Bittersweet

Making a significant change in your life or taking a risk that may seem crazy to everyone around you, and feeling good about it, is not something that is taught or coached in a class or seminar. The "feeling good about it" simply comes from the gut. At least that has been our experience. And we are feeling good about our decision to become dirt dwellers again and have bought a lovely home in Wilmington's Masonboro area. This means we will move off our dear Quiescent which I've described and blogged about previously. It is for sale and we are getting quite a few interested inquiries on it. So there are transactions happening both in home and boat real estate and that is good news.

Living aboard Quiescent and traveling the ICW in 2005-2006 is an experience that Mike and I agree we will never regret. Many individuals and couples put off doing what they talk about, always putting another milestone in their path to accomplish before embarking on their plans, and subsequently often lose the opportunity. Maybe foolishly to some, we tend to jump right in. When the guts tell us it's right. Quiescent has allowed us to meet many new friends while traveling, experience sunsets that were awe inspiring and gave us "a story" to tell our customers when we strike up a conversation with them. No, we don't regret a moment. Well, maybe the moments when I blow fuses trying to use too many burners and the oven at one time, or the coffee pot is brewing and I plug in the blow dryer. But those pale to all the other wonderful times we've had with friends and family aboard cruising NJ and the Cape Fear region.

So this transition in our lives once again must mean I will need to change part of our blog purpose and shift all my focus to our glass and shop. Well, Mike has never been without a boat since he was eight, and we do have a kayak still, so there will always be a little bit of our love of the water in my musings.

Here are a few of our boats we've enjoyed.

Off to the Show

The Buyers Market of American Craft is this weekend in Philadelphia and we will be there walking the aisles in awe of the numerous glass artists with their work smartly displayed with just the right lighting enticing me to spend more than our budget allows. The economy this time around will certainly weigh on our decisions on how many new artists to add to the shop and which artists' work will offer the best choice for our customers who are cutting expenses along with all of us.

Even with the serious business of making our choices, this show is still a highlight of our year. We learn so much from talking with our artists about their craft and simply enjoy being in the company of such magnificent work.

Another perk to the trip is combining visits with family and friends since we are from southern New Jersey. So tomorrow we will head out Rt 40 to that great interstate 95 and make our pilgrimage north and hope all the way that the weather will be on our side.

Josh Simpson - New Work

Many in the glass world know Josh Simpson. You easily recognize his extraordinary “planets”, and Blue New Mexico glass. His work and name are associated with many fine museums and galleries worldwide. What you may not know about Josh is his fascination with space. Incidentally he is married to Cady Coleman, a space astronaut with an extensive biography of shuttle trips and adventures. Together they intrigue me because they appear to be so down to earth (couldn’t resist), so approachable and willing to invite you into their lives by detailing their passions through several video productions.

As an artist Josh likes to challenge himself and will come up with new work each year or have a project to undertake. From his staff you get the impression he has a great sense of humor and studio days are sometimes full of surprises.

His new glass this year is “Corona”. Josh has stated that he likes to translate some of the wonder of the Universe into his work. That is exactly what the new Corona pieces do. When we received our latest order for planets and vases, we received a Corona platter and bowl accompanied by a photo from the Hubble satellite that undoubtedly inspired Josh. The rich color distribution with earthy hues and then a splash of vibrant purple blended and swirled expertly allows you to view it as a piece of the universe only a few get to see close up.

Customers will always find a large selection of Josh's inhabited planets, gravitrons, and vessels here at Crescent Moon. It is something personal to pick up and hold, touch and then gravitate to the certain piece that captivates you. You will be captivated!