So, how have you been staying busy? Sane? Or not? Let us know by sharing in our Facebook Group
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A note from our President!
“What day is it?” Asked Pooh
“it’s today,” squeaked Piglet
“My favorite Day,” said Pooh
October 7, 2020
Hello fellow glass members-
I love the Fall! Especially the warm weather days, with slight breezes, and the leaves turning colors.
Summer in Michigan is pretty special, but I often hear Michiganders describe Fall as their favorite time of year. It is easy to understand for many reasons. We have seasonal transitions, apple orchards and pumpkin patches, bon fires, kicking off the preparations for big holidays, (i.e. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza) and of course the craft show and festival season.
So many of these things, the things we love, will not be part of fall 2020. This year is different: primarily because of COVID 19, but also I have noted a difference in people’s resilience and attitudes. In so many ways, COVID 19 has turned the world upside down, and that has driven some really important changes. Putting health concerns aside, I have seen many people start new businesses, create on-line classes, develop learning environments, hold regular family meetings on-line, and even virtual birthday celebrations. I have seen drive by retirement parties, participated in virtual cooking events, and attended more work related meetings on-line than ever before. I believe, one of the common threads in all these activities, is the need for human interaction. I am not in any way suggesting that the virtual world is a long term solution for human interaction. But what I am encouraged by is the tenacity and resilience many people have shown in response to a situation that is out of their control.
Typically, as a guild, we would be busily preparing for Bead Bonanza and our Winter Wonders show! Mailing invitations, building up our supply of merchandise, finalizing vendors, etc. A busy time for the many volunteers who make Guild events possible by supporting the various activities; from taking money at the door, to selling beads, to handling food for the event. Resilience and tenacity, two things our members know well!
Along with the resilience and tenacity, I have seen an increase in people’s gratitude! People are spending more time with family and loved ones (for some, all this together time is a challenge-lol) There are more people picking up hobbies; sewing, knitting, and crochet have seen huge increases in the number of people participating. Crafting and creativity are on the rise. The general population is now discovering what many of us have known for a long time, the hidden benefits of creative energy. I am so happy to see the level of engagement increasing for all things “crafty”
Wanted to share with you that the SMBGB board met last week, and we have some activities and ideas for the next few months we are working to share with all of you.
First off, all current members will receive a “Frit O’Gram” in the next few weeks. The intent of the “frit” mailing is to use “frit” in creating an ornament for exchange in December. The ornament exchange was so popular last year, we decided we were going to do it again with a “frit twist” More details will be provided in the Frit O’gram… mailing.
We also have some challenges coming up with Double Helix glass. We thought we would wait until the New Year to kick those off, but Double Helix is providing a great prize for participants in the challenges.
And in case you haven’t noticed, The ISGB is holding Second Sunday events with prominent glass peeps. The event is free if you are an ISGB member
It is this Sunday, October 11th at 12:00 Eastern time. The featured guest is Bill Gundenrath, who is spending time with us from the Corning Museum of Glass
Because this is the time we usually meet as a guild, I am proposing we switch the time, or the day of our guild meetings. Please let me know if you have a preference.
We will announce a new meeting date/time in an upcoming email/facebook post, so stay tuned.
We are looking for volunteers for the positions of Vice-President and Treasurer for a two year period of time beginning in January 2021. Please contact any of the board members if you are interested.
I hope you are doing well, self-care is very important during this time. I have personally found that being creative is a large factor in my self-care. I hope you are finding what makes your soul happy in these challenging times.
Take care and stay tuned for updates-
Pam
“Gratitude opens the door to the Power, the Wisdom, the Creativity of the Universe,” Deepak Chopra
Pam Kellett
Drpamkellett@gmail.com or 248-709-3808
