When I was a very young girl, I studied oil painting under a superb instructor and loved it! Little did I know, studying hues, values and intensities, would be used later in life, on a different sort of canvas!
Throughout life’s journey so far, I have spent many years in the corporate world. I was Operations Manager for a consulting firm, which caved after 9/11. I then, indulged into my love of a different kind of glass... vintage glassware! This special time allowed me to put together an extensive personal collection of my favorite antiques and collectibles. Another one of my passions!
During this time, my beautiful Mom was diagnosed with a rare brain disease, OPCA. We are extremely close. She has been both Mom & Dad my entire life. It has taken a few years to face the reality of this crazy disease. I admit, most days I still struggle with it. She is my angel and means so much to me. I love you Momma and I'm so proud of your courage. You are constantly in my prayers.
It's times like this that make you realize what is important in life. It made me realize it was time to slow things down a bit. I believe this is how lampworking evolved into my life. It has always intrigued me, so I began studying several years ago. With my sweet Fiance’ and Mom encouraging me, I purchased the ultimate equipment and started melting glass. Haven't been the same since!
If you like animals, read on…
My other sweeties are Amee and Princess. They are such sweet little Shih-tzu’s! My Mom had their parents. I actually got to help birth them. They came from the same litter, so both turn 11 years old in April. Since I have no children, they are my babies! We're so fortunate that we've had them for so long. I pray we have many more years together! (UPDATE: We lost our beloved Princess 4/22/08. We miss her very much...)
We also have a Koi pond. I drew the outline of the pond on a scratch piece of paper, then we made it happen! A true labor of love, that's for sure! We have had awesome Japanese Koi imported to us and for the first time this year, our very own off-spring! It is so neat to see the little guys all over the place. A very joyful thing!
One day, we were relaxing by the pond and saw something bright aqua fly right between us. On our waterfall, there sat this sweet Parakeet! I ran and got the fish net and put some fish food on it. The bird jumped right on the net! Oddly, I had an antique bird cage for years and never had a bird in it. Well... he has now been with us for over 4 years! Crazy how things happen! He now has a much bigger cage. Spoiled bird!
These little sweeties were nestled in our crape myrtle. They were so cute!!!
Our pond has created a place that attracts all kinds of wildlife! Tons of butterflies, redbirds, bluebirds, doves, (a blue heron yikes! they eat Koi!) crows, a racoon, dragonflies, bullfrogs… goodness, what else?
The bullfrogs... EVERY year, when mating season comes, the sounds are unmistakable! Very strange, loud noises echoing to the point of hearing them inside the house!
Did NOT like seeing this next guy! He had us worried for 2 days. He kept lurking down at our Koi. Go home, you!
Thanks so much for your time and interest!
Leah
