The first dusting of snow found its way around the yard last night. While it didn’t cover all the unfinished business of autumn, it was enough to sugarcoat the land, exposing wonders here , there, and everywhere – the hop of chickadees circling around an empty feeder, the stealth of a cat winding through the trees. I am home, snug and sound, the wood stove ticking away as I renew my friendship with my desk.
This is what’s in front of me at the moment. A collection of notions and needles.
no tion
1
a (1) : an individual’s conception or impression of something known, experienced, or imagined (2) : an inclusive general concept (3) :a theory or belief held by a person or group
b : a personal inclination : whim
2
obsolete :mind, intellect
3
plural : small useful items : sundries
The usage of the word “notions” in relationship to sewing supplies came about in the late 18th/early 19th century America, and has a direct correlation to creativity. Notions are, in that sense, objects that spark ideas, fancies, or plans for their use.
Many items in the tableau above are from grandmothers past. (The lace was even made by my dad’s mom.) Every time I look at the objects I remember that every button, spool of thread, and ribbon was a choice, made for reasons I’ll never know.
