Fundamentally, I've always been a pretty lazy, selfish and somewhat melancholic person. I like to stare out of windows and contemplate memory while listening to depressing folk music and tuning out much of the world. But I also fear getting to the end of my life and realizing that I didn't try hard enough, so the last few years have been busy for me. I got a Master's degree, started a second, wrote a novel and started my own business. I took great pleasure in writing long 'To Do' lists and crossing off each item. These days, if I clean the bathroom or get to the post office and mail a single letter, it feels like a big accomplishment. These days, I'm learning to be with my beautiful baby boy and not get anxious if little else gets done in a day. I'm learning many things:
That tracing the outline of his nose and watching him while he sleeps is more important than finishing the laundry.
That making him laugh his so much better than keeping on top of emails and housework.
That I'm not as selfish and lazy as I always believed myself to be.
That I can be simultaneously more exhausted and happier than ever before.
So very tired. So very grateful.
On a more prosaic note, I am still making (very slow) progress on my Swan Lake dolls. Mr. L has had a promotion at work, which is great except that is has meant that for the past several weeks he has had to work weekends as well as during the week. Also, I ordered some supplies especially for these dolls that never showed up, so it looks like I'll have to order them again. And in the evenings, when the babe is finally asleep and dinner has been made and eaten and general tidying is done, it can be pretty hard to get motivated to sit and focus on the construction of very tiny things. All this is conspiring against the timely completion poor little swans!
But at least now they all have handmade paper bodices (so pretty - why didn't I do this earlier?) and most have tutus. The tutus are epic - each one took hours - but I think the effect is much nicer than just making a gathered skirt, which is what I had planned to do before I found the technique for the style seen above. I won't get to finish them this weekend, because I'm taking a top-secret workshop. But I'm hoping I'll be allowed to take photos and all will be revealed in my next post. At very least, I'll have photos of what I'm going to be learning to make...
Such a poetic description... And so natural at the same time. I think this is the essence of the life you are discovering right now. I'm sooo excited about the new dolls of mey favourite artist of all times!
Posted by: Burcu | May 06, 2011 at 05:06 PM
Ooooh, intriguing! Naughty of you to leave us hanging...
Your swan dolls are looking wonderful and I love the technique you've used for their tutus and the paper bodices are just so sweet!
Glad to hear you're enjoying all those precious moments with baby - they really do grow up way to quickly!
~Shelly
Posted by: Shelly | May 06, 2011 at 07:47 PM
The bodices are beautiful.
I completely relate to where you are with the baby and work... the creativity is still there... but right now it most needs to be invested in your little one. Thanks for reminding us mothers that it's okay to sometimes let the daily stuff of life go in favor of treasuring all those precious, fleeting moments watching our little ones grow. Happy Mother's Day :)
Posted by: ereisa | May 07, 2011 at 10:59 PM
i love their little gauze like bodice wraps so delicate and pretty. one day ill be able to afford one i swear it :)
Posted by: kaitlyn | May 07, 2011 at 11:26 PM
In the past you probably were dreaming and now you are dreamy and realistic.
If I spoke English, I could explain better. Sorry!!
I really love your dolls with their tutus and bodices!!! wonderful and special dolls!
A greeting
Ana.
Posted by: La Minomalice | May 09, 2011 at 04:11 AM
They are looking so gorgeous!! You do such beautiful work - I'm so anxious for the chance to buy one!!
Tabitha
Posted by: Tabitha Labunski | May 10, 2011 at 10:52 AM
You took the thoughts right out of my mind! I feel JUST the same about my work, and chores, and life in general these days. I think you accomplish SO very much, and are a great inspiration to me, and many! :) Your dolls are coming along so elegantly, too!
Happy May-times with your little bundle! :)
Posted by: Marjorie | May 12, 2011 at 12:26 PM
What a beautiful post, Sarah! Nothing could be more wonderful than just enjoying your beautiful boy. I did the same with my children (4) and I continue to be struck by awe and wonder and beauty of each stage in their lives. Such a blessing in life.
The dolls are also looking wonderful as always, so it appears nothing has been lost inspiration wise... all in good time.
Best wishes to you always,
xx
Posted by: Tamara | May 15, 2011 at 01:46 PM
Oh please given your ballerinas little knitted legwarmers, too!
Posted by: Karen Ke | May 15, 2011 at 05:10 PM
oh, that I could knit! Sadly, it is a skill that has always eluded me...
Posted by: Black-Eyed Suzie | May 15, 2011 at 05:16 PM
n the past you probably were dreaming and now you are dreamy and realistic.
Posted by: louboutin | June 24, 2011 at 03:51 AM