…to the situation my mother called “wenn einem die Decke auf den Kopf fälllt” (translation: when the ceiling falls on one’s head) or as we know it, “Cabin Fever” is to lace up the heavy boots, cover hands and head and pull on the winter coat that is rated to -40 C.
After well over two months of little or no walking, I have once again taken to the ice! Most of the last two months were taken up with finishing the small reno, historical research, fighting painful migraines and avoiding the arctic air. On Sunday I could no longer ignore the urge to reconnect with nature and I have been outside every day since. It’s actually not too cold these days (it’s only – 2 C today with a slight wind) but snow and more arctic air are in the forecast…
Walking in solitude, I drown out the sound of augers drilling through the ice creating new spaces for the ice fisher people and their friendly banter back and forth. My iPhone in hand I have countless opportunities for contemplative photography. This morning I suddenly realized that I was beginning to see “things” in and on the ice. The wind is perpetually moving the snow around to present new imagery on a daily basis. With the snow displaced I can see deep into the thick ice, and wherever I look my imagination takes off. I found myself giving names to what I discovered… anything from hidden hearts to babies to birds… The images above can be enlarged by clicking on them individually to see details. I hope you enjoy today’s icy offerings.
Back in the studio, I am putting the finishing touches on two seminars I will be presenting at the Saskatoon Quilters’ Guild PD Day on January 20th. I have worked on the Contemplative Photography slide presentation for several days and evenings now and am nearly ready to share it. The Kantha/Mindful Stitching seminar had me assemble kits on January 1st (a great way to refocus on the first day of a New Year…). The images I will be using to guide participants visually are straight out of my “Inspiration Kantha” book, so it was just a matter of sorting through the images I submitted with the manuascript 18 months ago.
That’s life from my South-central Saskatchewan studio in the bleak mid-winter where it is raining at the moment!!! How is the New Year treating you these days? Are you achieving your goals? Have you adjusted your resolutions? Or are you following a more spontaneous path in 2018? Weigh in with a comment below. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Anna Hergert, Art & Design 
Hello and belated Happy New Year from the UK. My daughter bought, as a Christmas present, a copy of your book. It is truly insirational and I am delighted to find your website. I have attended two classes on kantha and have undertaken very small projects. Your book, however, has moved me greatly with a stronger desire to learn and do more. Your talent is very special and transcends the pages; thank you. I hope that you might, one day, find yourself in the UK, leading and inspiring your beautiful art work.
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Dear Ruth,
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such positive feedback about “Inspiration Kantha.” It warms my read that my book has managed to instil a strong desire in you to further explore Kantha as an art form. Feel free to stay in touch to share your progress. And please, don’t hesitate to contact me should you have any questions.
Happy stitiching! Anna
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The ice photos are fantastic, Anna. Your eye is very special. It sees things that some of the rest of us miss. Thanks for sharing.
You must teach me the correct pronunciation “when the ceiling falls on ones head”. It is so descriptive & that’s exactly what it feels like! You are helping me get my head above the ice. Thanks.
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Happy to teach you the pronunciation – see you on the 20th?
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Definitely
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On top of my little hill in Farrelllton Quebec, I too am enjoying the relatively balmy -2 weather. I love your ice photos. It always pays to stop and really zero in on things to see the hidden beauty. I just received a large bag of old batik dresses and another bag of amazing silk ties from a friend. Now looking for inspiration to turn them into something amazing.
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Great to hear what you are up to, Leslie. Batik dresses and silk ties… the ideas are beginning to churn! 😉
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Beautiful ice images, Anna! I also wanted to give you a shout-out for the positive review of your Kantha book in the Nov/Dec issue of Cloth Paper Scissors. You may well have mentioned this somewhere, or someone else did, but I only just bought the magazine and happened upon it. Congratulations!
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Thank you, Minnie! I found out about the review through a regular blog reader who pointed it out in a comment on the blog. I have since received news that “Embroidery Magazine” in the UK also reviewed the book. It was a nice birthday gift to see the kind words in print.
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Beautiful images Anna and a way to lift spirits when sorting and reorganizing my utility room shelves.
While there are many competing demands these cold days my major goals are the basement/studio rescued and daily walking. These get programmed in first and then the other things added around them.
Little breaks for reading this blog or checking out something else bring the joy to a dull process and help keep me motivated towards the outcomes.
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Lovely words, Elinor! Thank you for sharing!
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