7-19-19

Today I finished up my two-day class with a potter at the Odyssey. I learned so much and can't wait to try out all the new techniques before I forget them. I went to Highwater Clay before this lesson, and after it to purchase all the new tools and clay I'd learned about. 

Later in the afternoon, my cousin came over to meet the rest of us. She's in the middle next to my mom, her closer cousin. Dinner was eating up all the leftovers in the fridge.

7-18-19

I really like Asheville and could see living here. Today I had a pottery class at the Odyssey and it was two hours of bliss. 

I finished these socks and Sakura took this awesome picture of me photographing them.

We went for another walk in the Enchanted Forest and beyond. We went to see a couple studios, including a glass blowing studio and a couple pottery studios. 

7-17-19

Me and my sisters. We went for a hike in the "Enchanted Forest" this evening with the boys and saw a beautiful sunset. I'm holding the ball because Buddy kept throwing it around and there is so much poison ivy on the sides of the road that I didn't want it getting in there.

7-16-19

Here I am in Asheville with my two nephews, Buddy and Fossie. We went on a hike at a botanical garden. Nana didn't fare too well on the hike. Aza and Clark did very well. 

So did Sakura!

In the house, we are staying in a room that is unremarkable but it has a sitting area off it. I wish I'd had more time to spend here because it's so peaceful.

I went to Highwater Clay today for my first of what would be THREE visits. This is what I purchased.

We also went to the art district today and I saw my former middle school student in her jewelry studio! I bought a necklace and so did Aza.

7-15-19

Asheville, NC!!!

We drove back to North Carolina today and arrived first at our house up the steep driveway on a hillside. Aza and Clark Kent (new nickname) arrived a bit later to spend the week with us too! We went to Starbucks for a pick-me-up.

7-14-19

Sunday. Sakura and Sta are here. Here is Sakura signing a plaque that one of her fans made. It was nice being with my sisters at my mom's house tonight. She made a pasta dish with meat and veggies. 

Below are some items that are done!

7-12-19

Sold.

Still have.

Sold.

Sold

Still have.

Still have.

I can't remember anything of import about this day, but I picked up all these goodies after my former student came over in the morning for a coffee visit....and to buy a mug... the one that looks like the Roman Coliseum. 

7-11-19

Today two different friends came over to see my pottery. They looked and got ideas and placed orders for lots of stuff. With all my traveling this month it will take a while for me to complete their things, but it will be fun to stretch myself and make a variety of items.

7-9-19

I was feeling down today and needed to get back to the studio to glaze, but didn't feel like doing the driving. So on the way I treated myself to a Rosebud Latte from Mama Mochas. I had an appointment last month with my family doctor and think I told her about this nagging depression even though all things are going well for me. I hope it passes soon.

7-8-19

We came home today, Monday, and I stopped by the studio to pick up some things.

7-7-19

This is an outside view of the house. See the deck railing and the rhododendron blooms?

Today we all went to eat at the old historic inn in town. The dining room was fancy. Their herb rolls were delicious.

Later in the evening, I took a short walk out back and lay down in the moss and looked up at the tree canopy.

and took a selfie from above...

7-6-19

These are two things I made yesterday that I carved/finished today.

7-5-19

Today is Jes's 33rd birthday! I started this blog in 2007 when she was 21 and now she's 33. I spent the day at the Dave Drake studio making things! It only cost $10 for the day. It was AMAZING to be working in the open air barn with other potters. I did this because I got a couple of orders and felt the need to get them made while here so they could dry and be bisqued when I get home.

7-4-19

It's the Fourth of July. I worked on another pinch pot on the deck (I really love this deck) and even made some little animals and finished a sock. 

The two mugs I shipped to France were received and photographed there in this amazing set up! Isn't this absolutely lovely? Looks like the picture was taken on an old steamer trunk. I like that lidded pot in the back... it would be fun to try and make it from clay!

7-3-19

This picture is from a hike to a waterfall where there were a bunch of people swimming. Dan got a picture with the people behind me so you can't see them. It was loud so we didn't stay long.

I carved my pinch mug to look like the railing on the deck.

Below is a pot at the Bascom Art Museum made by an enslaved man in the 1800s, Dave Drake. The pottery studio next door is named for him. He wrote poems on his pots. He is such an inspiration to me!

7-2-19

Dan and I went for a hike today. It was pretty strenuous for me and I had to stop every so often to let my heart stop racing. I think it was called Whiteside mountain, or something like that.

I brought some clay with me (gasp!) and did a pinch pot mug, handle, and two spoons while sitting on the back deck. Looking down off the deck, I could see all the white hydrangeas in bloom.