Flat Niamh and Flat Clara's Journal Entry from Bonny Doon and Berkeley, California

Flat Niamh and Flat Clara's first stop is in Bonny Doon to visit our friends Paul and Robin. We met Paul and Robin at our friends Will and Lisa's annual Dia de los Muertos fiesta,which is always full of lots of interesting and creative people.  Paul and Robin are no exception to that rule.  Paul is a musician and luthier; and Robin is a musician and potter.  

At Bonny Doon

On the first day of rain for the season, the Flat Branigan sisters, Niamh and Clara, emerged from an envelope. A quick visit to the garden was in order, but it was raining and the roses were rather beat up from the rain, and the Branigan girls were getting wet, so it was back in the house, pronto.

Next they went in to dry off and cuddle with Beauregard the Cat in front of a nice warm fire. Beau was happy to see them.

Next they went over to the piano to see two Buddhas, a lion, and a chameleon.

And on to Berkeley...

We had to go up to Berkeley because Panacea (Robin's band) had a gig at the Ashkenaz, and so Robin could check on a few things. Here they are, in front of Robin's little house in Berkeley.

Later, Flat Niamh and Flat Clara kept Shira and Robin company while they waited for the soundcheck. Dum de dum.

Flat Niamh and Flat Clara help out a bit with the soundcheck.

With Bon Singer,Nada Lewis,Robin Petrie and Mark Bell.

Next morning, it was time to go to the studio and check on some sculptures that were drying. A quick stop at Peet's, to wake up.

Robin with Flat Niamh and Flat Clara at the studio.

Flat Niamh and Flat Clara check out the showroom.

They met unusual people there. Berkeley is a funny place.

Off to the sides of this teaching space are small studios. Robin doesn't work in one (she works at home) but keeps her unfired pieces in one of those studios to dry before they are fired.

Flat Niamh and Flat Clara help examine the heads waiting to be fired.

A nice surprise, we all meet Bob Johnson, one of Robin's oldest friends at the studio, who often helps her fire her sculptures. Bob plays Dobro and makes pots. He also does the main kiln firings for everyone there, and was loading a kiln when we were there.

Flat Niamh and Flat Clara check out a teapot and two cups Bob made.

On the way back, we stop at Acme for some great bread. Very unusual, however—no line outside!

Very usual: lots of good bread and smells inside!

And then back to Bonny Doon

and into Paul's shop....

Today, The Flat Branigan girls went up to the shop to watch me cut a bridge for a cello. I think they thought it was a bit boring, but they were polite

Now the bridge is on the cello, it's all strung up, and they are checking the angle of the bridge. They think it's A-OK. 

It looks as though Flat Niamh and Flat Clara are having a grand time. 

Photo credits: Paul Hostetter and Robin Petrie