Explosion in the kiln and a free gift

Wellllll....  It didn't work.  This is the piece that I decided to put directly into the glaze fire without first bisque firing.  The base blew up in the kiln and messed up the platter under it.  Luckily it didn't hit the mugs right next to it, since they were a custom order.  I think this might work on thinner, less complicated pieces.  Besides the base exploding, the bowl cracked along the seam.  It's pretty sad since this piece takes quite a bit of time to make, but I had to try.



This past weekend I finished packing up for the show this coming weekend in Macon, GA.  This is the earliest I have ever been ready for a show.  Usually I am working right up to the day before.  So I am taking the next few days for me.

I got up early this morning and went to a strength training class.  Boy am I out of shape.  I usually do a cardio class on Friday, but my arm muscles are sadly lacking.  I do want to try this class again.  Last spring I lost 25 pounds with Weight Watchers.  In June I had my son's graduation and the trip to England.  Since then I have plateaued.  In March I am going on a trip with my mom, sister, niece and nephew.  So we have decided to have a contest for whichever team looses the most by March.  Hopefully this will push me to work a little harder at counting my points and working out.  I hope to loose 10-20 more pounds.

By the way,  with every purchase from my online shop in November, you will receive a free gift valued at $8.  So get your holiday shopping done early and get a present for yourself.