The former goof-off responds (briefly)....

Gordon has said a lot of great stuff....

This will just be very brief...

> Dien Rice the former "goof-off"
> student became the Ph.D. in Physics when he
> made the decision that acquiring the
> knowledge was also a path to other things,
> like a career if he wanted it to be, or as a
> FOUNDATION which he could build upon, as he
> has done.

Gordon is referring to the fact that I FLUNKED 3rd year physics the first time I did it. I should add that to my bio, though I admit I am a little bit embarassed about it... :) (I usually don't tell my physics colleagues this!)

Then I decided "enough is enough," since I had let things slide far enough! And as a result I began to work like a mad man.

Thanks Gordon.... Gordon has a lot to share, and so do many other participants here, like Julie Jordan Scott, Amber Sorenson, and many others.... I think this forum could become a great sharing place if it is watered right, a place of growth....

Okay, I don't want to make this too long. :)

- Dien

Dien,

Honestly, I am just 'blown away' by your bio. My son (proud parent here) is also a physics graduate.

After the university graduation ceremony, my husband and I were invited to attend a private reception hosted by his physics professors. They mentioned how few people on the whole planet have the right 'stuff' it takes to fulfill this accomplishment.

My husband and I were rather amused that the professors took us aside, at the reception, and asked if we had enough 'influence' over our son... whereby we could strongly direct him to continue on with post-graduate studies in physics.

The esteemed professors were actually 'upset' that our son had elected to go to medical school instead of continuing his post-graduate education in physics...saying that it was "a waste of such a good mind...that this kind of 'gift' should not be misused."

He is now a resident physician who is nearing completion of a specialty in neurosurgery. Did he take the right path? The satisfaction of his experience so far as a surgeon has been rewarding for him.

But, I wonder...what responsibilities do we have 'to the world' to make the best use our 'gifts'? Do you ever feel pressured, because of your vast knowledge in the field of physics, to do what others expect of you...rather than what you want to do? Do you struggle with this?

I suppose that we do 'own our life', but with such a 'gift' of intelligence, do you ever feel obligated, even, to maximize your contributions to society?

In any case, I am glad that you are so versatile and have chosen to take the entrepreneurial road for all of us who are happy to be here and be part of the 'experience' you are creating with sowpub.

Did Gordon's materials help you, also, to clarify and be content with your current 'choices' in life?
Just curious :)
~ Amber

> Gordon has said a lot of great stuff....

> This will just be very brief...

> Gordon is referring to the fact that I
> FLUNKED 3rd year physics the first time I
> did it. I should add that to my bio, though
> I admit I am a little bit embarassed about
> it... :) (I usually don't tell my physics
> colleagues this!)

> Then I decided "enough is enough,"
> since I had let things slide far enough! And
> as a result I began to work like a mad man.

> Thanks Gordon.... Gordon has a lot to share,
> and so do many other participants here, like
> Julie Jordan Scott, Amber Sorenson, and many
> others.... I think this forum could become a
> great sharing place if it is watered right,
> a place of growth....

> Okay, I don't want to make this too long. :)

> - Dien

Hi Amber,

I can see why you must be so proud of your son! He seems like the sort of son every parent would wish for.... :)

And I have no doubt that he must be quite proud of his Mom too! I've seen what you can do, Amber -- since Gordon showed me the carved eggshell that you made which sits in a prominent place in Gordon's living room....

It's stunningly beautiful! Go to Amber's web site at www.daydreambelievers.com and see what I mean.... :) Or see Gordon's photo of a carved eggshell by Amber....

I'm flattered that you think I'm so talented....

I really believe that EVERYBODY is talented in some very special way....

I believe EVERYBODY visiting here (and even those who aren't visiting here) have incredible talents lurking beneath the surface....

We all have incredible potential, I believe. So while I may have been able to achieve a few small things, I don't think that makes me more special than anyone else who is visiting this forum....

EVERYONE here has incredible potential.

As the forum goes on, I can see where I HOPE this can go.... I hope this forum can become a place where we can begin to learn how we can achieve our potential....

I don't believe that everyone has the same talents. But I do believe that we all have one or more INCREDIBLE talents, in which we can SHINE....

As for me in particular, I'm still actually planning to do physics research, simply because I enjoy it. There are a few physicists here and there who are independent individuals, who still publish in journals.... And I still haven't severed my ties to the university (although I am no longer a paid employee)....

So I still plan to contribute to society in that way. I enjoy physics research, and I enjoy talking about strange concepts with other physicists, so I don't plan to leave that altogether. :)

But life is also an adventure, and I like to discover my full potential too. :)

Amber, thank you for your questions, and your incredible insights you shared earlier in the forum -- I learned a lot about myself from your posts!!!

Oh... and lastly, I read what you wrote on your site about "day dreams", at www.daydreambelievers.com/about.html

Amber, your story is really inspiring! :)

I was also recently reading through "Psycho-Cybernetics" by Maxwell Maltz, and was reading about "visualization"....

Then I thought about "day dreaming" as I read about on your site...

And I thought -- DAY DREAMING is a wonderful way to VISUALIZE, and to help you achieve success!

I'm sure our day dreams are really there to fulfil a function, and this might be it!

And I realized this from your web site!

I'm amazed at what many people here have had to share.... :)

Thanks Amber -- you have shared so much. I hope that many more of your dreams come true.... :)

Dien

Amber I tried to go see some of your
eggs ;-) but couldn't get to the page...
please give me the url for the page where
the eggs are shown.

Your story is *truly* an inspiration.
Were you doing research on engraving for
someone else prior to seeing the story about
the eggs? I'm interested in your process of
discovering your niche...

were you researching engraving because this
is something you were interested in or researching
for general reasons? I think your story could
help me with my flight to find my own niche.

Also interested in the process of engraving
an egg from the point of view of the movements
involved. I think there might be a metaphor in
handling life's delicate problems.

Do you move the tool gentle and slow, or
gentle and fast while engraving ? and what keeps
the egg from shattering...I'd love to hear more
about the process because I think there might
be some lessons in this which translate to
everyday life...

Hi Amber!

I just realized I forgot to answer something....

You asked whether Gordon's materials had helped me....

The answer is... YES!

Mostly what has helped me recently is Gordon's POA -- the Pyramid of Accomplishment. Here's one of Gordon's posts about it....

Especially the OBSTACLES (exits) on the path.... When I've been blocked, I could look at the POA and see if I can recognize an obstacle....

It REALLY helps with getting past those obstacles, I think....

In my case, I think I've been more-or-less clear what I've wanted to achieve.... But if you're not really clear on that, Gordon's stuff can really help too....

Then, when you're on the path, you WILL encounter obstacles, and Gordon's POA helps you to get over them....

I've also found that the whole SQ1 Workshops helps you to put your complete life in perspective....

So that is a valuable tool too....

Here's one thing I've done in the past. Some people might find it morbid....

I KNOW one day I will die. I've imagined that I'm lying on my death bed, reflecting on my life....

WHAT is it that I want to think at that moment?

That's partly how I help to clarify what I would like to do with my life....

I want to feel satisfied when I am about to take that last breath on my death-bed....

Like I said, some will find this morbid.... But I prefer to admit the inevitable, and I think this has helped me to live a more fulfilled life....

Thanks again Amber for asking about these issues.... :)

- Dien

Hi Amber!

The questions you ask of our Dear friend and host, Dien, are questions we all might want to ask ourselves AND those who are close to us. I wanted to highlight them again here, in case people missed them befor.......

> But, I wonder...what responsibilities do we
> have 'to the world' to make the best use our
> 'gifts'?

***Do you ever feel pressured, because
> of your vast knowledge in the field of
> physics, to do what others expect of
> you...rather than what you want to do?

***Do you struggle with this?

***I suppose that we do 'own our life', but
> with such a 'gift' of intelligence, do you
> ever feel obligated, even, to maximize your
> contributions to society?

And I sort of modified this last one:

***How can Gordon's materials help you, also, to
> clarify and be content with your current
> 'choices' in life?

This post is worth printing out, and pondering and reflecting for a while....

With Purpose and Passion,

JULIE
PS-Congrats on your Neurosurgeon Son! That is a special gift as well.....kudos to MOM!




See my gifts under "Luvmibabies"

Hi Julie,

Thanks so much for your comments. I went back to your website which is quickly becoming one of my favorite places and can certainly see why you luv your babies. They are adorable!

I also read through your hobbies and saw that you are a fan of karaoke. I, too, love going to karaoke clubs.

It's hard to ever feel down or have the blues about anything after an evening of karaoke singing, isn't it? One of my all time favorite things to do.

Anybody can be a star for an evening and feel *special* in one of those clubs. :) I think that singing your heart out just does something magical in the deepest recesses of our soul... and gets our juices flowing.

Living juicy,
Amber

> Hi Amber!

> The questions you ask of our Dear friend and
> host, Dien, are questions we all might want
> to ask ourselves AND those who are close to
> us. I wanted to highlight them again here,
> in case people missed them befor.......

> ***Do you ever feel pressured, because

> ***Do you struggle with this?

> ***I suppose that we do 'own our life', but

> And I sort of modified this last one:

> ***How can Gordon's materials help you,
> also, to

> This post is worth printing out, and
> pondering and reflecting for a while....

> With Purpose and Passion,

> JULIE
> PS-Congrats on your Neurosurgeon Son! That
> is a special gift as well.....kudos to MOM!

Dien,
I have no doubts that you will continue to contribute, significantly, through your ongoing involvement in physics. But, for the record, I am mighty impressed. Your modesty is becoming.

I can understand your interests in many other things. After all, Life is a banquet isn't it?

It's nice to think that all who are drawn here to sowpub really are unique and special in their own way. So many have a lot to offer in the way of encouragement to others still searching and seeking for their own niche in this big old world.

It will be interesting to watch so many 'talents' unfold and bloom right before our eyes. Could sowpub be an incubator of sorts? Perhaps...

Nothing more uplifting than watching people come out of their cocoons, after a season, and FLY!
And, in due time, they will ultimately mentor others.

Oh yes..."Psycho-Cybernetics" is one of my all time favorites. I also recently purchased the audio tapes.

Thank you for reading 'my story' and then making such generous comments. You are quite the gracious host.

Cheering you on,
Amber

Hi Amber!

I really get a kick out of surprising the audience by either singing some early Madonna or Pat Benetar or something like that....Bakersfield is "Nashville of the West" so there is lots of Country Music. Most women in my age group sing country ballads, so when I get up and belt out "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" or "Material Girl" or something like that, it always gets the crowd smiling.

Thanks for visiting again, Amber!

I do have a picture somewhere in my files that I call "karaoke dork" of me and Kathie singing (the DJ took the picture) but I will spare you that one, lol.

Laughing still,

JULIE

> Hi Julie,

> Thanks so much for your comments. I went
> back to your website which is quickly
> becoming one of my favorite places and can
> certainly see why you luv your babies. They
> are adorable!

> I also read through your hobbies and saw
> that you are a fan of karaoke. I, too, love
> going to karaoke clubs.

> It's hard to ever feel down or have the
> blues about anything after an evening of
> karaoke singing, isn't it? One of my all
> time favorite things to do.

> Anybody can be a star for an evening and
> feel *special* in one of those clubs. :) I
> think that singing your heart out just does
> something magical in the deepest recesses of
> our soul... and gets our juices flowing.

> Living juicy,
> Amber




Here it is again!

Thank you Sandy,

...for your interest in my eggshells. My webmaster is my surgeon son who took on this project, as a labor of love, for his 'website creation' challenged mom. :) But his time off from the hospital is so precious little... so the development of the site has had to move along at his convenience.

Plus, he is working on several other websites at the same time. One is a novelty site that has brought us a lot of laughs while developing it. We'll launch that soon.

Our goal is to have the eggshell site ready to go by mid-September - with plenty of photos up by then. A few days ago, I got a bit too careless with my airtool/handpiece and had to send it for some major repair. But, I also just ordered a 'spare tool' so that my efforts to move forward aren't contingent on getting my other handpiece returned in a timely manner.

So, keep watching...I'll have some photos of eggs on the site soon. Gordon was so kind to post the photo of the eggshell that he owns for others to view.

As for your question about technique, when I am really in the 'groove' , it feels as if my airtool is just a continuation of my index finger of my right hand. That's the only way I can explain it. Just feels like an extension and that I am 'drawing' with the tool. I have a lot of flexibility. I also sketch my particular designs constantly...I learned, a long time ago, that sketching also serves, significantly, to reduce stress for me. But, it also keeps the proper movement in my hand going... even when I am not carving.

Since you asked: It is a very high speed tool which makes penetrating an eggshell a possibility. Very similar to a dentist's drill, but much higher rpm's. Small like a fat pencil.

I had to learn just how fast I could swirl my airtool without stressing the eggshell and creating a fracture. I also listen to music while I carve and sometimes the tempo dictates the movement of my hand. It's interesting to see the different results from listening to different music. :) Classical seems to produce the best results, but sometimes 'oldies' also put me in a great carving mood. Just depends.

It may sound 'strange'...but I'll risk saying that my whole experience with beginning the work with the eggshells was rather supernatural for me.

I had an interest in decorating glass for years. Tried etching once, but wanted to go deeper. Sandblasting was a bit too much for me at that point in time. So I stumbled across the seemingly magical high-tech tool and discovered that not only would it serve my purposes for decorating glass, but that the high speed made it possible to do things to eggs that are almost unbelievable. :)

Several people have emailed me privately to inquire about this 'hobby'. When I started ten years ago, there weren't instructions available, but many artistic people have taken up this unusual art form in past years and many have gone on to teach it and publish instructional materials. Still, we eggshell artisans are a fairly rare bunch to stumble across in everyday life.

It's like anything that requires patience...such as quilting or embroidery - except that the eggshells are so fragile and unforgiving if you make a mistake. You can't go back and re-do an error.

It seems to require more focus. It is also a rather lonely endeavor since the high pitched squeal of the tool,(think dental tool) plus the noise from the air compressor and the even louder air ventilation system do take a toll on the nerves at first.

It's impossible to carry on a conversation with others while doing this. I usually put on a headpiece and listen to all kinds of wonderful music to drown out the awful noises.

This is probably more than most on this board care to know about eggshell carving. :) Because it is still unusual in the world at large, I have been very fortunate through the years to get into many juried shows that have long waiting lists.
The show promoters love to have 'something different' to present to the shoppers. It is nice to be able to set yourself apart in instances such as this.

A week ago, I was invited to participate in a huge show in Houston that is a showcase for quilts. Other vendors with romance/victorian themed products are invited to participate in this annual event. Last year 53,000 people came from all over the world to attend this show. I only wish I had the inventory ready to accept this offer! But it would take months to prepare for a show of this magnitude. Still, just knowing that the promoter searched me out and I was automatically going to be accepted just really made my day, as you can imagine.

Again, thank you for your interest. If I can be of help in answering any more questions about my endeavor with the shells, please feel free to email me.
Warmest Wishes,
Amber