Fathers Day at Tomales Bay

A great fathers day in Tomales Bay with fresh oysters and good friends.

Our Picnic Group with Hunter cooking for 

Fathers Day

Oysters with butter sauce, yum!

Recent Trip to Sacramento

On a job scouting trip to Sacramento Mark and I poked around the city imagining ourselves living there. We loved Midtown with all of the tree lined streets and wonderful old houses, the shade of the big Redwood trees in the Capital Park, the Crocker Museum, the Sacramento River and all of the outdoor cafes. We found Chandos Tacos out on Arden Way with a long line of people waiting, always a good sign; we stopped and were not disappointed.

Chandos Tacos 863 Arden WayCrocker Museum Sacramento

Our Capital

More John and Carol Pictures

Old mouser napping among the pottery.Fresh Laundry

The vegetable garden.

John Powell and Carol Tomlinson Studio Visit

John and Carol live the simple life many of us admire but haven’t figured out how to go back to. They love their work of creating stoneware pottery which is not only practical but beautiful.

John and Carol live in the foothills with a view of Monterey Bay where they grow their own vegetables, use the kiln they built by hand and actually dry their clothes on a clothes line when the weather permits. They make an effort at keeping their life slow which is easier said than done. I remember Carol telling me early on when I met them, that they were very careful about what they put on their calendars as they like the slow more balanced life they live and want to keep it that way. Getting out into nature is a vital part of their balanced life and they take advantage of the abundance of hiking trails in Monterey County.

The designs on their pottery are incised using traditional folk craft techniques. It is painted with oxides, glazed and high-fired. They use non-toxic materials and the pieces can be safely used in a dishwasher or microwave.

John roasts their coffee beans himself and makes superb coffee. With his cooking background they enjoy the bounty of their garden, cooked into his repertoire of delicious recipes. Carol has an eye for colorful textiles and has decorated their home with Suzanis, Frasadas and handwoven textiles from Latin America. She paints the interior of their home the way Frieda Kahlo would have and lets their favorite pieces of their own pottery speak for itself sitting on shelves within reach of being used.

You can view their wares online at  http://www.nidoart.com

John and Carol in front of the tea house they made from willow branches.

Along the Salinas River in Moss Landing, California

A favorite place to take a walk. Lots of bunnies, ground squirrels, and a plethora of birds.

Maneki Neko

Maneki Neko

Beckoning Cat, Welcoming Cat, Lucky Cat, Money Cat or Fortune Cat. These cats first appeared during the later part of the Edo period (1603 – 1867) in Japan. I recently found this wonderful Lucky Cat at an estate sale. It is from 1945 and is adorable. The estate sale had many things from Japan but this charming cat beckoned me to take her home. I think the blue around her eyes are what caught my attention. Many of the Lucky Cats today are made of plastic but this one is made of clay and is also a bank. She measures 13 1⁄2" H X 9" W.

They first became popular in the early 1900’s being purchased for good luck and prosperity. 

There are several different stories of how this cat came to be so highly revered.

Now they are often seen in shops for good luck.

This one will be for sale at www.nidoart.com soon. 

Mother's Day Gifts 10% off until Mother's Day

John Powell and Carol Tomlinson's ceramics make beautiful gifts for any occasion. From a small saucer which anyone would enjoy receiving, to a platter or bowl for a wedding gift, their work gives lasting enjoyment. When you are not using the dishes for food they are beautiful sitting on a table or hanging on the wall.

They are all 10% off until Mother's Day.