February 26, 2008 at 2:04 pm (life, philosophy)
First I thought about calling this post “scattered focus”. Duh. And whenever I try to redirect my thoughts to be more ideally focussed, I encounter this dichotomy. As long as I’m thinking about changing the current thought, there is some element of my thinking that is not in harmony with my ideal.
I vaguely remember an earlier reference to vigilance, and when we hear that word, it sounds like something hard to do. To be vigilant, I must need to constantly refocus. However, if the ideal I have chosen (love without conditions, in this case) is productive and possible for me at this time, there will be nothing even remotely difficult. The refocusing will be a natural flow of thought, and a momentary rush of liberation from whatever the distraction is.
In other words, if the change I’m trying to make is in the realm of possibility for me, it’s easy as pie. If it seems hard, then there is something about the way I’m already thinking that I’m not ready to relinquish yet.
And I must also love this without conditions.
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February 22, 2008 at 9:09 pm (Uncategorized)
A good breakfast, no?
Tamarack was a bust. They don’t buy your stuff if you use a published pattern. Peacock Feathers shawl was designed by Dorothy Siemens for Fiddlesticks knitting patterns–I couldn’t have designed it, but am grateful for those who DO design so I have something to do!!!
The prescreener guy loved all my hats, though, and encouraged me to take them for jury (they ARE my own designs), even though the flyer/handout thingy said they were NOT looking for hats or other knitted accessories. I really don’t want to just be making hats to sell, anyway. Plus I thought the Guitar straps (handwoven hemp) would be better received and they were summarily dismissed.
Another discouraging thing was pricing. He encouraged me to charge what I think I’m worth (one of my favorite things to think about), but reiterated often that the mark-up is 100%. So what I charge, they double it to resell.
I’m not disappointed, however. I went there to find out the procedures and logistics of selling to (at) Tamarack, and we found out. John thinks we can do better on our own–either a website or ebay. Or both.
I really don’t need the income, but was hoping to help with student loan pay-back. Not giving up.
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February 19, 2008 at 7:33 pm (projects)
The shawl that has been kicking my a– for the last 6 weeks is done. You can’t tell by the picture how silky it is, but trust me on this. Merino wool is the softest lambswool and this is blended with silk.
There are several other projects that I finished also: two guitar straps, four stocking hats, a lacy mobius and a dozen or so felted flowers. Several breaks from the main to keep me from burnout, and I was good to go. It’s actually bigger than I thought it was going to be.
Now, with this much invested, will I be able to sell it? We’ll soon see. I have a meeting/pre-screening with a buyer from Tamarack (a venue that carries WVa artisans exclusively), in two days. Yet another new experience. Bring it.
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February 12, 2008 at 2:30 pm (philosophy)
That the biggest, strongest, wealthiest, noisiest get the most attention and achieve the fastest change is commonly accepted. However, those particular changes either don’t last, or need to be repeatedly imposed with demonstrable force.
Ideas that have proven to illustrate the most longevity, however, are asserted with subtlety and grace. The funny thing here is that we are conditioned to respond to these spectral anomalies in ways that oppose the productive. Although patience is ostensibly promoted, what we see is constant conflict and a lack of anything resembling grace. (think political campaign, corporate tyranny, evangelical imposition, etc.)
As I attempt to practice a new thought process centered in my intimate connectedness with all of creation, my impatience with force continuously rears it’s ugly head, and my habitual inclination to respond with like force as well.
Tolerance and forgiveness are important here, but not imperative. They are still middlemen. Love itself is by far more powerful, and to love without conditions most powerful. Omnipotent. No demonstrable force can have any effect whatsoever where unconditional love abides.
And unconditional love abides everywhere.
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February 8, 2008 at 4:42 pm (philosophy, projects)
The peacock feather shawl (the second one I’ve made) is coming along. I’m in a very confusing part of the pattern where I can’t have a conversation or watch TV or I’ll lose my place. So the relationship with the process is much more intimate than usual. I noticed this morning how beautifully I have spun the yarn, and how great it’s turning into the lace. Also, pictures of other things to make come into mind (as opposed to the images of Ugly Betty and her entourage).
I’m coming back to the mindful knitting thing and paying more attention to what it is I’m thinking. Truely, what you give energy to (the object of your attention) becomes manifest. The projects on deck are numerous and more personally creative than they have been in the past. And although it wasn’t my particular intention to make up designs, I have somehow attracted new ones because of my attention to creating.
I expand yet further.
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February 5, 2008 at 11:10 pm (philosophy, projects)
Aside from a particular product I invented and marketed a few years back (EarthChair), I don’t, as a rule, sell my stuff. But there is a cool venue here in WVa that showcases WVa artisans exclusively. A friend of mine sells hats that she makes there, and has encouraged me to put a package together and get juried (their screening process). So I am in the process of doing that. With the family saturated (overflowing with wool garments), it might be time. I do have some unique accessories that might actually interest a passerby or two. The cool thing about this particular establishment is that they don’t consign. They buy the stuff (like a department store), so you don’t have to wait until something sells for payment.
It’s so interesting to see how as my thought process changes, the circumstances in my life follow suit. I believe this is going to be a very positive thing. Plus, I’m really enjoying myself! You do the same.
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February 1, 2008 at 3:27 pm (Uncategorized)
So, I haven’t touched my knitting, read my daily lesson or done my yoga. This might be bad. J assures me that the novelty will wear off. Good.
This morning I searched for lyrics, found a couple new blogs and information sites, and read, read, read. It’s overwhelming how much there is, so I’m breathing myself through the initial onslaught, and believing that I will settle into a manageable routine soon.
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