While I was glazing this bowl, it was late. My son had walked to the studio after basketball practice. I accidentally scratched the glaze inside with my fingernail. Raymond noticed it later and thought it was a crack. I said “I celebrate all the little imperfections.” Mike, who was loading the pots into the kiln as I glazed them, said, “That’s pretty much the definition of wabi-sabi.”

The scratch is visible in the fired bowl. I sort of wish I had fixed it, but then I wouldn’t be remembering this story.

We don’t have to fix everything. Everything doesn’t have to be perfect. It won’t be perfect no matter how hard we try. If we can learn to celebrate the scratches and dings, the spills and the stains, we might be a little more relaxed, and have a few more reminders of life’s stories.

I was trying to make a larger pot. Meet my friend Bucket. Bucket was quite a bit bigger when I threw him, as pots are. He lost 12% by the time he was fired. So he’s still a little too big for drinking a latte out of. I could do it, but he’s a little heavy. I could see certain flower arrangements displayed in Bucket. Something substantial. Or Bucket could be a planter. Bucket could be used for beer, poured from a growler, by a bonfire. Bucket could hold candy, or certain other food items. Or paintbrushes. Or clay tools. Or bathroom items. Or kitchen utensils. Or remote controls. Bucket doesn’t mind. Cat toys. Keys. Glasses and phone. Pens. Anything I don’t want to lose. Bucket will hold on to it for me.

It’s good to have a friend like Bucket.

This afternoon, I made an almond milk latte in Bucket. He’s a little hard to lift with one hand, but still a good friend to share a drink with

Me and my friend Bucket.

I’ve referred to this blue vase as the Honey Pot. Something about its pudgy belly makes me think of Winnie The Pooh. I’d use it for honey or flowers. Or syrup or cream. Or chocolate sauce. Or pencils. Or toothbrushes. Or chopsticks. But what I usually do is put it on a shelf and just look at it.

My daughter said this jar looks like ice cream.