How would you describe this moment in your life right now? 

My kids are teens now so there’s more time for myself. I have loved glass art for over 20 years and have always wanted to learn how to blow glass. I was fortunate enough to find an incredible glass artist to teach me so I have been taking intensive private lessons. 

Learning glass at this point has been a tremendous gift and a dream come true. It restored a balance to my life that I didn't even know was missing. After decades of being dedicated to my family and children, finally I was doing something just for me–something that brings me true joy. My wonderful husband Pete has been so supportive, and my children Jimmy and Ashley are so happy to see me so happy!

The molten glass is mesmerizing to me ... I love the heat and fire aspect to it. The furnace is around 2200 degrees and I miss it when I’m away from it too long. The glass commands my full attention and I have to be fully and completely present. Sometimes we will work on a piece and 1.5 hours have gone by and it only felt like 20 minutes. It is definitely easy to lose myself in the process. 

My lessons are with Wes Richards who is an amazing teacher and human being. I am incredibly grateful he is my guide on this journey. He has been a glass artist for 30 years and has a dream of expanding his business into doing events. I was excited when I heard this since organizing and planning events is right up my alley.  I have a lot of experience doing it personally and professionally. I am helping him with his business called BLOW A GLASS and we specialize in glass blowing and glass fusing events. These parties can be company team-building events, a family bonding experience, a special date night or boys/girls night out. They can take place at the BLOW A GLASS event space or we also have a mobile set up that can be brought to any location.  I believe we are the first ones to ever do “pop up” glass blowing!!

We want to create events based around the community that are fun, unique and unforgettable. Our focus is to share the love of glass and glass making through human connection. Last week my daughter Ashley and I made mother/daughter sun catchers. We each made our own glass tile but with the intention of connecting them together. We laughed a lot and had the best conversation while making our pieces. It’s those opportunities and moments of making art together and connecting that truly make me excited about the events we are creating. There is also a ripple effect that occurs: now that my mom sees me do something I love so much, she started drawing and has started taking art lessons (something that my mom has never done before).

Wes and I  have already completed two very successful events and have five more booked over the next few months. The most incredible thing is that all of this happened in under three months time. It feels like the universe has been listening and is now manifesting this dream for me of making glass creations and sharing this love with others. When the timing is right and you grab the opportunities in front of you, MAGIC happens.