Cloisters

The first stitch I posted a picture for was the Cloisters. I really just looked at the stitch and admired how it resembled the arch of a cloister.  Here is the stitch again.

I have since then done some research on cloisters to add a little more meaning to the stitch. Cloisters are essentially covered walkways. They were often part of monasteries as a symbolic way of separating spiritual life from the chaos of peasant life. To be cloistered is to be sheltered from the fray in a contemplative life style that only a religious and later an academic institution could support. Here is a small cloister from University College University of Toronto.

I was hoping to be able to get into the main quadrangle, which is edged by a magnificent cloister.  Unfortunately the huge wooden doors were always closed. I guess I'll have to go back in September.

I was, though, able to get this picture of a covered walkway. Cloisters created by nature are lovely too and offer a much needed escape from the material world.

However in the absence of any clearly defined physical refuge - a ball of yarn and some circular needles can create it's own escape.

Have a thoughtful day!