Suncatchers

I started making suncatchers when we moved to Sarasota. I wanted to do something with my hands. I make them out of crystals, beads, stones, plastic, and glass. Each suncatcher is different. Sometimes I repeat a design. I might put the beads in different order but use the same color patterns. I make a lot of them.They represent being free, feeling free. They are about living life fully and living life well. 

Suncatchers are hung in a window where the sun comes through. The sun catches the large prism crystal or glass and creates a rainbow of colors on the opposite wall. The suncatchers in our bedroom that have been hanging in the same place for years create rainbows in different places throughout the year because the movement of the sun changes. The rainbows are spontaneous and are always a surprise to see!

Rainbows are made with rain and sun and represent pain and healing for me. So when I see the rainbows created by the suncatchers, I feel relief and I have an overwhelming knowing that it’s through suffering that pain can be healed. It’s like seeing the other side of the suffering. The rainbow represents all the aspects of my life and the strength to carry on and do the things I need to do. 

Making suncatchers is like spiritual and physical therapy for me. If I'm upset and my hands shake, it helps calm me down. I get my frustrations out. It might be mental or a mental and physical release. I get another type of feeling when I want to make a suncatcher for someone, or give away a suncatcher I’ve already made. There’s a need in me that is filled. Sometimes at night when it’s dark, I suddenly want to add beads to a suncatcher, but I can't see well enough to do it. I have to laugh at myself! 

Giving away suncatchers is the best thing I can do to make an amend. It’s not necessarily people I have hurt or know in the present. It can be for things that I regret from the past. It’s like making a statement. I don’t want anyone to feel hurt. Suncatchers help take away the hurt. Sometimes I give them away spontaneously and sometimes I plan who to give them to. I give them to a variety of people of all ages, young and old. I’ve given away suncatchers to people I have known for a long time and newer people in my life, like the people who work at the restaurant where we dance. All friendships mean so much to me. 

Making suncatchers brings me pleasure and they also bring pleasure to others. I hope that when I die, the suncatchers will get passed down to someone else.

#willingtobecomereal

#asbonnieseesit