As so many other Americans today, I
am sitting here reflecting on where I was on the day life changed
forever. Working on a military installation outside Washington DC,
business was as usual that morning. I was opening a new office on the
base and was alone in the small building. A civil engineer was walking
through with me planning minor renovations required to open to our military
family by 1 October 2001. You see it was to be a one stop shop for requesting
child care for all children and youth eligible to use the facilities. We
were all excited to open this office to serve so many families more
efficiently.
The engineer left and I went into my
office to start my business day making preparations for this new venture.
Excitement was in the air and the anticipation in starting something new and so
beneficial to so many was exhilarating. I only had a desk, a chair, a
computer and a small radio in the office at that time. I opened my computer
and clicked on my email to find an email from my daughter who lived in
Pennsylvania. She very seldom emailed or called during the work
day. Her message was short and very to the point. It
read..."Mom, are you alright?"... I was so puzzled by her statement
question I replied back..."Yes, WHY???" At that point all
computer communications went dead. At first I did not think too much
about because the system was a dial up and went dead often.
When I could not get it back up and
running I went over to the radio to get some background music to keep the mind
focused and to start a more minimal task of sorting lists and supplies.
To my horror the radio did not have music but somber voices describing what was
happening in New York City and the World Trade Center. I listened in
shock and disbelief of this freighting accident happening. Then the
newscaster soon interrupted that the second building was hit by another
plane. Then the ominousness truth of the day began screaming into
reality. Here, I was alone and dismayed but still so innocent of what was
about to transpire just twenty plus miles away.
Shortly thereafter the same
newscaster urgently announced that the Pentagon had been hit by yet another
airplane. Empathy for all those in dire need in NYC was joined by fear
for acquaintances, friends and family who were working at or close to the
Pentagon. Many of the military families that our programs served worked
at the Pentagon. My husband worked in Virginia and frequently had
business to conduct there. Our son worked in and around Washington
DC. I became frantic and immediately tried to contact my family by
cell phone but all communication was down. At this point I no longer
wanted to be alone. I needed to do something to help somewhere, what I
could do was so unknown, but something had to be done.
The installation was shut down; no
one was entering or leaving. The silence in the atmosphere was
horrendous. That perfect beautiful late summer day was so
different. I contacted my supervisor to let her know that I was leaving
my office and going to help at our youth program. Once there I was with
others who were desperately trying to reach loved ones and consoling parents as
they were trying to find out where their children were. All the youngest
children were safe and accounted for but the school age children were outside
the base at their schools. Their buses were not allowed to enter the
installation. They were transported back to the schools. The
parents were having difficulty getting from their jobs to get their
children. The children were only released to their parent. It was
total chaos. We were prepared to face whatever needed to be done to help
our military family. No matter what it was, we were preparing to do
it. Gradually communication systems were restored and information was
soon getting to us. I was able to finally reach my husband. He had
spoken with our son and both were fine. Parents were calling to let us
know that they found their children and all were safe. Then another shock,
a plane crashed in Pennsylvania.
The following days were so sobering
as all the facts of the day’s events became known. For those of us who
could go back to work to what had not physically changed, had changed. I
returned to my one man office that next day to continue getting it ready for
our opening. The heightened security was profound. The little old
building was next to an entrance gate. Reinforcements guarding the gate
were phenomenal. A very large truck was stationed outside my office with its
engine running 24/7. The drone of the noise was heart pounding.
Sitting here 10 years later I can hear that drone and feel the vibrations
within my body. But I knew that if necessary that person behind the wheel
of that truck needed to help protect the installation he or she would do so
without any questions asked. Even though we were vulnerable, I felt a
sense of security.
Over time we would speak with others
about where we were on the "Day Life Changed Forever". Our stories
are intertwined forever of a theme of memories of lost loved ones, of heroes,
of near escapes, of compassion, but most of all of a since of family. In
the words of Todd Beamer of Flight 93, "Let's Roll!" We are
united together forever as a family of millions.
Being an artist/designer color families are extremely important. The various shades of the blue family is the most relaxing and calming selection of colors. As a member of the member of the ArtFire.com Marketplace family, it has been rewarding is building "Collections". This is a means that artisans can honor other artisans creativity. Rhapsody in Blue is such a collection. All the featured artisans are members of the Fire Stalkers ArtFire Guild. These artisans are so dedicated to promoting others. It is such a privilege to honor them in this blog. To find other "Collections" visit ArtFire.com Marketplace
As a young girl, I spent summers with my grandparents. They lived in a rural community in North West Florida. Both were avid gardeners. The fruit and vegetables eaten on those summer days are still tasted today as the mind wonders back in time. My grandfather's pride and joy crop were his prize winning seedless watermelons. They were so sweet and delicious, it makes my mouth water thinking about them.
One day I remember asking him why he always had to go to the center of the field to get a melon, when some of the largest were next to the road. He replied, "Well they are for all the kids who want to steal them." I must have looked perplexed so he followed by telling me that the teens loved stealing the melons, and if the good melons were on the roadside, we would not have them to eat. Even though I was young, I seemed to understand. The center of the field was just for us. That made them even taste better. To go back and revisit that wonderful safe time is truly one of the dreams of now.
The early morning hours were spent in the field gathering the crops of the day. By noon the kitchen was filled with the most awesome smells. Fresh snap peas, corn, tomatoes, okra ...... too many to name. We always had dinner. Who could not wait for supper and have the left overs. They were even better then. If I had a mess of peas and okra right now I would be in "pig" heaven.
My grandmother's specialty were the flowers. Hydrangeas, camellias, gardenias and DAISIES!!!!! The hydrangeas where as tall as the house and as big has dinner plates. The blues and purples of the blooms were so deep and vibrant no wonder I fell in love with color. The camellias were so perfect they looked like wax. Their dark pink heads against the deep green of the leaves still live in my mind. But the favorite was her row of Shasta daisies.
In early spring she would start removing the pine needles that protected the tender plants from the frost of winter. By summer their little heads were in full bloom. The sparkling white and yellow centers were awesome. Many of the blossoms measured 5 to 6 inches across. Seeing this little lady in her long dress, apron, and over sized sun bonnet tenderly minding to her prized plants is such a fond memory. To better give a picture of what I was seeing, imagine granny on the show "Beverly Hillbilly" walking amongst the daisies and their little faces smiling back at her. By the way she had the same spunk and that granny too.
Recently I was shopping for jewelry supplies and came across the Swarovski crystal daisies. I knew that I had to have them. The next dilemma was what was I going to do with them. One day I was experimenting with sterling silver wire and beads then a light went on......USE the Daisies.
My mind works in a very strange way. I really do not plan ahead while creating. I design one thing and be fore I know it, it has developed into something else. At the end of the process my daisy, sterling silver necklace and earring set hung in front of me.
Keep in touch for the next loving memory of my family. Families are in many shapes and sizes........
Welcome to Amelia Originals, home of one of a kind handmade jewelry and things. This is the beginning of the challenging experience in blogging. Being my first experience with this media, I was very nervous as to all the unknowns. I was literally afraid to hit that sign-up button. But, here I am.
Let me digress for a few moments. Approximately 2 years ago I was between creative endeavors. I am one of those persons that when you have learned a technique it is time to move on. I had tried teaching myself knitting. My mother had been the champion knitter/crocheter. Me I couldn't read the patterns. Too much of this and too much of that. So when I learned how to triple stitch in crochet, I decided to make ONLY granny squares. I did not have to read a pattern. We had Christmas stockings, small appliance covers, chair head covers etc., etc. ..... So when I recently tried knitting, I soon lost interest. I was back to that pattern reading.
One day I was making my way around a craft store and I came across jewelry making kits. So true to form I bought a kit to make earrings. I found it to be really relaxing and it satisfied my need to create. Leaving the world of stress and the need of others was so self revitalizing It is hard to find the words to describe.
But it was not long until the challenge started waning and something more was needed. I was online searching for something new, when I found wire sculpting and wire wrapping. This is what my search for challenges needed. I have always been fascinated by the art elements of line, shape and movements. This was perfect. My passion had finally been identified.
In college I took this pottery class. I loved it but did not want to deal with the fast movement of wheel throwing. My instructor, allowed me to concentrate on hand-built pottery. One requirement was to sketch what we were to make then make it. Every time I tried this the pot flopped!!!!!. So I built the pots and then drew them so my sketch book would be ready for grading. I thought I had tricked her, but when she described them as the "growing pots" I realized she knew what I was doing.
Now back to the jewelry and wire sculpture/wrapping. This is the perfect media for my "growing pot" mindset. I love to doodle so creating with wire is much the same thing. As a matter of fact, I designed something I call "Paper Doodles....Bookmarks with Attitude". Much of my wire wrapping is using this technique. It is much like creative dance.
Shortly after I started making jewelry a group of friends took a "girls week-end out". All the gals knew I had started this "hobby" and wanted to see what I had made. To my delight all of them loved my work. As a special memory of the weekend away, I presented them with their choice of jewelry. They were so encouraging and pushing me to sell my wares. Since I have a full time job, time is of the essence. Hence, I thought of the Internet. One evening while searching online I came across something called Artfire. Wow, a creative community with all these wonderful artisans selling anything and everything handmade. After much consideration I signed up.
For those of you who remember the "Welcome Wagon" can relate to how this community embraces the new kid on the block. For those of us, like me, who has limited knowledge in the field of technology, they are the most fantastic support system. If not for the co-artisans sharing their knowledge many of us would give up and say good-bye. The Artfire administration is one of the most supportive teams around. They are constantly in the forums and offering their expertise and have the answers in a flash. This community is all for one and one for all. An individual's success is cheered on by all. For those of you who is toying with the idea of selling your creative endeavors online, Artfire is the place to call home.
The creativity of this team is remarkable.
The marketplace they have created is
AWESOME!!!!!!!!
Take a moment and visit MY ARTFIRE
The marketplace they have created is
AWESOME!!!!!!!!
Take a moment and visit MY ARTFIRE
Wire Sculpture
