Cold, hungry birds zoom to the feeders just outside the window; and a repairman works on the gas fireplace upstairs in the bedroom. A busy day gets me going early. I cut 10” strands of bright red grosgrain ribbon for some ornaments that need restringing. (After forty years, their gold threads gave way.) Left over right, right over left — I tie the thin ribbons, readying our old ceramic and needlepointed ornaments for the next forty years and all the while thinking about the history of these tiny treasures.
Young me loved painting our collection of little mice at ceramics classes in the early 80s. This one’s sweet smile, choir robe and hymnal deceive — he has a slingshot in his back pocket! The other mice aren’t quite as mischievous.
Around the same time, I needlepointed our six round and six festive shapes. This furthered my love of needlework, which began around age five with my mother teaching me how to crochet. Soon after, she taught me how to embroider. Despite working full-time outside the home during an era in which few mothers did, she defined “homemaker.” She kept an impeccable home and loved to create, and my heart beats thanks for her making time to share her skills with me.
How wonderful that your Mom shared her interest in these things with you so that you would continue to enjoy them. My mom liked to embroider, too - I never could do it well, but loved cross-stitching - which I taught her and my school kids. Your dof makes this shot so nice.
