Sometimes the ugliness needs to come out

Made this pot during a stressful time before Christmas and couldn't get anything right. It even has a crack on the lid. I just kept trying and trying, and various things went wrong, but I kept it anyway. Finally glazed it last week. I actually thought it would be uglier and am amazed that the glaze turned out better than expected.

Someone suggested that I use it as a worry jar to put all my worries in. I think that's a good idea.

Let me explain...

Wanted to try out this altering technique I saw in a magazine (the picture below), and mine came out like this first picture. I didn't know how to glaze it since I didn't like it anyways and embraced the fact that it reminded me of a grenade and glazed it as such.

New great-nephew!

Here's the newest addition to my extended family, born on Sunday! His brother is the little boy with the balloons a few posts ago. What a precious grandma my sister makes!

First crocus of the year!

Last year the first crocus bloomed on February 23rd.

Trying something different with glazes

Anyone tired of my couch yet? I still like it.

Fun with balloons

This is my great-nephew. Isn't he cute?

Lent 'Zine

If you're not a part of Wheatland, click here

to check out Melanie's 'Zine on Lent. She did a great job!

Valentine gifts

Gifts I am thankful for...

--My amaryllis is making seeds.

--The signs of spring to come, my favorite season!









--Brunch on the deck (at 60 degrees in the sun).

--A big fluffy frog from my sister-in-law and cards delivered early!


--Gifts from my most favorite person in the world towards the front!




Today I could wear one of those weird buttons that Helzberg Diamonds gives out saying "I am loved".

Hoping you feel loved today!

More sgraffito!

I love saying the word "sgraffito" almost as much as I love the doing the technique. Again, it means "scratched" in Italian. My husband calls this my genie bottle. One of my instructors mentioned a veil when looking at this piece. I put more details about it on my flickr site if anyone is interested...what type of glaze, etc.

Last night I was back at pottery class and glazed at least 5 things. Will have to miss pottery on Saturday due to an important engagement ;o( so will also be missing all my friends there and my circular therapy.

I miss my favorite graphic artist and will bring her "500 Cups" book back soon.

Back home

Still, still with Thee, when purple morning breaketh,
When the bird waketh and the shadows flee;
Fairer than morning, lovelier than daylight,
Dawns the sweet consciousness I am with Thee.

Alone with Thee, amid the mystic shadows,
The solemn hush of nature newly born;
Alone with Thee in breathless adoration,
In the calm dew and freshness of the morn.

Still, still to Thee, as to each new-born morning,
A fresh and solemn splendor still is giv'n,
So does this blessed consciousness awaking,
Breathe each day nearness unto Thee and heav'n.

So shall it be at last in that bright morning,
When the soul waketh, and life's shadows flee;
O in that hour, fairer than daylight dawning,
Shall rise the glorious thought I am with Thee.

--Harriet Beecher Stowe

Made it back home yesterday after many airport delays. Took this picture on January 28th. Found this poem in the book "Streams in the Desert".

Hope to post more later.