Funky Chicken 2017

I can't say I've ever considered myself a blogger. I aspired to it once, a long time ago. But the reality is that I am just not that reliable, and I have ADD, and I would rather be working on books than writing something here that few people may ever see.

I use to send out newsletters once a year informing people about my life, my family, and my slow progress at making a living as a potter/writer/dreamer. I'm not sure if people ever read those newsletters. They were fun to write and a headache to get printed, and the last time I sent a newsletter, back in 2014, I spent over $2000 to do it. That was more than I spend on food for 6 months for my whole family!  I knew I needed to find a better way to communicate with my people.  The blog became that better way, though I am pretty sure only 120 people opened my blog in the past year, and even fewer probably finished it. Life is busy. I get it. People probably don't care much about the life of their potter, even if he is their favorite potter.

So, here's the information you're probably looking for about this year.

1. Yes, I have just finished a new book!

 It's called The Disciple of the Wind. After ten years of research and writing, I am excited to be able to finally share this book with you. I love it. And I think you will too. It's a book about art and faith and learning to listen to the wind. It's about slowing down and looking at things that matter and deciding who we are and where we stand. It's about hope. And more than anything, it's really about Love. It's a good news book that's intended to help us all see the good around us, to seek it out, and embrace it.
The book is set in Watts, California, and much of it takes place at the neighborhood's most famous landmark, The Watts Towers, that were built by an Italian immigrant, Simon Rodia, over the course of 33 years. The book is filled with pictures and art, as well as quotes that will leave you wanting to live the best life you can, as well as book a flight to LA so you can see the towers for yourself.

 This is the blurb from the back of the book.
The offer of a new job as a social work intern has brought Kate Larsen to the opposite end of the universe—Watts, California. Though the job proves quickly to be far less than she hoped for, the curious notebook she finds in her desk compels her to seek answers. When she serendipitously crosses paths with the budding filmmaker, Charlie George, she begins to uncover the deeper meaning behind the neighborhood’s most famous landmark, Watts Towers, and their enigmatic creator, Simon Rodia. 
Join Kate and Charlie, who, with the help of the tower’s watchman, Isaiah, learn the untold story of love, hope and redemption that inspired Simon and his colorful life’s work. 


You can learn more about the book by clicking on the Kickstarter link below. 

2. To launch this book, I decided to give people the chance to be a part of the book through a Kickstarter campaign. 

Kickstarter is a crowd-funding website that helps start-ups gather the funds necessary for their projects. I was always planning on just self-funding this as I have with all my other projects, but I thought maybe this might give me a chance to cast a bigger net into the world and see where it might take me. So far, as of November 14th, 2017, we are over 1/3 of the way funded with 19 days to go in the campaign. I am excited, but also nervous. This is an all or nothing campaign, which means if I don't make my goal, I get nothing, and all the work and sweat is for naught. So, yeah, it stresses me out a little bit. Take a look at it on the link below and make a pledge if you can. I sure would appreciate it. 

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1636711825/the-disciple-of-the-windan-untold-story-of-hope-an

3. Our annual open house runs December 2, 9, &16

That's right, the first three Saturdays in December from 10-5 here at our home/studio at 
1150 East 800 South in Salt Lake City. Though the studio is open year round, we only open our home twice a year, during our Mother's Day and Christmas Shows. Bring your friends and family. Lynnette and I have been collecting local art since before we got married, and when we renovated our home 6 years ago, we installed 500 square feet of hand-made tile. There's a lot to see. And we love to share it with others. Lynnette will also have her toffee and caramels available for purchase. And books will be signed all month long. The new books are $15 each and would make awesome gifts for everyone one your list.

4. We haven't killed our teenagers ... yet!

Yeah, we've been tempted, but we are learning to navigate these troubled waters. 

And we are getting a lot more thumbs up than we ever have in the past which is very refreshing. We found some cheap tickets to Spain this Spring and decided we couldn't pass up the $420 round trip price. We are recognizing more and more how few months we have left before Isaac heads off to his next adventure, whether it be college or a mission. He started driving last week which is frightening. Keep your kids inside! 

We are enjoying most of these days, and trying to keep in mind how few of them we really have left. Isaac is a junior and Eve is in the eighth grade. 

Lynnette and I celebrated 20 years of marriage in September. It's hard to believe anyone could put up with me that long, but she has, and she's been patient with me most of the time. It's been a good life.

For the first time in many years, I participated in both the Utah and Park City Arts Festivals. Our travel aspirations prompted that change in schedule, but I found it was a lot of fun see the old friends I've missed at the festival in my many years of absence. I have not yet decided about next year's schedule. I will be busy working on at least one book for next year, and maybe two. And I want to spend some time with the kids before they're gone. Sometimes the money is far less important than the adventure. 

Just Love 

The election of 2016 and the craziness that has followed around the world prompted a new product this year. I call them Just Love Hearts 

Just Love 

Hearts

. . . Were created in response to the seeds of fear and hate that are being sown throughout our world. Inspired by the question asked of Jesus, “Which is the most important commandment?”   And His response, “To Love God, and to Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Two thousand years later, 

Love is still the answer.

Few of us can change the world, but we can all change our hearts, our homes, our communities. We can illuminate our often dark world with acts of love and kindness to friends and strangers. And together, with love in our hearts, 

we can change the world. 

Just Love

I will be doing a show in February at the Pioneer Theater entitled Just Love. It will focus on the theme of Love, but will have several tangents. Plan to come and see it. I will also have a selection of these hearts at the Ogden Union Station in December, and also at my studio and at ArtMarket. The best selection will probably always be at my studio. 

So, in a nutshell, that's our year. I am tired from a busy year of writing and shows, but feeling like I probably won't be able to rest until I'm dead. And I guess that's okay. It's fun to make art. And I'm glad it makes people happy. 

I want to thank you for all your support. I couldn't do what I do if it wasn't for your support. Thanks for being you. Come and see me sometime. Life is better with you in it. 

Cheers to 2018