Arrrrrrrrt.

Well I have told many of you that I would put up pictures of my work and projects that I've been working on. Right now, I only have pictures of my projects from my sculpture and ceramics classes last semester. I LOVED those classes! I learned so many new things in my sculpture class! And it was so good to be working with clay again. 

I love that stuff.

This semester I'm in two classes: painting and figure drawing. I will share picture from those classes soon enough.

I'm also taking a Spanish class! Hopefully that class won't get the better of me. But I am excited about learning the language. I really want to.

Anyway. Back to art:


So here is my bronze piece. This is after I cast it and before I put the patina on it (in the second picture).
It's okay if you can't tell what it is. I'll just tell you. It's a little boat in the middle of the ocean about to go up a big wave. And we don't know if it's going to make it or not.
It feels really good to hold in my cupped hands.

This is my stone! I carved this just like Michelangelo and his David! It's alabaster. I chiseled and chiseled for hours! And then I sanded and sanded for hours. It's about a foot tall. Maybe a little bit more than a foot. It's SO smooth! I just wish that you could run your hands over it. So nice.

 And my steel. This is my nerd-project. The parameters for the assignment was that we had to weld something together and we had to forge something (just like goblin blacksmiths in Lord of the Rings). I was taking the long awaited and much more dreaded Physical Science class that is basically required. It was rough. But I did enjoy learning about the characteristics of light and it's wave/particle duality. Hence, my steel project! 

Okay. These are the different light spectra of different gases. The colors go from purple on the left to red on the right. Each row is a different gas. The top four gases that make up the air that we breathe in and out everyday of our lives, nitrogen, oxygen, argon and carbon. 
I was really excited about this project because it has a lot of my favorite things in it: life, breathing, color. The elements.  

I don't have pictures of all of my ceramics projects yet. But this is my final project. It's hanging on the wall. I got the frame from the DI. It used to hold a Del Taco advertisement. The plan is to get a nicely carved old wood frame to go around it. Someday. It's about twenty inches long.

So there you go, folks. 

I Heart Christmas Music.

This is my favorite song for today. 

Oh hey.

Well. I am just really excited for the next two days to be over. That's all.


In other news. My sister, Michelle, is getting married to Shawn on Thursday, November 29th, 2012.

And I'm moving out of my apartment! Yay! Thank goodness. I'm going to live in a house! I loves houses. And I'll be living with my dear friend, Missy, again! She just got home from her mission. She is great. I'm glad she is home. 

School is almost over. I am greatly looking forward to that. But I'm also not ready for it at all. Paper due today at 2:30pm, final project due tomorrow at 11:50am for my ceramics class, paper due tomorrow at 11:59pm. 
Work in thirty minutes (from now).

Yep. I'm excited to be done. 

Okay. I have to go make something. Bye.

Next post will be better. Promise.

I do what I want.

...and I like what I do.

Recently, I was in my studio arts guest lecture and Mike Whiting was the visiting guest artist. He does mostly sculpture and painting. And I really liked him! The MOA here has some of his sculptures on exhibit right now and I think they are a great addition to the sculpture garden. I definitely admire them every Tuesday and Thursday on my way to art history. 

Mike told us that his style was greatly influenced by old, over pixelated video games (like Atari games and Pac-Man), the Broadway Boogie-Woogie painting by Piet Mondrian, and old paint on old cars. He showed us a lot of pictures of his sculpture, his public works projects and his paintings. 

I really liked these:

14 lenses.

RiNo Rhino.

Pinky and Mr Green.

And that is how he makes a living! Making big, over pixelated pictures and statues! I loved it! And Mike loves it too. You could just tell. And I appreciate that even more than his work.

At the end of these lectures, we have the opportunity to ask any questions if we have them. And one lady got the microphone and asked Mike something like this, "So, you like Pac-Man and Atari and steel and that's just what you like so that's what you make?" (And the way she said it just made it sound like she didn't approve. As if she thought those were silly reasons to express himself and that he should have more profound influences/inspirations/meanings. I thought that was kind of rude.) But Mike handled it very well. He pretty much just said, "Yup." haha 

And I really liked that! Why shouldn't he make/do stuff that he likes?? That is what makes him happy! 

Which got me thinking... about my life. haha I can't TELL you the number of times people have asked me what in the world I'm going to do with an art degree in the same kind of tone as that lady. I always reply cheerfully and give them a nice, sturdy answer: "Well, I'm going to get my teaching license and maybe grad school...blah blah blah...", but inside I'm thinking, "I'm going to do what I want with it! And be happy all the rest of my days!"  

**Disclaimer: Usually when people ask me what I'm going to do with my art degree, I don't feel that they are asking in that tone. Don't worry. All of you out there who are reading this, (which is probably no one these days) I am not talking about you! I love you and I'm SO grateful for your support!! Thanks!

One such occasion, Thanksgiving day. 2011. My missionary days. The bishop's family invited us and a few other families over to share their lovely dinner with them! One couple in the ward started asking us all of the usual missionary questions and when I told them that I was an art major and then told them of my plans to get my teaching license and work with kids, they laughed (to themselves) and said to me, "I hope you like cutting up construction paper and glitter!"

Kind of hurt my feelings. I know it shouldn't have, but I'm sure my family members can remember that next week's email/rant about it and my views of art and children's creativity and imagination and so on. I guess I just feel strongly about it....

So, yes. I am an art major. And I will do art the rest of my life, and see where it takes me! Who knows where? I don't. But I know it will be great! Hard, but great. 

I'm not going to make a hefty salary. I KNOW. But I'm also not going to sit at a desk from 9-5, staring at a computer screen, wearing uncomfortable business casual. (And I know that that is an overgeneralization, not all jobs are like that. But a lot of them are...)

I do what I want and what I feel is right for me. And I am happy! And I am very grateful for that.

Thanks, Mike, for helping me come to that realization, again. 

the twelfth day of september.

This lovely lady was one of the first people I met when I arrived in Virginia. Jeanie Sanchez. And the first time I met her, she told me that my hair was too long and I had too many siblings.  

By the end of my stay in that area just outside of Richmond, which was just a short six weeks, Jeanie and I had become great friends. 

One great contributing factor of that was that we discovered that we had the same birthday! September 12. (Yep, we just had our birthdays!) After that, Jeanie believed that she knew me inside and out. We were both Virgo's! She "knew" what I liked and disliked, how I handled stressful situations, and that I liked my 'alone time'...

The picture above was my last time seeing her before I left the area. And it's a good thing she doesn't have a computer because she wouldn't be happy if she knew this picture was up here.

Jeanie met with missionaries for about six years before she finally felt ready and understood how the gospel could really help her in her life and wanted to get baptized! Luckily, I was able to be there on that very happy day! It was great and, of course, she was so happy!

This is her house. I raked ALL of the leaves around her WHOLE house one time. It took forever. Over 30 bags. haha This was Christmas Day, 2010. She and her husband shared their Christmas dinner and evening with us and we listened to the Josh Groban Christmas CD on repeat for about four hours.

I talked to Jeanie on the phone yesterday to wish her a happy birthday! I called her on our birthday day but she didn't answer. So we chatted yesterday and it was wonderful. She is still just so great and special to me. I love her.

It's been a great birthday week. I'm 23! But as Michelle would say, I've been 23 for the past three years.

But the week has included: Surprise and planned visits from loved ones. Good food- very important! Dancing. Alice in Wonderland. Picnic (tomorrow). Shopping. Nice notes. PUMPKIN PIE. Being with people that I know and love and those that I don't know too well but want to get to know better. Almost fall weather.

I love September.

Mosquito Bites

Well. I think it's probably been long enough. I've been home about two months now. It's not that I didn't want to write. I just didn't really know what to say. There is SO much to say! I didn't know where to start. And that intimidated me. 

But. The other night I had a good talk with my dear, dear mother. We sat on our trampoline frame (because the nasty insurance people made us take off the actual trampoline while I was on my mission because we didn't have a net around it... still kind of bugged about that one. We haven't had any real injuries in 18 years! [just a sprain, sorry Erica] We don't need a net.) ANYway, my mom and me. During the twilight hour. Sitting by our beautiful garden and talking. About life. We laughed, we cried, our feet got bit by mosquitoes. And for some reason, I have no idea what it could be, I thought of my blog! Isn't that crazy? Well, I was thinking about a lot of things... I mean, we were discussing LIFE! I was thinking about Virginia and how wonderful it is and how much I miss it! I thought about how the mosquitoes ate me right up last year in the humid Virginia summer evenings. And I thought about how writing is good for my soul, but I haven't written here or in my journal or anywhere really since about three weeks before I came home because of certain events that took place that I didn't want to write about/deal with. But I need to deal with them! I need to write! Writing keeps me (more) rational and helps me process. It keeps my mind going. And a blog is such a nice place to write!

So. For all you out there....Michelle, I'm back. And I'm happy! I will post about Virginia. There is lots to tell. It was the best. And things since I've been home have been pretty darn good! A lot of good things have happened. I will post about Kate's wedding. And I am looking forward to what is going to come. School starts in just over a month! I am both nervous and excited to go back.

Real life. 

I just watched The Truman Show with my little brother and my dad. I love that movie. And without even knowing it, it was exactly what I needed. Thanks, Truman! 

Can you imagine that feeling?    

current pictures!

I love the sun. And my new camera. (Our windows were streaky so the camera focused on the window instead of outside. But I kind of like it. And the little farmhouse in the background. It's cute.)

S Ward and I in the furthermost corner of our area. We got lost a few times and finally found this cute/dirty gas station and bought a map and some ice cream.

Making stars with the lovely ladies. I love them.

S. Hartley and I at the bowling alley to watch Sister Moon bowl in the tournament. She is really good. And it was really fun/funny.

Squirrel Chili

Email dated February 28. 2011

Happy Monday everybody! And Happy March tomorrow! My half birthday is in 12 days! Woo hoo!

Hope you're all doing well. I'm doing great! I would love to hear from more of you.....

My new companion, S Hartley is wonderful. And they were right, she is from Canada! Cardston, which is in the Calgary Mission, Kate... So. That's cool.
She's really fun. Like everyone said, too. She's been out for 5 months, so one transfer ahead of me. haha We're doing good. It's weird that I have to make all of the decisions because she doesn't know anyone yet. But I'm doing an okay job at that. I'm trying to make inspired decisions. It's hard. It's hard to come up with things to do at night. Because no one answers their door after dark unless they are expecting you and so when we don't have any appointments, I just don't really know what to do... So, we've been having a good time figuring things out. But.
She went to BYU-ID for two years and she's math education. And she likes the same kind of music as me!!!!!!! It's wonderful. She loves Arcade Fire! :) And so do I. Man, it was so good to discover that. And she likes reading. And she has 3 brothers and 2 sisters. And she's just really fun and I love her. And she's really excited to be here in Gloucester, which is a really good thing! I am really happy about that. I was feeling a little nervous about having to introduce her to Gloucester, but she loves it! So, that's good.

Yesterday was Ward Conference! I love Ward Conference! And Donna and Rob came! But the Stewards did not... I don't know why. That was unfortunate. But it was so good. Those stake leaders do a great job. I'm really excited about the future. Heavenly Father knows our situation here in Gloucester. And He is trying to help us. We just need to help ourselves, too.
And afterward, we had a linger longer chili lunch and that was so good. AND, yes, I ate SQUIRREL. Gross, huh? It was gross. Actually, I couldn't really tell a difference, but it was just gross thinking about it. And I almost couldn't do it, because I was looking at it in my bowl and Rob leaned over and said, Oh look, there's it's little paw, and then I thought about Flip or whatever his name is in Enchanted (the squirrel) and I almost got sick. hahaha Rob. Such a joker. But it was exciting. I don't think I will eat it again, if I can manage.  (also, I hope you all said/read 'squirrel' like Veruca Salt.)

The church is true. And we have to be actively involved for it to be of any benefit to our salvation. Be a good home/visiting teacher, please. Just do it. Even if it's scary or you don't want to.

Hope you're all doing well.

The first day of Spring is in one month! Today is really beautiful. The wind is blowing and it's warm and the sun is shining. We are going to have a picnic. And get Jones soda from Walmart. :) PS. if anyone is still drinking those at home, or Michelle, please be saving your caps for me. I REALLY need them. When I get back. And send me your fortunes if you want. :)

I love you all. Thanks for your prayers and support. I couldn't do it without you!

Love Sister R Barney

Turning into a "Gloucester-ite"

Email Dated February 22. 2011

They really refer to themselves like that. These people are so crazy. haha but I love them.

Happy President's Day yesterday! I just love holidays. BUT. I do not like that it closes the post offices and the libraries. It's ok though. I'm sure we all survived. Wow. So many holidays have fallen on Mondays this year. Valentines, MLK Day and now Pres day. That's cool.

......Anyway, Hope you're all doing well! Oh, before I forget -you probably already figured it out, but- I am staying here in Gloucester! And I'm NOT training! Hooray! Sister Ward is going to Poquoson to shotgun and train! They are taking the elders out and putting her in! She is going to be so good over there! We'll still be in the same zone, so we'll see each other semi-often. I'm sad to see her go. But I think it will help me be more independent/ dependent in another way.... My new companion is coming from VA Beach area, Salem. And her name is Sister Hartly. And she's from Canada! So that's cool, eh? :) jk.

This week was good. The Stewards have rescheduled their baptism to be March 13th. I think that will work this time. They are going to get all caught up on their homework and we can teach them and they can come to church a few more times and then they'll be baptized! It's going to be great! B Steward spoke in church this past Sunday. He was SO nervous! But he did a wonderful job! I am just so happy for them. And last night when we stopped by so S Ward could say goodbye he asked if he could give her a hug. Cute. She didn't hug him, of course. In case you were wondering.

Donna and Rob are doing well. They didn't come to church on Sunday because there were some fires around the peninsula and they were worried about their friends so they drove around all day checking up on their friends who lived in those areas and I called her last night and she asked if all of the church members were ok and if any of their houses burned. She loves everyone so much. It's so great. We went by on Friday to have lunch with Donna and she asked how long people usually wait until they are baptized. hahaha It was wonderful. We helped her hem one of her dresses so she could wear it to church. They are going to be just great. I am so excited for them.

My exchange with S Brown was great! We had a lot of fun together. She is going down to Norfolk to train now. But, our exchange was good. We went and saw a lot of people and I learned a lot from her. I just need to be more confident. But I don't know why, people just really like talking over me. Why is that? I don't know... I'm just not very good at driving the bus.

I'm just a little bit worried for S Ward to leave. She has been here for so long and knows everyone- mostly. And Everyone loves her. And they all just laugh at me... haha It's true. You would be surprised. haha I think the ward will need to go through a little adjustment period, but then hopefully it will be really good. And S Hartly and I will be able to work this area and help them a lot. Thanks for all of the suggestions and stuff. The First Presidency actually asked all of the mission presidents to have all of us missionaries to get onto mormon.org every week to get familiar with everything on it. And so we'll be able to use it now with members and nonmembers. And we are trying to start a new scripture reading program. So the ward can read the Book of Mormon this year. That will be starting soon. I think it will help everyone. We split the Book of Mormon up into four sections and we want to have a little fireside or Sacrament meeting program after each section. One: at the end of 2 Nephi on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, then: in the middle of Alma about missionary work, then: at the end of 3 Nephi on the Savior, and the last one at the end when everyone should be finishing the Book of Mormon and have the fireside be on the Promise and have everyone pray and the truthfulness of the book and have a spiritual experience. Cool huh? Sister Ward and I were really excited about it. It was really inspired. As we were planning everything out. It just flowed. So that will start soon. Hopefully.

All of the missionaries I've talked to and when President told me Sister Hartly was coming, they all said we would have a lot of fun together. Those exact words. I'm excited! I'm excited to have fun. I don't know who is going to be the senior companion. But I REALLY hope it's me so that I can drive. I loved driving during our exchanges last week. I loved it!! And it helped me stay awake during the day. hahaha It's hard when you drive 20 minutes in between appointments! I just get really tired riding around in the car. So, hopefully I'll be driving.

Dr. Seuss's birthday is coming up. SO, please celebrate.

I hope you all know how much I love you. I really really do. And I think about you all everyday. Which sometimes makes me feel guilty because I'm a missionary, and sometimes it makes me sad because I miss you... haha just kidding, it's ok. Not too distracting. Usually it makes me feel good. Because I love you all so much. I am just so grateful for wonderful family and friends. I love telling people about my family. I will tell everyone that will listen. You are all da best. Keep moving forward!

KATE: will you please look up that quote from Walt Disney and send it to me? From Meet the Robinsons.

Have a great week!
Love Sister R Barney