tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184126423669640998Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:15:14 +0000The journey of Linda Starr, Blue Starr Gallery, in the art world of ceramics and sculpture with thoughts on nature, gardening, cooking, travel and life.http://bluestarrgallery.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Linda Starr)Blogger277125BlueStarrGalleryhttp://feedburner.google.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184126423669640998.post-8820596799360825528Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:03:00 +00002009-11-11T18:41:46.346-08:00birthday mugLinda StarrFine Mess PotteryBlue Starr GallerySometimes I splurge on something just for myself even if I know I shouldn't and that's just what I did this past summer. I purchased this absolutely beautiful mug from Lori of Fine Mess Pottery for my birthday. I just love the shape, texture, and the color. I happen to love lavender and purple and I see it so infrequently in pottery, so when I saw this mug Lori made I just had to have it. Thanks http://bluestarrgallery.blogspot.com/2009/11/birthday-mug.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Linda Starr)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184126423669640998.post-1568154341123820836Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:56:00 +00002009-11-06T09:12:20.921-08:00ChristineTraveller BirdCindy ShakeWhite FeatherBlue Starr GallerySpirit BirdMeredith HeywoodMary StarostaBlack FeatherCherokee RootsLinda StarrBalancePhyllis WhitneyRetrospectively, I've discovered deep memories have been striving to come forth in clay. Recently felt an inexplicable draw to travel to North Carolina. I now feel my Cherokee roots are pushing and pulling me and are struggling to come forth. This past week I've read several books about Cherokee history and legends. One book I'm reading about legends is The Path to Snowbird Mountain, by Travellerhttp://bluestarrgallery.blogspot.com/2009/11/cherokee-roots.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Linda Starr)9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184126423669640998.post-5700002249430471193Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:22:00 +00002009-11-04T07:29:27.970-08:00Linda StarrBlue Starr Galleryold barnsWood griping soilpeak grasping skystorage for beingshelter for beastluxury then necessityusable then adaptablerepairable then convertibleconvenient then obstacleleaning beyond returnslipping from memorysliding into earthforsaken forgotten friend.http://bluestarrgallery.blogspot.com/2009/11/barn.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Linda Starr)7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184126423669640998.post-188029427967381467Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:00:00 +00002009-11-02T04:04:57.562-08:00Linda StarrDreamer Traveler PotterBlue Starr Gallery1953 DreamerHere's a few photos of me in previous hats. I took the last photo moving day when I was so harried. I'm slowly recuperating and hope to look and feel young again soon. In about a month I'll head out to look for a new place to live and set up my ceramics studio. In the interim I'll be renting studio space in various locations. I'm learning to operate my laptop and how to load photos, http://bluestarrgallery.blogspot.com/2009/11/dreamer-traveler-potter.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Linda Starr)12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184126423669640998.post-6257669224296839987Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:30:00 +00002009-10-30T11:32:25.927-07:00Linda StarrBlue Starr GallerybooksPages are flying by my eyes every evening, some quickly, some slowly. For quick reading I discovered a clay related mystery writer, Melissa Glazer and I just read, A Murderous Glaze. Sometimes it's nice to read a book that doesn't require much brain power late in the evening.At the thrift store I picked up a copy of Howard Ruff's 1979 book, How to Prosper During the Coming Bad Years. Little did http://bluestarrgallery.blogspot.com/2009/10/nighstand-reading.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Linda Starr)7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184126423669640998.post-4283069938913231139Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:40:00 +00002009-10-29T11:48:08.987-07:00Linda Starra new leafBlue Starr GalleryI'm turning over a new leaf starting today. Under the new leaf are many things I used to do which I didn't have time to do over the past six years. I used to sew, cook (gourmet style), read, travel, and had lots of other hobbies too. Many of my previous activities seemed to fall by the wayside. I was so busy installing and taking care of my gardens, remodeling my house, and taking care of my http://bluestarrgallery.blogspot.com/2009/10/new-leaf.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Linda Starr)8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184126423669640998.post-3817611779994255665Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:41:00 +00002009-10-28T11:43:43.190-07:00needsLinda StarrwantsBlue Starr GalleryLast night I was reading The Modern Cook Book which said: "Begin housekeeping on the cash basis; if you can't pay cash for an article, DO NOT GET IT". This is sage advice for my life which I plan on following. I'll be paying close attention to whether something is a need or a want. My needs are food, clothing, shelter, and transportation. I have three immediate wants which I feel are needs and http://bluestarrgallery.blogspot.com/2009/10/part-two-needs-and-wants.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Linda Starr)10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184126423669640998.post-278151020336928014Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:30:00 +00002009-10-28T11:37:56.349-07:00Linda StarrBlue Starr GalleryPart One Skin of Our TeethMost people only want to read positive and upbeat blog posts. No one wants to hear the real truth. Life isn't always positive. If I put my head and heart in the sand and don't tell the truth who will I be? This is part one of a two part post, please read both so you aren't left feeling my life is all negative.We sold our home by the skin of our teeth. Before we sold our home, we sold Gary's Mazdahttp://bluestarrgallery.blogspot.com/2009/10/part-one-skin-of-our-teeth.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Linda Starr)6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184126423669640998.post-8855574477644773009Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:04:00 +00002009-10-27T12:08:14.212-07:00Linda StarrBlue Starr Gallerytreasure busTrailerOur treasure bus rear end needs work (maybe just grease - keep your fingers crossed) and our trailer (which we had to get because we have too much stuff) needs axel repair. Meanwhile we're resting up from all the packing and moving. More later.http://bluestarrgallery.blogspot.com/2009/10/travel-repairs.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Linda Starr)5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184126423669640998.post-6431772654999407280Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:20:00 +00002009-10-21T19:13:55.168-07:00Linda StarrBlue Starr GallerywindowsHarmony, California, population 24, was worth the stop we made several years ago. The first window is in the post office and the second photo is of the Harmony Pottery Shop. Several potters sell their ceramic work there and the shop is one of the few remaining businesses left in the town. I like how the inside pots are visable and the outside scenery is reflected in the window at the same http://bluestarrgallery.blogspot.com/2009/10/windows.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Linda Starr)17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184126423669640998.post-7064105246049068989Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:30:00 +00002009-10-20T04:30:43.359-07:00chop markschopLinda StarrBlue Starr GalleryBronze VaseJapaneseJapanese bronzebronzeCan you help identify this bronze vase? A friend gave the vase to me for helping to price items at their garage sale. At the time I said, "Are you sure you want to give this to me?" and they said, "Yes". All they knew about the vase was that their relative had collected Asian art. I thought the vase was beautiful but quickly set it aside and got to work on the garage sale. Later I discovered the http://bluestarrgallery.blogspot.com/2009/10/bronze-vase.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Linda Starr)11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184126423669640998.post-9047655681412880384Sun, 18 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +00002009-10-18T00:06:14.282-07:00Linda StarrSan Francisco ExaminerWhynot Pottery blogBlue Starr GalleryThe Modern Cook BookMoving on a ShoestringHenhouse PotteryillustrationsLook at the gem I uncovered in my household filing today while I was doing the last of the packing. The Modern Cook Book, with over one thousand recipes, promises hours of good reading and recipes while I am traveling along the back country roads of America. The book was compiled by Mrs. T. J. Kirkpatrick and was published in 1890 by Mast, Crowell & Kirkpatrick in Springfield, Ohio. Here's what http://bluestarrgallery.blogspot.com/2009/10/modern-cook-book.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Linda Starr)13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184126423669640998.post-5230647256572401941Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:26:00 +00002009-10-16T17:51:38.999-07:00ChristineLinda StarrGhost TownsBlue Starr GalleryStephen Kingrusty carsrustDo you recognize this car? This is the same type of car used in the movie made of the Stephen King novel, Christine. This is a red and white 1958 Plymouth Fury. I took this photo in 1994 on a large ranch in California. The car parked beside the Plymouth Fury is a GTO. What a shame these cars are sitting in the desert rotting away.As you might have guessed, along with ghost towns, Gary and I also http://bluestarrgallery.blogspot.com/2009/10/christine.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Linda Starr)11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184126423669640998.post-1585332498179806601Thu, 15 Oct 2009 07:30:00 +00002009-10-15T00:32:39.220-07:00MadridLinda StarrBodieGhost TownsBlue Starr GalleryShakespeareFort DavisYears ago Gary and I used to travel to ghost towns and take photos whenever we got a chance. Hopefully we'll see some of those same ghost towns on this trip to learn how they have fared with the elements over the last 20 years or so.Since that time we know a few of those ghost towns are inhabited by artist communities, like Madrid in New Mexico. Bodie in California is taken care of by the state. http://bluestarrgallery.blogspot.com/2009/10/ghost-towns.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Linda Starr)7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184126423669640998.post-4950790388321388828Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +00002009-10-14T05:08:47.886-07:00RavencrowOld CrowCindy ShakeLinda StarrBlue Starr GalleryHere's a couple of Old Crow sculptures I just packed into "The Treasure Bus", that's what I named our moving on a shoestring, "moving van". Excuse the dust on them I don't have time for dusting, I'm packing like a mad woman now.Cindy Shake came up with the name for the bus, which really is a perfect name. Cindy is a very talented artist and makes wonderful metal sculptures, including beautiful http://bluestarrgallery.blogspot.com/2009/10/old-crow.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Linda Starr)10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184126423669640998.post-5729775475055935492Tue, 13 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +00002009-10-13T00:03:53.479-07:00Linda StarrBlue Starr Gallerymotorhome272 Square FeetWe're moving out of our home into 272 square feet of living space in our motorhome. We must pare down our daily living articles to bare necessities since we are moving out of our home which is about 1700 square feet. Although our motorhome looks new, it is used and it was another bargain just like our moving on a shoestring "moving van". Here's a brief tour of our soon-to-be new home, a 32 foot http://bluestarrgallery.blogspot.com/2009/10/272-square-feet.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Linda Starr)19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184126423669640998.post-1098833704745122900Sun, 11 Oct 2009 09:00:00 +00002009-10-11T02:01:46.355-07:00Linda StarrBlue Starr Galleryvintage rosesSunday morning brunchsilver teapotpewter teapotCan you imagine a teapot with the lid flipped back filled with vintage roses? A small table has been set up outside in the warm sunshine and you are sitting at the table opposite one of your favorite people. Close your eyes and picture several different color roses tightly packed in the top. Perhaps a petal or two has fallen on the lace table cloth below. The sweet fragrance of the roses drifts http://bluestarrgallery.blogspot.com/2009/10/sunday-morning-brunch.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Linda Starr)14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184126423669640998.post-860809610061257075Sat, 10 Oct 2009 08:30:00 +00002009-10-10T01:35:40.766-07:00busbulkheadLinda StarrharebrainedBlue Starr Gallerymoving vanArkansasJim Gottusoour "moving van"We're moving on a shoestring and this is our "moving van" and we are the packers and the movers. Follow along and you'll see this isn't as crazy as it seems, and it isn't some harebrained scheme either, well maybe just a little. We have moved across the country and around the corner in our special type "moving vans" five times and we've saved a bundle of money doing it. In my lasthttp://bluestarrgallery.blogspot.com/2009/10/moving-on-shoestring.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Linda Starr)17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184126423669640998.post-689926852743784568Fri, 09 Oct 2009 07:15:00 +00002009-10-09T00:16:25.053-07:00BajaLinda StarrBlue Starr GalleryTijuanaFederalesBaja CaliforniaMexicoLa PazCabo San Lucas ViejahitchhikeIn June 1974 my boyfriend and I took a bus to Tijuana. We got off the bus and walked across the border. My plan was to hitchhike down the Baja California and then back up the mainland of Mexico. After putting myself through college I figured I deserved a nice long vacation because I was the first in my family to graduate from college. The trip seemed feasible to me because I had read the road to http://bluestarrgallery.blogspot.com/2009/10/cabo-san-lucas-vieja.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Linda Starr)10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184126423669640998.post-6346223335002401861Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:19:00 +00002009-10-07T01:29:11.123-07:00leadLinda Starrflower frogDon't Kiss This Frogpin froglead crystalBlue Starr Galleryceramic frogIf you are a princess looking for a prince, don't kiss this frog or you'll be sorry. These frogs are for flower arranging, like flower bricks or flower blocks. The wire frog above is the favorite in my collection. This frog looks like a flower head, so unique. I'm sure someone wrapped the wire by hand to the base. Once I've relocated, I'd like to make some ceramic frogs. If you are a clay artist,http://bluestarrgallery.blogspot.com/2009/10/dont-kiss-this-frog.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Linda Starr)12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184126423669640998.post-910955336775108862Tue, 06 Oct 2009 07:15:00 +00002009-10-06T00:31:08.283-07:00Linda Starrdried flowersBlue Starr GalleryMcCoy Potterysilk flowersThe Real McCoycollectorBlue Silk Hydrangea Arrangement by Linda Starrin vintage matt white vaseBy now you probably know I am prone to collecting. Before I began my new found passion with clay, I collected vases made by others in anticipation of having my own flower farm one day. I also took several college courses in flower arranging. The past five years I farmed lavender and flowers and had a flower and gift shop. http://bluestarrgallery.blogspot.com/2009/10/real-mccoy.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Linda Starr)8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184126423669640998.post-4578979930727483992Sun, 04 Oct 2009 07:45:00 +00002009-10-04T00:47:55.179-07:00Linda StarrBlue Starr GalleryRene LaliqueLalique Art GlassLalique The Perfume LingersboyfriendBack in the early 1980's, before Gary and I were married, I had a boyfriend who was a wholesale antique dealer. Several times a year he would go to Europe on buying trips. He'd bring furniture back to the United States and supply retail antique dealers with items for their stores. Before he left on one of his trips he said he'd be gone for quite a while, but promised he'd bring me some French http://bluestarrgallery.blogspot.com/2009/10/lalique-perfume-lingers.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Linda Starr)10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184126423669640998.post-7494495812675589058Fri, 02 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +00002009-10-02T00:17:24.784-07:00My First True LoveCubaLinda StarrCaribbeaniguanaBlue Starr GalleryI spent my first and second grade living in Cuba, but I don't remember much about school. I vividly remember many things about that Caribbean island though. We lived in a cottage raised up off the ground with a big front porch and there was a huge tree in the front yard. Many times I tried climbing that tree, but I was never able to make it up the trunk. The trunk was thick and difficult to climbhttp://bluestarrgallery.blogspot.com/2009/10/my-first-true-love.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Linda Starr)11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184126423669640998.post-6094076873979629559Thu, 01 Oct 2009 07:53:00 +00002009-10-01T00:54:00.111-07:00Linda StarrCan I Throw These OutBlue Starr GalleryThe Traveling PotterClayworksStuck In A Revolving Doorcone 10 glazesThis past weekend a near disaster was narrowly averted. I've discovered I have more clay related supplies than I care to think about, especially since I'm now packing them all. I also have more than I want to admit because Gary has been finding them all, saying, "What is all this stuff?" Thank goodness Gary asked me ahead of time, "Can I throw these out?" Gary was referring to the cabinet above http://bluestarrgallery.blogspot.com/2009/10/stuck-in-revolving-door.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Linda Starr)15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184126423669640998.post-1348296313993928991Tue, 29 Sep 2009 07:00:00 +00002009-09-29T00:01:49.646-07:00striped shift sundressLucille Ballshift sundressLinda StarrThe Long Long TrailerBlue Starr GalleryThe Traveling PotterDesi ArnazDid you ever watch the movie, The Long, Long Trailer with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz? The movie is about a couple who purchase a travel trailer and spend a year traveling around the United States, like Gary and I plan to do. Remember how Lucy collected rocks along the way and the trailer grew heavier and heavier until it became overloaded and dangerous to tow in the mountains? Well I have a http://bluestarrgallery.blogspot.com/2009/09/long-long-trailer.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Linda Starr)14