Get Your Own

I keep thinking I will...

2012-03-01T08:55:00.002-05:00

I keep coming here to start posting again but the clean up from the old is just so daunting. So many old links that are no good. Maybe I should start over?

Lisa Soghomonian

2012-01-01T18:19:00.000-05:00

Vote share like please:
Lisa Soghomonian

Change Needed

2011-01-07T10:59:00.002-05:00

I would like to freshen up this place and give my blog a new face but my problem continues to be time. I don't want to start messing with things that I can't finish. I have it on my list though. I want my blog to focus more on creative projects.

My winter break has so far been jammed packed playing catch up with all the things I can't get to during semester. This time of year it's doing the end of year bookkeeping for the business and taxes. I imagined myself engaged in all kinds of creative endeavors but no such luck so far. Before you know it I will be pack in class. (Ugh) Not looking forward to it. The good news is I am really down to my last 2 semesters. Unfortunately I will be doing a course overload and even though I tell myself I can do it, I have my doubts. Studio classes are very time consuming and all the enthusiasm in the world won't create more time.

No worries. We are all going to die anyway.

2010-10-03T07:28:00.003-04:00

I still have a few things to say. Here is an excellent article. (Little excerpt below.) I advise reading the entire piece.) I feel strongly about the link between lifestyle and our health. We really have to slow down, wake up and be conscious of what is going on.

"Doctors will continue to fail with cancer until they buck the training and accept that a patient is not some collection of malfunctioning cells but a human out of homeostasis. We have cultures alive today who don’t get cancer. No stress, no speed cameras, no mobile phones, no Iraq War. Don’t get me wrong, I truly believe 21st civilisation has much to commend it but there are the downsides. As Berglas says, we’re a toxic society and that includes the medicines. If cancer is striking 1 in 3 of us, that means something is going fundamentally wrong and we’re either going to be honest about it or continue canoeing down that long river in Egypt called De-Nial, splurfing down the rat-burgers until the meat-wagon comes to collect us."

"In other words, your body is an amazing piece of kit. During my decades of public research, the overwhelming impression I got was how little the citizen was being taught about what they could do for themselves. Thus they were forced to rely on the ’experts’. Thankfully this is changing. Jamie Oliver and Gillian McKeith are but two of the personalities these days hosting programs in an effort to change our behaviour. Government, so quick to sticky-beak into every nook and cranny of our lives, seems not to be bothered. ‘Healthcare’ costs rocket as doctors continue their ignorance of diet and lifestyle. Cancer remains the corporate preserve of vested interests, these days spearheading legislation in some countries that would make an SS Sturmbahnfuhrer blush. Parents arrested at gunpoint for refusing chemo for their children. Kiddies whisked away to be forcefully medicated to preserve their ‘human rights’. Mums on the run to avoid toxic AIDS drugs for their children. Refusing vaccinations for little Annabelle in Maryland USA can these days bring a SWAT team to your door. "

Get your sketch on!

2010-07-19T11:58:00.004-04:00

I love this project because of the limitlessness of it and the encouraging and inviting nature of it.

The Sketchbook Project: 2011

Do I even remember how to do this?

2010-07-07T17:26:00.005-04:00

Wow. Where have I been? School. Non-stop. I am in 2 summer classes right now. Already finished a 6 week accelerated class. After these summer classes I will be done with all my gen eds and will just be doing art. Yeah!!!! Other than the academic classes I've been in my glory. Drawing, painting, photo, ceramics, sculpture. I love it all. However, there is little to no free time. It's all good though.

I went to the harbor here the other day and took a few pics. Most creative thing I've done lately as my summer classes are non-art. Let's see if I can remember how to post a pic.

Anyway. It's a start.

ReadThis

2009-11-20T10:33:00.002-05:00

Inspire Young Women

Wanted to post this link very quickly. The link says everything you need to know about a really great organization. I would go on but I have a huge BIO exam. Have to get the facts out of my head before they disappear.

New York City Opera | David H. Koch Theater Artwork

2009-11-06T12:43:00.000-05:00

New York City Opera | David H. Koch Theater Artwork

fuel

2009-08-24T07:56:00.002-04:00

Roadrunner Final episode

2009-08-21T09:06:00.000-04:00

here I am

2009-06-16T08:32:00.001-04:00

and if I can make two more weeks through my six weeks of summer classes and 3 classes without slitting my wrists or just losing it, I will be back. Doubtful. I bit off more than I can chew.

Do Schools Kill Creativity?

2009-03-18T20:21:00.002-04:00

Besides being an entertaining speaker he has some very intelligent thoughts. Just listen while you are doing something.

Made You Look

2009-02-27T12:07:00.001-05:00

51 Creative Business Cards That Will Make You Look Twice

Performance Art

2009-02-19T10:48:00.003-05:00

Ghandi's Second Life

Reenactment: The Salt Satyagraha Online

just show up

2009-02-15T09:26:00.003-05:00

Take the Vow

2009-02-12T16:05:00.002-05:00

All but the grout...

2009-01-21T19:24:00.003-05:00

Before

After(but still ungrouted)

The floor of the waterfall has a little flounder hiding in the sand.

I can't wait to see it grouted because thats when it really comes together. Probably next week.

January

2009-01-14T20:40:00.008-05:00

This is not my favorite time of the year. It is always a struggle to keep my head above water in January merely because it is tax time and I am bookkeeper/accountant/tax preparer for the business (John's construction company). I don't like having things hanging over my head so I set a goal of the end of January to complete all this dull business. Otherwise knowing the deed must be done will eat at me the whole first quarter of the year. I'd rather be care free.

This year is taking the cake in its January misery as I have upped the ante and am now taking 3! classes. Scary. (My first 2 semester were one class only so I could see if my schedule would handle it.) One of the 3 classes is online and I am taking it from the local community college and the other 2 are at the University. I like my life complicated it seems. I think 3 SHOULD be doable w/the online class. I have been very busy jumping through both establishments hoops. Tomorrow is orientation for the online class. My university classes don't start until the following week.

Then there is this mosaic that keeps changing in dimension. I had hoped to be done by now but the real work is just getting rolling. It actually should go quickly from this point. I have finally ponied up and tried this mesh method that will allow me to make the mosaic in my studio and then just bring it to the job site and slap on the wall. At any rate there goes the rest of my January. This is probably my only only post for the rest of January. It's funny how things change in a years time.

This is the center panel of an indoor waterfall in an inset or niche on the wall.

Have a Joyous New Year!

2008-12-31T10:16:00.001-05:00

I wish everyone FUN and FREEDOM and PEACE in the New Year!

r^2-5r+6/r^2-4 or Algebra hurts my brain.

2008-12-30T14:47:00.012-05:00

This Christmas was kind of a blur. I was sick before Christmas (when I had to go in for a final at the university and then take a placement test at the community college)and I have once again caught this bug. WTF? I managed to stay on my feet through the first bout but I've been 2 days in bed this last round.

I didn't realize the placement test included Math. I only heard the words English and waltzed right in to take it with confidence. When the gate-keeper asked me if I wanted a Scientific or regular calculator I knew I was in trouble. When I didn't answer right away she said "You want a regular." I had a moment during the test when I looked at the problem on the screen and couldn't think of what I could possibly press on that calculator to get an answer and my paper and pencil were of no use either. I passed (with a 50) Pre-Algebra. I received a score of 19 in Algebra. So you don't think I'm a complete idiot my scores in reading and writing were 99 and 97. (Bronx cheer)

I found out I could take the math part again which I will as I have no desire to take Algebra for a 3rd time in my life (I took it twice in Jr. High)and I certainly don't want to PAY to take it. For the last 2 days I have been studying. Almost immediately I had the same reaction to Algebra that I did so many, many years ago which was to skip this class and head for the field behind the school or better yet the railroad tracks or "the tree". It's funny how it comes right back to you. Like riding a bike. My learning style... Ah but now I am a responsible adult with a goal of not taking an extra Math course just to reach the level of the Math I need to get my degree. For the last 2 days (while sick in bed) I have studied Algebra and I honestly have to tell you that my brain is more fried than it was back when I would have headed for the field. Sick or not I am going to have to head to the studio and give it a rest. I DO think I can pass the test though. Thank goodness for my very smart daughter Lisa. She taught me all the Algebra I currently and temporarily know as well as how to use the Scientific calculator (we didn't have those when I was in school). I won't retain this long so I better take that test soon.

Poor John had been sick on Christmas Day which was a bummer but it was nice to have all the kids home and we managed to get my mother down which was quite a feat. She hasn't been able to come for a holiday in a while.

Joe and Mom

Carla and Scott

Which reminds me... Carla has been working very long hard hours at her job. I have a great picture of her touching up Tony Blair for some interview. I hope I don't get in trouble for posting it. (Tell me if you want me to take it down Carla.)

Mom and Taylor

Me between illnesses and John trying to make an appearance on Christmas.

Today is my son Michael's 23rd birthday. He is in Atlantic City.

Happy New Year everyone! May it by some miracle be a Peaceful one.

Poor neglected blog...

2008-12-05T09:23:00.006-05:00

I feel sorry for my little blog. Today I will give some attention. It's a work in the office day so I think I can make a little time for GET YOUR OWN. I have been busy getting alot of my own so I think that excuses my absence.

My semester is almost over. I have finished throwing and glazing at school. Just waiting for the last pieces to be fired. At home I made a whole mess of stuff and will glaze this weekend. Yeah! Can't wait. I haven't thrown anything for over a week and the rest was much needed.

We had a great Thanksgiving though it wore me out! Not as large a group as usual and that's okay.

It was great having Lisa home but it went by so quick.

Michael had a hard time finding a job (so much for supporting the troops). He applied everywhere and couldn't even get a job at Home Depot! He finally gave up and went to work for John. Nobody wants to work for their father but I think it's going better than it did when he was teen. At any rate after trying so hard to find a job w/no success he appreciates the job. John can definitely teach him some skills. I'm still hoping he'll decide to go to college.

So how is everyone?!!!

Obama, Bowls, and Vampires

2008-11-08T11:15:00.005-05:00

Yes I am pleased Obama won. I DO feel hopeful. What more can I say. For me it's hard to trust a politician. I don't fall for much. I prefer to wait for actions, which as we know speak louder than words.

My bowls are done. Good results and not so good but all a learning experience. I am not kidding when I say I am consumed.

The greenish bowl and the purple bowls are the exact same glaze! You can't count on anything with glazes.

The dark blue glaze did some crawling which I'm told is a result of putting this particular glaze with another. You really have to learn by doing w/the glazes. It's frustrating when you manage to get through all the other steps of the process and then mess it up w/the glaze. Learning! Learning! I have to keep telling myself.

I do like this purple glaze though. I haven't yet been disappointed w/the results which do vary but always look good. Of course it makes me want to glaze everything purple.

On to vampires. I started listening to the Twilight series of books on tape while commuting to school. Um...I love it. It's geared towards teens I believe but whatever. Think what you like. Somewhere along my travels I read that the new HBO series True Blood was kinda sorta inspired by the Twilight books as well as some other series of vampire books. So...last night with John and Johnny away for a lax tournament I got the remote to myself and was perusing the HBO series on demand menu and saw True Blood on the list. Three episodes later I was trying not to be afraid of being in the house all alone and trying, trying to sleep. I'm a smart girl aren't I? I love the show though. Love it. So it's nothing but pottery and vampires for me. Odd.

Okay, so I figured things out...

2008-10-31T21:50:00.007-04:00

Finally got the computer set up and more importantly the old hard drive erased to MY satisfaction no thanks to Dell. It took me days to figure that one out and when I finally got it going the actual erasing took over 8 hours.I had some very heated calls w/Dell but they refused to let me keep my old hard drive. I kept asking for the manager and would get passed down the line. I am currently awaiting a call from a manager who should have called me Thursday. Anyway. Enough!

I am addicted to throwing on the wheel. I finally feel like I have some grasp on it, some control. It's pretty exciting to me. We started by making teabowl after teabowl, then moved on to mugs, then bowls and our next project will be lided jars. I can not get enough. I have the finished teabowls and mugs so I can share some pictures. My bowls still need to be fired.

I came home Thursday night to find Michael and his girlfriend carving pumpkins. I've been so consumed with school and computer repair that I hadn't even thougt about it. I was glad they had the Halloween spirit. So I grabbed a pumpkin and got down to it.

I am especially happy to have Michael HOME and really seeming to get back to his old self. I don't see that meaness or anger in his eyes any more. It is so great to have him back. I can't say it enough.

Like a mouse in a labyrinth...

2008-10-28T07:54:00.002-04:00

that's how I feel lately. My laptop that was purchased to replace the business desktop in June or July had a bad hard drive. Umm...that is a hell of a lot of info to be moved to a new hard drive. You computer people can laugh at me but backing up and restoring is just not coming easy. I try very hard. I have an external hard drive. It's not as easy to get the info off that thing as I would have thought. Where's the manual to use it? Somewhere on the damn computer. I find that and I have to boot from my rescue disk because syncing didn't seem to do it. To boot from the rescue disk I have to be sure the BIOS something, something is set to something something (check your computer owners manual which where the f is that?). Searched help and found the answer to that question is different for every computer. Okay. I try different ways to start my computer 'cause that's how I usually figure things out. I hit F12 continuously because somewhere in my computer history I've done that. It worked. My rescue disk is currently wiping out whatever is on my new hard drive (they ask if that's okay but don't give me another option)and supposedly putting all my stuff on it. We'll see. I am trying to get this done in the few free hours I have here and there on my schedule. If this doesn't work I guess I will take it all to my computer repair guy and PAY. Fuck Dell is all I can say. Pardon my harshness but this is a huge inconvenience for me.

Talk about a mouse in a labyrinth! That's me making my way to all the office's and buildings at the University. I have said I have no sense of direction before but it's really ridiculous. You must make your way to so many offices in the process of signing up for classes its unbelievable. I mean could they streamline this process because I don't have time for this nonsense? Yesterday I had to laugh at myself as I went upstairs in a building I go to all time to an office I have been to before because I walked down EVERY hallway before I found the right one with office I needed. Like a good mouse I repeated the process on the way out. Actually I used a different stairway on the way down as I could not find the original one. I need help.

Aunt Lynn

2008-10-18T13:43:00.008-04:00

I had a really lovely visit from my fathers sister this week. It had been a really long time since I had seen her. She is a very postive, strong woman whom I admire. My father passed away in 2000. My Aunt Lynn gave me a little bit of my dad, not just in talking about him but also in the ways she is like him. Her visit also reminds me that there really is strength in family. Everyone has something to offer. I hope our visits will not be so few and far between in the future.