Linn: you are doing just - as well as can be expected - just fine! Grief counseling might help. But this phase is predictable, if not fun. I am thankful you seem to have a terrific support group. Most have have found that the grief never really ends and it will hit us from time to time over the years but you are in the early stages and self-care is primary. You seem to be doing well in that dept.

My son Troy was born a special person. I thought I was a "perfect mom" until the second one came along and I realized that what I had a was a "perfect child". He does have his down times but generally, he just has a beautiful spirit. It was special for me to live on Whidbey those three years and hear how wonderful my son is! As my 50th wedding anniversary approached, I finally was able to come to terms with my anger and distress over "that man" by realizing I had two beautiful sons - so let go of all the rest of it. One of those magical moments of letting the light in.

Anyway, I hope some of you enjoy this new CD.

I did little on the weekend, other than help R deal with the computer, delete emails, visit from the man who is trying to form a cooperative nursery in the field here at the mill, finished a novel, checked the clay supply and realized the time is now to start using the different clay and trying some different glazing ideas. I received a lot of kicks of encouragement from the clayart group this week. Sent a photo of my NEW kiln off to the manufacturer. Went for dessert to the new cafe that Vanessa coordinates - the pastry chef is not doing a thing for my weight; melt in the mouth delicious!

It is to go above freezing today, the studio is warm and a bunch of pots await trimming. Off I shall go, after putting out buckets to catch the drip off the roof. Trim pots, throw last bag of dark clay, clean wheel in prep for dif clay. Then go to city for dancing tonight.

Any further organizing around here can wait until the building is warm enough. Another month or so.