Really listening listening to the voice within and paying attention to the feelings that bubble up with every stitch is important to my process. I like to rest a piece for a while and observe it sometimes for days. I like to double check that it is saying exactly when I want it to say and that it is reflecting my truth. For me those questions come way before any principles and elements of design. It might sound strange but it is not always obvious to me you would think it would be but sometimes I feel bombarded by outside influences and it is hard to to hear my own voice. Whispering Cairns I feel speaks my truth What I know for sure is this piece brings me joy I feel very close to this piece but you might recall that it didn't really start to sing for me until I turned it upside down! As you see it is not always smooth sailing but so interesting to observe the struggles one goes through and so important celebrate the aha moments! I have always believed solitude to be a good thing. For me that is to be in nature or alone in my studio which looks out at nature. Some can find their authentic self in a crowd And that is why one stone in Whispering Cairn is unique. Filled with a few french knots! As I stitch on this piece I wander back through the ages to those folk to piled stone upon stone in memory of those who had gone before them. We are connected. I will be sorry when it is finished but today Handy Hubby and myself will square it up before I start stitching the background. Greys are gathering in a basket for new stitchings I have evolved There was a time in my life when louder colours prevailed. Softer gentler colours now speak to me perhaps it is my age or that I have grown gentler over the years (though I try to be fierce!) or simply because my hair is silver! I hope I continue to evolve! May your creative voice be loud and clear today.