A Pocket Full of Stems

                                                                             front

These bright spring days I am finding myself drawn to 'pockets'.  What fun to take a batch of 'scraps' and put them together into the form of a pocket.

                                                                            back

The idea of using embroidery to 'enhance' my stitching has been with me for several weeks.  A pocket is the perfect place to stitch a little bit here and a little bit there.

Although the pocket has a definite form -- the way its made, what is used to make it -- makes it almost an abstract form.  And that is exactly what I'm looking for these days.

"On the great canvas of time

We all create our own masterpiece.

Choreographing our steps across minutes and hours

Dancing over the days

Painting pictures over months and

Writing our stories on the years.

Singing our songs that echo across eons.

We are all a thread in the talent tapestry.

A snapshot in the cosmic, collective collage."

Michele Jannae

Something's Coming...

Don't you love it when your work table is clear and ready for a brand new-to-you project?

Don't you love gathering up the bits and pieces that you might or will need to prepare this yet-to-be project?

Isn't the excitement just wonderful - as if you are opening up your head and heart and waiting for new things to appear?

Isn't there a bit of trepidation as to whether you can actually create those pictures inside your head?

Isn't life wonderful?

"Could it be? Yes, it could.

Something's coming, 
something good,

If I can wait!

Something's coming, I don't know what it is,

But it is

Gonna be great!"

- West Side Story

Opening the door

Recently there was a 'great clean up' in my studio.  I delved into every jar, box, file folder and wire basket.  It turned into a trip of discovery.  While looking through everything I found some small fabric pieces that I had printed long, long ago.  And I found many doo-dads long forgotten.   

Turning these discoveries into a couple of stitchery's was not only fun - but I felt proud of myself that I was finally using what I already had. This "Open Door" stitchery seemed quite fitting for where I am these days.  As I stitched, my mind opened onto new possibilities for these busy hands.

 We'll see what happens in the coming months but I feel that I've gotten a good start into a transition from dolls and critters.  Let's see how this adventure might play out. 

"Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn't know you left open." - John Barrymore

Spring Fling

A couple of weeks ago I walked under trees with bare branches.  I strolled over to a Forsythia that was barren.  I noticed a couple of daffodils but otherwise our neighborhood was still in winter.

And then the sun started shining and the blooms appeared. 

I am surrounded by color, beautiful color.

I am in love with our earth and its beauty.

"Spring has returned.

  The Earth is like a child that knows poems."

Ranier Maria Rilke

"Black Bird"

I'm in transition -- sort of groping my way along -- moving from dolls to what?  Of course my hands can't stay still -- my mind, while grappling with one thing is veering toward another.

When in doubt pick a song, one that speaks to you, that thrills you each time you hear it. Take that song and bring it to life in stitch.

Sing along with me won't you?

Blackbird singing in the dead of night

Take these broken wings and learn to fly

All your life

You were only waiting for this moment to arise.

Black bird singing in the dead of night

Take these sunken eyes and learn to see

All your life

You were only waiting for this moment

To be free

Blackbird fly, Blackbird fly,

Into the dark black night

Into to the dark black night

Blackbird singing in the dead of night

Take these broken wings and learn to fly

All your life

You were only waiting for this moment to arise

You were only waiting for this moment to arise

You were only waiting for this moment to arise

                                                                                Paul McCartney