Friday, 25 March 2011

Stand and stare

This morning I realised I hadn't chilled out during the day recently - I tend to dash around getting everything done and juggling things and then slump at 7.30pm. Instead of launching headlong into the day and feeling, well, somewhat strung out at times, I decided on a different approach today.

I did not turn the computer on but started the day by listening to this exquisite meditative piece by Arvo Part. It seemed to relax the little ones too.



Then I took a cuppa into the garden. I hadn't done that yet this year. I stood and stared for a little while. I spotted a tiny wren hopping in the flower bed and some self-seeded forget-me-nots about to flower. It was a good plan - I had a sudden urge to make tiny versions of both and what's more I felt less rushed.



These little pieces will be part of my table at the Spring and Eco Poppytalk Handmade market which begins on Monday.

Today is the last day of my tiny silver cherry blossom raffle for Japan. I will be drawing the winner over the weekend.
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29 comments:

  1. Gina25 March 2011 at 13:53

    Standing and staring seems a good thing to do... especially when they result in pretty pieces like these

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  2. Naturally Carol25 March 2011 at 14:21

    Lovely to be creative first thing in the morning when you are fresh and energetic! I often start sewing around seven. After getting up and pottering around for a while, I think about what I'm sewing and then get a little idea and want to start. Then I feel creatively satisfied for the rest of the day! Beautiful jewelry!

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  3. Floss25 March 2011 at 14:24

    It sounds a bit lazy, but I've been sitting and staring!

    Like you, I have to force myself to do it, but three times this week I've wrapped myself in a blanket and sat in the sunshine next to the daffodils and tulips, just to take it all in. I'm so glad it's been productive for you - I think it has for me, too.

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  4. driftwood25 March 2011 at 15:11

    beautiful things Emma, keep stopping and staring xxxx

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  5. Miriam Weaver25 March 2011 at 15:18

    I've been forced to sit and stare most of this week! A bad back so quite a lot of pain involved too. Love the wren, we usually have one in our garden, not seen it this year, maybe it's moved!

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  6. mynestofyarnandbuttons25 March 2011 at 15:20

    I listened to that lovely music and it's true it is so relaxing. Thank you for sharing. Love the jewelry, the bird is so sweet. Best of luck at the market!
    xoRobin❤

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  7. greenrabbitdesigns25 March 2011 at 16:53

    Beautiful jewellery. :)
    That sounds like a good way to start the day!
    Vivienne x

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  8. ...Nina Nixon...25 March 2011 at 17:19

    It feels good sometimes to just do that - to almost meditate.

    Have a beautiful weekend,

    Nina xxx

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  9. Twiggy25 March 2011 at 18:12

    It is good to stop now and again, I sat in the garden with a cuppa when I came home from work on Tuesday evening. The sunshine was so lovely.
    Have a fab weekend.
    twiggy x

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  10. Unknown25 March 2011 at 19:15

    Thanks for the timely reminder to stop rushing all the time. It is amazing how these slowed down moments allow us to be open to inspiration.

    Lovely creations, Emma, and is this the second market you are doing, which kinda sounds like the first went well? Hoping so, your recent pieces are gorgeously Spring like!

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  11. dottycookie25 March 2011 at 20:51

    My favourite time of day is 6.45 am when I take the recycling out and look at the sky.

    Madness today - good madness, but still mad. Weaving with Nadine this afternoon - she says Hi and we need to all get together to make baskets one of these days!

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  12. Locket Pocket25 March 2011 at 21:12

    Love your new creations Emma - and that music is so calming - I'm listening to it now. Lucy xx

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  13. Mary25 March 2011 at 21:24

    That is one of my favourite pieces of music ever - my mother introduced me to Arvo Part some years ago and I have always been grateful..

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  14. Catherine25 March 2011 at 22:54

    Well done for having a really chilled out Friday. It looks as though it gave you extra energy too, to make the pretty bird and flower jewelry

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  15. Rhiannon25 March 2011 at 23:09

    That sounds like such a beautiful start to a day. The nearest I got to that over the last few days was lying on the grass in a church yard at lunchtime yesterday. Going back to work was the hardest part...

    envious? a little...

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  16. menopausalmusing26 March 2011 at 00:12

    Oh Emma! When I read who you had been listening to I wondered if it would be Spiegal im Spiegal. Isn't it just so beautiful? Someone gave me it on a CD of their favourite pieces of music last year and it is just lovely. Forget me nots and pulmonaria are winning my heart here in the west.

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  17. Jackie26 March 2011 at 01:00

    Good for you...do it more often.
    Your garden is so lovely and flowery!
    Not much here yet.

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  18. Thimbleanna26 March 2011 at 05:49

    It sounds like a wonderful day Emma. I think we all need to take a little time "off" here and there. Your little flowers are adorable -- as always!

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  19. julie26 March 2011 at 10:33

    What a good way to start the day Emma - thanks for the link to the beautiful music, am listening to it now. I love your nature inspired creations - especially the little wren - so perfect with her perky little tail!

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  20. French Knots26 March 2011 at 20:35

    It's all too easy to get caught up in the whirl wind of life, I'm going to make time to stand and stare too.
    Am now reciting the poem in my head, we learnt it at school and for some reason it has stayed with me. Unlike the emprical table or french verbs!

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  21. The Coffee Lady27 March 2011 at 09:50

    It's 8.49am (with blessed clocks forward - bah). I just listened to that music and now I want to go back to bed.

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  22. Rachel27 March 2011 at 14:35

    I'm certainly looking forward to the first cup of tea outside this year..

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  23. faith7627 March 2011 at 15:33

    I really like these pieces very pretty. Leah x

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  24. noknittedknickers27 March 2011 at 23:21

    How lovely. I'm a big fan of the Arvo Part piece. I sometimes play it while I have a bath before I go to bed. I think if I played it in the morning, I'd never leave the house. Just been reading about the lovely day Domesticali had in your workshop. Pea green with envy.... Claire

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  25. Tania28 March 2011 at 03:24

    I just did a hyperventilate when I spotted those birdie feet. And yes, there's a lot to be said for slow breathing.

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  26. mrspao29 March 2011 at 00:20

    Beautiful pieces. I love to stop a moment and watch all the birdies in our garden - it is such a magical time of year.

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  27. shadygrey30 March 2011 at 09:41

    A lovely post, Emma, and thank you for the link to the Arvo Part piece. I've heard it many times without realising what it was! My yoga teacher used to use it often for a gentle start to a session.
    And the blossom photos in the last post are beautiful.

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  28. Planet Penny31 March 2011 at 09:07

    Switching the computer on first thing is not good for the soul, standing in the garden is! I must do more of that. Your Spring post which I've just seen is very uplifting, especially this morning when it is wet and grey. I love your little bird and forget-me-nots! love Penny x

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  29. Reading Tea Leaves2 April 2011 at 15:13

    Thank you for this timely reminder Emma. Beautiful piece of music to soothe the soul.

    Jeanne
    x

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