Cold and crafty

The last week it has been quite cold, not to say freezing here in the Netherlands. Temperatures have been well below freezing during the day and the northern breeze doesn't help either. There is even talk about organising an old Frisian skating tradition, the Elstedentocht. It is a skating competition of 200 kilometers, it has not been organised in 15 years...Well, I will wait and see, thaw seems to be coming this weekend.
Because of this weather, I have caught up with some crafting work that has been lying around for a while now. I have nearly finished a felt pillow cover that I am making from a pattern by Cinnamon Oatch. It has a nice folksy look. The only thing left to do is sew the front and back together and stuff it

She who talks with relations....

In the last week of January I started a new year long spiritual training based on the Clanmothers by Jamie Sams. Once a month a group of women of all ages ( I am the youngest at 30) gather to learn, celebrate and unite.
Being me, I was vey nervous about the first meeting. Needless of course,because we were made very welcome and felt right at home, being plied with tea and cookies. The atmosphere was one of anticipation and cheer. The group quickly felt like a cohesive unit, wich ensured me that I would be able to share my pains and dreams with women that I hardly knew at this point.
We started our circle with a beautiful ritual of recognition and salutatio, after which the quarters were called with song and spirit was invited. During the circle we sang and share our feelings and thoughts. Each time after a sharing we returned to our own centre, our heart and soul. This is a good way to ensure I don't get swamped with feelings and concern for others...for me this was THE essential lesson, being in tune with your self enhances communication and connection ewih others.
During the day we each sought our own sacred place in the woods nearby. I found a lovely shelterd spot near two immature trees. This place will be my spot for the rest of the training and even now, writing about it, I long to return there. It will be my place to be quiet, to still the whirlwind in my head and reconnect.
Over all I loved the day and I am already looking forward to the next meeting.

A brand new start

Wow, I can't believe it is 2012 already. Sometimes the years just seem to fly by.....without any particular memories attached to days or even months. As you know 2011 was not particularily good for me, but I have learned a lot ad it has helped me realise I don't have time to waste thinking about the future and the past. It is ok to make some plans, but I have to live in the now, the present. Realising this has affected my new years resolutions quite a bit. There are no really lofty goals for this year, my main resolution being to enjoy life every day, in the smallest things if nothing big is happening....Of course there are some things that are more practical that I want to realise: 1 taking better care of myself and my body 2 taking my art more serious 3 getting married ( plans are in the works, finally) Today I am enjoying the idea of a fresh new year, cooking a lovely vindaloo for supper, reading a good book ( Stephen King 11.22.63, in case you are curious), some tea to go with it and a bit of writing and crafting. I hope you all enjoy your day and the year!

What I am doing....

Working on several projects at once as usual. The quilt is nearly done, and for a change I decided to do some painting in a book I am altering. I decided to use a vintage childrens book so I could make an art journal without being bothered by staring at a blank page.

My first attempt at quilting

This might not look like much at the moment, but this is my first attempt at making a quilt. It was intended as a birth gift for a friend, but I took lightly longer. the little girl in question is over 6 months old now. The main reason for this was my sowing machine, which did not agree with me.
With my new mahine I finally had the patience and the experience to finish te machine sewing. Now the real quilting can start! I am feeling rather proud of myself at the moment!
I am afraid I have to go and do the dishes now....blegh...