| Pottery in Port Hope by Susan McDonald "The Training of a potter is a process limited only by the span of his life" Michael Cardew, Pioneer Pottery Why TeaPots? Life Lesson A professor stood before his philosophy class and placed some items on the table in front of him. When the class began, he picked up a large jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes'. The professor then produced two cups of tea and poured the contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed. "Now," said the professor, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things -- your family, your children, your health, your friends and your passions -- things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter, like your job, your house and your car. The sand is everything else -- the small stuff. If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have time for important things. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical check ups. Take your partner to dinner. Play another 18. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand." One of the students raised her hand and asked what the tea represented. The professor smiled, "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of tea with a friend." And, that's why I make teapots -- to be used by friends -- made to be shared! |
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