Work Weekend

Today, I unloaded the kiln. I was happy to see that my sign for my great-nephew's pretend restaurant turned out fine. This was the fourth sign that I had tried to make. I finally settled on paper clay, to prevent cracking. I was able to make some more wall wreaths out of paper clay. And, I made a cup tray, and a bowl tray. The feet will be added in a couple of days, when the tray firms up.

Basket Making in the Time of Covid

Each year, my students learn a bit about basket making. We learn about some of the varieties of baskets that Native Californians historically made. Then, we use raffia and cotton string to create simple coiled "decorative storage" baskets. The students had a four week period in which to work. I am proud of the baskets that were made this year. I hope that since many students were quarantining and sheltering at home, that this brought a sense of peace, and creativity to their lives. I know that creating something from nothing helps me to endure my assorted woes.

Studio Weekend

A paper clay scallop...

It has been a dark and dreary, but very productive weekend. I decided to make some plates and bowls. And, then I continued on with some experimental wreaths. Some of the earlier wreaths have cracked in the cold clay shed. So, I moved most of the wreaths into my kitchen, covered under plastic. It feels like I have so much wet work. None of it is ready to be fired, because of this damp weather!

The freezing living room...

Bowls and plates...

These are made of paper clay...

Susie wanted bell pulls...

I finished my basket, too...

Future test tile crumbles...

These are now drying indoors...

And, they're under plastic...

 

Reign of Terror

 

I have read a lot about the French Revolution. I woke up this morning, feeling like we're in for Part 2 of the Reign of Terror. Just change the locale. Watching the slow motion car crash, that is our political system is so frustrating. Hurry up, and start indicting the insurrection collaborators in congress. Watching lawmakers, who basically have committed treason, stroll around, continuing to spew their nonsense is exasperating. It's not like half of them are even legislating. They are obstructing, blocking progress, and enabling corruption.  If you are going to defy a subpoena from a congressional committee, then how about some quality Bastille time? Hurry up, and draft free and fair voting legislation. We're all tired of hearing about how our voting rights are going to be impacted. Do something.

I spent the past week, hoping to not get covid. I was yell-talking to my class through double masks. Isn't it hard enough to explain how to convert mixed numbers into improper fractions? There are large amounts of students out sick. I am sending work home, and teaching, and trying to keep everyone healthy. It is a lot of pressure. A lot. The other day, on the playground, a kindergartener just looked at my face, and came up and hugged me. We're in the trenches, and we're all feeling it. My goal is to NOT have to write ten days worth of sub plans. 

Students are stressed. Kids come in my room to talk after school, during lunch, and during my prep period. I spent the entire week talking with individual students about seizures, divorce, ghosting, covid, depression, family financial problems, counseling, pets dying, and more. After arriving home Friday evening, I just sat in my living room with the lights out, head in hands.

My dad is starting to experience much memory loss. This might be the heaviest worry for me. It is constantly at the back of my mind at all times. My sister and her husband are trying so hard to care for him. I love them so much, and am so grateful.

In the meantime, I took a rapid test, because my throat was sore. The results were negative. But, I'm waiting on the definitive results of yesterday's swab test. And, I'm thinking about how I wasn't asked to provide work for a community gallery show that I've been a part of for eight years. Ouch. Not many people will be visiting galleries during this omicron surge, so I guess that it's not really a huge loss.

With a full heart, and an even fuller head, I'm going out to the clay shed. This is my way of sharpening my pitchfork, to continue to fight on day after day, during these hard times. I can't control anything else in my life right now. But, I can exert some control over the clay. Maybe.

Winter Break Wrap-Up

I made sure to get all of my lesson planning and prep done last week. That way, I was able to spend some quality time with the pups today. And, I was able to load the kiln, and begin a bisque firing. There was also a little time to make a couple of more wreaths. Once school starts up tomorrow, report cards will crowd the scene. And, work needs to commence on the east wall school library mural. I'll be grading a mountain of Native Californian reports, and baskets, too! So, this was a good day to have some "me" time.

Grant & Susie Meet-Up

There were some obstacles to us getting together: covid, dog surgery, and jobs. But, we finally met in the middle of the coast, at Pescadero. We had a lovely meal together, and shopped a bit. It feels like tonic to spend time with friends in this era of isolation.

 

Floral Wreaths

I had fun carving flowers...

This wreath has lots of berries...

This is the start of a wreath...

I broke into some yummy snacks...

I'm hoping that these turn out...

Finished adding the details...

 

La Pulga

Today I visited the flea market with my sister. I always have such a great time seeing old objects, well-worn and well-used. I bought a few goodies, including a homemade wall shelf. And, I found some African beads to stitch onto my basket. We stopped by my niece's home, too. My sister and I also had some ice cream sundaes, and then she made us dinner. It was nice to visit with my dad during the afternoon.