Tuesday, January 31, 2023

You're 'Rooted' the reframe in Witchin Stitchin.....

As the moon builds, the stitches and patches are growing... 

It began as an experiment with using an embroidery hoop, after free styling, with a touch o puckering going down. It would appear there's a reason these simple gadgets have been used for some 100's o years by embroiderers n stitch makers, crafting became easier to a degree, dare I say, flatter too. Which in turn means you can work other pieces alongside and onto....

The word that came, within this re-frame was 'Rooted'. It's kinda slang for well, pretty fucked, and indeed is used this way. That said it's also a term for connection to the Great Mother of us all, beneath our feet, that grounds and centers us into incarnation. Betwixt sky and earth we walk, sing, dance, play, work, indeed grow n such.... 


My base fabric was a Plant Echo using leaves from the Farm, land stewarded by Dianamum with and by George, her fella. The reference wasn't lost on me, we are all from the wombyn who come before us in lineage, literally. As I put down the fabric piece, bigger than the hoop by far, I began to lay out other bits n bobs upon, pinning, shuffling, tacking and sewing through. All upon a fab n sturdy table top gifted by the lovely Annie, trestle legs from Miles. Beloved life partner of 7 years, shifting into friendship, he has entered this piece inevitably as a massive part of story journey in the now. Patches cut from his cooking apron to get the length right n practical, and a rust painting experiment where he channeled a Zen calligrapher. Sister patches to those sent and gifted to dear friends. Windfall foundling leaves prints and local colours from the Yaegl country where Mushcat and me now reside....

We are becoming Rooted here. Dropping in with love to our new home as we explore land and community. Integrating how we have ended up where we find ourselves, literally and metaphorically. Now feeling it was meant to be thus, bigger picture thing....

Blessings n good vibes, chloeopal

Monday, November 14, 2022

Da Funky Pad....

Some of you reading this may know me as a crafter and artist. This is a deep and strong aspect of myselves, which has created identity beyond some other kinds of labels. I am also an intuitive herbalist and Hedgewytch. Mostly I've worked with direct perceptions of plants and my own research trails. I've studied with Susun Weed by correspondance, in the days of snail mail letters exchanged :-). I am now, after being offered, and accepting, a scholarship, studying with the Chestnut School of Herbalism, created by Juliette Blankespoor, in their Herbal Immersion program. It's an online program with experiential projects abundant n plants central. Hence I find myself blessed to have been able to bring this focus to a new home and gardens. Da Funky Pad.....  

When we feel misunderstood, it's pain full. It's the same for all sentient beings. The practices used to navigate this, vary, and some form the basis of a Sea Eagle eye type view of how we can live. I am a wombyn who hears things others don't, so I feel this at my core. What are your challenges in this incarnation? We all have them. Remaining softly touched by life, without hardening into tension and holding can be the shift to the spirit, body and breath, dropping through and into tears if needed, where turning away and rage can grow. I speak from lived experiences not upon some high horse. Actively re-framing on a daily basis can be called for to stay centred in kindness, for selves and others, when and if we hurt......

The plants are such gifts for us upon the journey to wellness of our whole selves. They are our oldest ancestors and will feed those who will follow on in many ways. The mending of my craftings, extends into medicine makings. For me this once revolved around folk method tinctures, based on Vodka. Alas, for this little red hen, but mayhap of some benefit in the long term, I am now tracking a pathway to alcohol free herbalism with a focus on energetics of emotion and mental health, if there is any line separating these areas from the whole rest. The art of teas and glycerites mostly. Glycerine being a sweet tasting vegetable fat that draws traditional properties out, along with scents and tastes. As a bonus it's safe for wee folk and animals.... 


We be loved and we love...