When we are born we are free...joyous in spirit...filled with wonder and eagerness. With no preconceived notions of thoughts about how we should be or what we should or should not do, we explore everything around us, seeing, looking, watching, tasting, smelling. Then something happens. In one way or another we are told “No.” We are told, “Don’t do that. Stop that. That’s not a good idea....” And we pull back. We become more reserved. We are taught to “think” before we step out. We take less risks. We explore less. We get comfortable in our daily routines.

What if it could be different? What would it take? How would it be if we just said “Yes,” for 10 seconds, and then ten seconds later chose again...the same or something different?

For many years I worked tirelessly to “change the world” or “make the world a better place.” You know...helping people get along with themselves and each other in families or at work.

Today I find I am ”.coming home”...to myself...here...now...as I was as a child. I’ve given myself permission not to “fix” me or others. In choosing to live “ten seconds at a time,” I find myself more curious about everything around me. I am fascinated by the animals inhabiting this Earth, including people and all their creative capacities, I relish the exploration of what animals and the rest of the natural environment (the trees, flowers, birds and bees...) contribute to us. and how our physical surroundings, including the spaces we live in, nurture our lives, imagination, growth, and expression.

My "home" is the Earth. It is the essence of what is creative in life. In my fiber work I go to the source of how the Earth continuously fills me with wonder, joy, and possibility... especially the animals and the fiber they provide. The actual process of working with fiber is my way of going home and embracing my journey from beginning to end.

Suzy Vance