I think I have fallen off the map. Somehow my wheels are spinning faster than my energy can keep pace. Maybe it is time lost or time away or time needing balance. The record has been set to the highest speed, and I am wanting to put it back to the lowest one…was it 33 RPM’s on that phonograph so many years ago? I am feeling a little bad that in the last two weeks I can’t seem to keep up with comments on my blog or respond to other blogs in the same generous way that they have given to me. I will get back to a routine again, but for now I am feeling a little out of balance.
Sometimes friendship comes to greet us, and we feel centered and whole again. I have one of the dearest neighbors one could hope to have. She lives opposite us on the corner and is an artist. She teaches art, but her life is also about artistic expression and movement within this aesthetic. Last winter when we were gone during a major snowstorm, she came over and photographed our garden and house blanketed and softened by layers and folds of lovely, pure, white snow. She emailed them to me because she knows my love of snow and its ephemeral nature in this town. She takes me on walks to show me neighborhoods unknown to me. She embraces joy and beauty and shares her unique vision. Every card and note she sends is done in the most refined and lovely calligraphy I have ever seen. On Sunday, after loaning me her hedger so I could trim my long boxwood hedge in our front yard, she sent back this notecard that she had purchased in Tokyo, Japan when she was there last year. It was done by a mentally handicapped person. Yes, it is repetitive, but isn’t it an example of amazing art, the graphics, the colors, the surprise elements that are captured on the edges? It also says something about warmth and caring when something this dear and special is handed over from one person to another. Some days life seems a race, but other days there seems to be an outstretched hand ready to meet ours and reassure our need for calm and comfort.
I believe in no guilt blogging. We all have periods when we are more or less involved, that’s the way it should be.
You are so right! I like that concept….”no guilt blogging”, and since we all have so many other shoulds, blogging should be kept for fun, relaxation, inspiration, creativity, and sharing. Thanks for that reminder. I needed to see this and remember.
May I be (probably) the last to congratulate you on your sixtieth-and to catch up with your gracious and thoughtful blog. I agree with Deb above-blogging needs to be guilt free and there are periods when we spend a great deal of time in the virtual world, and periods when we are absent. I guess that is how the balance eventually comes about.
Thank you! I think blogging is pretty special, and I want to keep it that way. I have met so many wonderful people in such a short period of time, and that includes you!
I was trying to figure out my own miasma. Do you think it is birthday “drags”? I am going through my own questioning and have not come up with any answers….but one foot in front of the other.
I am impressed with the card. I am drawn to graphics. They always distill the message. And the design is powerful in its repetition
It could be the birthday drags, but I have been over-tired for many weeks now, partly due to chronic insomnia. This seems to come and go. Or maybe because I have found it hard to get down consistently to my creative space to work. This is always a bit frustrating, but I am certain I am not alone with this issue of time and creativity.
I also believe in guilt free blogging.
There are many times when life is just too busy to be able to keep up with everything on ones schedule.
I also have times when I just want to be quiet and enjoy nature and all her wonders.
Everyone here seems to agree that blogging should be about pleasure and fun. I, too, think this is very important. I especially identify with your last comment about giving ourselves time and space for quiet and the beauty and enjoyment of nature. That in itself is so healing.
Nice to have a friend like that.
We all need a break sometimes and dont ever feel guilty about that.
Thanks for visiting my blog
your address is no reply but I wanted to say thanks for the nice comment.
my scrappy tumblers are fun to make too , working out of my comfort zone is really good for me.
Kathie
I am not sure how I posted a comment on your blog with an address to no reply. I will have to understand how I am leaving the comment next time. This was a mistake, not intentional. Thank you for returning to me. Your work is very inspiring!
friends are always friends, no comments attached…ha! relax. we are here…even i made it back.
Well if jude can make it back after that crash (and you have), then what an inspiring role model we all have. Thanks for stopping by. I think I crashed for a few days.
What a lovely friendship you have with your neighbour. The card from Japan is beautiful in its simplicity. Isnt it wonderful to have a friend who shares your love of art.
I have enjoyed popping by to visit your blog. I have been lurking about a little while and thought I should leave a comment as I really enjoy reading your posts.
I adore the vintage red quilt your purchased recently. I have been toying with the idea of making myself a red quilt for quite a while (and have a good stash of reds to choose from). Your quilt has inspired me to get them out and start on my quilt.
Yes, it really is a gift to have a friend to share a love of art. In this way, ideas and inspiration seems to flow back and forth in such an energetic way.
I am so glad that you have been visiting, and especially that you left some comments. It is always special to hear from people and be able to share with them in mutual ways. I agree with you about reds. I tend to be drawn to them as well. I think you should do a quilt of reds especially if you have been saving a collection of them. There are so many inspiring quilts out there, and I love looking at some of the blogs that feature these. I am sure you do as well. I would love to see what you come up with if you are willing to share. Hope you come back and leave another comment sometime.