Monday, December 31, 2007

FATE Grabs My Hand

How quickly these last days of 2007 have passed. Can it really be that we are at the end of another year? With the Christmas holiday come and gone in a flurry of excitement, we stand on the threshold of 2008.

Even though I pride myself in thinking I am quite organized and always with a plan, despite my best intentions there never seems to be enough hours to do all I wish.

It is funny... no matter how much you map out a path in life or even the events for a day, there are twists and turns that inevitably arise from nowhere to grab hold and beckon for you to rush off in an entirely different direction. However, I have often found that fate takes us on these detours, to inspire and change our course for the better.

Such was one diversion that began on the Friday after Thanksgiving, when I happened to be in a small town outside Kansas City enjoying an afternoon of holiday shopping. My mother-in-law, Marylin, and I were wandering main street, popping in and out of stores, searching for Christmas gifts when we passed a used bookstore.

A book, displayed in the front window at the far corner on the top shelf, captured my attention. I stopped to take a closer look and minutes later found myself standing at the register inside asking if I could, perhaps, see the item that had caught my eye.

The clerk gave me a wide smile and her response was... "Oh YES... that is such a charming book filled with the loveliest drawings and poetry".

My heart nearly stopped as I carefully opened the cover and turned the pages... for what I had discovered was "The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady".

The store clerk was entirely wrong. It was Not JUST Charming..., but Enchanting..., Awe-Inspiring, AND INDEED, MESMERIZING. I could barely bring myself to let go of this treasure long enough to pay for it.

Over the next several weeks, I fell in love with the diary of Edith Holden. Not only were these pages abundant with the most beautiful drawings from her days of exploring nature, but she had also paired her illustrations with verses from some of her favorite poets.

And after further investigation, I even found that there was a companion book to this diary called "The Nature Notes of An Edwardian Lady" which happened to contain additional pages not published from the first work.

I knew, deep in my heart, that finding these pieces of literature was a beginning. But I was never so sure of this feeling until I ran across a series of four vintage books with the most inviting titles, "Nature Rambles from Winter to Spring- Spring to Summer- Summer to Autumn- Autumn to Winter", while browsing a local antique store only two weeks later. This flea market find coupled with the inspiration I found from Edith's diaries sent my creativity whirling with the most delicious thoughts of art, poetry, and journaling.

So, I begin 2008 by not really saying goodbye to my beloved fiber journal, but instead, allowing myself a chance to grow, change, and tweak this idea of journaling for the New Year.

I will be taking these vintage books and creating four altered journals that explore and revel in the offerings of nature's four seasons.

I intend to fill each cover with an overflowing of lush fiber pages, more painted illustrations on fabric, more original poetry, and bits of preserved natural elements, pattern, and papers that can all be neatly gathered in an accordion style binding contained within their proper corresponding title. This binding technique will make it easy to add pages on a daily, weekly, or whenever basis.

I dream of broaden my horizons by capturing more wildlife, flora, and fauna, as well as my beloved birds among my journal entries.

My heart pounds with excitement as I think about these new works, this new challenge, this glorious adventure... this declaration to make art.

I invite you, dear friends, to come along with me on this journey. I promise to share my pages with you as 2008 unfolds before us.

But before the clock strikes midnight with the start of a new year, I want to leave you with a view from my studio. I call this my wall of inspiration from my 2007 fiber artworks.Wishing you and yours a Very Happy New Year!

16 comments:

Lee Weber said...

wow- that is SO cool. I agree, you were meant to have those books. I can't wait to see your new pieces!

Anonymous said...

Thank You Happy New Year Health Wealth and Love. Denise Massachusetts

Velta said...

Tracie ~ WOW...Your wall of inspiration is absolutely beautiful!! I clicked on it and got a closer view. As for your books, I love that you found them...I cannot wait to see what you have in store for us this year with your new book. Happy New Year :)

Ulla said...

Your 'Studio Wall' is enchanting and really stopped my breath! I too am a big fan of the 'Country Diary...' and see your inspiration clearly. Looking forward to following your progress in 2008! Happy New Years!

Leslie said...

Thanks for sharing yourself with us so freely Tracie. I can't wait to see where the coming year leads you.

I bought a copy of Country Diary when it was a new edition, but I lost it along the way. Recently, I bought another. It is a wonderful book.

Happy New Year!

Terri Stegmiller said...

Well this sure sounds intriguing. I look forward to seeing your new journey unfold.

Maija said...

Sounds like a journey I wouldn't miss!
Happy New Year sweet Tracie!

Rebecca E. Parsons/Cre8Tiva said...

tracie...what a book...visitng you always brightens my day...may the spirit of a new year fill your home with an abundance of love, laughter, and joy...may the magic of the moment bring peace to your heart all year long...may your creativity take you to amazing places and may you experience the resulting bliss...much love you and your family...rebecca

Unknown said...

I found the same book in an antique store months ago. I LOVE it. I know exactly how you feel. I felt it was just waiting for me to find it. I can’t wait to see what you create. Have a wonderful new year!
Brandy

Anonymous said...

I, too, discovered this book--twenty five years ago--and your reminder had me taking it down off my shelf to enjoy all over again!
Thank you!
Your wall is wonderful, too!

Judy said...

Well, you know me and synchronicity - can't wait to come on your journey with you - sounds amazing. (Thanks for your comments too - so lovely of you).

Tracie Lyn Huskamp said...

Brandy...

I apologize for not responding to an email or blog. I did not have your information. If you have a chance send me an email.

Thanks so much for your comment... I wonder how anyone could let go of such a wonderful book...

But there loss is our gain!

Tracie Lyn Huskamp said...

Hi Robin...

OH... How wonderful that this has given you an opportunity to rediscover such a wonderful piece of literature.

What part of Missouri are your from???

I apologize for not responding to an email or blog. I did not have your information. If you have a chance send me an email.

Thanks so much for your comment...

Tara's Art Camp said...

Happy New year!!!

Holly Loves Art said...

What a lovely post! I enjoyed seeing your studio wall - it's gorgeous. The books are very special too and so YOU! Perfect. Happy New Year my friend and I'm looking forward to seeing you again in '08.

All the best,
Holly

Kathy said...

It's truly amazing when we find something unexpected that can lead us on a new path of inspiration. I read your blog regularly and it makes my day. It's corny I know, but I've said so with a little award at my blog. Your work really touches me and I can't wait to see what develops as the year goes on.