I just received “Ripening”, too, and it sits at the top of the stack of books on the night stand (and which is perilously close to becoming an avalanche of books).
Footnote #5 is going to send me down a really happy rabbit hole. I've been writing, this morning, about the cups made by empty acorn caps when you turn them over. Cups to caps and back again!
Oh I love that so much! Somehow acorn caps (as hats rather than vessels), make me think about the book Miss Hickory by Carolyn Sherwin Bailey. Have you ever read it? A children's book (of sorts), that is also, incredibly, about (reluctantly) heading into the unknown and connecting with one's calling/true nature--a heroine's immram for sure--something with which you are all too familiar just now, eh?
So, Sarah - I took an empty half of a milkweed pod, peeled off the papery layer on the back..which revealed a wonderfully textured surface. Then I painted the whole pod a metalic gold and placed a pearl in the cup. It will be a gift for just the right person.
OOOOH. What a magical sounding object. Lucky person. I haven't even thought about playing directly with the pods like that and now am super intrigued. Thank you!
Excellent idea. I've been thinking about doing a seasonal melting down of saved candle stubs--not only to make more candles but also to treat/season/protect some of the recent baskets I've made (esp pine needle). Now I see I can take it to a whole other place. Thank you!
I always love your knitted and woven coracles! Of course the drawings are just so enchanting Sarah and I enjoy seeing where your curiosity takes you! Yes I totally see the mouse in the milkweed pod! Perhaps all the mice that gallivant around in my studio and the new book have me primed to see the resemblance! I love the sidewalk yoga you and your granddaughter are doing together! The best!! All the best to you and yours! 💖
Well now, as per Heidi Lindy's comment above, I'm suddenly imaginging little painted milkweed pods as coracles/boats for your increidbly charming mice to float around in.
Tapestry Talking looks like a weaver's dream! I will be asking my library to get one!!! Such an amazing undertaking! There is a long, long time established weavers guild in Olympia WA that I will pass the word on to, too. Your milkweed cup might be a poem all on it's own. Pretty sure it is. :-) I got this idea from Diane Porter's My Gaia substack post today. https://mygaia.substack.com/p/house-wren?r=2l04ge&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web
OH WOW that video!!! the wren eating from her pocket! I love wrens so much.
And the haiku wren house??? perfection.
Suddenly imaginging little baskets as individual haptic haiku--that could also be bird houses.
Thank you soso much for sharing.
And Isn't it fantastic to have a library that actually buys the books one wants? Though I have my own copy, a friend jsut reminded me that I could order one for the library too, to share.
Glad you enjoyed it! I learn so much from Diane Porter! She does detailed posts with close-up photos about native wild plants in her area, on things like how she transplants the tricky ones and the short lived early wild bees which are specific to certain plants. Truly fascinating!! And her life with birds gives her so much to share. A milkweed wren house!!! Sounds like poetry to me. I bet even Beryl would have fun watching that. :-)
Oh and have to say I think $50 for Tapestry Talking is an absolute steal!! :-)
I agree. Magical thinking. I love your cup. I think it is a perfect dream holder.
We are in Scotland right now, and in the Dornoch history museum there is a wool exhibit, which includes an older basket (looks like willow, and in the shape of a large tissue box, filled with fiber) just next to an antique wheel. My poor itchy fingers, which are suffering spinning withdrawal, so wanted to sit down with that glorious naturally dyed wool, and spin.
It is so exciting that you have this substack, which allows and teaches folks the joys of fiber.
What bliss to see, understand (and feel, even if you don't get to touch), your intimate connection with someone from long ago and far away--those spinning, twisting, textile motions through which we are truly stitched togehter.
How wonderful--on both counts! They are irresistible aren't they--in all their forms
Again, Sarah - magical thinking! That's the calling we all should have - and include a little yoga along the way to keep the magic flexible!
Your beautiful photos, creations and musings are always a treat. Thank you! ❤️
Lovely! All of your weaving enchants me.
I just received “Ripening”, too, and it sits at the top of the stack of books on the night stand (and which is perilously close to becoming an avalanche of books).
it's a danger isn't it--all the wondrous books. And Ripening is so rich that I want to take my time too..
Footnote #5 is going to send me down a really happy rabbit hole. I've been writing, this morning, about the cups made by empty acorn caps when you turn them over. Cups to caps and back again!
Oh I love that so much! Somehow acorn caps (as hats rather than vessels), make me think about the book Miss Hickory by Carolyn Sherwin Bailey. Have you ever read it? A children's book (of sorts), that is also, incredibly, about (reluctantly) heading into the unknown and connecting with one's calling/true nature--a heroine's immram for sure--something with which you are all too familiar just now, eh?
No, I don’t know that book, Sarah. But I’m going to look it up at the library. Yes, intimately familiar. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful surroundings and your serendipity.
So, Sarah - I took an empty half of a milkweed pod, peeled off the papery layer on the back..which revealed a wonderfully textured surface. Then I painted the whole pod a metalic gold and placed a pearl in the cup. It will be a gift for just the right person.
OOOOH. What a magical sounding object. Lucky person. I haven't even thought about playing directly with the pods like that and now am super intrigued. Thank you!
In addition to "seasonal limericks" and "ridiculous rhymes," I offer you "dog-attended doggerel." Smooch!
Ha! Oh the bliss of your brilliant brain❤️
If you lined it with beeswax you could drink from it 😉
Excellent idea. I've been thinking about doing a seasonal melting down of saved candle stubs--not only to make more candles but also to treat/season/protect some of the recent baskets I've made (esp pine needle). Now I see I can take it to a whole other place. Thank you!
I always love your knitted and woven coracles! Of course the drawings are just so enchanting Sarah and I enjoy seeing where your curiosity takes you! Yes I totally see the mouse in the milkweed pod! Perhaps all the mice that gallivant around in my studio and the new book have me primed to see the resemblance! I love the sidewalk yoga you and your granddaughter are doing together! The best!! All the best to you and yours! 💖
Well now, as per Heidi Lindy's comment above, I'm suddenly imaginging little painted milkweed pods as coracles/boats for your increidbly charming mice to float around in.
That does sound delightful!! I have crocheted them little boats before, but I think a milkweed pod would be perfect!
More enchantment! ❤️
I was just given some milkweed stalks, and I've planted some too so I hope I'll have my own eventually. What lovely fibers!
Oh I hope you like them. And even if you don't, the bees will (at least the blossoms n the plants).
Tapestry Talking looks like a weaver's dream! I will be asking my library to get one!!! Such an amazing undertaking! There is a long, long time established weavers guild in Olympia WA that I will pass the word on to, too. Your milkweed cup might be a poem all on it's own. Pretty sure it is. :-) I got this idea from Diane Porter's My Gaia substack post today. https://mygaia.substack.com/p/house-wren?r=2l04ge&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web
Love how your woods are greening up!
OH WOW that video!!! the wren eating from her pocket! I love wrens so much.
And the haiku wren house??? perfection.
Suddenly imaginging little baskets as individual haptic haiku--that could also be bird houses.
Thank you soso much for sharing.
And Isn't it fantastic to have a library that actually buys the books one wants? Though I have my own copy, a friend jsut reminded me that I could order one for the library too, to share.
Glad you enjoyed it! I learn so much from Diane Porter! She does detailed posts with close-up photos about native wild plants in her area, on things like how she transplants the tricky ones and the short lived early wild bees which are specific to certain plants. Truly fascinating!! And her life with birds gives her so much to share. A milkweed wren house!!! Sounds like poetry to me. I bet even Beryl would have fun watching that. :-)
Oh and have to say I think $50 for Tapestry Talking is an absolute steal!! :-)
I agree. Magical thinking. I love your cup. I think it is a perfect dream holder.
We are in Scotland right now, and in the Dornoch history museum there is a wool exhibit, which includes an older basket (looks like willow, and in the shape of a large tissue box, filled with fiber) just next to an antique wheel. My poor itchy fingers, which are suffering spinning withdrawal, so wanted to sit down with that glorious naturally dyed wool, and spin.
It is so exciting that you have this substack, which allows and teaches folks the joys of fiber.
What bliss to see, understand (and feel, even if you don't get to touch), your intimate connection with someone from long ago and far away--those spinning, twisting, textile motions through which we are truly stitched togehter.
Have a wonderful wonderful trip.
A cup is a wonderfully modest place for a poem to begin.
Oh gosh. Thank you for this.
That cup is a thing of beauty indeed!
Thank you !
I love the bird songs in the forest! Thank you for sharing some peace during these fraught times ❤️