Chris L. Buzzini

February 24, 2010

Dear Collectors,

I recently had a major computer crash and lost a great number of unsaved emails from the latter months of 2009. I spent four days installing a new hard drive on my computer and reinstalling all my programs and files. Wow, what a job that was! Unfortunately, the majority of these emails were from friends and collector/friends who were concerned about my well being during my prolonged bout with depression and spent the time and effort to send along well wishes and wonderful words of encouragement. I had planned on replying by personal email with an update of my progress, but sadly, this is no longer an option. So, I am resorting to plan B; a ‘blanket’ email to all. I do hope you understand.

I am so grateful for all the support, both emotional and financial, that I received from the paperweight community (a group of the finest people I have ever met!), Joan Parsley, the International Paperweight Society, Mitch and Ben Clark, the new owners of L. H. Selman Ltd. and of course Larry and Marti Selman. Without this help, I would certainly have lost my home, glass studio and my career. Words seem so lacking, but from my heart and soul, thank you all.

I am very pleased to give you a positive update on my life and progress since undergoing Electro Convulsive Therapy at Portland, Oregon’s, Health Science University Hospital last November. I received a total of eight treatments, scheduled most MWF’s and ending the Monday before Thanksgiving. The treatments leave one a bit ‘fogged in,’ so on Thanksgiving Day I flew to Los Angeles, CA to spend some much needed time, with both my children. My son has been living in the Los Angeles area since graduating from the University of California at Northridge several years ago, and my daughter just moved there last June to attend Southwestern Law. The visit was a perfect place to be while the ‘fog’ lifted and I returned home at the beginning of December.

With December came the harsh reality that although I was making great strides with my depression, the five-month absence from paperweight artistry had taken its toll. I took stock of my situation, formed a loose game plan and immediately got back to work. Since the beginning of December, I have taught two ‘one on one’ classes in my studio, one just before Christmas and the other during the middle of January. I have been very productive at my lampworking station and have created some extremely nice paperweights. Some of these can be seen in the Recently Sold Gallery on my website while others were special orders that I completed.

Last week I had a follow-up appointment with my Doctor from OHSU and he seems very pleased with my progress. I told him that the treatments were an answer to my prayers and that I feel like a new man. I am so pleased that my life appears to be back to normal and I can continue on my artistic journey. Two more positives in my life: I will be going back to Japan in April to teach a floral paperweight class and my daughter has transferred from Los Angeles back to Portland, to attend Lewis & Clark Law School. She is currently living with me.

In closing, I must say that my life is full of blessings. I still have my family, health, home, career and more friends than I ever realized. The Paperweight Community is an amazing group of individuals and I am honored to be part of such a group. I’m grateful to everyone who has helped me in my time of need. Thank you all!

With respect and best regards,

Chris