May 1st is a memory of celebrating spring by dancing vibrant colored strips of cloth around a flower-covered pole. Momma was the freshman/sophomore Home Ec teacher in charge of dying the fabric. She dyed the fabric in our backyard under a pecan tree on Atlantic Street. May Day meant being able to wear all my bright colored clothes to school in Nash County. Mrs. Clyde Harris would weave fresh flower crowns for us to wear on our heads. Three of us, were dressed in white gowns and danced to the music of “Our Father.” Precious memories!
Fast forward, to May Day 2018 and the beginning of the best Life Event of my creative hands adventures – Indigenous Fashion Week in Toronto! As I conclude my semester long study of Romans in BSF plus 50 years of life lessons since graduating from high school, Paul’s teachings give me chastisement and encouragement.
My big picture concepts from studying Romans are: 1) Redemption, 2) Guide to Becoming a Mature Believer, and 3) Time Waits for No One. These three concepts also sum up 50 years of School of Hard Knocks learning built on the foundation of teachings from my three Mommas.
- Momma | Doris Jones: “It’s best to see a sermon any day instead of hearing one!”
- Mama | Minnie Woodard Haskins: “Yesterday is gone forever, tomorrow may never come, all we have is this moment, so make the best of it!”
- Mat | Mattie Burnette Randolph: “Be aware of the three traps set for everybody in all times, all places, every Nation, tribe and tongue. The traps are Self, Silver, Sex and Sloth!”
In 30 days, I “Go Up North” in the rural southern tradition of the North being a place of opportunities and acceptance for an indigenous person of color. The big reveal is a Carport Studio for Skaru:re Toisnot Cultural Center located at Indigo Fibershed. The Cultural Center goes live on May Day with Black Walnut Pow Wow from 9AM – 12 Noon and 2PM – 5PM. Video tutorials on YouTube. Process Blogs on Tumblr.
Fiber Art by Carola 