A Potter With a Heart for Christ

This is a slight departure from the norm for me as all the "Beauties" I have shared before are personal friends whom I have known and loved for a while.  Each have had a unique impact on my life.

I met Susan only a short time ago and not in person but on Instagram, of all places.

I don't recall how I first saw her pictures there, but it didn't take me long to follow her and anticipate her postings.  She told me that in less than a month of opening her account, she already had over 1000 followers.

You see, Susan is a potter and she posts pictures of her beautiful works on SusanBassPottery, and it didn't take long before I was captivated with every thing she did.  Then I began to notice she also attached a scripture with each piece of art work.  I knew I wanted to know more about this potter with a heart for Christ.

I contacted her and asked if I could share her story and she so graciously agreed. I know you will not only appreciate her beautiful works of art, but also the beautiful person who creates them.

Susan Bass

Following is Susan's story in her own words.  You will understand why I didn't try to paraphrase.

HOW I GOT STARTED

 I was a stay at home mom with three kids and my two sons would be graduating high school and I had no idea what I was going to do with my life.  My daughter would be entering Jr. high and the elementary school years would be over.  So I began praying for the Lord to reveal His will for my life.  And that very day my daughter and I drove past a house that had a sign in the front that said "Art Show," so we stopped and it was a potter's house.  He made these amazing large pots.  They were beautiful!  He gave us a tour of his studio and showed us the kiln he built.

The next day I woke up thinking of that pottery studio.  I began reading my Bible like I did every morning.  I prayed and then just flipped through pages of scripture and just randomly started reading.  There was the word "pottery" in bold literally floating off the page!  Yes, pottery was levitating and I thought it was a trick on my eyes.  I thought I was going crazy!  Just a couple hours later my friend texts me and asks me if I want to take a ceramics class with her at the high school!  I hadn't talked to her in a week so she couldn't have known. 

That began my journey. I started pottery at the high school and I remember walking into that studio totally broken because my mother’n’law had just passed away. I sat at that wheel and felt peace. Every Wednesday night I spent hours just trying to center the clay. The high school teacher found out I had a daughter in 6th grade and he suggested I teach pottery at her elementary school. He offered me free clay and firing for the kids... this would be a good advertisement for him because these kids would eventually end up at the high school. Within just a few weeks of starting pottery I was teaching it at the elementary school!

Then the school district cut the Adult Ed classes. During this time I was not 100% believing this whole pottery thing. Pottery is a huge endeavor! I was doing a lot of yoga at the time and had plans to open a ‘hot’ yoga studio in town. But the Lord kept encouraging me. One day I was driving to yoga and I was crying out to God about the direction of my life. Pottery still seemed so obscure. I was driving and crying out to God and this song comes on the radio and it was a Counting Crows song I’d never heard before so I'm weeping and listening and the lyrics said, ‘Hey, Mrs. Potter, don't cry, Hey, Mrs. Potter, I know why But, hey, Mrs. Potter, won't you talk to me.”

Wow! I was so amazed!

The high school class was about to end and I didn't know what to do about pottery. I was going to a Beth Moore bible study and the Holy Spirit seemed to talk to me through Beth. I remember Beth saying, “Don't give up till the Lord blesses you!” I had never told anyone in class about pottery, it just seemed too nuts. But a lady from bible study approached me and said’ “You should take a pottery class at Hancock College.” I was stunned! I said, “Why did you say that to me?” and she said, “Oh God told me too!”

That summer I took my first art class at the local community college, Ceramics I. For the last three years I have been a full time ceramics student. My skills have developed at an apparently super fast rate. My teacher says I am a prodigy. But I know it’s Jesus! Along the way the Lord has been encouraging me and given me over 40 pottery scriptures. He continues to stay at my side strengthening me during this most incredible journey of my life...pottery.

 I asked Susan where she gets her inspiration and she told me that she has always loved beautiful things and in fact took an interior design class in high school and loved it.  She was even accepted to the Art Institute of Dallas following high school but was encouraged to pursue a Business Degree instead, which she did but totally disliked the process.  She said she never took any more art classes after this and life took over.

Although she tried every craft out there from painting, mosaics, sewing, furniture refinishing, beading, jewelry making, and enjoyed all of it, she never really found her niche until God opened the door to pottery.
She gets her inspiration through interior design, architectural elements, (which you will see evidence of in her pieces) fabric and paper designs and jewelry.
"I am also inspired by the beautiful things in Solomon's temple," specifically the Biblical descriptions of the lamps, bowls, ladles, firepans, plates, etc. for the alter.  She says, "I am always inspired by the attention to detail and dedication in building the temple."

This large Porcelain Platter is her favorite piece.

Susan told me that she incorporates all of the crafts she's ever done as she weaves them into her pottery.  She calls herself  more like a "Martha Stewart" of pottery.

Susan's pottery is fired to what is called Cone 10 and it makes the most superior cookware.  They are all dishwasher, oven and microwave and safe and contain NO lead.  She tells me it is better than Le Creuset, William Sonoma, Corning Ware, etc because the kiln she uses (below) is fired to an extremely hot temperature - 2300 degrees and then the kiln is smoked and the oxygen reduced during the firing to achieve amazing colors.

"Last summer I went to a workshop and worked with a famous potter named Tom Coleman.  After that I began working exclusively with porcelain.  Then I went to a different kiln workshop with Tom and learned how to fire the small gas reduction kiln that I love!  In particular are two end table lights that are my favorite.  They are next to my bed.

 "I mix all my own glazes too and the kiln firing affects the color of the glazes so I have been especially happy with the glaze colors of the porcelain pieces that have come out of my kiln."

 

Susan was featured on the front page of the local paper a couple weeks ago for teaching ceramics at the local museum.  She says it was such an honor to be asked to participate in this.

 

 Susan is currently working on building up her inventory of porcelain pieces which she will feature on her website:  www.susanbasspottery.com

She hopes to have it up and going by this summer 2014.

But, in the meantime, if you are interested in contacting Susan you may do so by email:

sass3000@rocketmail.com

I love this bottle!

Susan said this piece is fired to 2300 degrees in a gas fired reduction kiln which makes all her wares stronger than ANY commercial pottery.  That is why her pottery makes the most excellent cookware.  It is certainly the most beautiful for sure.

Susan says she uses this lovely blue decanter and glasses all the time and is currently working on another set.  I love the handle on this piece.

Now, who would not love these dishes on her table every day?

Susan hand makes all her own glazes and has developed her own recipes. She says,

"This is my favorite glaze combo - White Icing with Copper trim!"

  Don't these dishes make a beautiful table setting?

Susan told me that on a recent trip to New York she noticed that water was often served from beautiful bottles.  So she created her own and uses them to serve water at her own table.  I love this idea and the bottle!  The gorgeous vase is also one of Susan's, needless to say.

Below are pictures of her cabinets  She made a complete set of matching dinnerware (dinner plates, salad plates and bowls) and makes just about every thing for the kitchen including casserole dishes.  There aren't any shown in these pictures because she has given them all away or sold them.

Susan does donate a lot of her pieces to charity and various organizations such as the food banks annual Empty Bowls fundraising and the local Meals on Wheels auction.

 

The following are some of my favorite pieces and Susan's as well.

 

"God's word is better than red ripe summertime strawberries!"

Handcrafted pottery into functional art. Serving platter: microwave, oven and dishwasher safe. "God's faithful love endures forever!"

Large wheel thrown stoneware bowl with handles and custom glazes. 20" diameter and 4" deep. Makes an excellent salad bowl! "God is Love!"

Okay, I'm ready to make a trip to California to meet this beautiful lady in person.  Any takers?

Remember:

SusanBassPottery

 www.susanbasspottery.com 

sass3000@rocketmail.com

 Thank you Susan Bass for allowing me to feature you on

You truly exemplify

"Beauty Without Within!"
and have definitely made an impact on my life even from a distance.

What Lasting Love and Workout Attire Have in Common

It's Wednesday and thank you Joyce for

Hodgepodge Volume 162

1.What makes love last?

• A whole lot of work!
• Realizing that "love" is not always the same as "like"
• Developing common interests and goals while at the same time maintaining an independence
• Turning your relationship over to the Lord and allowing Him to love thru you when times get tough
• Forgiveness
• Patience
• Commitment
• Spontaneity
• Participating in the interests of the other whether they are your favorites or not

 Hubby and I have said we stayed together because we decided early on that the first one to leave had to take the kids.  Then, after they grew up and gave us grandchildren, we stayed together because neither of us wanted to share them with someone else.  LOL!  So whether it was selfishness or working together to make our love last, we will celebrate 49 years in September.  Something worked!

2. The Beatles made their US debut fifty years ago this week. Are you a fan? If so, what's your favorite Beatles tune?

Not a fan, never was even after seeing their debut on the Ed Sullivan Show.  And, I never understood the mania.

 
  3. Valentine's Day-your thoughts? Do you celebrate in any way? Do anything special for the people you love? Expect anything special from the people who love you?

I guess we are old fuddy duds, but, we don't usually celebrate this day any more than others.  We used to share a Valentine card, but haven't done that in a long time.  We usually go out with friends for dinner, but that's about it.  This week, we will join husbands and wives of a new women's organization I recently joined for a special evening.  So it will be a get-acquainted time for us as well.  I always enjoy time with my Sweetheart.
 
4. Steak or burger...you have to choose. Now that that's settled, how do you like it?

Right now, we are not eating meats but in the past, give me a juicy, tender Filet Mignon cooked medium well.
 
5. The Hodgepodge lands on the birthdate (February 12th) of Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States of America. Lincoln is quoted as saying, 'Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test his character give him power.' Do you agree? Why or why not?

I do agree with this.  One's true character will always rise to the top when given power.  How one handles power is determined by one's character.  Persons from pastors, school principals, HOA leaders, politicians and the Occupier are prime examples.  Nuff said!
 
 6. Honest Abe's image is featured on the US penny (1 cent coin) so I'm wondering...what do you do with your pennies (or your country's equivalent)? It's been suggested the US stop making the penny, and two bills have been introduced proposing just that, but neither were approved. What say you?

I really have no opinion on this, but having grown up when pennies were actually worth something, I kinda like them.  I will admit though getting and giving small change is a bother.  What do I do with them?  They mount up in my coin purse until I find an opportunity to use them.  We also have a container where we collect loose change.  Amazing how quickly it mounts up.
 
7. Do you think pop culture deserves serious study?

Okay, I had to look this up.  Wikipedia had this definition:
"Popular culture is the entirety of ideas, perspectives, attitudes, memes,^[1] images, and other phenomena that are within the mainstream of a given culture, especially Western culture of the early to mid 20th century and the emerging global mainstream of the late 20th and early 21st century. Heavily influenced by mass media, this collection of ideas permeates the everyday lives of the society."

Now, does it deserve serious study and by whom?  Speaking from my personal background, I do think it is beneficial for persons trying to minister to and reach a particular age group to understand what influences them.  It is difficult for those who grew up with different mores' and in a different time to understand where a new generation is coming from.
 
 8. Insert your own random thought here.

On the world view scheme of things this will rank pretty close to the bottom in importance.

Over a year ago, my Daughter-in-love introduced 2 in 1 capris to me.

As you know, Hubby and I are regular gym attenders.  On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, I do cardio on the treadmill, elliptical and stationary bike for an hour before going up to the weight machine area.

One morning a while back, I made a rather uncomplimentary comment to Hubby about the posterior of another woman at the gym.  His response shocked me, and just flat hurt my feelings.

He said something like, "Have you considered what yours looks like when people come through the door?"  Nope, not the response I had anticipated!  And definitely one of those "Now why did I marry this man?" moments!

But, it did make me think.  The treadmills I use are right in front of and facing away from the main door and naturally, while I am walking my legs off, my derriere is for all to see.  Then when I go upstairs to work out and stretch, again my tight-fitting workout pants leave nothing to the imagination.

Enter the 2 in 1 Capri!

Sooooo, with Hubby's encouragement and support, I forked out ten times the price of my Marshall's and Sam's Club pants for a couple pairs of these from Athleta.   The cute little skirt covers my bottom and gives me some much needed modesty.

They even have reflector strips for outdoor walking.

I love them and have had so many compliments.  I now don't worry about what folks may be seeing when they enter the gym.

Crepe Murder and Eating Vegan

Happy Late Monday Morning Posting

I'm still wondering what happened to my Sunday evening.  Oh now I remember; I spent it reclined watching the Olympics.  And here it is Monday morning and I'm just now getting on the computer.

Crepe Murder

If you are not from the South, you may have no idea what I'm talking about.  And no, it is not a mystery novel.

Crepe Myrtles are a beautiful tree used in most southern landscapes and known for its abundant colorful spring-to-summer flowers, artistic shape and interesting bark.

However, when not pruned properly, you end up with these horrible knots and a misshapen tree.  That's called Crepe Murder!  And many a tree in our area has been victimized.

Also, a terrible Crepe Myrtle Scale is moving into our area from Dallas that is attacking these trees.
More info here! 

 So, on Saturday morning, Hubby and I attended a class on "Crepe Myrtle Success" led by the LSU Extension Service.

Before proper pruning

After

So, being inspired, we came home and promptly did some proper pruning to our babies.

 By the way, my 40 year old Sago Palm that has survived four moves is not liking this winter weather and more is expected tonight.  I'm afraid it will get a huge cut-back this spring if it survives.

Eating Vegan

I mentioned a few weeks ago, that Hubby and I were determined about eating more healthy foods.  We felt that a Vegan lifestyle was best for us at the time.  We have chosen to leave off meats and most dairy products and eat only plant proteins.

After a month, I must report that we are convinced this is still the right decision although it is requiring more time planning, shopping and cooking.  We find that we have less leftovers which is a good thing.  Anything left can always go into a soup.

I just wanted to share a dish I fixed this past weekend - Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms.

It was awesome!

Ready for the oven

I used a vegan sausage, which I must admit the thought of gave me some trepidation.  But, it was delicious.  We used the little bit of the cooked leftover sausage mixture on Pita toast for a Sunday afternoon - Olympic watching snack and it was so good.

So, if you want to consider eating less meat protein, let me encourage you.  There are really good alternatives.

Addendum

Last week I featured my friend Sharon Mabus for "Beauty Without Within Thursday." HERE

Yesterday at church, she handed me a note with a few things she had forgotten to share with me earlier.  I told her I would have to do an addendum because I thought it said so much about her.

1.  Immediately following Hurricane Katrina, Sharon and Jim housed two nurses who had come down from New York to assist with New Orleans refuges housed at the Hirsch Coliseum here in Shreveport, taking and picking them up every day.

2.  Sharon currently teaches French to several ladies once a week.

3.  Sharon says that "God's biggest Multiple Sclerosis gift to me has been ACCEPTANCE."

Lord, teach me acceptance in those areas of my life that can't be changed.

Beauty Without Within Thursday

  I want you to meet my friend,
Sharon Smith Mabus

Sharon was born in a small East Texas town.  She was the middle child with an older sister and a younger brother.  Sharon credits her parents with giving her and her siblings a loving home and strong faith-based, Christian up-bringing.

In 1953, when she was in the 3rd grade, she moved with her family to the big city where her parents owned and operated Smith's Furniture Store in downtown Shreveport, Louisiana.

Sharon remembers spending every afternoon after school at the store because her mother also worked along side her father. In fact, she said, "I lived there!"  The business was a family affair as all three children also worked after school and during summer breaks. 

Ivan Smith Sr. and son Ivan Smith Jr.

 Sharon's brother, Ivan Smith Jr. was very involved in the business and in 1961 the name was changed to Ivan Smith Furniture, headquartered in Shreveport.

It remains a 3rd generation family business which employees 700 people and operates 48 stores across Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas.  Who could have imagined its growth when Smith Furniture first opened its doors in 1953!

After finishing high school, Sharon attended and graduated from the University of Arkansas with a double major - Secondary Education and French.  Following her graduation she did additional study in France.

Upon returning to the states, she was given her first job teaching French at the Ursuline Catholic Academy for girls in Dallas, Texas.  She told me this was the most perfect job she could have asked for.

While in Dallas she met Jim Mabus who was an engineer with Proctor & Gamble at the time.  They lived in the same apartment complex and were introduced by their room mates.  It must have been love at first sight because I cannot imagine two people more suited for each other.

They were married at the First Baptist Church in Shreveport, La. in 1968.

Two years later Jim was transferred to Cincinnati.

During this time, it became obvious to them that they would not be able to have a child, so were led to the Cincinnati Children's Home.  It was here they fell in love with and adopted a beautiful little blonde headed baby girl, named Laurie.

Four years after moving and having spent all their vacation time traveling back and forth to Dallas and Shreveport to visit family, Jim and Sharon decided to move back to the south.

It was while living in Dallas that they were told about St Marks Children's Home in Houston.  And there they found their baby son, Mark in 1976.

In 1980, Jim and Sharon decided to move to Shreveport where they bought their lovely home and Jim became head of Economic Development at the Shreveport Chamber.

In 1982, Sharon says she began to feel "not quite right," and soon discovered the reason.  After 14 years of marriage, she was pregnant!

And then there was Polly!

Family is very precious to Jim and Sharon and they treasure their time with their grown children although Mark lives in St. Augustine, Florida and Polly is in Austin, Texas.

They are also the very proud grandparents of four grandchildren.

In 1986 Sharon was diagnosed with Optic Neuritis and lost vision in one eye.  It improved but a year later it returned.  This time tests showed positive for Muscular Sclerosis.

Although Sharon uses a cane to help her with balance and faithfully goes to physical therapy twice a week, MS does not define her.

Sharon is still active with outside activities she feels a passion for.  She has been involved with Community Renewal since its inception many years ago.  In fact for seven years she tutored adults preparing them for their GED.  She is also treasurer of an organization called "Think First" where they teach safety to kids and adults in order to avoid injury.
Jim and Sharon are very active at the First Baptist Church where Jim is a deacon and Sharon is active with the ladies in their Sunday School class and with Women's Missionary Union.

The minute I walked into Sharon's home I knew her passion.  On practically every surface or wall was a "TREASURE."  In the picture above you find her most important treasure and that is her Bible.  At this antique table is where she spends her morning study and meditation time.  Her life demonstrates this devotion to time spent in study and prayer.

Behind her you will notice a drawing from a grandchild and an old school desk that holds items that she treasures.
This tin can was her grandmothers who taught school many, many years ago.

In her breakfast room garden-box window, I found this old teapot that also belonged to her grandmother.  It now holds a flower pot, but it still evokes memories for Sharon.

In the living room there are old oil lanterns that also belonged to her grandmother and an old telescope that was a prized possession of her grandfathers.

There are old books and a pair of glasses belonging to her grandparents.

In the dining room I found other treasures of Sharons.
Over one of the doors of her grandmothers old pie safe is a lovely blouse worn by her mother.

This inherited antique piece holds Jim's baby silver cup and others engraved with the children's names.  The little bowl and cup was Mark's.

Jim and Sharon purchased this painting on their honeymoon and it has held a prominent place in their dining room ever since.

When I asked Sharon what her favorite possession was, she naturally had to think a minute.  But then she said the piano that was her grandmothers, the one she learned to play on, and

a small porcelain dish that was her mothers.

A treasured child's drawing on a paper towel done by Polly is still taped to the picture frame from years ago.

It soon became obvious that Sharon loves pink roses and has quite a collection.  Many are displayed on treasured tea sets.

I also asked Sharon what is most important to her and without hesitation and an obvious gleam in her eye, she said "Jim!"  She then quickly added "my children!"

Sharon's favorite spot in her lovely home is not inside as one might expect.  No, it is on the front porch.  This is where she enjoys spending time when the weather permits.  And I can understand why.

Yes, Sharon's home is full of treasures that bring her joy.

Her friendship is one of my treasures and I thank God for bringing this precious person into my life.

Yes, Sharon Mabus is truly

Beautiful Without & Within!

Links to previous posts in this series:
#1 Jean Anne Williams
Sally Cox
Dana Mosely
Margaret Williams Jones
Sharon Mabus

Did the Devil Make You Do It???

A friend observed this morning that this year is passing so quickly already.  Where does the time go?

I can't really answer that, but I do know that today is Wednesday again and I always look forward to the interesting Hodgepodge that comes from all my Hodgepodgy blogger friends.  So thank you again Joyce for

Wednesday Hodgepodge #161

1. Are we always responsible for our actions? Are there any exceptions?

Remember Flip Wilson's routine that "the devil made me do it?"  It got a lot of laughs and a lot more credit for the evil one than he deserves, but it was wrong.  True, there is much evil influence out there, just as there is much good, but ultimately, we are responsible for the choices we make.  It would be nice to blame the bad ones on someone or something else and just take the credit for those that worked in our favor, but we can't get off that easily.  Since I am totally incapable of always making the right choices and decisions and always doing the right thing on my own, I have to ask for God's direction, His wisdom, His protection, and His intervention in my life.  I also pray this for my family.

2.  Has anyone from your home town become famous?

By the world's standard, no one that I can think of.  That being said, I was born in Ruston, LA and Phil Robertson and Terry Bradshaw played football at La. Tech which is there.  Does that count?

3. January was National Slow Cooker month. Do you own a slow cooker/crock pot? Did you use it last month? What's a favorite dish you make using a slow cooker or crock pot?

I do own a crock pot and love to let a good soup simmer and cook all day.

4. How do you feel about private companies collecting data about you?

I resent it!!!!!  I think there is entirely too much personal information floating around and made available to anyone with enough money to pay for it.  And that also applies to the new technology that will link one car to another.  There may be some advantages, but I don't want Uncle Sam knowing my every move, thank you!

5. The Games of the 2014 Winter Olympics kick off with their opening ceremony this coming Friday....will you be watching? Which Winter Olympic event would you most like to see in person? Have you ever been to Russia? Any desire to go, Olympics or otherwise?

Yes, we will be sitting in front of the TV on Friday night.  I always enjoy seeing the spectacular display of color and celebration and never fail to feel goose bumps when the American athletes are introduced and march into the stadium.  I wonder if they will be wearing the Ralph Lauren peacoats or the patchwork sweaters.  See my blog on this HERE.

6. Share a good or bad sports related memory from your childhood or teen years.

Geez, at my age its kind of hard to remember that far back.  I do remember my over-zealousness on the basketball court at times, and my sister and I still laugh about that.  I was a tough defensive player and evidently not a real smart one.  If we were playing a really strong offensive team, I could be expected to foul out in the first quarter.  We laugh about my accomplishing that feat in one game in about 15 minutes.  I had this thing about going up to block a shot and swinging my hips into the shooter.  I've eliminated a few offensive players that way, but I also sat on the bench because of it.

7. What's a must have song for you on a work out play list? If you don't work out, run, swim, bike, walk, or anything else that could be construed as 'exercise', then what's a song that movtivates you to at least get up off the couch?

Interestingly, I don't listen to music when I work out.  Of course, we have background music during Pilates class and also various kinds of music fed through the sound system of the gym, but I never actually listen.  I can't handle ear buds while I'm working out except on the treadmill once in a while when I have a good audio book, but otherwise I don't want the distraction.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I am so excited about returning to my "Beauty Without Within Thursday" tomorrow.  I will be featuring my friend Sharon Mabus and I think you will find her and her story very interesting and inspiring.  So watch for this on Thursday.

Then, next Thursday I will introduce you to a new "friend" I discovered on Instagram, Susan Bass, who is a potter.  But, that is only one aspect of who she really is. 

 I can't wait to introduce these two truly beautiful-without-within ladies to you.  I have more beautiful friends planned for the future.  God has brought so many special ladies into my life and I am honored to feature them so you too can be blessed.

"...Go out with Joy and be led forth in peace..."  Isaiah 55:12

The Good, Bad and the Ugly

Well, that heading is quite misleading actually.  There was nothing "Bad" about my weekend, but one "BEST!," one "Good" and one definite "U.G.L.Y."

BEST

This past Friday, Hubby and I went to Dallas and had the privilege of enjoying Liberty Burgers with our Granddaughters Cassidy (#2) and Ava Grace (#6), as well as meeting Cassidy's boyfriend, Kevin.  He is not only really cute, but really nice.  Both of them finished high school early and started college classes week before last at a local community college.  They will be transferring to a university in the fall.  We are so proud of you both!

Afterward, we took Ava Grace to see "Shreik the Musical" at Richardson High School.  The grandson of good friends, the LeBlanc's was in the play, so it was a great opportunity to spend time with AG and all enjoy the performance.  The snuggling time was the best though.

The kids did a great job with the musical and are to be commended.  Our favorite character though was Donkey and AG got to have her picture made with her.

It was such a great night and a wonderful time with two of our very special and loved granddaughters.  It was just too short which is always the problem with grandchildren who don't live close by.  But we are always grateful for any opportunity to spend time with them.

We spent the night with the LeBlanc's and enjoyed catching up since our last visit.  They are very special friends.

After enjoying a late breakfast at The Original Pancake, we headed back east.  The Shreveport Symphony was featuring Byron Stripling for "Mardi Gras:  The Sounds of New Orleans" and we sure didn't want to miss it.

GOOD

We picked up our friends Judy and Tom and enjoyed a delicious Italian dinner at Monjuni's before going to the Riverview Theater.

 Byron Stripling is a spectacular trumpeter with an unbelievable range and is also a vocalist and entertainer.  He is currently the artistic director of the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, leader of his own quartet, and is in constant demand to play with pops orchestras around the world.  He is absolutely amazing!  This is the second time he has played with our orchestra and we are so very fortunate to have him in our city.  The theater was packed!

U.G.L.Y.

 Need I say more?

Yes, the Broncos were my team and they were supposed to WIN.  From the first play of the game that ended in a safety to the last play when Peyton didn't even know the ball had been batted away for another interception.  I just wish I knew who was impersonating the best quarterback in the league for this game.  I thought surely that was just a high school team that had gotten lost and ended up in the wrong stadium.  Alas, it was the worst mauling for a Super Bowl and my team got the mauling.

U.G.L.Y!!!!!

However, I just know the rest of the week will be BEST and GOOD.  Hope yours is too!