Today I heard a question I’ve been asked many times: “Where are you from? I’ve been trying to figure out your accent.” I enjoy this question. Some people tell me they are normally really good with accents, but they are confused by mine. Often times, I respond with: “I have lived in many places.”

In the past few years I have discovered a love for collecting ceramics (yes, one of my many collections). It started with Mata Ortiz pottery. Over the years we have bought many Mata Ortiz pieces to give as gifts. My collection started when my eye was caught by a javelina made by master potter Nicholas Ortiz. Several Mata Ortiz potters are represented in my collection, but Nicolas Ortiz remains my favorite. In addition to the javelina, my Nicolas Ortiz pieces includes a rabbit and two turtles. I was totally satisfied with collecting Mata Ortiz pottery, then over the summer I discovered some other potters.