So nice to get out for another beautiful sunrise… without all of the thick winter layers! Still several layers… don’t get me wrong… they’re just thinner now. Windbreaker instead of quilted. Still the best way to start my day!

After playing outside all afternoon… it was back to the studio tonight for more porcelain fun!

Knowing that there would be “more to come” for the handbuilt blocks my students made for their latest THROWDOWN challenge… I knew I had to make a couple to play along!

Another area affected by the Winter storms & high waters. This area used to be a beach at Ardmore-Hollywood … complete with an Accessible Beach Walk. Apparently not so “accessible” these days?!

There’s a new sculpture along the lakefront!!! A new Keith Haring piece installed alongside Belmont Harbor. It went in late last Fall, and it’s still surrounded by construction fencing… probably until the memorial gardens are planted this Spring. It’s a large piece… see it in comparison to my bike!!!

Okay, so maybe the signs are there for a reason?!… still biking, but seeing a LOT of winter damage to the bike & running paths along the lakefront.

It seems to happen every winter, but this time it seems worse than usual. Some areas are washed out completely… like this “river “ of water where there’s supposed to be a cement running path?!

It was great to get out on my bike this afternoon… after a productive studio morning. It’s gonna take a lot more than a sign and a barricade to stop me and my bike!!!

Apparently Spring has sprung… at least from these pretty little flowers that popped up in the kiln room! They’re from a sweet little workshop that Mary Drabik taught at Lillstreet. Yes, it’s warmer out today… but we’re still a ways away from cheery flowers like these!!! I’ll take ‘em wherever I can get ‘em!

When asked if I have any greenware to help fill a bisque kiln… the answer is almost always YES!!! This impromptu loading happened thanks to Mary who only had a few pieces from a workshop she taught that needed to be fired… and I’m ALWAYS willing to help!

Its never too soon to start making more Christmas ornaments, right? Even if today is supposed to warm up into the fifties?!!! Which means I’m throwing this morning… before I head out this afternoon for a “warm” lakefront bike ride!!!