We all know personal dreams can grow and change over time. They are the way we learn to explore and accept what is in our real hearts, that we keep private for fear of failure or discouragement.
My first trip to Salt Spring Island is an example of this. I had seen an article about Saori weaving in an old issue of Hand Woven. I was just beginning to learn to weave at the time. It really spoke to me in ways that traditional weaving did not. I loved the idea of free form weaving in the moment, without rules or conditions.
I loved going to Salt Spring island and learning about Saori from Terri Bibby. This was a turning point for me, and I had a spirit dream the night before I left Salt Spring. My dream indicated the need to follow the call to a creative life, or risk killing a newly grown part of my spirit. But, I was afraid. Afraid of not being good enough. So, I did something else that didn't seem so unachievable for me.
That something else was Susan Barrett Merrill's, 'Weaving a Life.' I'd found her book nestled amongst Terri's wonderful collection of weaving books. It intrigued me. Because I felt somewhat disheartened about my inability to become a Saori weaver right away, I thought I'd give it a try while I sorted things out.
'Weaving a Life' was a wonderful experience for me! I grew in unexpected ways. Over time, I learned to be kinder to myself and more forgiving of others. Susan's teachings continue to be a strong foundation for where I am in my life right now.
I still love Saori, and more importantly, weaving with a Saori philosophy. Trying not to be so afraid I will fail at something which is without failure. This is my final stretch of self acceptance and accomplishment in the artistic field. A chance to explore without fear of doing things wrong. A chance to grow that little spirit, that begged to be nurtured during my first trip to Salt Spring not so long ago. I thought my dream was to become a Saori weaver. I discovered my calling is 'Weaving a Life.' I will live this dream. I hope you will live your dream too, whatever that may be.
Update 4/18/13
It's funny how perceptions can direct one's actions. All the while I thought I was being directed to be a Saori weaver, only to find my greatest comfort and joy in 'Weaving a Life'! I discovered a wonderful friendship and mentor in Terri Bibby, of Saori Salt Spring. She selflessly shares her skills and loves to see others grow. She is a remarkable woman. But the true treasure I was meant to find was not Saori, it was Susan's book, Zati:The Art of Weaving a Life.
It's funny how perceptions can direct one's actions. All the while I thought I was being directed to be a Saori weaver, only to find my greatest comfort and joy in 'Weaving a Life'! I discovered a wonderful friendship and mentor in Terri Bibby, of Saori Salt Spring. She selflessly shares her skills and loves to see others grow. She is a remarkable woman. But the true treasure I was meant to find was not Saori, it was Susan's book, Zati:The Art of Weaving a Life.
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