friday five: blank slate edition

So here it is, the first day of a brand new year. I'm trying a less conventional lens to think about the blank slate of 2016 using these five categories as prompts.

Food: I enjoyed some success losing weight last year with the help of a fitness app. I'd like to build on that success--and the things that I learned help to fuel it--by incorporating some different food groups into the mix. More quinoa, for instance, as well as some recipes that incorporate fruit. I've still got 25-30 pounds left to reach my goal weight. Raising a stalk of celery to getting there!

Reading, writing, and ‘rithmetic: One casualty of facebook is the decline in the use of blogs. Fewer posts are being written, as well as being read. It's nice to have even a modest following, and to know that others care enough about what I share that they read what I have taken the time to write. But although I started blogging to share news and photos with family and friends, I kept at it because it fed a part of me to express myself through the written word. I'd like to reclaim that expression. It would also be fun to try some creative writing, as well. Just 'cuz. I'm starting by doing today's Friday five!

Relating: I live with the double-edged sword of introversion. The tendency to remain "within" doesn't nourish relationships, and hence they suffer. At the same time, it isn't helpful to beat myself up because a part of my nature contributes to that affliction. It's past time to explore ways to honor the nature while nurturing those affected by its less-than-comfy edge.

Mother Earth: A few years ago Ken and I made the decision to try to visit the national parks that are within easy reach of us (2 hour drive, or so). This was inspired by a visit to Mammoth Cave National Park in KY.  We plotted out the parks that fell within that category, and... it's time to revive that plan. It's also time to get to some of our state parks.

Creating: I've rediscovered knitting (that's Eli in his Christmas hat). I didn't think it was really a viable activity with a dog that likes to plunge into my lap without a moment's notice, but it turns out I was just making that up. There are a host of knitting projects I would like to tackle, and with six grandchildren (and one on the way), I've got a rich target audience for this expression. I may just have to revive some other craft pleasures, too.

A different kind of bonus: Parker Palmer has an excellent blog post about five new year’s revolutions that I found inspiring, challenging, and thought-provoking. Consider it an eighth day of Christmas gift! And may the year ahead bless you in all your endeavors and pathways in life.

laying the groundwork

This is one of my trees. It's in a frame with glass, so I had to take the picture without a flash, which meant natural light=slow shutter speed=some blurriness. The medium is scratchboard, a sort of chalky film-covered paper over which India ink was painted. The ink is then scratched off to reveal the white layer beneath. As you can see, what you get is a reverse/negative image. I need to reframe this one of these days. The mat is aged and yellowed, and the frame itself has taken some hits over the years, damaging it. Not surprising, since I etched this nearly 40 years ago! Anyway, I thought I would show you one of my trees.

I spent a good part of yesterday starting to clean my office/creative space. Space is essential in order to work! I am pleased to report that I got a fair amount done, and even vacuumed and shampooed the carpet! This is quite an accomplishment since there were all sorts of things set on the floor, and navigating around the room, especially for Juliet, had become treacherous (she's a big dog and needs more room to maneuver).

As I anticipated having clear space in which to work, I started to think about what sort of project I might choose to knock the rust off my inner artist. Except for watercolor and icons, I've note done any painting without the materials being provided and project assigned. As in high school. I haven't a clue, with acrylics, if I should use some sort of canvas or heavy paper. ??? Until I can determine that I've decided to start in park, with the engine running, and put pencil to paper. Drawing seems like a good way to warm up.

I actually took a drawing class while I was in seminary, but after nine weeks of sketching masterpieces (drawing with pencil in a small pad), drawing my surroundings, and in class tackling the underwhelming subject matter of still life in the form of boxes and chairs, I bailed. I hadn't learned a dang thing, and the whole point of taking the class was to learn something. I digress.

This is my progress report. There is progress in the preparation department. I think I know where I can find a drawing pad, and I know where my pencils are. Securing an eraser is the next material task, and then?

I'll keep you posted.

creative -- every day?

In an earlier post I shared that I  had gotten wind of, and chose to "participate" in a blog prompt called Creative Every Day. The prompts don't come daily, but every now and then an email comes along that says "Yay for you! Feel free to share!" Well, words to that effect. Each month there is a one-word theme to help focus our creative efforts. February's word is "passion."

This morning one of those friendly emails awaited me at the computer, and I started to laugh. Oh! the desire to be creative! Would that I could be tending that part of me wholeheartedly! And then I had to stop my laughter in its tracks. Picture me slapping my forehead. What was I thinking? I've been creative every day since Christmas!! First there was cross stitch project number one (taking it to be framed this week -- yay!). Then I began cross stitch project number two. Last week there was Gabriel, and now I'm back to CS project number two. Say it with me now, "Duh!"

I guess I'm so accustomed to the dearth of creative efforts that I'd essentially removed that line item from my figurative checklist of soul-satisfying efforts (or non-efforts, since to me, creativity isn't work). I forget that the monthly church newsletter is a joy because it's a creative process (the graphics and the writing). I forget that cooking is about assembling ingredients and producing something that looks, smells, and tastes good. I forget that my mind is constantly generating ideas that can benefit the church, or Pampered Chef, or tending relationships (even if I'm not good at executing those ideas).

Creating, on any front, brings me pleasure. The deepest satisfaction may come from producing something with my hands that has roots in my heart--like Gabriel, cross stitch, or the next project that involves my sewing machine--but all creating is food for my soul and fuel for my day. I may not have a finished product to share on a regular basis, but Houston, we not only have ignition, we have movement! Can I get an AMEN?

looking down the road

I'm cruising along on my cross stitch birth announcement. I'm more than half done, which propels me at the end of the day to stitch one more length of thread, or complete the section on which I'm working. I've still got at least a week's worth of evenings to go, probably more, to wrap this up, but the end is in sight, and I'm psyched.

I've got two more birth announcements to tackle when this one is complete, but then I can consider other projects, and consider them I do!

During Advent Ken and I were at Hobby Lobby and checked out a framed print of a nativity scene. It was one of the nicer ones I'd seen, and it was half price. We talked about getting it for the church, but concluded that since we are the Church of the Epiphany, not Church of the Nativity, art for the church ought to be chosen that represented our feast. At least initially.

One of the things I love about getting Christmas cards is the great variety of art that decorates the front of many of the cards. I'm always intrigued by the depictions of the Magi, which generally show them en route to the manger. Yay for accuracy! I'm a stickler about that.

Anyway, I thought it would be fun to see what sorts of cross stitch patterns were available to honor the Feast of the Epiphany, and perhaps love one so much that I just had to work it. My Google search didn't turn up much in the way of patterns. I started with "Magi," stubbornly moved to "Wise Men," and finally relented to "Three Kings." The majority of what popped up were not impressive--the scale was too big, or the detail too sparse.  And then I found the pattern for the tapestry you see above. Yes, that's the completed cross stitch work. Gulp! It's called, obviously enough, The Adoration of the Magi, and the hand of William Morris is evident in its design (I love William Morris)!  For the record, it's 623 stitches across, and 416 stitches wide. Or, approximately 35" by 23"! If I were to do this it would probably take me the rest of my life. At the least I'd have to work on it in stages so as not to tire of it or allow it to prevent me from working on other things. The pattern alone is $34. Fabric and floss would be mine to procure. And then there would be the framing, but I'm getting ahead of myself.

It's daunting to consider, but I really like this print (I love the angel hovering just above the ground). I've bookmarked the pattern as I contemplate taking it on, and will look, in the meantime, for other, less involved renderings of the Magi.

What projects or creative efforts are tempting you as we while away these winter days?

monday miscelaney

Like half of the rest of the world, I am returning to the gym today. "Say it ain't so!" Ken would be remarking, except that he's already heard me tell him I would join him this morning when he heads over there. I've been working up my resolve to deal with my weight, and my dismal effort at exercise. The time has come. I'm going to take it slow, starting with the treadmill, and see if I can meet with Marcie, wonder-girl trainer, to put together a plan. When I feel less like a slug I'll get back in the pool.

Leaving church yesterday I grabbed the Book of Worship Services to bring home. When we get back from the gym I'll tally up the statistics for 2010 and be fully prepared when the parochial report arrives to complete. Ken saw the book on the kitchen table and asked what it was, and when I told him my plans for it he responded (read with great enthusiasm), "All right, way to get ahead of things!" It occurred to me then that his observation signaled something important. For two years I've been playing catch-up with this church, trying to get records in order, procedures refined, protocols created... to be ahead of the game marks a shift in the work to be done, and what I am now free to do. Perhaps it will be possible to reduce the hours I put in to this half-time job, or at least produce more fruit from the hours spent in the vineyard. I can work with that!

The dogs have discovered bubble wrap. It's rather amusing.

The restoration of our relationship with Ashley has freed my creative spirit when it comes to my grandchildren. I had bought cross stitch patterns for birth announcements and started one for Luke ages ago. The pain of the estrangement clapped shackles around my heart in terms of creating for them. I am happy to report that the birth announcement is now "back in the light," and I am making very good progress on it. It's fairly detailed, and more than once I have asked, "What were you thinking?" when I chose it, but it's been good therapy. I am fully confident (can confidence be qualified? or is it like unique?) that I will finish it, and the one for Cross, before baby number three makes its appearance in July. Pictures will be forthcoming.

And now, time to lace-up and make a pony-tail. The treadmill awaits!

today

I was headed to the kitchen to reheat my coffee and my thoughts moved toward the day ahead. It stretches wide before me: an appointment canceled, the threat of snow (I'll believe that when I see it!), good stuff to read... The word "today" began to form a sentence, and before I knew it the word was followed by lyrics from a John Denver song. "Today, while the blossom still clings to the vine; I'll taste your strawberries, I'll drink your sweet wine; a million tomorrows shall all pass away, ere I forget the joy that is mine today." I hadn't thought of that song in, well, maybe a million yesterdays, but there it was, clear and sweet in my head.

In the dead of winter our vines are bare, but there is plenty that blooms within. Thoughts, feelings, ideas, confidence are all blooming. Good things are happening. Spring is on the way, a wedding is inching closer, my health issues are improving, I'm creating again, and Ken is in better spirits. there is joy in this day.

Once upon a time I made valentines every year. I can't recall exactly when or why I stopped, but I miss that annual activity of thinking about the people I love and pouring that love into my creative crucible. It's time to renew that tradition, and it's a particularly good idea to maintain some creative momentum with my bright and shiny tidy office and work space.

So today I will think about and pray for loved ones. I will channel that love from heart to hands. I'll think about a man who sang songs about the beauty and eternity of love, and hum along as I work. Today I will relish the joy that is mine.

getting back into the game

Friday Night's Sew-In provided two opportunities to me: dedicated time for creating, and time to get back into quilting. I thought a small project would be a good way to spend that evening, not to mention be a "baby steps" approach to something I haven't done in several years. I also wanted a more appealing surface top for my new altar area, presently a dark charcoal gray. A pattern in a small quilt book drew my eye, and with "blue" in mind to coordinate with the blue walls of my office, I set out in search of fabric.

The background, the white fabric, was the only thing in the entire store that seemed to suit the project. From there it was a matter of coordinating tones and colors, and in the end, I thought I had a workable collection. Disregarding the border (which I think will come off) it's not that it's a bad effort; it just doesn't fit the space in terms of mood. It feels better suited to a boys room than a woman's altar. Whatever, it's just not working for me.

So I feel sort of bittersweet about this project. I got it done (the top, anyway) and it's not bad. It just isn't what I wanted it to be. Oh well. This happens. There's no place else in this house for this to fit--our decor is earth tones--so I'm not sure what its future is. But now that the machine is up, the ironing board is up, and the counter is clear for cutting, the future looms large for more projects. Yipeee!!

it's a pajama party!

Through my friend Kim's blog I learned about an upcoming Friday Night Sew-In, an opportunity to share some virtual time with others working on creative projects. It's sort of like virtual crops that I used to do sometimes with scrapping friends, but this one broadens the field to include any creative project, be it sewing, scrapping, knitting, and so on. Cool! Participants are asked to sign up and spread the word through our own blogs. So here I be, spreading the word. I haven't decided yet what my designated Friday project will be, but I can tell you that I'm already excited about it! Wanna join in? Follow the links!