Prayer Flag-Simplify

My journey to simplify my life began many years ago and continues to this day. It really is a journey (process) and not a destination. I am happy to report that it has gotten easier to let things go and be more organized. However, it's been a while since I focused on getting rid of unneeded things so I've decided to spend July letting one thing go a day. This Prayer Flag is in honor of this decision.

Prayer Flag-Be Kind

There is so much impatience these days. We seem to have forgotten each other. I've tried to place myself in the other person's shoes instead of being impatient or judgmental. This is not easy. Today I needed to run into the grocery store to pick up one needed item. No one was at the 10 items or less cash register so I was stuck in a long line for impatient people. The male in the couple in front of me seem particularly aggravated and he was taking it out on his wife. His verbal assault got to the point where I felt I could not hold my tongue. My first inclination was to admonish him then I remembered my promise to myself to "be kind" whenever possible. So instead I choose to say, "I suspect you are having a bad day. It really is frustrating to have to wait." This seemed to distract him from calling his wife names. He seemed to soften. We chatted a while and the line moved forward. I wished them both a great day when they finished and turned to the business of paying when the woman came quickly running back. I almost knocked into her. She quickly thanked me asking, "No one has ever spoken up for me." "How sad," is all I could think at the time. Kindness doesn't take anything to do. Be Kind.

Prayer Flag-Mosquito

I figured out why I like making Prayer Flags--first, they are fun! Next,it makes me think about positive things which is good. Lastly, I am not alone. It feels good to know that others are also making Prayer Flags and putting much needed positive energy into the world. Today's Prayer Flag uses my favorite quote from Bette Reese, "If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in bed with a mosquito." Here's to being effective!

Prayer Flag-Transparency

This Prayer Flag was made to remind me of one of my resolutions for this year "Say what I mean and mean what I say." It is a hope that we can honestly communicate with each other. The fabric is pieced together for a scarp I purchased many years ago from the Fabric Warehouse (2121 W. 21st Street) in Chicago when they had boxes of scraps you could purchase by the pound. I never knew why I kept it until today.

Prayer Flag- Honoring Las puntadas del alma/Stitches of the Soul

I woke early yesterday and knew exactly what I wanted to do for my Prayer Flag. I didn't quite get it done before I left to teach at the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago; a journey I have made about every two weeks for the last three years. We have been known for a while as Las puntadas del alma/Stitches of the Soul. It has been an amazing experience being able to teach basically the same group of women for three years. I thought we would continue, but now our future is uncertain. I made it until six o'clock last night before crying. It makes this Prayer Flag have even deeper meaning for me. If we don't ever get to meet again, I only hope I have given them enough to continue and I know with time the pain of their loss will lessen.

Prayer Flag-Be Peace

I decided that my flags will carry active messages just as many years ago I started using "Make it a great day," instead of "Have a great day." So for this prayer flag my message is to "be peace" instead of just "peace." Not only does this message go out into the world to end wars but also for each of us to find peace within ourselves. I know this is a struggle for me--to be at peace with myself.

This flag used a batik, the last piece of a commercial fabric that I loved (it's at least 15 years old and raw edged appliqued) and some organza ribbon (fused with Misty Fuse), photo transfer (image from a friend), and lettering done with a fabric marker.

Be Peace.

Prayer Flag One- Honoring the Light

I cannot believe how long it has been since I shared something. Please forgive. Some big changes have occurred. I let go of a long time friendship that just wasn't good for me. It was not easy. It did open up a flood gate of new work. Unfortunately, so many of the shows or exhibiting opportunities do not want work to be shared. While I understand, it is sad which is why I am so happy about the Prayer Flag Project led by Vivika Hansen DeNegre. Each flag is to be 5 inches by 8 inches. I made this one yesterday in honor of  Nathaniel's (my son) birthday. To me he is a great light. I pray that we all honor the light within each of us and especially those whom we may not like or understand. My hope is to make one flag a day for at least 30 days and share them with you. This one is made from two batik fabrics (the lower one was a table cloth) and three commercial fabrics. I hand appliqued the moon and the words are a rubberstamp I own. Let me know if you join me in this wonderful project.