Claudia — Page 1545

Tough Tuesday

February 28, 2012 at 9:00 am by Claudia

The flowers are pretty, aren’t they? Try as I might, I don’t usually have the patience to remove all the paraphernalia from the kitchen table before I shoot a photo. There’s always something in the way.

I am going to ‘not be in the way’ today when the workers come to take down the willow. It will be a big job, it’s incredibly tall. I’m going to take care of some business and leave the home front to Don. I’m sure I’ll see some of the activity because I have to get the car back by 2:30 for Don to go to work. Hopefully (fingers crossed) most of it will be done by that point.

I’m used to the idea now. I know it has to come down. Still – I will probably get a shock when I return. My yard is already a muddy mess from the work on the septic system. Now, it will be missing a massive tree that sheltered our front yard, provided privacy from the busy road, and whose graceful branches swayed gently in the breeze.

Okay. I have to stop or I’ll cry.

Toughen up, Claudia.

New in the Etsy Shop:

The scarf in a rich burgundy, crocheted in silk/bamboo. Soft and silky to the touch.

I’ve had a few people approach me about special orders. If you want one, don’t hesitate to email me or convo me on Etsy. I’m happy to make them. It may take a bit of time as each scarf is made by yours truly and, as far as I know, there are no elves around here to help me out! But I love making them for you.

And to tell the truth, crocheting and the rhythm of it is enormously calming. So bring those orders on!

On Hearts

February 27, 2012 at 10:06 am by Claudia

I found this heart-shaped stone on our walk the other day. It’s small and pretty nearly perfect. I put it in my coat pocket and promptly forgot about it until this morning. It needed rescuing from the dark depths of my pocket – it needed to see the light of day.

Heart shapes evoke strong feelings. Yes, there is the “I love…” symbolism, Valentine’s Day and all that. But within that heart are joy, sorrow, despair, hope, pain, loss, heartbreak, and compassion. So many things contained in one symbol. I never used to be a fan of heart-shaped anything. There was too much of it everywhere. It had become trite. Every bumper sticker I saw had “I {heart-shape} something or other.” Too much. Too little meaning.

But Scout has a heart-shape on her side. Is that a message of some sort? I like to think so.

When I think of heart-shapes these days, I think of so much more than the romantic symbolism. I think of all the emotions we experience every day. I think of those in pain, suffering at this very moment. Of those who are lost and frightened. Those who have lost a loved one. Those whose compassion for their fellow man is astonishing. Those who fight for the rights of our animal friends. I think of everyday people who do heroic things. I think of those who are struggling to hang on to their houses or jobs, whose hearts are breaking. I think of those who have no home and are trying to rebuild their lives.

I think of my dad who told me last night that he thinks his body is shutting down – who feels heartbreak every day. Or my mom whose heart is still beating, even though she is desperately tired and unhappy and has given up.

I think of all of us who are striving to be good people every day. Those whose simple acts of kindness can turn a so-so day into a beautiful one. And of those who are pursuing a dream, hoping that it will come true.

I think of my beloved willow tree. Trees have energy and feelings, of that I have no doubt. If I could carve a heart into the willow, I would do that. But today I will have to say goodbye. It comes down tomorrow.

Heart-shapes have come to mean something entirely different for me than the traditional boy meets girl stuff. Now, when I sew one of my little hearts or find a heart-shaped stone, or discover this heart etched in the gravel just beyond our porch the morning after the destruction of Hurricane Irene —

I take heart.

I hope you take heart, as well, my friends.

Sunday Update

February 26, 2012 at 12:24 pm by Claudia

The winds were howling all day yesterday and through the night. We’re always left with an unsettled, edgy feeling when that happens. I was crossing my fingers that the willow would survive the winds until it can be taken down properly on Tuesday. It did.

I caught these two snoozing on the loveseat:

Ssh! Don’t tell Don I posted this!

Don was taking a nap under what he calls his ‘sleeping bag’ – in reality, a down jacket.

Scout looks cozy, doesn’t she?

I think they’re adorable, but then again, I might be a wee bit biased. Riley was in the den with me.

It’s sunny and cold today and the wind has stopped. I have more crocheting to do for the shop. Speaking of the shop, I listed these two scarves this morning (update: sold):

I’m starting a new one in silk and bamboo:

It will be awfully pretty in this color – sort of a wine or burgundy. By the way, your order comes with one of my little business cards (like the one above) tucked in the wrapping. You can have your very own “Sheep with a Party Hat!”

Have a great Sunday.

Tough Tuesday

On Hearts

Sunday Update

Lambs Like to Party

A Note

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