We have enjoyed an extended autumn season this year, I had a few extra days to get things in before the snow.  The barn extension was completed, and I have the hay inside and dry. Most of my banty flock (chickens) I moved to a very cozy coop in the back, and Cesare' my rooster has three new hens that he is tending up here at the house. 
We are attending the GSR Goldsmith Reunion Show in Mankato this year.  I am really looking forward to seeing old friends, and this year my assistant will be Lily.
This show meets my criteria as a run by artists show.  They really know how to treat the participants at this show.  The entertainment is always excellent, and there is wine tasting and new foods this year from what I hear.
As the name would imply there are some fabulous jewelers at the hub of this event that has grown consistently over the years into a great show with a great variety of handmade quality items, of which some will be ours, if I get down to the studio and get to work! Later then, Denise

I snapped these pictures last week as I did a packing job for a friend.  Amy Sabrina passed away Sept 27th.
One of her requests was that I be the one to pack up her artwork to be stored.  You can bet I took my time and moved very slowly as I packed away the work of a departed friend.  I actually said little prayers every time I took a tile down or approached a tea pot on the shelf.   I did not want to be the one to break these now irreplaceable artworks.
The process took me through a journey in time as I wrapped up wall plaques that I remember seeing at "St. Kates" art show in the eighties sometime.  I worked my way through the working history of my friend and colleague.  I got to have one last look at the delicate details of the painting, and run my hands over the subtle textures of the glazes.  The tea pots and bowls surprised me with their sturdiness, as I swathed them in bubble wrap and foam and peanuts,  nestled in their boxes, taped up to be taken from the studio where they were created.   They were so Amy in that way.  Beautiful paintings,  dancing teapots with squiggly spouts,  looking fine and delicate on the shelf, but sturdy and well formed to the core.
  

Our community celebration of Amy's life will be held with a barn dance at her Sweetgrass Farm near Dalbo MN this Saturday Oct 19th  .    There will be a potluck dinner at 4, with tributes and stories at 5, with at dance at 6:30.  We hope all the Mad Cows, past and present can make it, and any other bands or band members who played at the barn dances over the years who would like to participate are welcome.
  A fitting tribute held in a barn that she so lovingly restored.  
  

  

RIP

My potted garden

I truly love this time of year! The flowers are just getting ready for one more big bloom before fall, and I just can't wait until the Staghorn Sumac behind it begins to change.  Planting in pots is necessary here because we live on almost pure gravel.  I am lucky to have a good source of large pots from Paul.

I can rearrange the pots as the plants develop.  I just love my morning plant watering and taking care of the various plants. Some are my house plants that spend the summer outside, and there is a section that is still sunny that is full of Blazing Stars and different colors of Yarrow that come in after the Iris and Lillies are done.

Yarrow and Blazing Stars in the sunny spot

I caught this proud fellow in the driveway , he hardly noticed me, as he was busy marking his territory.
It is a busy month for Morris enterprises , we are glad to be back at the Creative Drive again this year, scheduled for the weekend of May 18th.  We are at the Silver Bison Ranch, and will have all new items for the show, including Rita's wonderful bird mugs.
May 11 our dance band Mad Cow Band is performing at the North Folk Winery near Stark MN . We are playing at noon, with two more acts, see details here, I can't wait to see Paul Metsa!
I sure hope we can squeeze the gardening in between the snowfalls! What a spring!

As early spring drags on looking more like February, a bright spot is the maple sap is running, and the temps are perfect for the harvest!  We have our first batch of Maple syrup, and may get another if the trees keep generously giving their bounty. 

So although the forecast isn't so great we are glad that much needed moisture is soaking into the earth, and anxiously await the gardening.

Easter Sunset Charles City IA

Spring is dragging it's feet this year!  I am taking some extra light therapy today as I wait to see what degree of winter weather we get today.  Paul is out opening the kiln at Bill Gossman's pottery in New London.
We are getting ready for an Art show this weekend in Minneapolis.
60 Artists on 50th Cultivated Fine Art Show
1601 W 50th Street
Minneapolis, 55419
MAP

Hours are 10am to 5pm

I will be going along this year and am really looking forward to seeing some people!
My photo above is from my trip to Missouri last week.  It was a wonderful trip, with some business, family, and my last stop in Hannibal MO, was a mini workshop at Ayers Pottery  .  I did some experimental under glazing and slip trailing on planters for a spring show.  I love the set up of their studio/shop. The potter can work and still talk to the people as they come into the showroom in front.


Fred had many nice planters  ready for me to paint on!

 

 

We had a good time on Friday night for "Date Night" participants made pots on the wheel, and I showed them some different decorating techniques.

 

I am hoping to arrange another workshop in Hannibal. There is a teaching studio in the basement with several wheels and a bright cheery atmosphere.