Tracey Cronin, Ph.D.
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tcronin50.bsky.social
Tracey Cronin, Ph.D.
@tcronin50.bsky.social
Writer, potter, recovering academic (social psychology, Ph.D.). Mom (two grown men, youngest is forever 28) and cat butler (Nemesis and Circe). Nature lover on a mystical path. Website: https://clayplay-pottery.square.site
Nemesis says she wants to go with me to my kiln at her Aunt Ena’s house. I’m considering it, but I don’t think her 3 cousin cats would be very welcoming of her. They tolerate each other, as cats do, but I think that’s their tolerance limit.
November 8, 2025 at 9:13 PM
My girl Nemesis, just by existing, reminds me that some of the most beautiful and loving creatures—including Jesus Christ—were born to exist as the perceived Nemesis/rebel of their time.

Then she gets lots of extra scritches from me because I adore that kind of shit.

Yes. Jesus was a rebel.
November 7, 2025 at 3:42 AM
My girl Nemesis is encouraging me to keep reading.
October 21, 2025 at 4:49 AM
Marched with several first timers in Portland today, and honestly, that was my favorite part—seeing the experience through their eyes. Incredible showing! It seemed to go on forever! Here’s a pic of my favorite sign. #NoKings #NoKingsPortland
October 19, 2025 at 2:02 AM
Some holiday prototypes in progress.
October 8, 2025 at 4:28 AM
Got a little bit of coastal eye candy with my son and grand-doggos at Canon beach/Astoria this weekend.
September 28, 2025 at 8:27 PM
I miss my squirrel-girl, Sheila, but her bullies were violent and obnoxious.

Wherever she is now, I wish her peace and gentle love. With all of the best nuts.

And I mean all of them 😃
September 15, 2025 at 5:39 AM
There’s really no easy way
to reclaim clay scraps in my humble setup but potters always find a way. It’s so worth it—aside from mitigating the ridiculous cost of clay these days, throwing with reclaim is a dream. #pottery #ceramics #clay #potterproblems #mudslinging #pottersofbluesky
September 7, 2025 at 11:53 PM
It was my deeply felt honor to be tasked by my spiritual community to create a sacred bowl for the installation ceremony of our new Associate Reverend. The energy of that bowl blessed all of us during her affirmation ceremony. I’m so proud. #pottery #ceramics #wheelthrown #kilngods #sacredart
September 4, 2025 at 3:17 AM
Happy Labor Day, Portland. It’s always an honor and a pleasure to march with you 🪧🤗🥰
September 1, 2025 at 10:55 PM
My girl, Circe, feels like she’s got her space back.
August 28, 2025 at 5:24 AM
I couldn’t wait to fill my new kiln before doing my first glaze fire. I unloaded the kiln today and it feels like Christmas morning! #pottery #ceramics #glazing #glazefire #kilngods #wheelthrown
August 15, 2025 at 10:10 PM
A heart pitcher in power turquoise and honey flux #pottery #ceramics #wheelthrown #glazing #kilngods #clayplay
August 11, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Nemesis would like me to know—she is not amused in this heat.
August 11, 2025 at 6:30 AM
Experimenting with less literal colors on an elephant ear leaf imprinted wall pocket. It’s been a minute since I’ve done one of these—I think I was getting bored with them. #pottery #ceramics #handbuilding #clayplay #glazing #kilngods
August 10, 2025 at 11:53 PM
Can’t get enough of this glaze combo—it’s somewhat of a runner, but once you’ve got the application method down, it’s reliably stunning on every piece. #pottery #ceramics #wheelthrown #clayplay #mindfulness #glazing #kilngods
August 9, 2025 at 9:31 PM
Inspired by the heart pitcher demo piece (plus I needed to work out cleaner pouring spouts), I made my mom a cream and sugar set with generally the same heart pitcher. These heart pitchers pour perfectly, no dribbling whatsoever. #pottery #ceramics #wheelthrown #glazing #clayplay #kilngods
August 8, 2025 at 7:55 PM
This sweet baby sold right out of the kiln 🥰. It was a wheel throwing demo piece—after I threw a cylinder I asked, what shape would you like from here? She said, a heart! So I shaped a bit more then stopped the wheel and altered it. The glaze is phenomenal! #pottery #ceramics #kilngods #wheelthrown
August 7, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Ducks and geese fishing together at the river today, plus two mating dragonflies landing on the blackberry bush I was foraging (like bear) for winter jam.

I didn’t get a picture of the dragonflies because my hands were sticky and stained but my timeline was thusly cleansed.
August 4, 2025 at 1:17 AM
Circe kisses 😘
July 28, 2025 at 7:15 PM
My beautiful girl, Nemesis, reminding me we’re not going anywhere we don’t want. We’re just reflecting light. 🌈💕
July 28, 2025 at 6:40 AM
Blaaaaaaackberries!!! I was going to make a sorbet with them this year to cut back on sugar, but these plump beauties *really* want to be a cobbler…
July 26, 2025 at 11:37 PM
Back at the Sandy River Delta to read and look for pretty river stones—gotta support my cairn building habit.

I found agates, smooth jaspers that will work well as worry stones, and possibly a piece of petrified wood. This was the stone that jumped out at me. Julian always finds ways to say hi.
July 26, 2025 at 9:20 PM
A drive with the moonroof open, music playing, and everything I need for a solid day of R&R. It’s a beautiful day! ☀️😎
July 25, 2025 at 11:27 PM
Incense burners are back from the kiln, ready for this weekend’s Pride festivities! #pottery #ceramics #wheelthrown #glazing #kilngods #Pride
July 16, 2025 at 9:57 PM