Take Two, Week 16

Hello Everyone,

What a whirlwind the past week has been! I have returned to New Hampshire and am re-adjusting to being home again.

The day after the Hamada sale, Lynne and I went through and cataloged the remaining pots and books. For the next few days people kept calling and buying the remaining items. Since the show catalog is still online, customers could view it then call and find out if their pot was still available. It seemed as if every time Lynne got off the phone she said, "I just sold another pot". Phil also received many emails with similar requests. There was so much response after the sale; I could hardly believe it. I had a glimpse into the business and tax side of selling pots. The paperwork from the Hamada sale will be keeping the Rogers' busy for weeks to come.

I spent Monday and Tuesday packing my things and absorbing the place I have come to love. I had quite a few pots, books and magazines I wanted to take back with me. Instead of shipping them Phil suggested that I try and put them in my luggage. I double packed each pot in bubble wrap, secured it with tape and layered my clothes around it. I had more than thirty pots to take back with me. I just had too many things to fit into two cases. In the end I gave a bag of my clothes to the local thrift shop and mailed one small box home. By some small miracle, both of my suitcases were under the weight limit. My carry-on bag was nearly as heavy as my cases because it contained my laptop and many books and magazines. It is hard to believe how much stuff I accumulated during my stay! The most valuable pots I hand carried on the plane to avoid the risk of them being broken. I tried to pack the pots well but the baggage handlers can be pretty rough.

On Monday night we went out to eat with Bryan and Barbara, a couple the Rogers have known for over thirty years. They were the ones who drove Lynne and me to the hospital immediately after Phil's accident. They used to own a bed and breakfast in Rhayader but recently sold it and retired. They go walking in the hills all the time. Barbara is very involved in the village and organized the 20 mile race the Rogers and I helped at in March. Phil and Bryan tease each other mercilessly. You can tell they have been friends for a long time. We had a really nice dinner together.

The weather during my last few days in Wales was gorgeous. The sun was out and there was no wind. The blossoms of the apple tree in the yard were just about to burst. Earlier plants such as hawthorn and cherry were already in full bloom. The daffodils had gone by but the bluebells were making their arrival. Phil said I was leaving in time to miss the loveliest season. Perhaps I missed spring's fresh and colorful peak but I am glad I saw its beginning.

When I took Tess and Libby out in the fields I tried to memorize that vast view of the Welsh landscape. Although I looked at it nearly every day, its beauty was always striking. The lambs are growing very fast and are about pre-teen size. They are curious and still chase each other on the little hill. Whenever I see a sheep they will always remind me of spring time in Wales during the lambing season.

Tess' arthritis had really been bothering her. The vet said both dogs needed to lose a bit of weight which might help Tess' pain. On Tuesday we took Tess to the vets to be weighed. She had lost several pounds which was wonderful. Before long I hope she can run around and take naps without getting stiff.

On Wednesday I got up and made blueberry and raspberry pancakes for breakfast since Phil really enjoys them. Lynne and I needed to leave Rhayader by 11am so I could catch my bus in Newport on time. The morning flew by and before I knew it, I was saying my goodbyes. It was hard to leave because one gets attached to people and places after 6 months. I certainly hope this visit was not my last. Lynne and Phil have been so generous and welcoming; they are like extended family now. Phil is a superb teacher, critic, and maker. I greatly respect all he does for the ceramic world and the incredible depth of knowledge he possesses. He went out of his way to introduce me to many potters and exposed me to a variety of art and people. Seeing him work every day demonstrated how much dedication it takes to be a successful potter. Phil works extremely hard and does not allow himself to get comfortable. He is continually challenging himself by experimenting and learning new techniques. That is how his work stays fresh and alive. Lynne has become a friend I can talk to about many things. I greatly value all the chats we had, especially those about her life with a potter.

It is difficult to sum up the past six months because so much has happened. I hope these updates have given you all a glimpse into my travels abroad. I had so many adventures and wonderful experiences. I am grateful to have learned about a new culture as it helped me realize truths about my own. The people I have met, the landscape I viewed and the art I experienced will surely influence me. Although my assistantship has ended, I know what I learned will be finding its way into my life and work for years to come. I look forward to that integration and discovery.