A First-timer's View     by Joe Wild

I just wanted to write to tell you how much I enjoyed and how beneficial I found your FAW Retreat at Kirkridge. Frankly, I didn't have a very clear picture of what I was signing up for. I only knew I wanted to try something different and it had to fit into a long weekend. I'm pleased that I ended up at your workshop.

There were a couple of things that really clicked for me. One was to learn what it is like to be part of an accepting, supportive community. It hit me that I was accepted and how different that felt when no one laughed at my clay sculpture when it came out of the kiln. It's not that I've experienced so much rejection. I just never realized how much I expect it. Anyway, you've helped show me a way of interacting that I can strive for in my own family and as I develop friendships.

There was another thing that really clicked for me. When I was putting roots on my clay sculpture, I thought "Don't make them symmetric. You always make everything symmetric." From that flowed a whole series of thoughts:

• There is strength in the diversity of nonsymmetric, irregular progress.

• Just because something is not progressing in a linear fashion doesn't mean it's not progressing. I've avoided doing many things because I didn't see a clear predictable path to progress.
• I've hidden behind math and science, and avoided anything on the artistic side of life.

• Many of the more interesting and fun things in life just aren't regular. It's probably been 25 years since I attempted anything artistic. It was fun.

Thank You,

Joe Wild
Nashua, New Hampshire