day 34 - love

"The Eskimo has 52 words for snow because it is important to them; there ought to be as many for love." 

-Margaret Atwood

Love isn’t always fancy champagne and roses.

Often, it looks like care repeated in small, ordinary ways.

In this quote, Margaret Atwood reflects on how language reveals what we value.

While academics debate the exact number of words for snow in Inuit languages, the deeper truth remains: when something matters, we learn to speak of it with nuance and fluency.

In the language of flowers, the carnation symbolizes love and care in all their forms — romantic, familial, and platonic — as well as remembrance, devotion, and even quiet resistance.

Today, I’m practicing love by showing up where I care, with affection and consistency.

Want all kinds of origami love? Explore my 14-post series #initforallthelove here on One Love Origami.

#initforallthelove, wabi-sabi

 

Day 13/14, Crumpled Ball

This post is dedicated to all the origami models, photos and words that didn’t turn out the way I thought they “should”. 

To all of us who were triggered by this series of posts because we don’t have a good relationship with our parents, we’ve lost a pet or a child, or a friend or lover or stranger hurt us, or we’re hard on ourselves.

I invoke the Japanese notion of “Wabi-Sabi”, appreciating the beauty of that which is imperfect, impermanent or incomplete. 

Remembering, in other words, that “Nothing lasts. Nothing is finished. Nothing is perfect.” 

Sending love...

#initforallthelove, self

Day 12/14, Twisty Rose (origin unknown)

Today I’m determined to send myself some love, but it’s tough. I’m saying the words I hear others use but the feeling is sort of fabricated. I feel frustrated that I’m not where they’re at.

Does that sound familiar? If so, a reminder for you too, things happen at their own rate. Every stage of growth, from seed to blossom to berry to fertilizer is valuable. 

What does feel real for me is this, I am lovable. In every season, past, present and future, I am loved and I am loving. No matter what is going on in my life, I love. 

And I love myself for that. 

#initforallthelove, enemies

 

Day 11/14, Corner Hugger Heart Bookmark (Origami Club)

Oh... where do I even begin?

This excerpt from “Soul Friends” by Stephen Cope says it better than I ever could. Please excuse me, I’m going back to practicing.

There is no greater misfortune than feeling 

“I have an enemy”

For when “I” and “enemy” exist together

there is no room left for my treasure 

Thus, when two opponents meet

The one without an enemy will surely triumph

- Lao-Tzu

#initforallthelove, lovers

 Day 4 of 14) Masu Box (traditional) and Origami letters (Origami Club)

Today I offer ardent, amorous love and hot-blooded appreciation to my lovers, crushes and flames, past, present and future.

Romance and intimacy are such a gold mine for deep connections, awakenings and alchemical collaborations that I can’t imagine my life without them.

I am smitten with you, thank you for sharing that sense of aliveness and pleasure with me.  

#initforallthelove, friends

Day 2 of 14: Origami Lilies (traditional)

In the Victorian language of flowers, yellow lilies represent thankfulness, joy and friendship, and orange lilies represent energy and confidence.

I offer this Valentine’s bouquet to all of my friends, past, present and future.  

I love and cherish each and every one of you and thank you for all the ways you bring beauty, joy and positive energy into my life.  

You offer such warm encouragement, sparkling inspiration and sense of belonging!  With you I feel attuned and affirmed, seen and heard.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you!

#initforallthelove, day 1/14

Day 1) Heart Garland in a Decorated Masu Box

This Valentine’s, I’m in it for ALL the love, cherishing love of all descriptions in the spirit of “Unity in Diversity”.

This 14 day origami meditation is a way for me to celebrate and share my passion for paper folding; a timeless art of transformation, mindfulness and conscious creativity.

My wish is that it will inspire you too, to reflect on all the iterations of love that enrich your life and community and joyfully express your creativity and appreciation, your own way.

May all beings be loved and be free to love.

diy friday - origami love notes

Want to let someone know you care? 

Don't be shy, spell it out!

Fold a message for your sweetheart, your mom, your kids, your self... 

After all, who doesn't love a love note?

What you need:

Origami or scrapbooking paper.  Select solid colors rather than patterns for clear contrast.

What to do:

1. Choose your message.

2. Fold each letter using these diagrams at Origami Club.

3. Leave them where your loved one will be sure to find them!

star eyes

sweet bliss

sweet hearts

love and love

i heart u

best friends