A Bachelor of Science degree in art education from Concordia Teachers College (now Concordia University), Seward, Nebraska in 1973, gave me many courses in painting, drawing, design, and print- making. But I had always wanted to learn how to make pottery. In 1997, recovering from cancer treatments, I gave myself the gift of ceramics classes. Enrolling in Moorpark College’s excellent program, I found that working with clay was balm for my soul and body. After several years, realizing that this fascinating medium was going to be an ongoing part of life, I turned my garage into an art studio, thanks in large part to my husband, Richard. He insulated and sheetrocked the walls, built shelving, hung lights, and cheered me on. A plumber dug up my front yard and installed a sink in my new studio. An electrician put in the wiring for my Skutt computerized electric kiln. I was all set to go. Since then I’ve added more improvements: heating and air conditioning, stained glass windows, more lighting, and insulation for the ceiling. Over the years, the place has come together. The picture above was taken at one of my early studio shows, though now that the Ventura County Potters’ Guild has opened a gallery in Ventura where my work is available daily, I do most of my selling there (see Potters’ Guild link above).