Poking fun at what you're bad at

What's one hobby or skill you're never going to be good at, no matter how much time you invest? After I share mine, why not take a moment to reflect on your own bad talent, have a laugh about it, and call it a day?

I'm not good at art

One of my loved ones recently won a contest for his amazing chalk art. Picture a Jimi Hendrix album cover with a surfer theme, and you'll know why he and his collaborator won the People's Choice award.

This achievement led another family member and me to trade pathetic art stories. Though I'm not at liberty to share his, I'm happy to share mine:

When I was in sixth grade, my Uncle Hank was coming to visit from the other side of the country. I couldn't wait to meet him.

When I got off the school bus, his rental car was in the driveway. Yes! I couldn't wait to show him the cool, glossy red and black ashtray I had made in art class. Its square walls felt thick and substantial.

On top of that, it was functional! Truly art at its best.

I was practically beaming when I held up my ashtray to show it to Uncle Hank. He said, “That’s nice. What, did you make that in kindergarten?”

No, dumbass, it just came out of the kiln this afternoon.

(Sorry for the bad word. I am my father's daughter.)

The following year, in Mr. Irons’ reading class, I discovered I had a knack for writing, and never looked back. 

Side note: Uncle Hank's real name is not Hank. I don't recall ever meeting him again.