Sunday, January 16, 2011

Red Potato Day


When I was growing up we always had those brown russet potatoes. They were good; they were substantial; and they filled us up. As I grew on in years I wondered if there were any other types of potatoes. I didn't wonder too often, though, I was a kid and I ate what we had, because I was hungry.

But in the back of my mind I did wonder about a lot of other things. I wondered if there were different types of foods, different places, different people, different thoughts, different ideas, different actions. Later I wondered if people acted on their thoughts and ideas, especially if their ideas were different. I wondered because I was hungry. I was hungry for learning; I was hungry for knowledge.

I grew up in a military family so we traveled around a lot and I found out there were lots of differences in the world, different foods, different countries, different cultures, different thoughts, different ideas. But I also lived in a family where we did what was expected. We were expected to know that if other's were different, well it might not be OK. We were told one thing but we were expected to learn another thing. We were told, constantly told, to be free thinkers, but we weren't "allowed" to step out of the bounds.

Somehow, though, I learned what I was told, not what was expected. I never accepted the bounds. I learned to be a free thinker. So consequently, I've always been testing the limits, testing the bounds, testing what's "considered" right or wrong, OK or not OK, accepted or not accepted, expected or not expected. It isn't always easy being me, but, well, what can I do. I am so often hungry.

We didn't have a lot of visitors to the gallery today, but what we did have was a wonderful time visiting with one another. I met so many wonderful potters and artists of other media, and really got to talk to them, to visit with them, to learn about their experiences, their thoughts, and about their lives. And, of course, we talked about pottery. I found myself wishing I lived closer to the Tampa Bay Area. But Gary was saying he isn't living in the city. Some folks said there are places nearby which are in more in the country. But we'll have to see what the future brings.

Sorry I didn't take any more photos, I just have my thoughts to share. I've come home late again this evening and since it's late I've cooked a red potato for dinner. Then I cut the potato in a crisscross fashion and put a very thin slice of butter, real butter (sometimes you just need the real thing), on top, and a little sea salt and fresh ground pepper and ate it with relish. The truth is, it was so good, I cooked another potato and ate that too. I was hungry.

Then I thought to myself, today was really a red potato day, not a russet potato day. What all my past growing up history has to do with a red potato day I have no idea. I just know I want to have as many red potato days as I can and I look forward to each and every one.

I know you were probably expecting to see a red potato I made out of clay, but not this time. You see a red potato day is more about feelings than about actually seeing a red potato. Here's to many, many a Red Potato Day for every one.

11 comments:

  1. Enjoyed your drift into free thinking. I too accepted many of my parents boundries but on matters of "differences" I strayed far and wide, embracing the differences rather than avoiding.
    Makes me wonder how one falls far from the tree and others do not.
    So glad your gallery was a success.

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  2. red potato day........ I hope you have your fill and more- or maybe I should say I hope you never have your fill and continue to look for more.
    Great post Linda!

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  3. Wonderful post Linda. It really got to me! My Pop always planted russets, and even if we knew there were other potatos, we were taught not to want "different". My siblings stayed within the boundries, while I, in my hunger, became the "black sheep" who broke the restraints and followed my heart to many places that were Different! I still do. Hooray for as many Red Potato days as we can find!

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  4. Thanks Linda...we also stuck with russets when I was a kid. Last year we planted blue potatoes, and red, and yellow! So many varieties to try out there~ It is fun to try new things and push the boundaries :)
    I appreciate your feedback and insights on my blog too...

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  5. such a true and honest post... i too grew up with parents that thought "their" way was the only way. i still struggle to get past their criticism...

    and remember the days that we thought iceberg lettuce was the only kind?

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  6. Linda.. I am just starting my Sunday day..and WILL make it a red potatoe day in all aspects! Thank you for the inspirational greeting to my day.
    T.

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  7. Linda, red potato day is one original analogy. I was a farm girl with very traditional directives; I watched cars go by with different license plates and dreamed of leaving. I have been "leaving" for 47 years. Moving and seeing new places and new people is the best. I love to encounter the new potatoes along the way. Hugs, Joan T

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  8. Hi Patti, thanks, I fell really far away, ha.

    Hi Meredith, thanks, I like the gold ones and those purple ones too. ha.

    Hi Barbara, thanks, black sheep is a good name for me compared to what my parents think I could give you an ear full, glad you can empathize.

    Hi Kathy, thanks, well I've got to try some of those blue ones for sure.

    Hi Michele, thanks, if parents only knew what the criticism does, still struggling myself, iceburg, ugh I hate that stuff; we had american cheese sandwiches with mayonaise and one piece of iceburg, I can't eat either one any more - how about over cooked liver and onions?

    Hi Trish, thanks, I don't know where these thoughts and ideas come from, I just start writing and they spew forth, glad you enjoyed the post. Gee I just thought about the phrase red letter day, hum, wonder where that comes from, I'll have to look it up.

    Hi Joan, thanks, yeah I've been leaving myself for about the same length of time, there's always one more new potato around the corner, thanks for the hugs.

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  9. I love potatoes, Linda. My parents grow several kinds each year--- and I helped my dad dig the red ones late last summer. One of the best foods there is...

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  11. Hi Amy, thanks, great to have fresh potatoes from your paren't garden.

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