Friday, November 16, 2007

unfold your wings

I have been lost in the little details of my life...
My artist doors have been closed, I have been stumbling in my studio the last few days trying to get back into the zone, The ideas try to come but nothing is quite right, My hands and my heart have been in two different places it seams. But in the back of my head I can hear Catharine cheering me on and saying "just play Ruth, do what makes YOU happy."

Over this last year I have been so blessed to have encountered much personal and professional growth, I am grateful that my life has slowed down a little now and over the last past month I have been very still within myself, trying to hear my own true voice once more, A few days ago I found this amazing section from Rumi, Masnavi III,1616-23
it has captivated me and I have been reflecting on it over and over:
Unfold your wings

Just as staying home is easy for some.
traveling comes easily to others.
Each of us was made for some particular kind of work,
and the desire for that work.
has been placed in our hearts.
How should hand and foot
be set in motion without desire?
If you see your desires leading towards the heavens,
unfold your wings and clam it;
but if you see your desire bends to the earth,
keep lamenting.
The wise weep at the beginning;
The foolish beat there heads at the end.
Discern the end from the beginning
so that you may not be repenting
when the day of reckoning arrives.
~ Rumi


Yesterday I got to meet up with two amazing art girls.
Kristen Robinson and Karen Cole

It was A perfect southern California day at the Huntington library and gardens .
We were all captivated by the 15th century books that were on view (my fingers were itching to pass over the pages!) Enjoyed a delicious English Afternoon Tea, followed by a walk around the grounds. Giggling all along the way!
Reflation is good and personal growth is necessary, but living life in the now is what it is truly about! so its time for me to open the doors and let life shine in!

10 comments:

marion said...

Thank you for the Rumi quote. It was just what I needed to hear today.

martha brown said...

Your fingers weren't itching to pass over the pages, they were itching to rip the pages out! LOL . just kidding......maybe.......

Patti G. said...

Hey Ruth, I just wanted to say that I think you are fantastic and whether you are arting, being with family, art friends, seeing and enjoying life and all it has to offer........YOU are special and unique and talented and sharing and caring and alllllllllllll the things that makes one want to know you! So enjoy WHATEVER you are up to .......in your life and accept the hugs that come your way from me!
Patti

alex said...

Oh! Ruth those wings are GORGEOUS!! How many layers did you cut through? You are such an inspiration.

Heartinmyhand said...

Love the quote. I picked up a copy of Quilting Arts Gifts. I was so delighted to see your work. I just love what you do. I have been reading your blog for some time know and love the direction you are going

Ruth Rae said...

hello girls!!!
I am glad you like poem and thanks for all the words of encouragement :)

Martha: I did for a second really think about the fun I could have "playing" with 15 century books! you know me to well!

Alex: in the pic of the wings where I was cutting I went through 8 layers, this was my first time using a rotary cutter and if you do not have one it is a must have! I am not sure how I have made it this long with out one!

the layers went like this:
2 are paper, 4 fabric and 2 are a stiff scrim.
now when you see the wings sewn up I added a wee bit of batting to make them puff a bit more :)

On December 1st I will share with you what I did with the wings as they are for a 12 days of christmas ornament exchange :)

Karen Cole said...

I am starting my day with a huge smile. Just thinking about taking those photographs makes me giggle.

The quote is so timely. I am a traveler, but being home now feels right. I try and grab every moment...the time spent with you and Kristen was a delight.

Just reading this post was an adventure. I wasn't sure where you were going at first. The wing is truly beautiful. I will fly through my day with it and the memories of a beautiful day spent and for all of the ones to come.

I'll post after work today.

Thanks for the tea!!!! Todays weather calls for something warm to drink.

xo Karen

Judy said...

Hey, I know those faces! Well at least I have met karen in Italy heard you had a wonderful time - cant wait till I get there. Ciao and chin up!

Maija said...

Listen to Catherine - she is very wise!

Kristen Robinson said...

What a wonderful post you are such fun Ruth you and Karen reminded me to find the fun and the giggling was WONDERFUL! Let life shine in what a propelling and amazing quote!
XOX
Kristen