Monday, October 14, 2013

lessons learned

 coming  to the end now and i realize how little i have posted, and how little i have posted about what really has mattered to me...

the places we have been are as beautiful and awe-inspiring as can be but this trip has been so much more than that... so very much more... i think there are many more posts to come about this journey of mine, through space and time...

    

                i  have seen landscapes that have filled me with wonder and astonishment, 

    
    

    castles and cathedrals that we of the modern age would be hard-pressed to try our hand at...

                                         

   can you even imagine a bank that would finance a building project that would take fourty years to complete, let alone one hundred? 

     

          do you think there is one of us that would joyfully start something knowing it would be 
                                        completed long after we ourselves are gone? 

                                 

when we lost our willingness to take time to create something special we lost something truly great

                                       we lost possibility, and with it, our own potential

                             i have no lifelong project to complete, nor yet one to begin

           but each thing i put my hands to from now will be something that i will take the time it needs,
                                                       so as to be done my very best

          

                                                 to honour skill, craftsmanship, pride

my best work, whether it be a loaf of bread, a quilt, a warm, wooly scarf, or a triple layer-chocolate and raspberry jam filled layer cake with chocolate buttercream,because after all the things i have seen, out of all the things i have learned about this country, the thing i will come away knowing the most...

                                                         i have learned it loves cake!


11 comments:

Monica said...

Hahaha, yes, they love cake here!
So glad you had such a wonderful experience!
xoxo

MLM247 said...

I really like your comment about time. So much of modern life is about tearing down, getting votes, earning money, and achieving short term goals. Real life is not completely like that. Big projects give big opportunities for employment, learning, and community pride. Making something that spans large amounts of time is definitely worthwhile. Now I am thinking about the significance of those old and antique objects I have inherited or bought. Your post has touched a chord deep inside me.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful words.

Can't wait to have you back!

And can't wait to eat your cake :) Could reallllllllllllllllllly go for that pumpkin one right meow.

XO

deanna7trees said...

a different time and place. gives an appreciation of what people did for others in their time. makes us realize how much easier life is for us in this day and age.

Marj Talbot said...

Agree with Laura - beautiful words and so true. I can't see much after my eye surgery, but the pictures will remain on my laptop and I can look as time heals. Looking forward to your return and listening to more tales and experiences. Love and hugs, Marj

Mosaic Magpie said...

Putting the time and effort to make things to best of our ability is so worthwhile. I used to try and complete something as quickly as I could to move on to the next project. With my recent smocking attempts, I have come to realize this is something that needs time. Work towards making something that will be appreciated and cherished.
What beautiful photos you have shared with us.
Now go eat some cake...ah cake, the international love.
xo,
Deb

Tina said...

Love your photos from that wondeful country. I'm so glad you had such an awesome trip. I wish I could have meet up with you and Monica. Looking forward to hear more.

Createology said...

Let us all eat cake my dear. I am always amazed at how quickly our side of the pond destroys and tears down everything old and monumental. I actually think time slows down when we take the time to do our best and enjoy the process. I am enjoying every post you have shared while on your dream journey. Safe travels home my friend...

Karen said...

ha yes!!!! we love cake!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://karenannruane.typepad.com/karen_ruane/

Suztats said...

Beautiful photos of the architecture, Jillayne. The artistry shown is amazing.
Working on the wrapping cloth, I have come to love the slow work, taking time to create each stitch, and being mindful of its placement on the cloth. I am lost in the world of creating, and time stands still. I am enamoured by the process, and captured by the concept of creating new from old and forgotten pieces of cloth. There is a touch of magic to this changing. So I understand the desire to allow your hands the necessary time to create.
I am reminded of the quote " You do not serve the world by playing small." by Marianne Williamson. To me, it means being all that I can be, and to put my best effort into anything I create, for these creations are my mark, they speak of how I value my art, my abilities, and myself.

Wendy said...

Oh yes, we love cake. I don't think I've been talking about it enough in my posts if you didn't know that!