By Clyde

“There is a path which no fowl knoweth, and which no vulture’s eye hath not seen” (Job 28:7).

The path not followed provides just as many patterns as those seen on icy rime-covered window panes Snowflakes, no two alike, on a fallen twig can make an unpredictable composition. Like broken dreams that form mosaics that line up to give a glimpse into an unplanned world, these are the ways of our strife. Creatures of habit, we follow the pattern.

From the 14th century, patronius, a form or mold proposed for imitation; our lizard brains and monkey minds continue to color within the lines. Do not color outside the lines to be rewarded the prize, we were told. Normal ain’t just a setting on the stove. Why be normal when you can be an original.

If you could be somebody else, would you “fit” that pattern? We label people, some obvious; army uniforms, priest collars, ashes on your forehead, handicapped, tattoos, or wires where they shouldn’t be coming out. An artist, musician, magician, mayor or mechanic is not so easy to spot. In nature there is a natural or chance configuration. The phyllotaxis or leaf arrangement can be obovate, cordate, pinnate, connate, digitate or binate among others. The can’t change their spots.

Another Ms. Lincoln in her familiar Lectures on Botany in 1847: “We are not always however to expect the same symmetry in plants. It is in the natural as in the normal world, that although we see around us such proof of order and system as manifest the superintending care of on Almighty Being, yet we meet with irregularities which we cannot comprehend.” 

Libby who works at Replacements, Inc. says there are over 17,000 patterns of china in stock. They can find your mother’s pattern. The days of Bridal Registry where the couple picked out “their pattern” of glass, silver and china are gone unless you like “plastic ware.” 

Dress pattern books were a favorite pastime. The Butterick, Simplicity, or McCall pattern drawers at the China Grove Fabric Shop were too heavy to move to sweep under. Vogue patterns were too chic and too expensive. Printed patterns of fabric chintz were unlimited. How did you choose? Ethel Freeze would help you buy fabric by the yard cut off a bolt and match the spool of thread or a talon zipper.

How many antique books were written on pattern glass? Field guides listed names and prices both of which were made up. Reid Monroe’s mother had to have all “bird and berry” pieces. Patterns make collecting fun. Like sands in the hourglass, each one is a little different. Hunting for hundreds of harmless handfuls of hidden homemade handy handiwork hand-me-down handkerchiefs having hysterically hypnotic hachure hemstitching can be habit forming. Sewing involved all kinds of stitches. Quilting, needlepoint, crocheting, knitting all had something or someone “to go by.” Samplers were done in school by young girls and are highly prized today. 

Boys learned brick patterns that can date a house. Flemish bond with glazed headed, is easiest. Find some around town. Herring bone was not used during the Civil war. English and common bond with soldier courses came later. The most amazing patterns are initials like the Alex. Long house or zig-zags on the Stirewalt house. 

Who knows how or takes the time to execute intricate patterns into their cell phone, battery operated daily lives? IKEA wants to eliminate all decorative style. The new gobo trellis lights at the Bell Tower Green, albeit artificial, reflect nature in our pathways. That’s all some people have left. Try to step off the beaten path. Color outside the lines. Break the mold! Tempora mutante.

Clyde is a Salisbury artist.