the elements are having their way with my barn
some boards still hold integrity,
some not
next to my mare mist's old stall
lies some evidence of occupation
or at least of eating.
hay mow diamonds
dazzle on these august days
and i made a few summer prints
these colors softened some
from the morning light
just enough for one book
i went over to my classroom today
and found that the floors were newly waxed
i barefooted it to my room
and worked for 40 minutes
and slunk away
before the custodian found me.
one amish farm's oats against the cold
looking up
(ian spent some quality time with our old barn)
and here
thinking of all the turmoil of the last few weeks.
now i am home
getting used to sleeping at the new place
while i live
still
in the old one.
it should feel weird, but it's ok.
today i listened to some podcasts,
after rediscovering the one aimee did of me for
it was pretty fine
and i now know that
susan mills is doing a really great job.
susan was in my women's studio workshop class.
many thanks to all of you
for your kindnesses while i managed this challenging fortnight
on the sidelines supporting my kids
through the loss of their father.
i let them know of all your kindnesses.
it matters.
love the photos!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful post Velma. I love seeing the ladies all bent over and harvesting for the fall...or so it seems to me.
ReplyDeleteI hope your school year this time around is 100 times better than last. You're simply amazing.
sue, i'm glad you like them!
ReplyDeletejennifer, yes, these ladies are oats, not corn. they will dry and be put far away from renegade rodents. and thank you, so much.
Love the dyeing such beautiful subtle colours.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of your barn, and especially the subtle beauty of your dyed fabric.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post. The oats have a wonderful textural quality to them, much prettier than hay. The barn is soothing in it's aged grace. Glad you are taking these photo to remember. Lovely prints on your paper. Soft like summer at it's end. xox
ReplyDeletedebbie, thanks, they're actually more robust than the photo, but still quiet(ish)
ReplyDeletesharmon, ian took the barn photos with my camera...his goodbye to that structure
corrine, the oats ARE pretty, aren't they?
Your poetry is soothing, your pictures a visual feast. Ah, going back to school. Shiny floors and all, I'm good here. Thanks, Velma!
ReplyDeleteroxanne, it's lovely to read that, thanks
ReplyDeleteI love the photos of your old barn and the new pages for your book are beautiful, spring is just around the corner here in the Land D
ReplyDeleteown Under whilst your summer holidays draw to a close and the autumn harvest begins
mo, it's in the seasons of change that we are startled. happy springing.
ReplyDeleteHi V - love the old barn and the light pouring through. Will you be leaving it behind? It would have been good too visit you and share the beauty of that old worn building. Go well. B
ReplyDeleteLove the marks and the memories V - can hardly believe school is in again! Hoping the kids are going well and that all the changes are gracious to you all.
ReplyDeletebarry and fiona, you both are so kind. thank you
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post - full of those delicious gentle browns that have seen so many seasons.
ReplyDeletec.s., thanksyou. the brown is fading fading fading indeed
ReplyDeleteI am sorry for your family's loss. Change is hard, and this is one of the biggest changes.... Sending good thoughts.
ReplyDeleteino, thank you. the kids are doing well.
ReplyDelete