the quote …
“Women hold up half the sky”
by Mao Zedong
captivated me the first time I came across it …
it has been rattling around in my head for awhile now…
it inspired me to alter a metal tin…
I got tired of hearing myself say I missed creating and decided the only remedy was to get busy and make something…
…this Frank Cadogan Cowper lady has always been a favorite of mine with her dreamy look…
bits of tea stained lace curtain…russet colored silk…pressed fern…wired beads…a bee stamped emblem…
thank you to those of you that listened kindly and supported me as I whined a bit about feeling scattered to the four winds…
traveling and going through my Mom’s things getting her house ready to sell has been a lot going on…
creating always helps me catch my balance and feel more centered…
footnote: having the support and friendship of so many of you is more special than I can ever say or put into words…oxo
Magpie's Nest ~*~ Patty Szymkowicz 
Dear Patty,
I think we always feel compelled to thank our friends for doing what they should be doing — listening and being there. Not that thanks aren’t always welcome of appropriate, but listening, supporting, being — that’s just part of what we do, who we are and I would wager there isn’t a soul who visits you who hasn’t walked a bit in your shoes as they experience loss. You know as well as I that it matters little how many times we’ve experienced that loss — each experience is its own unique thing, bringing to the forefront all the moments of the shared human experience. It is us who should thank you for your openness, honesty and willingness to let others join you on that walk through grief.
Your tin is — as is all your art — lovely. And so true.
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You tin is beautiful Patty ~ Love all the precious little details that you always seem to add to make your art even more lovely. Blessings to you always ~
Love and Peace,
Katie
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Lovely! Diving in and doing something is always good! I should do the same…
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Ditto Patty….this is precious….and your friendship is precious to me…you create the most meaningful and beautiful art…warm hugs
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Love your beautiful altered tin and the fantastic sentiment behind it Patty. Life can ask so much of us sometimes can’t it? pen x
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Patty; this is amazing! I love all your details and the meaning behind it! xxoo
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Your inpriting tin is soooo pretty….the quote perfect.
You….a good friend.
Me…grateful
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Just beautiful Maggie! I love the face, how serene and lovely is she? I have been saving my little Altoid tins for awhile and maybe I will try to decorate a few for fun. Thanks for the great inspiration!
Tina xo
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Beautiful tin! I love being your friend!
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I was just about to write to you –
do you know this stamp of yours which says: “Art helps me breathe”?
once you stamped it on the envelope which you sent my way and I cut it out and now it hangs above my desk as a reminder. I look at it every day and it never lets me forget how much I love getting my hands dirty with paint. and how much better I feel then.
and another Polish fan of Patty – my friend Guriana – also used it in her art a couple of days ago. have you seen this? :
http://guriana.blogspot.com/2011/05/art-helps-me-breathe.html
Art really does help us breathe.
sending you lots and lots of Love over the Ocean. 🙂
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Oh dearest Patty, I love your authenticity. your art. and your heart. I don’t recall hearing any whining, only the spilling of a heart telling the truth. But if you want to learn how to whine, ask me, I’m an expert 🙂
You have had a big sky to hold up in losing your precious Mutti. It makes me teary-eyed every time you talk about having to sort through her belongings. That is such a hard task…so emotional. so full of memories. so many decisions. Just love the tin you’ve created…it illustrates the quote just beautifully. Xo, Sue
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Ohhhh, My Darling Patty . . . . not words are necessary. That’s what this wonderful blogging community is all about. We love, nourish, laugh, cry and support each other. That’s what makes this ‘sisterhood’ so very special. My thoughts and prayers have been flying your way daily, and I’ve asked the angels to surround you. I know how difficult it is to lose a parent. Each day the ‘hurt’ gets a little easier, but the void is always there . . . . just waiting to be set off by a favorite color, a smile or a sweet memory. I’m so happy that creating brings you joy. It’s true . . . . art heals. Take care and enjoy the remainder of this weekend. Love & Hugs, Terri xoxox
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Wonderful thoughts of wonderful feelings, Thank YoU, Dear Patty, I Love You, Lennie
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Dear Sweet Patty,
That is a beautiful piece and I love the quote. Thank you for reminding me of it again. Now it will rattle around in my head! Please don’t think you were whining…not at all. You were merely sharing what was on your heart and in your mind, the loss of your beloved Mutti. I hope you know that you are so loved by so many of us and that we would “hold you up” and you “hold us up.”
XXOO,
Suz
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the sky is clear-blue today, and I picture you and me with our arms reaching out in the air… beautiful quote Patty!!! And beautiful work! Take care my dearest!
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beauitful Patty, just what you needed to do,push the day-to-day to one side and get back in the artroom! gorgeous details and what a special treasure you’ve created! Mx
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Tis a beauty – as always your talent shines thru! Hugs and xoxo!
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Aww Patty.. love what you did with this tin… and the sentiment.. I missed your last post..it’s been a toddler weekend.. no computer time..lol.. it’s alot to deal with and am sure it wasn’t whinging at all.. it is lovely and healing to be able to talk about it and your feelings with so many people that love you…Hope today is lovely for you….
Kath
xx
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Thank you for your kindness words on my blog:))
I’m also happy to find your blog:))
beautiful altared tin..I love the quote!!))
xox
Guriana:)
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Patty, the tin looks beautiful – how do you create such items of beauty with so many little things is beyond me?
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always here to listen, hope you are feeling more settled. love the work, xlynda
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Your tin is beautiful. Loved my visit to your blog.
Marilyn
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Patty this is gorgeous! Love the contrast of fabric and metal, and the lady image that you used is so soft and beautful! And you weren’t whining, but even if you were you were so entitled to do so under the circumstances! Now I have been whining and I need to get busy and do some stamping and glueing!
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Gorgeous tin Patty!
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This is lovely Patty, art has always been a great way to let out emotions that build up. It has been 3 years since I had to do this for my mom and dad, and I know that it must have been hard for you. Good thoughts are sent your way now, and always, Christen
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