Taking one for the team… A couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to purchase a used pottery wheel from a friend. I jumped at the opportunity to throw pots at home. Little did I know that this new addition would result in the construction of a beautiful home studio and home office. When I brought my wheel home, I carved out a space in the garage and began potting there. Although this wasn’t an ideal situation, it certainly worked. It allowed me the flexibility to finish work that I had started in the community studio where I took classes. All was fine until my husband announced that the restoration of his beloved vintage Volkswagon bug was progressing and the newly refinished car would be arriving from the paint shop soon. Even though I was happy for him that his “project car” was progressing, I knew this meant the time for pottery would be short-lived. Clay dust and a new paint job are just not conducive. After researching several small studio options, I decided that with 3 teenagers (that would soon be headed to college), the cost of purchasing a studio for myself was more than we wanted to spend. I was resigned to the fact that I would just pull my wheel out onto the back patio when the weather was nice and pot there. My husband had a different idea. A couple of weeks later, my husband pulled into our driveway with huge windows and a door strapped to a truck. We were going to build a studio! Over the following couple of months, my studio was constructed. It is the perfect space for me. Together, we were able to create a beautiful retreat where I can work and play, conveniently located steps from our house. I am so thankful for this space. It has allowed me the opportunity, flexibility and inspiration to be creative. Even if you are not able to build a new studio, I hope you find a place where you can be inspired, be creative and most of all be happy! Everyone needs a space that makes them happy!
Summers in Maine…
The lazy days of summer… Maine is one of our favorite places to visit in the summer! The weather is beautiful, the food is fantastic and there are always fun activities to enjoy. We look forward to the trek to visit my uncle and escape the North Carolina heat and humidity. Our time spent in Maine consists of simple pleasures like canoeing, kayaking, sailing, fishing, hiking, clamming, boating, stargazing, and always making great family memories. Every day is an adventure in Maine. Unlike many of our vacations, where we have a specific itinerary, our time in Maine is very laid back and unstructured. Our activities are dependent on the tides, the weather and our whim. That’s not to say that we don’t have our favorite activities. We look forward to doing some of the same activities each year. Here are some of our favorites: Jumping off the bridge at a local swimming hole in Damariscotta Mills Watching the lobster trap races at the Maine Lobster festival in Rockland Relaxing on the water in a kayak, canoe or aboard one of the boats Hiking local mountains like Mt. Washington or Mt. Katahdin Eating Lobster rolls at Robinson’s Wharf Enjoying on blueberry ice cream at Down East Ice Cream in Boothbay Harbor Taking the power boat to Bath & shopping for basics at Reny’s Going clamming and making clam chowder Capturing the kids in another picture by Treats in Wiscasset Watching gorgeous sunsets from the dock on the Back River We have made some wonderful family memories in Maine. We recommend visiting and creating your own memories that will last a lifetime! We have enjoyed exploring all over Maine from Acadia National Park to Moosehead Lake and across the Downeast area of the state. It’s a beautiful part of the country, especially during the summer. We look forward to returning again next summer. If you have the opportunity and are looking for some cooler summer temps we highly recommend you plan a visit to Maine!