I continue to make pottery

Just in case anyone hasn't noticed, I don't have a lot of money. As a matter of fact, I'm broke, financially. What I lack in money, I try to make up for in creativity, ingenuity and self reliance. I was making my own pottery, but I couldn't afford the monthly dues at the studio.

I approached the studio mistress and explained my situation and we came to an understanding: I offered my kids and myself as a labor force in exchange for my monthly dues. This worked out really well for both of us. The summer finds me with five bored kids, full of energy. And there's always LOTS to do at the studio! The kids get to burn some excess energy cleaning up and doing tasks. There's a very friendly horse on the property, there's a swing set, and plenty of assorted bugs and lizards for the boys to explore. And I of course, get to continue to make some pottery.

This arrangement has allowed me to continue with my own creative outlet while making use of my kids free time, and using it in a way that is beneficial and fun for the whole family. As a bonus, I'm back in the studio, exchanging ideas and acting on that creative spark.

I'm not making as much pottery as I when I'm paying my own way. Maybe I don't want to press the good will of others. Perhaps my real job is more demanding than I want to admit, or I'm starting to slow down. That's not really relevant; I've rediscovered my creativity ingenuity and self reliance. And I've done it in a way that was beneficial in more ways than I originally thought