Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Yarn bombing a cup of coffee...

Have I lost my mind?

Actually, my dear friend Robyn (www.rainbowweaves.blogspot.com) was offering up a "Queen of Hearts" challenge and I wondered how I could incorporate yarn and a Valentine's gift. This is what I came up with...



A coffee cozy with LOMA Cafe coffee!


I decided to create a coffee cozy by knitting a rectangle, sewing a crocheted chain into the shape of a heart and then whip stitching it into a tube shape.


before I sewed up the cozy!

Then I added a cup of delicious LOMA Cafe coffee and gave it away to a man on the street as I wished him a Happy Valentine's Day. It is sometimes nice to give your heart away!

Wishing everyone a HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

Monday, February 13, 2012

A Desire For Spring...


This weekends beautiful dusting of snow has melted and left behind freezing temperatures and blustery winds. So this week I decided to add a little color and thoughts of spring in my 'yarn bomb' by adding flowers.

Yarn bomb in Wilmington, DE

I knitted a band to wrap around a tree just off the parking lot of WYRA (Wilmington Youth Rowing Association) where my daughter, Kelly, rows crew.

Christina River

The boat house host the WYRA crew teams (novice & varsity), University of Delaware Crew and St. Marks crew team....needless to say, it is a busy place!

Boat house parking lot

A parting shot of the empty dock...too cold to go out on the river but spring season is a few weeks away!

View of the floating dock...waiting for warmer weather!

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Yarn-bombing Meters On Market Street!

Yarn-bombing!!!

Today I had the opportunity to 'yarn-bomb' for the first time. I spent time last week knitting the 'bomb' and I decided to attach it today (I figured everyone would be getting ready for the Super Bowl and the meters are free on Sun.)...with my 14 year old daughter, Kelly, as look-out.



Finished pieces before installation.

I yarn-bombed 2 parking meters in Wilmington. There has been a recent brouhaha concerning parking in the City of Wilmington (see www.wilmingtonparking.blogspot.com) and I have had several 'run in's' with the meter men. In one situation the man was downright rude – but I would hate his job so I decided to try to brighten their day instead.


First Meter Completed!


So tomorrow morning, if you are on Market St (in front of Film Bros. & Bloomsbury Flowers – 205 & 207 N. Market) stop by, see if they are still there, get a cup of coffee at LOMA and see if the meter men & women are smiling!!

Second Meter

Hummmm....what should I Yarn-bomb next?


Caught in the act!!!

Thursday, October 6, 2011

postcard project....going strong!

The postcard project is going strong and I am still having fun deciding which postcard best fits which friend! Although I have strayed from mailing just the 'book covers' and I have created a few cards and look forward to altering some postcards as well.

Here are a few I recently sent...

Sent to my dear friend Robyn Joseph's in Asheville, NC!

Sent to Barbara Seymour...gardener/landscape architect extraordinaire! 

Send to Chris DeGrado...a VERY intelligent woman indeed!

Sent to Amy Isaacs - SoulCollage facilitator and her office is on Circle Ave in Salisbury, MD!

Have you sent any postcards recently? Share the details!


Monday, September 19, 2011

Postcards continue to be written...

Although I have not written about the postcard project the past few days that doesn't mean I have not sent any!  I have sent the following postcards to the following fabulous people...

September 16, 2011. My brother Ed Rollins and I share a love for the Tour de France. A local company, Lead Graffiti, created a poster a day during the 'tour' (23 posters in 23 days) and I purchased several postcards created from a makeready sheet. For more information on Lead Graffiti visit www.leadgraffiti.com. My big brother has always been there for me and continues to amaze me as he travels in his own 'tour de executor' of my parents estate. Definitely not a fun job but he has been rolling along despite a few crashes on the hairpin turns. He is my "King of the Mountain"!!

Tour de France card for my brother Ed

September 17, 2011. Joanne Reinbold is a friend, labyrinth inspired artist and brilliant writer. My life has been blessed by her presence. Together we dreamed of 'a room of our own' to create and share. But Joanne did more than dream....she manifested it at her church. Now we are creating finger labyrinths, collage cards, talisman pendants, books and friends. Thank you Joanne...

Joanne Reinbold & I dream of having a room/studio of our own!

September 18, 2011. I consider Diane Terry-Kehner my labyrinth sister. Kindness, friendship and love flow from her like the fountain of youth! Her postcard is also a "Tour de France" card because she is not only fluent in french (and a french teacher) but a trip to Chartres opened her heart even wider. Although Diane lives less than an hour away we only see each other at TLS (The Labyrinth Society) board meeting. I think that needs to change...and I will change it. Watch out Diane...I'm heading to New Jersey!

Diane Terry-Kehner - the energy of the labyrinth!

September 19, 2011. "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances..." This quote from William Shakespeare captures part of Janice Toomey gifts. As a teacher at NCCL (Newark Center for Creative Learning), she was able to instill a love of theatre especially Shakespeare and Gilbert & Sullivan. Janice is a role model as she always goes above and beyond, teaching team work, cooperation, understanding and dedication through her actions...I am blessed to have her in my circle of friends.

"All The World's A Stage" and Janice Toomey is a star!

Thursday, September 15, 2011

The Catcher In The Rye

Postcard #3 has been written, stamped and ready to be mailed. J.D. Salinger's The Catcher In The Rye will soon arrive in my sister Connie's mailbox. What a great book and my sister is "a catcher in the rye" - she has caught me many times as I ventured near the cliff. Thanks Connie for being a wonderful sister, a fantastic role model, a creative inspiration and especially thanks for having arms big and strong enough to catch me. I love you!

Originally published in 1951...and still a great read!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

The Universe is screaming at me!!

The month of August has been a blur...my daughter Kelly was sick and ended up in the hospital with pneumonia. Then it was my turn but I had to do better (my competitive side is coming out!). I ended up with pneumonia in both lungs, the blood test revealed I was recovering from mono, I popped a rib coughing, then I was stung by a bee. All this in the midst of a hurricane, a tornado, an earthquake and the rainiest August on record. Needless to say...my backyard pilgrimages have been put on hold.

So what is a pilgrim to do when she doesn't have the energy to walk to the backyard - or the mailbox! She decides to send postcards, letters and thank you notes. Several things have occurred that inspired me to write letters.  First was winning a bid on the Labyrinth Society's Online Auction. Letters From The Lighthouse began to arrive in my mailbox. Wonderful stories of life in Victoria, BC and the Carmanah Lighthouse. Janett Etzhorn inspires me, makes me laugh with her stories, has me thinking of my younger years when I had a pen pal and reminiscing my Cunard cruise ship/Golden Door/Rancho La Puerta days of travel and communication (pre-internet days!). 

The second hint from the universe occurred after my mother passed away in April. I was amazed at the kindness of friends. Letters, calls, emails, gifts and flowers arrived. What a joy to greet the day with a trip to the mailbox and find thoughts of  love, encouragement and condolences. I felt truly blessed.

The universe continued to talk...well, maybe scream. On a June trip to Maine the cabins mail was delivered by boat. I simply loved this idea and hope to maybe catch a ride on the mail boat next year!

Belgrade Lakes Mailbox
Then, I was in Anthropologie when I came across a packet of 100 Book Covers in One Box. It was a box of Postcards From Penguin. I purchased the box with thoughts of writing the 100 postcards in 100 or so days. The box sat on my desk for over a month.

One Hundred Penguin Book Cover Postcards

Next I heard the news that the US postal system announced budget problems due to the fact that they are too large of an organization and many people are emailing, texting or calling instead of letter writing. Lastly I went to Border's for the final closing sale and came across a book titled Good Mail Day. A Primer for Making Eye-popping Postal Art. Of course I had to buy it...and it was 70% off.

Isn't everyday a good mail day?
Now the fun has begun...searching through the postcards deciding who should receive which one. I found a perfect postcard for my friend Kimberly Saward.

For Kimberly - a knitting Goddess!

So yesterday I sat down and put pen to paper. And mailed the postcard off to England.

Today I wrote a card to Janett Etzhorn. Her book title was D.H. Lawrence's Lady Chatterley's Lover. I think she will understand why...Janett think paddleboards, testosterone and 2 German women!

Some of the postcards.
Well...2 down, 98 to go! Have a favorite Penguin book? Would you prefer a letter or postcard instead of bills and junk mail? Send me your address and anticipate delivery. Let's get back to the joy of getting something in the mail!

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Ceramic Finger Labyrinths & Collage Cards

Sharing the labyrinth and crafting are my passions. Recently I have had the opportunity to share the labyrinth and labyrinth inspired art during a series of workshops at First & Central Presbyterian Church in Wilmington. I love the opportunties the labyrinth offers in developing and opening your creative side or right brain.

Last month we created ceramic finger labyrinths with Jenny Reazor-Davies. Many of the participants had never worked with clay but Jenny was so supportive and encouraging that the labyrinths are all beautiful works of art. We had the opportunity to play in clay, share a celebratory pot luck feast and enjoy a group labyrinth walk.







Last night a group of 7 gathered together to create Collage Cards based on the work of Seena Frost and SoulCollage. It was a lovely evening full of contemplation and cutting (plus some ripping of paper and laughter!). It is always impressive how random pictures can be cut out and pasted together and evoke a variety of emotions, especially after spending time with the journalling prompts.









Next month (August 17th) we will be creating Prayer Beads and Packets incorporating several different methods to infuse our beads with prayers, positive thoughts and wishes. What are you inspired to create?

Sunday, May 8, 2011

World Labyrinth Day 2011

Yesterday we celebrated World Labyrinth Day at The Delaware Art Museum labyrinth. It was great to see old friends and meet new friends. At 1 pm we opened the walk with this quote from Peace Is Every Step by Thich Nhat Hanh.

“Peace is every step.
The shining red sun is my heart.
Each flower smiles with me.
How green, how fresh all that grows.
How cool the wind blows.
Peace is every step.
It turns the endless path to joy.”




It was a great day – the sun was shining, a vase of fresh tulips were arranged at the entrance and the wind rustled through the trees. Peace was in every step. The rolling energy of peace, friendship and love prevailed.
Wishing everyone Peace on the Path...

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Awakening Your Dreams

AWAKENING YOUR DREAMS

Tomorrow, Wednesday, is another open labyrinth walk at First and Central Presbyterian Church (11th & Market, Wilmington). The theme this year is 'Awakenings' and tomorrow you can walk the labyrinth with the thought of awakening your dreams.

I have many dreams but I tend not to focus on them too much, maybe that is why they have not all come true (one dream I have is to have my own space to host workshops, red tents, movements classes and of course I want at least one labyrinth...preferably two, one indoor and one outdoor). What are your dreams?

Maybe you can join me for a walk, a cup of tea, friendly conversation or try one of the lovely finger labyrinths. The labyrinth is open on Wednesdays from 11 to 7pm and I will be there tomorrow from 12 to 2pm...for more information why don't you friend us on Facebook (The Labyrinth at First & Central).

In the meantime enjoy one my favorite songs...

Awake My Soul... Mumford and Sons 



Friday, December 31, 2010

New Year's Eve 2010

Today is New Year's Eve and for the first time in a long time I am excited. Usually NYE is depressing for me...I think about the year that just slipped away and all that I did NOT accomplish. But today the horizon looks hopeful and I am excited to ring in 2011. I know I have dear friends who inspire and challenge me to be all that I can be...one of those friends is Jose' Avila (http://www.simplegiftspottery.com/). Today he sent me a photo of a labyrinth his sons created in their yard. I love nature art, creating 'stumbled upon' art and experiential education and this encompasses all three...THANKS JOSE'!!
Labyrinth created by Christopher and Andrew!
I wish everyone a joyous, safe, healthy and creative filled new year...Happy 2011 and blessings to all!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Traveling towards winter...

The winter solstice is but a week away. This year we celebrate the winter solstice, a full moon and a blue moon - all at the same time! I bid the Fall season a fond farewell with this haiku and photo's of a recent 'stumbled upon art' installation in my front yard...

Spiraling inward,
Raked around the cherry tree.
Temporary path.

Fall 2010


Lazy days on the swing are numbered...the chill has set in!


Sunday, December 12, 2010

Firebird Festival

Last night we went to the 7th annual Firebird Festival (http://www.firebirdfestival.org/) in Phoenixville, PA. It was a fantastic evening of fun, food and fire. Shopping on Bridge Street and watching street performers (a personal favorite), eating vegan soup from Kimberton Whole Foods, standing by a roaring fire in an old steel trash can (reminiscent of old black & white films and hobo's!), then heading to the hill with thousands of others to watch the parade and torch bears head to the pit to light the phoenix sculpture.

parade down Bridge St. - a flurry of activity!
     
Towers burning...

anticipation...

prayers to heaven...
Drummers, dancers and chanters filled the air with fun, joy and a spirit of togetherness and community.
I look forward to retuning next year...how about joining me...the more the merrier!

Monday, October 18, 2010

A Dedicated Walk on a New Labyrinth

Hosting a labyrinth walk has become more about listening then speaking. Yes, I do talk about the labyrinth, it's history, the story of the creation of the labyrinth at The Delaware Art Museum and the special people involved...but more important is listening to the walkers. I love to hear their stories, what drew them to the labyrinth, what happened to them as they walked, metaphors, and awareness of the creation new labyrinths (especially when they are local).

Such an awareness recently occurred . A woman and her 3 children were visiting the museum and ventured down to the labyrinth. In conversation she mentioned that her church (located in Kennett Square, PA) had just built an labyrinth but she had not walked it. Kennett Square (aka the “Mushroom Capital of the World”) is located about 5 miles away from my home so a trip across state lines was inevitable.

On a crisp, chilly, damp morning I head to Kennett to find the Church of the Advent Episcopal Church and it's new addition. Finding the church was a breeze and I quickly found the labyrinth tucked between the church and it's offices. The entrance to the stone 7circuit medieval inspired/modified labyrinth was flanked by 2 large planters offering a burst of red (a welcome change in color to the dull rainy days we were experiencing) in whimsical bee painted pots. As I stood at the entrance, gathering my thoughts and becoming aware of each breath I glanced beyond the labyrinth and notice the cemetery.

Last month we buried my father (Cy Rollins) at the family graveyard in Maryland. I have always been fond of cemeteries, loving to read the names, dates and epitaphs, and seeing the artistry of the head and foot stones. History that I could touch and stories of lives to be told in the smallest of detail. I decided to dedicate my walk to my father.

(marker for my mother's family on the Eastern Shore of Maryland)
                         
Each turn seemed to bring me back to a story of my life alongside him. I will miss his stories (well, most of them, that is!) and his silent support. Laughter and tears were shed on the labyrinth that day and I am blessed from the lesson learned and the stories remembered. Find a labyrinth, trail or path and walk in remembrance of someone you love.

(Kennett Square, PA)
To find a labyrinth near you go to http://www.labyrinthsociety.org/ and click on the labyrinth locator (upper right hand corner).

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Welcome!

Welcome to The Backyard Pilgrim blog.

I have had the opportunity to travel the world, meet exciting people and go to fantastic places but now I set upon a journey of local adventures and magical settings. You see...I keep thinking about more travels, more adventures and seeing amazing spiritual, historical and magical places throughout the world but I realize that all I have to do is explore my backyard. Well...not my physical backyard because I live in a townhouse and my 15 X 15 postage stamp backyard would offer a short blog, well maybe not, I'm sure magical experiences can occur many times over in my bath tub but my definition of 'my backyard' will be those experiences, places and things within a days journey.

Occasionally I may travel further than a days drive especially when I go to The Labyrinth Society Gatherings and board meetings (www.labyrinthsociety.org) or if I get lucky to venture outside my East Coast circle and so these meanderings may also be posted.

('stumbled upon art' I created at Kirkridge Retreat Center & ASWM Conference)

My goal is to open myself up to the mystical and magical in everyday life and not save it for a planned or booked adventure so I urge you to join me, share your experiences with me and by all means feel free to suggest special places, people, trees, labyrinths, trails, rock formations, events or ideas for me to explore.

Blessings,
Carol M.