Wow – here we are at the last day of November. I’m not sure how that happened. I’m guessing Time has given up traveling in a sedate sedan and traded up for an Autobahn-worthy little red racing car. That’s the only explanation that makes any sense of how it was just summer two blinks ago and now we’re about to enter the final month of 2013.
But before we close out this month, it’s time for me to finish this gratitude abecedarium. And so let’s have a look at three things I’m grateful for.
is for x-acto knife
Like any good paper cutter my toolbox contains a number of x-acto knives and blades. I love my tiny little paper-cutting scissors as well, but for those internal cuts in a complex paper design an x-acto knife is the perfect utensil.
I did very little papercutting this year – alas another casualty of that trickster disappearing time. But I foresee more in my future so I’m keeping my fingers nimble in anticipation. And even though I don’t have anything current to share, I have to say this is my absolute all-time favorite paper cut selfie.
Of course for a peek at some master papercutting wonders by one of my fave artists do check out Elsa Mora’s work here.
is for Yarrow
Yarrow is the common name for Achillea millefolium, a hardy and hard-working plant with a reputation for both healing and protection. It’s named after Achilles based on the legend that his mother dipped him in the River Styx which offered powers of invulnerability. Which kept him protected except for the one place she held on to him while she dipped him – his heel.
The plant itself has a long history of herbal/medical uses, including colds, flu, fevers, hypertension, cystitis, wound healing, regulating blood flow. It’s been used magically as well to induce dreams of one’s forthcoming love, and used in wedding bouquets and spells as it’s said to keep love strong for seven years. Interestingly, in the language of flowers it is also known as a cure for a broken heart. The Chinese divination system I Ching was originally used by casting yarrow stalks.
The essential oil is a delightfully surprising blue color and smells herbaceous and dry.
Flower essences, made from the vibration essence of the flower rather than actual flower parts, return to the idea of protection. White yarrow is most often used for general protection in the sense of strengthening one’s own auric field. Pink is often used to help one operate in the world with an open heart without feeling vulnerable. And yellow can be helpful in softening those who feel they have to work very hard at protecting themselves as they navigate in the world. It’s also helpful in communication, inviting one to show up as one’s true balanced self.
is for zines
I have a great love for zines, both as a producer and consumer.
Wikipedia defines a zine as “a small circulation self-published work of original or appropriated texts and images usually reproduced via photocopier…and profit is not the primary intent of publication.”
Zines truly do run the gamut with choices available for everyone’s taste. I love these paper peeks into people’s minds. And I love the idea of self-published freedom of expression. No doubt it harkens back to my earliest years when I had one of those kid printing presses with the rubber type and tweezers and hand cranked masterpiece manifestos. Now that was a labor of love – all afternoon spent for a few sentences.
I think I may just have to do a gratitude zine! And an abecedarium!
But until then, you might want to check out these links. Find zines by topics. Or search through Etsy listings.
So there you have it, the final entry in this month’s abecedarium on gratitude. What about you? Got an x,y, or z item on your gratitude list? Or maybe you’re inspired to tell us your favorite tool, favorite flower, favorite published work. How are you experiencing time – is it marching forward at a crazy fast pace for you or are you experiencing it in slo-mo? What’s one thing you’re most grateful for this November? Do tell – you know I love to hear.