Thanks Michele and Jeff

Somehow I just realized shino means sheen. Look at the sheen and soft luscious color of this beautiful wall pocket vase that Michele Hastings gave me yesterday. Thank you Michele; I love this piece. She and Jeff were on their way to NCECA and stopped here for the night. We are about an hour north of Tampa.

We talked late into the night and we all got up a bit late. After a leisurely breakfast Michele and Jeff headed out to NCECA; I hope they're refreshed enough to take full advantage of all the NCECA events. With the 9 hours driving from North Carolina to here yesterday and then the torrential rains and tornado warnings today, it's been quite a whirlwind.

A tornado warning was issued for us at 3:30 pm yesterday. A warning means a tornado has been sited. A watch means a tornado is possible. Gary and I and the three cats got in an interior walk-in closet for about 10 minutes. Thankfully the tornado missed us but did damage about six miles away which is too close for comfort. Gary and I planned to head to Tampa today, but he was called for an interview mid morning, hopefully he'll get the job and we'll go down tomorrow or Saturday.


Michele and I met via our blogs when she was living in New Hampshire. She and Jeff planned on moving to North Carolina and Michele contacted me about the ins and outs of purchasing a bus to move with. After Michele read my blog and a few emails we had back and forth, she was convinced that was also the way to go for them.

Michele and Jeff purchased a bus to move with and named their bus the Gypsy Potter's Bus. Gary and I moved across the United States in our bus on a shoestring and ours is the Treasure bus. Just before Michele and Jeff headed out I wanted to take a photo of them by the pool, they opted for a shot by the pool and in front of our treasure bus.


Here's another shot of the wall vase, look at that carbon trapping, sweet. I've learned most artist's work independently and alone, and I've been content in that circumstance, in fact I prefer it. But I've found it's also beneficial to connect with other artists on a regular basis. Till I moved to Florida I was isolated in my artistic world in a tiny town in the middle of nowhere. But blogging led me to meet so many potter's around the world. I'm glad I'm part of a warm and supportive group of pottery people.


The carafe above was made by Jeff. Chatting with Jeff yesterday I learned he has a rich background in pottery dating back to the 1970s. Please check out Jeff's website to learn more about his impressive knowledge and foray into today's contemporary pottery. Up next a couple of pots Gary and I acquired from the Clay and Blogs show last year in North Carolina. Thanks for visiting and commenting on my blog.