Give up the Old, discover the New.

Years come and years go. I just realized my last blog was just about a year ago, just a little over a year of blogging and then, nothing. My cycle of cognisance is not getting any longer.

Actually friend Robin asked me if I had abandoned blogging forever making the think about what did and I start, and why. She also sent me Kari's blog, which I have enjoyed reading. Kari, like Robin and me and most of us, is struggling with weight. Last spring she joined the Weight Loss Study group at UNC and reportedly is doing quite well. Kari's blog: kari-snickers.blogspot.com/. Why snickers? You'll have to read that story for yourself.

Meantime a couple of things have happened to me. Spring and summer gave more time than I intended on the Durham Orange Quilters Guild initiative for putting Quilt Barns in the Triangle. For DOQ website see: www.durhamorangequilters.com/. That effort has been for naught, the hang-up came when I needed a DUNS number [required on grant applications], and the board seemed to think I was putting the tax-exempt status in jeopardy (?). Nevertheless, I gave it my best shot and realized there was no where to go after that.

The same week the scheduled lecture series "Dance in American Film," was to begin at The Seymour Center, we had technical difficulties ((@&*$**#!!), and the whole series has been delayed a week!

Since then I have given a "Color" talk-lecture for a Costume II class at UNC's Department of Dramatic Arts, requested by resident costume designer for Playmakers' Repetory Theater. Ah, long past memories of working in amateur theater in South Bend, Indiana decades ago.

Thanks to one savvy costume student I learned firsthand about TECHSHOP DURHAM, a really inspiring place. See: techshopdurham.com/. TechShop is designed for everyone, regardless of their skill level. TechShop is perfect for inventors, “makers”, hackers, tinkerers, artists, roboteers, families, entrepreneurs, youth groups, FIRST robotic teams, arts and crafts enthusiasts, and anyone else who ever wanted to do something, but couldn’t. Or so says their home page. What immediately caught my attention was the Textile classes and the laster cutting tool, the Epilog Helix.

Using CorelDraw, we'll show you how to import and design your ideal etched, engraved, or cut product on the Epilog Helix. The Epilog can be used on a myriad of items.
For cutting, the materials list includes: Wood, Rubber, Natural fiber cloth and leather, Paper products, Acrylic- - - If your preference is to engrave or etch, the Epilog can handle that as well!Ideal etching and engraving materials include everything listed above and: Glass, Corian, Painted & coated metals.

Now my mind has at least 77 projects in mind for etching and laser cutting. And mind you I have not even seen the machine yet. Cutting exact pieces of fusible-backed fabrics to press into a photo-outlined image, then quilt and produce every realistic looking 'quilt-portraits' is the first thing I want to try. But that's just for starters. I have metals & chains to soder, silver to polish, banners to make; anything on acrylic, anything with adhesive backing, even wood can be detailed with this 'magical machine.' I'm ready for an introductory lesson on Wednesday and after that - stand back.

Got to the UNC Gym late this morning after a restless night, but gave it best efforts for a workout. Have you seen the "Age Calculator?"

Life Expectancy Calculator You may be younger, or much older, than you think!This one is absolutely amazing! This'll either scare you or elate you. If you answer truthfully, it is a cool tool. Click here: Age Calculator.

IF the link does not work, just Google "Age Expectancy Calculator."
Yes my actual age and my bioloigical age are different, indicating that more exercise, less eating and a lot more vegetables are needed if I want to live a long and active life. Otherwise, just send me to "Terminal Hall," give me lots of chocolate, rum and fried foods and I won't be a health-care problem for long.

Dinner tonight: steamed broccoli under the leftover cold sesame noodles from The Red Lotus dinner with DH Friday night. No meat tonight but I am ready for a rum-gingerale. Need ice. Later, BB

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