Getting ready

School is back in session in 2 weeks. I have been going in often to get ready. I had computer classes all day today. I have some inservice next week to attend. I actually don't mind the routine.
We finally have scraped up enough cash to get the studio properly wired up for kiln use. Of course nothing is easy and this is no exception. The house feeds the barn with the electric. The house needs new electric service. So actually the house is getting new service and some updates in order for the barn to be updated as well. I really feel this is the start to getting things finally going. Once this is done, I can drywall, insulate and be on the way to making it look good and be functional. Winter is approaching soon and I hope to be warm once it hits.

So how was the opening?

I showed up a little early to check on things. Found a few things to fix, but nothing to fret about. I was really bummed that I forgot to bring my business cards. I also forgot to bring a camera. I must of been in la la land. I was happy the way things looked. I think we arranged the pieces as best we could. Clean white walls and good lighting always makes things look so much nicer. The crowd was a little small but the ones who were there had lots of good things to say. I met some very nice people as well. I'll try and snap some pictures in the near future and get the here.
Had a doctor's visit Monday. I'm still stuck on crutches for 3 more weeks. Argghh.

Show is up

Yesterday A friend of mine came and gave me a huge hand loading and unloading my work and taking it up a flight of steps to the Heescheen Gallery. Although I hadn't planned on hanging around to help arrange the show I ended up doing so anyway. All and all, I think it looks pretty good. I wish I wasn't on the crutches. I think I could have had better work and even been able to put a little more into the show.
I never care to much to just go see art on a wall unless it really kicks ass. I am a little shallow and like to be entertained a bit too. Give me some music, or interactive stuff, something to read, anything but just work hanging there staring back at me. I kind of think this show is staring back at me a little too much. I'll get some shots at tomorrow nights opening reception and post later.

Screwed

Well here is my current situation in black and white. What a drag. Not able to do a whole lot. I have a good friend coming to load all of my work up and unload it to a gallery for a show next week since I am unable to do it myself. My dad is coming over today to mow the lawn. My house looks like shit since I am the only one who cleans it. Except for my mother-in-law who comes twice a week and cleans too.

I have been able to spend some time on the computer though and have two meetings lined up with galleries in Pittsburgh, I figured I needed to do business a little closer to home since the long distance galleries have given me a little trouble in the past.

broken hip

Saturday I was out on a 100 mile bike ride. At about mile 70, it started to rain. At mile 80, it began to thunder and lightning. As I headed home, it really began to rain hard. I was coasting into a small town about 6 miles away from home when it happened. The next description happened in real time, about 1/2 second. Mega rain splashed in my face and all over my glasses, I started to slow down and then more rain and wind blew water up, under my glasses. I hit the brakes, I am blinded and I feel the front end catch a big rut in the black top. Before I could even think, I was being body slammed into the road. It dazed me more than it hurt me. A car drifted by as I lay there. He did pull over as I walked myself to the side of the road. He asked if I was OK, and I said "yeah, I'll be alright". I let the haze clear my head and waited for the rain and lightning to let up, but it wasn't going too any time soon. I began to walk my bike and felt a soreness in my hip and decided to ride to the nearest gas station to call for a ride home rather than risk getting hit by lightning. I got to the station called for a ride and waited. When my wife showed up, my leg was really sore at that point. We went home, I changed my clothes and the girls ate lunch. I told Heather we should probably go get me checked out. Everything was calm and cool at the emergency room until the x-rays came back. Suddenly I was the life of the party. I had broken my hip and was scheduled for surgery in two hours to get 3 screws put into my hip.
So now here I sit not being able to do much of anything. Which really sucks. I went from being too busy down to being bored and fidgety already. I need to hire some people to do some work for me.

What a steal

I have re-designed my center table three times now and I know what I am going to do. A poured concrete top with old barn posts for the legs and barn slab for some trim. Now if only I could afford some old barn wood. That shit is expensive! (enter craigslist.com) I found the deal of the century. I got a trailer load of old barn slab and posts for a deal and a half. I am working on getting a big enough trailer to haul the 6 huge beams home too. I am so excited!Here is my gold mine.....

Decisions, decisions

I went to the library yesterday to get some books on interesting barn designs. I also ordered a book on pouring concrete counter tops. I saw this site http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/how-to/pouring-your-own-concrete-countertops-tutorial-by-splatgirl-073544 and decided for sure that these are the type of table tops I am going to make. There are so many cool ideas out there, that I am just not sure where to go with the overall look and what I can afford with my budget.