Merry Christmas!

  A number of years ago, I came in possession of my first ceramic kiln and a ton of molds.  I was not sure how to even begin with this new endeavor since the only "pottery" I had ever attempted were things that Margie, my cousin, and I did when we were kids.  Those probably do not even count as pottery for that matter.  We used clay that we dug from the edge of the Bay, shaped it into some weird bowls and placed on the pier to dry.  Our creations were never seen again.  Hmmm?  That does not say much for our budding careers as potters!  Anyway, the kiln sparked an interest and a good many shapes soon took place.  Keep in mind that these are poured ceramics and not hand-shaped pottery. I would so love to some day have a go at a potter's wheel!  The self-taught course in ceramics proved to be fun so we purchased a larger kiln.  (The smaller is now used for glass fusion.)

  One of my projects was a large Nativity Scene.  This set was complete with not only the Holy Family but, also, kings, shepherds and animals. All of the ones I had seen before were either done in only white or with harsh colors and highly glossy glazed.  I wanted neither.  My set was to have a softer more natural appearance so I opted to do a dry-brush technique.  It was quite the undertaking but, once complete, has become a favorite.  Each year during the holidays, the set is carefully unwrapped and assembled on the shelf.  My unceasing imagination puts me in the stable with the Holy Family.  There, I ponder just how Mary did it.  The strength and courage to undertake such an incredible duty is not found in most folks.  

  To this day, this Nativity is special to me.  I hope some day that it will be passed through the family as something "Mom" made.  Hopefully, my kids will think it is worth keeping.