First This, Then That

Miles: 113.25
Leaves: 141

Recipe 7: Keralan Vegetable Stew

Running. Running has slowed a bit, averaging a mere 10 miles the last 3 weeks. It's happened for a variety of reasons, likely the February slumps, and I'm glad that I've set this goal. If I do choose to not run, I know that I have miles to make up through out the year. The goal is still sitting out there, waiting for me to meet it, bit by bit.

Leaves. An epiphany occurred over the last few weeks. First, the leaves must be cut. Then, there is the next step. This step varies for each leaf, but it's these next steps that add A LOT of time to new art piece. Most leaves receive stitching, beading, and stringing treatment. Then they are hung into or onto whatever frame that becomes their new "home." I hadn't fully considered this time commitment when I set the goal of cutting 1,000 leaves.

The perk is that I now have a growing collection of leaves waiting for the next steps. Having a large supply, one that will only continue to grow, actually builds creativity in ways that I didn't expect. As I cut, stitch, and bead, I ponder how and where to hang them. What becomes of the leaf that I now hold in my hands?

Ideas flow. Ideas breed more ideas.

Then I wonder how I can complete all of these ideas. This is a blessed place, one that takes nurturing. Cutting leaf after leaf nurtures the mental space to allow ideas to float and form. It's the "feel good" space that can happen while working on a goal.