Turning Over a New Leaf

The page has turned. And here I am with a whole new year ahead.

I love January. It is my absolute favorite stitching month...it's too cold for much outdoor activity...the calendar is relatively clear...and there blossoms forth a lot of creativity from needle and fabric and thread.


We went away for the New Year's holiday with our family but I had plenty of time to reflect and plan and dream. And I got good use of my new journal and its cover. The moon on New Year's eve was not visible but I sensed its presence. And I got to work.

I have three bead journal pieces to finish from last year and a number of other commitments to complete in January. So, for me, January is a catch-up month -- I think you'll see lots of beading this month if that's your fancy -- so I guess it's a bit of an "Old Leaf" month...

As for the New Leaf...Allow me to introduce this one made by my dear BNF (Blogging Needle Friend) Pam T. Pam has spent the last year battling a cancer recurrence and I have learned and grown a tremendous amount through witnessing her honesty, her spirit and her courage. She and I have become friends and when I needed a bead pattern for a leaf -- she pointed me to this one...and sent me one of her own. (The pattern is in Bead & Button magazine June 2005 -- you can purchase the .pdf for $3.95 here.)


And so I've spent the past few days trying out Pam T's leaves...I tried different sizes and colors but I still like hers the best. And my eye was continually drawn to her matte olive green leaf with the pink metallic charlottes for veins...She used these same leaves in her July bead journal piece titled Tree of Life pictured below --


It's one of my favorites...that pink tulle swirl represents all of her friends supporting her and willing her to live and grow...You can see all of Pam's bead journals here...they are autobiographical and quite moving to me.

So...inspired by Pam's new leaf on life...I started my own leaf...and one leaf grew to many.


And I had time to reflect on the next phase of my life...the next 19 years...until that next Blue Year's Eve in 2028.

And Pam was with me in her leaf. Reminding me that time is precious...that the present moment shouldn't be wasted...and ultimately, that all we can do is really be alive and feel every moment...even the ones that aren't that great. Because all those moments ultimately write the story on our soul...and that makes each normal day...each habitual routine...more significant. What can I make of a "normal" day of cooking, cleaning, driving and stitching? And have I made a difference?


OK. Told you I've been thinking. Oh, and making leaves...

And planning to be productive and finish those bead journals soon. They're already completed in my head...just need to get the beads on the fabric...

I'm looking forward to all of those hours with my needle and thread.


And before I go...there's one more thing I have to tell you about Pam. She makes BEAUTIFUL beadwork.

As if it weren't enough to send me her Leaf on Life...

She sent me a whole bouquet of them with berries and ribbons and leaves...

A beaded barrette she had made to wear in her own hair but no longer could since all her hair had fallen out because of the chemotherapy. And now I wear it and I remember Pam and her beauty and her strength...and hers becomes mine.


Well, Pam's hair is growing back and I believe there is a new barrette in her future...

And Pam, I'll have to come up with something extra special for your new locks...because I'm so glad you're still here to read this...we'll have to dream up something magnificent!

Happy New Year!

P.S. Thank you to Bobbi for taking the barrette picture yesterday. I was having trouble taking pictures of the back of my head...