"Dandy" has a new home!

"Dandy" is on his way to his new home.

When his new owner removes the top layer of foam she'll see him gazing right back at her.

Shipping ceramics is always a bit nerve-wracking! In general I pack ceramics so that they are held firmly, yet gently in place, with no hard pressure points on really delicate areas like legs or ears.

This piece was shipped in a 16 x 16 x 16" box , cushioned by several layers of packing foam.

The first foundation layer of foam is four and a half inches thick.

The second layer is corrugated foam that has been custom contoured to fit the curves of his barrel and hip, creating a more secure resting place.















The third layer has a horse shaped "window" cut out of it to keep him in place without too much vertical pressure. Thin strips of foam were also placed to each side.

The fourth major layer has a little peek-a-boo hole cut in it to give his nose and ears plenty of room while keeping the rest of him firmly and gently in place.



















The final layer is another four and a half inch thick piece of foam with little notches cut into the sides which make it easier to lift that hunk of foam out. If there's a bit of a gap , which there is here, a sheet of bubble wrap will be added.















It all makes for a cushy, and (we hope!) safe ride to his new home.

Bye "Dandy"...

Music from Stanley, July 13

Two hours and forty-two minutes from Boise is the stunning Stanley Basin; bracketed by the Sawtooth range to the west and the White Cloud mountains to the east. One of the crown jewels of the basin is Redfish Lake, home to rustic Redfish Lake Lodge and the Music from Stanley concert series. This concert series, which showcases Idaho artists, is recorded live for re-broadcast on public radio in the fall.

On July 13, the swingy sound of the Eilen Jewell Band filled the air. Ms. Jewell, originally from Boise, now makes her home in the Boston area so this was a special homecoming treat to have her play in Idaho once again.

Barry and I happily support Music from Stanley as production sponsors. There are many great organizations to choose from when deciding where to spend those "charitable" dollars, and when dollars are few it's important to pick the causes that really speak to you. Or, in our case, sings to you!

Our own work and lives are so enriched by music that we feel an obligation to give back to that sector of the artistic community in some way. We support Music from Stanley not just because it's great music in a spectacular setting (it is!), but because the concerts are broadcast to an even greater audience over time. I have to believe this helps an artist's career grow; we like to think of it as watering the garden of music.