Waiting and Days Ahead

I'm waiting for the pots to cool down while in the gas kiln so it can be unloaded. That'll happen this afternoon. :) So, during the waiting I've decided some things. First of all, this is a beautiful place to wait, on the swing outside in Davidson, where I live. Lunch today by the way was two kinds of spreads on multigrain bread, one of which has lavender in it. It's delicious, Linda. Check out her blog if you haven't already. She grows lavender and sells it, I think. Wow! Wish CA was adjacent to NC.

Okay, back to what I've decided. In addition to my show which is in mid-June (June 13-14; Arts and Crafts at University Place, Charlotte, NC), I also have a new job that begins in early July. With that said, I'm traveling in June before work starts.

My big news is that I'm traveling to Bolivia to see my extended family. My father's entire family is from Bolivia and it will be a joy to see them all. My grandparents are still alive in their 90's and they are among my favorite people in the world. I miss my whole family there LOTS, and it's been several years since I've visited. This will be INCREDIBLE! I will take pottery with me to share. Above is an ahuayo blanket, a traditional Bolivian blanket that is often used to carry babies on one's back or goods, or just about anything. My dad gave this to me recently and it has some traditional Bolivian symbols on it. While I'm in Bolivia, I'll learn much more about Bolivian symbols to use on my future pottery.

Ahuayos are sometimes more colorful. My favorite ones are the brown ones with detailed designs. I have several ahuayos, which makes sense because I am part Aymara. You can learn more about them here. (And they really aren't that expensive when you buy them there, even the older ones).

Well, I"m going to a place like the one above in August too for my annual visit to Holden Village. It's gorgeous there beyond words and it's fun to gather there during the Latino week, where everything is in Spanish. Hiking, delicious food, and dancing outside one night under the Cascade Mountains--- it is always incredible. I'll fly into Seattle and make sure to get some good Seattle coffee and visit Pike's Place Market. If I have time, I'll go to Bainbridge Island too, another one of my favorite places with some neat galleries!

Walked to the Davidson Farmer's Market this morning. Farmer's Markets are fun and many of the stands were sold out of what they brought. It was fun to talk with Susan who is beginning to sell some of her mugs there at her stand: Artisan Breads by Lucille, her daughter.

The baskets were empty! The Davidson Farmer's Market runs every Saturday morning during the summer and these breads are made with spelt and are organic. If you're anywhere near Davidson, NC stop by! It's so worth it.

A closer look at Susan's mugs, which are beautiful! Earthen red clay. My yunomi with coffee in it is on the bottom left.

Off to the studio to help unload the latest gas kiln firing!