A Good Day After a Bad One

Well, yesterday was one of those terrible no good, very bad days.  And I didn't even get caught in the hurricane.  Okay, it's pretty small compared to the devastation and destruction from the hurricane.  Yet I was at the dentist yesterday and learned of yet another dental procedure costing another $1K.  So, this year I'll pay about $8K in all to the dentist.  Yes, I am thankful for good dental care, and I didn't do anything wrong to cause all this.  Just life.  Quite disappointing and sad.  Thankfully, life isn't about $.  This is just one reason why I am voting the way I am; I don't want anyone else to go through this; I will gladly help to pay for universal health care.  At least I have a good job, and although my savings account is sad these days--- hard to save with these expenses!,  and I have health insurance.  So many don't.... including some wonderful potters.

So, off of my mini soapbox about universal healthcare.  That was yesterday and I'm thankful for a new day.  And then this came in the mail today.  My youngest sister gave me the most thoughtful present I've received in a long while.  Can't wait to read EVERY page.  And another friend gave me a subscription to Pottery Making Illustrated--- as part of the 2 for 1 deal.

Life goes on.  And how I love the pottery world these days!   I plan on spending some good time in the studio this weekend, trimming pieces to in time, filling the kiln!

Asheville, Colors, and Sales!

 Lately, I've been thinking about colors.  Easy to do in a place as beautiful as this.  Was in Hendersonville, NC earlier this week.  I wanted to hug this tree!

 Ate at perhaps my favorite restaurant in Asheville.  Chai Pani!   Daal , Naan and papadum is my all time favorite thing to order.

 Lily pads from the lake.  Just like the pattern, the colors, the everything about this pic.

 Beautiful!

So not sure how this pic turned out like this.  I had been jogging- and saw this and just tried to capture it.  Yet I really like how the colors blend into each other.  

 Same sight still a bit blurry....

 And I sat down on a bench and just listened and looked and this is what I saw.  Beautiful beyond words!

 Loved walking and jogging a bit on this path.  Learned that jogging on leaves is not the smartest thing- as I fell once.  Hard to find one's footing.  All's well though; I'm fine.   I just loved getting away for a couple days.  It was so hard to return.  I so loved time in Asheville and the incredible people I met there too.  Now back to reality; time in the studio all day tomorrow and I plan on posting more pictures of the latest pots.  Sold a bunch to friends I met;  Am delighted that many found new homes.  I recommend that all take a few pieces of pottery with them when they go on trips.  :)
Have a bunch of orders to fill.  Can't get enough time in the studio these days as Christmas will soon be here!

Asheville and Great Firing!

Thanks all for your comments about my kiln loading.  Ended up re-loading the kiln and even figured out how to create more space with no pots near the top!  Here are two from the firing.  Unloaded them and the others this morning---  was ready to leave town to come to Asheville so I put some of them in towels to stay warm and cool down more slowly (unloaded at 200 degrees).  I just couldn't wait any longer; don't think there is any crazing....  time will tell!
Great firing.  Kiln wash or something on one bowl; don't know how it got there.  Will vacuum my kiln before I fire again.

The colors on the trees here are beautiful beyond words.  Interesting to see so many people around; lots and lots of tourists.  I can hardly wait to go running tomorrow mid-day in all this, even though I'm out of shape and it will be a bit grueling.  Oh well; much good to see!

Will definitely go back to the parkway tomorrow pm to take some more pics and just take in all the color.  No wonder so many come here.  It is all just beautiful beyond anything I can describe and I'm here a few days past peak colors.  Even so, it is a bit hard to drive as there is so much to look at.  :)

Question- Less Than One Inch?

Loaded the kin today with bowls today and loaded it so full (height-wise) that the last bowl is less than 1 inch from the top lid.  The skutt manual says leave two inches between the highest piece from the top.  I've heard differently from other potters.  Is it okay to fire it as is or is it better for me to remove that top shallow bowl leaving more space at the top?  Please, please advise.  I plan to fire the kiln tomorrow morning...

Thanks for your insight!

Oh, and the plate stackers are wonderful!  I put extra kiln posts next to them for stability; they really allow one to add more shelves and are so efficient!