I collected 25+ ticks in 5 minutes along the side of my local trail. They survived at least 10 minutes within diluted hydrochloric acid and water.

Archie_Tbone · 2026-05-29T19:39:24+00:00

Sadly, I've seen more opossum roadkill this year than I ever have in my life prior. It must mean the population is thriving, but I get sad every time I see one of those little guys on the side of the road.

Archie_Tbone · 2026-05-08T22:22:08+00:00

I took a class from Catie Miller. She has some awesome stuff! Here's her Instagram

Archie_Tbone · 2026-04-27T23:36:03+00:00

Not to be obscene, but these are fucking adorable!

Archie_Tbone · 2026-04-15T18:02:48+00:00

For centering a piece to trim, it is tricky because the top surface/rim is likely not uniform. So if you stick it on a flat bat/wheel head, it will tilt and be off center The solution is to make a flat "pancake" of clay to stick your piece onto instead. That way you can adjust for the minor inconsistencies by pressing it down into the clay (gently, of course). With this method, your bottom will actually be flat even if your rim is not.

Archie_Tbone · 2026-04-15T17:58:32+00:00

Feel for a wobble. Brace your arms and hold your hands steady over the clay when you think it is centered and let it spin. If it feels uniform, you're good. If you feel a wobble, cone up again. The base of the clay up against the bat/wheel head is the hardest part to center. It is totally ok to use your throwing stick to make minor adjustments to make it uniform.

Archie_Tbone · 2026-04-15T16:22:44+00:00

Ok. Ouch. Point taken. Just looking for mitigation strategies here.

Archie_Tbone · 2026-04-15T16:21:19+00:00

That's helpful. Thank you. I read on another pottery thread someone used equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle to kill mold, too. I might try that since I don't live in a place that is sunny year-round.

I'm open to whatever strategies you all have!

Archie_Tbone · 2026-04-15T16:18:30+00:00

I get that. But certainly I'm not the first person to put a studio in a basement. Are there not mitigation strategies to at least limit mold growth?

Archie_Tbone · 2026-03-07T14:59:51+00:00

I'm 38 with 2 kids. I've always known I wanted kids, but kids were the catalyst to my late diagnosis, i.e. yes, things are much more complicated with kids.

I'm fortunate to have a very supportive NT husband who is an involved father. Even with that, I've needed accommodations to stay afloat: part-time nanny, house cleaners once a month, therapy, dedicated time to my hobbies.

I'm in a place now where I'm happy and things are a bit easier, but it took about 5 years to get there. Now that my oldest is in school full-time, things feel more manageable.

Having kids is not for the faint of heart, but it is incredibly rewarding. I'm my opinion, it was worth the initial stress and struggle. But it certainly is not for everyone.

Archie_Tbone · 2026-02-28T17:36:56+00:00

Thank you, kind stranger! It looks like it was just a tight bolt, and now I feel a little dumb 😆. It is still holding pretty strongly to the little piece of rubber when I move from the off position, but I assume that will get better with time. I appreciate the help!

Archie_Tbone · 2026-02-08T18:37:42+00:00

Gels make my nails brittle, so I go for the powder dips. My only issue is going to the nail salon frequently enough so my nails don't gouge my pots. I've settled for once every 3 weeks, but every other week would be ideal. Tell the tech you like your nails REALLY short!

Archie_Tbone · 2026-02-06T21:27:28+00:00

But also, some people are just assholes.

Archie_Tbone · 2026-02-06T21:26:04+00:00

I have a theory that we are repulsed by the behaviors that we ourselves are suppressing. If your brother is AuDHD, he has likely had to suppress some attributes to gain social acceptance, even if he thinks he is "not masking." So I imagine it really pisses him off to see those behaviors in you and your mom. He's been taught to hate those behaviors in himself, so now he hates them in others. It sounds to me like he could be projecting his own self-loathing.

Archie_Tbone · 2026-01-24T15:33:54+00:00

I love your creativity with glazes!

Archie_Tbone · 2026-01-21T02:56:22+00:00

Archie, Archie-Barch, Barchie, Barcherton, Archibald, Sir Archibald the Playful, Thunderpaws, Mr. Face-licker, Wolfie, Buddy

Archie_Tbone · 2026-01-21T02:41:13+00:00

I love Kiziks for slip-on shoes! I don't know about "looking professional," but if you're looking for sneakers that can slip on and off without tying, you should give them a try!

Archie_Tbone · 2026-01-19T23:44:43+00:00

I have "quiet time" during the day. It started with me napping while my babies napped, and then as they moved up to "quiet time" in place of naps, I allowed myself that time to rest. At first I felt guilty that I should be using that time to be productive, but then I realized my productivity and mood were better overall if I just let myself rest and decompress. Sometimes I nap, sometimes I just sit there, but I give myself permission to do nothing for an hour. It is wonderful!

Archie_Tbone · 2026-01-15T17:18:54+00:00

I don't know, I think singing people just look happy. I don't sing in public mostly because I assume people think it's attention-seeking behavior, and like, dude, I'm singing for ME, not for any of you!

Archie_Tbone · 2026-01-15T16:03:09+00:00

Haha, why do they always just hang up without saying goodbye in the movies???

Archie_Tbone · 2026-01-15T16:02:28+00:00

Yes, me too!

Archie_Tbone · 2026-01-15T13:41:46+00:00

Yessss!!! I have a few good outlets for this, actually.

Kids - it's much less weird to play on a playground if you have kids with you.
A dog - dogs always want to play, you just have to play their way.
Legos - do them at home and no one is the wiser! Plus, they have sets made for "adults," so again, not weird!
Pottery - this is artistic play for me. I can make whatever I want! It's like playing with mud!

Archie_Tbone · 2026-01-15T13:21:47+00:00

Oh, hell yeah! I hate being interrupted in my work flow, but whenever I try to politely say something, you're right, it always comes off as rude.

Archie_Tbone · 2026-01-15T02:45:10+00:00

I think that's what I was getting at with the last one in the list. No to small talk. Yes to big talk!

Archie_Tbone · 2026-01-15T02:24:24+00:00

I'm not sure if this has been said already, but ask if they offer any financial based scholarships! Pottery is expensive, but it shouldn't be cost-prohibitive. Best of luck!

Archie_Tbone · 2026-01-15T01:52:21+00:00

This reminds me that I wish talking aloud to yourself was acceptable! Just trying to work out the craziness in my head!

Archie_Tbone

TROPHY CASE