We spent most of January in a deep freeze here in New York City, which meant bundling up in extra layers, especially on days that I set out for the office. After months of this routine, I’ve become accustomed to running all over town throughout the week, and can now even appreciate the unique perks each route offers. For example, commuting from daycare means a trip on the ferry, a safer and more relaxing mode of transportation, but taking the subway from my mom’s gives me a long ride on an elevated track, from which I can work and otherwise stay connected online.
In mid-January, we hosted a get together with some extended family that served as a cap to the holiday season. I'd put away all of the clay and pottery tools that occupy the surfaces around the house in preparation, and was slow to bring them back out. It was just so nice to have the entire house tidy for once. Literally, the one time a year, when we host.
But orders await, and so the clay operation is underway once more. As I write, the first glaze firing of the year is cooling in the garage. It contains several outstanding orders and it will be great to get these pieces on their way to their new homes.
Despite the pottery hiatus, I felt quite busy in January, both at home and at work. I’d hoped for the space to rest and set goals, but it didn't work out that way. Luckily, I'm currently using the last two weeks of my maternity leave from Rowan's birth last February. I'd gone back to work a little early, knowing that the remaining time would be a welcome break once we were out of the newborn days. This first week has been incredibly productive, and I'm very grateful to my past self for this gift.
Despite a mess of the mundane and bone-chilling temps that discouraged me from leaving the house, I’m proud to have a few highlights from the bleakest, lowest motivation month on the calendar:
A few days after Jasper’s 4th birthday, we took him back to the Museum of Natural History. Our second visit in two years, and I find myself rediscovering as an adult how much I love the place.
Jasper and I went with my art-school-graduate bestie and her husband to Luna Luna, an exhibit showcasing restored rides and attractions designed by artists for a carnival that took place in Germany in the 80s. It was a colorful, trippy dreamscape, with dramatic lighting and sound design. Jasper loved it, and there were some moments when it all came together - the ghostly rides going, the lights dancing and the music swelling - where I felt true wonder. It was a really cool way to spend a couple of hours, especially as a way to escape a cold, rainy day.
Kev and I took his dad out to dinner at Joo Ok, a Korean restaurant with a speak-easy feel but fine dining core which, after achieving two Michelin stars in Korea, packed up its operations and moved to the heart of K-Town on ever-bustling 32nd St. It was so good and the drink pairing was also well done.
Lunar New Year was on January 29th, and we celebrated with family that weekend, gathering for a big meal and exchange of red envelopes. It's the year of the snake, and I'm inspired to make pieces that incorporate this motif.
With my leave, February has gotten off to a great start. Rowan will turn 1 on the 15th, and then we have mid-Winter break from school so things will get a little hectic at the end of the month. February is short. A year is short. I think of this often, and it always reminds me to return to the infinitely short present.
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