Only the beginning
This is my last post of this wonderful challenge.
I have deeply enjoyed writing everyday, and reading the writing of others.
This experience has taught me the value of everyday practice, and of small but positive feedback - two great strategies I can bring with new authenticity into my teaching.
My first post was about my new pottery class - my empty-nester hobby that I used as a metaphor for this writing process. The parallels work well: both take practice, practice, practice;both take patience; both reveal an art form that seems to have its own voice, independent of the artist - the clay and the word have their own power; both can bring beauty; both can bring disaster; and both painfully reveal the shortcomings of the artist.
My vain assumption was that by the end of the month my writing would have become markedly better and my pottery would have as well. On this last day however, I find that I have grown, but not as much as I had hoped. I'm still just doing a diary on most days, and my pottery is somewhat the same. Some moments of satisfaction and pride, but still more that show me I have a ways to go.
For some reason however, I am hopeful. I am glad that I have done this, and I am glad that I will keep doing this.
Thank you!
I have deeply enjoyed writing everyday, and reading the writing of others.
This experience has taught me the value of everyday practice, and of small but positive feedback - two great strategies I can bring with new authenticity into my teaching.
My first post was about my new pottery class - my empty-nester hobby that I used as a metaphor for this writing process. The parallels work well: both take practice, practice, practice;both take patience; both reveal an art form that seems to have its own voice, independent of the artist - the clay and the word have their own power; both can bring beauty; both can bring disaster; and both painfully reveal the shortcomings of the artist.
My vain assumption was that by the end of the month my writing would have become markedly better and my pottery would have as well. On this last day however, I find that I have grown, but not as much as I had hoped. I'm still just doing a diary on most days, and my pottery is somewhat the same. Some moments of satisfaction and pride, but still more that show me I have a ways to go.
For some reason however, I am hopeful. I am glad that I have done this, and I am glad that I will keep doing this.
Thank you!




I find your pottery and your writing beautifully reflective. Love this line- "This experience has taught me the value of everyday practice, and of small but positive feedback - two great strategies I can bring with new authenticity into my teaching." So very true! All the best in your writing journey.
ReplyDeleteThank you! So glad to have been a part of this challenge this year:)
DeleteI second Ms. Chiu's comments, you capture beauty in both realms. There is great wisdom in the parallel you draw between pottery and writing. I'm so happy you joined the SOLC this year. Cheers to many more.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Always wonderful to start something new, and yes - cheers to many more:)
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