Old Age, Sickness, Death
After taking a train straight down almost all the way through the entire country, I sit by the bedside of my mother on this mothers’ day. Many people wonder how much sense it makes to spend a full week of…
Dorothée
A Visit To Former East Germany
My youngest daughter had the great fortune of doing an exchange year in Germany this year. Last year, a young German boy spent a year with us, and this year she gets to spend a year with his family in…
at the anvil
Last time I went to see my current mentor, John Little, we got a bit more serious: less talking, more hammering. I like doing things well, and thoroughly, so I wanted to learn how to get better at making a…
What a great guy
Raymond’s death still reverberates in the city and among friends. Yesterday, there was a very sweet letter from Ray’s family published on the front page of the local daily paper. It illustrates very well what a great guy he was, and…
Yet another tragic death
Oh dear oh dear. Yet another tragic, unfathomable death in my circle of friends. So senseless. What a huge loss. And best hugger, ever. There is so much to say about Raymond, and the story of his brutal death has…
Sarah Slean live in concert with Symphony Nova Scotia
Ok ok, I know I have to get ready to head out to John Little’s blacksmithing shop, but before I leave I just have to tell you about the amazing concert I saw last night: lovely Canadian artist, poet and…
Four Blacksmithing Women, Bonding
Oh boy, did we have fun: four women, spending the day forging together! First, we went shopping for metal. For a materials-junkie like myself, that was half the thrill! Then we arrived in Lynn’s cozy forge cabin, which she built…
The Art of Calligraphy
Such richness: I was able to branch out and again learn more! Last weekend, Kaz Tanahashi came to teach a special workshop on the art of calligraphy. It was an amazingly disciplined environment, everyone was very focused: At some point…
A hammer, a bow and arrow
I can’t believe it’s already been a week since I went out to John Little’s shop to begin my mentoring in Blacksmithing, thanks to a grant I applied for and was granted, from Nova Scotia Communities, Culture and Heritage, Culture…
Sisters In Steel: A Celebration Of Women Blacksmiths
I was very excited to attend the Sisters In Steel event in beautiful Annapolis Royal. Three women blacksmiths gave talks and demonstrations, and everyone was invited to try their hand at it! It turned out to be a fabulously gorgeous day,…
Setting of the Diamonds
Ha! I figured out how to show you the video of Peter showing me how to set the diamonds into the engagement ring I spoke off in my last post. Mind you, the step shown in this video takes place…
Playing A Role On Valentine’s Day
I love playing a small part in important moments in people’s lives. The past Valentine’s Day gave another such opportunity … but let me begin at the beginning: all the way back in September, I was contacted by a young…
Collaboration between Artist and Nature
I recently came across a most wonderful and mindbending piece of art: Hubert Duprat’s “The Wonderful Caddis Worm: Sculptural Work in Collaboration with Trichoptera”. I am excited to share this with you, as I am not only struck by the…
