Sandy Hook Elementary School

No words can express the sadness in wake of such a tragedy. 

Thoughts On Discrimination

I posted this last night on Facebook, but I didn't want to lose it in the jokes and other things I frequently share.

 

I was sound asleep with CNN playing in the background. I woke up to a discussion about Conversion Therapy and the link that follows. I am appalled that in this century things like this still are happening. What is wrong with the human race? Are we still so homophobic that we can't accept people for who they are? Maybe we should brand sexual sadists, pimps, and prostitutes on the forehead. After all, they are accepted in society, because you can't tell what their sexual ...

needs are. Brand the girl that is a prostitute just so she can pay for her college education, the madam, or the Judge or Senator, etc...

When I worked as an HIV/AIDS Counselor and Educator, I met some of the best and loyal friends one could ever have. Yes, they were gay. Who cared? All I cared about was that the world was educated about HIV. They loved their partners just as much as I love my husband; maybe even more. One day, we all will be judged for how we lived here on earth. Do you really think a higher power will say, "Oh, you were homophobic, come on in? Or you were gay, you are doomed?" I think not!

One more thought...I think Jews would be the most tolerant just because of what they went through with the Holocaust.

 

Here is the link mentioned above:
http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2012/11/27/1242411/splc-files-first-ever-consumer-fraud-suit-against-an-ex-gay-group/

Tyler Neral - 3 years gone, but not forgotten.

I wish I was a genie in a bottle and could grant my family three wishes...One would be that Kaely didn't have hydrocephalus...she is such a lovely child...The second would be that Andy didn't have spina bifida and hydrocephalus...he is so smart and loving...and the third is that Tyler wouldn't have died by suicide...his death three years ago today has affected all of our immediate family, plus his friends, who are now adopted family and very important to all of us. Tyler was full of life and love. He cared so much about the state of the universe and wanted to protect us all from hurt. As he did in life, he does so in death - protects us all, walks beside us...I feel him here as I write this. I can't explain it. The crows in the sky appear when I am really sad. I am sure I will see them today...I love you still and forever, Tyler, as will all the people whose lives you have touched, even some you didn't know. Again, I wish I was that genie in a bottle and not just Jeanne, your grandmother.

 

I left my other grandchildren out seemingly, but they know, I hope, just how much I love and adore them.  I miss the ones far away, but that doesn't mean they are loved any less.

 

My favorite pics

 

Lampwork Beads

Guess what?  I sold some lampwork beads to someone other than Anita.  We went to the Holiday Craft Show sponsored by the East Ohio Lapidary Club.  Anita set up and I helped with the Chinese Auction.  Anita and one of the other club members talked me into selling some of my lampwork.  I didn't know what to charge, so instead of putting a price on each bead, I put sets into medicine cups.  The ones like the cups that come with NyQuil and cough syrups.  We decided on $10 per set.  I actually sold three sets today.  I didn't set up a table but used a small corner of Anita's.  Thank you, Anita,  I couldn't have done it without your help and encouragement.  She even made sure that people noticed them and then showed customers what she makes with my beads.  What a wonderful friend!

We are there again tomorrow.  Don't know if I will sell more, but was happy with just selling three.



Example of a set.



Another example

Thoughts on Voting

Have you voted today?  I haven't yet, but soon.  Taken my shower and got dressed, but am waiting for the neck spasms to subside before I go out in the sunny, but cold Ohio weather. 

I haven't said who I am voting for because I have so many friends that disagree with my choice.  I wouldn't want to lose friends because of my political party.  That would hurt, because I need my friends, since I can't get out in the world much.

Following each of Chuck Lorre's sitcoms are his thoughts on many things.  I found that he censored himself on last Thursday's "Big Bang Theory."  I was surprised that anyone would censor themselves so I explored what are called Vanity Cards on the net.  I found the uncensored version and thought how interesting his words are.  I apologize in advance for the profanity, but believe what he says.

Here is the uncensored version:

CHUCK LORRE PRODUCTIONS, #397

CENSORED BY ME

What does it say about us when we are simultaneously pro-life and pro AK-47's? What does it say about us when God's will would allow a rapist to ask for shared custody and child support payments? What does it say about us when a black guy's in charge and we say things like "it's time to take America back"? What does it say about us when we think the institution of marriage is threatened by gay people who love each other, but not by idiotic game shows like "The Bachelor"? What does it say about us when we export democracy with Hellfire missiles, then restrict the right to vote here? What does it say about us when we build nuclear submarines to defend against exploding vests? What does it say about us when we think a guy who doesn't drink, doesn't smoke, keeps his money offshore, stubs his toe and says "H-E-double hockey sticks" and wears magical underwear can feel our pain? What does it say about us when we demand less government and more FEMA? What does it say about us when we completely forgot the colossal shit storm we were in four years ago?
The answer, my friends, is not blowing in the wind.
The answer is, "We are fucking crazy."

All of his Vanity cards can be found here....http://www.chucklorre.com/index.php  You will be led to the censored version first.

If this truly offends anyone, I am sorry.  I think these are wise words. 

Last Project - Started at class; finished at home.

This was the first project from the second section of the metalsmithing class at the Appalachian Rock Shop.  The pain of traveling and working on this proved to be too much for the pain in my neck so I had to quit taking the classes.  I had the basic shape done and the prongs soldered when I stopped.  The other day I decided that maybe I just would finish the piece on my own.  Anita gave me advice and now the project is done.  Please criticize.  I would like to know what you think about it.  Thanks.

Out of Darkness Walk #3

Yesterday was the Out of Darkness Walk.  It is the third year for it.  I did reach my goal of $150 even though my page for the walk does not show this. I handed in pledges that I received in person. 

Thank you to all who donated. It is greatly appreciated.

I don't know the statistics yet for how much was raised or how many walkers there were. It was absolutely freezing in Youngstown yesterday morning.  I laughed at Dave when he got gloves out to take.  I was glad he did in the end.

 Here are a couple of pictures from the walk:

Team Neral
But at least 12 are missing

Everyone writes messages
This is mine to Tyler.

First Homecoming for Jess

I adore my granddaughters.  All five of them.  This is the first year of high school for the oldest granddaughter and she went to Homecoming.  A couple of weeks ago, she looked like this:

Simon, mascot for the Hubbard Library.
Jess is only one of the teens who play Simon.

Last night she looked like this for her first Homecoming Dance with her boyfriend, Joel.

But you can't take the tomboy out of the girl.  She left her tickets for the dance in the house and when she ran in to get them, she did this:

Her sister was right there helping her get ready; running for this and that.  Here is a picture of Jess and Sammi.

I hear that Jess and Joel had a wonderful night.  Amy took them to Fiesta Tapitia for dinner and karaoke after the dance. 

You looked beautiful, Jess.  I love you...but I also love Sammi, Kaely, Reily, Audrey and let's not forget my grandson, Andy. 

Tyler, we all love you too and felt your presence all day long.  I know that you were keeping your sister safe all night long.

Metalsmithing Class

Anita talked me into going to a metalsmithing class this Spring. It was at the Appalachian Rock Shop  in Harmony, Pa. Our instructor was Jo and there were a bunch of ladies and one gentleman in the class.  I learned quite a bit about sawing, filing, and soldering.  All things I never was interested in before.  I signed up for the Summer class, but after starting one project, I couldn't finish because of my muscle spasms in my neck.  I am supposed to have a Botox shot in that muscle in December so I am hoping I can return in the Spring to classes. 

Anniversary gift for Amy -
Tyler's crow design
First Project
 

Second Project - Cut pieces out and solder -
then form ring - don't stop portion



Arrow portion



Entire ring symbolizes - Don't stop, keep going

Third project Sterling silver ring -
Amy was given this too... 

Out of Darkness Walk

Tyler has been gone almost three years. October 13, 2012 is the date. Mill Creek Park is the place.

This will be the third Out of Darkness walk our family has participated in. Death by suicide is still considered a stigma in some circles and the world needs to realize that is not the case. Help me get the word out. Come walk with me. I need donations, but to me that isn't the most important thing. It is spreading awareness that is what I hope to accomplish. This disease can happen to any family. One needs to recognize the signs. Even then, prevention may not be possible. Thank you to all who have helped me cope through the years with this tragedy.

You are loved and missed by all who knew you, Tyler, and by some who haven't even met you.

UFO - Beaded Doll Tree

Back in 2011, Beaded Art Dolls had a Winter Wonderland Challenge.  I designed this tree for it, but never finished it.  I brought it out the other day with the intention of finishing it.  Haven't sewed a stitch on it yet.  Wish someone would kick me in the ass and get me started.  The face was made by Heather and I have lost touch with her.  She made two for me to pick for my symbolic doll, Catharsis.  I loved both of them. 

Beaded Dolls Through The Years

The tree that I am making is not ready yet.  I also have a butterfly doll and a screwdriver in the works.  Hope this gives you some ideas on what you can do with some beads and a little imagination.

Brrrr

Catharsis Back

Catharsis Front (Symbolic Doll)

Prudomily (Arsenic and Old Lace)

 

 

Prugrumpily (Beaded Face



Prujessily

 



Prusamily (Puzzle Doll challenge)

Don't look at these too close.

 



Autumnal

 

Babuska Doll #1 (Given to my friend, Anita.)

Babuska Dolls #2 and 3.  Faces on these dolls are from nylon stockings.
 

February's Pumpkin

Nightmares

Do nightmares or dreams come true? This one makes me very sad and I can't share it.  Maybe it has started cause I am playing Tyler's game, Rappelz, again.  Could be or maybe it is my pain medicine and the fact I have been sick all week.  Don't know.  Hopefully this one won't come true. 

Is there a thought for a day that lifts spirits?  I have seen some on the web, but none that inspired me.  Anyone have any ideas?

More Lampwork

These are all experimentations with different colors of glass.

 



Back To Being Me

After being out of touch with many of my friends who do not use facebook, I decided to start my blog again. I really missed many of them. What have I been doing? Nothing really. I still make my lampwork beads off and on. I get muscle spasms daily from my surgery last August so Dave made a rest on my lampworking table to alleviate some of the pain. Here are pictures of the table.

 

Front view of the hand and arm rest.

Side view of my workspace.

Here are some of my lampwork beads:

 

My jello bead