Strange land it is, the land of Flu. Pneumonia. I knew something was really not right at all, but it took me a good while to get myself to a doctor. Because…well because that is what I do only when nothing else works. And nothing else was working. And really, there’s a place inside that knew it was time.
It’s been an interesting period. A time to practice lots of things. Patience for one. Acceptance another. And gentleness to self. I’ve been moderately successful at some…moderately being subject to debate, except not by me. There have been other lessons practiced–or anticipated–but now that I’m moving past that place and on somewhat of an upswing, I’ll just rest with the knowledge that there’s still some work to be done in certain areas.
I’ve been in an underwater, ethereal place. A place where only shadows caught my attention. Shadows and shapes. 
And although I’m never certain which way my cloth will take me, a few days ago I found myself sorting out fabric. Specifically fabric dyed with vegetation–iris, walnut, onion, acorns, leaves–all these things and more. And I notice how abstract I’m feeling. Non-specific. Non-linear. Non-representational. Still adrift, I suppose, in that la-la land of wherever-it-is that I was. And I’m finding that I have no specific thoughts or objectives. Simply looking at relationship. At color. At texture. Simply looking.
And this. Collage of samples. Forming cloth. Whole cloth. Lots of tiny stitches mending together the various parts.
following thread 
wonderfully soft color and pattern in your cloth … and the first image looks inspirational …
be well …
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thank you Liz. not much to say this morning. just noticing the subtle shifts and movements towards what feels like wellness.
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oh feel better..it is not a kind flu this year..any year..take care..safe wanderings
this is convalesce by amy lowell..gentle day ..cynthia
From out the dragging vastness of the sea,
Wave-fettered, bound in sinuous, seaweed strands,
He toils toward the rounding beach, and stands
One moment, white and dripping, silently,
Cut like a cameo in lazuli,
Then falls, betrayed by shifting shells, and lands
Prone in the jeering water, and his hands
Clutch for support where no support can be.
So up, and down, and forward, inch by inch,
He gains upon the shore, where poppies glow
And sandflies dance their little lives away.
The sucking waves retard, and tighter clinch
The weeds about him, but the land-winds blow,
And in the sky there blooms the sun of May.
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dear Cynthia. i had to really focus and concentrate to read this. at first didn’t know if i could. but persevered and am SO glad i did. each line, each image–so familiar that feeling. and it was worth it. worth every neural effort because YES. there it was as a reward–“the sun of May.” thank you for this offering.
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I love these photos and explorations in the new cloth Patricia, good to see you surfacing, stay warm!
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it’s funny how life is like cloth. we think we know what we’re doing or where we’re going. some place in me, i’ve always gravitated towards this abstractness. and now may be the time to explore it. big love to you Mo. loving your blue blogs.
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I am glad to hear you feeling (somewhat) better. I know well this land you speak of. The cloth pieces pulled together beautifully. Be well.
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hi Nancy. Yes, feeling better. some days it doesn’t feel that way, but today–a big YES. thank you for your concern and well wishes.
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Hope you are soon well. But I love this cloth that is emerging from that place.
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the cloth is good. captures so many things. and part of what i’ve been doing is seeing that it is all just part of going. a challenge at times. thanks for your presence here, Beth.
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your words and images describe that place so well…..the just staring off and into
and the cloth. the Cloth, i wonder if some small bright thing will appear there??????
be WELL soon
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there is some sense of brightness arising with this cloth. yes, you are right. the lighting was terrible. the stitches…well they show up in good light and are like stepping stones. moving. holding. this has all been such an unusual time for me. for us. un usual.
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I’ve been struggling with this flu also and appreciate your description of the formless, floating quality of no thought that being ill can produce. I am finding it hard to get my focus back, but your cloth shows that something exciting is taking shape for you. I wish us both a swift and complete recovery.
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hi dear Dana. just back from your blog. your tables. the promise they offer of love and nourishment. i too send back wishes of restored health to you as well.
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Hope you get well soon !
The light-pictures are wonderful
Lovely colours on your cloth !
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yes, the light. i feel like a moth. and so happy you like the subtle colors of the cloth i hope i can capture it in these pics. the purples especially.
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Get well, completely, Patricia.
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thanks Carol. coming together. parts seem to be everywhere–hither and yon!
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I too have dwelt in this land, no flu but an ongoing cold. Patricia your cloth speaks to me of the betwixt and between quality of days when the soft haze of unwell wraps around us and it is enough just to sit up and drink tea. It is as if a fever has broken and the balance of it all is in this cloth . The left, that dreamlike state of unwell, the right side of the cloth bringing into focus, a rising up, a reaching, a regaining of wellness and strength…be well.
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your words, again, put such a fine point on the intent of this cloth. and to think it happened almost as if by magic–little to no cerebral effort on my part. thank goodness. and to know that whether or not we’re able to fully participate, ALL continues with or without us. now i can drink a cuppa to that!
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