Another night under the Big Top here in Chicago!
Not quite Cirque du Soleil… but VERY close! And that ain’t no horsin’ around…

So tonight I was “treated” to a wonderful night of equestrian fantasy.
A group of us were given some great tickets for this incredible show. Thanks!!!

A combination of incredible horses, beautiful scenic effects, mesmerizing music
and the magic of Cirque du Soleil. In fact, “Cavalia” was created in part by one
of the former folks from Cirque du Soleil. And you can tell…

It’s not quite as fantastic, energetic & exciting… rather more inspiring, relaxing & beautiful.
The things that the horses do – incredible! They way they perform… the way they interact…
all different horses… an evening of magical equestrian beauty I would highly recommend!

Yes, it’s true… my parents are celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary!
Hard to believe that they’ve been together since just after high school… with three kids
and three grandchildren to keep them “young” at heart… and “grey” at head!!!

So to celebrate, we gathered the family and a few close friends for a fun day
of bowling & food. In addition to our small immediate family, the Mueller family
joined us too! We’ve know the Muellers ever since I was in 4th Grade… when she came
to my school and got me to join 4-H… and got my parents to become 4-H Club Leaders!!!
So they came with their kids & grandkids… who played well with my cute niece Taylor!!!

If you my parents at the next art fair, be sure to congratulate them on their 50 years!
And thank them for being the my most supportive “art fair assistants” ever!!!

They say bad things happen in threes… and this was a bad week!
Each of them made such an impact on the world – and leave behind great legacies.
Ed McMahon… Farrah Fawcett… Michael Jackson… Gone, but not forgotten!

Once again, the “Empty Bowls” project at Lillstreet Art Center was a great success.
Thanks to the efforts of Joanna Kramer who organized the event, an astounding $10,865
was raised in just one night. I would like to think that my donation of a dozen bowls
helped make a difference.

“Empty Bowls” is a nationwide philanthropic effort by potters around the country
to raise money for the homeless & hungry in the country. By donating handmade
ceramic bowls, the potters are helping raise awareness and money for the cause.
At the event, people can purchase these “empty bowls” for $20 and then get it filled
with soup & bread donated by First Slice Cafe. They then get to keep the bowl
as a symbolic reminder of their generous support of the cause.

Thank you to all the potters & bowl shoppers who make this event a success nationwide!

Quickly becoming an annual event, tomorrow I will be hosting
another Home Show – just in time for your last minute holiday shopping!
After the success of the first Home Show which kicks off the season,
now it’s time for another show to help close off the shopping season.

As an added draw, I have invited my friend Molly Bitters to join me for the day.
She’s a wonderful metalsmith who incorporates her metal work with hand-dyed
& embossed leather.

“Mud & Metal” : A Collaborative Holiday Home Show
Saturday, December 13th, 2008 – 10:00am-6:00pm

Please contact me for address, directions & more details…

So this past weekend was my annual Holiday Home Show.
And I would like all of my faithful customers for making it a rousing success!
It was great to see so many familiar faces hanging out & relaxing in my place.

With pots in every room of my condo, it was a great kick-off for the holiday shopping
season. Some rushed in with shopping list in tow. Others were just there to browse.
Either way, it was great to see everyone having fun & enjoying the holiday ambiance.
Especially those who I’ve met this past summer on the art fair circuit
who finally got to come to my home and see my widest pottery selection to date!
Always more work displayed at the Home Show than I can squeeze into my 10’x10′ tent.
Plus, many people took time to admire my tile wall… all 2,894 tiles of it!

Plus, the ever-popular “Tired Of Shlepping Sale” drew rave reviews by many bargain
shoppers. The shelves were filled with pieces I’m tired of “shlepping” around
to all of the art fairs, plus some class demo pieces… and a few with minor damage
or “kisses” from the kiln – a few drips, a couple chunks from the kiln ceiling.
With great discount pricing, these sale racks are always a big draw! You should have
seen the gridlock surrounding the clearance shelves first thing Saturday morning!!!

Thanks again to everyone who found time to fit my Home Show into their hectic schedule.
And mark your calendar now for next year… it’s ALWAYS the weekend before Thanksgiving!!!