Not sure what happened last night… maybe more rain than I thought?!

But this morning, the beach this morning was “flooded” with water a lot higher than I’ve ever seen before?! Pretty cool to see the lake a lot higher, ripples on the beach, and reflections in places I’ve never seen before.

A great “hands-on” project… Cory is making her pieces, and I’m doing mine!
Mark your calendar for “Art In The Garden” in Glenview on August 30th & 31st.
One-of-a-kind, limited edition collaborations with my friend Cory McCrory!!!

It never gets old.
I still love watching other potters making their work. Whether throwing, trimming, stamping, carving, decorating. or whatever. Always beautiful. Always mesmerizing. Always a great creative inspiration for all of us. And these Icheon Master Hands from Korea are pretty darn incredible! Each one showing their techniques… and making it “look” so easy!!! Although we all know it’s NOT!!!

For a compilation video of five great Icheon Master Hands from Korea, click here.
If you want to see more… continue on. You’ll be glad you did.

For more video of Master Hand Choi In-Gyu… click here.

For more video of Master Hand Yo Se-Yeon… click here.

For more video of Master Hand Lee Hyang-Gu… click here.

For more video of Master Hand Kim Seong-Tae… click here.

For more video of Master Hand You Yong-Chul… click here.

Some great inspiration for all of us.
I especially loved the work by Kim Seong-Tae. The carving is pretty impressive, and I was pleasently surprised with the big reveal of the layered colored slips as he carved through to add colorful details to the remaining parts of the pots. So beautiful. So delicate. So inspiring.

Today was the first day of Chess Camp. And we started the day with some “traditional” chess as we discussed the kids’ plans for the crazy, thematic sets they’re going to make this week. And let me just say, some of these kids are far too smart for me!!! And MUCH better at chess… but that’s not saying much!!!

Cory’s making something to “cluck” about… birds of a feather… and another “teaser.”

My friend & wonderful artist Cory McCrory has started to share a few sneak peeks into our collaboration project… she’s such a TEASE.

and a couple minutes later…

Last night I went to see “Motown: The Musical.”
It was like spending the night at the best concert ever with all of the musical groups we loved in our childhood. The Supremes. The Four Tops. The Temptations. Diana Ross. Gladys Knight. Jackson Five. Stevie Wonder. Smokey Robinson. Marvin Gaye. Martha Reeves. All of ’em on one stage!!! Yes, I’m showing my age… and I don’t care.

I may not have known the whole Motown / Berry Gordy story…
but I did know EVERY word. And I was NOT afraid to sing along!!!

Click here for the trailer video for “Motown : The Musical.”

And here’s another fun video… showing Motown Opening Night when the actors were performing in front of the original stars themselves!!! Click here.

Oh yeah… and the theater itself was pretty darn impressive too!!!

Although it was a little bit over the top. In a weird way, it kinda made me feel like I was in Las Vegas?! Not that that’s a bad thing… I LOVE VEGAS!!!

This morning was pretty…
Pretty quiet. Pretty pink. Pretty pastel.
Pretty darn fun.

And then the color changed… a quick flip from rosy skies to a golden glow.