Last summer, my sweet friend Kara, got me a subscription to Cozy Blue Stitch Club. I love the designs that Liz creates and was so happy to know that new projects would be coming my way.
The last pattern to arrive was called Evening Walk–a field of wild grasses with a line of trees behind and flock of birds overhead. The scene looked so much like the view from our house across the river to the West Hills. I love the line of fir trees at the top of the ridge, and I knew those tiny blue birds were actually geese flying to the river.
A few years ago I came across an interview with the former poet laureate Ted Kooser. He talked about his daily writing routine. He comes to the page every day because “you got to be there when the geese come flyin’ in.”
That simple phrase has become a touchstone for me. A little nudge toward the work I want to be doing. I want to show up every day so that I’m ready when inspiration alights. In season and out of season.
From the bluff above the river where we live, we watch the geese flying over, hear their calls, and see the neat Vs come unraveled. And every time it’s a reminder of this work.
This month I’m going to be writing about my Homeschool MFA experience–what’s working and what I’ve learned in the first two years of this project. I’d love for you to join me. And do tell me what you are working on!
I love that embroidery! And good old Ted Kooser with his remarkable sanity and common sense. Thanks for this!
Good ole Ted–that’s the perfect way to describe him! Do you know his Winter Morning Walks? I bet you’d like it.
Got to be there when the geese come flyin’ in. LOVE.
The whole interview is really good!
Oh Kortney. I’m so ready for this! Looking forward to catching up here. Also, I mentioned to my husband about wanting to get my embroidery out (this desire happens every fall) and he gently reminded me of all my other projects…sigh. Got to wrap some things up and then I really want to add one of these kit subscriptions to my MFA program!
I love the simple embroidery–totally doable in the afternoon after a long day of homeschooling. Provided the cup of tea is filled and the light is bright!
I love your embroidery and what it symbolizes. And I really love that you’re planning to share your homeschool MFA experience here this month! (I finally realized I could subscribe for updates. Woo hoo!)
Honored of course to have you read, Patricia! In case the subscription gets wonky, here’s the landing page where all of the posts will be linked: https://www.kortneygarrison.com/listening-to-my-life-homeschooling-an-mfa-in-poetry/