Hello friends, how have you been these last few weeks? The spring equinox and the vaccine roll out plan here in Vermont have combined to put a spring in our steps (see what I did there?). It will be a while yet, before we will get our shots, but we will be able to at least schedule ours by next week. Each state seems to have their own different priorities and plans, but things feel a bit more hopeful all around.
I think our journey out of this pandemic is going to be messy and drawn out and complicated. There will be no one mass celebratory moment…just little milestones for each of us and our loved ones. It certainly requires continued discipline and commitment to CDC guidelines, and I get a wee bit uncharitable when I see folks relaxing the standards that are so easy to follow. Sigh.
The latest On Being podcast is in my listening queue. Clinical psychologist Christine Runyan addresses the question “What is Happening to Our Nervous Systems?” as we climb out of Covid. “She offers simple strategies to regain our fullest capacities for the world ahead.”
While we process all of that, being out in the fresh air is so restorative! Batman spent time this weekend hauling compost we had delivered from the goat dairy down the way and I did a bit of spreading. This is all to support the “sowing” part of sew and sew life. We won’t be able to plant directly into the ground until Memorial Day weekend. Indeed, we have a very short growing season up here, but that’s when the hoop house helps extend the season. The rain and sunshine these next few months, along with occasional forking, will help this compost settle into our beds and create a rich soil for the upcoming season.
I’ve been stitching here and there along the way. The fabric in the photo above was dyed with birch catkins I collected from fallen branches after a wind storm a few years ago. The sachet is filled with balsam needles from our place. I’ve made a batch of decorative buttons from birchbark, one on either side of the sachet will finish it off nicely.
I spent some time today preparing, weighing, scouring and mordanting some rope bowls. They’ll soak in the mordant overnight and tomorrow I’ll rinse them and prep the marigold (dried from last summer’s gardens) dye pot I’ve been meaning to get to. I used three different kinds of rope while making the making the bowls, I’ll be curious to see how each takes the dye.
Batman built (and I helped him install) an owl house this spring. We are hoping a barred owl might take up residence there. They are beautiful birds and we hear their “who cooks for you?” call out in the yard now and then. The owl box must be at least 15’ off the ground, with a 20’ clear flight path through the woods for entry. I will not share with you the details of said installation…but I tried to be “at the ready” for quick action if required.
I’ve collected some lovely links to share with you today. Maybe some of them are already familiar to you, some may be new. It just makes me feel good to pass them along, and so I will. :-)
The Boston Area Mask Initiative Quilt, created by my fave Gather Here and the Boston Area Mask Initiative is a king sized quilt crafted from scraps leftover from making Covid masks. It will be on display in several locations around the Boston area. It’s yet another example of hearts connected by needle and thread.
Make and Mend is a new and sweet little shop, (spun off by a former Gather Here staff member, I think). A second hand art and craft shop, online, “making creativity more affordable and accessible”. I love that it diverts usable items from landfills, too.
Zak Foster is a fun quilter to keep and eye on. Check out his website here. His Instagram feed is super fun.
Have you heard about Good Good Good? From their newsletter, “Good Good Good shares stories and tools designed to leave you feeling less overwhelmed, and more capable of being a part of the good in the world.” I’ve signed up for their newsletter and I love it. Maybe you would too?
So dearest ones, that’s about all I have time for today. I wish I could send you the scent of early spring here in Vermont and the softness of the air today. Standing in the yard, eyes closed, face to the sun, arms reaching to the sky…it’s pretty magical. Take a deep breath in your own spot, and we will exchange hope that way. xo