Happy 2013 New Year in March!

{Originally posted January 1^, 2013 on my Facebook page}

I love the New Year holiday. Not because it’s a chance to start new but it’s a chance to take stock over choices I’ve made, blessings I’ve received and dreams of where I might go. This year is a bit of a new journey for me as I go back into Corporate America. In this economy I was more than willing to go permanent and use the safety net of a permanent job and benefits to allow me to do only what I wish to do with my pottery instead of having to make pottery based on financial decisions. Kind of like the benefactors of old BUT I’m my own benefactor. Rather freeing.

My thoughts to have the monthly giveaway turns out to be a blessing also as my work commitments have changed. Later today I will be posting the next giveaway and it is one of my favorite types of pottery to throw. I’m also looking forward this month to actually getting some design work for special trophies for several dog competitions this year. I have the mental images, now I need to start getting the test pieces done to see if they actually meet what my mind sees. With Bob’s (the husband) neck surgery life went into survival mode. With advanced medical procedures these days it’s too easy to think the recovery can be as quick. Yes…we were guilty of thinking he would be up on his feet quicker.

So Happy New Year to all of you. I hope you have a chance to look back and appreciate the blessings, learn from decisions, look forward to possibilities and appreciate what you have right now.

Micky!

Learning to share myself.

My next step in sharing my story. The following is taken from my Facebook Notes.

I am going to a craft fair the day after tomorrow. Why do I feel nervous? Does it make me vulnerable to see or hear what others who do not know me might say about my pottery? I know it is a personal choice as everyone has different tastes. I still find it intimidating. I do not know how to make people feel comfortable if they do not like my work. It’s ok. I like my work.

I know why I have a hard time keeping my blog up-to-date or updating my status. For years I have resisted speaking publicly. I HATE (yes HATE) being put in front of a group of people to speak. It doesn’t matter if it is a group of my close friends. My ears buzz and I can’t breathe if asked to give a presentation. This includes being on the training field or in an obedience trial although a good friend helped me to learn to focus and not pay attention until I get off the field. I hate being watched.

I am learning to share more and put myself out there. I have done so with my photography and find myself able to put it out there even when I know it opens me to critiques. I believe it’s important for growth.

So now I move to my pottery which is just as important as my photography. I never realized how much it can touch a life. While I pay business taxes and have to do bookkeeping it is more than a business to me. I pay my bills via my day-to-day job. This gives me a chance to make financial decisions and be my own benefactor. I am passionate about my pottery. I love to share what I love to throw. I love the feedback. It gives great encouragement to know my efforts don’t just please me but others also.  But they are not just something to hold pens, eat from or hold your coffee. My hope is they will hold memories for you.

My Life Lesson: I have a childhood friend. I have known her since she was in 5^th grade. Her mother had a stroke when we were just teenagers and I had the chance to see what a vital life she still lived even when partially paralyzed by the devastating stroke. When she passed away several years ago and Abbe was cleaning out her things she brought me a little pot with a broken handle. I had thrown that pot in high school and given it to her mother. I had no idea she had kept it close all those years. The broken handle was just a strong reminder that even though a vessel might have a disfigurement it does not mean it is not useful. I have that little pot sitting on my desk where I see it every morning as a reminder. It holds my memories of Mrs. Onanian.