Wilhelmina the Whale

One of my friends has her own studio and makes the coolest pottery. When I expressed interest in her work, she asked if I wanted to give pottery a try. That was about 5 years ago.  Let me say, I am not, NOT, a naturally creative person.  It takes a lot of work to get the creative juices to flow.  But I gave it a try...for a few months.   Then, one day, those swirling waters of life threatened to drown me... I found out my son had leukemia.  And, all my energies went towards taking care of my son.

Flash forward to last September when Pam asked me if I was interested in coming back to her studio.  I was interested, but I am not the most patient person.  I realize Pam has been at this for 15 years, but I want to be able to make pieces like hers TODAY.  Not 15 years from now.  Is anyone else out there like that?

Well, I am back at her studio. I decided it would be fun to make a bank for my young niece for Christmas.  (My 53 year old brother had his first child this year!) The bank is shaped like a whale... Wilhelmina Whale is her name.   Here is a photo of it in its current state.

She is drying.  I'm hoping to be able to put some underglazing on her this week.  I'm pretty happy with her.  She's not perfect.....but neither am I, right?

Joy and Peace,
Kelly

A Flowing Stream

The quote under my profile is from the movie "The Bucket List".  My life is a stream that sometimes flows quickly, the waters swirling so rapidly that I feel I am drowning.  Other times my life feels almost like stagnant waters, slow flowing and thick with scum.  I am searching for ways to keep my life flowing free, fresh and clear. 

The past year I've taken up yoga, quilting and pottery.  Each of these activities have brought me considerable joy and peace.  But as 2010 comes to a close and I turn 51, I realize that my waters are pretty murky and I haven't been able to hold onto those comforting feelings.

So, I've decided to use a blog to help me reflect on my journey.  Maybe by posting some of my thoughts, projects and activities, I can help still the waters as I flow towards that mist beyond the falls.  Or, depending on where I am, get the waters moving again. 

I leave with two questions....Have you found joy in your life?  Has your life brought joy to others?

Wishing all joy and peace,
Kelly