How Old Are You?

Last week it was my turn to celebrate a birthday during our family marathon of July birth dates (I turned 62). I know some people reach a point in their lives where they don’t like the idea of aging. I get it, but I’m not one of them. 

I started working on my entry for The Muse’s “Lend A Hand” auction item this past week. Each year, participants purchase an 8 x 8 canvas and decorate it based on a theme. The shop hangs all the entries, customers bid on them and all the money is donated to a particular charity. This year’s theme is the Dr. Seuss book “Oh The Places You’ll Go” and the charity is The League for People with Disabilities camp sponsorship. You still have time to participate; it’s a fun project and a worthy cause. 

For me, birthdays are a good time for reflection. Re-acquainting myself with the wise words of Dr. Seuss in this classic book came at an opportune time.  What have I accomplished in the past year? Where did I fall short? How can I continue to grow? These are some of the questions I think about.

I've lived long enough to bear the scars of life's challenges. I recognize it is inevitable and I don't know anyone who has not faced some sort of adversity. Learning to weather these bumps helps me grow stronger in the long run.

I accept the fact that I am aging. What I've lost or left behind with each additional year, I've far out-gained in the pleasures of living. Family, friendships, and my art sustain and strengthen me. I may be older, but I'm still growing!

Birthday Month

Gifts are on my mind. The month of July is filled with birthdays in our family and in that spirit, let me extend a special present to you! Save 25% on any in-stock ClaybyLaura garden item you purchase this week. Use the code BIRTHDAY to receive the discount when you place your order.

Click on this photo to choose a bird feeder for your yard.

Sometimes I have a hard time picking a meaningful item to celebrate a special occasion like a birthday. Young children are pretty easy to shop for, but I often struggle to choose gifts for the adults in my life. Will they like what I’ve picked? Will they use what I’ve chosen? Is there something else I could have bought?

Watering cans can double as a vase to hold your garden's beautiful bounty! Click on photo to shop.

I’m the kind of present-shopper that tends to purchase a gift for someone in the moment. If I find a perfect present for a friend or family member, I will buy it on the spot. The purchase is not always dependent on a looming holiday or personal celebration. For me, gift giving is a way to show a person in your life you’ve found something that makes you think of them. 

Give the toads in your garden a a special shady spot! Click on this photo to choose.

Sometimes the best presents to receive are the ones we gift ourselves. What have you had your eye on lately? It could be lunch with a friend, a special pair of shoes or spending one-on-one time with a family member. Go for it!

Who doesn't like to see a lady bug bringing good luck to their garden? Click this photo to see them all!

If there’s a ClaybyLaura garden item that could bring some joy to you or fulfill a gift need, now’s a perfect time to purchase. I’ve restocked and updated my garden inventory online. Remember to use the code BIRTHDAY to save 25%! 

Learning To Roll With The Punches -- The Big Six Oh !

I’m sure you’ve had one of those weeks – that time when it seems like everything is breaking down. My kiln malfunctioned this week. It’s been a faithful part of my studio for the last several years. I’ve taken it for granted that pressing a couple of programming buttons will yield the end results I plan and hope for. I loaded up shelves of glazed pots a few days ago, started the kiln, only to see a flashing "Err 1" message the following day. Bummer. 

After some exploration, phone calls to a local ‘kiln doctor’, instruction manual reading and testing, – I’ve determined which part has broken and affected the successful operation of the kiln- firing process. It’s a part called the thermocouple and gauges the correct temperature of the kiln as it fires up to almost 2000 degrees. 

I am capable of fixing the problem. Deep down I know this. I get nervous at first – trying to tackle a job I’ve never done before. I don’t want to screw it up. So I gather as much information as I can and double check the necessary tools and dive in. Usually, there is a positive outcome. If there isn’t, I know who to call. 

Have you ever caught a quick glimpse of yourself in a mirror or window reflection and thought -- "Oh my God, I look just like my mother/father ?!? I see so much of my mother and aunt in this recent photo of me. 

All of this relates to what is going on in my own life this week. Today I turn 60 years old. Words that come to mind: Amazing; What?; Time Flies; Gratitude; Breaking Down; Freedom; Happiness. Like my kiln (you know I had to go there!), with aging, I notice some of my body parts have begun to decline. This is natural. In my mind, I still feel young so sometimes I have to adjust the desired outcome to go around whatever isn’t quite working the way it used to. It may cause some trepidation at first, but as I move forward I learn to work around those faults and keep going. 

I don’t exactly feel old. 60 years has passed in a whoosh. The good news of the week has been plentiful as well.

 I’m thrilled that my clay art is now available at The Cooley Gallery in Leesburg, Virigina.  Chris Cooley is a potter and former NFL football player who owns this gallery/studio. The historic town is filled with shops, galleries and restaurants. Let me know if you visit, I think you'll have a great time!

I demonstrated making my yarn bowls at the "Urbn Market" this past Friday. I really enjoy showing how I create my art and engaging with attendees. I always ask people (especially the kids) to show me the bottoms of their shoes. If there is any kind of pattern there, I use a piece of clay to make a new stamp. Go look at the soles of your shoes in your closet. You’ll be amazed at some of the patterns you’ll find there!

In the studio, I thought of a new design for a recipe box. I’ve made one before but wanted to simplify the design. I’m happy with the results. The little heart on the front will hold a select recipe card when it is in use.

So I have a favor to ask. I love collecting recipes. Could you send me one of your favorites to share? My goal is to receive at least 60 new ones to add to my kitchen. You could just snap a photo if that makes it easy, or type it out in an email (claybylaura@gmail.com). Or even send me a link to a tried and true you like to make. Click here to begin. Thank you!