Saturday, December 07, 2013

Begin Again


Over the past 3 weeks I have managed to scratch out enough pots to do a complete firing, so what you see here is the results from unloading the kiln this morning.  Well, what was left of it anyway.  Had a few accidents, got to grind a couple of shelves.  Actually, I had enough stuff to fire again tonight.  Hopefully the second firing will go a little better.  All things considered though, I'm doing pretty good to have gotten this far.  I'm also scraping the bottom on pieces and glazes.  What I mean is, I'm firing everything I can get my hands on and using up everything because this new year is going to bring a major change in a lot of things.  If some of these pieces don't make the final cut then the hammer gets them.  All current glazes will be used up and not remade.  A total and complete renewal.  I've had a number of new ideas and forms come to me over the past little while and I've fired enough of the new white clay to see that I really like it!  So, expect a big change in the pottery.  In my mind I see it stepping up to a new level.  We'll see,.


This is one new form I may keep, or something kinda like it anyway.  I'm so very tired of this year and all it had to offer and I intend to make next year count.  Next year is going to be a good one.
On the other front, after a number of experiments, I can say that I am definitely having difficulty eating any animal protein.  As in, that seems to be what is making me so sick.  I have basically gone vegetarian and do feel some better.  Even my longtime buddy Heartburn is gone.  However, it's extremely hard to get enough protein from nothing but plant sources 'cuz I mean if I eat cheese, eggs, milk or any similar product I feel crappy.  I have one last appointment with an internist next Friday and I'm hoping that maybe she can find out exactly what is going on and maybe it can be fixed.  I really don't want to go like this the rest of my life but I guess you do what you got to do.

So, that's about all I have to show ya'll.  I have been feeling better but that's not saying a whole lot in a way when you consider how bad I felt earlier.  However, I am thankful for any progress and that I have been able to do a few things lately.  I'm also excited to feel a bit better with Christmas coming.  Have to start decorating soon and finding some vegan goodies to cook! ha!

14 comments:

HermitJim said...

I really like the looks of that last one. Something about it seems to call out to me!

JO said...

Yes that last cup is really nice I like it too.

I'm excited for you finding out that meat protein may be a big part of your illness. You always come up with good recipes so I am sure you will find great things to make. I know so many people now going vegan more than vegetarian. Certain beans have lots of protein.
Good luck at this next appointment.

MamaHen said...

Hey Jim! thanks! I thought those came out well.

Hey Jo! thanks! yeah, I'm eating a lot of beans...lol! Finding a good non-soy, non-animal protein is VERY hard. And unfortunately, my constitution seems to require a good bit of protein. But, I am hopeful something will work out and this won't be permanent.

Rich said...

I've never actually eaten any real, honest-to-goodness Indian food, but if I had to eat a vegan diet I think I would look into some of the food that people with a long history of vegetarianism have been eating.

Spicy Indian food made with chickpeas, lentils, and peas might give you more protein options than typical bean dishes.

Unknown said...

Yes, the new shape is pleasing. Always liked your "old" glazes very much but I shall be looking forward to what comes out of that clever, creative mind of yours. Can you include seafood in your diet?

MamaHen said...

Hey Rich! that is a good idea actually. However, I have eaten real Indian food and it's not something I care much for, unfortunately. lol! I do like hummus (which is really middle eastern, but anyway) but I despise lentils. bleh. I just tend to like beans more.

Hey Ken! Probably seafood is a no-no also because it is a meat. However, I go by how it makes me feel and I haven't tried any lately just to see. I will try a bit and see if I react the same way as like with beef. It would help my feelings a lot if I could at least have some crab or shrimp!

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

Annie, it sounds like you have done some figuring out as to what makes you feel better and vice versa. So I am wondering why those smart medical folks can't come up with any solutions. Hope the upcoming appt brings some hope for you. And, the new piece does look mighty fine.

Ed said...

Have you tried tofu? Although I love red meat, I don't eat it so often these days. During the summer we grill some and during the winter we eat some deer but most of our meat is mostly chicken and even that isn't but a couple times a week. My wife has sold me on tofu because it has lots of protein in it and takes on really good flavors when stir-fried with other things.

MamaHen said...

Hey Bea! Yeah, I wonder the same thing. They don't seem to be interested in actually listening to what I'm telling them. thanks!

Hey Ed! Yes, I have tried tofu and I do like it in stir-frys and soups, etc. Generally I avoid soy products but tofu is fermented like miso, so it is considered safe.

Anonymous said...

Try looking into quinoa it protein and much much more. I love it I first fry it in olive oil till it's slightly toasted that gets the bitterness out then I add water and cook it as if it were rice. Great for you, the other thing is chia for your anti oxidants and calcium great stuff throw it in everything it has no flavor.

MamaHen said...

Hey Anon! yeah, I use chia seeds now in a lot of stuff. Great in oatmeal or smoothies! I have not tried the quinoa yet. I'll admit, it just does not look appetizing to me! lol! I'll try it though.

Podunk Paul said...

Good news, Annie! Really glad you;re feeling better and able to produce such beautiful pottery.

Anonymous said...

I have been a vegan for a more than 20 years and my favorite breakfast meal is leftover quinoa with raisins, raw sunflowers, cashew pieces, dates or figs or both, shredded unsweetened coconut, berries and apple cider or apple juice or any fruit juice or homemade nut milk. I mix and match whatever fruits I love and are in season.
Love our earthwares:-)
Lemongrass

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