Could You Please Just Be Quiet?
Today, for the first time in a very long time, I treated myself to some “outdoor time”, no agenda, nothing to be accomplished. Eventually, I did, of course, turn it into something to be accomplished because that is what I do. I cannot help myself. I need to be busy and productive at all times.…
Read MoreToshiko Takaezu
Toshiko Takaezu is without a doubt one of the most important ceramicists in America. Her work is on public view at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Renwick Gallery Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art among others. Her teaching credits include her post as head of the ceramics department at Princeton…
Read MoreMy Beautiful Little Nut Hoard
I will do what I can to explain to you why I have a nut hoard. You probably will not understand, most people wouldn’t. I will give it my best. I have a beautiful little nut hoard. It is sitting out on my back patio right now. It is strangely satisfying to go out each…
Read MoreHow to use Japanese Sewing Patterns… if you don't speak Japanese!
Sitting in the car waiting for my daughter at The Japanese Language School in Philadelphia gives me plenty of time to check out all of those super-stylish Japanese moms. I love their chic, simple mode of dress and have spent a great deal of time coveting those gorgeous clothes. This style of clothing has a very…
Read MoreIt's a Long Drop from the Nest
So where to begin? My two girls are growing up, can’t deny nor avoid the truth of it. But, I don’t have to like it, or do I? I look at them and think, wow, what amazing women they are turning out to be…. but the instinct to hover & protect them is very strong.…
Read Morethe waiting room
Yesterday I drove a friend to a doctor’s visit. Not being a patient, I had about 1 hour to sit & just observe. I remember thinking for a moment that it might be an interesting study for a sociologist, anthropologist, or psychologist, to just sit and observe human behavior. A few minutes later I find…
Read MoreIn Charlie's Lab
When I was in graduate school I had a job in Charlie’s Lab. It was a super-nerdy-real-deal-haven of scientific endeavor. Charlie had a number of research assistants, there were three of us sharing our lab space along with some fancy high-dollar equipment. There was the slutty med student who was all emo & crying about…
Read MoreFun with Ready to Wear!
I like to make clothes, but don’t always have the time to devote to constructing an entire garment. While strolling through Target the other day I decided to pick up a couple of “bare canvases” to create some fun re-dos. These are quick, easy, projects that can transform a ready to wear garment into something…
Read MoreFun with Colored Porcelain
I have been playing around with colored clay off & on for some time. Lately I have decided to dedicate a little more effort into really learning how to successfully employ this technique. I am still in the early phases of experimentation & discovery, but I couldn’t wait to share what I have learned so…
Read MoreI Think My father Probably Died from a Lack of IV Access
Damn you hindsight! Why aren’t answers as readily available when you need them as they are obvious with the aid of hindsight? Damn you! I know stuff, I see stuff, so why didn’t I put on my big girl panties & demand that someone put a functional IV in my father when he was a…
Read More