I really really really wanted to finish this today.  But I have learned that pushing to the end, just because it’s the end, can have adverse effects when fatigue sets in.

I have been very patient with this piece, things done in order:  screw and glue wedi board to back board; apply copper flashing to the edges; paint the back; lay out the piece.  Only then did I start securing the mosaics to the actual piece.

This is a HUGE amount of patience for me.  I am pleased at my restraint.  I will not ruin it now just to get to the finish line.  Instead, I will savor the process, enjoy the journey and reach the final piece in good enough time.  There is no hurry anywhere except in my head, and my head has thankfully acquiesced to being just a bit more patient.

If you look at the layout here, you can see that the heron wound up more centered in the final piece than as I first had it.  I didn’t actually plan it that way, but I’m liking the way it’s going to turn out.  From here, I am going to start in at the top and work down to meet the heron with main pieces of the rest of the design.  So the whole thing may move a bit more from the original layout, but I actually expected that.

I think the heron looks great, if I do say so myself!  I’m glad I took the time to play with laying things out first.  I’ve learned that edging makes a visual difference.  I’ve learned that store bought tiles break cleanly.  I’ve learned that using my glass cutters on small tiles fractures them instead of making a nice clean cut – maybe they’re too big.  So in addition to putting it all together, I’m still in the process of learning things about the mixed mediums I’m using and how they react to manipulation.  Much joy!

When completed, this piece will be good for indoors or out.  I have decided that I will hang my outdoor pieces instead of permanently securing them to a 4×4 from now on.  That way I can take them down if I’m so inclined.  Even though those that are already up made it cleanly through Hurricane Irene with not even a lost tile.  I’m waiting to see how multiple freeze and thaws work on this over this winter.

Wylde Women’s Wisdom

We have forgotten who we are. 

We have forgotten who we are.  We have alienated ourselves from the unfolding of the cosmos.  We have become estranged from the movement of the earth.  We have turned out backs on the cycles of life.  We have forgotten who we are.

We have sought only our own security.  We have exploited simply for our own ends.  We have distorted our knowledge.  We have abused our power.  We have forgotten who we are.

Now the land is barren, and the waters are poisoned, and the air is polluted.  We have forgotten who we are.

Now the forests are dying, and the creatures are disappearing, and humans are despairing.  We have forgotten who we are.

We ask forgiveness.  We ask for the gift of remembering.  We ask for the strength to change.  We have forgotten who we are.

U.N. Environmental Sabbath Program