Thursday, February 18, 2010

Talking to myself?

Fish Cigar Box (a long ago project)



From time to time I find out that someone is reading my blog.

Mostly posting feels like I am talking to myself.

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO......................

Will all you lurkers out there please leave me a comment to let me know you exist and are reading these posts?

Monday, February 15, 2010

Jim's Pottery

The final firing is done in a barrel.
Sunburst Pot by Jim Whalen, Paradox Pottery
This one is Mine!!!


Ruth and Jim - Thanksgiving 2009


If you would like to see Jim's official website go to: http://www.paradoxpotteryjimwhalen.com/



Sunday, February 14, 2010

Baskets and Pam
Ruth and Pam- The good bye party Sept 09Pam at the basketry workshop spring of 2009Ruth's basket backpack -Spring 2009

My dear friend Pam sent me an email yesterday that was so beautifully written that I want to share her words with you.
My dear friends and family,
Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. I rarely mark traditional contact days with any sort of card sending or annual report of the doings of Pam and Dave ....Yes, I think sending pre-processed thoughts to numbers of people a lame cop for real contact, but, thinking how much I miss my community of far flung loved ones , I decided tp send this to all the most special people on my mailing list. That decision resulted in scrolling down though my list, visualizing you and feeling your presence with me for a moment. I miss you. If we were spending time together, there is so much that we could/ might do...conversations on hold or unfinished, things we might share that would delight and astound us both.....adventures in action and thought...in creativityand mischief..in stillness and sound...in the mundane and mystical. To be sure, I might not choose to ski down steep slopes anymore or jump high jumps on the back of horses, but, as I now take delight in sending spark to tinder and blowing up fire I know it is not too late for any of us to engage in new adventures together and /or apart. I wish it were possible to have the opportunity to be fully present with you in a way that would nuture our relationship and delight us both at least each week or month if not each day That not being the way of things, I just wanted to let you know that I am thing of you and do think of you and send my love. Pam


A little background:

A few years ago I met Pam and her husband David at a wonderful place called Hanazono, a noodle house next to the Rose Theater in Port Townsend, WA. . Pam and David were recent transplants from New Hampshire not very far from where I had lived in Putney, VT, we even knew a few of the same people. I instantly was drawn to her and we became friends. The transistion for Pam was rough at first, mourning the loss of her friends and family in the east. Being a strong spirit Pam dived into exploring the northwest and all it had to offer. She was a joiner...and tried out all kinds of groups and activities and used her garden building as a way to work through her sorrows and her joys. Saying goodbye at my going away party was very, very hard....Pam and I talk on the phone but I sure miss our meals together, walks on the beach and garden tours. Pam is a deep soul with a bright smile and the kindest of spirits. She is a friend that I miss with all my heart.