silversmithing

Recreational activities on station are in abundance! And by abundance, I literally mean excessive abundance. There is no possible way to participate in all of the activities, and to make choices more difficult they are all FREE.

Activities include: Salsa lessons, Swing dance classes, Yoga, Tai Chi, Guts and Butts (aerobics), Indian Dance, Introduction to Creative Writing, Dodge ball, Volleyball, Basketball, Kum Do (Sword Fighting), Tap Dance, Dart Tournaments, Bowling, Pottery instruction, Craft Room (Sewing instruction), Stitch and Bitch, Weekly Science Lectures, movie showings, film festivals, Outdoor Recreation Trips (cross country skiing and hiking treks), Climbing Gym hours, just to name a few.

I participate in many of these activities, but my main weekly dedication (in addition to the gym and outdoor treks) is silversmithing class.



The class is offered once (or twice) a week for 5 consecutive weeks, and is taught by a skilled and patient teacher named Harry Fishel. Most of the jewelry work I do at home is cold forming; this class has provided access to torches and dremel tools. I am attempting to make handmade paper rings, and more elaborate necklace and bracelet designs.



I am thoroughly enjoying myself.



Coincidentally, I met a fellow Hempstead High School graduate in my class! Jeff, the skilled photographer who took all of these photos, is also from DUBUQUE, Iowa.