Fall news/letters (quickly now, before its winter!) 

The leaves are changing and so am I…

Every fall I announce, “This is the most spectacular one yet,” then remember I say that every year. Still, I’m dazzled each time. Fall is pure drama, and I love being swept up in it. This year, with a big birthday ahead, I feel the turning more deeply. The leaves are turning and so am I has become a daily mantra.

Earlier this month, I joined a woodfiring in Prince Edward County at The Yellow Studio with Dawn and Jay and a crew of new friends. The anagama kiln was unlike anything I’d experienced—five intense days of stoking, feeding, and coaxing the fire to cone 12. When the heat peaked and we sprayed soda into one of the chambers, some beauty pots were made!

While others glazed, I spent a day at the sand dunes where I used to take my kids, reflecting on the recent loss of an important mentor and friend,  April Hickox. Floating in the lake she loved with swans, I felt her close and set an intention to carry her kindness forward. Rest easy, April, I’m so lucky to have known and loved you.

The kiln opening was pure joy—passing pieces down the line, gasping, swearing, laughing. Way better than Christmas. My work came out beautifully (cracks and all). Mostly, I left in awe of the collective magic that happens when artists fire together, and watching Dawn run the show was super inspiring- what a bad ass!

Back home, fall is flying by. I’m working on a few larger pieces before the freeze, sneaking in “bowl breaks” and mold experiments while listening to audiobooks. Teaching has been especially fun—new assignments, incredible students, endless inspiration.

Lately, I’ve been reading a lot about menopause, hoping to enter this next phase with confidence. Marian Woodman’s words stay with me: “I am remembering, gathering together the prodigal parts of myself and welcoming them home.”

And as for the small growth on my nose—probably a wart—I’m going to embrace it.