the courage to feel: sewing, and birds

 e for emotion: quilted fabric on card

I must write a hundred blog posts in my mind to each one I actually publish, these days. The next four weeks will be really busy, and then hopefully July a bit less so. But enough of the excuses. An interesting article on being really busy here...

from little things - fabric applique

I made this last weekend, which is a good reminder to me that I can make something quickly (and well) when I try. The applique, which still has some tacking in it, was made for our 10 year celebration of Masters of Mental Health - Art Therapy at the University of
Queensland, which we are hanging next week. And speaking of trees, I think this one needs a bird. I knew it wasn't quite finished...

Two movies about powerful emotions, and birds: 

Healing is a beautiful movie about, well, healing. A grownup Kes (1969) for the modern age, perhaps? It really is about the courage to feel, and the power of relationships, both personal and professional. The amazing Don Hany stars as an Iranian man in jail in Victoria, who finds his way back to life (no pun intended) with the help of Hugo Weaving's prison officer and an eagle called Yasmin. This movie may not be in cinemas much longer, as its showing at midday, never a good sign. It deserves better.

Broken Circle Breakdown is a Belgian movie about loss and grief, and country music. Its very sad, but as someone once said, grief is its own medicine, if you hang in there. There is a wonderful and powerful section of this movie about a child and a dead bird, which resonated with this blog post

- sometimes children just get it.

I could go on, but I should feed my birds (chooks), and dog, and go to work. 

More later.

routines, on the other hand, are really helpful too...

 Street art in Annerley, raffia

Good morning! The artwork in this post is particularly colourful, and I guess its been a colourful week. On Saturday I participated in a workshop facilitated by a dance movement therapist, as well as talking about my own work as an art therapist (with help from my framework quilt), to a group of music therapists. Some great synergy right there. One of the songs we 'danced and moved' to was 'True Colours' by Kasey Chambers. See below.

Three days of separate training about trauma, after two weeks of broken routines and long weekends (which involved less exercise, and more chocolate than usual) have all taken their toll, however. Getting the balance more or less ok is a constant process, and it feels pretty good now, after a more normal weekend, albeit buffered by the bonus of having Friday and Monday off. Yes, another long weekend, but this was different, as it felt quite restorative. 

And this time, the gym was open. Phew, I have missed the spin doctor...

 

crazy quilt #1,2,&3

Yesterday I worked on my crazy quilt, which is gradually taking shape, in a collection of squarish nuclei, (as in the top two photos), spiralling outwards in a rectangular form, until they reach the optimum size. Another one begins, and the challenge is to join them together. This is what leads to the craziness, I suspect.

Tree of Hearts quilt, applique on felt -

Their present from me

I recently made this for my ex-colleagues, to leave a piece of myself there, and also to help me process leaving. Its full of symbolism, with many layers of meaning, and references to shared experiences:  it was very therapeutic to make. They seemed to like it!

True colours: In the ensuing conversation and gift sharing, I heard a bit about what 'my colours' are from my colleagues recently - everyone's version was different, which is fantastic: I can have them all. There is a small wonky rainbow on the quilt, above. And no, it doesn't have all the colours. But that is ok too.

I have noticed how much of my textile work is squarish, and that includes other people's work that I am drawn to. This crochet rug is from the op shop at my previous workplace.

Youth week Street art, Goodna

I suspect I have found the source...

Although this actually don't have many squares, but the design is based on a grid. I may have to try a patchwork version of this...

 detail of one of Dad's untitled paintings

Definitely not a square - crocheted cactus from 'the succulent garden' -

My present from them

Interesting Laughing Lotus yoga class in Mt Gravatt last week, which is usually quite strenuous. This time it was 'Yin Yoga, because its a new moon'. I have no idea what this means, but it involved carefully draping ourselves over bolsters, and having blankets draped over us, for rather long poses. Really relaxing and great for my spine, and overall sense of wellbeing, apart from some persistent pins and needles in the soles of my feet, afterwards. 

Was offered, and accepted, the opportunity to work 5 days a week, just until the end of June. Will definitely need more Yin Yoga, during and afterwards. Shame there is only one new moon a month.

Well I am on a roll today, ticking stuff off my list. What's next, food prep for tomorrow's work foodfest? The main aim of which seems to be - (one of our core values) - compost!!

more later