A Gift from the Tree

I was standing in the kitchen (again) watching the great gusts of yesterday blow the trees about in the backyard when I saw something fall from the silver maple. Walking out to investigate, I discovered this empty nest. It is so delicate that it likely would not have survived being sniffed by the dog--or hopped on by one of the many resident bunnies. I love how the inside grasses are spiraled around. The middle section is woven, and the outside is a most wonderful array of twigs. What it would be to be able to sculpt like the birds!

heart feather

This feather is stuck in a small vase in the kitchen on a shelf above the sink. I am in the kitchen numerous times each day and never give it a second glance. Perhaps because it is summer and I have a different kind of time to notice things, or maybe because with a kitchen renovation project on the horizon I am more tuned in to the kitchen, today, I tuned in. And, I found a perfect heart on the end of that feather. When I was growing up I often heard the expression: 'Pretty is as pretty does'--this was only said at times when my prettiness was quite in question. Today, I am reframing that just slightly to 'Beauty is as beauty sees'. My mind is quick to assign labels to the objects in my line of sight--sink, vase, feather, kitchen, window. I want to practice seeing beyond the label to what is really present to be seen. For it is in those moments that a heart at the end of a feather is truly visible. Who knows where my eyes might take me if I can let go the labels and trust my vision. 

Beginner's Mind

In mindfulness practice there is a concept called 'beginner's mind'. The premise is that when the mind is striving to be present in the given moment, there is much that creeps in to distract. Beginner's mind offers an opportunity to start fresh with the next breath--the next moment. I find myself today starting anew on these pages--beginning again in this season of moments. A sunrise is an oft used metaphor for new beginnings. Last week I had the opportunity to experience this beautiful sunrise over Harris Creek near St. Michael's Maryland. While they often occur too early for my taste, there is a humble magnificence that serves to remind me that no matter what was happening in the last moment, I can choose in this one to be(gin) again.

Beyond Z

I find that I am a bit at loose ends today as the last letter of the alphabet was posted yesterday. I am considering the snow, which has once again covered the ground, as a metaphor for the blank canvas that is today. May spring soon push forth!

Alphabet of the Ordinary: Z

                          promising summer
                          flowers when sown deep beneath
                          bouquets springing forth

Alphabet of the Ordinary: Y

many miles of string

awaiting transformation

purls of wisdom knit

Alphabet of the Ordinary: X

           joining two or more
           diverse elements to blend
           baking harmony

Alphabet of the Ordinary: W

                                           allowing a view
                                               through the walls of present space
                                                    to the wide beyond

Alphabet of the Ordinary: V

                             a variegated
                             kaleidoscope of healthy
                             grown from the ground up

Alphabet of the Ordinary: U

wings folded waiting
for rains to unfurl  ~granting
those beneath dry flight

Alphabet of the Ordinary: T

                                                                                a nondescript bag
                                                                                leafully longing for hot
                                                                                water to blossom

Alphabet of the Ordinary: S

                                  for the sole purpose
                                  of upholding all that is
                                  given to this place

Alphabet of the Ordinary: R

long practiced movement
recalls rocked babies long grown
found sitting here still

Alphabet of the Ordinary: Q

                                                            small stitches travel
                                                            round each brightly colored patch
                                                            a whole of pieces

Alphabet of the Ordinary: P

keys open the heart's
ears to songs beyond the notes,
playing memories

Alphabet of the Ordinary: O

white ringed with color
a palette of potential
seeks a brush with life

Alphabet of the Ordinary: N

found after the rain
a cradled reminder of
both home and free flight

Alphabet of the Ordinary: M

       

                                                                an early morning

                                                                application creating

                                                                pretty outside in

Alphabet of the Ordinary: L

an ordinary
miracle: pulling darkness
away as light fills

Alphabet of the Ordinary: K

                       

                                                be it a treasure

                                                chest or door to the future

                                                begin here: open

Alphabet of the Ordinary: J

                       the well worn softness
                       bespeaks a lengthy friendship
                       true blue through and through

Alphabet of the Ordinary: I

there is no better
tool for delivering cool
sweetness to my bowl

Alphabet of the Ordinary: H

                               

                                                   a broad shouldered crowd
                                                   in a silent line waiting
                                                   for a perfect fit

                                                 

Alphabet of the Ordinary: G

                              containing what is
                              poured within clarity's walls
                              creating new views

Alphabet of the Ordinary: F

                                                         my feet reach for you
                                                         leaving horizontal rest
                                                         upstanding I rise

Alphabet of the Ordinary: E

a fresh start granted
the once visible made in
possibility calls

Alphabet of the Ordinary: D

            kaleidoscopic dance

                                                               wet colors tumble and spin
                                                              (disco)vering dry

     

Alphabet of the Ordinary: C

       

                                                             time chiming on cue
                                                             heralding each new moment
                                                             choosing now to be

Alphabet of the Ordinary: B

 

                            round the middle loops
                            buckled in for the day's ride
                            adventure awaits

Alphabet of the Ordinary: A

A few months ago I heard about a photographer who takes pictures of the ‘ordinary’ in her life in an attempt to capture those very mundane moments and objects that illuminate the essence of a particular life in a particular time. A couple of Sundays ago, an alphabet of ordinary items found in my home started to whisper their way into being. I have long been enamored of the alphabet--perhaps because I teach young children, perhaps because words have been central to my journey, and to me, letters are building blocks--seeds for expression and connection. And so, each day for the next 26, I will listen for the whisperings of these objects I take for granted within these walls to hear what they have to say about my life. 

crocheted long ago

an embrace across the years

Grandma's warmth lives on

Coming Attractions

Here is a preview of the pieces that I am working to upload to my etsy site. The poppy bowl was featured before the final firing in the entry before this one. The colors are so much more vibrant! The etsy site will feature additional photographs of each piece, as well as measurements and additional information.

Warm Remembrance

Yesterday's snow has given way to blue skies and freezing temperatures. Typically, the temperatures would be no problem for me on a 'snow day' tucked inside my studio room--but, the heat in the house is broken. We have been without heat for more than twenty-four hours. So, with my 'recess' hat, down vest, and several pairs of socks on I find myself painting. Painting poppies! The warm reds and oranges along with the act of painting serve as a beautiful distraction from the chilly air. As I was finishing up with my poppies I recalled that poppies sometimes signify 'remembrance'--and I found that today I wish to remember all those for whom a lack of heat is a daily reality. I am grateful for the reminder.

Knitting the Gray Away!

What better way to spend an icy rainy day than knitting a brightly colored scarf to combat the pervasive gray that is outside my window! It is fun to watch the colors blend and change. Getting anything else done is a bit challenging, however, as I keep thinking I'll put it away in one more section.

Rocks, rock!

The rocks pictured in the banner at the top of the blog and the etsy site are from the shores of Lake Superior where I have been fortunate to find myself for a week during each of the past many summers. One of my absolute favorite activities is to sit on the beach with a pitcher of water and immerse myself in the rocks. Sifting, dipping, turning them in my hands like so many jewels; they are like brightly colored snowflakes, no two exactly the same. Quite a few have been gathered to my space here in Baltimore, and they bring with them inspiration and a literal touchstone to a spot of beauty.