Thursday, January 22, 2009

Finding the balance...

Not long ago I completed my Bead Journal Page for November. As it happened, I spent a good part of that month away from home when my work took me to Miami, Florida.



While I do enjoy traveling, meeting new people, and seeing new places (and oh boy did I ever enjoy the warm weather in Miami). I became acutely aware of how much I miss home while I am away. The seemingly unending flights home and waiting in airports (14 hours this time around) didn't help. Finding the balance between work and home can be tricky and frequently it is a struggle for me.

Those were my thoughts that occupied my mind as I worked on this little square. I don't know if you can see it here, but work did end up occupying more of my energy and time than 'home'. It's okay though, I will continue to strive to find that balance between the two because I am thankful for both and I know I am more fortunate than many.



I am including a shot of the back side for those of you that like to see the stitching. As always, you can click on the photos for a larger view.

13 comments:

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

Well, this page is certainly stunning to look at. The vibrant colors you chose give the impression of ENERGY! I absolutely love the colors you used.

pam T said...

Wow, Grace, as soon as I saw your page, it reminded me of travel... !?
I like it a lot, and I like the colors too!

Marty S said...

The colors are so lively! The contrast between the upper left part and the lower right part seem to show that conflict that many face.
Marty S
Crackpot Beader

beadbabe49 said...

The colors and shapes really draw me in to this one, grace....I'm glad you're home for a while now!

Pursuing Art... said...

I love the sunshine/sunset colors you used.

I understand trying to find that balance between work and home...it's not always easy. I like the dark line you have between the two and can see that both sides weren't equal. I see the peaceful you grounded at the bottom in sunshine and that golden path that sometimes takes you away through the sunset!

I really like your November page...I think it will speak to many! ~Lisa ;-)

a2susan said...

The balance you are seeking versus the balance you have is very evident in your piece. I like the use of the strong colors, too.

KV said...

This piece is so full of energy -- it seems pretty balanced to me!


Kathy V in NM

Robin said...

A pathway to sun country! What fun is this!!!! However, I couldn't agree with you more about the fun of travel, yet the missing home and unending (and unhealthy) flights/airports (for me it's generally at least three different planes and one shuttle)... I love it that you showed all of this in your piece. Hugs, Robin

PS. Did my comment about links on BJP #1 make sense to you?

Timaree said...

I enjoyed looking at your November piece. I am still working on mine and seeing the orange in yours makes me feel like getting going again - I've truly been stuck in a deep rut lately and not producing ANYthing. I could see how so much travel could interfere with your feelings of balance but you are still producing work so you must be hanging in there - good for you.

Deirdra Doan said...

How fun a beading journal! I am glad we found each other. I like this rich orange and your snowflakes.

Thanks for liking my bird.

Julie said...

Oh, I love this piece. You used all my favorite colors. I love orange. Julie C

Lp said...

wowser

heidibeads said...

This page is stunning! It is warm and inviting, kind of like Miami. I can understand missing home but I'd sure enjoy the warmth right now. Your page is great.

Leaves of Grass

This is what you shall do: Love the earth and sun and the animals, despise riches, give alms to every one that asks, stand up for the stupid and crazy, devote your income and labor to others, hate tyrants, argue not concerning God, have patience and indulgence toward the people, take off your hat to nothing known or unknown or to any man or number of men, go freely with powerful uneducated persons and with the young and with the mothers of families, read these leaves in the open air every season of every year of your life, re-examine all you have been told at school or church or in any book, dismiss whatever insults your own soul, and your very flesh shall be a great poem and have the richest fluency not only in its words but in the silent lines of its lips and face and between the lashes of your eyes and in every motion and joint of your body - Walt Whitman