Easter at Henn's Nest

I got a job! And then I got another job! And then I got ANOTHER job!

Yep! I am am busy girl these days. I am still working with Rob the Potter. I threw my first two pound pitcher and a oil burning lantern. I took a bunch of pottery with me to Los Angeles and sold almost every piece! I have also started an Etsy store for Rob and have been working on my own Etsy store as well. My site is still in progress, but please check out Smoke in the Mountains Pottery. I shot all the photography and wrote all the descriptions and am quite proud of it. It’s been one month since our launch and we have already sold 8 pieces, which I consider to be a great success.

My bisque pottery waiting to be glazed

About three months ago, I was hired by Blue Moon Elise (BMe), a wonderful store right in the heart of downtown Murphy.  BMe is a a soap/bodycare store, yoga studio, soap factory, and massage studio all in one. The company was started over a decade ago by Rachel Sylvester, a passionate and fiercely motivated gal with a dream and vision; she is such an inspiration to me as a yoga teacher and a business owner. I am learning a ton about essential oils and natural bodycare. I go home reeking like lavender and patchouli everyday. It’s the kind of place that sells Dr. Bronners and ear candles, but it’s still boutiquey and lux and on the main street. In addition to all the BMe products, the shop sells other natural body care lines and lots of cool jewelry, crafts, food, clothes, cleaning supplies, and yoga gear. I have really amped up my yoga practice too; I am taking 4 classes a week. Another perk – I can ride my bike there!

BMe Products - Lotion, Oil, Body Mist, Room Spray Etc

Rachel Making Soap

About two weeks ago, a started working part time in the Folk School Marketing Dept. The job is just temporary for now, but I love it so far. I am doing graphic design, web updates, and blogging on the Folk School site. The marketing department is in Tower House down by the blacksmith shop. Tower house was built in 1933.

Tower House is in the Middle with the Chimney (photo from the FS website)

It is surrounded by rolling fields and the occasional cow strolls on by. It is rural, majestic and pastoral – the complete opposite of the grey congested smoggy concrete land of Commerce where I used to work. Sometimes when I walk around the Folk School grounds it is so beautiful I just want to cry. Coming to North Carolina was one of the best things I have ever done for myself.

Garden Gate with Little Birdie in the FS Garden

So the question on everyone’s mind is… are you staying out there? Well, my answer is that yes, I am staying here for now. I will be here through the summer and then I am going to reassess where I am at. I am horrible at permanence. I have a hard time committing out loud. I feel pretty committed to being here right now, and that’s all  I have to say about that.

Yellow Flowers by the Outdoor Brick Oven

I do feel like the world has lots of adventures out there in store for me. One of the nice things about living out here and working various part time jobs is the flexibility of time to travel. Speaking of that, I booked a trip to Ireland in July! I am going for two weeks to meet up with my parents and Aunt Ann to go to the McAuliffe Clan Rally in New Market. My father’s mother’s maiden name is McAuliffe and that’s how I am connected to the McAuliffe linage. I am so excited to return to Ireland after 13 years.

This is the view from the street I turn onto to get to go to Smoke in the Mountains Pottery

Yep, life is pretty good right now!

I just got back to North Carolina from Los Angeles last night. I had so much fun hanging with my family and my girls. I can’t believe I’ve been belly dancing with Hannah and Leila since 2008…..!!!

Leila, Shoop and I were reminiscing about this Bollywood piece which was our first choreography together! SO CUTE! Choreography is by Heather Shoopman and Calamity Sam and Heidi also appear in this video. Back in the Se7eN & Bliss days!I always listen to MC Panjabi Radio on Pandora at work, this song always comes on and I can never remember the dang choreo. Thanks to Lynn for taking the video, maybe I can refresh my brain cells.

Bollywood Fusion by Se7eN – Cory Marie, Calamity Sam, Heidi, Shoop, & Leila
photo by Steven Podielski

Bottle Tree at Henn's Nest

Red Maple Blooming in Front of Rob's House

Red Blooms on Bush at Henn's Nest. Anyone know what kind of bush this is?

Vine Wreath

Notice the yellow jonquil? Jonquils are one of the first flowers to bloom here. I thought they were daffodils until last week!

photo of the bonfire from my little room in the guesthouse

I love you can set a huge raging bonfire right on your drive under the stars on a crisp cold night. It is the perfect banjo playing setting.

Getting the Ground Ready!

Starting the Seeds

So far, I have started kale, spinach, 2 kinds of lettuce, cilantro, basil, and chives. Transplanting on the 21st which according to the old-timey almanac is the best time for transplanting…. we shall see!

Smoke in the Bloom Bloom

I wish you could hear the buzzing when you stand underneath it. There are 100s &100s of bees up there.

Pear Tree by the Wood Kiln

Visit Rob’s new website: www.smokeinthemountainspottery.com

Wig Out! Get Your Toxic Mutation On!

I love this sign! I spotted it in downtown Franklin, NC.