together
It’s been a while since I’ve written here. I guess life got busy and other things took precedence. Today felt like a good day to visit and write a few thoughts.
I just went out to my garage to put a few things away – the sun is shining here in PA and it seems like a typical spring Saturday – but then I saw all my market props stacked in the corner of the garage and felt such a deep sadness. I’ve been working long hours on my new collection, which is still unfolding (textile baskets & knitting needle rolls coming soon), and I was so excited to share everything at Clover Market in April. Alas, the two Clover dates that I was slated to vend (Bryn Mawr, PA in April & Collingswood, NJ in May) have been cancelled. It’s the right thing to do, but is difficult nonetheless. Our fearless Clover Market leader, Janet Long, put together a comprehensive vendor list with all the links to our online shops, so that you can shop from home if you’d like. I’m still waiting for word on my other Spring markets and will share news if these are also cancelled.
The prints for my new collection began back in January. It seems so long ago, and yet it was just a couple of months. While so much has changed since January, the ideas and feelings behind these prints still resonate with me and have brought me comfort during these uncertain days.
Offering is a call to give your gifts to the world ~ whether they be in the form of art, aid, love, laughter, patience, teaching …whatever it is that gives you joy, it will bring others joy as well. This seems even more important now than ever. A gift can be a smile to a neighbor across the street, or planting seeds for a flower garden.
Brilliant is a reminder of just how extraordinary we all are, just as we are today. There is no limit to what we can achieve or how impactful we can be. Shine brightly so that you spark the flame for others to do the same.
Fellowship is a celebration of companionship ~ relationships formed through the love of making, and the affection & loyalty that knit us together.
The world feels so small right now, which gives me solace, and is overwhelmingly heartbreaking at the same time. To live in a world where every single person is impacted by the same virus, and grappling with the same struggles, makes us more connected than we’ve ever been. But the cost at which this connection comes is something I try not to dwell on for too long. Instead, I’ll make art, and sew, and cook, take Alice for long walks, offer help, connect by phone and snail mail, drink tea (and bourbon), and think of all the ways that this will forever change us and make us better.
Wishing all who read this, lots of love and comfort in the days ahead. Together we will get through this.