Was working on my latest batch of porcelain raku focals today, sitting in the driveway putting water on the smoking pieces after they had time to reduce, when a large (sharpshin?) hawk landed not 4 feet away from where I was sitting on the driveway.  Stayed there for a minute and then flew up into a tree to watch what I was doing.  She stayed as my companion until I rose to take things inside – I sort of feel like these 4 focals are special now!  Or I got a new totem animal.  Or something!  This hawk is usually pretty shy – I see her (him – what do I know?) from time to time but never anything like this!  It was a magic moment in a pretty ordinary day!

Want to share that I will be loading in 2 solo shows this week.

The first is at The Bead Boutique in Prince Frederick, MD.  If you are local Southern Maryland, that’s in the same shopping center as the Green Turtle.  I will have one of a kind focals made from porcelain, low-fire clay and copper, as well as finished necklaces of my own design.  I hope you will stop by and see them!

I load in the 2nd show at Space 7:10 at Kefa Cafe, in Silver Spring, this Saturday.  We will be having a reception for that show Friday September 7 from 6:30 – 8:30 with light refreshments.  If you are local to the D.C. metro area, you may already know Kefa as it is a little hot spot for the surrounding neighborhood.  I showed there 6 or 7 years ago and had did really well.  The Cafe’s patrons are very appreciative of art and the owners definitely support the humanities through salons and such.  It’s a wonderful little space to discover if you haven’t yet, and to revisit if you have!

I also signed a contract with Pax River Naval Base folks to offer classes over the fall and winter – something I really looking forward to.  And I finished a lovely Forever Flowers class this past Friday with local women.

Last weekend I facilitated an all day planning session for Voices for Quality Care in Alexandria, a non-profit that provides a place for long-term care information, support, and solutions from the perspective of those who have been there.  Clare Whitbeck, a board member, offered this about the session:   Tammy Vitale has years of experience facilitating meetings, and that experience shows!  When working with Voices for Quality Care recently, despite a near impasse around two o’clock, she moved the meeting forward to consensus, and a plan listing tasks to accomplish and target dates.  She brings abundant energy along with her experience and makes it all look easy.  Tammy will absolutely be able to help your organization move forward!  Which is by way of reminding you that I offer consulting, facilitating and coaching one-on-one and to groups at very reasonable prices.

Today I am very thankful for the small private MasterMind group I work with on Facebook – just having them there keeps me focused and on track!  Big thanks to you gals!   I’m available to help you keep your dreams on track too!

I hope everyone is having a lovely productive week and staying safe from the hurricane!