Sadly, I lost my mother to lung cancer on Sept. 11. It was an intense summer and I'm now trying to slowly reboot my life.

One of the best things has been my return to work in the studio. I quickly got a commission from a previous customer when I reopened my etsy shop. She wanted a platter to match the tree of life Kiddush Cup (goblet) she bought from me a while back. It was the perfect challenge to get my creative juices flowing.

I handbuilt the platter and then added four "trees" made of slip around the rim.

So far so good. Hopes up that it successfully makes it through the bisque firing! I'll be sure to post photos when it's done.

In the world of the more mundane, I'm considering starting a monthly get together at my house called "Pottery Friday". Because of my schedule, it would take place at brunch time. I'd just have an open house for local potters to drop by and bring their food. I'd supply coffee and tea and the place to meet. Then we could just discuss our work, life, and the universe.

Of course, ideas need to become reality. I'm going to let the thought grow a bit in my head. Then I'll figure out a way to implement it.