Tuesday, December 17, 2013

snow day





Another day of snow,
how fortunate that it is all mine.

the hot tea melting a ring in the snow.

I finished a pair of gloves.
Next time I will carry the twisted knit stitch 
up the middle finger.

xo, j

Sunday, December 15, 2013

willi singleton









Today I had the great privilege of visiting Pine Creek Pottery,
the studio of Japanese trained potter Willi Singleton.

Willi uses mostly natural materials, including clay he digs locally
and glazes made from slip and wood ash he processes from corn husk and bamboo.
The pieces are then fired in his four chambered wood fired climbing kiln,
a 30 hour event that requires around the clock maintenance by the artist and a team of friends.

Tucked away in a wooded hollow alongside a creek 
and embraced by a forest of bamboo his studio and home are magical.

Willi carefully handles each piece, reciting its story with such intimacy and candor,
it felt like being properly introduced to the friend I was taking home.

Today I was able to touch that place within me that is so often 
pushed aside as I muddle through the business of my day job.

Now for some tea with my new friend.

xo, j

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

after the storm




The sky was a silvery grey at dawn this morning
and is now the bright ice blue of the day after a storm.

The year round birds were outside my window 
waiting for the seeds I forgot to pick up last night.
Tomorrow they won't be disappointed.

Monday, December 09, 2013

what i've been doing





Working with oil paint slows me down,
especially important when the rest of my life is so hectic.

The fish wind sock idea just appeared in a sketch one day.

Friday night I attended a local theater production of 'A Christmas Carol.'
It was opening night and my dear A's first performance on a public stage!
He did a great job, so proud of him.

On Sunday I visited an open studio show hosted by a painter friend.
Eight artists had work for sale and I bought a couple of holiday gifts for family.

busy, busy, busy
Hope everyone is well.
xo, j


Sunday, December 01, 2013

jacobsburg state park







Although utterly exhausted from work I decided
to take a short walk around Jacobsburg State Park this afternoon.

It felt like snow as the the air was crisp and cold.
I walked around an abandoned quarry and sat for a while
watching as icicles fell into the dark water, echoing off the slate walls.

Down by the creek I slipped on the muddy bank.
My left hand went out to break my fall and landed in a sticker bush.
I pulled out the thorns, brushed off my muddy bum and turned for home.

Despite the mishaps it felt good to clear my head and breathe the fresh air.
Home to a big lunch then I crawled under the covers for a long nap.
More busy days ahead.

xo, j