Life interferes

Although I was writing I was not in the mood for socializing.

Mama just a few years ago at home still active as an honorary president of the Red Crescent for life

Since my last post I went to visit my Mom who was in Lebanon as the fighting in Syria reached an unbearable level for such a frail lady. I saw her,smelled her felt her hands and said goodbye as I knew I will not get to see her ever again except in my dreams both sleeping and awake.
My mother Passed away peacefully one Monday in July, she was surrounded by loving family even though it was impossible for me to be there.

My mother was kind, outspoken, courageous loving and loved.
She lived, LIVED actually. she lived long and wide and touched so many people with her volunteerism, kindness, intelligence and brightness.

She was called  "Kamar" which means "moon" in Arabic but she was even brighter, for she was ' Like the Sun emitting light and warmth"

She left a huge foot print that will last a long, long time. I will not count all her virtues, medals, positions held, and goals reached, suffice it to say. she will be remeberd.

Goodbye Mama, I miss you a lot but you live in my heart and mind forever.

Mama sitting at her Desk in the Red Crescent of which she was president (a volunteer) for 25 years

 

NC Potters Conference

Again, this year I went to the potters conference with a friend.
As usual it was great with 3 potters demonstrating simultaneously like a three ring circus. In the middle of the stage Julia Galloway was throwing pitcher and making her delicate pillow lids.

Julia's work exhibited

Julia applying slip

To Julia's right, Tara Wilson was making sugar and creamer among many other things using darting to make her soft structured pots.

Tara's work at the exhibition

Tara's teapot in the leather hard stage

 And to Julia's left, was Peter Beasecker demonstrating his very precise works of sculptural pottery.

Peter refining his teapot.

Pete's work at the exhibition

along with the presenter's work, all the participants in the conference were encouraged to bring 5 pieces to show and sell. I didn't have any new work to show, but there were many  works of exceptional quality.

A flower bowl by Chris Campbell

A favorite delicate works, by Liz Zlot Summerfield.

There were also memorable presentations by Joe Molinaro and Noah Scalin.

Although this is a fringe benefit, but the food this year was superb, from salad to entree to dessert.

And, of course no conference is complete without a visit to Dwight Holland's house, which was as delightful as ever. with the overload of pots and Dwight's knowledge, sharing and hospitality.

Beer, wine, soft drinks and heritage flowed through the house

We counted 142 mugs hanging from the kitchen ceiling

Pots were everywhere floor to ceiling

This year I was able to see the pots much better, because we arrived right on time, before it was too crowded and had a chance to chat with Dwight and ask him about pots.

Most of the pots were the work of famous potters, from Reitz to Voulkos, to Sauldner and Hewitt; to Galloway, Myers, Oestrich and Mackenzie. and the tall to the ceiling Chinese pot acquired 2 years ago when the Chinese potters came to town .

Oh what a stimulating weekend that was. I can hardly wait till next year.

My oh my...

Last week I finished my grand children's portraits. Not too bad for a first timer, although I made Olivia 16 instead of 6, and got William's impish pleasant look, but not his likeness, and Katey, I made her 28 instead of 8 :) But here they are nonetheless. :)

Sam at the pool

                                

Kate, climbing the wall at Blowing Rock NC

Olivia enjoying the sun at Blowing Rock

And William sitting in their backyard