Our flock of birds have taken flight as part of an art installation in The Pathway. Over thirty of these whimsical birds have taken flight. They will fly through the trees during the Firefly Music Festival, as well as the Big Barrel Country Music Festival.

This “flock” of stylized birds is all prepped, wired and ready for installation in The Pathway tomorrow!

Today was my first full day on-site today at the festival location. Most of the venue tents are already in place – just waiting for our decor. Several of the stages are underway and it looks we’re well on our way to another great year at the Firefly Music Festival. Luckily, I will be on my bike throughout the install on the grounds, so I will not be driving any of this heavy machinery. I much prefer to keep my feet placed safely on the ground… or pedals!

Now that the Hinsdale art fair is over…
time to hop on an airplane and start “my next big adventure.”

Okay, three weeks in Dover, Delaware may not be too exciting, but…
hopefully there will be some nice morning sunrises over Delaware Bay.
Oh yeah, and some fun design work to do at the FIREFLY Music Festival
and BIG BARREL Country Music Festival. Part of my other “gig.”

I hope you’ve made your plans for some great pottery fun this weekend!
C’mon… make it a fun road-trip weekend to Minnesota and play with the rest of us. I’ll be there mingling, admiring, networking, shopping, collecting and hanging out with the rest of the cool kids! You should be one of them too!!! There will be a TON of great pottery up there made by some wonderful potters.

Sadly, I’m not one of them… yet. Dare to dream, right?!

Click here for more information, directions and potter profiles!

Today was the Chicago Shamrock Shuffle.
Sure, it’s not even close to St. Patrick’s Day… but who’s counting?!
What it is for many of us is the kick-off of the outdoor sporting season.
But for me, it was actually my very first outdoor run this year!!! No real training for me!

My friends Chris & Nancy met me at my condo, and the three of us took the El train downtown. Not knowing what kind of weather was in store for us, we all brought a few extra options. So after layering it on, we took our “extras” to Gear Check and prepared for the run. Yeah, me and thirty-thousand other runners!!!

Chris and I were finally all bundled up with layers of moisture-wicking clothes, tights, pants, windbreakers, hats, gloves, socks… and then more of the same… ready for the run ahead of us. Feeling a little “thick” from all the layers… but I’d rather be “thick” than freezing cold!!!

I also ran into Jeff… husband of my friend & college Little Sister Pam.
Surprising, that out of thirty thousand runners, we just happen to be in the same area. It was Jeff that recognized Chris & I as we were in Corral E waiting for our chance to start. It’s a lot of waiting & standing around for those of us in Wave Two… starting at 9:15am.

The Shamrock Shuffle is a really fun race that takes you through a lot of the downtown area. It was quite windy in several sections. Especially in the cross-street areas where it would catch you off guard… and then the wind would SLAM you from the side!!!

I, of course, could not resist a quick photo-op with the Nesquik Chocolate Bunny!!!

Thousands of people flooding through the Finish Line…
each thrilled to be done with their first race of the season!

We all met up after the race at Buckingham Fountain. Including my friend Tracy who had us all sign-up on her team “Step In Time.” Sure, it’s too early in the season for the fountain to be working yet, but still… it’s kind of a tradition. Tracy and I have a very similar photo from our marathon finishes two years ago. Unfortunately, the winds were picking up, the temperatures were dropping and you could tell that some rain & sleet were imminent. So we only hung out for a little while, then walked back to the El for a train ride home.

It felt great to be back home… finally warm & dry after a nice hot shower.
A couple snacks, some more water and feeling good.

And so begins another season… running, biking, racing, Tri’s, whatever… bring it on!!!

Three strange things happened this morning at the health club.
It was a seemingly normal morning when I arrived at XSport Fitness… and then…

1. When I got into the locker room, one of the club attendants (who is usually vacuuming the place) was washing his feet in the sink with a bottle of water? And then using a hair drier to finish the job. And yes, he was still in uniform and still supposedly “on the job.”

2. An elderly man was confused in the Locker Room and asked me where the exit was.
I said “Turn around” as the open Locker Room door was directly behind him.

3. When I got to the group studio workout room for my Step Class, the Zumba class before was still going. But instead of the usual instructor, it was Louis Van Amstel from “Dancing With The Stars” teaching the class.

I think it was a “surprise” guest appearance. I never saw any notices.
And no, the Zumba class was not dressed for the occasion…

What’s going on today?!
Maybe I need to buy a lottery ticket? Or at least stay safe inside my condo?!!!

Kick-off your holiday shopping THIS weekend at my Holiday Home Show!
It’s my biggest selection of the year with pottery in every room of my condo – plus some pieces that don’t travel to art fairs!!! And great bargains to be snatched up in my “Tired Of Shlepping Sale” on the back porch. Both Saturday & Sunday from 10:00am-6:00pm. Let me know by e-mail or Comments if you need address details, and I’ll send you a personal message.

After condo meeting this evening, it was too late to get into the studio to continue glazing. Instead, I finished up labeling & stamping postcards for my Holiday Home Show. It’s just over a week away… gotta get ’em in the mail first thing tomorrow!!!

And for those who might not get a “real” postcard, here’s what they look like…

You’re more than welcome, and always invited to join us. It’s my BIGGEST show of the entire year. With pottery in every room of my condo, food & drink in the kitchen, holiday decorations everywhere, and the ever-popular “Tired Of Shlepping Sale” on the back porch!!!

If you want the exact specifics and address details. just shoot me a quick e-mail and I’ll give you the scoop. It’s next weekend… always the weekend before Thanksgiving!!!

Last Friday night was the Opening Night
for FINDING FOREVER CUP EXHIBITION.

From the sounds of it, everything went incredibly well. So excited that Pam’s charity event came together and was a huge success!!! Thanks to everyone who donated cups, and to everyone who bought them to help the cause!

For a review of the project and the Opening, click here for Pam’s story.
FINDING FOREVER CUP EXHIBITION.