P is for Pottery

In lieu of a bridal shower for my future daughter-in-law (which she was adamantly against), my daughters and I had a little celebration for her at a local pottery studio followed by lunch.  We invited her mom, grandma and a couple other close friends.  

We spent a couple hours trying to be crafty -- some were more artsy than others- while we painted our pottery.  When we finished the pieces needed to be left at the studio so they could be fired.   A few days ago, I went and picked up some of our handiwork and took this picture before I delivered the pieces to the owners.  I think we did a pretty good job if I say so myself.

It was a fun Girl's Day Out and a way to make the bride-to-be feel special in a way that honored her wishes.   Our pottery may not be masterpieces, but they are special because they hold memories of this day.



     

American Gothic - or "What I learned on my vacation"

American Gothic  was painted by Grant Wood in 1930.  The famous couple was not  really married, but modeled after his sister and dentist although they have been altered slightly to disguise their true identity. 

Wood liked a house he found in Eldon, Iowa and stopped to sketch it as he was passing through town. He later used that house as a backdrop for the  American Gothic painting.  Interestingly, his sister never actually saw the actual house until decades later. 
This summer I was traveling through Iowa and I stopped at the American Gothic House in Eldon.  There is a nice museum built nearby with some information and a small gift shop.  Of course, if you stop you must take advantage of the photo opportunities! 

The house Wood saw and stopped to sketch in 1930.

Stoic Me - American Gothic Style. (and my man with no face! )