It's June, but feels like May in northern wisc.

Gee, what have we been doing? Getting the studio ready and opened for the season, although the weather has been challenging. But, since I don't have the heartbreaking situation as those in OK, I am blessed. We have been spreading pea gravel, Barry's been fishing and I had the fun of replacing my relays in my Skutt kiln. Oh joy, but I think it worked!! We don't have a show until July 13th at Torpy Park in Minocqua. Hopefully the tourists will be up to enjoy the day! Until then you can find us at the studio everyday 9 to 5.

the end of 2012

I drove thru Saint Germain this morning, the town was finally busy with lots of snow machines and holiday tourists! Figured there would be alot of happy resort/motel and eating place owners after the week. Barry has been ice fishing, and caught a 29 inch northern, which broke his jigging pole with the effort to not become part of a fish boil. I have been packing a few etsy orders and working on a quilt top with Tuffy's help on the border. Hmmm, not easy with a partner who can growl and swipe a claw faster than lightening. Today there was bread a-baking and now a chicken is cooking in the oven for tonight. We will enjoy some wine and definitely not make it up til midnight. Those days are long gone. Thank you all our family, friends and customers who we love to think of as friends for being part of 2012. I know this past year has been heavy on many of you and blessed on others. Our prayers are with you all every day. I hope the beginning of the year brings peace and courage to all of you and that this continues all year. Just think now we can start working on getting 4th quarter sales tax filed, premier resort tax, estimated income tax sent in and get all the records organized for the tax man! Gee, I think I would rather be quilting or making pottery! So now, I can say bye for now and see you Next Year!

During December until just before Christmas Barry and I have our work for sale at a Holiday Boutique in Menomonie WI. Besides our work, the Witt Art Gallery is featuring the work of Cari Raynae this Saturday along with the work of 65 artists. If you want to shop Handmade this Christmas stop by the gallery and shop the huge variety of work by local artisians. Cari Raynae has been working as an award wining interior designer for over 30 years. And she's been sewing and creating art for all of those years as well. Join the gallery's Mailing List! Visit wittartgallery.com to see a listing of our artists and get direction to the gallery... Or go to our FB page "Witt Art Gallery" !! 1232 Douglas Street on the Corner of Douglas and Elm in North Menomonie 715-231-4036

Pre Christmas business

As I frantically work at taking images of pottery to sell on my TallPinesPottery.etsy store, and listen to the tv ads promoting shopping locally I can't help but wonder at the reasoning behind those who fought their way into the big box stores for deals this week. WOW. I enjoy buying from Wisconsin Companies, big and small. We don't really do alot of Christmas since we have certain special places we would rather "gift" to. One of these is Mission Bible Training Ctr of Gaastra Michigan. It is a faith-based rehab center for drug and alcohol dependent people. It is a tough place to be at, and the 50 or so residents are fed on contributions by faithful givers. Spending Christmas day there once was such an honor and really an emotional day. Many of the folks there never had Christmas gifts. We have learned how to share what we have with those who don't have. And how to grocery shop for 50 or more people! As any of you who are reading this, consider finding a homeless shelter or half-way house in your town and ask what their needs are. Instead of shopping for a tv for yourself, take that shelter some fresh veggies. Remember, God still has angels on this earth, and how could you face God in heaven if you turned your back on a homeless person here. You never know who they really could be. God Bless you, everyone. Please shop small businesses like me, like all the artists and crafters out there.