So I was sewing...

It started out, as usual, with my plan to make up the pattern just the way the instructions tell you to. Simplicity #2207...one of the "Steampunk" designs. I started with the bustle, the smallest piece. Changed it, but not by much. Next was the skirt. Changed it...a lot. Thought the ruffle too bulky and frilly, so I did pleats, which added another seven feet to the ruffle/ bottom. Heavy, but not frilly. Working on jacket. Oddly enough, I think I'm going to add a ruffle to the bottom. I am not a "ruffle" person, but it just needs something. (photo later)

The whole time I'm sewing, I'm listening to "Care of the Soul" by Thomas Moore. Today was about the way we treat objects, and how we ignore the soul in our possessions. Things break down, and we just toss them aside like they have no meaning, when the reality is everything has meaning in the world, and to us personally. Every thing has soul. Another bit was how we keep art out of our lives because only a REAL artist can create. The true reality is, all acts are creative- sewing, cooking, cleaning, all of it is art. All of it feeds your soul.

I've been trying to be more in my own life. I try to look at each thing I do as a chance to reconnect with myself and with life. I suffer from chronic pain, (for 10+ years) so for a very long time I've been getting by by ignoring my body as much as possible. Ignore the pain, and just get on with it. But I'm beginning to realize how much of self gets cut off that way. The last three days I could barely walk because of pain in my knee. Right now the pain is gone, but it may be back tomorrow. Why would I want to be present for that? I'm not sure what the answer is.