The Ladder is the first in a series (tentatively titled Back Off - Get Your Own Body, although on more meditative days I think of it simply as Therapy). I found out this summer that I have breast cancer, and for a while I was rather unhappy. Visualization doesn't usually work well for me, but I was talking to my husband about how I felt like I had fallen in a hole, and couldn't get out - couldn't get happy again - and that I thought I might need to find a physical representation of the hole in order to deal with it. He said that I didn't need a representation of the hole - I needed a representation of the ladder. He was right. In the grand scheme the unhappiness didn't last very long, but the image of the ladder helped me climb out of that hole.
Mostly done improvisationally, this is my first completed bead embroidery piece. Miscellaneous seedy-beads, some Swarovski crystals, and one special (to me - thank you Sander!) faceted hessonite garnet.
I'm having camera & photo editing software problems, but I didn't want to wait any longer in posting this. Please believe the colours are much richer in person.
I recently started working on jewellery again too. Just stringing for now, but at least I'm pulling out my stash and playing! This extra-sparkly three stranded bracelet of faceted tourmalines has a tube clasp for added security. Now I just have to decide if I can part with it.
11 comments:
Oh Tracy, thank you!!! your black hole is one we've all been in at one time or another; your ladder is for all of us to climb; your therapy is therapy for all of us. I'm going to post a link to this post on the Bead Journal blog, this piece will be an inspiration to everyone. Bless you!
Robin posted the link to your blog on the Bead Journal Blog which is where I came across it. You have made a very fine piece. I do hope it helped. I see the ladder is bigger than the hole. I hope you find the support (ladder) in life is bigger than your low points too. I hope I keep this image in my mind for recall when I could use a step up.
Hello Tracy,
Your embroidery is magnificent, it reminds me of the ladder of Life. My mother in law sucessfully got over two cancers, I'm sure you will get over it too.
Your jewelery is awesome too. I'll be back to stare in amazement.
Kind regards
Hélène
Love your beading...
I think "therapy" is a great piece, and incredibly insightful of your husband to suggest you needed a ladder FOR the hole.... keep climbing!
Hugs from another BJP participant. Your piece is very inspiring, and brings tears to my eyes. Susan
Beading is a wonderful place to find our center's, when people say you "have to much time on your hands" I say "I am centering myself"...which makes me feel good...that is what beading does for me & it seems to be working for you to. Life is a journey with many bumps in the road, hang in there, gentle hugs coming your way.
Bless your insightful husband! I've often thought about trying to use my stitching as therapy to cope with life's difficulties. It didn't seem to work until I finally realized that it was far more effective to make a solution to the problem, not a representation of the problem. I hope your ladder will help you with your visualizations and your healing.
Wow. Thank you all! I have been amazed by the number of visitors I've had to the site since you posted that link, Robin.
I'm just finishing up the edges on the piece and then I am going to have it framed, and hang it where I can see it whenever I need it.
YOU GO GIRL!!! YOU SO TOTALLY ROCK!
I LOVE both pieces!
I just discovered your blog! This bead embroidery piece is lovely! Keep up the wonderful work! :D
i love your beaded ladder! it is not only beautiful with intention but to behold as well. and what a wonderful, clever husband you have to know the way out. men are always good at fixing things. it is hard for them when we have cancer and they can't fix it. you are blessed to have one who sees past the tangible and can help with your spirit as well.
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