Favorite poem by Sparrow

Muffin
The Earth is a muffin, still warm inside.

http://www.softskull.com/detailedbook.php?isbn=1-932360-86-7

pulling back, hunkering down, going inward

closing off, laying low,
time for self reflection

winter brings it on

like a blanket of silence

patches of monochromatic colors

paths beaten down, then sealed in ice

animals taking on winter coats

glassy pools deep amber in shades

there is nothing and at the same time

there is everything

stillness, then

the abyss

bowl image by bgd
birdhouse image by me

Doubling down

It's showtime, Set up is in four hours. Clint Eastwood's squint eyed face and the quote, as I open up the kiln, comes to mind " are you feeling lucky punk?, well are ya?" 156degrees on the cool down. I can crack the kiln and look inside" whew" a few good pieces I can view on the top shelf. Nothing like running it down to the wire " get em while they're hot folks" too much New yorker in me. The top shelf bodes well for what's in store further down, good omens or at least a decent start. Always have something new, improved, moving forward. Over the hump and down the final stretch. My mantra on show days is "don't sit down until your done" No time for inertia or reflection, forces are gaining down the final stretch, the trumpet blares, "and we're off"

Nature in nature out

image by: BuffaloGirlsDesign.com

Am I drawn to the leaf and thus it inspires me in the studio or does the love of rich earthy colors draw me to nature? Some things are deeply ingrained in our souls, the love of nature, the love of the outdoor marketplace, harkening back to ancient times from every corner of the earth. Modern life progresses forward but we stay rooted in what grounds us

nature inspires glazing

walking the resevoir with the dogs, the scenery is made to order. Two bald eagles, herons, osprey. The good company of a dear friend. It doesn't get much better than this. Stops along the way , for photos of inspiring shapes and colors; pale yellowy tans, rust, gold, brown speckles