The folds come first.
They establish something to build on,
Creases are a framework.
They give us a place to begin.
I noticed the same thing in my garden.
Before the cucumber could climb, it needed something to climb on.
When the drawing is finished, the folds remain.
They become part of the beauty.
We celebrate what is visible.
Hidden structure is easy to forget.
Habits.
Practice.
Character.
These are the structures we build before we build on them.
Structure before beauty.
Roots before fruit.
What structures are you building these days?
Formation · Creativity · Art Education · Gardening · Reflection
Dean, I missed this post.
That is such a good question. I think some structures have to be torn down and rebuild. I hope I can rebuild better.
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Iba,
You’ve been a generous companion to me in this odd business of writing into the world. Nearly a hundred posts over two years, and there you are, reading, answering, encouraging. I don’t think I’ve thanked you properly.
Your trees got me thinking about something I heard at church on Sunday. A missionary spoke about the difference between being in the presence of Christ and actually sitting at his table. Eating, talking, listening, being known. Not another task to perform, but a relationship in which we receive what we need.
I thought about the trees in your poem. Storms may strengthen them, but storms don’t feed them. And I thought about Jesus telling his disciples to remain in him, as branches remain in the vine.
I’m learning that there’s a difference between being strong and being sustained.
Thank you for the kindness you’ve shown me, Iba. It matters.
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Dean,
I truly enjoy your writing and I’m so glad to be here. You see something from the most ordinary and open the eyes of my heart and mind. I only hope I can show my daughter what she can do through her art the way you do yours.
I love this thought Dean. There can’t be strength without sustenance.
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Character , habits, structure and roots are what I think make us beautiful. Or at least adds to beauty. Hope you are doing well my friend. Sending you much love and a few hugs
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JAM, you have such an extraordinary imagination. Cupcakes, grapes, roses, and all the peculiar troubles of being human. You find stories in things the rest of us might walk right past.
I was glad to see you visiting my little corner of WordPress again. We’ve shared quite a few conversations this past year, some lighthearted and some not so light. I’ve appreciated your trust, your kindness, and the friendship.
Keep painting, keep writing, and keep that wonderful, occasionally outrageous imagination of yours at work. The world needs people who notice things.
Much love, my friend.
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Thank you for always being so kind and encouraging🫂 I’ve appreciated our conversations and your friendship, through the lighter days and the heavier ones, more than you know. I’m really glad our little corners of WordPress crossed paths. Sending you a big hug and much love right back. 🙏🏻❤️🔥🫂
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