It's going to be a Jam-Packed week this week, so here's the 411 of where I'll be and why I'm only answering calls that pertain to this situation: 

We're coming up on the 1 year anniversary of when Dad passed away, but we're still (yes STILL) untangling messes from his Estate.   This week, we're preparing for an auction-- of all of Dad's tools, machines, parts, pieces, welding equipment... you name it.   It's got to go, because we need to sell his house, too. (Listed with Re/Max Realty- Search for 1919 S. Norwood Ave. in Missouri if you're interested...)

If anyone is interested in attending this auction, please feel free to check out the auction company website at: ABC Auction Realty and look at their calendar page.

Some of you knew my father, and knew all the many inventions that he left with us- some of which you use probably every day and didn't even know that Dad was involved in whole or in part.   Some of those items would be Hydraulic systems, Recycling sorting machines, 2 Liter bottle blowing machines- with conveyor belts for processing, pack tables, waffle iron batter dispensers, and even those little wire coilys that are on the sides of notebooks... Dad made the machine that not only put those on, but folded the ends to "lock" the pages (and the coil) in place... and paper plate molds..
For those of you into revolvers, you probably saw my Dad's work grace the cover of many Gun World and American Handgunner Magazines throughout the 70's and 80's.  One of his guns was used in episodes of the TV Show Miami Vice.  His talents were many, and the years too few....

One of the items that he worked on so carefully, was an entirely redesigned chassis for Professional Cobra Replica cars produced by Premiere Motorsports of Kansas City.  It was Dad's dream to build himself a car, one he could drive around in, and simply "be happy" tooling around with.  Unfortunately, that dream did not come before he passed away, and the Cobra remains incomplete, but is very nearly there.  This car will also be auctioned off this weekend.

So as it stands this week, there will be much sprucing up of houses to sell, items to auction, and closure to a most deeply saddening turn of events... so I apologize in advance if I cannot return phone calls right away, but hopefully, with so much of this behind us after this week, it will be much easier to focus on the things in the studio with greater detail.

Hope to see you at the auction!!!!

Angel

I haven't been hiding- just been busy on several threads of activity lately...

- Dad's Estate stuff still rules my world much of the time.  If there is one thing I want to plaster on every wall, and tell every person in the world it's this:  Prepare and plan for your end.  I know it sounds morbid, and I don't mean for it to be... but seriously folks, Probate is no way to treat your loved ones.  I know that my Dad certainly didn't mean for this to happen the way it did, and like many folks, thought he had more time to make arrangements for his things.   The problem with that is, one has to make the time to get it done.  Even if you think you don't owe any body, or don't need to bother- think again.   There are vultures out there who will do their very best to MAKE it a problem, and worse yet- make it a problem for those left behind.    Sure, it will all work out, but it's taking countless hours of time and effort of my sisters and myself- when all of it could have been settled in an instant while he was alive and with a few strokes of a pen...

- Dad's heart attack has sort of been a slight wake up call to the family in the sense that there are some genetics that we're fighting with- mostly, heart problems, diabetes, and weight.   I am certainly not immune... and have decided to take a direct approach to getting back into shape again.  I go to a gym semi-regularly, and have recently aquired a Wii Fit.   I know it sounds a little silly on the Wii Fit- and for those who don't think it works... I clearly beg to differ! :D  It's fun, it's a great workout, and it's a nice way to keep track of BMI and Weight patterns on a daily basis.  When I started w/ the personal trainer at the gym a few weeks ago, it was crystal clear that I needed to work extra hard and needed every bit of help I could get.   I found a fantastic little app for my iPhone- the Daily Plate, from http://www.livestrong.com .   Livestrong.com is Lance Armstrong's website- which has fantastic articles and Dares to help people support each other in weight loss and training.  I love that site!!!   The Daily Plate helps me keep track of my foods, and also helps me log my fitness activities- sort of like "calories in, calories out" so to speak.    Every kind of food imaginable seems to be in the food bank, and breaks it down into a little pie chart to see where all your calories are coming from- and what might be better to cut down on.  (In my case, it's carbs... I dearly love them!)    
In any case, I'll probably post more about my weight loss ventures here.. when I'm down a few more pounds.  (I've lost ten so far, but i'm not telling where my starting point was yet!   I don't want to jinx the progress...)

- Guitar Pick Wear has picked up quite a bit of business lately, which is AWESOME!  I'm thrilled that it's doing so well for such humble beginnings.  It's going to get better and better, and hopefully, if time permits, I'll be adding some more jewelry pieces to the website this week.

- I don't know if it's the weather, or what... but do you guys find yourselves just flat out sleepier than usual these days?   I swear I can sleep over ten hours a day if left to my own devices... :D

Speaking of which.. I think I'll try to get some sleep now.  Tomorrow's laundry day and all... heheheheh

Hugs!
A

This story I'm about to unfold is completely true.
 
It's kind of two stories in one, but that's just how I like to connect things.... bi-laterally.
 
You know how when you work in an office, where everyone puts their lunches in any available refridgerator- and sometimes... on accident, or intentionally... the office acquires a Food Bandit?
Yes... Food Bandits. The Food Bandit is someone who steals other people's lunches and eats them.  No one knows why.... nor do they usually know who it is.  These people are quite sneaky!   They will blatantly open up any container in the fridge- because who is going to know what container went to what owner?  Who would know the difference?
So we've had a Food Bandit in the office.  It's gotten SO bad that people post humorous "Missing" signs with graphics of sandwiches on them, and "Orange Alerts" for missing lunches...
.. They even post signs ON the Fridge saying (like it HAS to be explained) that "taking someone else's lunch is what we call STEALING."   (I rather liked that sign, actually..)
So my sister who works at a global company recently experienced a "lunchnapping", so I KNOW this isn't just isolated to one company.
What I DIDN'T realize, was just how widespread it really IS.   This apparently is SUCH a epidemic problem, that a brilliant company came up with a fantastic solution.  I for one, applaud their ability to recognize this issue and deal with it head-on.   (no, not directly to your forehead...)
How I came about this product is a bit of another story, so here's the bi-lateral...
I'm in the grocery store, picking up some straws for my son. I'm browsing the aisle shelves... no biggie.  But then this packaging catches my eye- and I bust up LAUGHING out loud.  
So in the fantastic age of rockin' cellphones, I whip out my iPhone and set that bad boy to "Camera".   I get the picture, and no sooner than I'm tucking it away- I hear, "Customer Service... Aisle 4... Customer SERVICE. AISLE 4!!"
I look around.  I'm the only one in the aisle.  As my luck would have it- I'm in Aisle 4.  Lovely.  So I scoot my happy ass outta there and continue my shopping- to see all kinds of "staff" appear from nowhere pretending to front the shelves and stuff..... HA!
I have no idea what that was about, but it doesn't really matter.  Why? Because I'm going to totally cheer the praises of this company who made these little things.   It's brilliant, it's timely in today's economy- where "brown bagging it" is more than just a financial strategy, and it's totally thumbing their nose at the idea that anything and everything in this kind of product has been done before.
(Ok, so maybe it HAS been done before- but I still think it's a fabulous idea!)
 
I give you:
ATOMIC FOOD CONTAINERS!!

Per popular request- the framed "Tony Stark" picture is posted, as well as some older pieces that I drew from the portfolio... please see the "My Photos" section of the profile. :)

I need to get the Scorpion and Queen pieces in their frames and photographed, but Ill throw those on here as soon as I can.

Right now, it's mondo late- (for me, who gets up at 4am)- much love!!

 

A

Ok, not really.

But HE is:

I have recently decided a couple of things:

- I need to practice my drawing skills more- mostly, facial hair on men...

- And, that Robert Downey, Jr. in the role of Tony Stark is just about the coolest thing since sliced bread.  

 

I have witnessed the beauty that is Iron Man ..ay and it is truly a wonderful thing.  Yea verily.

I started this drawing on Thursday evening, worked on it all day Friday, Saturday- then a little bit on Sunday, and finished it tonight at exactly 11pm Central time.  My hands are quite tired from all the blending and whatnot, but this was a fun subject matter to draw!

Thanks to Michael, who must hear about my incessant ramblings about Mr. Downey at odd times of our workday. And also to Ryan, who was kind enough to find the most PERFECT photo - it was challenging, AND very nice on the eyes... Good work, man!! :D

I'm going to dry mount it and frame it up tonight, and maybe get a "finished photo" of it once it's in place.

 

For anyone who might be wondering:

- No, I really didn't exactly plan on giving this to him, as I'm sure Mr. Downey has gazillions of fans already doing this, and the man only has so much wallspace....
However, should he want it, I'm certainly open to such options...

- No, I wasn't planning on putting it on Ebay, either. I could.. but why?  I like looking at it quite much.  I know places I'd change.. I know what went into it and what worked out perfectly- and I doubt that it would fetch much... so I think I'll have first dibs on it, unless of course, Mr. Downey would like it instead.

- No, I didn't go to Art College. I have always enjoyed drawing, and love to work from existing photos.  If I could afford the Art Institute, I certainly WOULD go, but so far, that hasn't been an option yet.  'Tis cool.... I just draw what I want, when I want to. Yay!

- Approximately 32 +/- hours went into this drawing. The photo doesn't really show the detail, but there are "ribbed fabric lines" in his tank top, if that's any indication.  This piece was rendered in charcoal, blended in chamois, on Strathmore drawing paper.  (And eraser. yes.  LOTS of Eraser...)

 

I'm not sure who or what I'll draw next, but last week, I managed to render a scorpion, and a Chess Piece Queen which looks pretty damn snazzy... I'll try to get some shots of those when I get them framed up as well! :)

 

Zai Jian!

Angel
(The Very Tired Artist...)

Goodbye 2008- and good riddance. I can't think of too many positive things to say about 2008, but it was a kind of "good with the bad" kind of year. Many folks I know have had the same kinds of experience, and perhaps you might have as well. Early in '08, year of the Rat, things were optimistic, and relatively good... Except for global economic issues-but we already know about that stuff. Mid- year, as some of you know, my sisters and I lost our father unexpectedly from a heart attack. This in of itself was a most devistating blow to all of us, but now we're left with his estate issues and probate court to contend with. On a positive note, (bet you didn't think I could find one!) Neal found a new job which has turned out to be a blessing- and Tropicabana was finally released. We bought a new car this year, and have finally seen tremendous progress in our efforts to eliminate debt and get out of the tangled messes from 2001. It is these kinds of things that give me a little hope- because even though it's been a hard time, there is still light at the end of the tunnel- I can see it growing brighter all the time. The year of the Rat also brought a new love into our family, and it's been a delightful thing to happen to all of us at the Hall Campus. Congratulations StuArt & Christina- and thank you for saving the end of 2008 with your warm smiles! StuArt- I've never seen you happier, and I'm glad she and James came into our part of the world. :) Best of all, even in all this craziness of 2008- Hall Glass Studios and Guitar Pick Wear both have fared well in these hard economic times. It's true that I had to delay the GPW catalog a little longer, but even still, things here at the studio are looking brighter than ever! Thanks to friends, family, and every single client who helped make a positive change in 2008! Because of you, every block on the calendar pages meant all the world to me-- the good days and the bad days-- I love them all. (But it's totally OK with me if we don't repeat the bad days in 2009... :) )

I'm actually helping my brother tonight at a gig, in Topeka. I'm going to attempt running lights for the show- something I haven't done since High School... We're getting started a little later than I would have liked, but it's OK. Gives me time to type to you on my iPhone. :) The inbox has slowed down now that the holiday rush is winding to a close, and I must admit that I'm grateful for each and every client to serve. You have kept me going with purposeful focus- when it would have been so easy to wallow in sadness when Daddy died. I really think it was the drive I needed to deal with the loss. So I thank you from the bottom of my heart. May you have a beautiful holiday season and prosperous 2009!

Hey. :)

How's things going?  I hope you're doing well. :)   Things here are about the same- crazy busy, and Dad's estate is slowly, but surely- pushing forward.

My sisters and I are under the weight of three mortgages currently, so if anyone is interested in a very reasonably priced house in the Independence, MO. area- by all means, please drop me a line.

Kat, my sister, is coming out hopefully next week, and we'll have a chance to discuss some stuff on the Estate- but mostly, I'm looking forward to seeing her again.

In other exciting news, Logan got all A's on his report card, and we couldn't be prouder! I hope that he continues doing so well in school- I know he really loves school this year!  He's also become quite the speller! :)

Logan picked up a copy of Lego Batman for the Xbox360- I can't wait to try that one out.  The other Lego video games have been incredibly funny, and I think I like Indiana Jones the best so far.  (Although I thought it was hard for Lego Star Wars to be topped!)

I'm working on a larger guitar pick necklace order tonight, but took a break to hop on here.  We made up a MySpace page for our dad- if anyone wants to find it, feel free to search for "ChuckWardEstate".  I'm hoping to put the video on it from his Memorial Service, as we've had requests from his friends and extended family members to place it online where everyone could see it.  We will certainly do that when a compressed copy of the video becomes available.

In other news of the studio- The Hall Glass studios site is due for a re-vamp.   This has been a long time coming, and it's focus may change yet again.   The reality is that glass goods made in the US often cannot compete with the foreign made counterparts.   So this leaves me with the option of possibly doing strictly custom work, but that's quite a large pond of artists who already do custom work.   Then there's repairing.  I'll be honest- it's not my favorite thing to do, and there's already someone in my area who is far superior at repair and restoration. (David McArthur- Missouri Leaded Glass .)   So that leaves.... classes.   While I used to teach classes all the time in Texas and Colorado- the reality is, I'm not sure when I'd find the time for classes.  Also, this takes away from smaller glass shops trying to make their rent with their bread and butter customers- and I certainly wouldn't like doing that to those kinds of shops!

So it may become an artist page.  Maybe a meeting place for other glass artists to chat once in awhile.  In any case, the online store will probably disappear- and will be replaced with a single page or two of items for sale.  (Except for the Book Thongs- those seem to do just fine by themselves.)

 

Guitar Pick Wear's 2009 Catalog will be in the works soon. The tenative release date is January 2009- and will features more "design your own" options.

Speaking of that- for those of you looking for single guitar picks for the holidays, orders need to be placed NO LATER THAN NOVEMBER 30 for guaranteed Christmas Delivery. 

The online catalog stuff that is in stock can be ordered well into Mid- December for guaranteed Delivery, but the Custom Printed Picks are a whole other matter. :D

Anyway, it's time to get back to that order-

Zai Jian! :)

A

I had a most wonderful birthday! We had a nice party at the inlaws, and a good time was had by all. Halloween night, we had tons of trick or treaters, and Logan went as Janga Fett from Star Wars. All of the neighborhood kids looked so cute and stunning! It was such a lovely evening that rounded out with a live show of Matthew D & Random Tuesday. It's just been a great weekend-and.... I finally got a new phone! (you might recall the previous post regarding the toolbox incident. It damaged my old phone.) anyway, I'm now the proud owner of a new iPhone- that I absolutely love. I also received a beautiful pair of crystal Hello Kitty earrings, Adele cd, spice candle, birthday plate, stainless measuring cups, and reed diffuser. Even though Dad was not here in person, he was definitely here in spirit. :) Thanks to Lynne & Ben; Brian, Julie, & Alex; Neal & Logan; Mom & Matt; and David! I love you all, and appreciate everything you do! :)

I had a most wonderful birthday! We had a nice party at the inlaws, and a good time was had by all. Halloween night, we had tons of trick or treaters, and Logan went as Janga Fett from Star Wars. All of the neighborhood kids looked so cute and stunning! It was such a lovely evening that rounded out with a live show of Matthew D & Random Tuesday. It's just been a great weekend-and.... I finally got a new phone! (you might recall the previous post regarding the toolbox incident. It damaged my old phone.) anyway, I'm now the proud owner of a new iPhone- that I absolutely love. I also received a beautiful pair of crystal Hello Kitty earrings, Adele cd, spice candle, birthday plate, stainless measuring cups, and reed diffuser. Even though Dad was not here in person, he was definitely here in spirit. :) Thanks to Lynne & Ben; Brian, Julie, & Alex; Neal & Logan; Mom & Matt; and David! I love you all, and appreciate everything you do! :)