Sunday, October 8, 2023

Stitches and Shadows

Wherever there is light, look for the shadow.
The shadow is me.  Anais Nin


The days have grown short here in Nod, and darkness and dreariness accompany them.  They are like those people who cast shadows even though there is no sun.

The sky is as moody as I am, and my bones are slow to let go of the chill that settles in them.  I try to commit the glorious colors and earthy smells to memory for another year but the winds and rains are so very quick to dull and mute them just as time is quick these days to dull and mute my memories.

Another month, and another death - that makes 8 in less than a year, including my beloved mum and Snowdog.  I am running out of people to lose.

My thoughts and attentions have once again turned inward, and I bury myself in books and handwork.  My hooking mojo is still on an extended walkabout, but I continue to manage to put a few stitches in.
My latest finish is "Shadows in the Night," a design by Theresa Meloon of Dulaney Woods Treasure. 

{Stitched on 36ct "Straw" linen from Weeks Dye Works, 1 over 2, with some limited 1 over 1.}

{Left side motif}

{Right side motif}

The poor lighting made for poor photos again today - the linen color is much "richer," than than it is showing. The little pumpkin on top is make of velvet.


After taking the photos yesterday, I really noticed how wonky the "X's" on the top of the drum were.  I ripped them out today and redid them. They're much better, but the light has gone and I am not re-doing the photos.  You'll have to take my word for it.

Speaking of fading light, it's time I get back to my stitches...and shadows.

*************

Wishing all my Canadian friends a wonderfully blessed Thanksgiving.

20 comments:

Hill Top Post said...

I am actually looking forward to some slower shadowy days. Losing oneself in books and stitches sounds perfect for a long winter’s day. I love your latest stitching.

WoolenSails said...

We have a mix of sun and rain lately, but always rain on the weekends. In some ways I am looking forward to being stuck inside more, I have lots of projects to work on. It is hard as we get older, so do all the ones we love and we lose too many. I think your wonky stitches are wonderful, I cannot make anything that isn't wonky somewhere.

Debbie

Julia said...

Your stitching is a real work of art. You are such a perfectionist. Did you also stitch that little pumpkin? It's so cute.

I'm so sorry that you lost so many people in only one year. The same thing happened to me several years ago. It was one after another. It was like you, 5 or 6 relatives.

My front yard is full of fallen leaves and it felt cold in the house today. It rained all night but the sun came out for a little while. I'm not ready for winter. Thanks for the Thanksgiving wishes.

Happy Columbus Day. Take care, Hugs.

Julia

jabblog said...

I am sorry your year has been so hard - eight losses in one year is too much. Dark, dreary days take their toll on one's soul. Wishing you bright autumn sunshine to counteract the blues.

Shrimpton and Perfect said...

Ah my dear friend you are in a dark place, so sorry. Mother Nature's weather can really throw a spoke in the works and make us feel down and it's hard to lift one's spirits. I know that in a week it will be Snowdog's anniversary and I hadn't realised you had many other losses through the year, that is very tough. Your needle doings are wonderful of course. I hope you can find some small pleasures. xx

Primitive Stars said...

Good morning Robin, thank you for the Thanksgiving wishes, we celebrated yesterday with a Turkey and all the trimming but sad so few of us that surround the table now a days…. I’m so sorry for all you losses this year as never easy on the heart. There has been lots leaving us too this year, so sudden many like a girlfriend that just turned 65, I’m still numb…. I do admire your stitchery, you have so many talents. I adore the wee velvet pumpkin as I never met a pumpkin I didn’t like…. Hope you find some comfort in these dark days my sweet friend, always close at heart, Blessings Francine.

Saundra said...

Your latest stitched piece is beautiful and with the velvet pumpkin on top makes it even more special.
Losing family and friends sure does make us more aware of our own mortality, especially when you get my age. But my plans are to enjoy each day doing what makes me happy. HUGS to you.

Anonymous said...

I am sad for your losses. It’s hard to not be crushed. Creating helps a bit and your stitching and pumpkin are amazing. Our autumn colours are fading too fast as well. The blazes of red are muted gold now.

Anonymous said...

That was sheepunderfeet. I’m defaulted to anonymous again.

Heritage Hall said...

Wish there were something to soften your sadness....except to send
you a warm hug and invitation to sit down for some comforting tea
and contemplate the good and lovely things that have filled your life, including those you loved. Your broad shoulders have done you
honor so far..... I left a scone on your plate ....

Rugs and Pugs said...

So very sorry you have experienced yet another loss. Life can be so damned hard.
Your stitching is absolutely lovely and the Xs look perfect to me. And your photography skills...your so called lousy pictures are better than my good ones. The little velvet pumpkin on top is definitely the icing on the cake.
So have you finally been getting rain? Oh, the days are so short and it will only get worse before it gets better. We went from HOT to almost winter cold overnight. I am not a fan of the cold and dark.

NMK said...

So sorry you have lost so many this year ....
I Love your X stitching and the pretty velvet pumpkin with the real stem is perfect with it .
Take care and enjoy more hand work .

acorn hollow said...

I am so very sorry you lost another person in your life. Life is not easy.
Your stitching is wonderful. It truly is the season to tuck in and stay close to home.
Cathy

Nancy said...

Shadow work, as dark as it is, will lead to a lighter side. Curl up with a good book, preferably one you have enjoyed, and revisit it like an olde friend.
Lovely work...

marly said...

I am so sorry you experienced another loss. Your opening words are so moving, soulful, they should be quoted.

I am so impressed by that perfect little pumpkin.

yaya said...

We've had the rain and cold here too. Your colors look much better than ours. The leaves are falling but the colors are not great. I love your stitching and that velvet pumpkin is beautiful! Very elegant! I'm so sorry for another loss in your life. It's hard at this sometimes dreary season to grieve. I hope you have some sun come your way soon and you can feel the warmth of your friends here in blogland. Take care Robin!

Prims By The Water said...

I am behind on my blog reading, however I read on another blog that you had lost another family member and my heart went out to you at that time. I pray no one else passes in your family. On a better note, your stitching is always impeccable in my opinion and I did like the wonkiness of the x's at the top. It gave a more prim look. However it is your stitchery and you need to do what is best for you. Love it anyway. I just kitted up a sampler I want to work on. Now to spend some time stitching myself....maybe tomorrow as I dont have good lighting for nighttime stitching...and I need to catch up on my blog reading. Happy Friday the 13th tomorrow my friend. Janice

Lori from Notforgotten Farm said...

...if it weren't for shadows, I wouldnt be able to relax and breathe.
take time to savor even the most fleeting moments you can to yourself.

Bama Planter said...

I hope you are feeling better. I only have about 5 people reading my blog, so I can't loose you !!! This is OUR season, the time to read Hawthorne's House of Seven Gables and especially his short story Young Goodman Brown, which mentions the witches in my ancestry. Fall is a beautiful season. Marshel in Alabama BamaPlanter.blogspot.com

susan hemann said...

I'm so sorry to hear you have lost so many people this year! I'm sure it's difficult to see through the shadows. Maybe this is a good season to mourn those losses.
How do you see those tiny stitches? I love cross-stitch but cannot see where to stitch anymore.
I'm just not happy that the seasons are changing this year. It impacts my life in a big way. I think you know I'm in a wheelchair, so going out is impossible. I'm landlocked.