Looking at this black bean dyed seven-patch, I’m seeing more than I expected. Started as simply stitches moving out from the center. Something to hold in my hand. For grounding. To help me move into the rhythm of mantra-like movement. No-thought. Just thread. And cloth.
Lots of times I don’t recognize what is coming forth until it’s finished. So here. Staying centered. In the midst of uncertainty. Not-quite chaos. Unsettled-ness . But there it is. Right in the center. The reminder to stand firm. Downloading the picture to my computer, I had to name it–and the expression “just stay put” jumped into my mind. Where does that come from–“stay put?” Why would the word “put” describe a state of being–or a place?
And why, in the past, did I hear that expression and immediately think “no, I won’t.” Because now it seems like very good advice. Stay put. It could as easily mean “stay centered.” Stay present. Avoid future tripping. Avoid the inclination to re-hash the past. Stay. And this other cloth, another in the series of altar cloths I’m working on–cloth wrapped and marked by tin can– a path through it all. A personal shield as well–the life force of red. And a reason to focus.
following thread 
I love these two cloths, very centred, calming. Its amazing how shapes are drawn out from the dyed cloth by our imaginings.
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it’s also amazing how i might see something one time and go back and it’s not there–but something else is. i do love the dyeing aspect of cloth. appreciate your input.
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It is always soothing and provocative to come here. I love your work 🙂
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hi Nancy. have been wondering how you are doing? would like to hear when you get a chance.
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Thanks, I’m feeling better…but busier than I like.
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love your stitching as a centreing device and way finder
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a “way finder.” yes. i like that. i’m finding my way. two steps forward, one step sideways. on a good day!
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Oh I do like both of these so much. Stay put…. my mom used to say that to me over and over and over. she is funny, excited maybe. I see myself in her. the red “way finder,” or personal shield, very graphic – yet peaceful. a beacon for a wayward soul.
happy autumn, Patricia.
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i had to re-look at “her.” through your eyes. didn’t see “funny and excited” at first–well, actually didn’t feel her excitement or good humor. but yep, i think it’s there. i’m looking still. trying to articulate what she is feeling like, to me, and i find it’s not something i should voice here! much love to you.
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going up to bed with your query about the phrase and the phrase itself in my head – ‘stay put’.
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and tell me, have you come up with anything?
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A very big red dot for focus there! Made me smile. And I love this little grounded antlered woman staying put.
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yes. still focused on red. and it’s good to hear from you. antler woman sends greetings.
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how the red dot changes as needed….like that very much…and the new Being….you have
a whole community of them. it would be the advice, or the command even of antlered and
beaked beings to their kin sometimes, to Stay Put. it’s something i would have said to
the imaginary tribe members as a child. when something was Unknown. everyone should
stay put while i go check it out.
i can’t remember anyone ever saying that to me…….
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i very much like this scenario. the tribe. the center one, watching out for the others. this is making more sense to me now.
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