Back.... and In the Meantime

Yes, I'm back! I've been back in NC for about a week. It was not an easy trip back with flights, etc. I am thankful to have made it back in one piece.
It has taken awhile to recover.

Haven't even looked at all my pictures yet. Will do that soon. It's too early. These things take time, especially after time with my precious abuelos (grandparents). Such holy time.

Haven't been back at the wheel yet. Am too tired. Will do that soon too.

So, 'in the meantime' (great song by Peter Mayer too), I'll show two pictures of two gifts that my abuelos gave me.

Above is part of a blanket called an 'ahuayo'. This is a typical Aymaran blanket. I am half Aymaran so this is perfect for me. Babies are often carried in ahuayo blankets on a woman's back (they tend to live there the first years of their life), or anything else is carried in ahuayos that need to be transported from one place to another. They're known for vibrant colors and sometimes the name of the weaver is woven into the blanket. In this case, a woman named Amalia made it and my abuela (grandmother) wove the outside hem. As you can see, she used two colors. Bolivians are resourceful. They find a use for just about anything. And this ahuayo? I treasure it already.

This pic is part of a mantilla, which is a shawl worn around a woman's shoulders in the Aymara culture. My grandmother wore this, I'm sure. Gosh, this picture really needed a flash!

These are amazing gifts. When I look at them, I think of my abuelos (grandparents). Both of them are Amyaran people.

Most of all, I hope that what my abuelos have taught me about God and life...that all of those gifts are known in who I am in the days to come.

And it is a bit comforting that although loved ones are far away, the memories can always stay with me here, and that God is there too.

Gosh, Bolivia is too far away.

More soon...

On the Lookout South of the Equator

Yes, I am on the lookout here in Bolivia for symbols that are Aymaran or Bolivian and the meanings of them. I am here visiting family and have been thinking about putting some of those symbols on my upcoming pottery pieces. I´ve already purchased a few pieces that have symbols on them, but ideally, it would be fun to have a book that has many of them inside.
I have taken some pictures, but cannot upload them yet.
Still it is great to be here, although I wish that potter´s wheels traveled well.
Any ideas where to find symbols that are etched onto South American pottery? Gotta google a bit to learn online. Maybe I will come across something here.
In the meantime, it is fun to read blogs from all over the world as I am here south of the equator where it is winter.
Happy Potting!

Off and Away

In just a few hours, I'll travel to Bolivia to see my extended family there- my father's side of the family. It is a miracle I am going. t will be great fun, yet packing was quite an adventure. Bolivia is beautiful (Andes Mountains and more), yet it is a poor country and it's winter (no snow thankfully) and what do I take for a 10 day trip?

These will go with me. They're gifts for my aunts; each made out of phoenix clay and they have a little bit of design on the top. They're the right size for jahwa (my phonetic spelling) which is a very HOT salsa that is eaten with almost everything. They still claim me as one of the family even though I don't eat it. Not the best picture either. Oh well...

Gotta go find a piece of pottery for my grandparents. And I'm trying to travel light.

I was just thinking and when I'm too busy, one way to know is that I don't have time to read pottery blogs. :( Like today.

How I'll miss being at the studio. Might be able to post some during my trip. I'll be back on the fourth of July.

Time

Time is precious. I really enjoyed my time here, visiting with my parents, siblings, and grandparents while here in PA. Missed seeing my one sister, Maria and her family with a new addition. I have a new niece! :) They live a couple hours away.

Also, this is also the first time ever, I think that I will see both sets of grandparents within a week's time. With one side of my extended family living in Bolivia, I hardly ever get to see them. Plus, it's pretty amazing that with me being in my mid-30's, that all four of my grandparents are still living. I think this is rare. I'm so lucky.

Here are Paul, Anna Mary, and I; a picture taken recently. They have taught me much. Thanks, Grandma and Grandpa! Back to Charlotte tomorrow.