Monday, April 28, 2014

April

April has come and gone with our baby pinching and all it has rolled right past us.
We have loved every minute of our time with the kids, but time has come a knocking on the door.
We will be planning and glazing for the large gas kiln, that has no name, why is that, next.
Just recently we came across the paper work for the materials to build that kiln. The cost ran us in materials about 5 grand. Back in 1981-82 that might as well have been a million dollars to us.
We knew that if we could build it, it would become the foundation we needed to build our business.
With the help of family and an understanding banker we took out a loan.
There was no kickstarter to fund you back then, you just took a gamble on your own.

That kiln has carried us for 32 years now, strong and steady, a work horse.
Sure he has creaks, cracks, and can be a little cranky some days, but aren't we all?

I can not imagine our life without him.
I'm thankful for the support our families gave us back then. It was with their support and belief that we were able to make this work.
I look back on it and think about how belief in what you do carries you a long way.
My father always said it is 99% sweat, what you are willing to put into it.
I guess we are willing to put as much as possible in that creaky, lovable, old kiln.
Here we are still at it.
We're not finished yet.


16 comments:

Linda Starr said...

it does take a lot of sweat to get anything done

Tracey Broome said...

I remember trying to come up with the money to build my studio, you were right there cheering me along and helping me find a ready made building! Seem like a century ago since I built my little studio, but it sure paid off. Having a support group when growing a business is a key element to the success you will have!
That last photo is so yummy!

cookingwithgas said...

it is all about those people that really have your back. Family is key and then good friends are a must.

cookingwithgas said...

and sweat Linda, we girls sweat as much as the big boys!

Judy Shreve said...

32 years of some gorgeous work out that sweet kiln. -- and some sweat and faith and good friends and family - the secret of all goodness especially if you have some sweet babies to love on!
Still looking for my coffee mug . . . .

klineola said...

Well made kiln, well made pots. Both last!

Dennis Allen said...

Nice to have a dependable worker to balance out the other one.

cookingwithgas said...

Judy- I think we have one for you- now to pack it up!

cookingwithgas said...

Thanks MK and DA

Peter said...

I love the detail of the handle with the glaze running over it. It is quite a thought about the kiln sustaining you. A warm hearted old work horse that one at 32!

Sandy Miller said...

This is the best thing I could have read today...... thanks Meredith :)

Yes, the best is yet to come.

smalltownme said...

Baby pinching sounds absolutely delightful.

cookingwithgas said...

Peter, thanks.
Keep the faith Sandy.

And that baby pinching, is just love... It is fabulously fun.

Gary's third pottery blog said...

oh MY, those glaze colors :)

Lori Buff said...

After 32 years that kiln deserves to be a bit cranky.

cookingwithgas said...

Lori- thanks for the chuckle.