by Sylvie Juteau
All the Stars Aligned
Precious time on my side! My beautiful new workshop right here stocked with all its equipment and raw materials. But, darn, a heart that wouldn’t meet the mind in a tango of creative process. When Covid 19 showed up, my creative fiber wilted.
I swear to all the Higher Authorities up there in the Universe, in my next life I shall ask for a tougher core. “But, this is what makes life interesting I remind myself.” “Shush,” I tell myself.
At the end of June I broke free! I worked in my little metal shop for the first time since fall 2019. I am grateful to a lovely couple who brought me their old shovel during Apples & Art. “It is for our butterfly garden: we would love to have it for next spring,” they said.
I am just a couple of weeks late. “It’s OK,” my head tells my heart. “Good grief!!!” replies my heart.
Dear collective members, I thank you for sharing what is going on in your creative lives. Reading your tales kept me going, helped me embrace my “brokenness” and slowly join the dance. I am feeling ever so blessed to be a part of this group. Whether or not you realize it, you have provided my soul some crucial nourishment during the past few months. Thank you.
Here is the shovel sketched out, ready for cutting with the plasma laser.
PS: I could not resist sharing André’s idea of a great cat tree. It is very much appreciated by all three of our four-legged feline friends.
Collectif members, send an image (or a few) of very recent work to cagac.ca@gmail.com with up to 100 words describing what you did, materials used, inspiration, etc. Maybe share how you’re feeling & how creativity helps. We’d like an informative, inspiring show & tell. Writers, send us poetry, lyrics, a short piece or excerpt.
CAGAC 
Sylvie…Love your artwork, but my heart melted at your cat…I have his twin (Goldie)! How fortunate for you to have been granted an abundance of artistic talent as well as, a most beautiful cat!…SandraSent from Samsung tablet
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I hope we’ll get to see the shovel after cutting. But willy nilly, I’m sure it will be beautiful.
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I understand your heart not meeting your mind but I am so happy your creative juices are flowing once again. Please post finished shovel. The outdoor cat house is a marvelous idea. Thank heavens a friend has given Bruce and I two huge boxes of books but I do miss seeing you and others at library.
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Hi Sylvie Really appreciated your beautifully-written text and hope you will show us the finished piece Brenda
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I love the cat tree and look forward to seeing the finished shovel. I am also glad you are feeling creative again. It is a good way to “get it all out”.
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I can relate to your feelings very well. Your shovel looks like it will be as beautiful as everything else you create! You may even surpass yourself, Sylvie! And I love André’s cat tree – it is fabulous and your cat sure seems to love it!
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The shovel looks so intricate – really have to let us see the finished product, Sylvie.
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You have a wonderful way of expressing yourself whether on paper or otherwise. I just love the cat tree. You have some very fortunate felines! Thanks for sharing.
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