Mashed potatoes
Who doesn't love mashed potatoes? They're probably my favorite food. Today, in preparation for a family Easter dinner, I made a shepherd's pie (with chicken instead of lamb or beef.) I mix sauteed vegetables with the chicken, toss them in a sauce and then top everything with a thick layer of mashed potatoes. I don't need a recipe because I've done it so many times, and I ad lib depending on what's in the fridge. Today I added broccoli. Uh-oh. I hope my guests like broccoli. W
Making mugs
I've been working on a potter's wheel for about 15 years, and it's taken me that long to create beautiful and functional bowls, vases, plates, covered jars and especially mugs. I love making mugs. For one thing, they're quick to throw: just over a pound of clay that I pull up as a cylinder. Every beginning student begins with a cylinder, and it's always good practice to make a few just to practice basic skills. As I become more proficient, I can play around with the shape, in
Is folding clean laundry creative?
This morning, I was hurrying to get to the pottery studio where I do "creative work," when I remembered I had a load of laundry to rescue from the dryer and fold. Darn! And then I thought, can folding laundry count as a creative activity? Here's the pile of clean stuff on my bed: As I folded it, I thought, well the first step is to slow down and be present with the laundry. That's essential for my pottery and textile work, and usually happens naturally. I'm not thinking of wh
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