Happy Poetry Friday!
I’m participating this year in the Summer Poem Swap, and this week I received an incredible gift from Linda Mitchell—a hand-crafted journal bursting with inspiration.
I poured over all the nooks and crannies (more than once) tucked with drawings, sayings, poems, and quotes, expertly designed with plenty of room for me to write my own. Because I was thinking of hand work, I was particularly drawn to a photo of some needlework. It could have been an example of cross-stitching, or maybe needlepoint, but it reminded me of the many crafts I once pursued. There was a time when I did a lot of cross-stitch—on magnets for school fairs, bookmarks, napkins, ornaments, wall hangings, and clothing. Below is a picture of a sweatshirt I decorated for my daughter when she was in elementary school of cross-stitched instruments she played. I kept it all these years thinking one day I’d turn it into a pillow.
It was fun to remember that time when I channeled more of my creativity into handiwork instead of words. Thanks to Linda’s gift, I found a way to combine them.
Cross-Stitching
needle in and needle out
inside a circle frame
count each stitch
create an X
watch a picture grow
an apple, a flower,
a rainbow, a star
on buttons and skirts
on bookmarks and shirts
busy hands creating,
shaping, fabricating
shining hearts and souls
Draft, 2023RoseCappelli
It’s very fitting that Linda has the round up today at A Word Edgewise. Be sure to head over for some fun with clunkers and lots more poetry goodness.
Imagine the Possibilities 
Oh, I love it! I love that you are using your journal…all of it is made from paper that wasn’t being used and on it’s way to being discarded. It makes my heart happy to see it being used. Your poem is wonderful…simple words and lines but altogether a work of art. Well done.
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Thank you, Linda. And thank you again for the journal. I’m still in awe and will definitely be using it.
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Delightful post! I love how creative both of you are.
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Beautiful–both Linda’s journal and your poem (and the musical cross-stitch). I did a lot of cross-stitch in my early 20s, and my big sister who taught me just recently took it up again. Fun to cross-pollinate all these art forms!
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From Linda’s created journal to your own creation from a long-ago memory, Rose, this is a special post. I love “watch a picture grow”, especially thinking of that gorgeous sweatshirt design you made for your daughter. Wow!
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Thank you, Linda.
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Oh I love this. I have a book from Linda. The best. I love the way that your combined your words and memory to the cross-stitch project.
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It’s so interesting how so many writers also have other things they do — needlework, knitting, etc. I love the hand-crafted journal! 🙂
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The hand-crafted journal from Linda is such a lovely swap gift and offered you a way to meld your thoughts and hobbies into a lasting memory, Rose. Yeah for the Swap.
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I love how you ‘stitched’ a connection between Linda’s gift and your poem, Rose. Beautiful. 🙂
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What a gift, Rose, both the poetry swap and your poem –stitched together in friendship. Sending special xoxo’s — more stitches to hold your heart!
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A delightful poem, and what beautiful gifts from Linda! She’s amazing. What a special exchange. ❤️
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Such a lovely exchange! Love the journal and the poem.
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“create an X / watch a picture grow” — I love these lines, Rose!
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