Well I need to catch up here, and then get the heck outside.  I am trying to create a balance here with my online duties, and the work( and fun) that can be enjoyed outside right now.   I am trying to give myself regular business hours, and work my online business like a job.  

We had visitors from Ohio  this week, and it was sure fun to see old friends again!   They had been up for the Uptown Art Fair in Minneapolis.  Pictured are Justin and Becky Theilet , Also Dustin Harris , and Sabrina, and Anthony Hounder the woodsman of Blaine,  a former employee of ours.  

 There is so much to do in addition to making the items.  We have gotten an interested apprentice.   If she starts showing up regularly,  it would be nice to utilize her for packing /shipping.   I keep thinking of ways I can get more studio time in.    With this being our last two weeks with our daughter, there have been  many spontaneous fishing trips, and she even came to our monthly jam session last week.    Today she's shopping with a friend.  I'm having trouble putting into words  what empty nesting is feeling like for me.   It's just that it goes so fast!!!  I joke I should have had more kids, but the one I got is very special, and is such a gift in my life.   I am really , really going to miss her.  

  On the other hand, a new life is starting for me now, and I have started some wheels rolling , if only in my head.   I signed up for a job at the school, not subbing.  And I just keep forgetting to do the paperwork to start subbing again.   Subbing is behind me, as well as waitressing,  I was happy for the  extra income each job provided, but it's really time now for me to go for it with the clay.   I have been practicing all my life, and now I am going to make the best work of my life!

  And if I want a part time job, I am going to paint and take painting classes.