Studio, Gallery, and Life: 51, Portugal or not?

My head is spinning and I can’t quite quiet my thoughts.  Leo and I had a nice couple of days.  My daughter, Camille, has Covid running through her friends.  She did drive up for Christmas but we are isolating in the house from one another.  It works ok.  But, once again, C-19 is causing a disruption in our lives.  Nothing life shattering.  We are grateful to be under the same roof.  Leo wonders why he knows that there is another four legged creature in the house but can’t find him.  It puzzles this poor puppy.  Camille brought her cat, Dexter.  So, like Camille and I, the pets are living on separate floors.

Why can’t I focus my thoughts?  Well, I have a few orders to complete in the next ten days.  Then, I will go visit my grandkids for a few days.  When, I return, I am supposed to start packing for my month long course with Tony Clennell in Portugal. We will be studying in the southern part of the country. It’s rural and close to beaches.  I am thinking that this is similar to being at home.  So, why not?  Our State Department has issued a “do not travel” for Portugal.  So, do I go or not?  I am trying to be patient.

Hikes:  It’s been beautiful here in West Michigan.  Sun, blue skies, and easy walking at the beach.  Lots of great pictures being taken by local friends of the waves, sunsets, and beaches.  Yesterday, we took a walk in the woods.  Our tall lodge pole pines looked beautiful wet with mist.  Did you hear that we are getting yurts for camping at one of our county parks?

Whenever, I see the pines like this, I can’t help but think of a surface of a pot.  A nice temnoku glaze could work.  Black to Brown with textural patterns on the outside of a large tall bowl or vase.

What did you make in the kitchen over the last couple of days?  I thawed some Alaskan Sockeye Salmon and Pepperidge Farms Puff Pastry Sheets.  Laid the pastry flat, set the salmon on a portion of it, then made a dill sauce using plain greek yogurt, sealed the salmon in the pastry.  Brushed with egg, and cooked for about 30 minutes at 400 degrees.  It was delicious!

As I look at our inventory, we have so many really nice pieces of pottery in the shop right now.  Plus, fun jewelry by Lochlin Smith or Julie Billups.  Beautiful paintings and prints.  Please take a look.  Maybe you received a check for Christmas?  You could buy a piece of art.

Happy New Year and Take good care, c2.