I'd be lying if I said that recent events haven't left me feeling a little blue. Not in an 'off to top myself' kind of way, more just an ache, a residual sadness.
Feeling like this doesn't concern me anymore, neither does admitting to it. In the past I would have run a thousand miles before making such a confession. Why, I am not sure, afterall sadness is a part of the human continuum like any other emotion. Shunning it just sends it underground which is when things start to get ugly.
These days when I feel a little blue I like to sit with it, watch it, make my peace with it. Beyond any other learning in my adult life this lesson has been the most profound. Do I sound like a self help manual? Let's just say Anthony Robbins has nothing on me.
What I really wanted to talk about was a lovely project Leah has organised for a bunch of women to have their merry way with a set of Russian teatowels. And I'm big on teatowels as you might know.
I've decided that in light of all that has happened, my project would revolve around my garden.
life lived/life lost/love/loss/renewal
I've cut the linen into 16 pieces, each of which will be dyed using only what comes from my backyard. I'll show you the results of my first attempt tomorrow, but for now, here's a few hints:
wow.
I'm SO keen to see what comes of this tea towel - I think we're going to have some brilliant results all round .....
As for the sadness thing - I've always felt some kind of comfort in sadness - the catharsis of a good cry, and that feeling that you get when you're so emotional - sometimes it makes me feel good that I can feel something so much..... I'm more afraid of being numb....
That being said, it's always good to see the light breaking on anew day, when you step through it and find yourself on the other side - I hope you get there soon!
lots of love,
Leah xxx
Posted by: Hyena In Petticoats | November 23, 2008 at 02:27 AM
digging in the dirt has always helped me. I cannot wait to see the results!
Posted by: meg | November 23, 2008 at 02:12 PM
Dyes made from the garden. Sounds wonderful. I have dyers' chamomile growing and it's in flower at the moment. I have been hoping to harvest some to try out.
Knowing when you're sad is a good thing. I say yah for being sad. To know you're sad must also means you know when you're happy. Yeah?
Posted by: katiecrackernuts | November 23, 2008 at 04:27 PM
It's great to see what you are doing with the beetroot. I do quite a bit of "eco-dyeing" but I haven't tried veggies yet. I do find stitching very peaceful and helps with the sadness. xxx
Posted by: Account Deleted | November 26, 2008 at 07:11 PM
I have redone my link in the hope that you can see my blog and my dyeing ' cos my profile didn't look too good. xxx
Posted by: Trisha | November 26, 2008 at 07:15 PM