I've pulled out some stones that I bought on a trip to Sedona about a year and a half ago. These stones have a special meaning to me; that trip was taken at a time of coming to terms with loss, and the beautiful vistas and time spent hiking in the hills of Sedona helped me find new hope for the future at that point in my life. These stones sum up that trip to Sedona for me; I've been saving them for just the right project. This is it.
The first design disaster is already behind me; that's a good thing. Now there will be one less to worry about. I like the new direction I'm taking much better. I want this piece to be meaningful; I want to let go of the side of me that screams, "Bling! Spectacular! Big! Bigger!" because the theme of this contest is creating for the love of beads and beading. I want to make something that comes from my heart, not my head; something that says love, not ego. I want to make a piece that reminds me of my on-line friends every time I wear it.
The on-line beading community has been very important in my life; I've made friends whom I treasure. This contest is a celebration of those friendships, a celebration of the work we do, and I want to be mindful of that over the next few weeks. Can I create a piece that goes from loss, through healing, to joy? I don't know. But regardless of what it says to anyone else, that's what it will mean to me.
This week, I've focused on making the smallest elements of the design; the baby steps that will become the foundation of whatever I end up creating. It's not an exciting process; it can be rather tedious, as I'm not fond of repeating myself, and repeat myself I must. It's a necessary part of the process, however; both in life, and in beading. Bit by bit, I'm building the foundation for this piece, just as I have built the foundation for this new stage of my life.
Peace and joy be with you.
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7 comments:
Thank you, Cynthia. Wonderful design concept, and so meaningful.
I hope your journey will give you much joy.
My opinion - it doesn't matter whose work the judges choose. by choosing this theme, you've already won.
hugs,
Mary Alexander
Well said, Cynthia! I with you a wonderful and fun journey as you create your piece.
It is wonderful that you are taking the time to be so thoughtful with your creation, beading from the heart has it's merits. Well said.
I agree with you wholeheartedly about the online fB Beady Buddy friendships. Very valuable to me, as well and important in my life. Nice to hear about what you are up to! I am 100% with you. :o) I began with my smallest elements and found I could make one in about 25-30 min. I got 20 done evenings this week, and yesterday amid yard work did 4 more, and today, made two large ones and 4 medium sized ones... but I still have miles to go. How wonderful to take this journey with friends!
What a wonderful expression of yourself and your heart's work. I can't wait to see what you come up with. Bling or not I know it will be spectacular. I also know what you mean about your online beady friendships. I learn lots from mine as well as find great resources and direct my beady friends to relevant resources when I can. Facebook isn't for everyone but it is perfect for our Designer/Artistic Beadworld. I appreciate your contribution as well as everyone else's.
Beautiful blog .. Cynthia ..
I find my very best work comes when I'm doing something for myself. Stephen King calls this stage in writing "closed door"...for the writer's eyes only. I'm sure the piece will be wonderful, Cyn..
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