Ode to Autumn

Hydrangea quercifolia, Oakleaf Hydrangea

Acer saccharum, Sugar Maple

Carya glabra, Pignut Hickory

Besides the autumn poets sing, A few prosaic days, A little this side of the snow, And that side of the haze. - Emily Dickinson, American poet, 1830 - 1886

P is for Pottery

Pottery includes earthenware, stoneware and porcelain that represents one of the oldest technologies on earth. As an art form it contributes unique pieces attracting much admiration and appreciation by collectors.

The process of forming a piece of pottery involves the formation of clay by hand and often with the aid of a potters' wheel. Glazing and firing finish the piece to create the lasting final product of beauty. These lovely pieces are just some that will soon be available in my Shoppe. Check it out!

Praise for Columbus!

In 1493 Columbus was granted this Coat of Arms for his successful voyage by the Spanish Sovereigns

People near and far are celebrating the anniversary of Christopher Columbus' landing in the Americas, specifically the Bahamas, on 12 October 1492. The sailing ship Pinta and its 90 crew members sighted land in the early morning light following a ten week journey from Spain under the sponsorship of Catholic monarchs Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand II. Columbus' long maritime career earned him the title of Admiral of the Ocean Sea, and he held firm to the belief that he had arrived in Asia via this westward route to riches.

The holiday of this journey and discovery is celebrated as Columbus Day in the United States and in the Americas as Dia de la Raza. 1934 marked its first national recognition in the US, despite the fact that it was unofficially celebrated in many countries in the Americas since 1792 - the commemoration of the 300th Anniversary of Columbus' landing in the 'new' world. It was popularized as a holiday in the US through the lobbying efforts of a first generation Italian- American, Angelo Noce, in Denver CO, 1906. Since that time, many Italian- Americans associate this holiday with a celebration of their heritage. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt made it a federal holiday in 1934; always commemorated on the second Monday in October.

O is for Opalescent Glass

Opalescent Glass is a generalized term for clear and semi-opaque pressed glass. It evolved in the late 1800's during the Art Nouveau period, and was patented in 1879 by American artist John LaFarge. The opalescent effect is produced by adding bone ash during the cooling process of glassmaking resulting in a milky look that illuminates golden red tones when held up to light. Louis Comfort Tiffany experimented with opalescent glass in his magnificent stained glass during the 1880's.

Look for its loveliness in pieces of milk and pattern glass. I guarantee its beauty will impress and be admired for years to come!