I had to pause my project when I was momentarily hit with the inspiration to rearrange our home(school) office. The previous layout had a few issues, namely that it was too claustrophobic, and my workspace wasn’t exactly conducive to making art.

Over time, I had continued to wall myself off in my corner of the room, maybe a subconscious effort to “protect” myself; I wasn’t really approachable when hiding behind my desk in the corner. However, eventually I started to realize that I also had trapped myself within my space. I was unreachable, but I also couldn’t get out. I would feel tired as soon as I sat down, ready to nap in my cocoon.

The office is more open now. I set up my drafting table away from my computer so I can work without distraction. Of course, the drafting table has temporarily become a homeschool worktable, and my kids enjoy working on their art in their screen free time there, but I will figure out a way to easily swap out and store the projects so I can work on my paintings and projects as well. Even my dog likes to greet me at my desk in the morning while I am having my coffee to get his scratches (he rarely if ever came behind my desk in the corner). The energy flows better - I still have tidying to do, but it already feels easier to breathe in here.

And now back to stitching. More acanthus flower leaves, the flowers are encased within. The pink petals will be stitched on soluble interfacing, allowing them to look more delicate once complete. I havent decided what sort of stitching i will use - maybe a form of needlelace?

Here are some bonus photos from our walk today through historic woods. The trees here have been preserved from the time that George Washington camped out here with his troops in 1777. It was a gorgeous fall day, perfect for a little hike.