The Orchid Journal

I forgot how much I like the way clay feels in my hands. In elementary school, I often used air drying Mexican clay. At first, always the deep red clay- I made a dinosaur head for a project once in forth grade, adding real grasses glued to the inside of its mouth after the clay dried. My mom had coached me on how to work the clay to get it to match the shapes I saw in the photo of the dinosaur. I kept the project for years. I may still have it in storage along with the rest of my belongings far away in Tucson. In fifth or sixth grade, I came across this interesting clay that actually hardened IN water! After forming a tiny little teapot, complete with detachable lid, I placed the piece in a tub of water and after the subscribed time, took it out. I was pleased and fascinated by how hard the clay had become. I know for sure I still have that piece...in my storage unit along with the rest of my life. It was before high school, but for sure by 10th grade that I decided the red cla...

There was once a king with 10 daughters. Each daughter, from the first to the last, was beautiful in body and spirit, well-educated and talented. Some played sports, some danced, sang or played instruments. A few of the daughters enjoyed cooking or gardening. Like all people, the daughters had flaws, but they were good-tempered and willing to learn and grow. One day, the King decided to find husbands for his goodly daughters, for they had a desire to be married, but would only marry princely men of whom their father approved. The King sent out messages throughout all the world to the princes of noble character. Presently, three princes arrived. The King happily paired each one with one of his daughters and sent them back to their kingdoms in joy. There were still seven daughters unaccounted for, though. They waited and waited. After a while, the King decided to send out another invitation, inviting the noble princes of nearby kingdoms to choose a bride. This time no one came e...