A Window Of Experience
Kathie's Octagon Window Mosaic, Fiery Glass, A Slender Frame, & I'm Back On My Feet!
┌( ಠ_ಠ )┘ This post written by a human for humans.
Hello Cherished Readers,
As I approach 250 subscribers, I want to jump out right here and thank all of you, with extra Ooper-Dooper thanks to you magnificent paid subscribers! Without your support, I would have to chew through my bamboo cage and stand outside Denny’s casting Zoroastrian spells for pocket change.
Really, I thank you most sincerely, your efforts boost morale and go a long way to support independent artists.
— Dave
In this post, I....
You (interrupting): “Hey, not more music?”
Me: “No, I won’t inflict any more music upon you, just my usual blogrageous gibberish and pretty pictures.”
You: “harrumph.” (puts down broadsword)
Ahem... what was I saying?
Oh yeah, this post is all praise! Kathie does her best, Christi is awesome, Jeanine gets a cool frame, and I’m back on my feet!
Kathie’s Latest & Greatest
My last post was published after I spent all of June and half of July writing a tune that was about as popular here as microwaving aluminum foil.
Hey, it’s a tough crowd!
All the while Kathie was doing something useful!
My personal bias aside, Kathie has really matured as an artist and has gained valuable experience under the tutelage of Kory Dollar. This fantastic mosaic is, by every measure, her greatest artistic accomplishment. The octagon window project was commissioned by good friends and local art supporters, Ted and Brenda. I mentioned them in this post from April 2025.
In case you are wondering, no, I did not make this window. They asked if I would, but since they wanted an operable thermal pane, I suggested they instead buy a prefabricated unit as I’m slow as the pace car of a Shriner’s Parade, plus I don’t have the jigs to make something so exacting.
Here it is at the Manor just after grouting.
Images in different lighting.
Ted and Brenda built a tiny studio in their back yard and plan to install this in one of the gables that will serve as Brenda’s office. Kathie’s outstanding glass selection and judicious use of texture shows her at the top of her game.
“Where your talents and the needs of the world cross, there lies your vocation.”
― Aristotle
Fiery, But Mostly Peaceful Glass
Another splendid piece of melt glass found its way into my shop. It was made by Christi, she has been the cat’s pajamas of the Manor with her selfless dedication and support, so I wanted to make this stand a perfect balance in color and texture. I broke out some of the last remaining burlwood in my possession. My phone photo’s do not capture its essence as I had liked, but you kind of get the idea.
Sweet Jeanine
Our friend Jeanine wanted a 12” X 24” frame to mosaic. Jeanine is a lovely woman with a bright artistic flair, so I wanted this to be special and pulled out some clear-grain mahogany that I’ve been storing for just such an occasion. I took the opportunity to give it a slim profile, so here we are.
That satin finish; after sanding and then polishing with #000 steel wool, I applied one coat of sanding sealer, several coats of hand-rubbed “Old English” polish, then several coats of carnauba wax — yes, the same wax you polish the car with. It gives a nice luster without the risk of it ever peeling or scratching. If you muck it up, just rub on more wax and - presto - like new again!
[Important note] This post is too long for some email clients, if it tails off unexpectedly, please click on the title to read the full article.
I’ve Been Published!
As to the aforementioned music, my latest song has been picked up by a few people, one of them is Blueboy Cafe. There is a small write-up of it in this ezine as I was the featured song of the week! Here is a snippet I grabbed:
https://www.mixcloud.com/dave-baldwin2/sunday-drift-liquid-sun-balearic-music-for-beautiful-minds/
My tune is around the 1:25 mark.
To see the full magazine article, go here:
https://blueboyscafe.aflip.in/a588a392b6.html#page/3
A Doctor Done Me Good!
What Doctors Fakinit & Muddlethroux could not do, one did. I am pleased to report that Dr. Seuferling (yes, his real name!) fixed me feets. I generally refrain from disclosing the multitude of maladies menacing me, but I’ll crack the door open just a bit in order to shine the light on someone who deserves high praise.
To begin with, I spent almost my entire working life outdoors and on my feet. It sort of comes with the territory for construction and other types of body-breaking manual labor. From ladders to rooftops, to muddy foundations to heavy machinery, I’ve stood in icy wet shoes, knobby boots, and steel-toed footwear all those years without much trouble. Until now.
Now I’m told that I have a condition called “hammertoe” - sumpin’ you don’t want. For all I know it might even be hereditary, I don’t care enough to find out. A few years ago a sore opened up on one toe, but being a man I ignored it figuring it will go away on its own, you know, because that is how men deal with these pesky things. Got a leg falling off? Meh, it’ll heal, rub some Tiger Balm on it.
Anyway, it didn’t mend itself. One day my lovely bride said, “Do you know your foot is bleeding?”
“No, I didn’t, thanks for the heads up.” So, as a man, I proceeded to take minimal care in dealing with it - until it got really bad. So off to the doctor I went, but now it was serious. Dammit!
\(ᗒ︵ᗕ)/
Long story short, I managed to get a bone infection that required the partial amputation of a toe. For the record, I’m not diabetic, but have developed neuropathy, as us old and fat guys tend to do when we never sit down. Well, the foot disintegrated into a mess and the other foot was well on its way to doing the same.
Enter; Dr. Seuferling. Upon first glance he immediately moved me to the head of the class and said this was to save the foot from the same fate as the other. Within six months I had a brace made for the one nasty foot too late to save, and outpatient surgery to remove the hammertoe effect. Sure, I’m a gimp, but at least I walk kinda normal like, and with a lot less pain.
So, I thank you, doctor, my hat is off to you. Turns out he likes my music too!
Okay, I told you that this was a nice post and I didn’t bang on anyone’s toes! Ah, but next time I have a bucket of bilgewater that I left out in the sun to dunk on those who rely on the use of a.i. to create their ‘art’ but can’t bring themselves to disclose that little detail.
That is how you fudge my brownies.
٩◔̯◔۶
Until next time, thank you for reading and now I can stand up to applaud you paid subscribers!
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All of the pieces featured were exquisite, Dave. You must have a lot of patience to finish wood the way you do. A true artisan.
Just rub a little tiger balm on it. Hehe. I think we men's toughness is an asset in the short term, but when something keeps on bothering us for months, we need to get it checked out. I'm glad you did, thanks to your bride's advice. Brides are great for that. I really enjoyed your music and I'm glad it's getting some traction. Well earned. And those are some gorgeous glass pieces. Excellent post all the way around, Dave.