"And you wanderer, how will you shape your clay?" Lloyd Alexander, Taran Wanderer

Clay is truly a lot like people. It can be dense and slick. It sticks to itself and others. It comes in all colors and on occasion, smells a bit off. But in the hands of the right person, someone who has a bit of vision, and a knowledge of fire, it can be transformed into something useable and beautiful. When a glazed pot is put in the kiln even the potter doesn't know for sure it won't break in the heat or what it will look like when it comes out. There is only the understanding that the fire in the kiln has the potential to create something beautiful and servicable with the potter's handiwork. Making a life is not much different. Sometimes when considering how we will shape our own clay, it is good to remember that expectations are often just a nervous little group of worriers who are afraid of the kiln.