blue sky, old flame

Lifted by the sky’s palm,

wings slicing through blue silk.

Wind currents sift

& rustle between feathers.

Spiraling higher & higher,

above baked red earth

& the simple doings of land dwellers.

Earth’s curve wears a shawl of milky blue.

 

What is it like to have the power of effortless, graceful flight? I have wondered this often during the two years while weaving this condor.

Yes, I am still here, & yes, it is almost time to set her free.

Back in August, when I discovered the delivery date for Grand Journey was now to be later this year, I was still in balls to the wall mode, weave & crank it out. But, an epiphany arose when I realized I could do other things without an impending delivery to the Grand Canyon…

 

 

Rekindle an old flame.

 

Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, a part of the Coronado National Forest district here in Tucson, is unique, special, & beloved in our city because its creek flows nearly year round creating a natural riparian oasis in the middle of the Sonoran Desert.

 

 

 

Back in the early 2000s, I used to hike in Sabino often, but life & my then research nurse occupation slowly edged canyon time aside. This past summer, I started going there again more regularly to walk the paved 3.7 mile path (let’s just say that after two years of wrestling with this condor on my loom, I am not quite in the hiking shape that I was). Back in 2011, I discovered that Sabino has a volunteer naturalist program that interested me, but at the time I was curtailing any extra-condor-icular activities. With the tapestry due date delayed, my world suddenly opened up. In early December, I finished the 15 week training course which consisted of lectures & nature walks by local professionals covering the herpetology, mammalogy, entomology, geology, ecology, botany, anthropology, archeology of Sabino Canyon. I am now an official Sabino Canyon Volunteer Naturalist.

 

 

I love that this experience will enhance my life socially, yet not consume it—I am only required to volunteer 50 hours per year. During my first year, I must work in the school program conducting themed nature field trips for school children who are bused into the canyon from their schools.

 

Many have never been out of Tucson’s inner city environs. They are all amazed at what they see & learn; for many kids it almost borders on culture shock. They will all grow up & vote (hopefully). After my first year, I will be able to branch out into other naturalist activities (some senior naturalists lead nature walks for the public), or even create an activity of my own design. I have noticed a glaring lack of anything related to art, for either kids or adults. Hmmm…

 

Soon, very soon, there will be a condor release in the studio. I can almost feel the loom quivering, she is so eager to stretch her wings. The initial cut-off will be private, because I am not sure how I will feel when I see her, all at once… all 60 square feet of her. It is hard to believe my small hands created her from imagination & bits of colored yarn. What a grand journey it has been. Thank you for coming along!

 

I hope 2013 has some grand things in store for all of you…

Happy New Year!

Comments

[lyn]

Thank you, Mary Kay, for your kind words... & wonderful idea! I think it would be very easy to give the condor's photo album a permanent spot on the blog. I will need to update it with the last progress photos, which I have not included yet since I didn't want to detract from the big event of her release... which should be happening any day now!

[Mary Kay]

I hope you are enjoying your new adventure as a Sabino Canyon naturalist. I wanted to add that I hope you find a place on your web site to archive the chronological portfolio of Grand Journey, even after there is something new for "On the loom now". I find myself revisiting this magical group of photos and descriptions ... it is an inspirational story!

[lyn]

Thanks, Debra! I hope your New Year is off to a great start. I only have inches to go now, so if you hear loud screaming over in NM any day now, just know that they are scream of joy!

[Debra DuBois]

Wonderful post Lyn! Happy New Year! So glad seeing things naturally falling together for you and when that bird flies, well you know, that will be a total joy for all. Great to see you are writing again. The photos are exquisite.

[tommye scannlin]

Beautiful post, Lyn!
I'm eagerly awaiting the lift-off!

[lyn]

Thanks for hanging in there, Lynn! I feel like all of you have been watching her since she was an egg waiting to hatch... and now we are all holding our breaths waiting for her to fly!

[Lynn Turner Norman]

Lyn, I'm glad you are back posting on your blog. It's wonderful to read up on your escapades when not weaving. I too, cannot wait to see the condor weaving finished and hung. I KNOW it will be breathtaking! And the start of a new chapter in your life! happy new year!

[lyn]

You are so right, Debbie, sometimes it is hard to strike a balance in life... tapestries can be so greedy with one's time!

Gaelyn, I will be so excited to bring her to all of you on the North Rim. I know it will be the highlight of 2013 for me!

It is amazing to see kids connect with nature, isn't it Annie? If we are lucky, it remains a lifelong connection. I enjoy seeing your bond with nature every time I visit your blog & read your prose (especially in the dead of a desert summer!)

Thank you for the blessings, Rebecca. Cutting this big bird loose is definitely going to be a new experience. I am trying to devise ways to promote joy & avoid herniation!

[Rebecca Mezoff]

Beautiful beautiful photos Lyn. The canyon naturalist program looks wonderful... may you lead many children in the joy of nature. And blessings for the condor release. It is huger than huge.

[Annie Kerr]

How great to hear about your volunteer project. I was once involved in a project that takes city kids into the wilds of Scotland. It was one of the best things I ever did. I suddenly feel excited that your condor is going to reach across a new space. Hope it all goes well. Happy new year.

[Gaelyn]

Congrats on your becoming a naturalist, like you weren't already but without the badge. Sounds like a fun and not too time consuming activity. I see some art in Sabino's future.

She is beautiful! I'm so excited to see the whole piece. Must be very close to time to set her free.

[Debbie Herd]

Happy New Year Lyn! Congratulations on almost completing your massive project. You have woven almost two years of your life into it. I am certain you will feel thrilled and a bit sad when the tapestry reveals itself for the first time in it's entirety. I sometimes feel that tapestry weavers spend so much time at the loom that there is not many opportunities to hike and spend time in nature. Which so feeds the soul. I look forward to seeing the completed tapestry. Debbie.