Annette Corcoran

 A fantastic woman ceramic artist, who I just discovered. Annette Corcoran appeared in Facebook last year, and I was surprised to see it return in my "memories" listing today. I didn't remember showing these beautiful teapots last year, sharing another's post. 

When I went to her web page, 2017 was the latest update...with these beautiful works. I know she was in her 80s (like me today) and hope she is well. What a talented artist in clay!

Today's quote:

This is a time for straying, for losing one’s way, for asking new questions. A sacred activism. A slowing down that knows enchantment is not in short supply.

BAYO AKOMOLAFE

Some birds and flowers

Walking around Lake Tomahawk the morning after a rain...I was happily greeting by this lavender. I was happy, I didn't ask the lavender if it was.

Two young people walking ahead of me while staring at their phones in their hands; yes, Pokemon is here also!

Yes the water was full of sediment from upstream rains. I just walked on the shady side, up and back again.  Who says you have to go around?

Another walker paused to show me these baby birds tucked into the joists of the balcony above, and one of the parents anxiously waiting on a lamp on the wall.

She said the five babies would retreat into the nest if she made any noises toward them, so I stayed quiet. 

Do you know what kind of birds they are?

The terraced gardens along the walkway combine veggies and flowers. I've always liked to do that.

Today's quote:

Rings and jewels are not gifts, but apologies for gifts. The only true gift is a portion of thyself.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Barb's Birds and Bees Part Two

Some places the glaze was too thin.
Some places the glaze was too thick.

I'm not very happy about this one.  I think all that time and work gives me only the satisfaction of knowing how to change the next one.  And if I don't take a hammer to it, it will be at most a "second."

Using regular glaze for the nutmeg brown, rather than stroke and coat, I made it too thin and too blobby on both the inside and exterior birds.  The ones inside got gobbled up by the blue thick glaze, including at least one which lost its head!

Barb's birds and bees

Part One:
Birds in the works...a bowl for birds.

My brief visit by nesting doves made me think of doing some birds nesting on the exterior...

 The interior has some flying silhouettes of birds over clouds that circle the center...the grey glaze will be blue.

All the birds, inside and out are nutmeg brown. And the nests lie tucked inside leaves of turquoise trees limbs,

The outside is then coated with matte clear glaze, with blue at rim and foot.  We shall see results soon!

Chickens and cats and birds