This past weekend a near disaster was narrowly averted. I've discovered I have more clay related supplies than I care to think about, especially since I'm now packing them all. I also have more than I want to admit because Gary has been finding them all, saying, "What is all this stuff?" Thank goodness Gary asked me ahead of time, "Can I throw these out?"
Gary was referring to the cabinet above which is full of my cone 10 glazes already mixed (wet) and the smaller white containers with my cone 10 premixed dry glazes, extra containers, disposable gloves, masks, etc. I'm not sure how to pack these, but they are perfectly usable, not to mention the air tight containers are valuable too. I don't want the wet glazes to freeze while we are traveling. Maybe I can put a down sleeping bag over the wet glaze containers. What do you think? Any ideas?
I also have to pack my finished ceramics, test tiles, cones, some commercial glazes, a cabinet full of supplies, and a huge plastic tub full of supplies out in the studio. Oh and then there are all the shelves and a few boxes in the storage shed. (Hope Gary doesn't read this post). I almost need a small trailer just for my ceramics supplies. Then there's the kiln and slab roller. I'm starting to get worried there won't be enough room for it all. I've been saving all the ceramics items to pack last so if I have to put them in a separate trailer they'll all be together and easily accessible. After all I know what my priorities are - clay first - food, clothing, and shelter second. Just kidding, I think.
The last two months I didn't have much time for clay with all the sprucing up, watering and gardening duties. We had 40 days of over 100F (37.7 C) so it was never ending. The last three weeks we had a septic, well, termite, roof, fireplace, and the buyer's home inspector. Each inspection meant something we had to do beforehand or after to get a perfectly clean slate. We can really tell it's a buyer's market these days, believe you me. We've also had three yard sales with another one scheduled this weekend, and numerous folks coming from Craig's list and bulletin board ads. I feel like I've been stuck in a revolving door and I haven't been able to get out. I think when I do get out I'll be a little dizzy for a while.
I'm already feeling pangs of withdrawal packing all the clay supplies, not knowing when I will be able to use them again. In the back of my mind I'm thinking of renting some studio space somewhere like Clayworks for the Spring if they have such a thing and there is room. That way I can keep my hands in clay, unless we find our dream place right away, that is. Time will tell I guess.
Wait a minute! I should be able to fit my tackle box of clay tools and one bag of clay in the motorhome. Right? Right! I told you I knew my priorities. One good thing about being stuck in a revolving door is, it's ever so exciting when it flings you out because you never know where you will land. Up next is a small detour about my first love, a story Amy, a fellow potter and blogger friend, asked me to post. Be sure to come back again to learn why.
