five things friday: anniversaries, stitiches, pine cones
Published: Fri, 01/20/23
January 20, 2023
Hello there,
We have a glorious break in the atmospheric river storms! The sun is shining, the ground
is drying, and the rivers are receding. While it feels strange to be thinking of Spring when we are still in the midst of winter, there are tiny buds on the tree outside my bedroom window and my little garden space is calling for some much needed tidying to make space for growth readying to burst forth. But today, today I will bundle up for a outing with some beloved ones to enjoy the cold, still very much winter sun and air.
Here are some tiny things with their own kind of magic. Please enjoy.
1.
Love and loss will call you home to your deepest self. It is a hard won blessing but a blessing all the same.
Our 23 year anniversary is Sunday. The second anniversary of my mom's death is Tuesday. I am learning how to celebrate when grief has moved in.
2.
I've been stitching. I am starting Ann Wood's 100 day stitch book project today. I have gathered some fabric for pages and some scraps and threads for stitching. I will be putting in my inauguratory stitches during a Muse Meet-Up this morning.
I am a little
daunted by the challenge to do something consistently for 100 days but also excited to build another layer of creative practice into my day. This is the perfect small bite project that will let you/me/us slow down and listen to ourselves, our work, our process. Want to join in? #annwoodstitchbook
I have to laugh at myself because I tend to avoid anything that asks for
consistency. 100 days? In a row?! Oh, heck no!! My desire for freedom can sometimes keep me from just the structure and consistency that would give me the freedom I seek. The freedom to create and hone mastery. Whether it is fine art, a thriving garden, a poem, a beautiful home, it has to include the willingness to show up and do the work over and over and over. The freedom that comes with mastery comes no other way
It has taken me a while but I think I am finally learning. Slowly.
3.
I will be continuing to host Muse Meet-Ups over on Patreon a couple of times a month. It has been creatively nourishing for me and those who have joined. You are always welcome to join us too.
4. These pine cones have been slowly opening over the past couple of weeks. They were tight when found on a walk during an afternoon break in the storms, as if the earth element gave me a gift to tend while nature raged. I am sure I can reach for a profound life metaphor here but the simple wonder of witnessing slow change is magical and profound enough.
5.
A blessing for your week:
(Sacred Rebels Oracle by Alana Fairchild, illustrations by Autumn Skye Morrison)
May what you love, love you also.
Until next
time, Sandi
How are the elements easing you into the year? If you have not already, download Gentle January here.
Please share with those you think would enjoy. If you point them here they can also begin receiving five things friday.