A bit of choosing

Remember the elephant? It’s been awhile since I posted about it. I’ve finished the main part with the couching of the tusks, most of the background with silk and cotton, and am starting on the border. I haven’t been following the color choices the designer asked for. There were just too many pretty threads! Mary Long is a fabulous designer and her text for this class has been thorough and clear. I just didn’t think a toy should be in a light color. Anyway, as I looked at the border, I imagined what my favorite framing service would use as a mat. I wanted to pick up colors so that the piece pops in glorious fiber! Ok. I’m just being overly creative.

So, here’s the colors I chose: 

First, laying in the base of metallic: 

With the basic blue: 

Then adding the accent: 

Now a bit more accent: 

Then, the echo of the background: 

I know it’s not traditional. But, my color guru likes it, so I’ll stitch boldly on.

 I gave up yesterday. 

I took a day to reset. I only did the must-do on the list and then stitched on the Elephant all afternoon. I made progress. It’s slow going on the background, but rather relaxing.

Now, I need to get back to organizing the organ music, straightening up the thread stash, and catching up on viewing the AGO videos. I’m long past comparing myself to those stars. I have to smile: there are more videos of organists in the 20’s than there are of organists in their 50’s. A very pleasant shift. One can hope that the organ will live and not die.

Just like tatting is not dying, organs will sound!  

Spring 2020

Several times in my life I’ve had to pivot. My original plan for education didn’t pan out, I came up with a plan B. My original plan for a career didn’t pan out, I came up with several different plans. Spring of 2020 that has been so true. I’ve pivoted a lot in the last few weeks. I don’t mind.

I usually go through a period of disappointment, even anger. I dislike living in those emotions.

 I usually go through a period of exploration trying out lots of ideas. I dislike wasting time with activity that doesn’t meet my needs or others.

I usually go through a period of obsessive work. I dislike not taking care of my basic needs.

Then, I wake up one morning knowing what I need to do.

Right now, I’m still in the exploration period. I’m focusing on trying out new ways to use technology. I’m using the time to finish several huge projects. When I get to the point of knowing what I need to do, I’ll let you know. Honest. There’ll be pictures to share, music to hear, and for those local, parties to celebrate.

For now, here’s progress on a side project that’s well, huge!

Elephant canvas progress.

I hit milestones yesterday:

One month since I last played the organ for people to listen to.

One month since I last taught a lesson in person.

I finished “lesson 1” on the Elephant canvas. It looks more like an elephant now.

I have emerged from the “in shock” phase of this new reality. I have wrapped my brain around what I must do each day to take care. I need to revamp my daily life to work towards my big goals. I need to work for a future for myself and for those I love. I can do this!

I look forward to hearing what each of you are doing to find a new future for yourself and those you love.