Lake Chautauqua....

....home of so many wonderful memories from my childhood. My parents used to rent a place here summers when we were kids and it's still one of my favorite places to visit 40+ years later. So when a friend mentioned there might be an opportunity to teach at the Institute, I jumped on it, and here I am!

Serendipitously, my nephews in-laws own a beautiful lakefront home minutes from the Institute, which they graciously allowed me to use for the week. Checking morning emails while listening to gently lapping waves....watching sunsets from the dock....sigh....I could get used to this....

Then let me just say that the Chautauqua Institute is a wonderful place! The grounds are fabulously well maintained with beautiful gardens and lovely well preserved historic homes. There are many places to rent during the 9 week season, including the iconic Athenaeum Hotel.

 

 
There are also lots of activities for adults and kids; including daily lectures, enrichment programs, kids clubs and many special programs where guest instructors are bought in to teach on the arts. That's the program I was part of; I taught a week long metalsmithing class called "Cool Copper Cuffs". Eight students signed up for the entire week, and a few misc. students dropped in for daily projects, none of which had ever touched metal before. I'm pleased to say by the end of the week they were all officially fully initiated "metal heads". But I have to give the "student of the week" award to my new buddy Merle; hands down the most enthusiastic of the bunch.

Here's our classroom, and some of our daily projects....

And as a bonus, I met up with friends from the old days, including my childhood sweetheart....ahhh, how young we were.....

Year of Jewelry Project - Week 30

I do seem to be in somewhat of a cuff rut...

Thirty Years and Counting....

Thirty years ago on a Thursday afternoon I finally convinced the love of my life that we should get married. I'm sure my family and friends had their doubts but I did not hesitate for one second.... I was knock me over with a feather, helplessly and hopelessly in L O V E!!!

We've been thru a lot since those early years, some better, some worse, some sickness, some health, some richer, and some poorer days, but if I could go back, I would not change one. single. thing. Neither of us is any where near perfect, but somehow our weaknesses and strengths balance out and we make a great team. Together we've found faith, raised 2 wonderful girls, worked a lot, traveled a little, renovated a house, and made it into a home sweet home. Most recently we've both retired from our professional careers and become full time artists, he as a musician, me as a jewelry designer.

Not sure if we have another 30 years in us, but I'm game if if he is....

:-)

Year of Jewelry Project - Week 29

Keep 'em comin'....

Year of Jewelry Project - Week 28

and another one....