me going back for seconds and thirds of this unique television show, imported from Britain and shown on PBS.

Here is a cast of eccentrics, filmed in an enchanting Cornwall village by the sea, and I can't get enough of it.  Playing catch up, we have been watching episodes from the first and second Seasons on Netflix and anticipate the deliciousness of overdosing on all that remain.

What does Doc Martin do and why does his ambivalent charm compell us so?  I believe he reminds us that we all have something very special to offer, even if the package we present is a bit lacking in, well, obvious charms!  His special gifts and skills almost excuse his rudeness, his brusqueness, his repellent personality.  He has no time to waste on trivialities, silliness, foolishness, or any of the accepted norms of regular society.

Perhaps it is like a hunt for hidden treasure.  Perhaps the outside of a person may be lackluster and easily overlooked, but with a little coaxing, a little tenacity, a little patience and kindness we can uncover a multi-faceted gem that continues to surprise us.  Just like Martin.

If you haven't looked into this surprising treasure, I suggest you give it a try.  Be prepared to pay your dues though.  Its charms may not be obvious right away, but as you come to know Martin, you will discover someone you can sympathize with, admire, and relate to in all of his awkward sincerity.

He may even remind you of real people that you might actually know.

And on television, that can be refreshing.

A Fair is a Veritable Smorgasbord

The more things change, thankfully some things manage to stay the same.  Our lives seem to be rolling forward with graduations and weddings and babies and jobs and mortgages.  Our children are grown and thriving and it is difficult sometimes to catch glimpses of the way things used to be, when they were young and needed us so much. The State Fair seems to be the place that brings to our remembrance the simpler, gentler times when four delightful little people clamored daily for our attention. 

We love going to the Fair.  Perhaps the best part is the remembering.