I had seen Kevin Potter on fb and went to visit a few times. It turned out they needed to hire and it was right place right time. I found Old Pueblo Lapidary Club and joined it. I met old timers who told me a thing or two about stones and sold a few too. I lived here for my second gem show.
I have learned much since coming here. I like Tucson. It isn't where I used to live by a long shot. Once I got a little removed from the desert bugs that seem to love to bite and sting, it was pretty nice.
I found and bought my lapidary equipment used except for the Genie. I bought every tool for metalsmithing it seemed I could not live without.
I took classes in lost wax, silversmithing, went to monthly meetings at OPLC...I ate metalsmithing and lapidary for breakfast lunch and dinner for a year.
I have slowed down a bit. I work full time for Kevin at Potter USA and we make tools for jewelers. He is kind enough to let me use his tools when I need to.
I am featured in four store's jewelry cases and a gallery approached me and asked to show my work.
I have so much to learn! I am doing what I love and loving what I do. Living my life the way I have wanted to live it.
Happy New Year and I hope that your visions for yourself come true like mine have.