YES! It's Really BLENKO!

Blenko Glass one of the finest hand blown glass manufacturers in the US is located right here in West Virginia. Along I 64 off the Milton Exit. (phone 304 743 8091). The observation deck is open most week days - which allows one to see the hand crafted glass ware being created. BLENKO GLASS www.blenkoglass.com. BUY MADE IN THE USA. BUY Made in WVA by West Virginians. BUY BLENKO

BLENKO Glasses

Blenko glasses always add a flare and certainly a conversation about Blenko. This photo was sent in by Billy from DIXIE's of Texas .Dixies has them. Contact at ebay@dixiesonline.com .

You might also drive down to Milton, WVa. and shop the Visitors Center for these and

other Glasses or check out the BLENKO GLASS web site for other glasses www.blenkoglass.com .

At our home we use BLENKO Glass daily, our glasses are more than 20 years old. Blenko is very well made, you will not be seeking replacements any time soon.

hjh

Halloween - Candy and Pumpkins

This photo of candy was sent by Gina Ruckman ( osburnmodernglass.com) (or ebay@dixiesonline.com ) the candy is from Obsburn Glass use either link to purchase. BLENKO GLASS Company Visitors Center http://www.blenkoglass.com/ has a small selection of Glass Pumpkins remaining in the visitors center. Phone or shop on line for your 2007 Blenko Pumpkin. hjh

WORDS

WORDS.
* Beginnings are often disguised as painful endings.
* Change your life by trusting your ability to respond naturally to the circumstances of your life.

Words. . written, spoken, have power! The ability to use words is - - 'Who said " The pen is mightier than the sword?" We've all been touched by words.
Some very blessed people have the unique ability to always say the right thing. My friends
Mr. (WH) Blenko, and Eon analytical by training are eloquent and stimulating conversationalist on most all subjects. My blogger friend Chris http://not-my.blogspot.com/
a lawyer by training is an excellent listener and professional writer. I am admire these men and their ability to use words.

While I never met T.S. Eliot+ or DH Lawrence ++ their words
+ " What I love determines how I love ..." TS Eliot
++ " Are you willing to be singled out,
erased, cancelled,
made nothing?
Are you willing to be made nothing?
dipped into oblivion?
If not, you will never really change? " DH Lawrence
remained embedded in my thoughts since my initial reading (1998). Words that can encourage, inspire, hurt, defeat, to be used as verbal weapons or loving arms . . the power of word seems almost mystical.
After being introduced in Ms. Blau's honors English Class I learn to find hope and courage and answers in the words of Kahill Gibran and Lao-tzu.
This week . . . take some time to think about words . . . before you speak...
-Blunt your sharpness
-Untie your knots.
-Soften your glare.
-Settle your dust. . . and remember ' Those who care least about approval seem to
receive the most!'.
- Live calmly.
hjh

Dates to Remember!

Oct. 27th Ms B's birthday - she's 4. (see above photos) http://www.smallpawsrescue.org/

NOV 1 Joel P Myers Exhibit NY (former Blenko Designer

This is a busy weekend for me, New Dental (DDS) Student Interviews in the am, a double birthday party, dinner,'fright nite events and then Eight of my Best Friends from Charleston are meeting in Morgantown this weekend for a Tim Burton film (not being shown in Athens, or Huntington). I promised myself no studying and very little BLENKO this weekend.

Eon, Ms. B and my friends will dress up and enter a world of make believe where we are

'whatever we choose for 6-8 hours" I love HALLOWEEN!

Hope your Halloween weekend is full of fun! . . . . . . If you haven't been to BLENKO (http://www.blenkoglass.com/ ) for pumpkins , phone or drive down before they are all gone!

hjh

We'll be going up to New York for a JOEL P MYERS event next week - I'll be posting photos

and announcements. If you are a BLENKO GLASS collector or a wannabe collector consider

driving or flying to this event. J P Myers worldwide.www.artnet.com/artist/554020/ began his career as Blenko Glass designer.

Tame the Monsters with Halloween Flowers!

Wayne Husted designed BLENKO GLASS (photo)

HALLOWEEN is a perfect excuse to sent flowers, I like to use Milton Floral Milton, West Virginia. The shop serves the following areas in West Virginia: Barboursville, Culloden, Hurricane, Milton and Ona ... (also they do teleflora and offer BLENKO GLASS containers!
http://www.miltonfloral.com/

This has been a very busy month, one full of adventure - we are constantly learning new things at the Dental School - the clinic is busy and exciting - planning ones time is not easy. Each day is new, each person and case different. I guess this is true of all life.

If you haven't been to BLENKO GLASS Visitors Center shop in Milton http://www.blenkoglass.com/ may I suggest you drive down. The grounds are beautiful this time of year - the HOLIDAY SALES will begin in a week, but the VC has many one of a kind items that are not seen in the catalogue or on line. Plan to spend an hour or so upstairs looking at vintage BLENKO and walk around the glass garden design by Joel Myers http://www.marxsaunders.com/ . HJH

Grab a chance and you won't be sorry for a might-have-been. Arthur Ransome

DIDDLY SQUAT !

Don't know DIDDLY SQUAT *- to be honest most new collectors have little knowledge.

Most everyone will recommend that you read, look at books with photos and talk to other collectors. These are excellent suggestions. When it comes to BLENKO GLASS there are a half dozen people who write most often of Blenko.
Damon Craine is a name you will often find attached to BLENKO GLASS COMPANY reference material.
The new Vintage Modern glasshouse Newsletter, No. 2 article about selecting good items so you have a collection of 'art glass' not a warehouse - is very appropriate for the new collector.
Damon Craine article in the Vintage Modern glasshouse Newsletter, No.2 is a great
place to start.

Good, Better, Best: What Makes a Piece Exceptional
Vintage Modern glasshouse Newsletter, No.2

In matters of qualitative judgment, which are inherently subjective, expertise - deep knowledge in a narrow field - is usually given deference. But expertise alone neglects to acknowledge the role of skill and undervalues an outsider’s fresh perspective. Thankfully, for those lacking expertise, thoughtful consideration is a reasonable substitute. Following are some no-nonsense tips on evaluating the merits of an item, peppered with specific insight into collecting Blenko.
email info@vmglasshouse.com to join the mailing list in order to get the full newsletter

Your comments are most welcome HJH
NOTE: DIDDLY SQUAT is a term my Popaw uses to mean void of knowledge

Blenko Glass Can Fill Any Basket - Easter. Thanksgiving . Christmas

Holiday Decorating Problem? BLENKO Glass has the answers.
From center piece solutions to flower vases to tableware, stemware, gift ideas. BLENKO GLASS Company in Milton, West Virginia should be your first stop. Check them out! www.blenkoglass.com

Blenko makes a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, shop the Visitors Center (743 9081) to find unusual fruits and vegetables often at discount price.

SEXY . EXOTIC . Brillant . Hard to Find

SEXY . UNIQUE . Brilliant. Exotic . Hard to Find. BLENKO! These are the words use to describe the Blenko items seen on this page. Blenko is the most welcome gift for Christmas! BLENKO! www.blenkoglass.com

What was your favorite? hjh

BLENKO - In the BLENKO of an Eye!

Ms. B aka BLENKO turns 4 on Oct 27th. She's lived with me for 3 years. Ms. B is a rescue dog - a recycled dog. One that was without a home - a throw away dog. There are thousands of rescue dogs here in West Virginia. Photo of Ms. B taken last summer - one of her favorite!
Ms. B and Mordi (age 10) also a Bichon Rescue Dog

Ms. B - is a 'Bichon' - Her formal name is BLENKO. Many of you have written to ask

what kind of dog she is, and where to buy BICHONS. Ms. B is a RESCUE DOG. My parents are member of the Western Pa. Bichon Frise Club, Pittsburgh Pa. The Bichon Frise Club of America http://www.bichon.org/. and http://www.smallpawsrescue.org/. are both great sites if you are seeking a Bichon

Do Not buy from a pet store - and if you already own a Bichon or are asking How you can help with rescue the following info is provided.

How Can I Help?

" If you do not have the time and ability to provide a permanent home for a Bichon rescue, there are numerous other ways to help the Bichon Rescue Effort:Monetary Donations: The Bichon Frise Rescue Effort is an all-volunteer program, so financial support is imperative. Some of the costs incurred in the rescue effort are:
initial veterinary care expenses (including medication expenses),
grooming costs,
spay/neuter expenses,
boarding and food expenses,
on-going veterinary expenses,
expense for crates, collars, leads, and food/water bowls,
transportation costs,
and many more.
While donations are received from new owners adopting rescued Bichons, these do not cover all the costs of the effort. For example, the specific costs associated with a particular dog may exceed the donation received and funds are expended on dogs that may not be ultimately placeable.If you want to make a donation, please use any of the "happy tale" PayPal buttons on this site, or make a check payable to: Bichon Frise Club of America Rescue (or BFCA Rescue)Send to:Gail Antetomaso1 Dolphin DrMassapequa, NY 11759-7916. Note: Lynn Ramich was recently appointed - she is from Pittsburgh Pa..Trustlynnramich@comcast.netwww.bichonrescue.org . Small Paws Rescue http://www.smallpawsrescue.org/ knows as Small Paws® Rescue Inc., is a 501-C3 Tax exempt, charitable ORGANIZATION! All donations to both groups are tax deductible!!

Remember, every little bit helps! Foster Home: Although you may not be able to provide a permanent home for a rescued Bichon, maybe you could provide a foster home. After a dog is rescued and determined place able, then during the time the Rescue Representative is waiting on a prospective owner and screening, the dog may need a foster home. This could be a matter of days, weeks or months. It is hoped that you would be able to provide food and care for the dog including grooming. In some instances, if there were limited rescue funds, it is hoped that you might be able to provide some veterinary care, if required and if possible.Donations of Equipment:Crates, Crate Pads, Collars, Leads, Food and Water Bowls. These are some of the items that are needed in the rescue effort. You could donate new or used (in reasonably good condition) items and bring or send them to a regional Rescue Representative.Donations of Time or Talent: Rescue Representatives can always use an extra pair of hands. You could assist a Representative by helping to pick-up and transport a dog that is being rescued or help wash and groom (some times this may mean "shave") a rescue. Maybe you could transport a dog to and from a veterinarian, or pick up a dog from the airport

If you have any training experience, you could help train a rescue before it is placed.Educate Yourself And Others: Learn as much as you can about the Bichon Frise and tell others about the characteristics of the breed and how to properly obtain one. Inform others that while the Bichon is a wonderful dog, it is not a breed for everyone. The Bichon requires an owner to be committed to providing more time and financial resources than many other breeds.
Inform others of the time and expense associated with grooming.
Inform them of the personal attention that this companion breed demands.
Inform others that they should be prepared to take more time and work harder in housebreaking.

Note: Bichons are so giving and loving, if they are more 'high maintenance they are worth it' . . . these fluffs are the most wonderful animals!

Insist to those, who may not be interested in rescue, that they wait (however long it may take) to obtain a dog from a responsible breeder who is concerned about the health of Bichons being bred, the resulting puppies, and how and to whom the puppies/adults are being placed.
Insist that they do as much research and perform as many "checks" as they can about a breeder from which they may be contemplating obtaining a puppy.

Tell them to inquire about the types of health/ genetic tests (i.e., concerning the eyes, patellas, and hips, etc.) that are being performed on the sire and dam before breeding. Also, if these tests are being performed, tell them a breeder should be able to produce documentation supporting such.
Tell them to ask about information in order to contact others who have previously obtained Bichons from the breeder.
Insist that one should not ever purchase a puppy from a pet store, uninformed backyard breeder, broker or puppy mill. Inform others that a broker may even have an adult male and/or female on the premises which is just a "front" for selling the puppies that the broker has bought elsewhere.
Tell others to never, never, never, get in a hurry to obtain a Bichon (or any dog for that matter).

OF course if you think that someone may be a SPECIAL person who can provide some extra love and in some instances extra care, suggest that they might consider making a home for a rescue. There are Bichons out there waiting for LOVE!

hjh

PUMPKINS To Carve or NOT To Carve!

A dear friend, who was almost my 2nd grade teacher - long story - often sends

quotes and links to quotes. Thought I'd share these two Halloween inspired quotes!

“Men are like pumpkins. It seems like all the good ones are either taken or they've had everything scraped out of their heads with a spoon.”

"On Halloween the thing you must do Is pretend that nothing can frighten you And if somethin' scares you and you want to run Just let on like it's Halloween fun." -19th Century Halloween postcard.

Last evening we went to a Pumpkin Carving Party - It was great fun! I'll bet you are going or have already been - - - I must confess my 'Favorite' pumpkins are BLENKO GLASS CO. http://www.blenkoglass.com/ see photo above of 2007 frosted PUMPKIN.

A frequent reader George often sends me articles about FENTON GLASS http://www.fentonartglass.com/ and I must admit his Fenton Pumpkins are very beautiful.

Consider adding one glass pumpkin to your Halloween Decor - they last forever, make great hostess gifts - are a good gift for Teachers ( a break from apples may be appreciated), the October Birthday Gift, my own parents set a couple on the deck each year in late September and don't move then until December 1st. Blenko Glass is remarkably strong and durable. Pictured Below are Handpainted Pumpkins from the party - not BLENKO!

LOOKS THAT DON"T GO OUT OF STYLE!

Looks that don't go out of style! - Isn't this what every woman wants?

May I suggest BLENKO GLASS www.blenkoglass.com. Blenko has a reputation for classic design and an array of colors that will delight any decorator.
Blenko Glass Company located in Milton, West Virginia - Off I-64. Open daily for demonstrations of glass blowing - and a Visitors Center GIFT SHOP offering Blenko Glass often at greatly reduced prices.

PHOTOS - Chihuly Glass

More Chihuly Photos! No words needed. The last dozen.

BILL BLENKO Vase - Limited Edition

During the Blenko Collectors Sociey http://www.blenkocollectorssociety.com/ 2007 conference Milton, W.Va. http://www.miltonwestvirginia.com/ honored BILL BLENKO with BILL BLENKO DAY August 10th.

Blenko Glass had the Bayliss Design Team (www.media.herald-dispatch.com/blog/blenko/2007) using Mr. Bill BLenko favorite Blenko color (cobalt) and the design he chose . Word is a very few of these a available now for mail order. This is a very limited item. Would make a wonderful Christmas or Wedding Gift. . or just to add or start a collection of West Virginia glass. (see photo from Blenko Glass Web site below). Check out the Blenko website weekly for new items, and Blenko news.

Limited to a production run of only 86 pieces. All will be numbered and hand signed by Bill Blenko.
18 1/2" tall, Electric Blue with crystal accents. Designed by the Bayliss Design Team
Reserve yours today. Order by calling: 877-425-3656

Phipps Conservatory - Chihuly Exhibit

Chihuly at the Phipps: Gardens & Glass is a keystone event during Pittsburgh Celebrates Glass! a collaboration of over 70 cultural and community organizations. This year long celebration was created to honor the significant role that glass and glass art play in the vibrancy of the Pittsburgh region. It's been a wonderful year long event...visit http://www.pittsburghcelebrates.org/.

We took many photos - I'll continue to post each day this week. Plan to visit - the event ends the in early November. Don't miss out on this. Take the children, your parents, your camera....do price line.com (really inexpensive hotels - we always stay at Wyndham - dog friendly and under $90)...make it a weeekend visit. Pittsburgh is a lovely city. Personally I could spend 2 days at the Phipps.

To answer Margie's question about how did Pittsburgh get such a magnificent conservatory, and more photos!

The former Pittsburgh Garden Center took on a greater profile when it merged with the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in January 2001. However, the institution's legacy dates back to 1935 when it began in a former shelter house in Schenley Park, across from the Conservatory. Its mission expresses a desire ''to work with people throughout the region to build gardening and horticulture skills and to increase environmental awareness and appreciation of the aesthetics of landscape and floral design.'' To that end, numerous classes are offered on topics such as botany and gardening, as well as certification in floral design. Since 1947, the Garden Center has resided in the former carriage house of the late R.B. Mellon, located adjacent to the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts on the expansive greenery of Mellon Park. The site has gone through several remodeling projects and now includes auditoriums, meeting rooms and a greenhouse. Its library contains more than 2,800 books and features a reference section and horticulture journals as well as seed and garden supply catalogs. As for the Gardens themselves, They offer an exciting array of lush tropical plants, palms, orchids, ferns and succulent plants, seasonal flower shows and butterflies.

Chihuly at Phipps in Pittsburgh

This weekend Eon with camera and I went to Pittsburgh to get more photos of Chihuly - so that I might encourage you to make the trip before this exhibit ends. Words do not exist to describe the glass. I'll post photos for several days along with Blenko stories. Chihuly is kinda connected to Blenko in that he was a Harvey Littleton student and Harvey Littleton spent some time at Blenko GLass. Our good friend Shorty Finley has a couple piece Harvey made for him - I'll post photos of these later. Take your calendar out and plant the trip to Phipps. This is a must see !

About Dale ChihulyWith vibrant colors, larger-than-life dimensions and a penchant for creative collaboration, Dale Chihuly has revolutionized the way artists look at glass. Always a believer that "more is better," Chihuly directs teams of people to execute his vision, both in the glassmaking studio and at exhibition locations such as Phipps. A prolific artist, Chihuly's works can be seen throughout the world, where his love of abstract natural forms brings a fantastical beauty to galleries, residences and a variety of unique venues.
Exhibit HoursDaily from 9:30 am to 5:00 pmChihuly Nights: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings from 7:00 to 10:00 pm
On October 1, Chihuly Nights expands to 6:00 to 10:00 pm Wednesday through Saturday
Chihuly Gatherings The entrance....

Delight in several of Chihuly's dramtic IKEBANA sculptures nestled among the exotic collection of plants.
These green and blue reeds spiking up from a floor of luscious plans is dazzling. The color of these reeds is spectacular - each is similar but unique - must see in person to realize the beauty.

A great photo of this boat was in the Pittsbugh Post -Gazette last week. FLOAT BOAT this dramatic display features a wooden boat overflowing with multi colored glass spheres that spill over onto the water of the pond, surrounded by FLAMINGO FLOWERS and Creeping Jenny. Chihuly first filled boats with glass in Finland during the Chihuly Over Venice project in 1995. After several days of glass blowing his team made temporary installations along the Nuutajoki, the river nearby. He often tossed glass into the river, letting it float downstream. When the team found a partially submerged wooden rowboat, Chihuly filled it with glass.

BLENKO EMPLOYEE - EDDIE POWERS

Eddie Powers is the son of Lewis 'RED' Powers who for years was the Antique Glass Manager at Blenko. Eddie's grandfather lost his life in an accident while working at BLENKO. The Power's family, like many Milton families have a long history with BLENKO GLASS. Eddie's Mother was an artist, who became friends with every Blenko designer. In the last years of her life she ran Ms. Phyliss Sports Bar in Hurricane. Her Blenko Glass Collection can be seen at http://www.blenkoproject.org/. . The Powers' family trait of art and love of glass is well known in the Milton - Hurricane area.

Eddie Powers is a quiet muscular Blonde man, with an almost shy smile,often times he has a red scarf on his head - he doesn't say a lot - at least not to me. Watching him work is very interesting - he seems to at times communicating non verbally to the other members of his team. He effortlessly creates flawless pieces. He is fast, precise, little wasted motion.

Mr. Red Powers said his favorite items of Blenko were ones that Eddie made. Red described Eddie as the best blower and finisher he'd ever known. 'He can do it all, he is amazing" his father said. Eddie Powers would never say these things, he would call himself a 'fair to good'

ever modest....Eddie Powers. He is delightful to watch!

When you visit Blenko Glass - look for Mr. Powers at work - his station is near the back - so you must look for the long blonde hair and the scarf.

Visits to Blenko Glass are always welcome, and each visit is different - I suggest you go often, and watch a different person or team each time. They're all different, some are very talented and a bit shy, but as you watch them you'll see the talent and dedication to work. Its visiable. Some are natural showmen. Especially the men like Rider, Powers, the guys who've done this for more than twenty years - they love glass - they know the job and they enjoy allowing you to view the glass from start to finish product. Blenko Glass is made in West Virginia this makes it special, its made by your neighbors, its made in the USA. When you need a GIFT or if you are buying replacement tableware for your home THINK BLENKO ! You and Your family deserve the BEST!

RICHARD BLENKO - Glass Signings - Ohio

Photo from BLENKO COMPANY Glass Signings. The Blenko Glass Company continues the generous practice of offering glass signings. Take advance of this opportunity to have your glass purchase signed by Blenko Glass Company's Richard Blenko (4th- generation) and to speak with Mr. Blenko about WV Glass .

MacKinzie Dow Furniture - with Blenko!

You ask for MORE PHOTOS OF THE BLENKO GLASS in the Mac Kenzie DOW FURNITURE and we have them!!

Photos from the Charleston, WV Car Show

I love Vintage Cars and from the response to the Vintage Car Gran Prix so do you! These are photos my friend Ean took Saturday in Charleston at the DO HOP Car SHOW its an annual event and people from all over the tri state and a couple cars from as far away as Canada appeared. The photos are random, basically I am selecting these cars because they were beautiful and BLENKO COLORS - Blenko orange, Blenko cobalt, Blenko red.... The show had lots of 'race cars', muscle cars, and box cars (kit cars) however, since you are a small captive audience and cars from the 30s to 50s seem to appeal most - these photos are of mostly older cars! Thanks for looking!

This was my favorite IT's a FORD - can you believe FORD made this car with removable top?