Like most artists most of my work is done by myself, alone in solitude, contemplating and creating. But I am also an "installation artist" and do really big projects and these require assistance. Truthfully, I love these the most. I like the educational opportunities, the shared laughter, the awe, and the tiredness at the end of a completed job well done.I interested my daughters at an early age in "doing things around the house". When my wife said that it meant cleaning and laundry but when I said it they knew we were going to build something! We did this enough that they gained a lot of confidence over the years and now they are not afraid to tackle anything. When they were eight and eleven years old they decided they wanted a pool in the back yard. I told them that if they did the digging I would help them build the pool.
They dug a hole 3 feet deep (one meter) by 15 feet long and nine feet wide, all by themselves!
My wife helped and the four of us built this little plunge pool, using left over bits of tile and slate
to finish it off. This created memories I will never forget and how proud I was when they invited their friends over to the pool they built! And another nice thing! my daughters are grown and gone now but I still have the pool!
6 comments:
Hi Jerry...When I have more time I am going to go through your blog with a fine tooth comb. I am amazed at your strength and your fortitude and am so happy to know you are cancer-free. And may it always stay that way!
Please do not publish this comment, ok? I just can't put my address out there on my blog. It isn't wise nor safe, I don't think. I will give you my address as you've asked numerous times. I just can't bear being a burden to anyone else (my husband is rather stuck with me) so I haven't wanted to share. At the same time, I don't want to continue to appear so very rude when you have asked so very often. My address is:
Sherry & Michael Massey
POB 594
Seneca, IL 61360
As to notifying the Tribune, I just don't have the gumption, heart, or desire to weed my way through the inevitable process of finding the right person to talk to, if that makes sense. If you know someone, by all means, feel free. I would expect some didaction if they choose to print as I really don't want the world to know who we are by name or location. The story itself doesn't bother me though.
I do hope your prayers continue and I know you will be added to our own that your health continues and your blessings increase each day.
Thank you so much for you support, Jerry.
AutumnLeaves
Hi Jerry I have been reading the other blog more often than this one but glad I popped into this one today. I love the work on display here and all tha tthis blog has shown me. Like Sherry so glad to know you are now cancer free all my best thoughts are with you.
What a treasure that pool must be for you. Thanks for telling us about it.
I love the pool story Jerry. my Dad used to teach me to weld on Saturdays at his shop.. I should have been a lady welder instead of an artist. , but the memories are still with me...
Congratulations! Cancer free, how wonderful; you won the fight and it wasn't just the drugs but took your heart, determination and love. Well done indeed.
Thank you for this blog, takes me back to so many 'do it yourself' with what you have on hand projects.
Definitely excellent education tools for all youngsters; and I believe far more gratifying than going to the store and 'buying'! The feeling of accomplishment of a job well done is priceless!
I do appreciate seeing the art that you create and your posts are interesting.
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