NATIVE PLACES: THE NEWSLETTER
A collection of thoughts and hand-drawn sketches that illustrate the value of looking closely at buildings and places.
Folding Napkins
I wash and fold about 12 napkins a week. Some of them are batik from Indonesia. My friends and I use them every Saturday when we get together for coffee and conversations. Folding these little scarlet and mocha-colored napkins lets me reminisce about my companions and look forward to next Saturday’s gathering.
The other napkins I fold are faded and a little frayed, like me. I don’t mind. Over decades these soft squares of cotton have witnessed contentment, anxiety, fear, irritation, and love as they’ve pressed against our lips.
So much in our world view demands excellence. One can be the best architect, the fastest swimmer, the most renowned surgeon. But folding linen is not on anyone’s 10 best list.
Anne Lamott writes, “Mother Teresa said no one can do great things, but we can all do small things with great love, and that is all we can do.”
One napkin at a time.
Native Places: Drawing as a Way to See: A book by Frank Harmon. To learn more click here.
Frank Harmon is an architect, educator, and writer who is well known for designing buildings that cultivate the “native wisdom” of their place.
He sketches often, finding that the practice enriches his connection to the world. In his recently released book, Frank offers an invitation: drawing as a way to inspire curiosity, presence, and everyday joy.