How does a piece begin?
January Reflections began with a color palette that I saw out my winter window. And Found on the Beach began as a collection of shells.
This next piece is inspired by a special woman...
Who lived in a nursing home in the 1970s...
Who sat in her chair, mouthing her prayers and moving the beads on her rosary.
She had a gift to give me.
And I have her story to share.
So today, I am wrestling with the setting: cinder block walls, a gray institution, an old woman, a dying roommate, a prayer book, a rosary, a chair, a housecoat, an institutional bed, and roses...
And the best way to begin.
"It was a dark and stormy night" just won't do here. And "Call me Ishmael" is taken.
So I am here at home and struggling with the blank page.
Struggling to begin.
22 comments:
Oh my, this story already has my eyes filling with tears and has a grip on my heart. I know you will create a piece that will be absolutely beautiful and one of a kind.
Love and hugs ~ FlowerLady
The Woman Within....or The Woman Who Was....
My mother was an amazing woman, to me, who never let her hateful childhood direct or control her happy adulthood. Despite the dementia in her last years, there would be glimpses of Who She Really Was, with an answer to a Jeopardy question or a comment to the cat, or...or....
So there are some 'title' ideas for you, The Amazing Creative Woman!
Take your time my dear and you will see the vision come clear in your head. This is not an easy light-hearted theme. It is one of a life lived and shared with you and so many others. You will honor this in such a wonderful way with your amazing stitching. Blessings dear...
Ooh, intriguing. I'm looking forward to finding out more about this special lady.
This Special Lady obviously has a wonderful place in your heart, Susan, and I'm sure the love shared will bring forth the best way to begin. Sometimes, though, it can be easier to begin in the middle, and work one's way in both directions.
I am intrigued.
Give it time and it will come to you when you least expect it. I think so many of us have had to see a loved one decay and do things they never would have wanted to toward the end of their lives. Working in the hospital I saw so many women and men like this with the lost look in their eyes. I would walk into their room hating to inflict some pain on them when I drew their blood, but I would always try to engage them in discussion of their past. It was so fun for me to have them telling me stories right there in the wee hours of the night as I slipped the needle into their arms to get blood. They would laugh telling their tales or weep confessing their failings, but I always felt a little better by making them a real person in that bed than just a room number or a disease. It will come to you Susan, I'm sure you'll bring humanity to this elderly woman.
Susan, I'm looking forward to see what you come up with, I'm already touched by this woman and know it will be beautiful.
Sounds like she is close to your heart... listen to her and she will speak to you.
It is a gorgeous and moving block...and I have not even seen it yet! But, anything that will contain so much love, respect, and honor...will be great!
Just begin...you can always change directions. Pick an aspect the start to create!
Hugs,
Kathy
Sounds (and looks via the rose books and the reflections theme), like you've already got the framework for your starting point. I guess you just pick up the thread of the story and see where it takes you, don't you? *smiling*...
Isn't it interesting that 40 some years later her message is still resonating. Isn't that so often the way?
Wow. I am already so hooked on seeing this come to life. I am sure that you will create something that will honor this special lady and how she touched your life. Hugs...
Dear Susan,
Starting is the hardest part....
Just do it, as Nike says.
I know it will be wonderful and I cannot wait to see what you come up with.
Hope all is well.
Best,
Ingrid
I was a Social Director for 23 years so I can envision this story...one I can understand for I have the tales and memories. I just know you will do it well..
I feel this will be a fantastic journey. Thanks for sharing !
I saw a quilt once: the background was a dark stripe, squares, that were alternately turned on their side so it looked as if it was woven - and then beautiful pink peonies spilling from side into the centre. The dark of the background with the light prettiness of the flowers captivated me - shadow and light... drab and beautiful. When you mentioned cinder blocks and roses this is the image that came to mind, and I remember that it was a beautiful quilt!
I have been wondering where this next one would lead you...
It was an elderly neighbor lady who put needles in my hand when I was about 8... I have been forever grateful... There must be a special blessing for those who are kind to other people's children... Ger
The "beginning" has already begun! The seed is planted. The post was the fertilizer to stimulate the roots.
xx, Garden Lady
It's okay to start in the middle. Often when I'm blocked I'll start with what I'm sure of: a fabric, a shape, a color scheme. I just start piling up the components and inspiration pieces in a clear box and let them help me tell the story.
this is going to be a wonderful project both for you to do and for us to follow, Ican`t help already being emotionally involved.
I have watched in awe as you have created the last two blocks and enjoyed your family in the process. For what it's worth I would title the block 'And her name was ______...' and go from there. This bring to mind my grandmother and all the things she left me in this life.
Thanks,
Gwen
Susan-- I already know that this is going to be amazing. You had me at--"how do I begin?"
I'll be stalking you to get the rest of the story---!!
Xo
Vicki
Hello there, dear.
I think you need to add the following words - love, respect, emotion...this should be a very special piece because it has your heart behind it in more than the usual way,
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