What is it about the month of May that feels like disappearing into “Alice in Wonderland?” Creators of all sorts seem to let loose, snug in the bosom of springtime, and I’m one of them… starting all the new things. I suppose that’s because spring is about life-affirming renewal, transitions, exploration… and the difficulties that sometimes come with accepting change.
This spring post is mostly about my cross-stitching journey, where I share the photographic evidence of my craziness. Ironically, my stitchy bug has me working on the eerie and gothic–the mysterious darker side of life while the world blooms bright around me. That might be explained a bit at the end of this post.
I’ve started 10, yes 10! new cross stitch projects this month–32 this year–thanks to being a confirmed serial starter and multi-crafter, and not just a few stitch-along groups I’ve joined (one of which is comprised of The Witchy Stitcher fans getting their witchy madness on in May), and all the Flosstube I watch, and all the new and old Instagram stitchy friends who enable me daily…
However, I am also sharing a few other spring revival happenings, like “Revival,” literally the title of a new anthology from the Dreamer’s Bookshop Author Collective, which includes a short and poignant story I wrote last November, featuring a bit of a personal theme. You can find it at the top of my Anthologies page, another revitalization this month.
In fact, after experimenting with a very lovely web page at Author Websites by BookBub over the last year, I’ve returned to WordPress. This is where my people are and this is where I’ll stay. Feel free to explore the spiffed-up pages at bydllewellyn.com and let me know what you think.
So, for the serious stuff. You might wonder why an author is sharing so much about cross stitch these last few months. It’s simple. This culturally rich craft and its community are helping me survive. I’m in the middle of losing someone very important to me. It’s a transition I want to fight, to deny. But I need to be strong and be there. It’s hard to explain, but stitching such an eclectic variety of projects from so many creative designers soothes, bolsters, and revitalizes–giving me that strength.
As for writing, my pod people are at rest for now, letting me get all obsessive over another craft. There are noises of jealousy for my attention, a few whispers to remind me their stories are waiting. But for now, stitching lets me wake up each day on a positive note. Sharing it with you is part of that. Thank you!
Coming in June…
A Q&A with my friend and fellow author, Isa Ottoni. She’s visited my Spotlight a couple of times, and it has been wonderful following her journey. Her debut novel, Path of the Crescent Moon, is on presale!
Next weekend (the last weekend in May) is a return to the Virginia City Writing Retreat with my friend Dee. Stay tuned for highlights.
Hip replacement surgery is in my future, starting June 1 with the left hip, then on to the right a few months later. I’ll let you know what life is like with bionic parts.
By D. L. Lewellyn 
Comments welcome!