2014-01-18 Saturday - Akira Satake workshop

On Saturday and Sunday I attended the Akira Satake workshop at Clayworks.  It was a fun, informative workshop with a wonderful teacher.  He gave us lots of invaluable information and kept us laughing along the way.

On Saturday night Akira played a concert for us on his banjo as he is also a very talented musician.  When Becky told her husband Fred that Akira was going to play for us, Fred said we should hold the concert at their studio, Concentrix Music and Sound.  We all settled into Studio 1 and were treated to Akira's playing.

After the concert we went to Ben Thanh for a late supper.

I also got to sit next to fellow blogger Linda Starr for two days.  It was great actually talking to her in person.

My thanks to Akira, Clayworks, and Fred and Becky Story for a great weekend.

Getting warmed up.

Putting a handle on a teapot.

Lunchtime!

Akira warming up while Fred adjusts the mic.

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2014-01-24 Major Catch-up Again

Here's a huge catch up since work has been hectic and everything else is crazy too.

Take a deep breath and hang on...

Binkley gets his Christmas present.
Christmas Day.

 Saturday after Christmas we went to PA to see the relatives.

Audrey's boyfriend, Ryan, Stephanie, and Meredith having breakfast in PA.
December 29, 2013

We had great meals as usual at Scott and Rich's house.

Scott and Rich set a great table.
December 29, 2013

The kids love to spend time together.

Justin, Ryan, Stephanie, and Meredith
clowning around.
December 29, 2013

REALLY clowning around.
December 29, 2013

 My brother David and I went to see The Hobbit:  The Desolation of Smaug in Imax 3D.  Amazing.


We dropped Meredith off at college.

Dropping Meredith off at college after the Christmas Break.
(Karen, Stephanie, Eva, Meredith)
1/2/2014

We had a fairly big snowfall.  The weather was so cold the snowflakes were like a mist and the snow never really melted, it just squeaked when you walked on it.  It reminded me of being on a mountain at a ski resort.

Big snow, really cold.
1/3/2014

That night.
1/3/2014

Blown snow patterns.
1/4/2014

The next night --REALLY cold.
1/4/2014

Zoom zoom, back home again.  Back to making pots.

Back in town, making pots.
1/8/2014

First batch of Empty Bowls.
1/11/2014

More Empty Bowls.
1/14/2014

Yup, you guessed it...
1/15/2014

Glazing first batch of Empty Bowls
1/16/2014

Redsky gallery is closing and the last opening Kellie had was Peter Rubino and Greg Scott's work.  I am sorry to see the gallery close because it really is a magical place.

Peter Rubino at Redsky gallery.
1/17/2014

Rob and Peter.
1/17/2014

Greg at Redsky.
1/17/2014

Peter and Greg.
1/17/2014

There.  Phew!  Now back to our regularly scheduled blog.


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Goodbye 2013

A lot has happened since my last post on November 25, so here is the nutshell version of a farewell to the end of 2013.  It was a pretty good year with lots of new things happening.

We became empty-nesters when Meredith went to college in the Fall.  Stephanie is currently a Junior.  A really nice part of becoming empty-nesters is how special the times are when your children are home.

The kids keep impressing us with their grades and accomplishments.  They're turning into pretty amazing adults and it's quite a privilege to see the process from birth to adulthood.

Karen celebrated her 30th anniversary at her job with the credit union.  I'm very proud of her!

Work is good with new challenges daily.  2013 was my 24th year in business for myself.

I'm branching out with my face pots and putting more expressions on them.

So here are some photos from the end of 2013 and here's wishing everyone a bright, joyous, and prosperous 2014.

Please keep arms and legs inside the car and hang on tightly.

Karen and Stephanie at the Thanksgiving Day
parade in 21 degree weather.

A slightly stoned-looking cookie jar.

Newest face pot --with ears.

Ju-Ian, Becky, Elaine, and me at the Goneaway Pottery Holiday Sale.

Our Christmas tree.

Stephanie made Christmas cookies.

Binkley had a peaceful Christmas Eve in his bed.

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