Hey WordPressers! How is it going!? Have you guys dealt with the Canadian fires or smoke in your areas this past week? Per the news, NY has seen better weeks, huh? Just chilling to see all of the affects the smoke has had on them. It has been crazy rainy here in MA and the few moments of sunshine has been at a very dull brightness..with a red ominous sun hanging in the hazy sky. That sun tone was playing with my sensibilities all day- confused because it was lit like dawn or dusk at all times. Other than that insanity, my area hasn’t been affected much and am doing pretty good. My garden seems to love this wonky weather, however, so there’s a silver lining, I guess.
____
It has been quite another eventful week, for me. Wednesday night started with a heartwarming reunion as my sister and niece from Italy arrived home to embark on their two month vacation home in the States. The joy that filled my parents’ house was simply indescribable. Seeing my sister and niece after fives years apart brought back a flood of memories. I spent the first hours of their first day catching up, sharing laughter, and relishing in each other’s company. Then on Saturday, my first free full day to hang out since seeing my sister, I took them out shopping with my girls and then treated everyone to her favorite type of dinner, Mexican. It was a great day shopping around -even if it rained.
Then our daughters brought my niece to school yesterday! She spent most of the day with our youngest, a Freshman. Our daughter brought her to each class, showing my niece off, as it was her last full day of school. So, now we’re onto exams week for both of my girls, which are all half days; with their last day of school Friday!
____
Step back to Wednesday, I had the opportunity to attend a spectacular fundraising Gala event. The evening was filled with fun, elegance, glamour, and a profound sense of purpose. The event was organized to support Uncommon Threads, a charity dedicated to empowering women through fashion and education.
The highlight of the Gala was the captivating fashion show. Models, who were either professional , clients or volunteers, strutted down the runway, adorned in ensembles designed by some of the most talented and visionary designers. Each outfit showcased a unique blend of creativity, craftsmanship, and storytelling.
Attending the Gala event not only allowed me to witness the magic of fashion, but it also reaffirmed my belief in the power of community and compassion. It was inspiring to witness people coming together to support a cause close to their hearts, and I felt honored to be a part of such a meaningful event.
____
As my week progressed, I was eagerly looking forward to my pottery class. I just love this part of my week the most!
This week’s session was particularly special as I found myself in a one-on-one session with my instructor. The great thing with the class of us repeat students is we get to have more intimate and relaxed environment to ask questions. With focused attention and guidance, enabling me to delve deeper into correcting my mishaps.
Pottery is hard, y’all. This is not just a fly by night create a piece of pottery in a class for me. It’s something I want to be good at! . There are some moments where I absolutely find myself lost in the craft, feeling the clay and other times… I am overwhelmed with anxiety trying to make something perfect. I seem to teeter right in that sweet spot of thinking I am good and awful at the same time. Hahah..
Plus, I don’t know what is going on with my right hand lately. The one I broke last year. It feels like it has a mind of its own and doesn’t have the strength I just re-gained. So my pottery is slightly harder to form sometimes. Like yesterday. It’s not a complaint, or excuse, it’s just what I am experiencing. But I find my humor in it and trek on, as that is how I am wired as well. Just gotta keep pushing forward the best I can.
Throughout the class, I threw three pots, one of which I was guided through completely. I took my time to center and pull the walls of the other pieces…and made each one more pleasing to my eye than the last. I still need a ton of work though.
My one-on-one session with the instructor was invaluable and I cannot wait for next Monday to do more. Right now I have seven pieces to deal with- five dfft vase like vessels and one slab rooster!- but when I go in on Monday I am thinking to spend time to finish these pieces and to do more slab work! I’ll be missing two classes in July while I’m away and I don’t want to be overwhelmed before I leave or when I come back. I think I only have one class after I return left though I should be able to make up the two I miss if I stay for the second class on a Monday and join Tuesday night. I have to establish that first.
Well that is my update! I often think of life as a tapestry woven with my treasured moments and experiences…and I am grateful for each thread that contributes to its beauty. 😊
Thanks for reading along today. Your support is appreciated and I hope you know that. Have a great week ahead!
till next post xoxo
valeria out loud 