Happy November, Everyone!
I know it’s been awhile since I have posted, and it’s well past the projected deadline for getting my pieces done, but that’s okay. I can honestly say that although there have been delays, they have been mostly positive.
The rain and associated humidity eventually cleared up here in North Carolina, so my greenware is finally dry. YAY! I will be transporting everything to the local studio for firing on Friday or Saturday. I have about 35 pieces ready to go, so I am not going to estimate how long it will take me to finish glazing. One of the many things I have learned over the past few months is that my estimations are almost never correct. Too much optimism in the calculations just yet, and not enough realism. Sigh!
I also started a new day job in the beginning of October, so that put a crimp in my productivity. Creativity temporarily came to a screeching halt! No more late nights throwing for me! But now that I have gotten used to working 9 to 5 again, I will be scheduling pockets of time to get good and muddy! Another YAY! It seems strange to have to schedule something I once considered a hobby; that’s one characteristic separating the professional from the amateur, I guess. And a passionate professional is what I aim to be. Someday, pottery WILL be my day job.
Having a non-artistic day job is a bit unpleasant, no matter how much I like the job and my co-workers (and I do!). Most evenings it feels like my poor, neglected pottery wheel is standing in the corner throwing me dirty looks. I feel guilty when I go to bed at night not having to wash clay off my hands first. But in reality, the second paycheck sure is nice. Finances were way tighter than we liked with me staying at home, and it was sort of depressing. Now the bills are being paid on time, and I can set aside a little bit for firing costs. Bills paid, and quicker pottery completion equals a double bonus in my book!
The past several months have been a huge learning experience for me. I’ve gained perspective; learned which of my goals are realistic as they are, and what others need to be reworked. I’ve come to terms with what I am physically capable of completing, and in what time frame. And I am re-learning to prioritize, so my personal life does not fall apart as my professional one grows. Tunnel vision is an unfortunate weakness of mine, and life cannot proceed smoothly if the pots are beautiful, but the clothes are unwashed and cupboard bare. Not that it’s gone that far, but you catch my drift. Balance… I am striving for balance in equal measure with progress.
Wishing you a happy, healthy, balanced, and blessed Thanksgiving! 😉
It's Great Being Wright 