Woven Fabric
I love the imagery “woven fabric” portrays.
Fabric is a work of art. It requires material and a vision for design. The design is based on an intent or purpose for which the fabric is to be used. A silk fabric has a different purpose then linen or wool. Just like actual fabric, our lives are a fabric in one sense or another. Actually we are a woven fabric of circumstances. Circumstances that put us together as families, something I am so curious about and drawn to.
My life story is different from yours, but both are none-the-less meaningful. I can only think or write from my vantage point, but it would be irresponsible or even foolish if I didn’t consider others when I share my thoughts. My thoughts are my own, but once shared, those thoughts can impact or even influence others. It is always my intent to share with the hope that someone will feel uplifted or cause one to reflect. If I have achieved that, then I feel like my writing is more than an exercise of trying to improve my skills.
There are so many ways that our individual lives are like a woven fabric. We are influenced by genetics, environment and culture. The algorithm of our lives creates a unique personhood based on the various threads that weaves in a pattern to form who we are. This is something I will continue to write about. But for now, as the year comes to a close, this season tends to lend itself to cultural influences and woven fabrics, compared to other times of the year. It is celebrated in traditional food and adornments placed in and around our house and home.
As the holiday season is upon us, we use this time to reflect and remember. There are stockings to be hung, all of which come from different types of fabric. Some are made from old-fashioned felt, some are cross stitched and others might even be rough burlap. I have some of each. Maybe one day I’ll have lovely stockings. Mine really are a collection of mismatched, non-wearable footwear! Maybe I’ll buy some new stockings after the season is over and have a better display next Christmas.
If you’re anything like me, you may have hand-me-down linens or table runners to adorn your furniture surfaces. I have a lot. Some are old, some are new but I place Christmas coverings around my home. Many say God Jul, which means Merry Christmas in Norwegian. What can I say, it’s a part of my fabric, and the weave is very strong.
I have followed my mother’s footsteps in many ways. I enjoy tradition and sentimental objects of significance and meaning. I often wonder if my kids will carry out some of the traditions I have instilled in them. It can be sad to think that they won’t, and who knows, maybe they will, but why would that make me sad? Why do we hold onto the past in so many ways?
I think the past connects us to people that are no longer in our midst. It’s a way of remembering. My friend and fellow blogger Nanci Rice wrote in one of her posts, how cookie baking brings back memories of a time-gone-by with her mom. So items, possessions and traditions passed down from our family, are a piece of history that helps us connect to the past. There really is nothing wrong with that. But on the flip-side, if those connections aren’t made, is something really lost?
I guess in someways yes, but in other ways it may not be that important. What is important is what we instill in those we love. The values and the belief in making life better for not just us, but those around us. Our DNA will be passed on for generations to come, so part of us does move forward. Whether the fabric that warms our furniture is or is not used in the future, well, maybe it doesn’t really matter. What matters is the emotion and feeling that is evoked during this wonderful holiday season. Again, it’s the wonder of the season that is woven into the fabric of our lives. It’s not a material fabric, but internal threads that create a magical feeling, a belief, a faith in the Prince of Peace.
As we decorate and gather and cherish those items that are sentimental to us, let’s not lose sight of the time we interact and converse and share. May it be meaningful conversation that reflects on tradition and stories that should be shared and passed down for future generations. Not because they are truly important, but it is another way of tying us to our past and keeping the memory alive of those that once viewed or used the objects that were given to us. A testament to Auld Lang Syne.
The picture of the sheep was taken during our last trip to Norway in 2015. The area of Norway is called Sogndal. We hiked the mountain and found lots of snow in the summer month of July. The mountain was behind a beautiful Airbnb home that we stayed in. Winter in July. Such a fun treat for us as we climbed the mountain, some made it to the invisible top, and went sleigh-riding with no sleigh.
