I went on and on last week about pottery as a space for disconnection, but I’ve been thinking a lot about how two opposing things can be true at once, and I realized - pottery can be an impetus for connection as well.
When I’m feeling burnt out from a long week or I’m low because the sky has been overcast for too long or I’m just exhausted because of life, I tend to fold into myself and my home and my cuddly dog.
The past week or so I’ve been experiencing that exhausted-can’t-catch-up feeling. From recent travels, figuring out how to grow my little business, just life these days. I was cleaning the dishes late one night, drying a serving bowl I made a few years ago, when two scenarios played in my mind. The first was me curling up in my reading chair, alone but content. The second was that serving bowl, filled with food and being passed among friends at my dining table. When I was done with the dishes, I would curl up in my chair but, before I cozied in for the evening, I texted some girlfriends, scheduling a date to host. Both needs can be true and worthy of my attention, even if one (snuggling up on my own) I find easier than the other (reaching out for connection).
Fast forward a week or so to last night, three of us huddled around my table enjoying a casual, summery dinner. I looked at my friend’s faces glowing in the candlelight and, as I passed the serving bowl of warm homemade food, I swelled with gratitude. There’s something innately human and special about gathering with friends, sharing food on dishes made not by a machine, but by someone’s hands.
May the pottery in your home encourage you to connect with others, especially when you’re feeling low, because that’s often when we need connection the most.
There are few things I love more than the delightful surprise of opening the kiln after a glaze firing - and now I’m bringing the magic to you! Pre-order the Magical Mystery Mug to get that kiln-opening feeling right at home this August!!
I have a few spots open for my Grounding Clay Club this month! You can expect something special to hold budding florals ;) This also makes a great gift!! Just send an email to grace@cadywest.com after purchase with your order number and details on the lucky person you'd like to gift three months of mindful pottery to.
And three pretty vases for summer florals:
thank you, thank you, thank you for being here xx