The Potter's Hot and Sour Soup

6 cups of broth ( I have been making perpetual bone broth)
4 - 1/4 inch thick slices fresh ginger (or more)
4 green onions, white and green parts, rough chopped/sliced
1-3 jalapenos, minced/rough chopped, seeded if desired
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup Chinese rice wine vinegar (or apple cider)
1/4 cup dry sherry, rice wine
1 tsp sesame oil
mushrooms of any type, thin sliced and lightly sauteed
2 eggs

Heat broth and ginger in suitable pot over medium heat. When the broth comes to a boil turn the heat down to a simmer for 10 minutes. Then remove the ginger slices. Add the rest of the ingredients, except eggs, and allow the soup to return to a simmer for a bit. Beat eggs and slowly add while continuously stirring soup. Serve.



Picture was taken before I added the egg. We were all too eager to eat and I forgot to take a pict of the finished product.

Branching out

I have decided to branch out in the artistic area. I am still doing my pottery, although limited to a few pieces at the moment. I am now offering my service as a Charcoal Portraitist.

This is Gabriel at Two Weeks. It is a larger piece that I did after my son's birth.

I am offering paper size 9" x 12" individual portraits in the style above for $75. (Please forgive the cropping of the portrait in the photo. There is an equal amount of space around the head.)  Larger portraits are available with a full, but ambiguous background for an additional cost. Email for details.

I work from photographs in color, black and white or damaged to some extent. Photo files can be emailed to me. I ask for a $15 down payment with payment in full upon completion. The client will have the chance to view the progress and make suggestions on the work. The composition will be agreed upon at the beginning and will not be changed after the down payment has been made.

Payment can be made via Paypal or by mail. Credit cards will be accepted soon.

email: parttimepotter@yahoo.com

For my big news.....we have decided to begin homeschooling our three.

This decision came after almost a year of contemplation, research and prayer.

Regretably, all my researching and planning has taken the place of my throwing. Apologies to those whom I have promised a piece. Hopefully, as we get underway and my schedule takes hold, I will make the time for my pottery.

Over the  next few weeks and months I will be focusing more on my adventures of teaching. But I will keep updating with picts of my work.

Here are a few of my pieces showcasing items from the local farmers market:  sunflowers, sourdough bread and goat cheese.

So much has happened since my last posting: tornadoes, multiple computer crashes, a festival, markets and a life changing decision. More to come when I have time and my ducks in a row.

The Beginning of a Bowl





Starting with one pound of clay.

Squeezing water onto spinning clay to moisten.

Beginning to center

Coning down

Centered

Starting the hole for the opening.

Enlarging

Almost there, ready to begin pulling.

After a few pulls.

Sorry there are no pulling photos. I have to have two hands to do it.

The finished shape.

Inverted on wheel at leather hard stage waiting to be recentered.

After recentering, the bowl is attached to the wheel with wet clay.

Beginning to form the foot ring.

After trimming.

Greenware waiting to dry before going into the kiln.

Finally a picture of the finished plate. It went through a harrowing ordeal to get to its final destination. On the two hour trip the road vibrations caused a near undetectable crack to become a horrendous break. It broke completely in two. I was able to put it back together with glue. Not the finest day for me. However when it is in its intended place about eight feet off the floor, the break is only noticeable to those looking for it, like my father in law.

These are some finished pieces that are in use in my home.

I came across an advertisement for a garlic roaster that could be used in the oven or microwave. The first is my take on it and the second is one using the dimensions given in the ad. It seems just too big for the average garlic bulb. Maybe if you had access to elephant garlic it would work wonderfully. Right now I think it would be nice for roasting a Cornish hen.

After much debate on this piece, I think it would be best described as an urn. Once it is glazed, the lid will sit more securely on the shoulder.

This is my first attempt at a low cake plate/stand. It is unglazed wheat stone. I really like the rustic feeling. I just can't bring myself to put a glaze on it.