You’re beginning to despair that I’ve become a photo blog, eh? Today, I have words—although, a bit disjointed.
In an effort to actually break through my creativity block I’ve been attempting to sew a little each day. Yesterday, I finished up an order for the store (and forgot to photograph it!!) in the morning. Since it was the last pending order to get out, I figured I’d launch into the bag that’s been lounging around too long, all cut out and begging to be sewn.
You’ll notice that an actual pattern is involved, much to my chagrin. There’s a reason I don’t use patterns very often: they’re typically riddled with mistakes. Which means, your project is usually riddled with mistakes. Sure enough, this pattern is an absolute mess. I re-cut the bottom of it 3 times before it became clear that no amount of resizing was going to fix the issue. And that’s when I chucked the pattern and went it alone singing Elvis to myself.
So listen, I’m not trying to prove
Anything at all here,
But don’t you think that maybe,
This time, you were wrong?
So, maybe it wasn’t Elvis I was singing, but OK GO! However, the point remains: I did it my way and this pattern is destined for the recycling bin.
Because this bag is made of vintage silk and a recycled hand-printed Willendur tablecloth, I figured I’d list it in the store. But, between struggling with the pattern and struggling to wrap my brain around the news—it’s found a different home.
While I’m mainly sewing each day to get over my “issues” with failing to commit—the process for the past two days has served a better purpose, really. I don’t have words for the tragedy in Virginia. And I can’t make sense of it. Sitting and absorbing all the details isn’t getting me anywhere, so I pray. And I sew.
I suspect, in some ways, this news is most difficult to absorb for other college students. Beyond the actual students of Virginia Tech, and those of you who know people involved, it is college students who must now absorb a reality they probably would rather ignore. A reality, that until Monday wasn’t even a thought to consider. And as I finished up this little bag, this bit of therapy, I decided that the best thing I could do is to take care of the college student in my life. So, I boxed it up, along with some other goodies that encourage good self-care, and sent it her way.
I still can’t make meaning of Monday. I don’t know if there are right words, despite the amount that have been thrown at the situation. How do you re-establish equilibrium when the scales have been completely shattered? All I can do is love those around me and pray. I hope you’re finding ways to do the same.
Family hug therapy is working for me. My kids laugh about how “needy” I am. Lots of mindless reading has distracted me. Going out to coffee with my former student/now friend was wonderful. Yet, the tragedy is never far from my mind. Every time I read anything about one of those wonderful people who died, I get very weepy. The purse is fantastic!
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I hope the recipient likes it! And hug therapy is a good thing… Boy Wonder has been looking at me askance all day, because I’ve been ever so clingy! 😀 ~W
I just found out about what happened (I usually don’t watch or listen to the news because it saddens me and stresses me out) so, now I feel sad and stressed out for everyone that was involved…and what wonderful idea to send something of yourself…it helps to help doesn’t it? And creativity is a beautiful gift!
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It’s beyond being imagined. I hope my college student is doing ok. 😀 ~W
We are sending Evangeline a care package today, for the same reason. Sasha doesn’t need one because she is on her way home in 4 short days.
It’s weird, being a teacher, and thinking about the students I have known over the years. Every now and then you meet a kid who, even at the tender age of 7 or 8, you think to yourself that some day you will see his face on the news, and it won’t be for something good.
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Yeah, this gets to me, because the one area of ministry that ever tempted me to being ordained was college chaplaincy. There is something about college students. I can’t exactly hug all of them at the moment, so we hug the one we have, I suppose. It’s all so small. I’m glad to know that I wasn’t the only one with the impulse. It would make me very nervous right now to have my child out from under my wing–so, I’m thinking about all you mothers of college aged people. ~W
Healing words, lovely photos, precious bag! Thank you for the reminder to love and pray, dear Wende.
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Thank you! 😉 ~W
Whew! Glad to hear that bit about patterns…I thought it was all me! I have rarely been able to sew anything from a pattern that turned out right, and I end up getting so frustrated I start throwing things and ripping the fabric to shreds. Now I know I can blame it all on the pattern! And I love the bag!
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Oh, you are not alone. I loath using one, although at times it’s necessary. I typically cut stuff out and chuck the instructions! :D However, this time, even the pieces were wrong. I’m tempted to cut it out again out of a cheap pillowcase and see if I can conquer it, because I don’t like being stumped. However, I keep telling myself that will only bring ruin. 😀 ~W
Beautiful bag, and a wonderful way of doing something meaningful for someone. May we each cultivate Peace within us, so that we may become an even greater source of Peace for others.
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Indeed! and Amen. 😀 ~W
Your response to this tragedy is beautiful. So many people around me get caught up in the hate and anger, that they forget that what the world really needs right now is a huge dose of love. Thanks for reminding and inspiring me 🙂 And the bag is adorable!
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Oh, I hope it arrives to you today! I suspect, however, it will be Saturday! Happy Semester, dear one. Be good to you!! ~W
First off… loving you photos! Amazing as are your words.
I’m trying to keep focused on the people of the tragedy vs the horrendous act. But… then that makes me all the sadder learning of these wonderful kids and teachers. I DON’T want to NOT listen – because I want to honor those people by learning about them. I don’t know if I said that too well. Anyhoo… I do believe it helps to help. To serve. To do something. We can all create beauty and pass it on, like you did for your friend.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Wende. It’s very comforting and inspiring.
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I think we all have absorb the best way we can and honor the best way we know how. 😀 Glad you’re enjoying the photos. Sometimes, I don’t have words. ~W
My son and I are so cynical that it didn’t surprise either one of us. It didn’t surprise any of my students. They attribute these acts to the stress that students have to deal with and the easy availablity of guns. I am sad about it, but I am also sad about the disappearance of the bees, worldwide poverty and so many other issues that this is a blip on my radar.
I’m not worried about your blog becoming a photo blog! I love your photos. They inspire me. I think about creating, and I might even look at one and decide to clean my house. They are treasures.
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Oh, good! I worry sometimes there are too many photos. And when I’m too wordy, I worry on that side too! ~W