dust eventually settles
February 27, 2007
It does and it is. Finally…
Last year (continuing on into this one) I feel like I picked up most of the pieces of my life and tossed them up in the air violently and all at once. And they’ve remained suspended until recently when they’ve started gently raining back down on me. Settling into their places. And reassuring me that things will soon feel calm and full again. That this life that I’ve been building, piece by piece, can finally start being enjoyed.
My husband recently taught me the word “bespoke”, which means:
be·spoke [bi-spohk]
–verb
1. a pt. and pp. of bespeak. –adjective
2. British.
a. (of clothes) made to individual order; custom-made: a bespoke jacket.
b. making or selling such clothes: a bespoke tailor.
I feel that I’ve been sewing up the bits of this new life that are suited just for me, for us. The perfect fit. And that feels so good. A friend told me once that you need to choose the life you live, and that really stuck with me. Keep adjusting and trying things until it works for you… (I’ll add that you don’t need to apologize for what makes you happy either… unless you are hurting someone/thing, but that’s a given.).
This weekend we made good headway on emptying the remaining boxes. Our clothes are now in one place (no more running out to the garage for a shirt). The rooms of the house are put away, and we can find things. yay!
And on friday I will continue to tailor when I head down to IKEA with my stepmom to scope out studio work tables… I have been painting on the floor and it’s no good for the back. I’m very excited to get a large work table and set everything up. C’mon Friday!
Until then I will be busy working on an annual report, a poster, a couple of editorial pieces and an interview for a local magazine… able to finally focus on work. that’s such a blessing. I didn’t realize that before.
Is yours a bespoke life?
xo
February 27th, 2007 at 9:14 am
That’s a wonderful feeling, congratulations! Being a brit I use the word bespoke regulary (but only because I make wedding stationery, not in normal conversation)and always think of it as a very warm, luxurious word, but it’s one you have to work hard to achieve, not everyone can afford it and lots of us hope to attain it. After everything you have been through you most definately deserve it!
February 27th, 2007 at 9:37 am
great that you’re doing so much and just how you prefer too! never thought about it, but now you mention it i really do think that mine is a bespoke life too, and i’m mightily happy about that! by the way, love the tree painting (orange and blue) in your last post. by the way number two: i didn’t participate in assignment number 3, but am still around for number 4 :) have a good day
February 27th, 2007 at 12:16 pm
absolutely.
lovely word which says it all.
have fun at ikea!
February 27th, 2007 at 1:14 pm
I love this post. So beautiful, so true :-)
February 27th, 2007 at 2:44 pm
Hey hey! Sounds like you are aquiring the peace in a lot of areas…..LVYOU
February 27th, 2007 at 4:31 pm
I just got a chance to look at your new work below. It’s really great! I love some of the new vibrant blues and reds you’ve been using lately! :)
February 27th, 2007 at 11:59 pm
Such a bespoke life it feels good to give to others…
love your new work and I am excited for you as you continue on your
journey. looking forward to your artwork that speak volumes!!
just a sidenote but an awesome way to give back a bloggers daughter is giving
back by going to Africa and bringing that blogging spirit with by asking
people to sew a skirt for the girls in the orphange she is going to!
Called Sewing Seeds…awesome to see a 17 year old girl realizing the potential
of people to give..
http://ihavetosay.typepad.com/
February 28th, 2007 at 1:29 am
I love your image for this post, is there any chance of buying a print of it?
It’s been ages since I last checked your blog and as always, I thought, “why didn’t I come back sooner?” So often your posts touch on something I am feeling or going through or they simply inspire me to be a better person or enjoy the life I am living. I’m so glad you are living a bespoke life and you are all settled in your home. So jealous about the new IKEA table you are off to buy! Happy shopping.
February 28th, 2007 at 6:37 am
Thanks all!
Carlynn: No prints of this one (my husband asked for one too)… I built it in photoshop in low resolution just for the blog. sorry… i need to stop doing that!
February 28th, 2007 at 10:55 am
I absolutely love your outlook on life! Keep up the great work, Penelope.
March 1st, 2007 at 8:22 am
this is so beautiful! I love your work and your perspective. Thank you for sharing!
March 1st, 2007 at 4:12 pm
beautifully put and i love your new flowered pink banner, girl!
xo,
mati
March 1st, 2007 at 5:12 pm
oh MY!
tasty new banner, babe!
:)
xoxo
L
March 3rd, 2007 at 8:28 am
Penny, I have really enjoyed following the story of your move and rearrangement of your “sespoke
life. What you say is so true. When I had pneumonia 10 years ago, I felt like my entire live was dumped out and I had to carefully select what I wanted to put back in. It has made all the diference in the world. I think your shopping for a large table is a lovely simbol of wher eyour life is headed: more room!
BTW, my husband helped me build a huge 4′x8′ table made from a piece of pecan veneer. He helped me construct a 2×4 frame that the wood sits on. We can even remove it and put it on our dinning room table to accomodate large parties. If you want a pix let me know.