Enjoying what we have in times of uncertainty

 Reflecting back on what went on this month, other than our steady stream of Etsy orders, we were able to collect our thoughts and take a breather of sorts from the Studio and enjoy the great outdoors. I appreciated the chance we had to get away to one of our favorite places on the planet, which just so happens to be a short drive from our town. Earlier this month we delivered some new blown glass wildlife pieces to the store that carries our glass in Jackson Hole. We decided to make the best of it while there, and enjoyed a weekend of camping. The Tetons did not disappoint. Also, a short day trip and hike into Yellowstone proved challenging for someone with arthritic knees, but the beauty taken in was worth it. 

A picture perfect view of Mount Moran.

The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

Water so clear, the rocks were perfectly visible. 

Peace and solitude at our campsite. 

Artistic wildlife that was delivered to Jackson Hole earlier this month. 

I was also so fortunate to welcome grandchild number 7 at the very end of last month. With the threat of Corona virus looming over the world, I felt so lucky to have quarantined enough to help  my son and his family out when precious baby was born. She has brought light and joy into the world, and I was happy to spend precious time with her recently. My hope is that she grows up in a world free from this pandemic. We are all waiting on edge, hoping for a medical miracle that will put an end to the Corona virus. My hope is that all the grand kids will soon live in a world without this fear. We are so happy to be the proud grandparents of 7 wonderful grand children, makes life worth living. 💖

Our newborn Granddaughter

I've also had time to enjoy our backyard pond this month along with all the bounty coming out of our high tunnel and garden this year. I have already started canning, in between trips to the Post Office, delivering packages of glass gifts to customers. Trying to create normalcy in these very abnormal times. It pays to look at the glass 1/2 full instead of 1/2 empty. Until next entry, I hope this blog gives someone out there joy, in what seems to be an increasingly dark world. Here's hoping our Studio can continue to produce glass art as an inspiration of beauty for all who happen to come across it.

Enjoying our backyard pond on a hot summer day.

The new high tunnel is not disappointing us with the seeds we planted earlier in the year.

A sample of some of the goodness of the garden this year.

A New Way of Living

Coronavirus Covid-19

Last time I blogged the world was in a much different place, and life seemed somewhat "normal."  But since my last entry 2 months ago, Covid-19 has eerily crept into our communities, growing like an invisible wildfire, and has kept almost everyone on the planet a little preoccupied with the unknowns of this new virus. We are all trying our best to create a new sense of normalcy and well-being, but frankly I feel a little off-kilter.  I never would have thought in a million years, that life would be warped and twisted around in such a short time frame, as we all face this unsettling reality. New vocabulary has emerged as quickly as this pandemic that we find ourselves faced with. "Social Distancing, Coronavirus, Asymptomatic, Contact Tracing, Quarantine, Essential Workers," etc. have all become words we now hear with frequency. It's the new normal, and frankly, at times quite hard to deal with. 

But looking at the glass 1/2 full, I'd say we are fortunate to have our Studio connected to our place of residence, and there is no need to travel to our place of work.  Russ still has his day job, of which we are extremely grateful, even though it is quite tricky to learn and adapt from home. He is managing like he always does. We are not suffering anywhere near the amount others are during this strange and unusual time. We are certainly grateful for what we still have, and have stepped up to the plate to help others in need, when and where we can. After all, "We are all in this together." I feel it's our duty to help others less fortunate, especially in these troubling times. Helping others eases their burdens somewhat, and makes this trauma more bearable. Every little bit helps. 

Meanwhile, we have managed to complete many projects while observing the "Stay at Home" orders from our Governor. The Yellowstone glass orders will be wrapped up some time next week. And we got a new shipment of glass for more projects down the pipeline. The glass pictured below will most likely be turned into a set of Sushi plates.

New glass designs to play with in the kiln.

And the artistic piece below (Net Worth) is showing in a "Virtual" Juried National Art Show located in our City's downtown area, at the Willard Art Center. If restrictions are lifted later in May, we might just be able to see it and other great works of art before the show closes the end of May. 

"Net Worth"

And every now and then a customer needs a piece repaired. The piece below, coincides nicely with the Spring weather. It was repaired, reheated in the kiln, and returned to the customer right before the "Stay at Home" order was put in place. Whew!

"In the Garden"

We have had a little extra time on our hands during this lock down, and had already ordered the materials back in February, so we've built a High Tunnel over 1/2 of our garden to try and extend the short growing season in Idaho. (And keep the bunnies out of the garden goodies we grow.) It was designed and built by that "workhorse" husband of mine, with assistance from Yours Truly. 😊 We just finished planting all our seeds this week.

Our newly built high tunnel-greenhouse. 

Raised beds inside the high tunnel, ready to plant now.

And of course, everything needs to be cleaned and wiped down....so that includes a bath for the 3 little kittens. Not sure if it was really their thing, but they sure smell nice now, and their fur is shiny and soft to the touch. 

Ryder fresh out of the bath.

Annie is perturbed. 

Our cat Marshmellow is quite the character!

Lastly, here's a throwback picture of when our now full grown 2-year old chickens were just tiny chicks entering the new world. Well, the world has certainly changed since they were born. The picture is a reminder of Spring, new beginnings, and maybe a symbol of hope, hence the share. Trying to do our best over here to adjust to the new normal. Our thoughts are with those on the front lines fighting this unseen enemy. Nothing but admiration and mad respect for them. They prove our humanity is worth fighting for. A big thank you to all those giving us hope. We see you!

Signs of Spring, Glass Flowers