The Pitcher is a Potter

Have you ever been to Whynot ?  Well, why not ?  Quite likely it's because you knew not that the place even existed.  Located along 'Pottery Highway' near the central North Carolina town of Seagrove 
(another place that has not been on your travels ?), there is little there that you would notice except the  highway sign.

It's almost in the center of the State.

According to local tradition, several years ago residents gathered to choose a name for their 'town'.  After several suggestions had been    rejected, someone recommended, "Why not name it Why Not and let's just go home?"

The Seagrove area is frequently called the "Pottery Capital of North Carolina" and sometimes, less modestly, the "Pottery Capital of the World".  I will leave it to 'authorities' to resolve the matter. . .See Wikipedia for "Seagrove, NC".  But leaving downtown Seagrove and just before the above sign is our favorite pottery, Dirtworks and our friend, Dan the Potter.

A few years ago, Our State Magazine (North Carolina) did a cover story on Seagrove and featured a two-page spread including full page photo of Dan.

{And this is where I indicate that this post is neither a requested nor paid commercial.  As a matter of fact, Dan will probably see this at about the same time you see it. If interested, put "Dirt Works Pottery" in your search engine.}

Ian is our ten year old former next door neighbor who shares my love of baseball. We think that he plays several positions well, especially as catcher or pitcher (See earlier post, "Take Me Out to the Ballgame").

He had expressed interest in seeing Dan's two Saint Bernard 'puppies' , each weighing 125 # + at six months old.  Dan invited us to bring Ian to see the 'pups' and he indicated that while we were there, he would teach Ian to 'throw' a piece of pottery.  The dogs provided affectionate entertainment. 

Pups

 After initial hesitancy, Ian donned a work shirt and set about his first creation.  Dan was a remarkably patient, kind, encouraging teacher and when the venture was complete, the pot was ready for the kiln.  Dan indicated that it would be ready in a couple of weeks.

Teacher and Student

About seventy-one years ago when I was in the second grade, our teacher brought clay for us to make a piece of pottery.  Mine was a purple monstrosity but when I gave it to my mom, she acted as if it were crafted by a world-class potter.  Until her death in 2003, that piece of pottery remained along with other keepsakes on a shelf by her kitchen sink.  I hope that Ian's creation will bring comparable pride to its recipient.

After all,  "Why Not ?"

Satchel