A quiet walk into summer here in Ontario, Canada requires thought and reminds us that the walk is not all about us, but seeks out those who are willing to set aside some time for focusing on others, not just the normal peaceful wandering. I understand.. now is the time.
I fit into that category after a hugely busy spring. Like so many others, I am ready to make a change in my walking the local trails, quietly studying the world around me, and searching for inspiration. The question is, how do we defer from enjoying normal days and offer our time for helping others? Time is precious.
Here in my corner of Canada, we feel the angst and pain of families removed from their homes due to forest fires north and east of where I live. Many challenges are happening near us as water levels are decreasing due to climate change. The high winds and unusually cool air are affecting each of these crucial issues. Many in Canada and the northern US are affected by the loss of homes through fires, serious changes in the waterways, and soaring financial problems.
The fires continue to burn, and below, you see how the smoke hangs over downtown Ottawa, and we can barely see the Parliament Buildings. Today, while warnings are still in motion, the smoke is lifting slowly and some areas are allowing travel, and slowly returning life to somewhat normal. The tempo is now moving to focus on the needs of others.
My art quilt “making” time also requires time and planning, so I am taking a deep breath and realizing that I need a ‘departure from the normal’. I plan to focus for a little while this month on another path in my cloth art – Weaving.
The project I am working on for our next reveal will help tell the story of spring into summer, 2023 and I am making sure the time shared with my artwork can benefit others as a pathway and yes, an interruption in my daily routine.
Enjoy these two months as you work on our contributions to Cloth in Common, and make sure that friends and neighbors around the world have some portion of your ‘departure’ time.
The fires are continual reminders to all of us that accelerated climate change is real and is happening now, right here. Next door to AB (I actually live in SK, but in the border city of Lloydminster, AB/SK), BCs fire season has been gathering momentum following an early start for BC this year. I looked at the BC Fire Map this morning and boy, the whole province is burning!
I have been smoked in for the past 3 days. I had hoped the weekend might be better but apparently I am wrong. I want to be outside, dyeing fabric, doing surface design. As it is, I am inside doing some fabric prep, organization and maybe even a wee bit of sewing. Thanks for your thoughtful and thought provoking post!
Thank you for post, Jody, and I will be keeping you in my thoughts… when will this ever end?? We have been watching all of the Saskatchewan news and yes, you are in between the fire possibilities, and I am sad to hear about BC…Take care!!
Wow, you hit all the bases. You wove in everything from climate change to the hectic pace of our lives.
The weaving sounds just wonderful right now.
Aww, caught me, Martha… this post is a good start but I just couldn’t get away from what is circling all around us here in Canada just now, and you will see my weaving appearing one way or another in my art! Want to try for a series…
Being from fire-prone California, I know your pain. I hope the fires are brought under control soon. I can’t wait to see how your weaving makes its way into Round 4.
Thanks, Deb, do stay connected with us as we roll along into the next two years. You have been such an amazing support and mentor! And I learned from you how important it is to work away, moving often onto a new focal point – fibre art is so much fun to challenge/deliver in all new ways!