Tag Archives: Dad

Is There Still Anyone Out There?

So I mostly use a tablet these days, but when I use the computer my blog pops up as a start up tab.  And I am reminded that I have not posted in WAY too long.  I have entered the Instagram world like so many other people.  That is so much easier.  Instant gratification, and I can post when I am in the middle of DOING.  That way there is no, "hmmm, I should post about this on my blog..."and then it never happens.

So look for me there as Anna Branner's Cloth n Clay (@wooliewoman)

Meanwhile I have been keeping busy.  I am still lacking in the motivation department.  Ever since my Dad died (wow, more then 2 years ago now) followed by Layla, my furry studio companion, it seems my energy is not as focused as it should be.  Still working on that.   Working in the garden helps...  I had two Spring shows and have another coming up this Saturday.  That is very busy for me!  And a good thing, since having a goal that needs to be met is definitely a motivator!

This Saturday is the Sophia Street Pottery Throwdown, Fredericksburg's first all pottery show.  We hope that this will be an annual thing.  Come see us Saturday, in front of Sophia Street Studios, from 10-5.  20 Virginia potters, most from our little talented town, but a few from away as well.

Meanwhile here is what I have been working on!






Potters call loading the kiln "tetris" like the game.  This is a glaze firing so nothing can touch!  My kiln is a top loader.  So you build the shelves from the bottom up as you load.













Hope I see some of you this Saturday!  And for all of you that are not local, I hope to load some pots into the ol' Etsy shop in the next week or two!

Peace!











What a Summer


I can't believe how quickly this Summer has just flown by.  There were even very few unbearable days.  And this is Virginia!  So I can't blame the heat on my lethargy.  I tried my best to get into the studio (or update this blog), but a good book, or our spartan garden or the couch seemed to continually call my name.  While Greg has worked like a dog every day both at work and still healing from his January knee injury (thank goodness for physical therapy he is now doing stairs again!) I have been busy trying to heal my heart.  You see, I lost my dear Dad to lung cancer in May.  For some people heart break raises a need to sink into clay, or paint, or paper or whatever creative outlet does the trick.  I have now, unfortunately, discovered that my creativity abandons me all together.

(My Dad working at the archaeological field school in Popham, Maine)

But.  Life continues to swirl and race around me.  Our old dog Layla nudges me to take her for her short walk every morning...(and she sheds like crazy so vacuuming has to happen) the farmers market calls me to buy all the luscious greens and veggies of summer (so healthier cooking is happening) and finally the tears are less and the paralysis has given way to a push to get stocked up for my two big Fall shows.

So despite the lack of posting I have slowly begun weaving again.




And getting my hands dirty in clay.




Two weekend shows in a row, where I sell quite a few pots requires a lot of preparation.  So the shelves are full of  pots in all stages.  And just yesterday was my last "wet day" of work.  All I have left to do is draw and fire.  And maybe warp another loom to squeeze in one more project?


If you are near by....Shenandoah Fiber Festival is September 27 and 28 in Berryville, VA.  Fall Fiber Festival (which includes the not to be missed opportunity to see competitive sheep dog trials) is the following weekend near Orange VA October 4 and 5.

Stop by and say hi!