Sunday 28 September 2008

So Much Like Home I Almost Forgot I Was In China

Today was the best day of the whole venture hands down.  I started the day at 6 am down at the kiln.  I finished in the same location except the last cone was down.  There is such a comfort I feel when I am wood firing anything I immediately associate home, food, and people I love.  I got so in the zone today that I would walk away from the kiln yard and suddenly remember I was in China.  I my mind was in such a comfortable state that I completely forgot I was in an unfamiliar location.  There is such an eerie magic to wood firing that I can not let go.  After today I know I am going to wood fire with my life.  The love I have for it is too strong to do anything else.  I am so ready to start building a kiln when I get back.  I am so excited I cant stop thinking about it.  Wood firing brings people together.  That is one of the main things I love, and when people get together there has to be good food.  I though of pound cake many times today, but this day ended just right.  Some of our ladies made spaghetti for supper tonight.  It was hard for them to find the ingredients, but it was definitely spaghetti.  I ate two large plates full, and I could not stop smiling the whole time.  I licked the plate clean when I finished.  Food like that in a place like this is something you can't put a price on.  I said a long prayer of thanksgiving before gorging myself in a chinese american feast.  The feelings I had today were home cooked and absolutely wonderful.  I have made so many life long friendships here too.  This is the best place in the world for a potter like me right now.     

2 comments:

June said...

This has been my favorite blog. I wish I were there with you - I know Dad does too. Your pictures of the kiln were fantastic. Lots of smoke - it was bigger than I thought it would be. The cracked bowl looked sad, but I am holding out that many beautiful pieces will come from this firing. Nothing better than a cool crisp day, good food, good company, and a crackling fire.

I went to Ron's sale yesterday and loved his pieces. These were some of my favorite so far. I guess they would have had what is called slip. Anyways - they were great! He has a nice lifestyle. I can see you being like that when you graduate.

I donated a piece of your pottery to the Burn's band, and one to the benefit we talked about. I will let you know how they do. I put cards with them for a little advertisement.

Lots of people are following your blog - even if they don't comment. Shannon has been typing in the wrong address - she will try to get on this afternoon. We had lunch with them today and are going to the Clark's for supper.

Hope your cough is better. Let me know. Call soon. I love you. Mom:)

mudheartpottery said...

Keep up the photos and the great ramblings about your days potting in China. A wonderful experience and an exciting read for those of us in other parts of the world.