Here are some words that I published for the ISGB postcard project.  Wanted to put them here so I remember how last year felt.

This last year has been a year or amazing challenges and surprising victories. As President of the ISGB, I along with the ISGB board, had to make hard decisions about planned events and activities. We made decisions with the best interest of the organization and our membership and I believe we stayed true to that direction.

 With disruption often comes good change and the last year has caused the ISGB to take different directions in order to reach our members where they are, home. We have adopted a greater online presence and created online events quickly. It has been a crazy time, but we have gained much!

 In my personal life, I have worked from home for this year and feel closer to my family and more grounded in my home. I live now needing less and treasure my friends and family above anything. My 60th birthday was quieter then hoped but more fulfilling then I ever dreamed.

 Creatively I have taken many online classes from talented artists and have learned much. I have tried new things and learned to work with the freedom of letting things go that I don’t enjoy. 

 When my grandchildren ask me about this year I will tell them it was a year of tragic sadness and loss, great love, and learning to grow where you’re planted. Literally. - Susan

 Back from Italy Happy and Satiated!

It was a fabulous couple of weeks in Murano, Venice, and Florence.

My adventure was organized by Sara Legrand. I have been to Italy with her before and especially during these times on earth I knew she would provide us with a safe exciting adventure.

Italy was everything the US is not.  Safe and aware of the pandemic.  Covid vaccine is required to get on a train, a boat, or in a restaurant.  Everyone wears masks indoors.  I felt safe there.  Returning home was a shock at the number of people who are disregarding even the simplest of protections such as mask wearing.

We saw many fabulous glass people on our adventure and had great times with friends old and new.

I saw Florence for the first time and fell in love with that city as well.  Venice was nicely undercrowded and Murano was a quiet end to each day. Gelato was a treat each day around 5 and our dinners kept the conversation and spritzs rolling.

The apartment at Ca' Mazzega was a lovely home away from home and I would happily stay there again.

All and all it was the adventure of my life so far.  Not sure I will be back for glass but I will lovingly show these places to my family in the future.

Thank you Italy and Sara for an amazing 17 days.

Susan

.