Awhile back, Margaret shared extra sheets of build-your-own-metaphor-dice that Taylor Mali had sent for her students. I rolled “courage will be a sparkling needle” and it felt like the Universe was speaking directly to me. Earlier in the day I had posted my embroidered mandala for this week (19 of 52 weeks of embroidery mandalas).
Rose has this week’s Poetry Friday Roundup at Imagine the Possibilities.
A(nother) Year of Reading 
What a wonderful project, Mary Lee! Love “speaking your truth.” We need that now more than ever!
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Mary Lee! I love this–and your skill is incredible. At first I thought you had the date “1973” — but only saw “19” and looked back to reread your post stating “19” out of 52 weeks. Where can I find/see your other embroidery mandalas?
Hope you are doing well–Thank you for sharing this and for speaking with your words and your hands.
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What a wonderful metaphor poem – I love that the dice spoke to you so aptly, and the poem they inspired. I also love your stitching.
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The Universe has amazing needlework skills…because you are the Universe, Mary Lee. Sew thankful for you. 🙂
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I have loved all of your mandalas!!! What a project!!! Can’t wait to see how you put them together at the end! And I also love, love, love your poem!!!! Gorgeous!!!
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Your needle is sparkling, Mary Lee! All of your mandalas are stunning, but this one resonates even louder. Do you know about Shannon Downey and her Rita’s Quilt project? Here is a link to her website: https://www.badasscrossstitch.com/
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I did NOT know about Rita’s Quilt, but I sure do now! Thanks! I am super excited to be able to take part in one of Shannon’s “Craftivism” workshops at my (very-near-me) local indie fabric store in June! Bring it!!
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Yay!
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Powerful poem Mary Lee, so succinct and it sparkles as your needle does with
“speaking your truth
one stitch at a time.”
Thanks!
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POWERFUL. Also I love that it’s a sweet little daisy chain stitch that makes this solid statement. A sparkling needle indeed!!
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T — Thank you for noticing. That was an intentional choice. It’s sweet…but STRONG.
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Thank you so much for sharing! Both your poem and your embroidery are beautiful! Art as resistance is so excellent.
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I love your embroidery project, and your metaphor poem is a perfect and empowering!
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Wow! So much from such a few words! What a great mandala for the women in today’s world!
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LOVE your mandala and poem!!! Perfection. 🙂
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Mary Lee, your talent at needlework and poetry is amazing. Your project continues your willingness to be a universal crusader for justice. My Nonnie was an excellent tatter. You are right that early embroidered would not have added such a striking comment.
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oooooh! Perfect stitching and message. How do you do this–week after week?
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Linda, it’s just like writing: get an idea that will make you happy or that you want to share with the world and work on it in free moments here and there (sometimes binge out for an hour if it’s going well). It also helps to choose short forms and small projects. These mandalas are on a square of fabric that’s 6×6 inches!
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Your tiny sparkling needle is speaking loudly, loudly! This one has a solidity that is both delicate and powerful. Wish I could wear it on my breast today at our Bans Off rally…
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Mary Lee, These metaphor dice gave you a gem. I love how you wove it into your poem.
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Wow, Mary Lee – I’m so grateful you listen when the universe speaks, and that you share it with us. You embody courage and sparkle.
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The image and the words go hand-in-hand, speaking your truth indeed!
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I’m late to getting to this, but so glad I did. I love embroidery and not only is the meaning behind this inspiring, but you are a very good with the needle. I’m so glad you shared this.
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