small offerings

mjd - 2014 small offering bowl

offerings have a way 

of travelling. 

these came to me and 

the idea wouldn't leave.

so through my heart and hands

small offering bowls are now made - 

i often tremble 

when i begin,

the potential energy 

of body and spirit

coming to a readiness. 

as i stamp

fire

hammer

fire

hammer

repeat

repeat

...

these thoughts

words and ideas 

are 

set out into the ether.

the ether 

that you inhabit

the ether

that holds the moon

the ether

that caresses blades of grass

as it moves past.

mjd  - 2014 small offering bowls

i have always found a deep sense of peace

when working with my hands. 

but this idea of small metal efforts

that are shaped like cupped hands

and have

been worked with 

not just fire

and steel

but love 

and peace

so that you might make an offering

to whatever is meaningful in your life 

and to take it wherever you need it

resonates. 

mjd - 2014 small shrine

your own little place

to find calm

and stillness.

mjd - 2014 small shrine mats

balance

in metal

and textiles.

mjd - 2014 small offering bowl in pouch

the hammer marks

and stitches

evidence of moments.

the precious moments 

that make up our lives. 

mjd 2014 - no act is too small

one small stitch at a time

makes for work that is intentional and time consuming 

in the best possible way. 

mjd 2014 - no act is too small

as makers we are gifted with the ability 

(with much practice and attention)

to speak our hearts and minds

through our willing hands.

mjd 2014 - no act is too small

how fortunate is that?

------

consider the strength of one stitch.

then consider the strength of many.

how much power resides

in each act of kindness,

each act of bravery (no matter how large or small),

each thought of gratitude,

each expression of love and compassion?

mjd 2014 - no act is too small

while one alone holds it's own integrity,

the accumulation over a lifetime can be staggering.

mjd 2014 - no act is too small

no act of kindness or generosity is insignificant. 

mjd - 2013 awakening

this is your life.

you stand inside the arena

whether you wish it

or not. 

some people move

in leaps and roars

others

on tip toes and in whispers

most of us

fall somewhere in the middle. 

mjd - 2013

it matters not

how you do it,

only that you do it.

that you participate

and you add your voice. 

that you share your living

your loving

your self.

at this moment

you stand inside the arena,

don't miss out

because you were asleep.