Well folks, much to my surprise the article I've written for The Annealer Magazine has been published.  For those of you who are not familiar with this magazine, it is U.S. based, and caters for lampworkers (glass bead artist).  I got a surprise to receive two copies of the magazine in my postal box. 

Anyway, it's been heavily edited from the original piece I've written but that's life I guess.  *big sigh*

The article is about the glass revolution in Australia and New Zealand.  It briefly describes what's going on here in downunder about this craft, as well as the establishment of the AGBG Australian Glass Beadmakers Guild and the SRA/ANZ Self-Representing Artist Australia and New Zealand.

It's my first time to be published in a magazine and for a great cause because it raises community awareness about AGBG AND SRA/ANZ.

My warmest thanks to Barbara Robinson, the founder of the AGBG for helping me write the article.

I'm very happy to announce that my submission for an article has been accepted and has been published on the website for The Australian Glass Beadmakers Guild.

I present to you Kerry Harper, NSW chapter of the SRA-ANZ (Self Representing Artist for Australia and New Zealand) as the Featured Artist for the month of June/July 2007.  Please click on the link to view the article.  www.aussiebeadmakers.com/featuredartist.html

Thanks Kerry for sharing your story and for trusting me with the information.  Thanks Barbara Robinson, the founder of the AGBG, for your encouragement, your support and for keeping the flame alive.

I believe that things happen for a reason.  Recently, I've made a huge step and resigned from my job as a registered nurse.  My last day at work will be on Wednesday, 30 May, 2007.

After working in the community for 4 years and 8 months, and in the hospital system for 8 years and 2 months, it's time to move on. 

I'll take a month break to holistically rejuvinate, set up my art studio, fine-tune my lampworking or glassbeadmaking skills on a regular basis, continue learning digital photography with my hubby Anthony, spend more time with my family and friends and take a vacation/holidays in the Phillipines (16-30 June, 2007).

I'm a lil bit sad yet I'm so excited of what tomorrow will bring.  One thing for sure, I'm ready for the new challenges that life has to offer. 

I got hope, faith, love and most importantly with J.C. on my side what more can I ask for?

I'm happy to report that today, 01 May 2007, I'm featured as a Newbie Lampwork Babe at The Annealer Magazine (USA).  Please click on the link below for more information.

http://www.theannealermagazine.com/Spring2007LampworkBabeRifieHogan.htm

rifiezkritterz in chorus:  "I'm 2 sexy for the photos... 2 sexy for the photos... 2 sexy it hurts!!!"

Karamba!!!  I've been woken up with the kritterz loud singing... talking about EXCITED!!!

I said, "Settle down troops... it's way too early to see your uncle for the photoshoot, would u like him to throw u guys in his pool"  The cheekybums replied, "No worries Rifie, Uncle Ollie will probably join us.  We are afterall his backup band heheheheehhehe!!!"

What to do, what to do.... I'm outnumbered.  So, if you can't beat em, join em... "I'm 2 sexy for the photos... 2 sexy for the photos... 2 sexy it hurts!!!"

Yes troops, it's our photoshoot today.  The reason, we ain't gonna tell for now, but you oughta check this website for the next couple of weeks because something bigggggggggggg is happening... WOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

I'm aiming to post some pics that will be taken today but it will be for contacts only.  So if you would like to have a sneak preview just let me know... okidokies.

I took my bestfriend Alma to the meeting today.  (Please refer to the Photo Album).  We were the first ones to get there, the gates were still closed LOL!!!  Talking about excited.  Anyway, I got my mobile phone with me and called Telstra Information Service for Chockadoo's number.  Cathy answered but before she could come to our rescue, there's another business owner at the complex who arrived and kindly opened the gates for us.

More about Alma (mia)... I, too, work with Alma and she originally comes from the Phillipines... so see the similarities?  We actually took classes together for fashion jewellery making back in July 2005.  However, I'm the only one who took up lampworking.

Thus, It is my quest to recruit Alma and awaken her 'passion for the flame'.  Soooooo, did it work?  Let's just say I only just begun hahahahahahahahaha (evil laugh).

NOTE:  If you happen to be in the meeting that day and would like to see the pictures I've taken on the day, please e-mail me and I'll include you in my contacts, so you can view the album. Cheerios.