A work of art? Yes. Now don’t laugh! I know it’s a ball of wool… in fact, a very large, colourful ball of wool. And I know that we are still in the middle of summer… but all these colours and shades speak to me of autumn – of brisk morning walks amongst trees ablaze with colour, of falling leaves, seer grasses, ripe fruits, of smoking bonfires, pastures of russet bracken, gentle mists and soft rain-filled afternoons with toasted crumpets by the fire and so on.
(Sadly, the photographic process hasn’t picked up on all the shades and nuances of colour which are there for the naked eye to see, especially the soft pinks and lavenders which reflect the heather as it ends its flowering season.)
I recently returned to my favourite craft shops on Mostyn Street in Llandudno where they have also recently opened a shop selling wool… balls of wool of every colour, shade and texture… a kaleidoscope of soft brilliance. My friend and I prowled along the isles enchanted, increasingly inspired and enthralled by such visual and tactile beauty, an abundant palette of the universe. I couldn’t help feeling deep gratitude that I have my sight and that there is such a generous variety of tints and shades and special effects to be enjoyed.
It is quite besides the point that I am on an embroidery stint at present and had come to town in search of certain shades of felt and thread. I drifted slowly past the accompanying racks of needles and hooks, baskets of buttons and reels of ribbons, adrift on a sea of ideas, lost in the rainbow mists before me.
Finally, my favourite tea room across the street called to me and I retreated to order a lot pot of refreshing and revitalising Earl Grey, but not before I had decided to purchase at least one self-indulgent treat – this gorgeous bouquet of autumnal colour which is now temporarily taking pride of place at the end of my desk. Autumn is possibly my favourite season and I adore the colours which reflect this sensory time of year. Surely, the blending of such vibrant shades into such a harmonious pattern is an art form in itself?
So, until I am ready to weave my glorious ball of wool into a garment, I shall continue to take delight simply in its being, and when my eyes are tired from writing, I shall allow my gaze to gently rest upon it and be refreshed. I frequently find great joy in the so-called ‘mundane’ and this truly makes my heart sing with joy.
What do you have around you in your home or work place that brings you such intrinsic pleasure?
What might you bring into your space to so lift, inspire and please you?
Don’t just think about it, take action!
There is so much beauty in our world, and we don’t have to visit an art gallery or travel many miles from our daily lives to find it.
