Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a potter in Mito is like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded. So, I woke up, right? Sun’s shining, birds chirping, and I’m like, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill.
First off, I hit up the morning market on Kairakuen Street. If you haven’t been, you’re missing out! Fresh veggies, fish, and all that jazz. I’m there, just vibin’, when I spot this old dude selling the most beautiful pottery. I’m like, “Dude, that’s my jam!” But then, he starts talking about how he’s been doing this for 50 years. I’m like, “Bro, I’m just trying to make a decent mug here!”
Anyway, I grab some fresh daikon and head back to my studio. I’m all pumped to throw some clay. But then, BAM! My wheel starts acting up. Like, seriously? It’s making this weird grinding noise. I’m about to lose it. I mean, c’mon, I just fixed this thing last week!
So, I’m there, wrestling with my wheel, when my buddy Kenji drops by. He’s like, “Yo, what’s up?” I’m like, “Dude, my wheel’s possessed!” He laughs, but I’m not joking. I swear it’s haunted. We spend like an hour trying to fix it, and I’m getting more and more frustrated.
Then, outta nowhere, Kenji pulls out this crazy idea. He’s like, “Let’s go to the Mito Art Museum!” I’m like, “Right now? My wheel’s dying!” But he’s persistent. So, we hop on our bikes and zoom over.
The museum’s dope, by the way. They’ve got this sick exhibit on traditional Japanese ceramics. I’m staring at these ancient pots, and I’m like, “Man, I’m a total noob.” But then I see this one piece that looks like it’s been through hell and back. I’m like, “That’s my spirit pot!”
After the museum, we hit up a little café on Kairakuen Street. I order this matcha latte that’s basically a work of art. I take a sip, and it’s like a hug in a cup. Suddenly, I’m feeling all zen. But then, I spill it all over my shirt. Classic me, right?
Kenji’s cracking up, and I’m just sitting there, covered in green. I’m like, “Great, now I look like a walking tea stain.” But whatever, we laugh it off.
Then, we decide to stroll through the park. Kairakuen Park is beautiful, especially in spring. Cherry blossoms everywhere! I’m feeling all poetic, like I should be writing haikus or something. But then, I trip over a root and almost faceplant. I’m like, “Not today, nature!”
As we’re walking, I see this little kid with a kite. He’s running around, and I’m just thinking, “Man, I miss being a kid.” No worries, just kites and ice cream. But then, the kite gets stuck in a tree. The kid’s crying, and I’m like, “Oh no, not the kite!”
So, I do what any decent human would do. I climb the tree. Yeah, I’m that guy. I’m up there, trying to untangle this poor kite, and I’m thinking, “What am I doing with my life?” Finally, I get it down, and the kid’s face lights up. Best moment of the day, hands down.
After all that chaos, we head back to my studio. My wheel’s still acting up, but I’m too happy to care. I throw some clay, and it actually works! I’m making this awesome bowl, and I’m like, “Yes! Finally!”
But then, I knock over a whole bag of glaze. It spills everywhere. I’m standing there, covered in clay and glaze, looking like a hot mess. But you know what? I laugh. Because that’s life, right? Messy, unpredictable, and full of surprises.
So, yeah, Mito’s wild. It’s got its ups and downs, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’m just a potter, living my best life, one crazy day at a time.