Terry Kelly and his wife Mary stepped in to become surrogate parents to me in the early '80s. My parents moved (with my 2 brothers) to Indianapolis and I was old enough to wave 'so long', as I was really tired of moving.
There is no way to express the amount of guidance, love and attention he and his wife have given me over the years. I have a key to the house. Many times I've come into town and walked into their home, picked a bed or couch and crashed for the night - then to be awakened by Jamie (the youngest) or Mary for breakfast. Every year, since 1990, my husband and I have attended their annual New Year's Eve party.
Countless cups of coffee at their dining table. Midnight calls for help with one of the kids. Jamie, the youngest, was the same age as my younger brother and just as humorous. He died at 32 in 2005. Erin, the only girl, was a bridesmaid for me. Shaun, the oldest, was a wild child and we dated for a short time - very short. Tim, though mentally he is a child his heart is large. Kevin, my age, is a dear friend to both me and my husband.
They're family. We're spending today at the house, by their request. Tomorrow we'll be at their side for the viewing, then Tuesday for the funeral. Ricky will probably be a pallbearer.
Here is a link to Terry's obituary http://www.legacy.com/louisville/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=118044390- which says nothing about the 5'3" Irishman's huge heart, silly sense of humor, constant appearance (after retirement) in the court system to keep in touch with inmates/guards/fellow probation officers, wiry frame that never got over 130 lbs., knack for turning down the hearing aid just as the women got to talking, ability to guide many people along the road of life. He could be found at the bowling alley every Friday night - but he didn't bowl. He liked to visit, cheer people on, encourage people to improve, help people get by. He had a temper that showed through very red ears and squinty eyes, a heart that was generous and giving.
Terry died of COPD and emphysema. We watched him deteriorate for over a year, until finally he became bedridden. On Friday evening/Saturday morning, sometime after midnight, he died in his sleep. Mary found him at 4:30 a.m. Saturday.
9/23/2008
Beading Class at Eye Candy Jewelry and Beads
Saturday, September 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. I'm teaching a basic stringing class at my friend's new store in Jeffersontown, KY. Katherine and her partner Debra opened Eye Candy Jewelry and Beads in August (officially) and have asked that I be their primary beading instructor :) Yeah!
The first class is about stringing - picking the right beads, learning about beading wires, using a crimping tool and crimping correctly, learning about proportion of the beads and colors and fit. We have quite a few women signed up for both Saturday morning and Tuesday evening - a repeat of the class. I'm excited and looking forward to teaching again.
Upcoming classes will include beadweaving. I thought I would start with a netted bracelet, then offer another class to guide students on how to embellish the bracelet :)
Another class would be flat Ndebele - an intermediate class.
I'll be talking with customers and students to gauge their interest and needs, and then plan the classes accordingly.
So, if you're a Jeffersontownian/Louisvillian/southern Indianian interested in attending a class with me - send me a note with your questions and/or requests and we'll see what we can do for you :)
Until then...Bead On...Bead Happy!
The first class is about stringing - picking the right beads, learning about beading wires, using a crimping tool and crimping correctly, learning about proportion of the beads and colors and fit. We have quite a few women signed up for both Saturday morning and Tuesday evening - a repeat of the class. I'm excited and looking forward to teaching again.
Upcoming classes will include beadweaving. I thought I would start with a netted bracelet, then offer another class to guide students on how to embellish the bracelet :)
Another class would be flat Ndebele - an intermediate class.
I'll be talking with customers and students to gauge their interest and needs, and then plan the classes accordingly.
So, if you're a Jeffersontownian/Louisvillian/southern Indianian interested in attending a class with me - send me a note with your questions and/or requests and we'll see what we can do for you :)
Until then...Bead On...Bead Happy!
9/19/2008
Time Flies by Fast, Doesn't It?
Wow. August has come and gone and we're now in the middle of September. Yikes! I really did not mean for the blog to get neglected. Every few days I found myself thinking "you really should update your blog, you have friends and family wondering what's happening with you." Then I would get sidetracked with various 'life' things. Here are some of them:
I purchased the necessary software/equipment to become self-employed. I started my search for a home-based business back in 2003. In early 2007 I came upon a suite of software and a network of business owners that specialized in research/market research/sourcing and marketing, utilizing the internet but also the basic tools used in research such as telephone, library, hoofing it to the front door of a consumer, etc. Anyway, my background includes research projects in a few different industries, expert knowledge in two industries (manufacturing and electronics/engineering), and writing. So, I decided in April 2007 that this was the route for me to become self-employed. Two speed bumps - funding and high speed internet access at home.
Rick and I set out to save as much money as possible, and to encourage our small town to buy into or allow for high speed internet access. I participated in speaking before local business councils, city councils and county councils to present the case for building towers and laying wire for access. The town installed wireless towers in February 2008 with limited access :(
June 2008 is when Verizon came to town with DSL. Yippee! I had the high speed, I had the funds. But, if I were to outright purchase the business tools I needed it would leave me and Rick vulnerable, financially. Oh the dilemma! Then a family member came forward, out of the blue, and offered assistance. Kudos and wowzers to them :) :) :)
So, I am the proud owner of Burke Research Services with a soon-to-be up and running website at www.burkeresearchservices.com. Available to small, medium and large businesses (for profit or non-profit) to provide candidate sourcing for recruiters, e-mail marketing campaigns, market research, competitive intelligence, consumer research, etc.
August was spent studying and learning and studying and learning. I have a suite of software, up-to-date technology, that I needed to become adept at using. I attended webinars, seminars and conferencing classes. I was interviewed for a radio program. I've joined local networking groups. I've been writing copy for web pages. I've been getting the word out that I am in business. Whew. I've been busy.
September 15 was my target date for the website to be up and running. I got sidetracked with beading and illness :( Then the windstorm from Hurricane Ike hit and we're just now up and running with power. Thank goodness we have cash in the bank...we need a new roof :(
Anyway, by end of month my website will be up and running.
I have had some good inquiries that should turn into paying projects, just going to take a bit of time to work the sale :)
In the meantime ---
Took a long weekend to spend with Mike and the family at Winona Lake. Tammy and I spent most of our time on the bicycles and on the jet ski :) Mike and Rick built a large shed...12' x 16' (room addition if you ask me), from scratch...with plans that Mike made. Custom trusses ala Rick :)
I will be teaching beading classes at Eye Candy Jewelry and Beads in Jeffersontown, KY. She's located on Watterson Trail at Taylorsville Rd. Classes will be basic beading/stringing while learning crimping techniques, basic beadweaving while learning netting and spiral stitches. Intermediate beadweaving will be diagonal peyote (Russian Leaf pattern) and flat Ndebele embellished with crystals and such :) First class is Saturday, Sept. 27 at 11 a.m.
That's it for now. I'll post again soon with pics and more info and such.
I purchased the necessary software/equipment to become self-employed. I started my search for a home-based business back in 2003. In early 2007 I came upon a suite of software and a network of business owners that specialized in research/market research/sourcing and marketing, utilizing the internet but also the basic tools used in research such as telephone, library, hoofing it to the front door of a consumer, etc. Anyway, my background includes research projects in a few different industries, expert knowledge in two industries (manufacturing and electronics/engineering), and writing. So, I decided in April 2007 that this was the route for me to become self-employed. Two speed bumps - funding and high speed internet access at home.
Rick and I set out to save as much money as possible, and to encourage our small town to buy into or allow for high speed internet access. I participated in speaking before local business councils, city councils and county councils to present the case for building towers and laying wire for access. The town installed wireless towers in February 2008 with limited access :(
June 2008 is when Verizon came to town with DSL. Yippee! I had the high speed, I had the funds. But, if I were to outright purchase the business tools I needed it would leave me and Rick vulnerable, financially. Oh the dilemma! Then a family member came forward, out of the blue, and offered assistance. Kudos and wowzers to them :) :) :)
So, I am the proud owner of Burke Research Services with a soon-to-be up and running website at www.burkeresearchservices.com. Available to small, medium and large businesses (for profit or non-profit) to provide candidate sourcing for recruiters, e-mail marketing campaigns, market research, competitive intelligence, consumer research, etc.
August was spent studying and learning and studying and learning. I have a suite of software, up-to-date technology, that I needed to become adept at using. I attended webinars, seminars and conferencing classes. I was interviewed for a radio program. I've joined local networking groups. I've been writing copy for web pages. I've been getting the word out that I am in business. Whew. I've been busy.
September 15 was my target date for the website to be up and running. I got sidetracked with beading and illness :( Then the windstorm from Hurricane Ike hit and we're just now up and running with power. Thank goodness we have cash in the bank...we need a new roof :(
Anyway, by end of month my website will be up and running.
I have had some good inquiries that should turn into paying projects, just going to take a bit of time to work the sale :)
In the meantime ---
Took a long weekend to spend with Mike and the family at Winona Lake. Tammy and I spent most of our time on the bicycles and on the jet ski :) Mike and Rick built a large shed...12' x 16' (room addition if you ask me), from scratch...with plans that Mike made. Custom trusses ala Rick :)
I will be teaching beading classes at Eye Candy Jewelry and Beads in Jeffersontown, KY. She's located on Watterson Trail at Taylorsville Rd. Classes will be basic beading/stringing while learning crimping techniques, basic beadweaving while learning netting and spiral stitches. Intermediate beadweaving will be diagonal peyote (Russian Leaf pattern) and flat Ndebele embellished with crystals and such :) First class is Saturday, Sept. 27 at 11 a.m.
That's it for now. I'll post again soon with pics and more info and such.
7/31/2008
The Painter of Shanghai - a book review
The Painter of Shanghai
Jennifer Cody Epstein
Penguin Books
2008
ISBN: 978-0-141-02933-7
Let me begin this book review by saying a few things about my reading habits. First, fictional biographies are not my cup of tea. My experience with them has been spotty with decent reads mixed in with stilted writing and unbelievable scenarios. Second, China (Asia in general), is not an attractive culture to me. I don't care for the art as I consider it busy and garish. I don't understand the 'hidden' undercurrents of that society.
So, knowing the above, I delved into a book that is both fictional biography and set in China.
Wow. What a wonderful surprise this book is! It is a tale of a Chinese woman's journey from the life of a prostitute to being a controversial artist. Beginning in 1957 and set in France we're given a short introduction to Pan Yuliang of today. Soon, though, we're transported to 1913 when she is 14 and her life changes direction. Here is where we learn of her family, the traditions of Chinese life and how they rule the educated and the rural ignorant. Sold into prostitution by a trusted uncle, she struggles to learn and survive. Two years later she is rescued from the life by a kind gentleman who works in local government, who takes her as his concubine. He is a believer in empowering women to be individuals and independent. Drawing and doodling, her talent is noticed by a local artist. She enters art school and becomes the artist she was meant to be.
There. That's a quick summary of the story. Now for the best part. The reading. Jennifer Cody Epstein writes with beautiful prose, introducing various bits and pieces of Chinese life and culture as effortlessly as if she were sharing her own story. Her knowledge and research comes through beautifully, but her skill with storytelling is what held my attention. I was shown how a woman lives in China when it is a Republic, to China when it is Communist.
I was captivated, entranced and curious as to what would happen next. Not once did I believe Pan Yuliang to be whining or play the martyr. Her story is horrible. It is incomprehensible to me that China would consider women in such roles and their traditions are still unattractive to me. And yet each scene and experience is believable.
The tale of Pan Yuliang was told with dignity and respect, and adding in the skill of the writer I believe this is why I enjoyed reading it.
I recommend this to anyone interested in learning about a strong woman's life. And how she got the strength to go forward by believing in others, in herself and having the pragmatism necessary to survive difficult times.
I look forward to reading more of Jennifer Cody Epstein's work. See for yourself at www.jennifercodyepstein.com.
Jennifer Cody Epstein
Penguin Books
2008
ISBN: 978-0-141-02933-7
Let me begin this book review by saying a few things about my reading habits. First, fictional biographies are not my cup of tea. My experience with them has been spotty with decent reads mixed in with stilted writing and unbelievable scenarios. Second, China (Asia in general), is not an attractive culture to me. I don't care for the art as I consider it busy and garish. I don't understand the 'hidden' undercurrents of that society.
So, knowing the above, I delved into a book that is both fictional biography and set in China.
Wow. What a wonderful surprise this book is! It is a tale of a Chinese woman's journey from the life of a prostitute to being a controversial artist. Beginning in 1957 and set in France we're given a short introduction to Pan Yuliang of today. Soon, though, we're transported to 1913 when she is 14 and her life changes direction. Here is where we learn of her family, the traditions of Chinese life and how they rule the educated and the rural ignorant. Sold into prostitution by a trusted uncle, she struggles to learn and survive. Two years later she is rescued from the life by a kind gentleman who works in local government, who takes her as his concubine. He is a believer in empowering women to be individuals and independent. Drawing and doodling, her talent is noticed by a local artist. She enters art school and becomes the artist she was meant to be.
There. That's a quick summary of the story. Now for the best part. The reading. Jennifer Cody Epstein writes with beautiful prose, introducing various bits and pieces of Chinese life and culture as effortlessly as if she were sharing her own story. Her knowledge and research comes through beautifully, but her skill with storytelling is what held my attention. I was shown how a woman lives in China when it is a Republic, to China when it is Communist.
I was captivated, entranced and curious as to what would happen next. Not once did I believe Pan Yuliang to be whining or play the martyr. Her story is horrible. It is incomprehensible to me that China would consider women in such roles and their traditions are still unattractive to me. And yet each scene and experience is believable.
The tale of Pan Yuliang was told with dignity and respect, and adding in the skill of the writer I believe this is why I enjoyed reading it.
I recommend this to anyone interested in learning about a strong woman's life. And how she got the strength to go forward by believing in others, in herself and having the pragmatism necessary to survive difficult times.
I look forward to reading more of Jennifer Cody Epstein's work. See for yourself at www.jennifercodyepstein.com.
7/21/2008
The Bucket List is a winner
Rick and I watched The Bucket List last night and thoroughly enjoyed it. Jack Nicholson portrays a lonely multi-gazillionaire with a hidden heart and Morgan Freeman portrays a hard working middle class family man. Both did a fine job. The story is quite believable, with moments of hilarity and bittersweet poignancy. We laughed, we sighed, we guffawed, we reminisced. Rick and I never had an office 'bucket list', but we both have things and places we want to see and do before either one of us die, so we related to the desire shown by both of these characters.
The best part of the entire movie, for me, is that both characters stayed true to their values. Even when facing death, they did not put their moral character on the line. Quite refreshing!
We both wholeheartedly recommend this one! Enjoy.
The best part of the entire movie, for me, is that both characters stayed true to their values. Even when facing death, they did not put their moral character on the line. Quite refreshing!
We both wholeheartedly recommend this one! Enjoy.
7/10/2008
BFAC done!
I named this piece "Choices"
A Necklace
Three bracelets
A Choker
I struggled with the vase idea. While working on the netting I was struggling with being bored with it. To take a break and relax my mind, I dumped a few colors from the project onto my beading mat and contemplated chucking them into the garbage (really, for a moment I thought it). Then I pushed a few orange squares together, a few blue rounds. Picked up needle and thread and worked up a flat herringbone piece. Hmmm. I did the same with a few other colors and larger beads. It was beginning to look like a bracelet that I just might like. My stash of findings include basket crimps and snap clasps (my favorite clasps) and I pictured two bracelet possibilities. Then, looking at the netting on the vase I saw additional bracelets. But I wanted a choice available to me and the final owner - necklace or bracelet or both? End result is 1 necklace or 1 choker or 3 bracelets. I'm happy.
A Necklace
Three bracelets
A Choker
I struggled with the vase idea. While working on the netting I was struggling with being bored with it. To take a break and relax my mind, I dumped a few colors from the project onto my beading mat and contemplated chucking them into the garbage (really, for a moment I thought it). Then I pushed a few orange squares together, a few blue rounds. Picked up needle and thread and worked up a flat herringbone piece. Hmmm. I did the same with a few other colors and larger beads. It was beginning to look like a bracelet that I just might like. My stash of findings include basket crimps and snap clasps (my favorite clasps) and I pictured two bracelet possibilities. Then, looking at the netting on the vase I saw additional bracelets. But I wanted a choice available to me and the final owner - necklace or bracelet or both? End result is 1 necklace or 1 choker or 3 bracelets. I'm happy.
7/02/2008
ABBA!
Ha! Didn't know I was a closet ABBA fan, did you now? So I'm outed. I think I've done well to hide it these past 20 years or so...but now I just can't help myself. I had the opportunity to see the ABBA wannabes with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra a few weekends ago and had a ball! No, they're not ABBA. No, they aren't as good as ABBA. Yes, I sang along with every song, joined my aunt, my cousins and a niece on the lawn of Connor Prairie and boogied until I could boogie no more. Whew! Then I proceeded to try to wear out my ABBA CDs. Yes, Rick is happy to be working out of town during the week...I've had that CD playing every day since the concert. I've been a dancing dervish, boogying fool, jiggly old gal...having a good time, thank you very much :)
There. It's out. I'm an ABBA fan and too old to care if you know it! HA! I hope you do the same :) Oh, I happen to love every song, no particular favorite...so enjoy!
There. It's out. I'm an ABBA fan and too old to care if you know it! HA! I hope you do the same :) Oh, I happen to love every song, no particular favorite...so enjoy!
5/28/2008
Memorial Day, Birthday, Family
It doesn't get much better than this.
Memorial Day, the 26th, was my birthday. Rick and I went to Winona Lake to spend three wonderful days with Mike, Tammy, the kids and my mom. What fun we had. Arriving late Friday afternoon, Rick and I were attacked by the kids - nothing beats having an 11 yr old and a 9 yr old hug and love on you for a good 10 minutes.
Tammy made homemade strawberry shortcake, just for me and it was absolutely delicious! yum! She was concerned because she had used the wrong measuring cup for the flour - 3/4 instead of 1 cup. So the shortcake was a bit dense - but it had plenty of flavor.
Saturday was spent on the lake. Mike has a deckboat, perfect for fishing or tubing. Eric swears that this is the year he will learn to waterski. I'm looking forward to seeing his progress come July 4th!
Sunday morning Tammy and I walked the 2.5 miles into Winona Lake Village. My incentive for this walk? Fresh coffee and possibly split a danish with Tammy. We took off at 9:30 a.m., got to the coffee shop at 10:20 a.m. (not bad time, if you ask me). What do we see? Nothing. Nothing in the village is open on Sunday - until noon. Oh my. Tammy was hoping for a shot of caffeine, and I admit to hoping for a bite of baked sweet goodness. Oh boy.
So, we sat on the coffee-house porch, enjoying the sunshine and cool breeze from the lake. We people-watched, talked about the history of the village, and in general twiddled our thumbs for about 30 minutes. Tammy went to college here at Grace College and is very knowledgeable about Winona Lake's history - check out info about Billy Sunday, the founder of the college and quite the evangelist, and general info about this beautiful area: http://www.winonalake.net/
We decided that my legs were now ready to move, so we walked to the lake. Then we walked two neighborhoods. Then we walked the canal. Then we walked...oh, you get it.
As we rounded the corner of yet another block, and I saw by the town clock that noon was finally within minutes of becoming reality, I shared an idea with Tammy. "Hey, do you think Mom would like to join us for lunch?" Thinking this was a great idea, she used her cell phone and within 10 minutes Mom was driving toward us. She brought Kelly with her and we made the afternoon a girls' day out. The best part? Getting a ride back! Don't tell anyone I said that.
Monday morning was spent saying good-bye - for now. Rick needed to be home before 2 p.m. because he was going to be working out of town for the next few months and wanted to get an early start on the travel. I wanted to get home somewhat early so I could hook up with a few friends before the holiday was over. So, we left at 10 a.m. and got home about 3:00 p.m.
Memorial Day, the 26th, was my birthday. Rick and I went to Winona Lake to spend three wonderful days with Mike, Tammy, the kids and my mom. What fun we had. Arriving late Friday afternoon, Rick and I were attacked by the kids - nothing beats having an 11 yr old and a 9 yr old hug and love on you for a good 10 minutes.
Tammy made homemade strawberry shortcake, just for me and it was absolutely delicious! yum! She was concerned because she had used the wrong measuring cup for the flour - 3/4 instead of 1 cup. So the shortcake was a bit dense - but it had plenty of flavor.
Saturday was spent on the lake. Mike has a deckboat, perfect for fishing or tubing. Eric swears that this is the year he will learn to waterski. I'm looking forward to seeing his progress come July 4th!
Sunday morning Tammy and I walked the 2.5 miles into Winona Lake Village. My incentive for this walk? Fresh coffee and possibly split a danish with Tammy. We took off at 9:30 a.m., got to the coffee shop at 10:20 a.m. (not bad time, if you ask me). What do we see? Nothing. Nothing in the village is open on Sunday - until noon. Oh my. Tammy was hoping for a shot of caffeine, and I admit to hoping for a bite of baked sweet goodness. Oh boy.
So, we sat on the coffee-house porch, enjoying the sunshine and cool breeze from the lake. We people-watched, talked about the history of the village, and in general twiddled our thumbs for about 30 minutes. Tammy went to college here at Grace College and is very knowledgeable about Winona Lake's history - check out info about Billy Sunday, the founder of the college and quite the evangelist, and general info about this beautiful area: http://www.winonalake.net/
We decided that my legs were now ready to move, so we walked to the lake. Then we walked two neighborhoods. Then we walked the canal. Then we walked...oh, you get it.
As we rounded the corner of yet another block, and I saw by the town clock that noon was finally within minutes of becoming reality, I shared an idea with Tammy. "Hey, do you think Mom would like to join us for lunch?" Thinking this was a great idea, she used her cell phone and within 10 minutes Mom was driving toward us. She brought Kelly with her and we made the afternoon a girls' day out. The best part? Getting a ride back! Don't tell anyone I said that.
Monday morning was spent saying good-bye - for now. Rick needed to be home before 2 p.m. because he was going to be working out of town for the next few months and wanted to get an early start on the travel. I wanted to get home somewhat early so I could hook up with a few friends before the holiday was over. So, we left at 10 a.m. and got home about 3:00 p.m.
5/14/2008
HearIndiana Walk a Success!
I walked the 2.3k and boy am I proud! Carrying this extra 50 lbs is like carrying handweights, ankle weights and a backpack of stuff. But, I did it and can proudly say so.
Thank you to everyone who contributed and donated to the cause. My sister-in-law raised over $650, without really trying :) We're both anxious to start next year's fundraising, stoked to raise more.
HearIndiana received more than their goal of $25,000.
Here are the photos - proof that I did it! LOL
Yeah, it says Runner! I swear the number was random! Believe what you will! LOL
I've caught my breath and agreed to pose with my Aunt Chris, brother Mike, SIL Tammy and the two kids, Eric and Kelly. We've decided that purple really isn't my color.
Proof of movement! Yes, I've been caught in mid-stride. And, I'm only a step or so behind Tammy. We won't mention that I found her pace to be olympic-training speed, or that she slowed down at the 3/4 mark so I wouldn't be lonely.
4/29/2008
Hear Indiana...
My brother and his family have dealt with hearing loss for over 11 years. Both my niece Kelly, and my nephew Eric, are 95% deaf. Both received cochlear implants...Eric at 3 and Kelly at 1. Both are mainstreamed into public schools, are bright and well-adjusted, and are participating in a fundraising effort for Hear Indiana. Eric is now 11 and a budding geologist/mechanical engineer, and Kelly is now 9 and a budding writer and runner (man, can that kid run!).
Here's a link to their page:
https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=268380&lis=1&kntae268380=17CADB9C93A34CB49BA05DB3707C5929&supId=213026808
This photo is from August of 2007, a family reunion at Mike's place in northern Indiana. Yes, they're always this silly :) Yes, they're always this happy :) They're great people, and I'm proud to have them in my family.
Any donation you could provide, from $1 on up, would be helpful.
Rick and I will be walking on Saturday the 10th. Rather than set up my own donation site, I want you to go to my brother's and pledge there.
Thanks for your support!
Here's a link to their page:
https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=268380&lis=1&kntae268380=17CADB9C93A34CB49BA05DB3707C5929&supId=213026808
This photo is from August of 2007, a family reunion at Mike's place in northern Indiana. Yes, they're always this silly :) Yes, they're always this happy :) They're great people, and I'm proud to have them in my family.
Any donation you could provide, from $1 on up, would be helpful.
Rick and I will be walking on Saturday the 10th. Rather than set up my own donation site, I want you to go to my brother's and pledge there.
Thanks for your support!
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