Saturday 20 February 2010

Home, At Last.

It's so wonderful to see the children outside again. Yes, it's still freezing, but the sun is shining so they don't care. They come in with pink cheeks and frozen fingers, eyes bright as buttons, and a certain spring in their step.

The mid-term break is coming to a close now, and school lurks just around the corner, much to everyone's disappointment. But as each morning dawns that little bit earlier and that little bit brighter, we know longer days will also become warmer days, so we'll bide our time with patience, for there is still much to occupy our hands.


And so at last I have more or less finished this little piece of Redwork which will be winging it's way to Stephanie in a day or two, once I have edged and hung it.



There is always a hundred and one things pulling at my time, and in some ways I have got good at whittling them down to what works for me, and what fits in to my busy days. Do I get a bit of this done? Or maybe I'll re-line that bag I love? Or will I get some writing done before this story explodes out of my head? And what about some crafting with the kids? That has been neglected of late. Oh...I make myself dizzy. And all this aside from the practical chaos of running a household of six! (I won't even begin. And I certainly won't mention the laundry..!)

 So there is a definite satisfaction to finishing something like this!


As I said before, what I love about this method of work is how portable it is, and how I can literally make it one stitch at a time as I sit in my car waiting for the school bell, waiting for the oven timer to go, in the evening on the couch with one eye on on the tv. It's something I can manage. Nicely.


And the kiddie crafting sometimes just sorts itself out. The Little One now has his own wee tin with all he needs, and like his Mama he carries it with him wherever he goes and a stitch at a time he is making tiny pictures that tell a tale.

And I just have to remember to remember not to worry, and not to feel anxious, and not to berate myself, because it all evens out in the end. And we are all happy. And we will always create, because that is what humans do.

And we are all happy.

We are blessed.


23 comments:

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

Lovely thoughts that I needed to hear! Yes, I can relate to the struggle of fitting everything in!

Love your new red work. It reminds me of Swallows and Amazons.

Happy Saturday!

Unknown said...

I just love it when my children come in rosy cheeked and bright eyed - it makes my heart glow!
Your stitching is beautiful, and I truly admire your writing.

Stephanie V said...

Your redwork is quite lovely. The scene truly tells a story. And your little guy really is getting his own style.

I remember how that cold air and sunshine feels on my cheeks...it's a good thing to see in kids.

Mise said...

One stitch at a time is so true, and redoing them when experimenting fingers pull them apart. 'Redwork' is a great word.

Mimi said...

Oh my goodness, Ciara, it took me a few minutes to realise that last piece is done by, not you, but your little guy! He's following in your footsteps.
You will always create, because that is what you encourage, by example when you sew with one eye on the tv, as well as when you sit down with the children.
I'm sentimental thinking about how those days are now gone for me and my (now not so) little ones.But they were good times.
I'd love some time to try that redwork, but I wouldn't be able to draw the pattern- can't draw for nuts!

Anonymous said...

what beautiful stitching, Ciara. i'm glad you are able to find time to squeeze it in here and there. :)

Ciara Brehony said...

Oh ladies, thank you as always for your sweet words!

Mimi, I can't draw for peanuts either. That's why I sew! I do have a notebook for ideas, but that's for my eyes only! Really. They're dreadful. And I'm not being modest! I find it fascinating that I can 'draw' with thread and not with a pencil. Aren't we strange creatures?

Sara said...

Lovely stitching... brings a sweet joy. I can feel it.

We too are enjoying sunshine filled chilly days. Spring is so close I can taste it. :)

xx

Tia said...

Ciar aoh your stiches make me smile ! and how WONDERFUL is it that you encourage the kids to sew ,especially the boys ! Too many people seperate the boys/girls crafts and toys (bah!)...keep up the great work and yes , it does get better pet , the darkness always comes before the dawn xx

HKatz said...

I can't draw well or sew at all, but I do enjoy admiring other people's projects. Thank you for sharing. And I also love these lines:

"And we are all happy. And we will always create, because that is what humans do."

Pandorah's Box said...

Oh i loved this. Your piece is beautiful, I would love to learn how to do that.

Just gorgeous, and I love that your little one has copied his mama and has a tin of his own :)

A Daft Scots Lass said...

love the sox on the washline

Elaine Prunty said...

ciara, its absolutely gorgeous, and what a story it conjures...love it love it love it and lucky lucky stephanie....the little 'un is a chip of the old block alright...

Stephanie said...

It's lovely Ciara! Lucky, lucky me!

MyMaracas said...

Beautiful. I've never seen work like this. Lucky Stephanie indeed!

Rebecca S. said...

When I think of how much I expected of myself when I had small children, I am amazed. And I am also amazed at how much I did accomplish. Creative people always have this struggle between doing and being, expecting and achieving, but then we come up with something beautiful and we are satisfied...for a time!

Elizabeth said...

You are blessed. There's a peace to your blog, to your writing and recording of your daily activities that is comforting and draws me back, here, over and over. Thank you.

A. E. Hendricks said...

This is very sweet! I love the laundry on the line.

affectioknit said...

Oooh I love the redwork! ...and that your son has his own - precious!

Sidereal Day said...

Your redwork is fun and lovely! It's fabulous you were able to find the time with such a full house, I have a hard time getting anything done with one little one and one big one that might as well be a little one.
Thank you for the reminder that it all evens out in the end.
Have a great week. =)

MissKris said...

Your writing brings forth Thoreau and Gladys Tabor to my mind. I am a new reader and am so blown away by the poet's soul in you that is so evident. When I worked my way down your page it was like wandering into the heart and soul of you. The love you have for life and its many blessings is manifest in your writing. Beautiful, as are the photos. I am humbled by the richness of your talent.

Abigail said...

The one by the child is precious, absolutely precious. Yours is lovely too of course!

mimi charmante said...

you are so fabulous in every way.
happy weekend friend~
xx