Week Three

Hello Everyone, It is hard to believe I have been here for three weeks already! Time is flying by and I am loving it more and more. To start off the week I went on a 10 mile walk/hike that was organized by the local forest rangers. It was through parts of the Elan Valley although we did go up some pretty steep hills. The day started off drizzly but cleared right up. The hills are starting to turn from green to gold as the new season approaches. At the top of the hills mountain heather covers acres of land. Although the flowers had gone by when I saw it, there were a few of the delicate purple blossoms remaining. There were 5 other people who went on the walk and it was fun to learn more about the Welsh landscape from them (they were all native to the UK). We found some huge trees that were over 300 years old. There was one giant Ash tree whose fallen leaves made a lovely solid yellow carpet on the ground. We walked through muddy fields (or as the Welsh say, "boggy bits") and through wooded forests where moss covered most of the trees and rocks. What a great way to spend the day! The next morning, my body was reminded of how out-of-shape I am! I have been trying to get up in the mornings and go for a walk or run. By the time I get done working the sun is going down and the early morning is the only chance I get to explore. Today I got up and walked the dogs. The first frost had fallen, crystallizing all the grass into bluish-white blades. The sun was coming through the trees, melting the frost and painting long strips of the field back to their vibrant green color. I soaked all this in while hearing nothing but birds singing and the occasional bleating sheep. Refreshing! I have been working on making the press molded bottles . There are many sizes and shapes that Phil needs. He has been making large jars which are constructed by throwing three sections and joining them all together. He works so fast and has many things going at the same time. Being a potter is all about finding a rhythm to work in. It is great to watch Phil work because he has a very efficient rhythm going. We listen to the BBC radio all day which is really entertaining. It is a good mix of news, music, politics and fun stuff. This week there have been many distractions for Phil as the kitchen is being redone and also the heating system. It must drive him crazy to be right in the middle of throwing something when the new "cooker" gets delivered or he has to tell the builder where to put the cabinets.
Since I have been here I've been delighted by the formality of tea. In America, if you order tea you just get hot water and a bag. I was at a cafeteria that was not particularly fancy or anything. When you ordered tea or coffee you were given a tray with a teapot, a small creamer, and a cup and saucer. During the workday, Phil and I don't have afternoon tea where we sit down and eat crumpets or anything. We do usually stop at some point and make coffee or tea with the tea brewed in a ceramic teapot. I've never used teapots before I came here and I must say, I really enjoy it! Sometimes we have biscuits (or cookies) with our tea. Phil is going to England for two days so I have some time to throw for myself. I am going to tackle teapots. They are complicated to make because they have so many elements to them- spout, handle and lid. It will be a good challenge. Today I made some large mugs that I will put handles on tomorrow. Last week I made some small shallow bowls. There are so many forms to explore! As one can imagine this environment breeds nothing but ideas for me. Phil has a large collection of books and an even larger collection of pots that are all at my fingertips. In the evenings I read, look at images and sketch ideas. As I become familiar with the pots in Lynne and Phil's kitchen, my hands are observing these new vessels and making notes too. I must admit that I did bring a few favorite pots over here with me...fortunately none of them were broken on the voyage. I made an American classic for Lynne and Phil- apple pie. It came out really well. Instead of having vanilla ice cream with the warm dessert, we had vanilla custard. They both said we can celebrate Thanksgiving if I want so that will be a fun thing to do. By then, the kitchen will be done. Yesterday, I went with Lynne to a city in England called Hereford to look at counter tops. It was an hour away and what a feast for the eyes! It was very sunny out and the the landscape was just beautiful. One thing that is a little frustrating is the hedges on both sides of the road. They can block the view but they also provide homes for the wildlife. We passed many picturesque black and white English houses with old perennial gardens and mossy stone walls. Of course the battery in my camera needed charging so I was not able to get pictures...another day perhaps. Hereford itself was a great little city with all the storefronts maintaining their historical architecture. Most buildings have slate roofs and there is a lot of plastered brick with exposed beams. Lynne took me in some interesting shops. One was a fashionable clothes/ grocery store....interesting combo. I will go back there again just to look around. The architecture and oldness of the country makes the city so interesting to look at.
Since I have been here I've been delighted by the formality of tea. In America, if you order tea you just get hot water and a bag. I was at a cafeteria that was not particularly fancy or anything. When you ordered tea or coffee you were given a tray with a teapot, a small creamer, and a cup and saucer. During the workday, Phil and I don't have afternoon tea where we sit down and eat crumpets or anything. We do usually stop at some point and make coffee or tea with the tea brewed in a ceramic teapot. I've never used teapots before I came here and I must say, I really enjoy it! Sometimes we have biscuits (or cookies) with our tea. Phil is going to England for two days so I have some time to throw for myself. I am going to tackle teapots. They are complicated to make because they have so many elements to them- spout, handle and lid. It will be a good challenge. Today I made some large mugs that I will put handles on tomorrow. Last week I made some small shallow bowls. There are so many forms to explore! As one can imagine this environment breeds nothing but ideas for me. Phil has a large collection of books and an even larger collection of pots that are all at my fingertips. In the evenings I read, look at images and sketch ideas. As I become familiar with the pots in Lynne and Phil's kitchen, my hands are observing these new vessels and making notes too. I must admit that I did bring a few favorite pots over here with me...fortunately none of them were broken on the voyage. I made an American classic for Lynne and Phil- apple pie. It came out really well. Instead of having vanilla ice cream with the warm dessert, we had vanilla custard. They both said we can celebrate Thanksgiving if I want so that will be a fun thing to do. By then, the kitchen will be done. Yesterday, I went with Lynne to a city in England called Hereford to look at counter tops. It was an hour away and what a feast for the eyes! It was very sunny out and the the landscape was just beautiful. One thing that is a little frustrating is the hedges on both sides of the road. They can block the view but they also provide homes for the wildlife. We passed many picturesque black and white English houses with old perennial gardens and mossy stone walls. Of course the battery in my camera needed charging so I was not able to get pictures...another day perhaps. Hereford itself was a great little city with all the storefronts maintaining their historical architecture. Most buildings have slate roofs and there is a lot of plastered brick with exposed beams. Lynne took me in some interesting shops. One was a fashionable clothes grocery store....interesting combo. I will go back there again just to look around. The architecture and oldness of the country makes the city so interesting to look at.
This upcoming week will be busy as all three of us are going to Oxford England for a 2 day pottery fair. It is through an organization called the Craft Potter's Association ( www.cpaceramics.com). I am really looking forward to this as I will get to meet many great people, be in a great city and see great pots! I hope this email finds everyone healthy and well. Have a fantastic week!