goals

I know last year's goal chart ..well...stuff happened and some of it actually materialized. My daughter Kapua told me one day last week that I had accomplished so much during a really difficult year...and I thought I was failing miserably!  So I felt slightly motivated to make another...and post it where I look at it and maybe work on more stuff.  I don't know the future: where will I be working when I finally land a job?  where will I live? What else is in store? I just know what to do day by day and week by week.  Somehow, by the end of the year, I have dropped the 30 pounds, I have passed 7 college classes..I have paid off a couple of debts, I have sung songs when my heart was sore, I have taught my grandkids a thing or two, I have learned more recreation (fly fishing, razor clamming), I have learned to love pottery, I have actually gone places and done things and my life is still happening!

a clean slate?

Haven't seen the floors in these rooms for awhile..today..they got spiffy! I still need to clear off the worktable tops and then I'll be able to work or study in an organized fashion; and the girls won't be stepping on, over or through their toys!

I love to wrap!!

BAKING

Kanoe and the girls baked  and worked like crazies..peanut butter/hershey kisses, fudge, macadamia shortbread drizzled in chocolate (white or milk chocolate), ginger snaps, also drizzled, egg nog logs, and those crushed oreos and cream cheese dipped in chocolate..all to die for, and I must admit, I haven't eaten as much in sweets as usual! I did the candy cane/white chocolate chex and furikake chex...and this time we didn't bake all week..though I had to make several batches of candy cane stuff because whenever I'd come home some elves had eaten either the mix OR all of the peanut M&Ms that I use!!

Funny story

Doesn't this look like we're nearly ready to go for Christmas morning? Actually, these are all empty boxes wrapped to become table centerpieces for the ward Christmas party. Most of the tree was taken apart to decorate a tree at church. When the dinner was over with, we got to put the tree back together again!!

A visit to Clear Creek Nursery

textured pot, thrown on the wheel and modified afterwards with a serrated tool.

Joe Brecha workshop

clay workshop

Tammy had on those suede motorcycle looking boots that I love of hers (I looked for them...$189 retail). She didn't know what to do and was gonna take them off while working on clay stuff..I suggested the bags and she decided on equal opportunity..Target and WalMart--not matching!

it's only 3 X 3 not counting the handle

I tried my hand at using a texturing wheel tool and then stretched out the piece. Before it dried all the way, I squared off the round lip..it may dribble if I try to drink out of it!

another mugshot!

Luscious and yummy..

After the workshop lecture, it was our turn to hit the wheel and try our hand...today at the unloading of the kiln, the professor said, "is that the mug the teacher made?" And she looked around and asked Karen, "is it yours?" to which Karen replied, "not my handle". When she looked at me I said, "Well actually, it's mine" and received the comment, "very nice".... later when I was examining the piece she took a snapshot of my reaction of being pleased with my work...WOW..that felt really great!!!

The Lilly's Early Christmas

After months of battling with a dealership, a manufacturer, an attorney and the lemon law (besides the annoying sporadic leaks into the car, sent to the shop multiple times, moldy smell, etc.) they got a settlement and got into a different car...the Buick Traverse...hope this one holds off the water and keeps its charm!

Finals

These are some pots and jars I made this fall quarter in Ceramics 1. I have a few to clean up and add to the menagarie and will set up in similar matter in class for final grading. Most are wheel thrown though I did the required handbuilt coil and slab pots.