I got a lot done in the studio today. I promised two of my galleries I’d restock them after the holiday rush on my work. (Whoo hoo!)
I’m working on a popular new series of jewelry using more organic, simple beads of polymer, accented with freshwater pearls, found objects, wrapped stones, oxidized sterling silver and soft ribbons of leather I cut from recycled leather clothing. It seems to appeal to people who like my aesthetic, but want something more “neutral” than powerful animal totemic work.
I’ve been “in the zone” most of the day, moving easily from one production task to another–drilling pearls, making more polymer pod beads and spacers, cutting leather strips, oxidizing findings, making head pins.
This evening I was dashing around finishing up some stuff so I could relax “later”. The last errand took me across town and back.
On the way back, I thought maybe I could practice being “in the moment”.
So instead of wishing I could hit all the green lights, or cursing the idiot who pulled out in front of me at the rotary, I tried to slow my breathing down. Breath…… In. Pause. Out.
I relaxed and paid attention to what was going on right now.
“I’m driving the car,” I thought. It felt like flying.
My knee ached a little. “My knee hurts,” I thought. But that was a good thing. It meant I’d gone for a long, vigorous walk with our dog Tuck. I remembered playing “monster chasing dog” and “kick the pine cone” and “grab the stick and pull” games.
“I’m driving with my dog in the back seat,” I thought. Tuck chose that moment to stick his head from his seat in the back to rest it gently next to mine in the driver’s seat. Sweet.
“I’m cold,” I thought. The car was still a little chilly, but it was just enough for me to sense it, a good feeling.
“I’m on my way home to my family.” That felt good, too.
“This is a pretty town,” I thought. Keene does have a really nice downtown. This is where our kids grew up. No matter where we end up, it will always hold a special place in our heart.
“It’s a beautiful evening,” I thought.
And then I thought, “I’m driving through a cloud of soap bubbles. And I was.
Someone in an apartment above must have opened a window and blown soap bubbles to drift down to the street below.
It was wonderful. Quite a lovely moment.
Then I saw a very flat, very dead squirrel, and the moment was done.
Lol! Isn’t that just like a dream, sticking life back into the moment? This was priceless!
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Well, it keeps us grounded. :^)
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That is too, too funny! Except for the squirrel. Wow, timing is everything in that post.
And now I shall go and look at your new series.
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And what was worse, he wasn’t there when I went through that intersection the first time. Poor little thing….
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… dont let a flattened squirrel burst your bubbles! 🙂
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I’m trying not to…. 8^0
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I’m glad you’re making new things and keeping people happy…. just please I hope you never lose the love of the little totemic animals. I love the old ones, I love the new ones, and I love to see the line growing. Now, if I can only get to see them in person again soon.
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No worries, Elizabeth. I will never leave my little horses behind–or any of my beloved animals! :^)
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Hi Luann,
Walking home from work last night, I too experienced the bubbles drifting down from the apartment above, just off Central Square. And I remembered having read about them here!
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Yeah, last night I actually saw which apartment they’re coming from. Isn’t it amazing how far the bubbles travel?? Almost a couple hundred feet, in the wind and cold yet!
And think how amazed that landlord will be about that window being open for hours at a time! 😀
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