Repurposed Tablecloth

Last night we watched “Out of Africa.” I’ve seen it before but could barely remember the story. I did remember the scenery, and that a woman has an affair with Robert Redford. 

Where did he get that smile? Larry has that smile and my sons have that smile. Such a smile can be seductive and soothing and can turn stern in a moment when challenged. 

In the movie there were frequent scenes sitting around a table covered with a white cloth. Karen says, “Aren’t you glad I brought my crystal and china.” A simple statement, yet so true. 

The tablecloth becomes a symbol of elegance. 

The spreading of the cloth. 

The creation of sacred space. 

Sharing of memories. 

The calming, sipping of wine, water, or tea. 

My mother always used a tablecloth for special dinners. She bought linen when we lived in Japan. She made some with tiny cross stitch. This was a teaching passed down without knowing a teaching passing was occurring.

When I went to Ireland, I couldn’t wait to buy a lace tablecloth, only to find out when I returned home and looked closely that it was made in China.

There was something unsettling

buying another culture’s culture

from another culture. 

As I search for my culture’s tablecloth, I find it is a blend of many. I find old lace tablecloths at the Salvation Army and hand dye them in the colors of my favorite palette. They become special and carefree. 

I place them on the picnic table in the park, subtly transforming the scene. In “Out of Africa'' they set a beautiful table next to the tents on their safari.

It’s not pretentious.

It’s a slowing down,

identifying the canvas,

placing the color and texture. 

Perhaps that’s what my repurposed polyester should become. Tablecloths. A transferring of trash into the elegance of a dinner table.

To slow down the anticipation,

concern,

worries.

Intensify the gathering together. 

Become the teaching with the story written down. 

Karen was a good storyteller. That’s how she captured Robert. That’s how he came to fall in love with her. He was a man of the moment and when she wanted more,

he withdrew,

only to discover

he loved her moments,

and stories and wanted more.