Back in the saddle again

Today has been the first day, probably since high school, that I have sat down at a wheel for hours and hours on end.  Morning has passed and afternoon has found me, but it feels like the day has flown by.  I can't begin to tell you the joy this is bringing me!  It has been so long, too long, really.

Exactly how long you might ask?  Well, I starting throwing in my Sophomore year of high school and continued through my Junior and Senior years.  Then, my access to the school's equipment ended upon graduating.  I attempted to take a pottery class at my community college right out of high school, but the teacher was a bit off and started the class by making a pinch pot.  I quickly dropped the class and vowed that someday I would pursue my hobby more seriously.  I was able to use a wheel in my early twenties that I had received second hand, but it died almost immediately after I started using it and with no kiln (and no access to one) my dream once again started to slip away.

I am now 31 years old, and 14 years have passed since I stopped throwing on an almost daily basis.  I actually began to panic a bit this morning after having the hardest time just centering the damn ball of clay.  I have watched video after you-tube video of potters illustrating how to center the clay, and each one of them does it just a little bit differently.  But I think I have finally gotten the hang of it once again, as I try to exhume the thoughts buried from half of my lifetime ago.

I ended up throwing three small practice/keeper items today.  I really doubt that any of them will see the inside of a kiln, but who knows?

Mama's got a brand new bag

A name, some colorful clay and a new wheel have arrived at Peninsula Circle.  I feel like a child on Christmas morning; I'm excited and I'm dreaming of throwing.