The End of an Era

Sassafras Tree Artisan's in Northwood, was where our New Hampshire pottery studio was located. The studio was in the back of the barn that housed the country home decor and gift shop. Prior to Sassafras, it was home to Northwood Pottery. There had been a pottery in the barn for over 25 years.

The current shop owner made the decision to retire this year. During our trip to New Hampshire, in October, Jeff went to help sort through the last of the pottery stuff, and pick up any inventory that hadn't sold.

Jeff Lalish was the founder of Northwood Pottery, and in the studio was a Japanese kick wheel that belonged to him. He stopped by during the clean out, and gifted the wheel to Jeff. He is so pleased to be it's new owner. I am sure he will use it occasionally, but I also think it will make a nice display piece in our gallery.

I have slowly started to go through the boxes of inventory and it has been quite fun to revisit work that we made over five years ago. In one of the boxes was a lovely little pot by JZ. It's one of my favorite glaze combinations that he used. I am not sure if it qualifies as a teapot, or just a pouring vessel... either way it's quiet little pot that speaks to me.

Sassafras is located on busy rte 4, making it a desirable commercial location. We all fear that when the owner decides to sell, the buildings will be torn down and in it's place will be McDonald's. The landscape of Northwood will be forever changed.

The Passing of Time

February 17th came and went and I didn't remember that it was Jz's birthday. I thought about it a few times before the date, and didn't remember again until the 18th. In the past I have grilled burgers (his favorite food) and sipped scotch to celebrate his life. This year it came and went without my marking the occasion.

At first I was sad and a little mad at myself for forgetting. Then I realized it means I have moved beyond grief and enjoy a happy new life with Jeff. It doesn't mean I have forgotten Jz at all.

On the New Hampshire home front, my Mom has had some rough days. Her nurse and physical therapist think she will see a big improvement by the end of the week. Thankfully my sister has been able to stay with her and Dad. As for me, I am trying to avoid the feelings of guilt for not being there. Not easy when you were raised Catholic. ;-)

mission accomplished

today we completely emptied jeff's storage unit and loaded it onto the gypsy potter school bus. it was a relief to be done with paying for storage. we also packed more glaze materials and odds and ends from the studio i had shared with john in northwood. it still feels good to be in that space even though things look very different there. gloria who owns the building and gallery is no longer renting out the space and is using it to store merchandise. she is always so welcoming when we are there and we feel at home. the studio had it's issues (no running water) but it has a long history of potters... and i feel honored to be the last to occupy the space.

our studio space was on the left... john and i had a nice long work table under those two windows... but most of all, as i have said before, i will miss the door...

the door was signed by all of the potters who either worked there or spent some amount of time visiting over the last 25 + years... i wish i could take that door with me.