I Love My Job(s)

Friendships are my "Nectar of Life."

My first major employer was TWA. It gave me the opportunity to live a life afforded to few, yet on an almost pauper's purse.

I traveled far and wide, golfed and skied on every continent. Made close friends, stayed in their homes, housed their child in mine. Brought Chinese exchange students into my home. Came to love and respect most cultures. Pub crawl in London, Paella in Spain, Crab in Thailand, Mariscos in Chile, I loved every minute of it.

Jewelry, oh my goodness, Iran's Crown Jewels, England's Vaults, Morocco's Casbah, Sunday Markets in Chang Mai, and Mexico City. I bought the Ethnic Handwork from Israel to Bali. Still have most of it.

Retirement sort of ended far too much of that.

Then along came Orchid, and my friendship arena, once again increased, Domestically and Internationally, and that is good. I am able once again to visit and keep up with wonderful friends, and their incredible handiwork. Websites, and now Blogs once again take me far and wide, and I am invigorated.

Life happened, and it was necessary to once again work. For a short time it was in Indian Gaming Casinos as a Slot Floorperson. Yes, I carried 50 pound sacks of coins across the Casino floor and fed the One Armed Bandits. The cigarette smoke provoked wheezing, and that was not good. That career ended.

Along came Jay Whaley, with whom I had been taking Jewelry classes, and after Larry Stolurow became ill, replaced him as Jay's morning TA. Jay had started his own studio and asked if I would work for him part time. there I am. Of course I love it, and am happy to be working.

Recent times have put me in direct communication with wonderful people in preparing for Jay's weekly BlogTalkRadio I so much enjoyed the conversations with Dan Ballard, Harriete Estel Berman, Noel Yovovich, and today had the pleasure to speak with Nancy Megan Corwin. To see why, visit her web site and if you can listen in to, by visiting the BlogTalkRadio link above. If you are not available during that time slot, all broadcasts are archived, and available for free listening.

Metalsmith Benchtalk wth Jay Whaley

@whaleystudios

Date / Time: 8/27/2009 3:00 PM

Category: Art

Call-in Number: (646) 716-5718

On today's program, I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak with Nancy ‘Megan’ Corwin; see: http://nancymegancorwin.com, for more information. Nancy holds degrees from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, MFA in Art Metals and a BA, in Art/Ethno-musicology. Megan is an accomplished and committed practitioner in the art of chasing and repoussé. Brynmorgen Press will shortly publish Corwin’s title ‘Chasing and Repousse: Methods Ancient and Modern’. The techniques of chasing and repoussé are traditionally used to embellish or add detail to the surface of a piece of hollowware or jewelry. Sheet metal, hollow-formed metal, flatware, and sculptures can all be chased (textured and refined from the front with steel tools called chasing tools and using a chasing hammer), and worked from the back with soft-faced steel tools, which is repoussé. Please join us for what is likely to be a fun and informative conversation with Megan.

So you can see that once again, I have a job that is exquisitely fulfilling, and yes, I do love it, thanks, Jay.

Hugs,

Terrie

Does It Really Come In Threes?

In 1980, I bought my very first computer, a wonderful TI99/4A. It had color, sound, and ease of use. Far more important, was the community of friends into which it introduced me. Many of whom I enjoy today.

In Philadelphia, I met Sharon and Barry Traver, oh so many years ago. A deep friendship which grows stronger. Today Sharon shared with me the happenings since our last email exchange.

Then, Sharon was making a sad drive, along with Barry, up into New York State to be at her 96 year old mother's bedside, as she took her last breath. This, rather than the planned drive to take her mother to visit her own sister, also rather aged.

These last days have been spent in sadness, the loss of two personal friends, and the loss of my friend Sharon's mother. It was not easy. I try to not entertain superstitions, but I was wondering if there would be another. I did not know Sharon's mother, but I do hope, if there is a cycle, that it is over.

I suppose being older, loss via death is right there all the time, of course even including one's own. I have promised myself to make sure mine does not create problems for my family, but my intentions have not yet led to action. So right here, in public, is my intent to begin. OK where? Well, start with clutter, and am I ever guilty of that. I have sort of been thinking about just how to begin, and I think, one shelf at a time. Now to pick the first one and get going.

Books or beads, hmmm, which one? Either should generate some much needed income, so I think books. I have loved and collected books for my entire lifetime. As I developed an interest, I bought every book related to that interest. Art, Embroidery, Self-help, Exercise, Cookbooks, oh there are boxes of them in the garage, and some great ones. Both my grandsons are into cooking, they will have first dibs, but the rest will appear.

I think I can either use my Blog, or Facebook space to list stuff. I will bow to those who really know how to manipulate each one. Me at the moment, I am a pretender.

So, sadness is moving me towards reality, and hopefully getting me to take action. You have my permission to prod me.

Hugs,

Terrie

Noel Yovovich on BlogTalkRadio 8/20/09

Metalsmith Benchtalk with Jay Whaley

whaleystudios

Date / Time: 8/20/2009 3:00 PM

Category: Art

Call-in Number: (646) 716-5718

On today's program, I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak with Noel Yovovich; see: http://noelyovovich.blogspot.com, for more information on Yovoich's work. Noel lives and works in Evanston, Illinois, but draws much of her of her creative insight and inspiration from her childhood in rural Florida. She grew up in an area near Tampa in which wildlife was much more numerous than people, especially of the children variety. Yovovich holds a B.A., in Fine Arts from the University of Chicago, and is committed to the professional pursuit of art. Please join us for what is likely to be a fun and informative conversation with Noel.

Barbara Ritt, RIP

There came into our lives via marriage this wonderful, vibrant, life loving lady, who has too soon left.

Barbara Ritt, "Auntie Barb," to Anthony and Brendon, my grandsons, had one goal in life, to mother her two children, Evan and Abby, and be a loving wife to Alex.

Very early in their lives, an unyielding cancer entered her body, and embedded itself. Her doctors told her there was little hope, to which she replied, "dying is not an option, I have two young children to raise."

Barbara, Alex, her loving husband and the children, faced down every attempt cancer made to take over. Her will and their loving care, made the many surgeries, chemo-therapy and radiation, passing events.

Barbara attended every event the children participated in, driving and flying far and wide to where traveling teams played. She cheered and supported them and lovingly showed them the way.

This was a loving household, with little getting in the way of normal family life. Hair, no hair, energy, no energy, walking or stumbling, life went on.

Barbara chose to fly from Denver to San Diego to attend Brendon's High School Graduation some three years ago. This was so very touching to all of us Masters, as Barbara is the only member of Anthony and Brendon's maternal side to do so. It is very painful to realize that link

is gone. It was the last time any of us saw her.

Barbara was an Angel amongst us, who has now returned to her Heavenly Home.

You are sadly missed by all of us.

Terrie

Larry Stolurow RIP

My earlier Blog about my friend Larry gave you an idea of the deep respect I hold for Larry, and how much his friendship meant to me.

Larry has taken his last breath, and is no longer waiting for his energy to return. His loss of energy was his single complaint while making his many visits to ER and physicians to determine just what was causing his pain and why he felt so tired.

The pain was under control and Larry was fully functional, although tired. His brain remained as sharp as ever, and he was not in denial of the probability of cancer. At almost 91 the doctors did not want to do a biopsy, it would serve no positive purpose. Larry and Sue were part of that decision.

Sue, bless her, knowing Larry felt that if he could stop his weight loss, would recapture his energy, prepared him the foods and deserts he dearly loved. There was always a delicious assortment of yummys around, for Larry and his guests.

Oh how I will miss his wonderful sense of humor, his adventurous designs, his wonderful silver and stone works. Larry's jewelry was imaginative and without limits. Many came to shows and galleries when they knew Larry's jewelry would be available. He had a legion of loyal friends.

He was never without a smile, or an outstretched hand to help a student with a problem. UCSD's Jewelry Studio will not be the same, there will never be another TA like Larry Stolurow.

My friend, I will miss you deeply, there is a hole in my soul, and sadness in my heart. You were in every sense of the word, A Mensch.

Goodbye Larry,

Hugs,

Terrie

Brian Meek's Workshop at Whaley Studios

Saturday, started early. Prepare Whaley Studios for Brian Meek's Korean Damascene Workshop, and then turn into a student.

Brian is first of all, a very nice gent. He, like Jay is adept in modifying and creating useful tools for Jewelers. Fun to see him checking out Jay's set up, and really liking it.

The students were great, and rather experienced. Some actually sat on the floor straddling Jay's tree stump to do their chiseling and pounding. Yes, I did get down there to do my pounding the precious metal into my design. Not bad for a senior citizen that a police officer referred to as an "old Lady!"

Brian is a well prepared instructor, with an easy way of working with a class. Everyone of us completed our pieces, and they were varied, and very wearable. Yes salable as well.

Brian is considering offering his Workshop in other areas, "Have Tools, Will Travel." Check out his web site, Go through his various areas for good information.

Now off to a Picnic Birthday Celebration in The Park for both my son Gregg, August 10, and roommate Natalia, August 12. I saw them packing off the Yummy food a short while ago. Now to hunt for parking.

Enjoy the day, it certainly is lovely here.

Hugs,

Terrie

My Friend and Mentor Larry Stulorow

When I first became a jewelry student of jay Whaley's at UCSD's Crafts Center, Jay's TA of long standing was Larry Stolurow. Larry was then 85 years young, and sharp and dynamic as they come.

He was tireless in meeting, greeting, and mentoring every incoming class. I observed this for 5 years. August 3rd, 2008 was Larry's 90th Birthday, and The Grove Gallery at UCSD's Crafts Center was honoring Larry Stolurow with a one man Show of his jewelry. It was elegantly staged, using Leather Bound Classical Books as props for Larry's Jewelry.

Let me tell you about Larry's Jewelry, it was adventuresome and imaginative way beyond the realm of most. Early on, Larry used Argentium and a full sized Scallop Shell to create a Belt Buckle. It used all of Jay Whaley's casting skills to fulfill Larry's dream. It was proudly worn and displayed by Larry.

He made use of every technique known, and added some of his own. Skull Rings were on display side by side with faceted gemstone "fine jewelry." Larry sawed out figures, and fabricated pins, bracelets, focal pieces in necklaces. He pierced, fused, soldered, riveted, you name it, Larry did it. He was seen in Galleries in la Jolla and Del Mar, and was anxiously sought out by fans at the bi-annual Student's Sale at UCSD.

Larry was ill the entire month of his One man's Show at UCSD, and was unable to continue as Jay Whaley's TA, at UCSD. This is when I agreed to be Jay's TA until such time as Larry was strong enough to return to his proper place. No one wanted Larry back as much as me. My first couple of weeks on my feet for the entire length of the class, was torturous. I ached all over, I respected Larry all the more for all he did, alloy metal, shoot waxes, assist in soldering, finishing, maintaining tools and selling wheels, mandrels and burs. It is a never ending job, and he did it with ease for some 20 plus years. His shoes will never fit.

Larry was never strong enough to return, we kept up with him via visits and email. His and his wife Sue's welcome was always with open arms and delicious nibbles. Larry offered his vast journals and lapidary magazines to us, the University, somewhere they would be of use and value. He, they, are generous beyond belief.

Larry is entering a new path now, not a happy one for any of us, one which we will all follow, some knowing we are there, others never knowing what hit them. This is hard for me to even think about, no less share it with those who read this. Larry is a friend, mentor, advisor, and a great human. May this path be peaceful, I'll be right along side of you every step, both mentally and when possible, physically. Thank you for your friendship, I have always, and will always, value it.