The most exciting time for a potter is opening the kiln.  It reminds me of when we were kids and we opened and closed the refrigerator to understand how the light worked or to see what was in store for us after our parents had returned from shopping.

When you load your kiln, you say a little prayer to the kiln Gods and hope that all of your pieces will get along and persevere during the firing.  I sometimes face my pieces near similar pieces so they can kabbitz during their firing.  

Today I opened my latest bisque firing and all was well.  Everyone made it through and they are ready to be glazed and do it all over again!