The diary holds a surprising amount of power in this household for such an unassumingly slender volume. For once something goes in there, I feel honour bound to see it through. It's the place where holiday times are mapped out, weekends are given over to one sporting fixture or another, and nights out negotiated. Once something is 'in the diary' you can be pretty sure it is going to happen.
Flipping though the next few weeks, I find my stomach clenching in a tight knot. There's an awful lot that has to be shoehorned into the few remaining pages before the year is out. But that makes me even happier that last Thursday I had blocked out a whole day in the diary for something pleasurable.
Ardington School of Crafts opened in a former Victorian school building in a beautiful village not far from me, back in 2012. I have been meaning to attend one of their courses since then, but it has taken a while to find a pocket of time and an appealing course aligning - the stars came together on creative papercutting.
Of course, when it came to last week I was running around like a headless chicken, and if you had asked me if I had time to head off for a day of crafting, I would have laughed. Probably with a touch of manic hysteria. But the diary was in charge, so off I went.
And do you know, the world didn't come to an end because I took a day away from the usual. And I had the most wonderfully tranquil few hours just focusing on doing one thing. And focus you must, when there are wickedly sharp scalpels involved. Distractions are unhelpful when planning what bits of a design to slice into first. So the good coffee on tap and lunch thought about, provided and cleared up by somebody else were a godsend.
Have you heared of 'flow'?
“The best moments in our lives are not the passive, receptive, relaxing times… The best moments usually occur if a person’s body or mind is stretched to its limits in a voluntary effort to accomplish something difficult and worthwhile.” ~ Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Papercutting is not inherently difficult. It doesn't need loads of fancy tools or techniques. But there is nothing like it for feeling totally in the moment. And it was one to capture and remember - hence the papercut on the doily. Because sometimes, for a short and precious few moments, truly all IS calm. Perhaps next year I need to plan for more of those moments.
Actually come to think of it, the lovely people at Ardington are thinking of having open studio time next year, when you can work on your own projects in their wonderful surroundings. And that truly would be worth putting in the diary.
Always fancied having a go at papercutting. Looks like lots of fun. Especially Christmassy ones ;) Jen
Posted by: Jennifer Hill | 17 November 2014 at 18:47
We have The Calendar which rules our lives in a similar way to your diary. I know what you mean about those last few weeks of the year. Your paper cutting is fantastic, I especially like the framed one. Well done you, and well done for having a day for yourself, it is no doubt very well deserved. CJ xx
Posted by: CJ | 17 November 2014 at 21:13
Beautiful post. The writing took us there. Just for a minute we went to that calm place with you. Inspired me to have a go at paper cutting, though at home. Just this week getting into 'flow', discussing it in my thesis, about learning in museums. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Katharine | 18 November 2014 at 08:04
I very much enjoyed reading this, and for a few fleeting moments, it made me feel calm too.
I am very taken with both your pieces. I could see a home for something similar in my house ...
Posted by: dottycookie | 18 November 2014 at 09:07
PS The diary rules in our house too, but sadly the only one my other half will look at is a google one. It does make some sense to have an instantly accessible, up-to-date calendar, but I struggle to get into the habit of actually checking it.
Posted by: dottycookie | 18 November 2014 at 09:09
I love the concept of flow and think that maybe I ought to look for something that will allow me to experience it once again, because I think I have been there before but not for a while.
A day totally to yourself to immerse yourself in something for you with all else taken care of is a calming thing in itself. Everyone should be allowed a day a month like this.... oh hang on that's every day for my daughter...!
Posted by: Ali Whale | 18 November 2014 at 09:46
I love the paper cut on the doily Ali, absolutely beautiful.
Posted by: Gina | 18 November 2014 at 10:17
Well done for having the discipline to adhere to the diary and for achieving a good outcome.
Posted by: Toffeeapple | 18 November 2014 at 10:37
putting something in the diary that is just for you is Very Wise. looks like a lovely day you had. I somehow have to squeeze in two birthdays into the diary very soon, including a 16th! how did that happen.....
Posted by: driftwood | 18 November 2014 at 13:20
I love these so much. I've always been a bit scared of papercutting but you have inspired me to give it a go. What's a lost finger here or there in the pursuit of craft?
Posted by: Megan | 18 November 2014 at 20:17
Beautiful!
Posted by: Laura | 20 November 2014 at 21:16
I am also having slight panic attacks about the time/amount of things to be done/pages left equation. Next Friday is a real teaser...
I am going to have to fess up- I will be copying your doily paper cut- it is gorgeous. As with your garland last year tho', on first read I thought it said Ali Is Calm.
So glad your day was inspiring, Ax
Posted by: Magic Bean | 22 November 2014 at 09:00
I've also discovered a love for papercutting this year. It's wonderfully relaxing, isn't it?
Posted by: Lisa | 18 December 2014 at 14:46