Last week I had the honor of participating in the Notre Dame Anagama Kiln firing. Sweeping, carrying wood, and making hundreds of balls of wadding, was accompanied by many wonderful moments with other potters as we listened to rain on the tin roof drown out the World Series on the radio. Thunder and lightening were better than any ball game could ever be. The weather was amazing, fall in all her glory.
Now the hard work is over and the waiting game has begun. Have the ash and the flame done their magic? What of the salt? The waiting is often the hardest part, but perhaps since it is my first firing, I find it too, to be fraught with magic.
It is the hush of Christmas, the final quiet moments before a child is born.Yes, there is great anticipation, but there is also great peace and joy at a week long job completed. I feel like a climber, nearly at the summit, who pauses to catch his breath, reflect upon the climb, and take a moment to imagine the pleasure to come. Sweet, sweet moments I will cherish forever.
And, I can't wait to find out how this beauty turns out...... I'll write of her journey next.