Hello Creative Peeps

Hello again, yes, it is me. I've been absent from here for too long--and have no idea who, if anyone might still stop in to see if anything is alive here in The Dresser Drawer. In short, life has been hard these last many months, and while I have been journaling, reading, knitting, writing letters and posti, playing with some collage, poetry, stamps and taking pictures, what I haven't been doing is blogging about it. Well, that is not quite true. I have still been blogging on my hope blog partners4hope. 

Wilbur, the-marvelous-white-cat-in-residence, is as fuzzy as ever and equally amusing & personable (yes, that is an orange  peanut butter M&M he is balancing on his head.) Wilbur helps me keep my sanity. His zen-like presence is very calming--most of the time.

This is, again or still, a time of contemplation and discerning for me. I will share more soon. 

Check the right hand column and you will see my montage of art and creativity books from my Goodreads page. I am currently perusing more than a few books on creativity, crafting and business. If you are interested in finding a copy of any of these--or other books, you can click the Powell's Books graphic and search their site for new or used copies. If you haven't ever been to Powell's in Portland--I highly recommend a trip there.(And, yes, it is true they buy books too, in person and online. There are easy to follow directions. 

Rescueing Candles

A bit of water in the garage led to repacking a box of candles, which in turn led to unpacking a few of said candles. Not that there aren't enough candles in the house but those do decrease daily because let it be said here if nowhere else, I am a fan of candles. I burn them regularly and not because I am feeling particularly romantic--rather candles are a sign of hope for me and these days signs of hope are needed. When someone calls and asks me to pray for them or tells me of a situation that is in need of prayer I offer that and always include that I will light a candle for them.

A candle on top of a TAB can is an unusual sight for some. This was on my desk in my office during a difficult time for a friend that I have know since 5th grade. We went all through high school together--drinking TAB and so it was a very fitting place to put my candle for her. With every flicker of that little candle I held my friend in prayer.

I have loved making candles too. I pour them in all shapes and sizes. It is a great project for rainy winter days...but I'll warn you--once you do it your mind goes wild with possibilities and soon even your most distant aunt will be receiving one for her birthday or Christmas.

a house on the market

Having your house on the market challenges ones creative abilities. I create in a certain amount of chaos and having to constantly clean up makes it limiting. I keep thinking of getting the sewing machine out for awhile, but awhile is not worth it when you are someone like me who sews basically by braille. Not that my mom didn't attempt to teach me to sew 'for real' -- with a pattern and everything! Well, that was the summer I turned 17 and I was far more interested in reading Sylvia Plath out on the deck in the sun...or taking long walks on the beach in that teen solitude that both serves to help one learn oneself from the inside out--and think through the problems of the world. But the hours mom and I spent together in fits of laughter over what I 'accomplished' was worth the effort. Thank you mom. I did learn a lot from you that day and many others. Now I better go make my little mess in the nook so I have time to clean it up before I have to leave. (!)