Friday, July 3, 2015

A Bicycle Built For Two

The Mediterranean Sea continues to soothe my soul. Sleeping with my windows open, and the sea air surrounding me  day and night is truly a powerful force of nature.

Today she had a new experience of riding a tandem bike. Ariadna and and Arturo graciously made this possible.  We had a great time together.
Ooooh, this feels so good between my toes! Sam is enjoying it as much as I am.

Bon Dia (good day in Catalan).


Each day is a gift, open now.
xo
Suz


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Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Ahhhh....

Sam is enjoying the sea breeze. It's been quite balmy here in Barcelona.



Each day is a gift, open now.
xo,
Suz




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Sunday, June 28, 2015

Hello Mediterranean !!

Sam is here, I am here, and the windows facing the sea are wide open for the ultimate sea breeze effect.  There is something about saltwater air that soothes my soul. To our delight there are black and white magpies everywhere! A warm welcome, and almost an affirmation of my coming here. A sign so to speak.
Copyright 2015 polkadotmagpie
I had thought we would be closer to the sea. It's about a mile and three quarters away. We are on a very steep hill! I had reserved a bicycle. But after seeing the steep narrow winding roads to and from the apartment...it would be crazy to ride a bike here. I looked for cyclists, but have seen none up here. For good reason! Tomorrow I will get a rental car.  Sam likes this, 'cause she can sit in the front seat!

In the meantime, I am working on my first drawings for my prints.



Each day is a gift, open now.
xo
Suz







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Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Off to Barthelona

Sam is on her way already, and I leave in a day for an artist residency in Barcelona.
We'll be gone most of the summer. Sam has packed her bikini and 2 sundresses. As well as wigs!

The last time I was in Barcelona was with Kelley. So I am sure it will be bittersweet at first. I look forward to bringing you some great Sam pictures, as well as new artwork.

Each day is a gift, open now.
xo
Suz







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Friday, May 22, 2015

A Busy Knife Wife


Last year we started a company called Terzuola Tactical.  The purpose of this was for my husband Bob to spend less time standing at his machines. When he turned 70, and had back fusion surgery he no longer could work the hours he had for 40 years. He'd had lots of design ideas, so now was the time to start making them. First would be to redesign his ATCF so that it was a "flipper", with a 3.5" blade. This complies with most US states knife laws. Second would be a tool in the shape of his dragon logo.  Having other people water jet cut, or CnC has been the bugaboo.  Except for our local water jet man Michael.  Thank goodness for him!

ATCF-EDC prototype

ATCF EDC Prototype
ATCF EDC parts

This year we have a booth at the Blade Show in Atlanta.  Some of the things we will have besides the ATCF EDC (every day carry) prototype are: sticker packs, danger tags in handmade and printed paper sleeves, Terzuola Beads, the dragon tool, patches, t-shirts, and the CRKT first edition knives. And much much more! In the next few days I will post all of our swag.
Danger tags and handmade paper sleeves I printed myself with the dragon logo.

Blue anodized titanium dual action opener
Our tool came out beautifully. We are very proud of it. The one in the photo is Titanium. We also have them in Stainless steel for the show only, as well as blackened Zirconium, and "dragon's blood red" Cerakote edition.  I'll show more before the show.  We've been told that this is the best looking and working one on the market!

My desk with several of our original stickers.

I have been a busy knife wife. My focus at Blade will be to find CnC machine shops that are ready and able to make our tools and knives, that want a long working relationship. Without dependable machine shops none of this will be possible.  We have cut our teeth on this issue, and look forward to working together.

Each day is a gift, open now.
xo
Suz







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Friday, April 17, 2015

Only The Good...

New sticker will be ready for Blade.


Life has been off the hook busy with all good things! We started a new company: "Terzuola Tactical." I have been busy designing all sorts of goodies that we will have ready at our Blade Show booth #1046 in June. I'll be posting some of these as we get closer. It's exciting! Many vendors to deal with, such as waterjet cutters, CnC machines, laser etching, and many other talented makers. In fact I realize I live in a world of makers. People who use machines, or their hands to earn a living. It's the best world for me.
Young Walter when his tail was coming in.

I had to share a recent loss with you. I have posted so many photos of my chickens over the years. I started raising the Swedish Flower breed just over 3 years ago. They are excellent layers, and come in a variety of colors. I have about 12 of them. We kept one rooster, and called him Walter.  When we had the Merek's disaster due to ordering other non inoculated birds from Wingshadows Hacienda, none of the Swedish were affected because they had been inoculated. However Walter went blind in one eye.
More young Walter...he would get to be 2 1/2 ft. tall

Roosters can be very difficult. I am sure you have heard stories of them attacking people. Here is the rooster "theory of mind." They want two things: to mate with the hens, and keep all other suiters or roosters away from their women.  My practice has been to bring hand held food with me when I let the birds out every morning. This way even the roosters associate me with food.  There have been a few roosters that saw me as a threat no matter what. But Walter never.
Favorite all time picture. What are these hens saying?!

Last night I found him slumped over in the yard. He'd made his transition to the big hen house somewhere. Roosters don't live as long as hens. Their hearts beat faster. They are basically in fight or flight mode for their entire lives. Walter had about 20 hens in his flock. He made sure all their eggs were fertile. :-) They say only the good die young. He was that. When I go out to feed and water the flock this morning, his crow will be missed. There will be a shake up in the flock. I keep my 2 banty roosters in a smaller coop. We'll see if one of those boys decides to move in with the "big girls."

Walter, I will miss you and your gentle manner with me and your hens. You were not only beautiful, but a great flock master. Thanks for all the joy you brought to us.  I can still see you running to me from across the yard. Long tail feathers bouncing up and down as you ran.  I have several drawings of this photo. This summer I will make an edition of prints of this wonderful moment I captured on film. You will always be in our hearts.


Each day is a gift, open now.


xo,
Suz






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Sunday, February 15, 2015

Must Love Cookies

Sam was given these beautiful handmade skull cookies for Valentines Day.  I can personally say they were delicious!  Thanks to Joan!


Each day is a gift, open now.


xo Suz







NO PHOTOS FROM THIS BLOG MAY BE REPRODUCED IN ANY WAY WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE BLOGGER AND POLKADOTMAGPIE.