Spring definitely arrived early this year. It is a little shocking but fully enjoyable. We have been going to shows in the Washington DC area, trying our our newest ideas and meeting our customers. I have noticed a lot of new babies and dogs!

Families are expanding and I am seeing a lot more Dads at the shows than there used to be.

We met one cute family that required the Dad to entertain their one year old for a very long period of time, while the Mom picked out some plaques. About an hour later, the Dad reappeared in the booth, alone this time, and bought a  standing “brother” plaque for a birthday present.

I wrapped several plaques under cover of secrecy for surprise gifts. Most notably, the “psycho” plaque, which tends to make people laugh so hard they cry.

It takes all kinds of people to make the world interesting, and it is so fun to get a window into people’s lives.

Retirement plaques were also quite popular, and it was interesting to hear everyone’s story about how their retirements were going. Some people were out looking for jobs because they were bored while others were still reading through their piles of books.

Mark and are going off to visit our son and new daughter-in-law, Brittan, in Asia. Ariel is coming with us so it should be a very special family time together. I am excited to look at the pottery that inspired me as a young potter while we are in China! Who knows what I will be making in a few months.

Stay tuned!

Deborah