I met Melanie at my first big-girl job (outside of academia). Back then, she was the project manager, and I was getting my feet wet in the world of web development. Nowadays, I'm working as a project manager, and she's making beautiful pottery. I don't think either of us would have predicted this, but I think it's safe to say we're both quite pleased with our respective changes in career path.

Even back when Melanie and I worked together, her true love (after her husband and two incredibly cute dachshunds) was pottery. She spent tons of time working in (and managing) the studio she used, and even taught some pottery classes. She loves it so much, that I couldn't be happier to see her now doing this as her full time gig. 

Dots bowls (in new colours!)

Her specialties these days are: bowls, mugs, and vases with brightly coloured dots at the bottom; white vases, mugs, and pitchers with her signature hand sculpted dragonflies; and "wobbly" shotglasses.

What is a wobbly shotglass? Witness: