Hidden comforts and changing course..
A few things stand out today.. and it’s worth a blast out to everyone to say hiya. It’s been a while.
One thing is.. so many people have given their lives for our comfort, and we really don’t know it.
Another thing, it’s definitely worthwhile taking a break from routine, and to just be.
It does the world of good. Trust me. A few days off.. it’s amazing.
And, the other thing is, once we understand something is not what we once thought, it’s okay to change course and decide to be different.. to choose differently, and make better decisions for the greater good.
When visiting the family doctor on Friday, a young woman was filling out a form at the counter while we were waiting for the office assistant to return to the desk. We both waited, and the other young woman looked forlorn and distressed. I said, “It’s very difficult for everyone, in these times.” She looked at me, and then down to her hands, and then back at me and considered for a moment, and then she said, “I hope things will get better.”
When I returned the sentiment, I added, “All we can do, really, is work to accept support from others.. and help other people too, when we’re able.” The medical assistant returned and we were whisked off. I hope she’s okay.
I’m very grateful to my friend in Oz for suggesting that I take a break and not rush to do much of anything at all after Lars left, two weeks ago now. I know this sounds weird, but my normal MO (modus operandi) is to really busy myself and pile on.
But, I took my friend’s advice and consciously took a break from everything.. I took naps when I needed, I ate only when hungry and what my body asked for and not by mental check-list and to the clock, and dove into feel-good films, and feel-good woollen making projects.. and at the end of a week or so, I must say, I’d regulated myself so well!
Now, I’m up with first light and happy to get out of bed, which is my normal.. I’m making a reasonable list of things to get done in the day, and mostly achieve them.. I eat well, healthy choices at reasonable times.. and I choose a show after mealtime, and settle into making things with lovely yarn.
I’m happy, regulated and calm. Settled in for the winter now with all my woollens, heat on, and extra blankets ready.
Ahh.. Very grateful indeed.
“The work of the mature person is to carry grief in one hand and gratitude in the other and be stretched large by them.” ~ Francis Weller, from The Wild Edge of Sorrow, Rituals of Renewal and the Sacred Work of Grief.
Love. ❤️
A couple of things before I go.. on the grief side of things..
I’ve recently learned that bamboo fabric is not as sustainable and clean and green as I had once been led to believe. I am almost entirely clothed in the stuff because the clothes I buy are all made from woven bamboo.. and I’m now living with this, a living cloak of shame in real life. I’m still going to do more research, but my goodness, what a horrible first take on it all..
This video from a charming maker in Norway, spells it all out in gory detail.. if you can stomach it. I’ve still to confirm if my clothier’s fabric uses the viscose methods still, but gah. I’m so sick now, and I wear these clothes. I’ve nothing else to wear.. but my beautiful if not now tainted bamboo knit fabric ensembles. Shamefully..
Phew. Okay..
The other thing, this absolutely gorgeous set of Victorian tiles and the stories behind them, from the halls of childrens’ ward at St Thomas’ hospital, London.. to their now new home installation at the Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement at St Petersburg, Florida (meh, whatever, Florida)..
The point is, these wonderful wooden tiles by the famous Royal Doulton factory, London (UK), these tiles noted in picture below, is from a story out of the dark ages and into the light, recorded at end of the 16th Century. And, as the original story goes, the children were actually dead and covered with leaves, but nevertheless, the Doulton tiles depict them sleeping (or otherwise not dead) in the woods. This article, spells it out well, and the entire article is worthwhile if, like me, Victorian art is your thing..
“...the Babes in the Wood, first published in 1595, tells the tale of two orphan children who were abandoned in the woods to die by a wicked uncle seeking their inheritance. The dead children are covered with leaves by robins and fortunately, they look asleep in the Royal Doulton panel. The story became popular as a pantomime in the 19th century although the sad fate of the children was glossed over.”
Love, Trish xo
❤️