In last week’s blog post, I shared a virtual visit to the flower fields of Lisse in the Netherlands.  I’m going to stick with that theme and share another treasured travel memory.  This week’s destination is the Aizu region of Japan, in Fukushima Perfecture, to see the cherry blossoms.
Flower viewing, known as hanami, is a beloved tradition in Japan.  Every spring when the cherry trees bloom, people flock to the sakura (cherry blossoms) to admire and celebrate their fleeting beauty.  The blossoms last only a week or two making them even more special.  Bloom times vary from location to location and from variety to variety extending the overall season from late March to early May.
Closeup of Sakura (Cherry Blossoms)    @FanningSparks
Many years ago I had the opportunity to partake in this beloved tradition.  I was living in Singapore at the time and had a need to travel to Tokyo for business reasons.  My colleague and I extended our trip over the weekend and joined a local tour group for the hanami trip.  (Special thanks to my friends, and former colleagues, Judy and Xiaoyan!)
It’s no secret I love flowers so a trip celebrating cherry blossoms was guaranteed to be enjoyable.  But it was so much more than I expected.  The sakura were beautiful.  The sights were picturesque and steeped in history.  The tour was well organized and executed flawlessly.  If I recall correctly, Judy and I were the only participants who did not speak Japanese.  Luckily our friend Xiaoyan was able to translate for us.  We spent Saturday night at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese hot springs inn, in Aizu Ashinomaki Onsen.  We relaxed in the hot springs baths and feasted on a traditional multi-course dinner.  Staying in a ryokan was an experience in and of itself.  The trip was authentically Japanese and a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Here are my favorite photos from my hanami trip in the Aizu region of Japan.  In this lovely scene, the sakura are beautifully showcased by the moody waters, spring greenery and distant mountains.
Cherry Trees in Full Bloom Along Stream in Aizu Region of Japan   @FanningSparks
Here’s a closer look at the beautiful pink and white blossoms suspended over the water.
Cherry Tree in Full Bloom Over Water in Aizu Region of Japan   @FanningSparks
One of the places we visited was Tsuruga Castle in the city of Aizu-Wakamatsu.  The original castle, which was built over 600 years ago, played a key role in samurai and medieval cultures.
Cherry Blossoms at Tsuruga Castle in the city of Aizu-Wakamatsu Japan   @FanningSparksThe ancient stone walls provide a striking contrast for the delicate flowers.Cherry Blossoms in Front of Tsuruga Castle Wall in the city of Aizu-Wakamatsu Japan   @FanningSparks
Another highlight of the tour was visiting the Miharu Takizakura.  This ancient cherry tree, a weeping higan, is over 1,000 years old.  It is designated a National Natural Monument of Japan.  It is absolutely stunning!
Miharu Takizakura the 1000-Year-Old Cherry Tree in Miharu Japan   @FanningSparksUnderstandably, we were not the only people who wanted to view this ancient wonder.  In the below photo you can see visitors politely queuing up for their turn to get closer to the tree.
Queuing to See Miharu Takizakura the 1000-Year-Old Cherry Tree in Miharu Japan   @FanningSparks
Miharu Takizakura the 1000-Year-Old Cherry Tree in Miharu Japan   @FanningSparks
These sites were spectacular but I was most delighted to find a quiet country lane near our ryokan.  I spent a few early morning hours under my own sakura canopy.
Cherry Trees Along Country Lane in Aizu Ashinomaki Onsen Japan   @FanningSparksCherry Trees Along Country Lane in Aizu Ashinomaki Onsen Japan   @FanningSparks
Cherry Trees Along Country Lane in Aizu Ashinomaki Onsen Japan   @FanningSparks
Without a doubt, if I were to take this trip today I would have a lot more (and I like to think better) photos to share.  Regardless, I hope this post helps convey the magic of the sakura.  My hanami experience taught me that nature’s seasons are cause for celebration.  The cycles of the natural world are reassuringly predictable—spring will come and the cherry trees will bloom.  No matter where I’m located, I look for their fleeting beauty.  Here are a few more recent sakura photos.
Closeup of Sakura (Cherry Blossoms)  @FanningSparks
Cherry Trees in Bloom in Rodenkirchen  Germany   @FanningSparks
Cherry Tree in Bloom in Rodenkirchen  Germany   @FanningSparks

More Info

You can learn more about hanami and the sites mentioned in this post on the Japan Guide website.
You may also enjoy the following posts:
. A Virtual Visit to Lisse about the flower fields of Lisse in the Netherlands
The Allure of the Waterlily includes a visit to the village of Giverny France
. Charleston’s Glorious Window Boxes showcases spring in this beloved city of the US Southeast
Spring Into a Garden Tour features the springtime gardens of Athens Georgia
Camellia Road Trip shares a recent road trip throughout the US Southeast to visit 5 outstanding camellia gardens.

Today’s Takeaways

1. The cycles of the natural world are reassuringly predictable—especially in uncertain times.
2. Specific flowers can bring to mind special places and memories.
3. Consider reliving your own travel memories while you stay-in-place.
Peg - FanningSparks Author

We’ve all had our wings clipped—for good reason, of course—making virtual travel the only way to go.  That’s OK by me—I have lots of travel adventures I’m happy to relive.  In today’s post, I’d like to share memories of spring in The Netherlands.
My husband and I lived in Cologne Germany from 2008-2011.  We made the most of this incredible opportunity to travel extensively throughout Europe.  One place we loved to visit was the Netherlands. I feel a special connection to this captivating country because it is where both my mother and father were born and raised.  Being able to skip over to the Netherlands from our temporary home in Cologne was an unimaginable delight!  We were, in fact, only about 3 hours from the small village of Moordrecht where my parents lived before immigrating to Canada.
Every spring during our stay, we traveled to the Dutch town of Lisse to revel in the spring flowers.  Lisse is famous for its flower fields.  It is the area where flowering bulbs, such as daffodils, tulips and hyacinths, are grown to be harvested and sold as bulbs around the world.  Flower bulbs are big business in the Netherlands.  Estimates show that around 8.5 billion flower bulbs, approximately 60% of the world’s supply, are produced in this small country every year.  That’s a lot of flowers!  Few sights are as spectacular as the fields of Lisse in full bloom!
Flower fields of Lisse Netherlands  @FanningSparks
Fields of Daffodils in Lisse Netherlands   @FanningSparks
Fields of Hyacinths in Lisse Netherlands   @FanningSparks
Flower fields of Lisse Netherlands @FanningSparks
One of the best places from which to view these fields is from the windmill at the Keukenhof.  The Keukenhof, if you’ve never heard of it, is a world-famous spring garden.  According to their website, “The Keukenhof is the international and independent showcase for the Dutch floricultural sector, with a special emphasis on flower bulbs. … The park’s focus is on the 7 million spring-flowering bulbs, which allow the 100 participating companies to show their living catalog.”  The name “Keukenhof” describes its much humbler origins (“keuken” is Dutch for kitchen and “hof” means yard or garden) as a kitchen garden.
Here’s the traditional Dutch windmill at Keukenhof.  Visitors can enter the windmill and view the flower fields of Lisse from the deck.
Traditional Dutch Windmill at Keukenhof in Lisse Netherlands   @FanningSparks
The Keukenhof gardens are awe-inspiring!  Wide swatches of brilliant color are showcased against the spring green foliage.
River of White Tulips at Keukenhof in Lisse Netherlands   @FanningSparksVariety of Spring Blossoms at Keukenhof in Lisse Netherlands   @FanningSparks
Purple Tulips with Giant Jug at Keukenhof in Lisse Netherlands   @FanningSparks
The gardens are meticulously manicured—every flower is groomed to look its very best.  Hyacinths, for instance, may be propped up individually.  The small inconspicuous stakes are visible in the below photo.
Staked Pink Hyacinths at Keukenhof in Lisse Netherlands   @FanningSparks
That’s why I love this photo… “Oops, who missed that pink hyacinth?
Single Fallen Pink Hyacinth at Keukenhof in Lisse Netherlands   @FanningSparks
The tulips didn’t seem to need extra support.  Here are a few close-ups of these beloved harbingers of spring.
Yellow and Red Striped Tulips at Keukenhof in Lisse Netherlands   @FanningSparksPink Elsenburg Tulip at Keukenhof in Lisse Netherlands   @FanningSparksRed Tulip in Morning Sunlight at Keukenhof in Lisse Netherlands   @FanningSparks
It wouldn’t be the Netherlands without water.  The floral displays are enhanced by canals, streams, ponds and water features throughout the gardens.
Daffodils with Canal Barge at Keukenhof in Lisse Netherlands   @FanningSparks
Trees and Flowers Along Stream at Keukenhof in Lisse Netherlands   @FanningSparks
Sculptures and artwork are beautifully showcased in this extraordinary setting.  This is the iconic Harmonisch evenwicht (Harmonic Balance) by Carlo A. van Kervel.  If I remember correctly, these elegant, white forms represent tulip bulbs.
Harmonisch Evenwicht (Harmonic Balance) by Carlo A. van Kervel   @FanningSparks
Harmonisch Evenwicht (Harmonic Balance) by Carlo A. van Kervel @FanningSparks
This intriguing work, Zintuigen (Senses) by Berita Valk, shines amid all the greenery.
Zintuigen (Senses) by Berita Valk @FanningSparks
These two handsome works are by Marco Overdiep—Binnen-buiten (Inside Outside) on the left and Levensritme (Rhythm of Life) on the right.
Binnen-buiten (Inside Outside) and Levensritme (Rhythm of Life) by Marco Overdiep   @FanningSparks
Predictably, it’s impossible to leave all this beauty empty-handed.  I purchased this stunning bouquet of tulips for only a few euro.
Huge Bouquet of Cut Tulips from Lisse Netherlands   @FanningSparksThe generously-sized bouquet filled several vases shown here in the kitchen of our flat in Cologne.
Several Vases of Cut Tulips in our Flat in Cologne Germany   @FanningSparks
We had tulips arranged throughout the flat—the perfect reminder of our latest visit to the flower fields of Lisse!
Tulips on Dining Table in our Flat in Cologne Germany   @FanningSparks

More Info

Sadly, due to the corona virus, the Keukenhof did not open as scheduled for 2020.  Their website states they are monitoring the situation regarding a delayed opening.  Visiting the Keukenhof may not be an option this year but if you ever have the opportunity, don’t miss it!  Learn more on the Keukenhof website.
By the way, you may have noticed there are very few other visitors in the photos I took at the Keukenhof.  That’s notably unusual given the Keukenhof typically has an average of 26,000 visitors a day during its 8-week season.  I learned the trick was to stay overnight in the town of Lisse.  This allowed me to walk over and enter the gardens the minute they opened.
You can learn more about Lisse and the Netherlands’ flower fields on the official Visit Holland website.
If you enjoyed this post about the flower fields of Lisse Netherlands, you might also enjoy the following posts:
. The Allure of the Waterlily includes a visit to the village of Giverny France
. Charleston’s Glorious Window Boxes showcases spring in this beloved city of the US Southeast
. Spring Into a Garden Tour features the springtime gardens of Athens Georgia
. Camellia Road Trip shares a recent road trip throughout the US Southeast to visit 5 outstanding camellia gardens.

Today’s Takeaways

1. Virtual travel is a great option when it isn’t possible to travel physically.
2. Some of the most beloved travel destinations are courtesy of Mother Nature.
3. Consider tailoring your itinerary to visit popular destinations during off-peak times.
Peg - FanningSparks Author

While everyone is hunkering down, we’re taking a minute to celebrate a significant milestone in the FanningSparks’ corner of the blogosphere.  This week marks the second year the FanningSparks blog has been in existence.  So it’s time for a little celebration—time to pause and note what’s been accomplished in the last 2 years.
Firstly, and most importantly, I want to thank you for reading this blog.  Knowing someone actually reads the stories and/or looks at the photos keeps me energized.  Many of you have taken the time to send a note, make a comment, signal a like, or mention the blog to me.  I appreciate your feedback more than you can imagine.  It’s also very helpful when you spread the word and share this blog with others who might be interested.  Thank you so much!

New Features Launched
Before we dive into the accomplishments, I’d like to announce a few new features that are launching today.  I hope you’ll find these improvements helpful. With the number of posts steadily growing—this is the 107th post—it was time to beef up the organization.  My former colleagues will appreciate that I spent the last few weeks working on the blog’s “information architecture”.  I’ve created 26 new sub-categories and slotted all the posts accordingly.  I trust this additional granularity will make it easier for you to scan and navigate the blog.  For instance, prior to these changes I had one category called MAKE with over 60 posts in it.  That category has been subdivided into 9 groupings as you can see in the menu flyout below.
FanningSparks Blog Menu Enhancements   @FanningSparksI’ve also added a series of index pages—one for each category.  These are accessible from the boxes in the sidebar at the right of the blog page.  The index page shows the posts by sub-category at a glance.  It’s an alternative way to see all posts for a particular subject.  I’ve also switched out the category cover photos to keep things fresh and interesting.  Here’s a screenshot of the TRAVEL index page.

FanningSparks Blog Category Index Pages   @FanningSparks

You may notice a few additional changes in the sidebar on the right.  I adjusted the order of the options and removed a couple that were redundant.  Plus there’s a new featured post box which allows me to highlight a previous post that you might find interesting at this time.  For instance, the arrival of spring might be just the time to check out the DIY Bluebird-Approved Birdhouse Tutorial.

FanningSparks Blog
FanningSparks Blog Celebrates 2 Year Milestone   @FanningSparks The viewing statistics for the blog indicate the audience is growing.  Yay!  Over 9,000 unique users have visited the blog since it originally launched.  Of those 9,000 visitors, about 3,000 visited in the first year and double that number visited in the second year.  In December 2019, the blog hit a new record with over 1,000 visitors in the month—a significant milestone for this little blog!
It’s always interesting to see which posts are the most popular.  Here are the top 8 posts, to date, from the FanningSparks blog.  Links are listed below the image if you’d like to check out them out.
FanningSparks Most Popular Blog Posts To Date   @FanningSparks1 Flat Plane Carving with Harley
2 Getting Started with Woodcarving
3 Artisan Transforms Quahog Shells
4 Madison Decks the Halls
5 Weave a Market Basket
6 First Impressions as a Work Study Student
7 DIY Turkish Mosaic Candle Holder Tutorial
8 DIY Woven Statement Necklace Tutorial

FanningSparks Social Media Channels
FanningSparks Blog Celebrates 2 Year Milestone   @FanningSparksFanningSparks has a presence on several popular platforms including Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Bloglovin’.
There are nearly 200 posts on the FanningSparks Instagram account.  The account has 118 followers which is a slight increase from last year.  The below image shows a summary of FanningSparks’ top Instagram posts.
FanningSparks Most Popular Instagram Posts in 2019   @FanningSparksThe FanningSparks Pinterest account has grown by leaps and bounds in the last year.  There are over 2,363 pins across 14 boards.  Pinterest shows these pins to an average of 338.3k viewers/month (up significantly from 10.7k at this time last year).  The most popular pin is this adorable rabbit, a woodcarving in process, by Richard Carter of the Brasstown Carvers (Thanks again, Richard!).  This was from the post Getting Started with Woodcarving.  Over 2,450 viewers have viewed a closeup, clicked the link or saved this pin in the last year.
Hand Carved Rabbit in Progress. @FanningSparks
The FanningSparks Facebook account continues to draw visitors to the blog.  Announcements are published every week to let folks know about the latest blog post.  Facebook is also a great channel for sharing posts with artists, businesses or organizations mentioned in the posts.  Often these individuals will share the FanningSparks post with their followers.  I’m grateful for these shares and appreciate the exposure to new visitors.  Facebook had a noteworthy impact on two blog posts in particular.  The Facebook announcement regarding the post, From Sheep to Shawl, reached an astonishing audience of 3.1K with over 225 users clicking on the link.  While the Facebook announcement regarding the post, Madison Decks the Halls, reached 1.7K users with 229 clicking through.
Bloglovin’, if you’re not familiar with it, is a platform that allows users to follow, organize and read all their favorite blogs from one place.  Bloglovin’ notifies followers when new posts have been published.  FanningSparks has 63 followers on the Bloglovin’ platform.
Another way to be notified of new posts is to sign up for FanningSparks email notifications.  Check out the details here.  Then simply follow the instructions in the Can I Count You In? box in the far right sidebar to join up.  FanningSparks currently has a few dozen active email subscribers.

About That Girl
The little porcelain figurine of a young girl holding the number 2 was a timely vintage find.  As I discovered after the fact, she is part of a collection by Enesco called Growing Up Girls.  She was introduced in 1988.  According to their website, “For generations, Growing Up Girls® figurines have documented a girl’s journey to adulthood – from birth to marriage. These popular collectibles remain timeless”.  The tradition of marking birthdays with figurines is new to me.  I doubt I’ll start the tradition but I am glad to have found this one for the FanningSparks’ milestone celebration.
Thank You for Supporting FanningSparks   @FanningSparksThanks again for following along with FanningSparks.  I hope you enjoy reading the posts as much as I enjoy sharing them.
Cheers,
Peg - FanningSparks Author

Exploring on foot is a great way to discover what makes a place special and unique.  Whether exploring a nature trail or a city sidewalk, seeing and experiencing a place at street-level can lead to delightful surprises.  It could be a beautiful natural view, a charming street scene (like this one in Viana do Castelo, Portugal) or a beautiful historic building.
Charming Street Scene in Viana do Castelo Portugal   @FanningSparks
I’ve had the pleasure of seeing many outstanding buildings during my travels.  Some of the most memorable have been those with decorative exteriors.  It was, of course, more common to adorn the outside of buildings in days gone by.  Take, for example, the Casa Batlló in Barcelona, Spain.  It is an architectural gem designed by Antoni Gaudí in 1904-1906.  The unique marine-inspired façade is awe-inspiring.  Sunshine makes the unique treatment of stone, glass and ceramics shimmer and shine in exuberant color.
Casa Batlló in Barcelona Spain   @FanningSparks
The Casa Major Pessoa in Aveiro, Portugal, where the Museum of Art Nouveau (Museu Arte Nova) now resides, is another outstanding example. This beloved building was designed by architects Silvia Rocha and Ernest Korrodi in 1907.  The spectacular exterior is covered in art nouveau details including a carved stone façade, wrought iron railings, and curvaceous window frames.  It’s topped off with a regal stone eagle.
Museum of Art Nouveau in Aveiro Portugal   @FanningSparks
Obviously, it would be unrealistic to expect all buildings to be as beautiful as these art nouveau treasures.  Modern buildings are rarely designed and constructed with this degree of exterior ornamentation.  But interesting building exteriors and art installations do exist.  Seeking them out, while walking around to explore, is well worth the effort.
A popular method of enhancing a building’s exterior is with paintings and murals.  Here’s some striking street art I spotted while walking to a museum in Lisbon, Portugal.  It is part of a commemorative mural, by artist Mário Belém, commissioned by Lisbon Town Hall to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Abolition of the Death Penalty in Portugal.
Mural by Mário Belém in Lisbon Portugal   @FanningSparks
I came across an amazing art installation, shown below, while strolling around the town of Fernandina Beach, on Amelia Island, Florida.  It is a side wall of Lindy’s Jewelry boutique.  The giant metal butterflies are the uplifting work of artist Punk Me Tender.
Butterfly Wall by Punk Me Tender on Amelia Island, Florida, USA   @FanningSparks
Butterfly Wall by Punk Me Tender on Amelia Island, Florida, USA   @FanningSparks
Another noteworthy example is the ViaCatarina Shopping center façade in Porto, Portugal.  As I was walking along the busy sidewalk of the Rua de Santa Catarina, I looked up to see this awesome art installation.  No, I didn’t tilt my camera to some crazy angle… there are indeed figures walking horizontally along the façade of this building.
The Road Less Travelled by Paulo Ramunni in Porto Portugal   @FanningSparks
This work, by artist Paulo Ramunni, is called “The Road Less Travelled”.  Interestingly, ViaCatarina Shopping hosts an annual public art competition to support the arts and this was the winner of the 5th edition of the contest.  Ramunni’s sculptural masterpiece, comprised of 22 walking figures of men, women and children, mirrors the movement of the people on the sidewalk below.
The Road Less Travelled by Paulo Ramunni in Porto Portugal   @FanningSparksThe Road Less Travelled by Paulo Ramunni in Porto Portugal   @FanningSparks
This next example was an even bigger surprise.  This is Hotel Ohla in Barcelona, Spain dubbed “the hotel with a thousand eyes”.   The entire facade of this building has been embellished with ceramic eyes.  There are 1000 metal pins topped with ceramic eyeballs.  This is the work of sculptor Frederic Amat with ceramic eyes produced by Antoni Comella.
Thousand Eyes by Frederic Amat in Barcelona Spain   @FanningSparks
Thousand Eyes by Frederic Amat in Barcelona Spain   @FanningSparks
My final example of outstanding building exteriors isn’t quite as radical as giant eyeballs but it’s equally fantastic.  This is the living wall of the Quai Branly Museum in Paris, France.  The “Green Wall”, as the Museum calls it, was designed by botanist and researcher, Patrick Blanc, from the French National Center for Scientific Research.  The wall is 800 square meters (nearly 1000 square yards) and holds 15,000 plants including ferns, fuchsia, irises, heuchera and willows.  Astonishing, isn’t it?
Green Wall by Patrick Blanc in Paris France   @FanningSparks
Green Wall by Patrick Blanc in Paris France   @FanningSparks
Green Wall by Patrick Blanc in Paris France   @FanningSparks

More Info

You can learn more about the buildings/ art installations mentioned in this post at the following links:
Casa Batlló in Barcelona Spain
Art Nouveau Museum in Aveiro Portugal
Mário Belém’s work and his mural in Lisbon Portugal via Galeria De Arte Urbana (search for artist Mário Belém)
PunkMeTender’s work including his installation on Amelia Island, Florida USA
Paulo Ramunni’s work and his installation at ViaCatarina Shopping in Porto Portugal
Frederic Amat’s work and his installation at Hotel Ohla in Barcelona Spain
Living Wall at Quai Branly Museum in Paris France.
You might also enjoy my post, Following the Yellow Arrows, about walking the Camino de Santiago in Portugal.

Today’s Takeaways

1. Consider exploring on foot to discover what makes a place special and unique.
2. Seeking out interesting building exteriors and art installations is worth the effort.
3. Art on the outside of buildings and structures can spark new ideas.
Peg - FanningSparks Author

There’s something magical about holding a lump of fresh clay in your hands.  With a little inspiration and a willingness to play you can create surprising results.   All you need is your hands to make something uniquely yours.  No tools are necessary to go from lump to amazing!  One simple technique, called “pinch pots”, is literally pinching clay between your thumbs and fingers to form shapes.
Pinch pots are commonly used as an introduction to pottery making.  Many of the online references I’ve found are targeted towards children.  But why should children have all the fun?  I recently tried pinching pots for the first time as part of a Hand Building Clay class at OCAF (Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation… see More Info below).
The cute little bunny pictured above is one of my first projects.  I drew upon a few different items for inspiration including a tiny pottery rabbit I purchased years ago, a little wooden rabbit I carved from wood and a photo. 
Inspiration For Pinch Pot Bunny   @FanningSparks
This wild rabbit was spotted at the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh last summer.
Wild Rabbit Spotted at Phipps Conservatory   @FanningSparks
My pinch pot bunny is made from 3 enclosed pinched forms.  To make a basic hollow form, you start with 2 equally sized balls of clays.
Pinch Pot Bunny – Weighing Clay   @FanningSparks
Insert your thumb into the center of the ball.  Then working round and round, pinch out the sides of the pot with your thumb on the inside and your fingers on the outside.
Pinch Pot Bunny – Pinching Two Pots   @FanningSparks
Create a second pot in the same way.
Pinch Pot Bunny –  Two Pinched Pots   @FanningSparks
Smooth and flatten the top edges. Compare to ensure they align.  Then score and slip, meaning scratch the adjoining edges and apply watered down clay, to attach the two sections.
Pinch Pot Bunny – Attaching Two Pinched Pots into Hollow Form   @FanningSparks
After pressing the two edges together, scrape and smooth the seam to bond the two pieces.  Then apply a small coil over the seam, by scoring, slipping, scraping and smoothing, to add stability to the seam.  The amazing thing about a hollow form is that the inside air actually makes it stronger.  This basic technique can be used to create a myriad of different shapes, forms and vessels.  I used a smaller hollow form for the bunny’s head.
Pinch Pot Bunny - Hollow Forms for Body and Head   @FanningSparks
Then it was a matter of adding all the details—a third hollow form for the tail, shaped slabs for the ears, a small ball for the nose, small balls for the eyes and so on.  With a little trial and error, a bunny emerged.
Pinch Pot Bunny Formed   @FanningSparks
After forming the bunny, it was time to let it dry and harden.  But first I needed to make a tiny hole in each of the hollow forms so the air can escape.  Without these holes, the form wouldn’t dry evenly and could have blown up in the kiln.  It took a few days to dry.  Then I was able to do the final clean up by smoothing edges, removing finger prints, sharpening the eyes, and so on.  At this point, the rabbit was ready for its first firing.   Here it is, after that firing, at the bisque stage.
Pinch Pot Bunny at Bisque Stage   @FanningSparksThe final step was to glaze the piece.  The School Street Pottery Studio, where I’ve been taking my class, has a great selection of glazes.  Here’s the sample wall showing the final colors individually on white or red clay as well as in combinations.  I chose a plain white glaze.
Glaze Samples at OCAF School Street Pottery Studio   @FanningSparks
While we’re on the topic of the clay studio, here’s a broader view of the main working area.  You can see my rabbit in progress on the canvas-covered work surface in the foreground.  It’s a nice studio—with abundant, natural light…
OCAF School Street Pottery Studio Left Side   @FanningSparks…and lots of equipment and tools for us to use.
OCAF School Street Pottery Studio Right Side   @FanningSparks
I’m really enjoying my clay classes at OCAF.  Our instructor, Esther Mech, is great.  She shares information in a logical sequence with clear, easy to understand instructions.  She’s also very attentive and always willing to answer questions and provide assistance.  Plus she packs the sessions full of demonstrations and information.  (Thank you Esther!).
After the final firing, I was eager to take my pinch pot bunny home to see it in my flower garden.  Here it is hiding in a tassel fern…
Pinch Pot Bunny Under Tassel Fern   @FanningSparks
… and sniffing a wild violet.
Pinch Pot Bunny Sniffing a Wild Violet   @FanningSparks
I’m pleased with how my pinch pot bunny turned out but it looked a little lonely in the garden all by itself.  So I’m off to make another one… maybe I need a whole family!

More Info

You can learn more about the Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation (OCAF) on their website.  Classes and workshops offered at their Watkinsville, Georgia location are listed here.  The School Street Pottery Studio hosts open studio for those with clay experience.  The Studio is run by a group of knowledgeable and generous volunteers.  Many thanks to Traci, Louise, Aurora and the other volunteers!
I’ve mentioned OCAF in previous posts about their annual Perspectives Georgia Pottery Invitational:
Admiring Evidence of Process
Event Expands Pottery Proficiency
My first experience working with clay was at the John C Campbell Folk School during my Work Study program.  You can learn more about my experience with throwing clay on the wheel in Center, Open, Pull and about the Work Study program in Work Study Program FAQ.

Today’s Takeaways

1. Different mediums and techniques can evoke different creative responses.
2. Gather small items that appeal to you (or take photos) to serve as inspiration for future projects.
3. Consider making time to play.
Peg - FanningSparks Author

While visiting Middleton Place on my recent Camellia Road Trip, I witnessed a rare nature moment that I’d like to share with you today.  Middleton Place is a National Historic Landmark situated on the Ashley River in South Carolina.  Several of the garden paths follow the river which is alive with wildlife.  Most of these birds are cormorants but the one in the bottom left is a Great Blue Heron.
Wildlife on Ashley River  @FanningSparks
Great Blue Herons are a common sight around lakes, rivers and coastlines in this region.  Here’s a Great Blue Heron on the Bon Secour River along the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Great Blue Heron With Fishing Boats on Bon Secour River, Alabama. @FanningSparks
Its signature S-curve neck, “powder down” chest feathers and dagger-like bill contribute to the heron’s striking appearance.
The Regal Great Blue Heron on Bon Secour River, Alabama @FanningSparks
The All About Birds website provides this description: “Whether poised at a river bend or cruising the coastline with slow, deep wingbeats, the Great Blue Heron is a majestic sight. This stately heron with its subtle blue-gray plumage often stands motionless as it scans for prey or wades belly deep with long, deliberate steps. They may move slowly, but Great Blue Herons can strike like lightning to grab a fish or snap up a gopher. In flight, look for this widespread heron’s tucked-in neck and long legs trailing out behind.”
As I was walking along the river at Middleton Place, I noticed a lone Great Blue Heron standing on a log.  I’ve become accustomed to seeing these beautiful birds but there was something unusual about this one.  This Great Blue Heron was holding a fish…
Great Blue Heron Standing on Log Holding Catfish 599   @FanningSparks
… not just any fish, but a big ol’ catfish.
Great Blue Heron Holding Catfish by Tail 653   @FanningSparks
When I realized just how big that fish was, I had to see what the heron would do with it.  Obviously, he intended to eat it.  But how?  I knew herons swallowed their prey whole.  But how could this bird ever swallow a fish that big?  So I got as close as I safely could, focused my camera and prepared to watch the show.
In order to swallow the fish, the heron spent some time getting it into the right position.
Great Blue Heron Lifting Catfish Out of Water 771   @FanningSparks
It started by putting the fish back in the water and maneuvering the fish with its bill.
Great Blue Heron Maneuvering Catfish in Water 769   @FanningSparks
The heron picked it up with its bill ensuring it was aligned and positioned head first.  I cropped this shot a little tighter so it’s easier to see the positioning.
Great Blue Heron Lifting Fish into Position 776    @FanningSparks
Then with a quick flick of its powerful neck, the heron flung the fish out of the water…
Great Blue Heron Flinging Up Fish 778   @FanningSparks… and down its throat…
Catfish Partway Down Great Blue Heron’s Throat 779   @FanningSparks
… while simultaneously stretching out its neck.
Great Blue Heron with Fish Partially Swallowed Fish 780 @FanningSparks
But it didn’t quite go as planned and the heron brought the fish back down.
Great Blue Heron About to Swallow Catfish 781   @FanningSparks
Then the heron put the fish back in the water and repeated the whole process.
Great Blue Heron Holding Fish Sideways 783   @FanningSparks
I watched the heron for over an hour and witnessed dozens of attempts to swallow that fish.  Things got a little hairy, at one point, when an alligator got into the act.  Yikes!  The heron is a little difficult to see in this shot, it’s down in the bottom left among the rushes, while the alligator is approaching from the top right.  The alligator came to rest at the end of the log and appeared ready to pounce.  But as it turned out, the heron just ignored the alligator and eventually it swam away.
Alligator Swimming Towards Great Blue Heron   @FanningSparks
Here’s one last action shot of the Great Blue Heron attempting to swallow the catfish.
Great Blue Heron Flinging Fish 752   @FanningSparks

More Info

For more information about Great Blue Herons, check out the AllAboutBirds website from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology or the Audubon Guide to North American Birds website.
You may also like these FanningSparks posts which include some of my favorite bird photos:
. From Feeders to Quilts
. DIY Bluebird-Approved Birdhouse Tutorial
. Top 19 Photos from 2019

Today’s Takeaways

1. Be on the lookout for nature moments.
2. Consider building a buffer into your travel itinerary to allow time for discovery.
3. You can’t hurry Mother Nature—expect to observe nature at its own pace.
Peg - FanningSparks Author