Long Time Away

 I really can't explain it.  I've taken a break from pottery and Peter, your comment saying that you hope I'm okay is so thoughtful.  thank you!  I'm okay.  Allergies which have been horrible at times (and I try to take as little medicine as possible), and trying to contemplate about things, well- it's just been quite a fall.  I've also taken up running which has been good, but oh, going on a 40 minute run takes time!  There are times I wish I could return to life as a child, which was oh so wonderful and so easy.  Life can be quite the challenge.  I don't know what I would have done these past few months if I couldn't run.  My longest time:  1 hour 8 minutes-- that was on a mountain road of Western NC.  I felt like Forrest Gump.  Only stopped because it was dark.
And well, I moved this futon into this new place in my small house, and a friend gave me the bird feeder that you can see near the window, (and it really is squirrel proof) so I've been reading lots and watching the birds and just relaxing.  Discovered that juncos are the latest new kind that have visited the bird feeder.  The nuthatches are among my favorite too.  That means 15 types of birds in all, including some regulars to my suet feeders.  This is my new favorite thing- to have a gentle quiet morning waking up by spending hours here.

 I have managed in the past few months to make almost one kiln load of pottery.  Need to glaze a few more pieces my nieces and nephews made today and I'll glaze fire this one on Monday.  Am also wanting to try new things, but what?  Haven't settled on the 'what' yet.  I need to practice making mugs and find a form I like in that.  Yet handles?  So hard to make and I don't like the mess of them.
I must say too that I haven't really missed being at the wheel too much, but I know when I return (hopefully later today) I will probably think to myself….. where have I been?
These two small tumblers are test ones.  Base glaze in a greenish celadon and then wax resist with the simple words and then a bluish celadon sprayed on top.  Each have a word written on them in two places.  Time and the kiln will tell!

It still hasn't hit me either that Christmas will soon be here.  Of course, I'm not ready but what will be will be.  I must say I too get tired of all the $ spent.  It has been a tough year with the passing of my grandmother and the transition in jobs.  

And not much exciting has happened lately, except for last Monday.  I decided at 6 pm that I would go to the Tennessee Lady Vols vs. North Carolina game in Chapel Hill.  Didn't have a ticket; didn't know where the arena was.  Just got in my car after running and a quick shower and left wearing orange. 

I turned out to be so lucky. Found free parking in the street and then walked up to the arena and saw a couple holding two tickets.  They even sold me one for $10 and it was ON THE FRONT ROW virtually under the basket.  I was astonished and so happy for the good.  Some background: In my final year of graduate school at UT, I went to every home game.  Ended up scoring many of the games on paper-- which was great fun and an excellent way to keep focused.  I so miss being at the games; it's like entering another world.  Love cheering the players on and well, almost losing my voice.  Look how close they are!  And I love to people watch….

This game was incredible.  Tennessee won!  I've so needed good luck and I hope it continues. 

I wasn't dressed like this guy at all- UNC stuff from head to toe.  This pic shows how close I was to the floor though!  Interestingly, the arena wasn't near full… 

Thanks for reading.  Hope I don't stay away long this next time…