today I miss my uncle Howard. last night I worked, and we hosted a workshop in which our lead designer taught shibori method of dying. we all spent our time wrapping elastic bands around cotton and using small pieces of wood to create elaborate designs on scarves that we would proudly wear. while indigo was the only colour we used, I couldn't help but remember that the last time I had dyed fabric was in memory of a man I was lucky to not only know, but who I was also blessed to be related to. a man who relished in the swirling colours of an oversized tshirt decorated with anything front and centre - as long as it bore the signature circular patterns of a well loved tie-dye. my family members and I painstakingly dyed shirts for everyone - and proudly wore them throughout the day of his funeral. we wore them like badges of honour, with stories of his eternal love for music, dancing, and - most of all - family, recounted through the service and then the remainder of the day.
and then, the sun set in the most spectacular sunset I've ever seen... a natural tie-dye of sorts.
today - among many other people - I miss my uncle.