Ceramics: Hobby or Blood Lust?

As you can probably see, I like and make pottery. It all started when I was contemplating retirement and wondering what I would do to keep busy. My wife suggested taking up pottery because the studio was next to the jewelry workshop where she went. Being the obedient man that I am I went. We all know that "if mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy." Little did I know that it would become one of my most happy activities. I sometimes feel that if you were to open on of my veins, you would find clay slip instead of blood. I have been "throwing" for about six years. I go to the studio at least three times a week and wish there were more days in the week so that I could go more often. I love my kids and grand kids, my wife is my best friend, skiing is the most fun you can have with your clothes on, and golf is the Devil's curse! I tell you this because if I can get some of you retired people to try something new I know you would never regret it. Remember the advice we learned on M*A*S*H, "Listen my children, hear my advice. Pull down your pants, and slide on the ice.

Being Retired

Some may think that being retired is all fun and games, but I am here to set the record straight. For forty years I worked! As a child I sold the Sunday paper door to door, I had my own gardening service in high school, I worked in restaurants, I picked up garbage and dug holes for septic tanks. I worked in factories, I was a psychologist with my own practice, and I was a
teacher. I retired in 2002 and wound up in therapy. Two of my best friends died, my mother and step father died and found myself alone.
The comfort of being around other workers and clients was gone. I went through a period that was like being a Zombie. Now I know some of you will say that I should join groups like the senior center and clubs and groups that throw people together. That felt (and still feels) like I was such a looser. Those people are old, I would say to myself. I will feel like an outsider, I may not be accepted.
A lot of water has passed under the bridge since then. I am active as a potter, I travel in our RV with my wife, I ski in the winter, and I audit classes at the local university. I am still not content with my life but I am confident that I am adjusting.
I am sure that there are other retired people who feel vital and alive and unused and wasted. I know that there are alternatives and those who want to help. I am hoping that, by sharing my thoughts and feelings that you people will step up and help. When people reach their 60s they do not go to Mars! They do not run out to buy rocking chairs, and they do not go softly into the night!

First Post

Hi every body. This is my first attempt at "blogging" so the first thing is to find out if it actually gets posted. If you get this, write a comment and send it back.

See ya.

Cactus