Monday, December 31, 2012

Resolve

Sometimes the smarty-pants in me makes resolutions like this:

gain weight
get older
make Cs

So that if I do actually do those things (I mean, getting older is something I can accomplish without trying! WIN!!!) I won't be upset. You know...aim low and if you do better than you should be happy!

But this year I'm making some resolutions that I think are more practical, and could possibly be accomplished relatively early and will hopefully be a step toward forming better habits.

Like...get rid of all excess stuff that I don't need/use. There is a new thrift store that is coming to town that benefits a local Christian boys' home and I'm thinking of just donating everything to them.

Also, get better at budgeting. I guess making a budget is the easy part. Sticking to it is the challenge.

Have fun. That sounds kinda weird, probably, because most people make serious goals. Like, they plan to accomplish things. I've worked really hard these past few years, and I've taken on a lot of responsibility. That means sometimes having to say no to social invitations and fun activities. But I want to get the work-aholic in me under control and learn to make more time to relax, enjoy the people in my life, and do things that are fun and healthy for me.

Take myself more seriously. Does that sound like a contradiction? Well, I'll be honest, being an art major can take a toll on your self-esteem in some ways. You don't get very many pats on the back for your hard work. You never feel like you're good enough. For anything. At least, that's how I feel within my specific focus. Maybe it's not typical of every student in every focus within the arts. Then add on top of that all the questions people ask you about your choice of major. "What are you going to do with that?" "Geez, of all things why did you pick that?" "So...how will you live?" "So I bet that's pretty easy, huh?" "Hopefully you will marry a doctor. Or lawyer. Or an engineer. Since you're probably going to be destitute." Rather than sit here and defend my choices, I will just say that sometimes it's easier to joke about yourself and your "bad" decisions than it is to seriously say what you hope the outcome will be and leave it at that. But even then that kind of makes you feel like no one ever takes you seriously. I'm actually a serious person, although around certain people I can be really silly (close friends attest to this). And I do have serious goals. I don't have to be ashamed of them. I guess this goal should be combined with: stop worrying of what others think of you.

Lastly, my goal is to keep making art. I (hopefully) will graduate in May. So my goal is to keep learning and making art outside the academic setting. And hopefully to sell art once I graduate.

Happy New Year, all. :)

Thursday, December 27, 2012

--Parks and Recs

--Every time a couple gets married two single people die.
                                 
                                                                                                               Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler)

This cracked me up too much not to write it down.

Monday, December 24, 2012

Merry Christmas!

Am I the only one who thinks the idea of an old man keeping tabs on how naughty you have been and then sneaking into your house to leave you presents is creepy?

On another note I went and saw The Hobbit tonight. It was good, but not as good as the book of course. Also, I was not aware that it was going to be made in several parts. I was bummed when it stopped. Also, Phili and Kili were kind of the cuteness. And Thorin was kinda the handsomeness too.

It is reeeally early on Christmas morning and even though I still haven't wrapped my presents and I didn't make gluten-free cinnamon rolls ahead of time to bake for breakfast I am going to sleep. I will try to have a better post after I've had some sleep. :)

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Plates and bottles...

No formal slides of my plates and platters, but this was the set-up during my critique. I'm thinking for my show next semester that I would like to have shelves and mount my pots on the walls. For more of a home-y look.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Final Critique pots














Of course, now that it's over and I've had lots of sleep I can't wait to get back to playing with clay. So many more bugs to work out...so many more ideas to try...so many colors I want to bring in!

Yo ho, yo ho a potters life for me. :)

Resting

Slides of my work from the second half of the semester. Usually I use lots of color. These pots were mainly brown. I do like the black carbon trapping that happened on these though. The surface was kind of fun. I am still trying to figure out my surfaces and would like to have more pattern and color, but at least atmospheric firings provide a completed look.

Anywho, enough ceramic technical conversation. I am finished and have been catching up on a lot of lost sleep from the past three weeks.

Seriously. I think I've spent my days mostly sleeping. I feel a little guilty for not being productive, but mostly I'm just grateful for a chance to really rest. The only things keeping me from sleeping are my job and visits with friends. I'm an all-around-super-blessed gal. I was able to pick up a few extra hours at work this week and last week, which is great since I'll miss a week of work when I go see my family. And I am sneaking in a few last minute visits with friends who have graduated and are moving off to Texas and China. Two of my favorite places on earth, in fact! It does a tiny number on your heart to say goodbye to people you care about. But it's nice to know that your sadness is caused by the fact that you have such good memories with special people that God put in your life. 

Also, to follow up with my last post about me gushing on how much I love my classmates, I think it only fair to say that I have been blessed with such incredible people in my life. Not just my classmates. They are truly wonderful, but so are the other folks in my life. In the past week I can't say how much the precious people in my life have encouraged me. Classmates, friends, family...I doubt I'll ever be a financially wealthy person, but I am SO very wealthy in my relationships. 

Dear friends, classmates, co-workers, and family,

You make this life so interesting, so fun, so beautiful. Thanks for sharpening me. I love you all!

Gracie

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Break thoughts

I finally reached the end of this crazy semester. Funny how quickly time seems to pass when looked upon in retrospect. I'm sure time dragged in some ways while we were in the middle of it..

What can I say? This is the first year I'm able to say that I'm GLAD the semester is over. Usually I feel a lot of regret and wish I had tried this other idea or been able to finish that project. But this semester I am looking at the good and the bad and saying goodbye to it all and hello to break. I think I'm ready for a break from ceramics and a chance to catch up on other things that I don't normally have a chance to work on. Like mending a pile of clothes in my closet. And refinishing a magazine rack that I thrifted on the cheap. Or making books or other types of art. Chances are good that four weeks of break won't be nearly enough time to do all that, visit family, work, clean my dirty apartment, and actually rest.

I think I get so caught up on "endings" that at the end of each semester as people graduate or as we all take a break I feel so sentimental about the time we've spent together and how things will change the next time we are all together. I've had critiques where I looked around the room at my classmates and knew that it would be the last time we were all together that way and I mourned the loss of that consistency in my life. The truth is I spend more time with my classmates throughout the year than I do with anyone else. These people see me when I'm doing well, but have also seen me when I've been practically at my worst. They have taught me so much about generosity, caring, working together, and friendship. They are part of my every day life. I love them dearly and am so thankful that God gave them to me as friends and classmates. I think God has used their presence in my life to teach me so much about myself and my walk with Him.

I think too as I near graduation I realize that some of these dear people will always be a part of my life. Some will fade in and out of the picture as we go on our different ways. But some of these people...I hope so much that we will always be friends. That we will always keep in contact. Even if just to shoot a photo of what we're working on to each other and say "look what I'm making!" Also, I think I've realized too that in the past I viewed school as my assurance of being able to make ceramics. Now, although I know it will be harder to continue making pots once I finish school, I am pretty determined that unless God steers me in some other direction that I will continue to make pots. This is just training and a stepping stone. It will somehow be a part of my life. So this semester I've spent a bit of time trying to learn to balance that passion for my work with obligations and interests outside of school. It's been good. The end of school doesn't mean I won't ever get to work with clay again. It can still be part of my life.

Another thing I've noticed is that by the end of the semester I think I'm running mainly on adrenaline. Because eating and sleeping don't happen regularly during those last couple of weeks before formal critiques. I think this causes an increase in my beta endorphin levels that keeps me somewhat cheerful throughout all the stress. However, once the semester ends and the adrenaline rush and beta endorphins level out, I tend to crash. This may also be part of why I am an emotional wreck by the end of the semester. I'm grateful that I get to stay here in town for most of the break. Not because I don't want to see my family, or that I don't love them. But honestly, at this place in my life, having consistency through my job and my church and community here in town gives me some stability that I crave in my life. I don't end a semester and immediately lose my schedule and ordinary routine and head down to a place where I have no routine, no schedule or work to do, etc. I am so grateful that I get to visit with family over the break, though. I wasn't entirely sure I would get to, but I do and I'm so happy!

All in all, over this past semester I've been reminded of what I've been learning these past few years. As an art major and future artist, I am financially poor. But, in God's love and mercy; family and friendships; and experiences I am so very rich! I have everything. Well, sometimes I don't feel I have the time to take it all in and appreciate it. But when I do slow down enough to appreciate little things like the teamwork I experience with my friends, or firing a kiln under the stars (I love seeing the stars, and firing a kiln is intense...so it's quite the experience to contrast the quiet of the sky and the energy of the kiln....yeah, I may be a hippy), the care and concern expressed toward me by my family and friends, and all the other little things in my life I am a bit overcome by how very blessed I am.

And after this somewhat incoherently written post I leave you with a Shirley Temple song that I identified with a bit and have been singing for over a week:
"There's billions worth of golden sunbeams. 
That everybody can possess. 
All God's children got success. 
Come and get your happiness. 
There's billions worth of silver moonbeams. 
Enough for everyone I guess. 
What's a million more or less? 
Come and get your happiness!
 Along the wildwood of your happy childhood
When you were Jills and Jacks. 
In raggy britches there's a lot of riches
On which you don't pay any income tax.
So get under that blue heaven.
Away from trouble and distress.
Just find mother nature's address
And come and get your happiness.


Monday, December 3, 2012

A letter to my sister Holly

 Recently, my little sister Holly wrote blog posts about each of us, her siblings. They were all so sweet and encouraging! So I thought she deserved one too! This letter is for you, Holly!

Dear Holly, 
For the longest time I always thought of you as the 6 year old version of yourself. So petite, so cute, so young...
But then awhile ago I realized you are a grown up! In fact, just two weeks ago you drove me to your place of work! You voted in the national election this year! Since when does my baby sister drive and work and vote and go to college??? You are truly developing into a lovely, beautiful woman and I'm so proud of you and I admire you!

Some things about you:
You wear red lipstick and look great; you wear heels and don't fall over...I cannot do either of those things! You are witty and funny with a great sense of humor. You have become such a good writer. I love reading the way your describe the world. Your photographs have become so good! I think you could really do something with photography! You are musical and have developed your abilities in playing instruments and I've heard you sing (we are all so shy of singing around each other or anyone unless it's silly bad singing) and it's beautiful. Actually, you are quite the accomplished young lady. You play instruments, are artistic, you are quite the cook, and are just an all-around charming young woman. Not only that, you have great style and carry yourself beautifully. You're a natural knock-out.

But I would say that the thing about you that I admire more than all those things is that you have such a lovely heart. You love people. You love people that others might deem unlovable. You see beauty and potential in people who perhaps don't see those things in themselves. And I'm sure you help bring out those qualities in people as a result. Also, you are an encourager. You really listen. I know when I talk to you that you really care. You are genuine. I believe that ability to love and encourage others is a gift from God. Always love the people God has put in your life. Always be aware of the fact that God puts people around you and that you have the ability to influence them by showing His love to them and sharing His truth with them.

You are kind, caring, loving, talented in many ways, intelligent, gorgeous, sensitive, deep, hilarious, genuine, and lovely. You are the total package, my friend. In the words of Sydney Poitier on To Sir, With Love: "You're a smasher. The whole world is waiting for you." Life will always have its share of hardships, but I believe that so many good things are in store for you. That as you seek to know God more and follow Him you will experience His joy and love in many many many ways. Don't be afraid to make big scary changes...like go to a University or travel or get married or whatever else God may have in store for you. At least, don't let being afraid stop you from doing those things. Pursue the natural talents and interests that you have and develop them. You have them for a reason.

I love you. You are always welcome to come stay or live with me (that is if I ever figure out where I'm going and what I'm doing!) or if you choose to take advantage of some other opportunity I will back you up and support you as best as I possibly can. I was looking on my computer for photos of you for this post and realized, sadly, that I don't have a lot of current photos of you. I'm sad that I don't get to see you very often. I enjoy visiting with you so much. I think about your trip up here over the summer and how much fun we had just hanging out. I miss you and like you said in your post, I miss our little trip to places to go exploring. And since I have not got many recent photos of you I thought I'd post some photos of way back when we were still exploring Harpers Ferry and having fun. I think you are so gorgeous in these photos, so I am going to post them.



You are one of my dearest friends in the world! I can't wait to see what you will do and watch as you continue to become the woman God created you to be. 
I love you!
Gracie

Friday, November 30, 2012

Little Crazy

Things around here are a little crazy! Days are too short with too much to do. Next week is dead week at school...which is supposed to mean things are going to be quiet and teachers won't give finals that week. But art students find dead week to be killer (like that pun?) because EVERYTHING is pretty much due so teachers can have portfolios or projects graded and returned (they don't want to keep your stuff. It's not like a test that they can file or shred when they've finished with it.) by finals week. Every morning when I wake up my body really hurts. I keep pulling late nights at school and managing long days. But the more tired I become the more unproductive I become. So it's a vicious cycle.

Anyway. My roommate picked up on this and left me a note. Thanks roommate! I needed that!

Hopefully I'll have good projects to post here soon. :)

Sunday, November 25, 2012

A night at the ballet!

A few weekends ago I went to see a ballet performance of The Snow Queen with some friends.
We got dinner together first at a local Chinese restaurant.
My beautiful Asian friends.
The performance was great! The majority of the performers were from a local dance school and the community, but there were special guests from a dance company based in Pittsburgh with dancers who were from Russia or had been on Avatar. The Reindeer was my favorite, but it was all great!
While taking this photo my friend Meng Lei said, we are one Korean and three and a half Chinese girls. I loved visiting with them. I love that she identified me with them. I am so grateful for the chance to be friends with these lovely girls. :)

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Colors

I find different things to be so inspiring. I love going shopping mostly to see the way colors and textures and patterns are paired and played together (although the fabrics being used to make clothing today is so cheap!!! All polyester...can we go back to real fabric soon?). The other day, it struck me while I was cooking up these vegetables that the colors and patterns and textures I was handing were beautiful too! I'm thinking some little lotus root motifs may be kinda fun and funky things to add to my pots. Not too contrived or perfect, but quirky and unique. Also, colorful food makes me happy.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Courage

It takes courage to live life.
To wake each day trusting you will make it through.
To believe it is worth it when nothing makes sense.
To wait and see how things will turn out.

It takes courage to concern yourselves with the problems of others.
To let them know they are cared for.
To know you cannot fix their problems for them.
To love people dearly and to hold them loosely.

It takes courage to trust God with your concerns.
To know He loves.
To know He keeps His promises in His time.
To ask for His will instead of your own desires.

It takes courage to move forward.
To embrace new things.
To let go of your past.
To move into the unknown.

It takes courage to deal with the sad things around you.
It takes courage to love other people.
It takes courage to do what is right.
It takes courage to trust God.

Psalm 27:14 "Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord."

Monday, November 19, 2012

A few things on the first day of break.

I found these two blogs + website today: Amelia Herbertson's drawing and printing site, Lisa Currie's blog and the site for her project "The Scribble Diary." Both fun in different ways with creative ideas and pretty photos.

This project is kind of inspiring. I would love a letter.

On a sad and important note, my dear friend who was my roommate in China and graduated from the same program I am in let us know that her little sister passed away on Saturday. This breaks my heart so terribly. Thoughts and prayers go out to my friend Jessica and her family.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

I think my heart wants someone to love.
Someone to be friends with.
For forever.
To be committed to.
Someone to come alongside and encourage.
Someone to take care of...
And dream with...
And build a future together.
Someone on the same page as me.

It's a nice dream to hope for. :)

Thursday, November 8, 2012

3 AM

The world looks different to me today.
It's the same as it always was, and yet I see it with new eyes.
Somehow your words became a key that unlocked a door my heart and mind stood behind
And provided a view to the world which I was unaware existed.
A world of beauty, color, and life; tragedy and death.
Beauty and sorrow holding each other tightly by the hand.
Suddenly I realize I have been trapped in my inner thoughts...thinking myself the center of the universe.
Now I see I am but a tiny part of the big picture; a dot on the canvas of life.
Oh, teach this curious heart about deeper and greater things.
Unlock more doors; tear down more walls; reveal more paths
Draw me nearer to Yourself.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Post-Election thoughts

It's 1 am, November 7. The only thing I'm grateful for is that the election is over. I believe God is in complete control of who takes and leaves office and as a result I should not put more stock in my governing leaders than I do His plans.  I didn't care for either Mitt Romney or Obama and feel that my life will continue relatively the same as it has up till now. But I have to say, I'm so sick of reading peoples' Facebook statuses about the victories in seeing same-sex marriage becoming legal in some states. Or their joy in seeing the legalization of small doses of marijuana. Worst of all their joy over saving women's right to choose abortion. Hurray for the loss of self-control and  lack of discipline, for the promotion of selfishness, and murder. I will never celebrate a platform that stands behind the murder of babies. Not only stands behind, but celebrates it.

In short, I'm less sad about Obama winning than I am about what my peers see as victories. It's very telling of our country's spiritual climate. And rather than post about it on Facebook I will just put up a little blurb about it here.

Remembering John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will face trouble. But fear not. I have overcome the world."

Monday, November 5, 2012

I turned 24!

 My older sister baked me a cake.


My little sister sent me a card that made me laugh. And she sent me a free cup of coffee. Thanks sisters. <3

I feel like 24 is a good age. You are more of a grown up at 24, right?

I got to take a little road trip with some friends to go back home (I didn't have to drive! Yay!). I spent the weekend with my older sister, brother-in-law, niece, and nephew. I came home again and enjoyed a great time of fellowship and Bible study with my small group from church.

It was one of those weekends that made me feel grateful. :)

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Making the best of things.

So. While there are things about all seasons that I appreciate, winter is my least favorite. I don't like the unpredictability of it. The freak snowstorms. Slippery roads. Frozen windshields. Basically, getting around in winter is a pill. It makes me feel anxious for peoples' safety.
Snow covered leaves.
But there is something very homey about winter. Which I am enjoying today by winterizing my room. I'm pulling out heavier blankets and making sure I have access to my coats and snowboots. I might even hang up my Christmas lights. Also, I'm thankful that a couple of inches of snow is much less life-altering than having my home be underwater, or being out of power which is something that the coast is dealing with. My night class was canceled, so I brought all my pots and slabs home to work on here. If yucky weather allows me to be home then I guess I'll take it. :)

The weather here...

 Friday...sunny and 80 degrees farenheit.
Monday...rainy and in the 40s farenheit.
Tuesday. In the 30s and snowing.

Thanks, Hurricane Sandy. The weather is gorgeous. And thanks, school, for being one of the only colleges open in the state right now. It's pretty awesome.

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Sad to say goodbye


I'm a little sad to be saying goodbye to the prettiest October I can remember. The colors and the temperatures were just about as perfect as you could ask for. The only reason I can think of to not be sad for its departure is that if the weather was always like this I doubt I would appreciate it as much as I have this season. I suppose it is better to love and lose than never love at all. Or something like that. :)


I think this just might possibly be
The prettiest October I've ever seen.
The bright golden, orange, and red of the leaves
The brilliant sky and crisp fall breeze
Frosty mornings and warm afternoons
Chilly nights with a bright harvest moon
This time of the year is, by far, my favorite
An annual reminder that life, we should savor it.


Friday, October 19, 2012

Where the heart is...

They say that "home is where the heart is." Let me tell you, right now my heart is not at the ceramic studio. It's at home. At my little space in my apartment. I'm not sure what hit me. Maybe it's the wonderful weather. Or maybe it's because I'm getting older (24 in about 2 weeks...). Whatever the reason, I just want to be at home making hats, blankets, cooking, baking, and cleaning and organizing. Every day I have someplace to be before 9 am (with the exception of most Fridays) and I usually have to be out till 9 pm or much later. I don't often get to be home. I am getting really tired of this kind of schedule. All I want is to be home.
But, it's just not the schedule I've been given for now. And I likely won't have it till after I graduate. School is so incredibly demanding. And working adds to the busyness too. There is no point in being angry about this. But while I'm at school pining away for a domestic existence I intend to make objects for the domestic setting...home. So get ready to see more pie plates. Vases. Dessert dishes. And whatever else I decide that I want in my domestic setting someday.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Fall blessings

This morning on my way to school I drove under a canopy of some of the most beautiful trees and colors I've seen in years. It was as if woods were on fire with fall colors. I wish I could take photos and drive at the same time, but since that's a terrible idea I just snapped a few photos of the trees outside the ceramic production studio.



I wish everyone else could have experienced it too!

Monday, October 15, 2012

Privilege

Yesterday in our Bible study we were talking about the Ark of the Covenant and the Holy of Holies and how serious it was for people to enter into God's presence. Touching the Ark of the Covenant would mean death and if the Levite priest didn't follow the necessary sanctifying practices before entering the Holy of Holies to offer the sacrifices he would die.

It makes me think how privileged and blessed we are now to be able to know that the Spirit lives in us and we can talk to God at any time about anything. Also, it made me realize how much I take for granted the access and intimacy I can have with God. The Bible says we can approach the throne of grace with confidence and talk to God. I don't think I can even begin to grasp how big of a deal that is. But when I remember that in the Bible we know that entering into God's presence in an unholy manner would be the death of you, I start to get an idea of how serious and important this is! It's kind of shaming to me because in the past I know I have told God that I'm mad at Him, and "thrown out a fleece" when I've prayed. And even now I need to be more reverant and worshipful when I talk to Him. God has been so very gracious and patient and loving to me through all my errors.

I just cracked open a book on prayer and I'm excited for it. I have a hard time praying and I want to get better at that. Because a relationship with God is the greatest privilege in the world and I want to experience that to the fullest.

Ink Drawing

I'm in a drawing class this semester and my teacher let us try wet media (drawing with ink). It has been my favorite part of that class so far! I went out and bought some inks of my own to try using. Another fun thing he did was have us pick up some sticks to use instead of brushes and since I enjoyed it so much I decided to make my own wooden pencils to dip into inks.
I just whittled points onto sticks I found outside the studio. Some sticks were really dense and others were very soft. I feel that it might make a different kind of line quality based on how much ink the wood will hold.
They're pretty and fun!

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Quiet

So the other day I went out in the morning with my guys from Indonesia to find warm clothing for winter. Can I just say that I enjoy those guys so much!? They're so enthusiastic and funny. We shopped till I was ready to drop. I thought I was a good shopper, but they wore me out. I think I'm lucky that I mentor guys that like bargain shopping!

Anyway, I met them at 9 am and got home around 1:30 pm. I was so tired that I decided to try to take a nap before going to work in the evening. I crawled into bed and was quiet for a bit. I looked at the light coming through the window...it was golden and so pretty. I suddenly realized that there was a big lump in my throat and tears behind my eyes. I didn't expect that. I had a nice morning and had felt pretty good. I think I finally just got quiet and was surprised at myself for not feeling quite okay. I think I've been pushing a lot of things back and was still enough that they came up without me expecting it.

I haven't resolved anything. I am still trying to work through my busy schedule. I'm still trying to work through problems that have yet to be solved. But I think this weekend off was good for me. And oddly enough, I still worked 2 jobs and got up early to volunteer at church and will be helping host a Bible study tonight (I need to clean my living room!), but just not going to school and being in that environment was so refreshing for me. I needed it. And I didn't miss it at all, in fact it reinforced my realization that I'm ready for something new. I'm ready for new opportunities. I'm ready to make more time for other people and other interests. I'm ready for time to be quiet and relaxed and to get over some things.

Also, I'm ready for Thanksgiving break. Can I get an "amen?" ;)

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Taking a *vacation*

It's Saturday!  I haven't been in to school all day! All day! I'm on the verge of breaking out into cold sweats because I feel guilty for not being there. But I'm refusing to feel like that. I have the right to take time off. I have the right to be as invested in ceramics as I need to be. I also have the right to focus my attention onto other things that I enjoy and am obligated to do. And this weekend I will do just that. I'm thinking of it as a stay-cation. I think I will go back to school on Monday feeling more refreshed and focused if I take time out of there to remind me of life in the "real world."

I've been struggling with what an appropriate amount of time and effort I need to be putting in at school. It seems like no matter how much we do it is never enough. No matter how little sleep I get or how many meals I skip to work on things I can't seem to prove to some people at my school that I am serious about what I do. Some classmates recently watched a documentary about a sushi maker whose goal was to be the absolute best at what he did and he was willing to put himself entirely into what he did to achieve his goal. Giving your best to what you do is a good thing. But shouldn't that apply to more than just making sushi (or art)? I mean, what if you make the best sushi, but you are neglecting people in your life that need you to be there for? And what if giving yourself entirely to your passion means you neglect your health and you don't take care of your body? Have you done your best then?

There is only one thing in my life that deserves my absolute best and my entire self and that is God. Not ceramics. Of course, there is the proverb that you should "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." --Provers 16:3. I think I can say that I give more thought to doing my homework than to actively seeking and following God. But I need to change that. It is good to give your best to what you do. But it is better to give your best to God and to commit all that you do to Him.

Friday, October 12, 2012

Fun with friends. :)

 
Me and the girls.

I like that we look happy in this photo. We were laughing about something. :)

Beautiful leaves! Why do we find such warm colors during cold months?
Today I took a much needed day away from school (although I still showed up there for awhile) and went to a local forest with my friends. The weather was just perfect and the colors were so pretty. I ended the day by going to an art opening at a local gallery and saw all my clay buddies. It was the nicest Friday I have had in a long while. Next to running away for the weekend, it was pretty much perfect. :)

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Frank Sinatra


So I'm down and so I'm out, but so are many others
So I feel like tryin' to hide my head 'neath these covers
Life is like the seasons after winter comes the spring
So I'll keep this smile awhile, and see what tomorrow brings
I've been told and I believe that life is meant for livin'
And even when my chips are low, there's still some left for givin'
I've been many places maybe not as far as you
So I think I'll stay awhile, and see if some dreams come true
There isn't much that I have learned through all my foolish years
Except that life keeps runnin' in cycles, first there's laughter, then those tears


 This song resonated with me a bit. Seems to me that not only am I feeling like the fly on the bottom of the wagon wheel, but so are many others. I really have it quite easy in comparison to a lot of people. Trying to hang in there...my attitude is slipping a lot. Prayers would be welcomed!

Moon Festival


I was invited to a Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival celebration! Although I only got to stay for a short time, it was a good time! I got to watch my old classmates perform a skit and song and saw some of the girls I know from the mentorship program do performances. And I ate some mooncakes too! There was a pretty stellar kung-fu routine that made me wish I knew karate. So many things I want to try. Someday, maybe!

As of late...

I'm really into this song. Actually, I really enjoyed the whole album when my friend played it for me.

School is about to send me out of my mind. I hate being there. This is a first for me.

I just want to hide away in my house and not leave. I want a domestic existence. Maybe someday.

I used to be afraid to graduate. The thought used to make me anxious...now I'm anxious to be finished.

Another Straight-Out-Of-Camera shot...look at that sky! It was brilliant today! No mid-Atlantic overcast sky today. It was sunshine-y and lovely.

I've been having some luck at the Dollar Tree finding objects to slipcast. My inner old-lady is so excited.

 I'm switching back to high-fire clay after my disastrous critique last Friday and am excited. I think it's going to be all atmosphere-firings now. I just have to make my clay now. Boo.

明天我跟我的中国朋友们要去看红叶。Tomorrow my Chinese friends and I will go to look at the autumn leaves! I should have been a Chinese studies major because I find the language so fascinating. But I never would have taken Chinese had I not gone to China, and I wouldn't have gone to China had I not gotten into ceramics. I'm going to trust that God has a plan here. I was looking at Rosetta Stone Chinese and maybe someday I'll pick that up and try to learn it myself.

Last, but not least...is it May yet? Graduation...hurry!

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Friends

I signed up to be a mentor to international students this semester. I have two students, this young man from Indonesia and a young lady from China. Unfortunately, our schedules prevent us from meeting very often, but the few times I have met with them have been fun. They have included shopping, art lectures and most recently a challenge course in the mountains with the other mentors and students. The weather has gotten cold enough that jackets and other cold weather gear are a necessity and the fall colors are really coming in strong. I feel the urge to run away to the park next weekend to enjoy it before they go away. We got a little glimpse of the colors this weekend at the challenge course where we all played team-building games and had fun together.
It is pretty neat to work with internationals. I would love to always be involved in some sort of International experience, be it traveling or welcoming newcomers to my country. And yesterday I really enjoyed playing games with this guy and his other Indonesian friends who are in the program. We had to split into teams frequently and the groups that these guys were in were always the most fun, in my opinion. They were so energetic and enthusiastic. And silly in the best way possible. Our group may not have won the most challenges, but I can guarantee we had the most fun together. :)

Mother knows best.

Having a rough day...recovering from an intense and disappointing week. Talked to my mom about it. She said, "listen to Riverdance. You'll feel better." So I put it on. And I do feel a bit better.

I think (hope) God is preparing me to leave this place, because I feel like I'm letting go of it. I don't feel so attached and I feel ready for a new adventure. To make new goals and dreams. To be open to other things besides just art (which I intend to always keep a part of my life, but am trying not to make it my whole life). Somehow, the Riverdance soundtrack has enough nostalgia and pep to make me feel better. And it reminds me that when I finish school I'll be free to try to learn to play my violin again. Or take a dance class for fun. Or just make pots and art that no one but I will see. Or to delve into other interests that I've not only put on the back burner, but taken off the figurative stove completely.

I'm glad that I feel ready to move on. I just have to hang on till God moves me.

The way I wish I could describe it...