Making a new normal

After reading my post yesterday a friend sent me a quote.

The future is not some place we are going, but one we are creating. The paths are not to be found, but made. And the activity of making them changes both the maker and their destination. 

John Schaar

I haven't talked with her for some time so I found that very spooky. I definitely feel these days like I am actively creating my future, not just waiting for it to happen. I think I have always done that to a certain extent but recently it has seemed more deliberate on my part. 

My yoga experiment is definitely a part of the process. I am noticing desirable changes after the first month of three classes per week. Imbalances in my body are disappearing, I am stronger and, best of all, I can sleep. More than that I have to sleep. I can't remember being unable to keep my eyes open since I was three years old. But last night it happened. I couldn't stay awake and had to go to bed at 8:30. I fell asleep promptly and drifted off quickly each time I was awakened.

There are other ways in which I am trying to create my future. I hope to document them here soon. In the meantime, here's some eye candy. At the SAQA retreat I was introduced to the work of Mr. Finch. He uses found and recycled materials to create animals, insects, plants and fungi.

200

This is my 200th post and there's lots to celebrate. Spring seems to have finally arrived, the SAQA retreat I helped organize and at which I had to do a lot of speaking is over and was well-received, both of my pieces for the our regional SAQA show are done (save for the photography) and my brain is buzzing with lots of new ideas so there will be no down time before I get to work again. Best of all, I was away for the weekend for the first time since my surgery and I gave it almost no thought at all. I am basically back to my normal. That bodes well for the trips I have planned for this summer.

To mark all of the good stuff, I want to offer one of the few loyal readers with a special gift. Anyone who leaves a comment on the blog between April 13 - April 18, 2015 will be eligible to receive a handknit scarf or shawlette. You will get some input into both yarn and pattern. If you don't wear scarves you must know someone who does. I will make a draw from the names of commenters on April 19 (the real Patriots Day for those of you from the Northeast US).

Edited to add: Draw for knitted gift is closed. Judith was the lucky winner.

Craziness

I can't believe how much time and thought I put into selecting just the right clothes.

Hieronymus at home

 

From the files

The DNA panel is complete. Despite all of my math and measuring the image came out about an inch shorter than it should have. I didn't notice until I was past the point where I could have made a saving change. It bugs me today; I won't see it tomorrow.

Doing a glue test to determine the best way to adhere the paper dolls. That's the last experimentation. Then I just have to mount and adhere the text.

Here are some things I stashed to share.

Ellen Jewett creates amazing sculptures.

Isobel Currie is a 3D embroiderer. Check out her website. This is my favourite.

Building blocks

Yesterday's lists are in the trash. Photo 51 is assembled, all of the DNA pieces have been constructed and the testing has been done on the dolls.

Another day and it will be complete except for the work that needs to be done after it is mounted on stretcher bars.

Lists on my desk

I am a list maker. I don't think I could ever manage the variety of tasks I need to do every day without my lists.

Here's a taste of the lists on my desk today.

Groceries:

Shredded Wheat
sesame seeds
poblano peppers
cottage cheese
cheap cheddar
wine

SAQA retreat admin:

show and tell assignments
menu confirmation
list of general/emergency stuff we might need

SAQA retreat talks:

review website
slides for Google talk - check on history
talking points for pm
talking points for Sunday

Indoor cycling:

figure out what Leslie will teach on 11th
plan for next week
lecture for next week
Saturday?

Ivory Tower:

Photo 51
Jetset the organza
colour the paper dolls - his feet?
dress the dolls
tube for DNA

Mitochondrion:

hemoglobin!!!!

I routinely finish lists and am happy to savour the accomplishment and trash the list. Here's one of my favourite recent achievements. It has gone to its new home with my mother who has named it Hieronymus. This is a fantastic pattern. I recommend it to anyone with basic crochet skills. It would make a great baby gift with the eyes swapped out for felt.