Raven/Crow Boxes

The crows that come for breakfast each morning have on occasion invited their friends when the weather happens to be colder than average. I have 4 that come each day. In the summer there were 5. Now on the coldest days there have been 6. The latest beggar is the seagull that has hung out ion the roof of the house behind mine.

Here are two new treasure boxes inspired by my crow and raven friends.

It is pretty clear the crows I feed trust me as they come to eat as soon as I leave the food out for them and go inside and close my door. When I have company they are much more careful about approaching the house and fly back and forth to the fence. It is nice to know that they trust me.

My Mom

My mother is 95 and still going strong........

Back from the East Coast

There is nothing quiet as nice as holding a baby. Here I am with my 4 month old great nephew Faelen. He is a sweetie just like his brother and sister!

Mt Baker and Glacier Trip

Gretchen
Evan, Ruth and Tucker

Our Mushroom Harvest
Coral and Chanterelles

Stunning view not far from the ski area

Basalt!

Mt Baker

My sons both live at the base of Mt Baker in a small village called Glacier. It is s funky place and in the rain forest. The residents are an odd assortment of outdoor enthusiasts and loners. It is an amazing place. It takes 1/2 hour just to get to the top of the mountain where the ski area is. Twice in recent history there has been enough snow to bury the toe lift! Tucker took Gretchen and me mushrooming. I loved the carpet of dense moss. This year it was harder to find Chanterelles. I think other folks had been through before us and got the bulk of the crop.

I dehydrated what we picked for winter use.

A time of Appreciation

Foam Patterns
patterns created by the current

Ruby Beach

capturing the light

"Balance"
Ruby Beach

"Ancient One"
Quinault Forest

Since returning to the northwest this past spring I have had a new appreciation for just how amazing this part of the world is. I decided I wanted to focus any travel to places in Washington.

I have been to the coast twice, up to the San Juan Islands and most recently to Glacier and Mt Baker. I wish I could spend a month just roaming around.

On these various trips I have had some great company, wonderful meals and an opportunity to capture some of the places I have been in photos.

I have to admit that working on One Hundred Horses has been lower on my priority list than in the past. I am just having too much fun!

Now that the weather is turning grey and wet I'll be back in the studio for longer hours. After the Christmas rush of orders to the galleries and individuals is over I'll be focusing on new work in a new direction. I'll share the results this winter.

Baby Crows

Two Adult Crows and Baby on the Left

Check out the Feet!

Moments after this photo was taken the pan fell over and the water splashed all over the stairs and 2nd floor landing. The baby crow was startled. I love watching his(her?) clumsy movements and curious nature. The baby crow spent some time yesterday pecking at my dragon flags. Was he thinking food? Not Food? Or just playing?

It is easy to spot the babies right now, from their parents as they still have some downy feathers on their chests and they pitiously beg for food. Their parents are clearly trying to encourage them to get their own food at this point.

The New Raku Kiln Shed

Workhorse in Butterscotch Glaze
Ancient Horse

Donkeys!

Kiln Shed

The new kiln shed works great. This place is very windy and the fiberglass panels keep out the wind but allow in the light. I designed it so I can take it apart and move it when I finally find a place to buy. I have the house all set up and love living in such a sunny spot with views of the Cascade mountains and the water. At night I look out on the next hillside in Port Townsend and enjoy the sound of the clock tower. I have planted some perennials and annuals in pots outside.

I have friends in walking distance and I have been walking all over the neighborhood checking out the trail system. I love snooping around looking at gardens and saying hello to the horses, donkeys, goats and chickens that live nearby.

Today is my birthday and to celebrate I had a party last night and went for a picnic on the beach with my best friend Jenny and my godson Jasper. Perfect day for a birthday. Puffy clouds in the sky, great warm, happy day.

I have been putting out all my treasures and have all my wall art up. The sun stays up very late and in the early morning the sun comes in through 4 skylights so I am not getting a lot of sleep.

I recently worked with a new photographer so I can get new photos up on my website of the new donkeys and a few new glaze options.
http://www.onehundredhorses.com/

My work is now available at Frames of Mind in the Virgin Islands...great new account. They requested the donkey and they seem to be selling well.