Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a potter in Stratford, NZ, is like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s shining, birds are chirping, and I’m thinkin’, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill.
First off, I head down Broadway St. to grab my morning coffee. You know, the good stuff from that little café, The Coffee Station? I swear, their flat whites are like liquid gold. But guess what? They ran outta beans! I mean, c’mon! How do you run outta coffee beans? I was ready to throw a fit. But I just grabbed a chai latte instead. Not the same, but whatever.
So, I’m walking back, and I see this dude on the corner of Regan St. He’s juggling. Like, seriously? Juggling? In the middle of the street? I stop to watch, and he drops a ball. Classic. I laugh, and he gives me this look like I just insulted his mother. Chill, bro, it’s just a ball!
Then, I get to my studio on Portia St. and start working on this new vase. I’m all pumped, right? But then, my wheel starts acting up. It’s wobbling like it’s had one too many at the pub. I’m like, “C’mon, don’t do this to me!” I’m sweating, cursing under my breath. I finally fix it, but not before I’ve thrown a few choice words at it.
After that, I decide to take a break. I stroll down to the park by the lake. It’s beautiful there, man. The water’s glistening, and the trees are all green and stuff. I sit on a bench, just chillin’, when this kid runs by with a kite. And I’m like, “Wow, I remember when I used to fly kites.” But then, the kite gets stuck in a tree. Classic kid move. I can’t help but laugh.
But then, outta nowhere, it starts to rain. Like, heavy rain. I’m sprinting back to my studio, dodging puddles like I’m in some kinda obstacle course. I get back, soaked, and my clay is all mushy. Great. Just great.
Later, I decide to hit up the Stratford Farmers’ Market on Miranda St. I’m hoping for some fresh produce to inspire my next piece. I’m wandering around, and I bump into this old mate of mine, Dave. We start chatting, and he’s telling me about his new sheep farm. I’m like, “Dude, you’re living the dream!” But then he mentions he lost a sheep. I’m like, “How do you lose a sheep?” He shrugs, and I can’t help but laugh.
I grab some fresh veggies and head home. I’m exhausted but happy. I plop down on my couch, and that’s when I realize I forgot to pick up my clay order from the shop on Fenton St. Ugh! I’m so mad at myself.
But then, I think about how crazy today was. I mean, juggling dudes, rainstorms, and lost sheep? Only in Stratford, right? I wouldn’t trade it for anything. This little town has its quirks, but it’s home.
So, I’m sitting there, thinking about tomorrow. Gotta get that clay, fix my wheel, and maybe, just maybe, I’ll try my hand at making a sheep-shaped vase. Why not? Life’s too short to be serious all the time.
And that’s a day in the life of a potter in Stratford, NZ. Wild, unexpected, and totally worth it.