How 'smart' is SMART?

JUST became aware of a startling realization.... I am now seriously concerned that my 'Smart TV' may actually be smarter (in several different scenarios) than am I.  Now that's real cause for significant 'pause for reflection'...... I suddenly found myself in 'the little engine that could' mode..... "I think I can... I think I can....."

I am only approximately 150 years old and was sitting (as uncomfortable as it then was) on 'the bleeding edge' of technology in the early '80's.... I was sooooo computer literate that I astounded even myself..... yet with this 'new' technology 'stuff' .... I feel lucky to even understand a modicum of the possibilities. OK, I can deal with that, but tonight..... my 'Smart TV" informed me (I don't want to go into details here) that it could record ANY program that I might want to watch while I am away next week!! I couldn't believe that what it told me could be true!!

Oh well....  but now tonight I kinda feel like on my next birthday I will be at least 151+ with the possibility of an additional 50 years.... what can I say!  It sort of feels like 'Technology Wants' to supplant 'Missing Anything'.... but at that very same time we could be possibly missing 'everything'.... everything that happens in the MOMENT that we miss while we are watching what our "Smart TV's" recorded for us to watch later.... and so taking up even more of 'now' time.

Why do we continually endeavor to evade 'the moment'... 'the now'?! It is a question and I find that I  am swimming in the answer, hoping for a solid 'hand-hold' .......

Sending out love
Merrill

GOING TO GULGONG!

Welcome to Clay Push! (Clay Push Gulgong 2013 is the ninth in the series of ceramics events which have been held every three years (since beginning in 1989) in Gulgong, NSW, Australia.)

"Join us for the biggest ceramic event in Australia this year! 
With 17 international ceramic masters coming to Gulgong, it is a unique opportunity to join with fellow mud lovers and enjoy a week long immersion in all things clay!" 

And THAT'S exactly where I will be all next week!! One of the biggest reasons for my move to Victoria is my desire to get back into my ceramic art..... have really missed not having studio space... nowhere to create 'clay things'. Felt like a growing 'hole in my soul'!

Now that I have a large studio, I thought the perfect way to re-initiate myself into 'hands in clay' mode was to Go to Gulgong! I have been aware of what happens at Gulgong for years but this will be my first experience there.  Very excited! 

There are going to be talks and demonstrations from Australian and World Masters and absolute 'scads' of other potters will also be ther. Not only will I be able to meet and learn from some of the greats in this medium, but I will also be rubbing shoulders with all kinds of creative people who also love clay!

"Who could ask for anything more?!" I am really looking forward to this opportunity to re-excite every cell of my body to the creative process.... been away too long. 

I will endeavor to take tons of pics and possibly even do some posting during the week.....

Until then, find something you love and do it!!

M

I arrived in Victoria last Friday. Saturday was the first time to see the house after much renovation. Absolutely love it!! Expect pictures in the not-too-distant future. Later Saturday went into Wangaratta and found a wonderful Art Deco, chocolate, faux leather sofa at a 'discount furniture place'. Fell in love with it and bought it!! (It was delivered to the house yesterday). Also bought my new TV and Blue Ray. They were delivered today!

Must have been too much excitement for a Saturday.... following several weeks of packing and moving.... just a bit of stress! Anyway, I woke up in the middle of the night with a very sore throat and a completely compacted/congested head. I have been so sick for the last few days that it took a real effort to get to the house for the deliveries yesterday and today.... (while my friend, Chas, is in Melbourne I am house/dog sitting at his place about 20 minutes away.) Felt a bit better today, but then had a big day.... so coughing and sputtering again now.

When I feel recovered I will be adding pictures of the house before renovations started, when they finished, and then when my household goods arrived and I set up my new home. Have been feeling too ill to even figure out how to put a title on this entry! I'm going to have to get additional assistance from Zefi!!

Speaking of Zefi..... She did a WONDERFUL job in setting up and amazing photo and title page for my blog. My hat's off to you, Zefi (picture here also a 'standing ovation' with wild applause!!!!) Thanks again!