Tuesday, January 11, 2011

January Mantle and a Confession


Alright, I'm going to let you in on a secret obsession of mine. 
 It was bound to come out sooner or later. 
 If I didn't tell you myself, it would quickly have become evident. 


I find great joy in arranging things. 
 There. I said it. Don't judge.

I can spend a lot of time (too much) moving a little thing 
a few centimeters this way and that until I am satisfied. 
My living room mantle provides an ever-shifting canvas 
for indulging this obsession.


To me, composition matters.  And so does content, actually. 

I think the current trend of chalkboard-everything is great. 
It can go too far though.

 
(Pottery Barn chalkboard rocks, originally priced $16 for four!)

Really? 
Don't buy chalkboard stuff. Make it. 
It's one of the easiest and cheapest homey-crafty things you can do.

But, back to my obsession:


In my slightly neurotic, visually compulsive world, 
objects, placed just right, 
and a glimpse of a few well-chosen words 
have the potential to express meaning 
and to encourage thoughtfulness.  


This is a Lenten mantle.

 
Is it just me, or does the multi-layered, peeling, 
bleached and time-worn frame on that mirror speak to you too?

Let's take a moment to listen.


Now go shift stuff around and stare at it.
Others may think you're nuts,
but I will understand.

2 comments:

  1. I completely understand this 100%. In fact so much so that I was doing this 're-arranging' last night as well. Dale just gives me those "here she goes again" looks. But it does bring me some cozy comfort, creating these little vignettes to celebrate seasons or expressions.

    Keep creating and re-arranging. I think this little ritual of ours can be considered our kind of mommy therapy! Good job on the mantle. It's lovely ~

    ReplyDelete
  2. Glad to know I'm not alone, Marissa!

    ReplyDelete

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