Just as Fall brings a bounty of food during the harvest, I have a bounty of boxes to refine!
Some gifted, some discovered out in the wilds of the city …
There seems to be a clear focus adjustment for me, away from furniture and more toward small useful items like boxes. (Sometimes larger boxes too!) Although the furniture is lovely to do, it is much harder to sell. So, for the moment I have decided to work on small pieces, and if a commission to do a piece of furniture comes along, I will most likely jump at it.
A friend gifted me 6 small boxes, all with very different personalities. A Yardley soap box … brought back memories of childhood. Yardley was a big name back then. Each one of these little treasures will be so fun to work on. Right now you are seeing them in the base-coat, prepatory stage … where endless possibilities exsist!
The range of boxes is quite fun, from a cigar box/chest that is highly refined, to a couple of pieces that are home made with whatever was around … I secretly covet those! They hold a patina that is amazing.
Two of the pieces shown are Artist Paint Boxes … one commercially made, one homemade. I love them both for their unique qualities.
I keep coming across these wonderful little pieces online … and they make me smile. Simple. Delightful. Encouraging.
One my calendar for October, it’s all about Hope. And I don’t think that can ever be a bad thing.
You can download this image and use it as your desktop wallpaper … a reminder every day to give hope a chance!
~s
Speaking of calendars … yes, there is a 2023 one with even more crazy, wonderful, inspiring days to celebrate life. It goes to print this week!! I am very excited and extremely grateful to my friend Simone for enthusiastically encouraging me to create one for this year. It was fun. It also reflects a deeper theme for the year … BE WHO YOU ARE. The images are on a rich dark background and it feels like a good grounding tool for the year ahead.
This is the cover … I will reveal more next time!
photo by Wendy Morisseau
I think everyone has been feeling it, the momentous shift that is happening. It is in us, in the world around us, in the planet, in the stars. It’s a big change and can feel daunting, to say the least. I am feeling mine in my body … one section at a time. So, I have slowed down to ask what I am to pay attention to. I ask if what I am feeling is a serious physical threat, or something working its way through me. So far, it has been that latter. We are in such a time of shift and change, but I truly feel a hope and coming openness with what is showing up. I think we are dropping a lot of unnecessary crap from our lives, at least I hope so! Be brave in the time. Be gentle to yourself and others because everyone is going through something!
May this be a time of hope for you, as you navigate the ever-changing landscapes, both near and far.
Be well.
~sarah
lovely piece about your boxes project, Sarah. And thanks for the desktop/wallpaper, I really enjoyed September’s one.
And may October’s desktop bring joy to your world too Di! ~s
Oh Sarah, as ever this is in line with where I’m at, on the theme of hope and letting go.
Yesterday, I went on an unexpectedly difficult mountain hike in Waterton Park, Ab. It challenged me from the get go with it’s steady, gradual inclines. At the hardest point I had to either turn around or keep on going. I chose to keep going, literally a step at a time, hugging the mountainside and talking myself through it. There were a few tears as well. It was daunting but then someone behind me said “I’ll meet you at the top”, which is what we put on my deceased brother’s placque after he fell off a mountain 17 years ago. When I heard that I knew it was a sign to keep on and it gave me hope. He was telling me he was with me.
Indeed I made it through that rough portion and did go to the Top! The way back down was easier at that spot. Agreed, we are all going through our own version of challenge individually and collectively on the planet right now. Your clear, simple, upbeat and creative approach inspire me to let go and be myself.
Thank you!
Janis:)
Well Janis you certainly have the wisdom to know when to go on and when to stop, so glad to hear that! Good on you!!! You faced something so very difficult, on many levels, one step at a time, and that my dear is truly inspiring! Thank you for sharing that story. Big hugs, ~s
Yes Sarah – Hope is important to hold in our hearts. Thanks for the new desk top. I love them all.
The nice thing about the desktop images is, they don’t have dates on them, so you can use them again if you feel like it! Thanks for enjoying them.