Canada geese migrate to Colorado in the winter and hundreds spend their days in the park where I walk the dogs. I don't let the dogs off-leash when they're around because it doesn't seem like good karma to disturb them. One more reason to walk later in the day when they've flown off to their sleeping park, also nearby.
Geese footprints look like little anchors. Not to be too airy here, but I got to thinking. Anchor-shaped footprints from a creature of water. Goose-print-shaped anchors stabilize boats in water. But anchors aren't just related to water, lots of things can be anchors. A physical body anchors a spirit. Roots are anchors, Earth is, even a focus is. Which reminds me of the Anchorites. I'm thinking about all this as I stitch on a nine-patch for flying dreams -- is stitching, itself, an anchor? The geese prints seem to be clues of some sort.
I'm wondering what comes up for you around this idea of anchoring?
Happy weekending. xo
The earth...that is what I think of as an anchor.
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful. I have a love of geese...aren't they just amazing.
Much love.
interesting exploration of the word 'anchor'. i think we all have our own anchors that ground us and keep us sane. i've heard some women say that their husband is their anchor and vice versa. i think my anchors change constantly depending on my frame of mind.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post. I always think of my intuition as an anchor. It guides me, holds me back, and makes me strong like the iron in a boat anchor. But, then there are the homemade anchors, the cement in a bucket that are ungraceful as they plop into the water. Are they the anchors that we tie to our feet and keep us from moving forward? Now when I walk along the river and see the Canadian and Snow geese prints, I will think of this post. Wishing you a tether free weekend.
ReplyDeleteI have two opposing feelings about anchors. I think of my conscience, ethics, philosophy of life, spiritual beliefs ..not one word to describe all that, but all are related, different names?..these let me fly. But I also have a sense of being held down, back, restraining me to prevent flight...not so good.
ReplyDeleteWhat about the moon? I also think of boat anchors. That would be the result of having spent my childhood on fishing boats.
ReplyDeletewell, i feel more anchored just reading this. love those sweet track stitches!
ReplyDeleteIronic, huh---"anchor-shaped footprints from a creature of water"! You point out some of my own favorite paradoxes (and I'll want to look up the Anchorites. . . ) and evoke the mysteries of life. Yes; I think stitching, too, anchors us to our days---rather like an umbilical cord (which also relates to an anchor and the boat to which it's attached): metaphor on top of metaphor.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
I think the unconditional love of my family anchors me...without that I woulnt be as brave and happy in this big old world, but I think stitching anchors my creative side...grounds me, gets me thinking.
ReplyDeleteAs soon as I saw the photo of the bird footprints I was mentally translating them to cloth too, I love how you have done that. One of my favourite squares has the little hexagon that you have anchored down with red thread at either end...that appeals to me.
I have recently bought some paper hexagons and began stitching them (I am just new to paper piecing). I love their old world charm.
I love this 9 patch and the story it evokes.
Jacky xox
Well, I just love everything about this post! The footprints look like an over-excited party. Your 9 patch is amazing! I love the top right, 3 columns of stitches and the goose prints, and the hexagon, the blue florals and the words that tell us part of the story! OK so, like I said everything!
ReplyDeleteEveryone left such thoughtful comments too.
Anchor is a good strong word to reflect on. I think it can be seen as a positive or negative. As in Jacky's family love as Nanette said 'held back'. I think our fears are that kind of anchor...keeping us just where we are.
Thanks for the great post!
For me lately, remembering to breathe deeply with awareness is my anchor. Then comes gratitude...
ReplyDeleteFor now I would have to say that my friends are my anchors.
ReplyDeleteI rented a junked house once to use for a studio. There was a boat anchor on the roof!
Trish, Deanna, Jeannie, Nanette, Deb, Cindy, Chris, Jacky, Nancy, Suzanne, and Saraz, I identified with each of you. As I read, I kept thinking "yes, me too". Oh my gosh, you all shared some great food for thought here. I thank you for the good time I'm going to have savoring anchors and anchoring and freedom while I stitch. I'm not going to even try to figure out that anchor on the roof though! ;-)
ReplyDeletePeace.
Love the nine patch and how lovely to trace the path of the geese on it too.
ReplyDeleteCanada geese have a sort of majesty and they remind me of the Paul Gallico story The Snow Goose, every time I see them. I was about 15 when I read itand Ive never forgotten it.
Anchors? Reckon mine are misplaced will have to think about this some more!
I love how you translated the geese feet on to the cloth!
ReplyDeleteThat word "anchorite" rang a bell for me. I remember long ago hearing about women being "anchoress".
Keeping a tradition of sacred rituals alive.
There have probably been many women through the centuries that have quietly been at work.
Happy weekend to you <3
Lyn, thanks. And I've not yet read The Snow Goose or seen the film but I do hope to read it now that you've brought it to light. I just now googled it....
ReplyDeleteI bet your anchors show up when they're needed!
Thank you, Marie -- and I like how you put that about maintaining the sacred traditions -- anchors? Hope you're having a great weekend, too!
ReplyDelete