The thrift store mirror just sat there (like many of my found objects) but this piece was like having a thousand pound elephant in the room and it taunted me. I suppose I could of hung it up but that would have meant attaching a really strong wire to the back and I never saw that item make the list.

After moving it onto the tile table (and off again) a dozen times, I surrendered to the zero inspiration but hope.  At least I hadn’t broken it yet.

Then two dear friends coaxed me along by gifting me broken remains of their lives … Terri, a one armed porcelain figurine of a woman (Matilda) and Tilly, a box full of heirloom birds that flew out of her hands during a move. Amazed how that inspired me to let go of the death grip that I had on my sacred box of porcelain flowers.

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The pieces magically (as they always do) found their place onto the border and were given 9 months to dry:)

Made a pact with myself that this piece needed to be grouted and hung before Thanksgiving 2011.

Decided on charcoal grout, instead of something much lighter. Prayed about my choice.

Took a handful of the black mud and pressed it into way, way, way to many places to turn back.  Needed a second to compose myself after immediately getting that sick “OMG I picked the wrong grout color!”

Kept telling myself to just “Keep Calm & Carry On.”

Five hours, a roll of paper towel, box of Q-Tips and 250 pounds later (not me the mirror …

“Paint the frame black” chimed in from the peanut gallery … appreciated the final collaboration that included the much needed help in moving this beast to its rest stop.

Love the standing back part …

yes ... I could have taken a better picture but this post has overstayed its welcome.

Loving Tuesday!

Cheers!