Moving On.....and Up

This past week, Rhode Island suffered it's worst flooding in over 100 years.

When I awoke early Tuesday morning to see that my sump pump had not worked properly, I was facing an inch of water in my basement, and it was rising quickly. By 6 am, it was clear that anything I did that day would be to maintain the water level. 2 sump pumps and a shop vac (and 3 people), worked all day. And we won that battle! Very little was lost.

(Some of my neighbors were not as fortunate. 3 blocks from me, residents were evacuated by Emergency crews on rafts).

However, the Studio resides about 100 yards from the Pawtuxet River in Cranston, and was one of the areas that was hardest hit by the floods

This is the Studio. The water is over 5 feet deep (inside and outside). My heart sank, and my knees buckled when I stood there.

It took the River 2 days to recede enough for us to enter the building. I did not know what to expect......I knew it would be devastating, and very mucky, but it was worse.

Very little was where it *should* have been. Tables were taken clear across the studio. In 3000 square feet, you could not walk 2 feet without running into something large.

This is my studio space, in the back of the building. Notice my *safe* shelf, that floated down to safety as the waters receded.

I am still heartbroken, but I am moving on (and UP, to higher ground). Amazingly, I was able to salvage about 70% of my inventory. But that's it. All my display, packaging and supplies were destroyed. And my beloved glass tools? They were the first thing I looked for, and I found them (hooray!).

Tanner Glass will continue.....it just make take me a little while to get settled. I will find a glass studio to rent, so I can continue to make all the things I love to make. But for the short term, I am consumed with salvaging what is left.

For all the well wishes, I am eternally grateful. Thank you all for your support.

Molly the Owl

I'm addicted. I admit it. I can't get enough of Molly the Barn Owl. I first heard of her on twitter a couple of days ago, and have been watching her ever since.

The first owlet has pipped (look at me, speaking "owl" talk! See, this is educational, too), so all 5 of her owlets should be hatched within a week. Exciting stuff.

Watch her here

(warning, this is a live, unedited stream of Molly, so be prepared to see her eat).

That lovely watercolor at the top of the post? I found it on Etsy, of course.

Enjoy!

Big Fan

Little fans are good, too.

If you would take a moment to be MY fan, I'd appreciate it. A little button to the right (and also at the bottom of the blog) will take you to the Tanner Glass fan page.

Once a fan, you will be privy to things that you don't often see here, or on Etsy! It's a first glance as to what is happening in my world. It's an opportunity to participate, too!

Thanks!

Spring Fever

Spring Fever.
I have it. You have it. Everyone has it.
It's inevitable this time of year. The days start to get a bit longer, the temps a *little* warmer, and if you look closely, bulbs start to show themselves.

I am a winter buff, I admit. But, this time of year is great. Really great. I love the anticipation of Spring. It is my most inspirational season, the colors, themes and designs are filled with color, and happiness.

It's only March 6th, which means we can still get hit with a snow storm, and run of cold days. And it will make people regress a bit, and get grumpy. But not me, as I know that my studio space is filled with flower themed, Spring themed colors and designs.

Welcome Spring!