Is It Spring Already?

Wow, once again I can't believe it's been so long since my last post -- and I think I should make a resolution (a little late for New Year's but nevertheless...) -- I will post to my blog no less than once per week! Now, I have to stick to that -- I'd better put it in my calendar.

Now, don't think that because I'm not blogging that I've been sitting on my laurels waiting for something to happen...nope, not the case at all. Here's what's been going on since the New Year...

...Sarah, who worked during the holiday season, has committed to helping me out every other weekend while she's in school. If you haven't heard -- I absolutely LOVE Sarah...if I could have picked someone out of a catalog it would have been her. She takes care of my customers like me - but better (really!).

...Girl Scout and Brownie troops have come through both for fun and for badges. I've gone through our all-purpose bowls and mugs like crazy this year.

...I got to take an afternoon off (thanks to Sarah) and visit a couple of my old co-workers for lunch. I had a great visit and hope I can do it again before another year passes.

...I've met with other studio owners for helpful hints and guidance on making my studio better each and every day.

...We had another Kid's Club Event where we created Valentine's stencil style plates -- they came out so great. If I remember correctly, Wall-E was the movie for the evening, but I think we ended up watching Cheaper by the Dozen. I'd be happy to take requests for the net Kid's Club Event.

...Our biggest events over the past two months were the Empty Bowls workshops throughout January and February. See my website for details, but remember that if you want to participate you need to get to the studio no later than March 1 -- the Empty Bowls Event will be held on March 8th and I need time to get everything fired and delivered to Damascus HELP.

...Then there was Valentine's Day visitors to the shop. My son came by with his girlfriend, and another couple. I should have taken a picture or two, but I never think of that until everyone is gone.

...And I almost forgot - We opened our huge party area downstairs! Yes, we can now easily hold up to 40 people in our huge party area. We've had about 30 parties down there so far and it's working out so nicely. We have several shelves with new bisque projects (not available upstairs) starting at $15 and going up to $21 dollars for those parents making a request for easier budget parties, and after the party is over the birthday girl or boy gets to put their handprint on the walls. Come by and check it out for your next party -- the room is also available during the week for private events.

Well, I think that's enough new stuff for this post -- maybe I'll get another one ready for tomorrow so I don't overwhelm you with my babble all at once.

Don't forget to drop by FireWorks -- where getting fired is a GOAL!

What Community Means in Damascus

You know, the reason I thought it was okay to open up a pottery store during a recession was simply because it would be in Damascus. Damascus is a bit of an oddity. We take care of our own -- after family, community is everything. I don't think that was any more apparent to me than this week.

Monday evening just after 9:00 pm a car with five teens ran into a tree. This happened on one of the dark, back roads of Damascus. One I take two times a day, every day. Of the five kids, two of the kids were in critical condition and flown to Baltimore Shock Trauma, the other three had lesser injuries and were sent to a local hospital. The doctor's couldn't save one of the kids and he passed that night. It's the school's homecoming week and rather than celebrating they are facing one of the saddest parts of life, death. There was a candlelight vigil held Tuesday evening attended by more than 1,000. Ryan's father spoke to these children and parents, reminding each of us that no matter how cautious or careful, or how many times we tell our kids to do the right thing, sometimes they don't. Ryan wasn't wearing his seatbelt. This comes from a man who teaches, is an advocate, for safe teen driving. Ryan's mom is also a driving instructor. I don't think I could have been strong enough to send this message less than 24 hours after my child was gone, no - I know I couldn't have.

His funeral was yesterday. I wasn't able to attend but did pay my respects as the funeral procession passed my studio -- it took nearly 20 minutes for the procession to pass. It is rumored that there were more than 1,000 attendees.

I have a 17 year old son who goes to Damascus -- I told him that the picture of the kid who passed looked familiar. "Mom, he spent a lot of time here about four years ago -- you know, when we'd all go dirt bike riding and come back here hungry." Yep, that's where I knew him from. He was a good kid, one that made you smile just because you could see he was happy.

It seems that during a summer trip Ryan got a mohawk, so in remembrance of him after the funeral yesterday the boys of Damacus got mohawks. My son is one of those kids -- and while I can't say I really like the cut, I am pleased he did this to remember and honor his friend.

The studio has been eerily quiet with just a few from Germantown and Clarksburg coming in. I'm still hoping to hear good news about the other teen who was in critical condition at Shock Trauma. I know all of Damascus is holding out their hopes and prayers for her. The other children have been released and while their physical injuries are healing, we can only pray that their mental injuries heal with time.

RIP Ryan, and may mohawks, #101 and dirt bikes be welcome in heaven.