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Who Fire & Ice

Me too.
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I'll ditto that! C'mon, Fire & Ice!!
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Hmm Fire and Ice.




Wonder what we can make up about her life story in the time she is gone?




I'll start....




F&I was born in the wilds of South Africa to a pair of traveling missionaries. They didn't have much but gave all they had to help others. The birth caught them unawares as they traveled slowly from one town to the next. Wrapping their new daughter in swaddling clothes, they continued on their journey.....
 
Mara please continue............but make it the wilds of NYC.

Hey, I'm not gone til Monday eve. But, extremely busy till then. And, we all know how wordy I can be -my life story will be long.

Thanks for being curious.
 
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On 11/7/2003 9:21:07 PM Richard Sherwood wrote:

This is Fire & Ice's bio topic, waiting for her return.

I can't wait to hear her story...

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Ever watched the segment on CBS morning show - "Every body has a story." It's so true. Often, it's the most unassuming of sorts.
 
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On 11/8/2003 1:07:03 AM Mara wrote:



Hmm Fire and Ice.




Wonder what we can make up about her life story in the time she is gone?




I'll start....




F&I was born in the wilds of South Africa to a pair of traveling missionaries. They didn't have much but gave all they had to help others. The birth caught them unawares as they traveled slowly from one town to the next. Wrapping their new daughter in swaddling clothes, they continued on their journey.....
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Uh oh. I just got to this thread. Mara, I think you and I think waaaaay too much alike. I got impatient with Steve L. and started to help *him* with his biography ;-). F&i, I recommend you get with it before Mara continues and tells all your secrets!

Deborah
 
Ha Ha AGBF...well we have to entertain ourselves in the meantime, its so cruel of F&I to tease us this way and then run off for a vacation.
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BTW I didn't even see your note on Steve's post before I posted this-- too funny!
 
Hah - You ever stand in a room & people are talking about you like your not even there!
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And, I'm not going on vacation - work trip - so lots too prepare.

I'll try to post something. But, at this point making stuff up is rather funny.
 
Who am I? I hope I present the Reader's Digest version.

Born in NYC to Depression Era "The Greatest Generation" parents - the youngest of four. My father didn't come from much; and, my mom's parents lost most everything in the depression. They owned several pieces of real estate in NYC & a boat. All of which had to be sold for pennies on the dollar to provide food & shelter.

I love my Mom - don't get me wrong - But, (aside from my hubby) my Dad is the person I admire most. He's quite the self made Renaissance Man. As WWII soldier, he drove a tank, which was hit by enemy fire in N. Africa (Hah to Mara - you were somewhat on track). I don't ask much about that time. But, always taking a bad situation & turing it into a good one, upon his return he took advantage of the GI bill & went to College. He met my Mom on a blind date. It was not love at first sight. But, my dad really grows on you. He soft spoken, gentle, kind but has an incredible underlying strength & vive for life. He's always happy & incredibally quick witted. After working in accounting, he received his MBA from the Wharton School of business. The road less traveled has always intriqued him. He took some courses on International Finance. Keep in mind, this was in the early 60's. He always said you have to have something else to set you apart. He pursued the International Finance angle & swiftly became Vice Pres. of IF for a now major company. He traveled overseas often. He set up companies in various locations in Europe, Australia, Japan, etc. Twice, we relocated with him - outside of London (in a small house) & Paris. I was young when in England; but, remember bits & pieces, including having tea parties w/ a floppy stuffed cat (which I now recognize as Bagpuss) & my imaginary friend (which I don't remember - but am reminded often by my siblings who always found me to be a "curiousity"). The second extended stay was in Paris. He was sent to "handle" the purported devaluation in the dollar. No one really knew for certain what was going to happen. After accumlating all kinds of information, at the end of the day he went with his gut & made more money for the company by exchanging currency than the company made in sales profits that year. Now all these thing can be handled by a keystroke. Back then, it was very hands on. Even a phone call could break the bank & the connection that of a bad cell phone.

Every summer we would go overseas as a family to some country in Europe. While my siblings were more interested in the fact that the Beatles had stayed at our hotel, I inhaled the culture, food & most importantly the Architecture & Art. It is from my travels that I started my love for Architecture, Art, Antiques & the CROWN JEWELS (we would wait in line only to wait in line again). My father shared all these interests as well. He would buy a piece of jewelry for my mom from each country, sometimes including us girls in the bounty. My love for the "Sputnik" stuff from H. Stern came from a pendant that all the girls got. While my mom received quite a bit of gold jewelry, my dad bought us silver which would have an impact later in my life.

So, yes, I lived a very blessed privledged life - but, not perfect. Even the not so good things have silver linings in the life lesson it would teach me. I had a blind, handicapped sister with many health problems. It was odd growing up with people starring at her. She was the kindest soul on God's earth and despite her lower intelligence - the hardest worker. She was one of the first main streamed kids. Being a precocious kid always on the move, I learned patience & that despite differences everyone had a story to tell. Her situation was my inspiration for my pursuing Therapy Dog stuff. And, one of the reasons I realized that my friend (subsequent hubby) was an amazing man I never wanted to live without. More on that to come. Also, other things happened that caused stress at home - including my fathers constant travel, my sister being a 60's teenager, my brother's cancer battle (get this one & going to the fact that I truly believe in angels - they found his growth in his leg while x-raying a football injury). He basically had leukemia that was contained in the bone of his leg. They caught it very early on because of a dopey football tackle gone bad. After some very cutting edge treatment, he defied all the doctors & leads a very normal athletic life as he nears 50. Also, having to stay in bed w/ a near full cast on, we adopted a kitten. She was his forever companion during that time. Again, I saw what animals could do to the human spirit. On a bad note, seeing all this health stuff - I have a real paranoia about doctors - although my brother is one - go figure that. Another thing my Dad taught me was a love for dance. I was born to move & love every kind of music. My father taught me the twist at 3 & the Lindy at 8. That love is something I now share w/ my husband. We both learned to "shag"(not the british slang - it's a southern dance that is a cross between the Lindy & jitterbug). And to this day, take every opportunity to dance the shag. We have also taken Ballroom dancing. The whole leading thing jammed him up. So, not the most successful adventure. If I put on music I've got to move. Just one more thing regarding my childhood, while driving down to Florida for holdiday w/ the family, my father proclaims rather loudly "I really love N.C. Someday I want to move here."

All that history behind, I'm certainly a product of the sum. Fast forward to the late 70's, I'm in high school. My handicapped sister at home - all other siblings at college. My father came home one day & proclaimed we *were* moving to N.C. There we go. Fortunately, I attended a school w/ very small class size & I had a good transition. I went off to college w/ a high school chum (who is still my forever friend living in the same area to this day). Met a boy. Fell in love. Pursued a career in teaching (wanted to follow in my mom's footsteps). This was an odd time in the world. Women were encouraged to pursue careers; but, at the same time, got real mixed messages. I was a frequent visitor to the "Bargin Box". I would save my beer money & buy silver jewelry from Taxco, Mexico produced in the 1930-1950's. All the Mex jewelry were lumped into one crappy catagory back then. I could get a beautiful bracelet w/ incredible design for about the cost of a beer at happy hour. It was then that I started to collect on my own. Now, back to the fell in love, we were very serious. We were too much alike. And, without going into much detail, I knew he would, given the opportunity, be a cheating husband. That said, coupled with the fact I realized I hated teaching, was quite an interesting time. Absolutely loved the kids. I was either too imature or just not cabable of dealing with the parents. I used my teaching experience & began my first career as training director for a department store. I worked myself into personnel at another company. I was pretty content, enjoyed my freedom & batchelorette hood. A friend from college & her boyfriend (who met upon my introduction as he was a high school friend) were determined to find another couple to go out with. After a disasterous bachelor #1 for me & an even more disasterous bachelorette #1 for my hubby, we were set up on a blind date. My friend from high school & my hubby attended Architecture school together. Both were in the process of doing their graduate work. Yes, very incestuous. This couple, who later married, are still our best friends & they reside near our second home location. We hit it off; but, no serious sparks. We became very good friends. Then the friendship caught on fire. We would laugh & had the same interests. And, he was this great handsome guy. My sister loved him & he would bring her daisies. My dog, who was notorious for biting my boyfriends, loved him at first meeting. Things happened very quickly; and, we were engaged about 6 months later. Niether one of us was looking. It just happened. Mara, I'm hearing you say - "It's all about timing". The reason he said he fell in love with me is that, and I quote, "You are as comfortable in a designer ball gown as you are in an old pair of Levis." He says this transcends the direct statement. I blush at the compliment. I credit my father. In fact, when hubby says, "You are so your father's daughter" with a smirk on his face, I say thank-you.

It was during our long engagement that we were confronted by problems that we had to handle. His work load was enormous. I moved back home to save money. My sister, after a long illness, died. Without going into great detail, one can see our plates were quite full with alot of stuff. In retrospect, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. A truer statement can not be made. Also, thank goodness we had a long engagement. Things settled down...and....

Now to the wedding, I was given a set amount. We could keep anything over that. Faced with that fact, I learned how to compromise & weil & deal for stuff. I wore my Mom's wedding dress. Quite frankly, I couldn't have picked out something nicer - beautiful imported satin w/ ever so suble Belguim lace accents. Even her head piece was perfect. I encourage all brides to preserve & save their gowns because you just never know. The savings was tremendous for me & my something borrowed was a no brainer.

So, now on to our new life together. Hubby is an Architect who also has an MBA with a focus on construction. He has a certain niche. He got a job offer in VA, which is where we reside to this day. Having to quit my job in NC, I began doing temp work. It was fun, bringing in money but having the flexiblity of taking off the week. I wore a ton of different hats. I also learned wordstar. I recieved a call from the temp agency to fill a spot in a construction/leasing office that required word star. My jaw drops when I learn it is my hubby's office. I knew most of the people in the office & talked to them about the "temp" job. They thought it to be a good fit. Temporarily, I went to work there. It became permanent. I loved working with my husband & the hustle & bustle of construction. After that job was complete, I received a job offer from one of the contractors to work for him. I was his only employee. I did everything from answer the phone, take bid to going out to check job sites for him. Somehow I worked myself into becoming a project manager for his interior work. So, I'm on to another career. While all this was going on, both of us were into attending auction, flea markets, etc to furnish our house. Hubby was exposed to the first part of the century Architecture & Decorative Arts. He loved this style. The collecting of this era was in it's infancy (read cheap into that). So, in the mid 80's, we were collecting Stickley, Mission, Arts & Crafts furniture. The love of that era expanded to pottery, metalwork, textiles, artwork, even the jewelry. At the same time, we were the contractor for our own house that my hubby designed. I started working only part-time to be the "project manager" for our house. I had more free time to poke around at yard sales, shops, flea markets, auctions, etc. We (or rather I) acquired way too much stuff & also started trading up on our collection. Hence, a new & final career was born. I am an Art & Antique dealer. I say this is an oxymoron as I specialize in moderne design. There was no life before 1890. My specialty at that time within my specailty was Art Pottery. At the same time, I still bought any good silver jewelry. My interest in that began to not only include Arts & Crafts jewelry (much of which was fittingly in silver)but back to my roots of signed Taxco, Mex jewelry & starting to include Am. Studio Moderne jewelry & Scandinavian Mod from the 60's & 70's. While selling all aspects of the A&C movement, my focus began to shift to Designer Signed Silver Jewelry from the Turn of the Century to the late 1970's. So, technically I am an estate jewelry dealer but, only on a sort of level with a *very* narrow focus. But, anyone who deals in jewelry must have periheral knowledge as well.

So, as you well know hubby & me celebrated our 20th year of engagement last year sometime. I was proposed to again with my 3c ring. Being that I buy for a living, hubby knew I was the one to handle the task of searching for the perfect stone. That's when I found Pricescope. It's quite a tribute to Leonid on how far this site has come within a year & a half.

To end, we live in the country w/ our two dogs. I have a rescue dog that needs therapy & one that is a Therapy Dog. We were never blessed with children; but, we are Aunt & Uncle Fire&Ice to quite a few kids. Both of us love our careers. As for the second house, not as glamourous as it sounds. Hubby has a major project which will last over 5 years. During the crunch phase of construction, we moved to the city & I was pulled out of retirement to help. I loved the city & since we wanted a place of our own there decided to buy a tiny bungalow built in the era that we collect. As a bonus, one of my best friends (mentioned above as the matchmaker for us) lives about a block from our house. We have a great time. It's quite the dichotomy city/country life. I love to be able to walk to restaurants, etc.; but, the peacefull country is never too far away.

Yep, I have a good life. I am blessed & thankful.

So, definitely not the Reader's Digest version to your eyes; but, a condensed version in mine. I'm the kind of person stuff happens to. Or, maybe I'm just stop to pause. Don't know. Hubby is constantly learning something new about me. He says the layers of my onion will never be fully peeled.

Everyone has a story. This is mine, which hopefully will continue on with many new adventures & sparkelies.

I have my husband read this. We both feel blessed.

This has been a great exercise. Probably more for me than you.
 
That is a very powerful piece of writing, fire&ice. I feel there is nothing adequate I can say in response to such deep sharing, but I also cannot let it go without a response lest you not realize how moved I was by reading it. Your life has been fascinating and full of bright, interesting people. I am sorry for the loss of your sister and glad for the miracle of your brother. And I am awed that you shared this deeply on a diamond forum. Thank you so very much.

Hugs,
Deborah
 
Great story!
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And well written too!
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This board is great to get to know a bit about all the folk!
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On 11/9/2003 8:38:10 PM Richard Sherwood wrote:

Fire & Ice, I salute you. Your story is full of life.

And, what is a 'therapy dog'?

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Thanks Rich.

They are dogs that visit various people/institutions/places - anywhere that a ray of sunshine may be needed. Some visit hospitals. Some visit homes for the aged. Some visit shut-ins. Some are trained for disaster relief. TDI (Therapy Dog International) is located in NJ. After 9/11, TDI formed a group of dogs & their handlers to ride the ferries back & forth transporting families to visit Ground Zero. The animals are silent unconditional comfort.

Edited to edit. I must have erased half the stuff by accident
 
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On 11/9/2003 5:03:57 PM AGBF wrote:

That is a very powerful piece of writing, fire&ice. I feel there is nothing adequate I can say in response to such deep sharing, but I also cannot let it go without a response lest you not realize how moved I was by reading it.
Hugs,
Deborah----------------


Thanks. Lots of twists, turns, events, meetings, etc happen in one's life. It is only until one writes it down that it becomes clear who you really are & where you came from. I guess to some extend this was a selfish exercise. It really puts main events in your life to the forefront.
 
*WOW*! F & I, I'm very impressed by your story! Very fascinating... You're truly blessed.
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That's a beautiful story. What a full life you've had!
 
Wow, very interesting life you've had. But c'mon, no photos? I think these bios require them.
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Wonderful intriguing story!! Definitely all about timing.
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You've had a very full life...I love to hear how you two have worked and grown together with your different 'loves' as opposed to just having the typical corporate life that so many couples have nowadays--thats what we aspire to...something a little bit off the beaten path where we can work together or partake in exciting hobbies together, etc.




Ahh
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On 11/10/2003 12:49:21 PM Mara wrote:


Wonderful intriguing story!! Definitely all about timing.
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You've had a very full life...something a little bit off the beaten path where we can work together or partake in exciting hobbies together, etc.


Ahh
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Everyone keeps saying I've had a full life. Is that a kind way of saying I'M OLD!
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..just kidding. When I think back, nothing we pursued was motivated by making lots of money. It was really about enjoying what you do & getting satisfaction from doing it well. Somehow, the money -or enough money to pay the bills - follows. Hobbies are a glue. We have many similar interests including each others careers.

Oh, my hubby has a corporate title in my bus. He's Vice President of liftin & toten.
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On 11/10/2003 12:09:23 PM caratgirl wrote:

Wow, very interesting life you've had. But c'mon, no photos? I think these bios require them.
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I feel uncomfortable putting my face out there on the "net". How's about a compromise. When I return I will post some photos of our favorite room w/ our collection & some of my own collection of silver jewelry. Won't be 'til next week though.
 


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On 11/10/2003 3:35:47 PM fire&ice wrote:






I feel uncomfortable putting my face out there on the 'net'.
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NOW you are showing your age!!
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F&I

Look at it this way; you must be younger than me!

*grin*

win
 
Great story, Fire & Ice. Post an old picture - one that shows us how you see yourself. My wedding picture is that for me. Barely recognize the 48 year old I see in the mirror each morning.
 
Fire&ice,

I noticed that your father and Dave Atlas' father were both graduates of the Wharton School back before MBAs became fashionable. (I probably noticed that because my husband is an alumnus, too.) I wonder if your fathers knew each other. I do know that Dave is older than you, but who knows? When did your father graduate? Let's ask Dave about his father, too!
 
Fire&Ice,




Very Fascinating story!
 
Oh gee golly
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, Fire & Ice have you met Forrest Gump?
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It seemed like you've travelled to quite a few places and you have done many things.
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What's the saying, "C'est La Vie" or that's life in French. You have to post your beautiful silver jewelry that you've accumulated over the years. I enjoyed your condensed version of a Reader's Digest bio of life in transition. It was a colorful read, and I keep wanting to read more. Post more interesting details please.
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It's amazing how well travelled and educated that most of the people on this forum represent. And it's great that everybody meets up and gets a chance to chat/write about where they've been, where they're going, and what they've done. How can anyone compete with such a myriad website full of well travelled and accomplished folk? Glad to have met you here on this site.
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Funny Jadedgem - hubby has called me Forest Gump. Things just seem to happen to me. Here's some photos of a smidgen of my collection. The first one is Arts & Crafts (1st quarter of the century)

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First one didn't upload. This should be the Taxco, Mex jewelry (1935-65)

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Those were very interesting and beautiful pics of your jewelry.
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I liked how you used the Scrabble tiles to show the relative decorative sizes of your pieces. Were you thinking in scale or in an architect's mind frame?
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Anyway, I liked that you used the Scrabble tiles. I love Srabble, and once in a while I try to make my husband play the game with me. I would know all these short words like "qua," and I would hope that he would challenge me so that I could go again because qua is a word. Unfortunately he's also a good player on his own accord. He tries to use these highly technical chemistry or chemical engineering terms. I would say fifty percent are bogus words and fifty percent are legit. I guess I have to read more on his chem books. Hey thanks for posting your jewelry. Please post more since they are very beautiful and unique. Did you get them all from the same place that you mentioned in your description?
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