february loves

I had a chat with a new friend yesterday about social media and its place in our lives. There are so many platforms available now and it's increasingly easier to just point, click, post and move on. This blog was my first online home. Ten years ago! I used words mostly. I wasn't a photographer and words were my best tool. Over time, I sharpened my basic skills with photos and increasingly leaned toward images. I'm a visual person. Words are harder to come by, images are everywhere for the taking. 

That said, I miss writing words and the larger story. That's my new challenge. Write. Craft. Teach.

This has been a transitional time for me. I'm really happy in this new home and love the time I get to just be here. I'm inspired to make things, push furniture around, hang art on the walls, cook, bake, entertain old and new friends. After a long hiatus, I pulled out my wool stash and rug-hooking tools for the winter. There's that enormous rug in progress that I've been dragging around for years. Still have a long way to go, but I am working on it. Never knew where it would go, but I have a spot picked out now.

When I packed and moved the wool stash, I got the idea to use it for more projects. It will be incorporated into the spring retreat with Jen from Noodle and Lou (sold out) as pet portraits, but I'm also using it to make tiny houses in hoops to hang on the wall. Loving the use of small pieces of wool and embroidery. There are a few in my Etsy shop. 

But the biggest source of joy has been joining up with an arts organization and teaching art to children at the village school. They are so much fun! The excited buzz in the art room, the adventure of art-making without brakes or self consciousness. Wow. So inspiring!

{Next post is about the making of this fantastic Emperor Penguin.}

It's the season of valentines and home-made art. Remembering the valentine boxes we made in school long ago. That was my favorite part. Decorating that shoe box, watching classmates drop messages into the tiny opening. Looking forward to making valentines with the children at school this week. Who doesn't love a paper heart? Scissors? And a glue stick?

And a length of yarn?

Sending love to you and hoping you find moments of heartwarming joy to cheer the spirit. xoxoC

Comments

[Julie]

Lovely to read this today! Glad you're finding home again!

[Loretta]

I can see in your posts on IG how happy you are. I think of that rainy winter night when we ate at that restaurant by the train station and you were so unsure of what was to come. How lovely it has been to see your heart unfold. Xox

[Laura]

I have been following you for almost as long as you have had this blog. I love to read what you write. And of course I follow your pictures on Instagram...I love you there too!(luv2grdn)
I wish all good things for you.

[Corrine]

Lovely post. I too am working with kids at my local art association. Love their fearlessness and wide open eyes. Marvelous tiny treasures in your wool houses. xox

[diane]

I have enjoyed reading your blog for a few years. Thanks for all the sharing on your creative journey. Maybe one day I'll get up North and get to take a retreat. Thanks