[Turtle]

I really enjoyed seeing photos of the Manchester Christmas Market. These were taken last weekend at a Christmas show I was invited to take part in with my pottery. The building is a stand-alone painting studio for the owner, Janet Bailey, who paints Canadian folk art. It's on a gorgeous 5 acre lot, and her house is just opposite at the other side of the 'garden'. It was a very enjoyable time with really nice people. Nothing stuffy or snobbish about it. Lots of people showed up to buy paintings, jewellery, clothes and pots, but the focus was just on giving them (and us) a lovely environment to chat and eat home made goodies. It's helping me get into the Christmas spirit, just a little.

I believe I'm going to be offered a space to work permanently in this building, but that would mean paying rent, and ramping up my business again. Not sure I want to do that! I would have to buy all new equipment as I gave most of mine away. It's a decision I can't make hastily.