Knock-knock Hey, I think someone's at the door. What are you waiting for? Fling it wide open. It's probably a tall, dark, hunk of an opportunity waiting to happen! I’m an opportuneur. My definition of an opportuneur is “someone who takes advantage of opportunities and turns them into something meaningful.”- Melanie Young make hay while … Continue reading When Opportunity Knocks…
(Don’t worry, Mom, this time it’s a good habit!) Imagine a world where everything you’ve ever wanted to learn is sitting at your dining room table waiting for you to tap in? Well, I’ve stumbled upon a goldmine, and I want to share it with you! Passion Amongst my family, friends and peers, I’m known … Continue reading Lynda.com–My Latest Addiction
Cue song-- "The End" I've either been a student or a teacher for the past thirty-eight years, so for me, late June signifies "the end." In the past few weeks, I finished up my pottery class, a writing class and said farewell to my class. The cherry on top was cleaning out the classroom I've been … Continue reading “Happy Thoughts” Pottery Collection
Think of your favourite object/image--something that's been with you for as long as you care to remember. Now, go look at it. Jot down (or think through) the memories/connections/feelings and associated memories/connections/feelings this object/image calls to mind. Ready? Look for something new or overlooked--maybe a crack in the vase, or a scuff on the side … Continue reading A Diptych: Captured in Black & White
“What's the point of being alive if you don't at least try to do something remarkable.”—Anonymous Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about happiness and success. I am happier than I’ve ever been before. Most of my clan would say I’ve been successful for years, but this is the first time I’ve really felt … Continue reading The Point of Being Alive
Gratitude--Oprah-style (Anybody else start singing "Gangnam Style", but substituting "Oprah-style? --It can't be just me...) Every morning when I open my curtains for that first look at the day, no matter what the day looks like—raining, foggy, overcast, sunny—my heart swells with gratitude. I get another chance.-Oprah Winfrey Do you hear the birds singing this … Continue reading Gratitude: Oprah’s Life Lessons
Practice, practice, practice! The good news is that with all this practice I'm getting, I don’t really think about Patrick Swayze when I’m doing pottery anymore. Sure, when my pots are flopping, he sort of pats me on the back and says “Bon courage!”—and I think, “Man! He also speaks French?” Flashback..... Kidding aside, I’d like … Continue reading The Importance of Practice (in Pottery and Poetry)
Do you feel that? The tug towards change—lean your ear toward the birds chirping beyond your windowpane. Pull open the curtain—better yet, yank the blind like they did in our childhood cartoons so that it hits the top with a BING! Come on. I dare you to rebel—put on your rubber boots (or don’t) and … Continue reading A Change of Season
Feel that lack of inspiration? Maybe It's time to refuel. This winter has been very long, but that might be because I’m not as busy as I’ve always been. As I’ve taught my students for the past twenty-plus years, with freedom comes responsibility. I’m slowing down, catching up on the sleep, reading books piled on … Continue reading Inspiration: It’s Time to Refuel
My mother taught me lots of lessons--some lessons I learned, others I'm still learning. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my mother it’s that you’ve got what you’ve been given, so you’d better make it work. (Yes, Mother. I know—I hear you loud and clear, “I have never said that!” But, just like my … Continue reading Show VS Tell and Other Lessons My Mother Attempted to Teach