Mostly, being here at the Penland School is like a dream.Our first day was yesterday and we started right out with SAFETY !! Whoo hoo, good stuff alright. No smoking by the gas tanks and further hilarious and noteworthy tidbits . We then were allowed to begin work. Enameling, cutting copper, sawing, and most importantly, BUYING STUFF we didn't bring with us on the terrorist obsessed airlines, including optiviser, wax lube, solder, fine silver, gemstones , chasing tools, and other terrorist related tools. Penland knows how to nickle and dime you once you're captive here. Since the school provided NOTHING to work with, you get to bring it or buy it. The ladies at the school store are becoming very familiar if not soft of catty. No, you can't look at the silver...no we don't have that...no credit..blah, blah...
Now, don't get me wrong.This is a WONDERFUL experience and full of acceptance , creativity, support, community..it's just run on a shoestring.A fat dimply, young tattooed shoestring. I'll tantra to that! Yeah!
PS, as I write this I am sitting in a row of rocking chairs. All of us have laptops and are typing vigorously. None of us are looking at the spectacular view.
