Scattered

Some days everything feels like it's in focus. Other days, like today, everything seems slightly diffused and off-kilter. Planetary alignment? The New Moon last night? Most likely it's because I'm trying hard to ward off a cold or sinus infection. Or maybe it was just luck of the draw. And I drew the Fumble Fingers card today. Everything I touched at Clayworks came out looking like a pumpkin instead of a carriage. So much for my Cinderella complex.

I made a couple of candleholders, then ruined one by making a silly mistake. I tried a new technique on two yunomi (with Ginko leaf impressions on the inside of the cup) and totally botched it. Fortunately I could wash off my disaster and I set them on my shelf to work on another day. I did manage to get my "Yellow Chinese Horse" plaque glazed. When I set it on the shelves by the gas kiln, I noticed that the kiln had not yet begun to fire. Disappointment washed over my already dispirited mood. But common sense came to the fore, reminding me to be patient. Patience is not one of my strong points I am finding. What is it about working with clay that brings about these lessons, I wonder?

So I came home. I cooked dinner for Fred and his dad, Fred Sr who is visiting from Colorado Springs. I think it was probably my crowning achievement of the day. I played ball with Spanky and got distracted looking at all the various leaves in my backyard. I nabbed a few and made some test tiles with them. This way, the next time I want to try something new with Ginko impressed yunomi, I might stand a better chance of doing it correctly.



I may not be the most patient of souls (working on that) but I am certainly persistant. Things didn't go as planned earlier today. But I think that motivated me to keep going once I got home. It's all part of the learning process. And I have much to learn when it comes to pottery.