Monday, June 28, 2010

My 2nd printed story in the newspaper!


For many years, glass temples of miniature proportions have topped wedding cakes of LDS couples.

One former business that sold glass LDS temples and other miniature figurines closed its doors three years ago.

Long-time residents may remember the business Krystal Kreations, which was located in an Orem mall. People would gather round the counter, as glass sculptors would create tiny figurines on site.

However, the glass sculptor of the LDS temples worked behind the scenes. Her name is Marge Rosebrook. She has been creating these works of art locally for more than 30 years. She introduced her temple creations to the former owner of Krystal Kreations. They quickly became one of the most popular items on the shelves.

Rosebrook has produced more than 72,000 glass temples during her career, creating replicas of the 133 operating temples throughout the world. These miniature creations have created sentimental feelings for their owners.

“I recently had a husband contact me to have their temple repaired,” said business partner Sarah Asay. “When he picked it up, he took it out to his wife in the car and gingerly passed it to her through the window. She got out and gave him a huge hug.”

There are few glass temple sculptors. Rosebrook knows of only one other company selling this type of work.

Since the closure of the mall outlet, people have become frantic, looking for someone to either repair their temples or purchase additional pieces, Asay said.

“They have been on the Internet for hours, searching,” Asay said. “I have to explain to them ... the artist sold to that company, and if they had a temple made in the last 35 years, it was probably ours.”

When pieces are brought in for repair, Rosebrook is able to identify whether it is her work, because of her unique “stitch” work.

“A stitch is like crocheting with a solid rod of glass and torch,” Rosebrook said. “I later found out that the technical term for this is lampworking.”

During a local swap meet in 1964, Rosebrook became fascinated with a vendor making animal glass figurines and asked if he would teach her. After working for 12 years in the art department for NASA, her love of sculpting glass led to her working with this art medium full time once she moved to Utah.

Rosebrook began creating temple sculptures shortly after she joined the Church in 1979. With so few temples during the ’80s, she was able to perfect her techniques on the existing temples. But soon her expertise increased with President Gordon B. Hinckley’s announcement that many more temples would be built.

“People would call as soon as temples were announced,” Rosebrook said.

Rosebrook learned quickly she could not start designing the new temples until a foundation was poured and walls were up. The learning curve came about when the Mount Timpanogos Temple was announced. Using the renderings for the proposed temple, she designed a rectangular temple. The temple design was changed three times, finally settling on a square design — and she has three models to prove it.

In the design process, Rosebrook requires “birds-eye view renderings” or photographs of the roofline to make it as accurate as possible. She will create two to three glass structures before deciding the temple is correct and structurally sound.

While working with this art medium, Rosebrook has created some unique tools with different applications. To create eyes on animal figurines she has even modified spoons.

“I was visiting a Chinese restaurant one day and noticed these long tongs,” Rosebrook said. “They were perfect.”

The more popular form of glass sculpting, or lampwork, is in the work of lampwork beads. This art form has been in existence since 550 B.C. in China, later moving to Egypt in the 1400s and then throughout Europe. Most notably are Venetian lampwork beads, commonly known as Murano glass. Lampwork beads are considered unique, with artists guarding the secrecy surrounding their glass formulations and techniques.

Glass temples have become unique to the LDS population.

“I’ll train anyone,” Rosebrook said. “An Idaho woman was interested in learning, but she had six children. It would be hard to work with interruptions. Once you start, you can’t stop when creating a piece.”

Information can be found about Rosebrook’s work at TemplesAroundTheWorld.com. A gallery of frequently ordered temples are available on this website.

“I had a customer come in the dark of the night, wanting a temple to be fixed in the next 30 minutes,” Asay said. “The woman was frantic and told me, ‘I just broke my daughter’s temple. She is coming home in two hours, and she can’t know about it!’ ”

Friday, June 25, 2010

School Update

Spring term is under my belt, and Summer term has begun by racing out of the gate!

What I mean by racing - is that I am an official "news reporter." and have to "race" to finish my stories for the Daily Universe. The first two stories are complete, only to have two, three and more, looming on my mind waiting to be framed.

The professor whom I thought was going to be our instructor turned out not to be, but now is, due to the official instructor traveling to China. But you know what, I like this 'not to be' instructor!!! However, I may change my mind once he gets a hold of my articles - wondering if he will tear it apart!!!

In the meantime, I will be plugging along with Bio 100, a class that is filled with seniors, because it is the last G.E. that is needed (I am one of them!). Hoping my now improved, GPA, will not be tarnished because of failure to understand DNA, and other biological issues.

Good news today! Got a very kind note from my spring term instructor in Media Law. He wrote to tell me that I did well competing with a class full of 20-year old, and received one of the top grades of the class. Ended up with grades far better than I expected - and I am so grateful.

Families - are Everywhere!


Last night, the majority of my husband's family congregated at the LDS Conference Center for a practice session of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. My husband's sister, Rachel, is a member of the choir (and we are very proud of her!).

Apparently the MoTab allows special guests to practice with them occasionally. Rachel and a cousin, who also is a choir member, made arrangements for their dads (who are brothers) to sing with the choir last night. According to dad - this was a chance of a lifetime!

Though just an observer, we are so glad we got to enjoy the experience too. The count of more than 80 family members were there to support a long awaited dream.

Dad - we love you!

So True!!!

On Facebook, my cousin, who lives in Yuma, AZ - where I was born and raised, posted this quote:

You know you live in Yuma when the four seasons are: tolerable, hot, really hot, and are you freakin' kidding me?! ~Author Unknown

Couldn't help but get a deep gutteral chuckle out of this!!!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Avoidance at All Costs

There was a description penned for my daughter's, sister-in-law -

Constructive Avoidance: Time spent on work that is neither important or urgent, in preference to urgent and important work.

I want to say, that today, I feel like doing that. One more final to go, then I can breathe and regroup for Monday.

But what am I doing? It isn't studying!!! It is blogging about wanting to avoid doing anything - though, I could go for a wicked storm filling the night skies, a fire, a soft cozy blanket and a good book to enjoy. And a deep uninterrupted sleep.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Sandwiches

I just saw someone eating a toasted, top ramen (cooked) and mayonnaise sandwich. Is that wrong - or what?

Monday, June 7, 2010

There Are Warning Signs You Know!

On the front page of the New York Times today, there were several articles about technology and your brain. I recommend that they are all a must read, as it points out some significant studies on how technology, if unchecked can REWRITE your brain. I think it is more like having your brain becoming HARDWIRED. Hey, I love technology. I think it is wonderful, but there are limits.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself regarding your usage on the computer. Tara Parker-Pope spoke with experts who identified these signs:
• Do you always check your e-mail before doing other things?
• Do you frequently find yourself anticipating the next time you’ll be online?
• Have you ever lied about or tired to hide how long you’ve been online?
• Have you ever chosen to spend time online rather than going out with others?
• Does going online lift you from a depressed or nervous mood?
• Do others in your life often complain about the amount of time you spend using technology?

Friday, June 4, 2010

Hanging Out With the Tribe



I learned about this book during a series of lectures on Social Media last year.

Seth Godin is a marketer, and he has something important to say. About tribes. Think about it. How many tribes do you belong to? What do your tribal leaders say or do that makes you want to follow? We have been doing this from the beginning of mankind.

This book makes you think OUTSIDE THE BOX in regards to tribes, or communities of people. Many equate social media with creating communities - or tribes. That is partly true. The Internet is a tool which helps you to connect. But to create a tribe - you still need people. People are still important in building relationships.

Godin writes about different types of people and how they play various roles in tribes. They are three types that made an impression on me, the heretic, the fundamentalist and the curious.

HERETIC: "The ones who challenge the status quo, who get out in front of their tribes, who create movements...heretics, troublemakers and change agents aren't merely thorns in our side - they are the keys to our success." (p. 11) Think about William Tyndale, during the 16th century. He was considered a heretic, because he believed that the bible should be for every man. He was burned for his beliefs. To those with religious power, he was a troublemaker, and he created movements such as the Protestant reformation.

FUNDAMENTALIST: "A person who considers whether a fact is acceptable to his religion before he explores it." But really, "...fundamentalism has nothing to do with religion and everything to do with an outlook..." (p.63-64) You may know people like this. They decide that this (whatever it may be) is the way it should be and use it to anchor their lives. 'Once a catholic, always a catholic' was what a friend would tell me. Personally I thought that was just dumb - because he accepted this religion without knowing for himself. Additionally, I believe that there are many people who live by routines, there is no variety in their lives, and when life hits them broadside, they can't cope. A lot of issues pop up. I feel sorry for these individuals.

CURIOUS: "...a curious person who explores first and then considers whether or not he wants to accept the ramifications...[they] embrace the tension between his religion and something new, wrestles with it and through it, and then decides whether to embrace the new idea or reject it." (p. 63) Godin further describes a curios person who has the desire to understand and try new things - they want to explore and push the envelope to see what is going to happen next. I chuckled when I read how going to school is punishment to the curious! But two points were significant:

• "...the safest thing you can do feels risky and the riskiest thing you can do is play it safe." (p. 64)

• "Once recognized, the quiet yet persistent voice of curiosity doesn't go away. Ever." (p. 64)

So I ask you - what do you consider yourself?