new supplies, ready to go!

I've recently procured a Cherry-wood cradled panel. It's varnished, bringing out a little of the red in the wood. My grandfather has donated two more vials of his used strips for the next few sculptures, and I will be making a series of three on wooden panels. Half of the work will be chain-mailled with copper and hung on the panels. Some of the work will feature an epoxied collage effect. I'm hoping to show off the beautiful metals in the strips. That's all for now, work to do!

doing what works, and keeping at it!

The third trimester has begun, and all is well within! As the first-time-moms, and even some veteran moms (BTDT = been there, done that) are taking, and failing their Glucose Tolerance Tests to screen for Gestational Diabetes. Seeing their panic and reactions have reminded me that I was once as panicked also. I've been at this for a while now, and I have a good idea of what to expect. It took a lot of work and perseverance to get here though.

The help I've received through the Center for Health Promotion at St. Joseph Heritage Healthcare has been fantastic. As I've confessed to others recently, I wish I had this information, advice, and help during my first pregnancy. What a difference it has made so far! It really does work, and so far I'm still able to stay away from insulin. This is a big success to me.

Sometimes, though, when I get a craving, or recently when I'm super-tired... I stray slightly from my plan. I always think twice before going way overboard with a 'treat', but there are days when it's difficult to stay motivated. Then I look back at my numbers. My glucometer numbers are better now than when I'm not pregnant! That's enough motivation for me to keep it under control, or at least get right back on track with my diet.

The frequent testing on my glucometer has built up a store of medium to use in the next few sculptures. Now as things wind down toward some maternity leave, I find myself thinking of ways to use the strips and try out different techniques. I'm looking forward to being able to put the ideas to action - but I also remember how difficult it was to do with a newborn, or even in the last few weeks of pregnancy. While I have no control over how that will play out, I can keep building up my stockpile of strips, and playing with the ideas in the interim.

Either way, it's working so far, and I'm very pleased that it feels like Gestational Diabetes is well managed this time around.

'bye Lisa, I miss you already

A great artist, fashion designer, and friend has left the world. I am so happy to have been acquainted with Lisa Nguyen, friends at CSULB in the Art Department, and she was one of my tech gurus: helping me at the computer lab - even on the days when I was wheeling my son (then an infant) in a stroller to sit with me as I worked.

I almost wish it were some random jack-ass that took her life, someone I confess that I want to hate for taking her from the world. The circumstances are far more wretched than that, and I mourn not only her, but her family. My prayers are with her, her mother, her father, and all whom are left behind.

A constant inspiration to all, Lisa's text from New Years reads: "To all loves. Joy! To all in pain... let it go. To all my lazy friends... get off your ducking ass and do something! HAPPY NEW YEARS!"