I like to make you things
A digital camera rests between a blanket of hands and a plaid skirt bed.
I don't mind it--being together this way. Meeting over your morning coffee, on your lunch break at work, or in the wee hours of the morning when all is quiet. My little home here on the web is hospitable and as cozy as one can be without a sofa. And a pot of non-virtual tea.
Yet.
I like to make you things, it's true. Even though it's a little work, and maybe I worry sometimes if they will be good and if you will like them. Even though I could be doing a hundred other things. There's something about the thought of making things that can travel with you--stand guard on your nightstand or travel in your bag like a map--that brings me joy.
So, I know that the last project is still new, and still flowing through the mail system every day to your homes and offices, but Squam Art Workshops are coming and I want to have one more thing for you by then. One more thing for those of you who are coming, and for those of you who are not, so I'm bustling and smiling like a busy little elf over here. Making, making, making. Trying to finish it in time.
Going from idea to completion in 5 weeks (that was my game here) seems a little crazy, but part of my wanting to do it is to see if it can be done. (Don't you want to know?) Sometimes I think we make Making more complicated than it has to be. Write. Lay out. Print. Lickety split.
What are you making more complicated than it has to be? What miracles have you witnessed playing a fast and furious game?
Tuesday, August 4, 2009 at 7:47AM
Reader Comments (9)
"Sometimes I think we make Making more complicated than it has to be."
This is exactly what I am wrestling with these days as I'm preparing for my mondo beyondo course and imagining all kinds of new possibilities.
I can't wait to see what you've made.
"Sometimes I think we make Making more complicated than it has to be." Sometimes the process I go thru is closer to: I make EVERYTHING more complicated than it has to be. Jen, I LOVE how you add the play element - the loose "let's see where this goes" thing to your projects - it's what got me engaged in the Portfolio Project and now, has me quite excited to see what else you've got up your sleeve!!
You never cease to inspire me, Jen Lee. I'm an expert and hemming and hawing over "making" things.
I think Irene's last words to me @ blogher was encourage me to make that Blurb book of my photography. I'm totally going to do this now.
I also bought a couple Moleskins @ Strands this weekend, and I'm biting my nails about the first page. I love what you told Karen about journaling, and I'm hoping to take your advice on that.
And I got the 35mm back for my Diana, so you can expect some "making" in that department!
xoxo
Sarah, here's my advice: give that first page a good scribble, and carry on.
I think we do make Making more complicated than it has to be. And I'd echo your advice to Sarah: all it takes is a scribble on the first page. Then it's not empty any more, but neither is it clean and pristine. You have something - messy, authentic - to work with.
What am I making more complicated? I would have to say nothing at this moment. I have made a heart decision and I am wrestling with how that decision affects others. At the same time, it brings me a sense of joy because of the possibilities it offers and sadness because of the possibilities of it.
But, I am happy in my heart. That right there is the miracle, the blessing and the hope.
talk about fortunes...thank you for making and sharing...gratitude continues to grow.
i contacted elizabeth on monday night about you at squam. (=
in a frantic email, i asked to be wait listed for your class on saturday afternoon. i told her i hadn't signed up out of fear, (i'd had an epiphany about me and fear), and please, if there was any way i could get into the class i'd be thrilled. she called me because she was confused. turns out i was signed up for the class i was hoping to wait list...funny how our mind plays tricks.
my comment doesn't really have a thing to do with your post, other than i'm excited you'll be teaching in those magical woods.
I have been playing a game that I realize now was a warm up to really doing something that will last. I love making pies - cooking good food for that matter... however, there is something all together different about painting or sewing.
I think I will make a go date for the double sided quilt I have all mapped out in my journal. Should be FUN!