pieces of heart

Maggie and I were sorting stuff the other day, looking around for things to pass on. We made up a big bag of soft knits for the animal shelter, our first stop, and a trunkload of things for Goodwill. Of course we shopped the GW after we donated, but only bought one thing. A tarnished silver gallery tray for her apartment. 2.99.

Trying to stay with my mission to clear out, I was getting into baskets this morning when I saw this old collage from '84. Just when I thought I had nothing worthwhile to blog about, here it is. And I think it has inspired a new series I'm starting with this post. Hearts made from sentimental bits. Just in time for Valentine's Day too.

When I look at this little heart collage I see 3 things. The wood sticks in the frame- cut from our beloved mock orange shrub in front of the pink house in 1983. The green knit sweater cuff from my favorite sweater from college. And that big pearly button that I cherished so much. I never thought I would see another like it. Was that THE button that started my collecting craze?

I just rummaged through my wool basket to find a textile to put under it because I know everyone must be soooooooo tired of my painted kitchen tabletop. After I got the camera out and looked at the shot, I really looked at the brown tweedy scrap. Sheesh, it's from a suit I made for my first teaching job in 1975. So, now I'm up to four things that have me thinking about little parts of my life. Like an origami valentine, each one folds into another. I have a lot of remembering to do. 

Another pot of coffee and another basket of mysteries to open. Have to wonder now- what's back there?

There probably won't be another trunkload of donations this week. But I'm hoping there will be lots of little hearts to share.   xoC

Comments

[Lilli]

Such a sweet story :)

Good Luck with the rest of your explorations and purging!

[Rosie]

What a wonderful post. I love the collage and the story :-) Rosie

[Barbara H.]

I love hearts -- I love the lace around that one. I'm looking forward to any more you might post about.

I enjoyed the story of this collage and the background of all the different parts.

[deezie]

I adore going through things, organizing, sifting through its so cleansing right:)
love the heart collage
deezie

[tricia]

Your collage is beautiful and made even more lovely by the memory of each element.

[ArtsyMama]

Oooh I LOVE this Charlotte. Can't wait to see more in your series. Gorgeous!!!
Kari

[DianeM]

How fun! Your collage has definitely stood the test of time - it's beautiful & I love the stories behind everything :)

[Lena]

I've loved seeing your hearts, Charlotte. I always think of you when I see handmade heart and house motifs, especially if they are hooked, or wool applique. I've been sewing sticks onto things for years. I love them, so it is fun to see that you like them too. I need to make a valentine for a swap today, and this has inspired me to get to work. Thanks!

[Alice Larkin]

Thanks for sharing your "heart". It IS the bits and pieces of our lives that seem to become so significant. Our lives start as little "bits" and then the stories that weave the web of our lives grows. We all have so much to share with each other. It is so fantastic to watch this blog community evolve and grow together. Thanks for your great example!