Today I was thinking about using the good stuff.
Do you have this issue? You have good dishes, but you use the “serviceable” ones that you don’t really like and save the good ones only for special occasions. And by good, I don’t mean expensive! It’s not about price really, it’s about beauty and art and sentimentality and visual appeal and all those intangibles that make you pick up something and say ” Wow, I want this!” Do you have the favorite shoes, bag, jewelry, coffee mug, whatever, but you don’t use it all the time because you’re saving it? What are we saving it for exactly? There’s not going to be some magical day when you have all the time in the world to start using the good stuff. Maybe this “waiting for a special occasion” or a worthy moment is a generational thing, maybe it’s not, but I think we need to get over it.
One of the things I love about making ceramics is that the pieces are functional, “serviceable” if you will, and also pretty. They feel good in your hand, they have weight and texture and nuance and they’re unique. Plus, they look good on the table and you feel happier drinking your coffee out of the pretty mug. Put the flowers in the beautiful, fancy vase. There are a lot of things in the world we can’t control, but adding beauty to our lives every day is an easy one to fix.
I’m reading this book, kind of fluff, but I was drawn to it because the artist in it is creating art from garbage, things she’s found on the beach or on hikes in woods. It’s a topic that’s always on my mind. Anyone who knows me and has gotten the “single use plastic/don’t use straws” lecture in the last few years knows I’m pretty animated about the topic. And then I started thinking again about the whole single use things from the perspective of “when did we get so lazy”. When did it become acceptable and for some, even preferable, to use things once….and ugly things at that? I’ve also hated plastic. And yes, strong word…but when the girls were little, I couldn’t stand the plastic stuff so I had Ron build them a playhouse in wood to match our house. In the kitchen, dish drainer wood or metal, no plastic. Arguments ensue over glass containers versus Tupperware (ugh). Bee’s wrap and parchment paper instead of plastic wrap…the list goes on. And it’s not a new thing.
So yes, back to the single use thing. What are we waiting for? Why not use the good stuff every day? Use the pretty bowl, use the good plates, the special coffee mug and wear the good jewelry, too. Enjoy bring beauty and art to your life every day….Use the good stuff.
Happy Summer, Liz
