The Joy of the Unexpected Tapestry

For week three in Scribbled Lives we were given Warp & Weft as directions. These are weaving terms describing the horizontal and vertical threads in a piece of fabric. Which in terms of calligraphy meant were were to write letters vertically and horizontally. HHHmmmm…. interesting challenge. I thought of the word tapestry and remembered Carol King’s Tapestry album, and found these lyrics:

My life has been a tapestry of rich and royal hue, an everlasting vision of the ever changing view.

– Carol King

I wrote the word tapestry on six different types of paper, using multiple shades of blue and green, and then created a larger background. I cut the individual words into strips then “wove” them into the larger background. Here is a side view of the piece:

This was an interesting and fun way to think through the vertical and horizontal elements. It did not end up looking like I thought it would…maybe it’s better?!? I find this a tangible example of how life really goes. We have an idea, a thought about how our life is “supposed” to look and in the end we find it turns out very differently. That can be both good and bad…

One of the true blessings of life is that we do not always get what we planned; instead, we get what we need or what will serve us best moving forward. If we could control everything, make it EXACTLY what we wanted, how boring would that be? Control is not always best, even if it is our preference. Being able to let go and move through life with adventure, excitement and even hope THAT is the life we truly want to lead. By not getting what we planned we also learn to be pliable, open to change and how to grow beyond what we know with courage.

Let me encourage you to face the tapestry of your life with courage. Be open to things not going the way you planned AND let go of your need for constant control. We are rich and wise when we learn the lessons life presents instead of trying to avoid what we did not plan. I am a better person, a better artist, and a better friend because I have embraced the path I did not plan. The one I wanted now looks rather boring compared to where I am today. Embrace your own tapestry of rich and royal hues!