Part 3 of 3: "What You Can Learn from a Bucket List"

Our celebration Friday dinner was lovely and an additional guest staying on the property joined us.  Since she was also German, the lively conversation heavily leaned toward their common language. Around 10 or so, I bid everyone a good night and said how much I enjoyed it.  Happy dance when I got home especially since Rainer told me Wolfgang had finished the hair and greatly improved my “Muse” during my afternoon away.  I have included the excellent almost finished projects by Gaby and Rainer at the end of this blog.  Rainer had some experience and really made significant progress.  Amazing what each accomplished in a week!  I was not the star pupil.

The week was a success for me – even with my ups and downs -  I learned it is important to follow your dreams, even if they do not turn out to be spectacular or even a mistake. I remembered the importance of friendship from a friend that sent encouragement all during the week.  I learned to listen to others and be quiet for a change.  I learned different cultures add interest to life, everyone does not have our same values, and Americans have much to learn. I also learned to try to hang in there as long as possible.

My Version of  The Muse 

A downside to the week was many general conversations at lunch, dinner and during working on sculptures were in German.  Many times, someone translated, but on retelling, stories seem to lose their punch. They would ask me things in English and speak in English when everyone remembered I was there. Wolfgang translated as much as he could.  I sometimes felt like I did not belong in this group and was an anomaly.  Even the couple commented I was brave to do this – which really says it all in a nice way. I do think everyone did the best they could in this awkward social/work situation.

I have much more awareness of the immense talent of old masters like Bellini and Michaeangelo  who sculpted true masterpieces chip by chip.  It is a God given talent I obviously do not possess.

I will keep the small block of marble on my desk. However it now represents humility and a knowledge of my lack of skill in stone sculpture and many other things. It also represents having the nerve to follow your curiosity and learn new things.  I did reach my main goal of learning the process, basic tools and techniques.  Maybe, just maybe, I'll get this 70 pound hunk of marble back home!