Everyday Should Be Like This

Last week was a long one, a wonderful one, but a long one. It began last Sunday with a recording session at Concentrix. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday were big session days too, as the "Raggs" singers added background vocals to the final 32 songlets for "Raggs" Series 3. Days like these are among my favourites. The singers are amazing talents; they bring so much to the songs; and the vibe is always electric when they are together. Hopefully, "Raggs" will meet with continued success here in the States and others will appreciate their gifts of song. (*crosses paws*)

Still, it was a 6 day work week. So, today, I decided I'd take the whole day for me and do what I wanted to do. No surprise to anyone who knows me...that meant a whole day to play with clay! And it WAS a glorious day!

I arrived at Clayworks about 9:30 and began working on my first hand building project - a large bowl. On the wheel, I can't seem to throw large yet, so I thought I'd try it with another method. Using a stamp I'd made during the "Raggs" sessions (yes, I multi-task as best as I can), I plunked away at some freshly flattened Earthen Red clay. That particular clay body is especially delicious...I feel like I'm waltzing with a Hershey bar everytime I touch it. I had an audience for a while. Two young girls from the children's clay class wanted to watch me work. They were great, sparkling with youthful exuberance. Perhaps they are future potters...or actresses...or equestrians. Wherever their paths take them, I'm glad we shared an hour together today. The young keep me young.

Susan arrived around 11. Elaine's kiln had finally cooled, and the three of us unloaded it together. More fantastic time shared! We held every piece as they came out of the kiln, studying, marveling. This was the first time I've ever helped unload a kiln, and because it was Elaine's it was particularly nice.



I really admire what Elaine does, and I'd seen many of these pieces before they were fired. So it was very, very exciting to see the metamorphosis! Her Dia de los Muertos pieces are powerful. There's a great deal of "conversation" that goes on in those pieces and -- for me, the eavesdropper -- I catch murmurs of my own past experiences. And I feel hope.

The rest of the day sped by. I'd hoped to throw some...and I did manage to squeeze in one coffee mug... but the remaining hours were spent struggling with my handbuilt bowl. I had a good deal of help which I greatly appreciated because this is so new to me...not at all like the wheel. So many folks were willing to share advice, or lend a needed hand and words of encouragement. (I botched one rim, and worry that the second will only survive the bisque firing on a wing and a prayer. The bowl's not as level as I'd like, and there are mistakes I made that I will do differently next time. But I'm pleased with it as a first effort.)

At 5:30, as I covered the bowl with plastic & made room for it on my shelf, I felt happy and fulfilled. Come class time on Wednesday, I'm hoping Amy will have some suggestions on the use of engobes (or???) for it.

I left Clayworks an hour later, some 9 hours after I first arrived. It felt great---spending the day there, surrounded by so many creative and helpful friends. I know everyday can't be like this, but I am grateful for the days that can!