Raku pottery at the OKC Festival of the Arts

Raku pottery is created with a specific ceramic firing process that uses both fire and smoke to create unique patterns and designs. With raku pottery, the piece is first bisque fired. Then, it is glazed and undergoes a raku firing process. The raku firing process requires a special raku kiln that is fueled by propane and reaches temperatures of about 1800°F (about 982°C).
In order to complete the firing process, the raku pottery must remain in the kiln for approximately 30 minutes. The raku pottery is then removed from the kiln using specially designed raku tongs. While the raku pottery piece is still hot and glowing, it is placed inside a metal can full of combustible materials. The heat emitted from the raku pottery causes these materials to catch on fire.
After the materials inside the metal can catch on fire, a lid is placed over the can and the raku pottery is sealed inside. The raku pottery is capable of withstanding these high temperatures and the fire within the can because it is made from a special type of clay that is capable of withstanding thermal shock. Traditional pottery clays, on the other hand, would crack from the drastic temperature changes raku pottery undergoes.
As the fire consumes the oxygen within the can, it also draws the oxygen out of the raku pottery and its glaze. This process is called post fire reduction. It is the post fire reduction stage that creates the unique look of raku pottery. The resulting patterns and colors are unpredictable, as they are created through the natural process of oxygen removal.
After the raku pottery remains in the sealed metal can for about 15 minutes, it is removed and placed in a can of water. This freezes the patterns that were created during the post fire reduction stage. The amount of time a piece should remain in the cooling water largely depends on the piece and its size. Source: Raku Pottery

Ah yes, EARTH DAY was yesterday.....anyone else find it majorly depressing???? I went off to college (SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry) to save the earth in 1974. I thought more people would be clued in by now. It still seems like a fringe movement to me.. People think green is building a whole new house from scratch or buying a Prius and junking the old car. Then there's China.... There's not much personal responsibility on any front any more why will taking care of our environment be any different?

My one exciting and positive discovery is the Plastiki Expedition. I hope it is a true success. http://www.adventureecology.com/theplastiki/main.html

Waxed paper

It's the little things that make me happy! I found waxed paper bags at the store on Saturday. I haven't been able to find them in years. These are special "green" ones, but any paper bag for food storage is OK with me. Has anyone ever seen a paper bag stuck in a tree for weeks on end flapping in the breeze???? I think NOT! I can safely compost these, and they are made in the USA! They are great for carrying snacks around.

Easter Sunday 2009 Gabrielle working away on sauce for fresh asparagus. We honored her with a vegetarian Easter this year. It's healthy for us. What a beautiful daughter I have. Don't worry the dining room was beautiful and appropriate for the occasion! How does that kitchen get in such a state?

My quiche creation. It was so overly popular in the 1980's that I forget how wonderful it can be. I just do it on the fly, this one had broccoli and Vermont cheddar with a touch of shallots.

The Clematis by the front door bloomed for the occasion. Why didn't I start growing these 30 years ago? They are wonderful plants.