My Mom, Behind the Scenes
I've been looking forward to writing a little bit about my mom and her contributions to this amazing store for awhile now and I figured that since Mother's Day shows up in May that this would be a good time for that.
Though my dad had the tenacity to go find a market for his pottery and to find a way to support our family, it was my mom who was there making things possible. Like me, my dad is a dreamer of the possibilities, a creator of opportunities, and he always finds ways to make things pay for themselves, but left to our own devices completing those dreams can be impossible. In many ways, it was my Mom who would find the practical ways to accomplish these things.
For instance my dad was really discouraged once with all the work he was doing but the sales didn't seem to reflect this and my Mom gently showed him all of the things that he had accomplished and the recievables that where on the books. In 2003 when The Coffee Pot first opened, my mom would go out every day to do sales while my dad stayed in Bozeman to make the pottery. It was largely her direction that gave the place that warm cozy feeling, and it was her recipes that initially filled the bakery case.
I can't begin to remember all of the art shows that I've done over the years with my parents and there was definitly a method to the madness. I would try to get the pottery to the show a few hours before my parents showed up and get the shelves set up and the pottery roughly set up on the shelves. My mom however had an amazing gift of getting things layed out. This gift can truly be seen when looking at the pottery displays at The Coffee Pot or if you visit my parents' home.
Change happens and though you won't see my parents quite as often at the store (they're enjoying retirement), the legacy that they leave here is deep within the walls of this place, and as Mother's Day approaches I'm especially grateful for my mom's hand in building this place.
Josh Lockie
11 Responses
Sue Tolles
I have always enjoyed visiting the Coffee Pot when visiting relatives in Bozeman, I am so glad you are continuing the business and wish you success, I also enjoy checking out the on line Mountain Arts Pottery and have made a tradition of purchasing gifts for my daughter and son in laws pottery collection
Marcae
Jennie a friend with multiple unseen talents. I was blessed to be a customer from the beginning that enjoyed the journey with them. Happy retirement Dave and Jennie!
Katherine Berend
Your mom is a beautiful lady, inside and out.
Cynthia Pope
I also have been charmed by your Mom and have been privileged to see her many times as we have passed through for breakfast on our way to YP. Once she even walked me out back through the pottery making area so I could hand-pick some of your excellent wares. I have a pic on my cell of your mantle in the café of the Fall themed display of pottery and the scripture carved into the wood because it makes me feel good as I picture myself again right there sipping your coffee and munching on your mom’s breakfast delights. All that hard work – and the perseverance that took – have made a soft place for many of us. Blessings to your family. Also retired, but in Beaverton Oregon.
Sara Osterhaus
We first visited the shop many years ago on our honeymoon in Bozeman. The coffee and cinnamon role – I can still taste, and my kitchen is now filled with many of your lovely pieces of art. The warmth from your mom and the love in the shop makes me return – and recommend – all the way from Texas, as a place that can’t be missed.
Carol Peterson
We are so grateful the baton has been passed- but we will miss your folks being there. So good to see God’s faithfulness through all the years we have loved them— such servants! To God be the glory for people such as they!!!
Judy Clark
Hi Cousin Josh!!
Greetings from Guatemala!!
Thanks for the great little note on your mom’s contribution to Mountain Pottery!! Your mom and dad both worked very hard-and I know you kids helped a lot as soon as you could ‘spin the wheel’. And I don’t know, but maybe Aunt Olive and Uncle George were behind some of the progress in the pottery business!! Your family is very gifted!! All are great blessings from the Lord and you have all used them wisely!! He certainly had special work cut out for all of you!!
Thanks again—I bet you are glad winter is over—or is it ever over in Bozeman and surrounding areas?? Hugs!! God bless!!
Martha
I met you last week as my husband and I were on our way to a wedding. We spoke of your possibility of coming back to the Arts in the Park in Boise. The offer of a home to stay is still yours! Happy Mother’s Day to your mom. She is blessed!
In Christ,
Martha
susan kendrick
Your Mom was the first person I showed Barley Seed Woodcraft coffee scoops to, and she took them all to the Coffee Pot and then called me a couple of days later and said that the employees had purchased them and she needed more! That was about 12 years ago! She launched my work here in Bozeman and she and your Dad are still some of my biggest supporters and best encouragers. But already I can see Kathy’s and your hands in the work there and it’s impressive!
Mike Baber
Few know as well as i do the blood, sweat and tears poured into the infrastructure that houses the heart of Mountain Arts. I remember seeing your mom in those places alongside you and Dave to get the building in a workable condition and it is so much more than that today…it was worth it. Thanks for pointing to our good, good Father all along the way. You encourage my heart and bring refreshment to a very dry world. Jenny, Happy Mother’s Day early.
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debby shobe
December 28, 2018
Thanks for a little history behind your business. What a nice tribute to your mom and dad!