Friday Finds - Appalachian Style

Today's Friday Find was found in Appalachia...

West Virginia...land of my blood.

This piece of handmade pottery was done by a West Virginian artisan who markets her work through Mountain Made and Tamarack - Best of West Virginia.  Both of these venues are extremely picky about the quality of work they accept for purchase by their customers.  I love the variance of shades and the pitting texture.  This baby's breath (remaining from one of the arrangements at my mother's funeral) is perfect.

And while I collect pottery from West Virginia artists for the sake of art, I am also attracted to pottery because it is a reminder of what I am.  I am merely a lump of clay the Potter has placed on the wheel of His will.  And when I feel the pressure of His hands and fingers on me, pushing and probing, sometimes through pain...looking at the pottery reminds me that this is the work of my beloved Potter, molding me into who He wants me to be for purposes He determined long ago.

I am grateful to be the work of God's hand...in progress, of course.

Friday Finds on a Sunday Evening...

Joining in with Kim Klassen's weekly challenge...Friday Finds...I'd like to share mine...

I found this little handmade mini-pitcher at an antique shop in Medina, Ohio...about 45 minutes form where I live.  Like Sarah...I've gotten more into my garden this year.  The Edster has been working hard  making compost piles and then turning them into landscape islands...but I digress.

I planted a lot of perennials this year, but added some color with some zinnias.  Now...unless you want to cut off the whole plant, the individual zinnia blooms don't have long stems.  This pitcher is perfect to manage these little guys.

I also love how you can see the grooves from the individual handiwork to make this little treasure...

And while most of my garden remains outside, I can snip a little of my posies and place a little bit of color because of this Friday Find pitcher, that fits them so perfectly.