On the back wall of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton is a series of shadow boxes that contain about twenty Irish Catholic Crosses throughout history. As I took the time to marvel, I wrote the name of each to be researched at a later date. When I get this way about the museum, churches, and old monuments, fuel for new pieces always come about. Now you may understand why I fight for distinction among quiet accusations of cultural appropriation. Definitely giving credit where credit is due is important. As well is a detailed explanation in the provenance.
Yesterday and today I went about finding images from the internet to further elucidate my notes. It has been over six years and personally speaking my memory is so full of antiques and dust bunnies that I have not got much room left. I still have a handful that I could not find. I mad the same search about two years ago having unearthed the notes. My problem is I sketched what I thought was a penal or plenary cross and I seem to be wrong on both counts. I settled on a Clonmacnois for a reference and took a few hours to create a quilt pattern. In simple terms I am psyched and a bit daunted. The first sketch was easy. Then I went back with additions and more measurements. Whew! I'll start gathering materials soon enough, though I have at least four quilts ahead of this to build. I love the Dallas Quilt Celebration sincerely. I never have to win a ribbon; I am excited just to show. Especially now that I was told by more than one person I have my own style; they recognize it immediately. What I designed this afternoon is not the end of it. I hope to eek out at least four more from the notes. I was pointed toward the Welsh High Cross as well to create a design. Right now it is in my head waiting for tomorrow. After the Clonmacnois, my hands grew tired from all the shading and notations.
In the meantime I watch season 1; episode 2 of Mad Men. I probably should watch it again, I admit I was not that attentive. Editing poetry followed and I'm learning to see more strength in my writing that before. I want to make it through all sixteen passes before I go at it again. I want to write more. Slowly though. Maybe i can take a pass at the short stories soon. For a while there they seemed impassible. By now they all need to be reread to find the flow and reasoning.
As ever, stay hungry and curious.
What ever had me gripped last week, has let loose a bit. I can see sky just past moonlight. Food tastes much better as well. 2 teaspoons of Garam Masala mixed with 2/3 of Chobani Greek Yogurt. Add a tablespoon of honey. Mix and brush onto deboned chicken. Broil on low for ten minutes, broil on high for 10 minutes to finish. Salt to taste. I severed with garlic sauteed spinach, lentils, rice, and gravy.