A Warm Week on the Edge of the Prairie

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 It's been a hot week here on the edge of the prairie, even I had to admit defeat and turn on the air conditioning for relief.  A big storm blew through our state, knocking down trees, destroying property and cutting power to thousands in the lakes resort area.  The city park on the opposite side of our lake had a few large trees come down as well, but the wildflowers are out in profusion and are such a treat for the eye and spirit.  The herons were their usual cool kids self, out standing in their pond looking stately and aloof.  Why do you never see them as a couple, only solitary birds in need of Match.com for avians.  This morning a family of 4 fisher kits played in, on and around our wood pile.  What a treat to watch these comic babies tumble and leap around each other, momma nowhere to be seen.  We've kept our back yard as natural as possible just for this type of reward, to see the birds and animals thrive in their environment.

Since it's uncomfortable to spend much time outdoors, after a daily walk I've given the gardens a cursory weeding but largely head down to my studio for the coolness of the basement.  Do you think being a potter is all glamor with eager art patrons clamoring to purchase?

Well, after I duck the paparazzi and deflect the calls from eager gallery owners and museum exhibits, it's time to reclaim all the trimmings and create spots to dry out the slop enough to wedge it into throwing clay again.

After watching a cooking show I had the light bulb moment thinking, Ah HA!  I should make garlic grater bowls, to emulsify a clove in the bowl that you then add olive oil to and use for dipping lovely crusty bread into.

Throwing butter dishes has been a challenge I was determined to master this summer, more than a few went into the reclaim bucket but finally there are a few butter bells that are ready to go in the bisque kiln.  Like everything else in life, it's just a matter of practice and getting over the frustration of failure.  A wise person reminded me: "it's just clay".

The  heat is expected to last throughout the weekend, The Spousal Unit and I will be traipsing around St. Paul on a tour with the Minnesota History Museum.  They offer an amazing variety of historic tours year round, this one is a walking tour of breweries with, of course, tastings along the way.  It'll sure feel good with a heat index over 100!

Stay Frosty My Friends.