Lovely Sarah! The liminal space of the season is speaking volumes to me as well. The subtle grief of the dying of the plants and insects that go underneath to be born again soon, the darkness and the grey contribute to humans cycle of hibernation as well. Love Beryl as the balancing companion, and your ever source of inspiration and creativity!! Thank you!
Another wonderful post, Sarah! I'm so grateful you've returned to writing to us every week. Now....publish those novels!!! I for one would love to read them and I'm sure I'm not alone.
I know what you mean! I've been working on a book for 7 years off and on. When I'm writing, nothing else happens! Would be fun to read yours though....
I so appreciate your enthusiasm-- though alas (as I just wrote to Lin), if I set about actually doing the work that needs o be done, I'd vanish into Palouse by the Sea and neglect everything else!
Why thank you kindly Pam. Comfort after a storm is a thing indeed. Glad you didn't get blown away. We've got a lovely pile of slush here right now.... delish.
I can’t wait to hear all about those weaving deities - I hope you’ll tell us more about your friend’s book when you return from her colloquium. I am a widow - I shepherd my flock of Romney and Shetland sheep with my border collie Breoghan (rhymes with friggin in the rigging - thanks Monty Python!) alone in the western Cascades, and the way you show your relationship with Beryl is one with which I feel a deep resonance. Thank you
The colloquium was wonderful -- inspiring on many levels, not least giving a person enthusiasm for researching and sharing stories -- particular those by women. It'll be a bit before there is an actual book but I'll certainly share when there is.
Romney snd shetlands! What a wonderful combination. A fleece--and-dog-centric life in the western Cascades sounds magical indeed. And these herding dogs are something else aren't they? lucky us.
Seems I'm not the only one who is pining over those unpublished novels of yours!
I had to smile when I saw Beryl's sweet face, peering at you from under the loom. So expressive! Just like my Buddha. You never have to guess what she's thinking or trying to communicate. Does Beryl sigh? Because my dog also communicates that way. Like when I am out of treats but she's not ready for that reality. I get a big sigh from her as she walks away.
And your tapestries... past and present... my goodness! They are so riveting!!
Definitely dog sighs. She's really got it down. Indeed, she'd love to go out right now but since it's raining on a few inches of slush (and we've already been out before it got quite so wet), I'm not as inspired as she is....
Sarah, are there any of these posts that I don't absolutely love? No, there are not.
I went down the rabbit hole into your "blue room" post and was admiring your grandmother's painting. Has everyone in your family been so artistically inclined? Honestly (and maybe I'm biased), I see the links to your own voice in color, line drawing, and a feeling of overall wonderment at it all.
My life is filled to brim right now with caring for an ill husband (as you are all-to-well familiar), so my days are never routine. Half the time I don't know what day it is - ha! - but in a way that's okay, because I get to be genuinely surprised and delighted when the newest missive from The Gusset falls into my Inbox.
It is truly a treat for myself to read, laugh, and be grateful for your artistry and good humor about living. I thank you so much for this this very special world you allow us into - it means more than you know.
Oh golly Michele, I do indeed know that world of medication and uncertainty and every-day-made-up-as-the-illness-demands, and I send all the best to you both. Such a hard thing to be in the midst of --even as one does notice and feel the moments of joy so keenly. Thank you for reading and I'm so happy that these meanderings bring a bit of it--whenever they show up!
Again I long for the first of the week (sweet notes from Sarah) and I’m not disappointed! What fun to meander through your mind with you... I love that new diary, I just yesterday painted my bedroom the same blue, and Beryl was “giving you the look”! My Corgi does the same, stares at me from across the room until I “feel” it and know she has some request! Yes, publish those novels Sarah... tell us MORE !
Oh, I can totally imagine that "corgi look" is a lot like Beryl's. Herding dogs both for sure, with similar eyes. My son has a corgi/heeler cross (or so we think), and wow! You can in deed feel it.
Hi Sarah, the Sea and its fullness will roar! So much fun..the beauty of a silent sub slipping into the early gray misty dawn out to a sea..the living creatures..fish etc..the fresh salty sea air..the shear beauty of the break of dawn on the bridge with your coffee in your hand..the shear magnitude of the work of the creator..actually realizing that your not the biggest thing on the plante..so much to work with with my weaving..have a happy warm and merry Christmas. Masseyna
I’m relishing the mental image of Palouse by the Sea, whether or not you ever publish those novels. The Palouse is such a rolling, wavy, up-and-down kind of place that I can see the inspiration, but at the same time it’s so very landlocked that it’s quite a paradox. And really, what’s better than a paradoxical image? It’s been a hard 24 hours ‘round my little part of the world, so thank you for the gift of this mental image. It was needed.
Shawn, that's exactly what seems to happen with Palouse by the Sea-- everyone makes up their own version, paradoxical or otherwise, and it delights me that you, who already know what it looks like, can let your imagination go right there. And a breeze moving through a field of standing wheat in the summer often looks just like a breeze on the surface of the sea.
Have you read Tamara Pierce's Circle of Magic books? Magic, spinning, weaving, plants and friendship as well as weather and metal smithing - delights me.
I HAVE read Tamara Pierce's books -- almost all of them I think, but not for a long time. I adored them though and love to be in that world. Indeed, sometimes I think I actually kind of am. And I'm warmed by your lovely words about the new tapestry. Thank you thank you.
I am excited to read the Colloquim Talk! And your post is so dear to me. Beryl's face looking up at you under the loom undoes me a bit. You are a gift and a talent to be so appreciated. Yes. My sister starts Chemo 12/18. I just heard about her cancer last evening. Thank you for your open sharing about your husband, and the pandemic, and all that is life as we know it. And then the parts we don't too! Happiest Holidaze to you Ms. Swett and Beryl!!!
The book from the talk won't be ready for quite a while (the talk was as much about her fascinating process), but it (the book) will be amazing when out. I"ll keep you posted!
In the meantime, thinking of you and your sister. I hope her chemo goes smoothly and that she can give herself the time and rest to let it do its work without flattening her. I do have to say that the Oncology and Infusion nurses we met are just the BEST. Really kind and helpful.
Ah, your seasonal sanity is a relief, and your latest tapestry so serene, upside down for a spell is no bother. ... One more voice in the chorus eager for your novels. I've always wondered about the stories behind those rough copy snippets, and the intriguing characters in your large and small colorful works of the era. Take us to Palouse by the Sea! ... Wish the colloquium talk was shareable. ... Warm wishes to you and Beryl and your marvelous balancing act.
I'll try to keep sharing snippets of Palouse by the Sea (even if I don't ever turn to the massive job of tidying them up for actually publication), for I do love to share the notion of it, if not every single page. Thank you for your enthusiasm though. It's most encouraging.
Lovely Sarah! The liminal space of the season is speaking volumes to me as well. The subtle grief of the dying of the plants and insects that go underneath to be born again soon, the darkness and the grey contribute to humans cycle of hibernation as well. Love Beryl as the balancing companion, and your ever source of inspiration and creativity!! Thank you!
That is beautifully put Eileen. Thank you for reflecting those thoughts back in anther way.
Another wonderful post, Sarah! I'm so grateful you've returned to writing to us every week. Now....publish those novels!!! I for one would love to read them and I'm sure I'm not alone.
Ha! Well thank you for the encouragement --though truthfully if I gave them the work they need, I'd never get anything else done.
I know what you mean! I've been working on a book for 7 years off and on. When I'm writing, nothing else happens! Would be fun to read yours though....
Oh! How I wish you would publish those unpublished novels!!!
I so appreciate your enthusiasm-- though alas (as I just wrote to Lin), if I set about actually doing the work that needs o be done, I'd vanish into Palouse by the Sea and neglect everything else!
What a fine fine issue today! Comfort after a huge storm on the coast!
Thank you
Hugs,
Pam
Why thank you kindly Pam. Comfort after a storm is a thing indeed. Glad you didn't get blown away. We've got a lovely pile of slush here right now.... delish.
I can’t wait to hear all about those weaving deities - I hope you’ll tell us more about your friend’s book when you return from her colloquium. I am a widow - I shepherd my flock of Romney and Shetland sheep with my border collie Breoghan (rhymes with friggin in the rigging - thanks Monty Python!) alone in the western Cascades, and the way you show your relationship with Beryl is one with which I feel a deep resonance. Thank you
The colloquium was wonderful -- inspiring on many levels, not least giving a person enthusiasm for researching and sharing stories -- particular those by women. It'll be a bit before there is an actual book but I'll certainly share when there is.
Romney snd shetlands! What a wonderful combination. A fleece--and-dog-centric life in the western Cascades sounds magical indeed. And these herding dogs are something else aren't they? lucky us.
Seems I'm not the only one who is pining over those unpublished novels of yours!
I had to smile when I saw Beryl's sweet face, peering at you from under the loom. So expressive! Just like my Buddha. You never have to guess what she's thinking or trying to communicate. Does Beryl sigh? Because my dog also communicates that way. Like when I am out of treats but she's not ready for that reality. I get a big sigh from her as she walks away.
And your tapestries... past and present... my goodness! They are so riveting!!
Definitely dog sighs. She's really got it down. Indeed, she'd love to go out right now but since it's raining on a few inches of slush (and we've already been out before it got quite so wet), I'm not as inspired as she is....
Sarah, are there any of these posts that I don't absolutely love? No, there are not.
I went down the rabbit hole into your "blue room" post and was admiring your grandmother's painting. Has everyone in your family been so artistically inclined? Honestly (and maybe I'm biased), I see the links to your own voice in color, line drawing, and a feeling of overall wonderment at it all.
My life is filled to brim right now with caring for an ill husband (as you are all-to-well familiar), so my days are never routine. Half the time I don't know what day it is - ha! - but in a way that's okay, because I get to be genuinely surprised and delighted when the newest missive from The Gusset falls into my Inbox.
It is truly a treat for myself to read, laugh, and be grateful for your artistry and good humor about living. I thank you so much for this this very special world you allow us into - it means more than you know.
Michele
Oh golly Michele, I do indeed know that world of medication and uncertainty and every-day-made-up-as-the-illness-demands, and I send all the best to you both. Such a hard thing to be in the midst of --even as one does notice and feel the moments of joy so keenly. Thank you for reading and I'm so happy that these meanderings bring a bit of it--whenever they show up!
Again I long for the first of the week (sweet notes from Sarah) and I’m not disappointed! What fun to meander through your mind with you... I love that new diary, I just yesterday painted my bedroom the same blue, and Beryl was “giving you the look”! My Corgi does the same, stares at me from across the room until I “feel” it and know she has some request! Yes, publish those novels Sarah... tell us MORE !
Oh, I can totally imagine that "corgi look" is a lot like Beryl's. Herding dogs both for sure, with similar eyes. My son has a corgi/heeler cross (or so we think), and wow! You can in deed feel it.
Feverish lavender! Two words I would never have guessed would go so perfectly together <3
Hi Sarah, the Sea and its fullness will roar! So much fun..the beauty of a silent sub slipping into the early gray misty dawn out to a sea..the living creatures..fish etc..the fresh salty sea air..the shear beauty of the break of dawn on the bridge with your coffee in your hand..the shear magnitude of the work of the creator..actually realizing that your not the biggest thing on the plante..so much to work with with my weaving..have a happy warm and merry Christmas. Masseyna
And oh yes, the same to you. Warm and merry and filed with delicious beverages...
Thank you for sharing this information. It's really insightful and helpful!
https://pulitzergateway.org/
I’m relishing the mental image of Palouse by the Sea, whether or not you ever publish those novels. The Palouse is such a rolling, wavy, up-and-down kind of place that I can see the inspiration, but at the same time it’s so very landlocked that it’s quite a paradox. And really, what’s better than a paradoxical image? It’s been a hard 24 hours ‘round my little part of the world, so thank you for the gift of this mental image. It was needed.
Shawn, that's exactly what seems to happen with Palouse by the Sea-- everyone makes up their own version, paradoxical or otherwise, and it delights me that you, who already know what it looks like, can let your imagination go right there. And a breeze moving through a field of standing wheat in the summer often looks just like a breeze on the surface of the sea.
You just finished tapestry takes my breath away.
Have you read Tamara Pierce's Circle of Magic books? Magic, spinning, weaving, plants and friendship as well as weather and metal smithing - delights me.
Beryl is such a love.
I HAVE read Tamara Pierce's books -- almost all of them I think, but not for a long time. I adored them though and love to be in that world. Indeed, sometimes I think I actually kind of am. And I'm warmed by your lovely words about the new tapestry. Thank you thank you.
I am excited to read the Colloquim Talk! And your post is so dear to me. Beryl's face looking up at you under the loom undoes me a bit. You are a gift and a talent to be so appreciated. Yes. My sister starts Chemo 12/18. I just heard about her cancer last evening. Thank you for your open sharing about your husband, and the pandemic, and all that is life as we know it. And then the parts we don't too! Happiest Holidaze to you Ms. Swett and Beryl!!!
The book from the talk won't be ready for quite a while (the talk was as much about her fascinating process), but it (the book) will be amazing when out. I"ll keep you posted!
In the meantime, thinking of you and your sister. I hope her chemo goes smoothly and that she can give herself the time and rest to let it do its work without flattening her. I do have to say that the Oncology and Infusion nurses we met are just the BEST. Really kind and helpful.
Sending all the best to you both.
Your footnotes are just as interesting as your drawings and commentary. ❤️
Why thank you kindly! I so appreciate that Substack has them built in as I can digress to my heart's content.
Ah, your seasonal sanity is a relief, and your latest tapestry so serene, upside down for a spell is no bother. ... One more voice in the chorus eager for your novels. I've always wondered about the stories behind those rough copy snippets, and the intriguing characters in your large and small colorful works of the era. Take us to Palouse by the Sea! ... Wish the colloquium talk was shareable. ... Warm wishes to you and Beryl and your marvelous balancing act.
I'll try to keep sharing snippets of Palouse by the Sea (even if I don't ever turn to the massive job of tidying them up for actually publication), for I do love to share the notion of it, if not every single page. Thank you for your enthusiasm though. It's most encouraging.