Category: lions, lambs, march, hollywood

Its March and many of us still use the old adage “In like a lion out like lamb” to reference the month. When March starts, it’s still winter time; ferocious by nature, mean and untamable most of the time, and yet throughout the month we see subtle signs of spring approaching. Crocuses pop up, daffodils bloom and markets boast baskets grouped with burgeoning tulips, daffodils and primroses. A pleasant excuse for in ground planting, or just a reminder, that yes – spring is imminent. By the end of March, the weather generally abates and the lamb presents itself.

Though not the original creator of the pattern, I actually made the rug pictured above. It took me (and I kid you not) some 20 years to finish. The Celtic design of the background was difficult and each cross thread top and bottom is actually composed of 6 strands of hand separated paternayan wool yarn. I loved working it, but when the things in my life changed, I put it away and nearly threw it to the thrift many times, but an important person in my life encouraged me to keep and finish it. I appreciate their respect for the piece and am thankful they saw the beauty in it, when I couldn’t.

In the rug, we see that the lion lays down with the lamb in protection, much like some references to ever ending peace on earth. Yet, is it possible in modern day, that many of the stories and accusations recently wielded in Hollywood may also be interpreted in such a depiction? Lion protectors giving the lamb protection in exchange for their laying down and/or passivity. The lambs seeing no other way entered into acts of self-prostitution with the lion himself. Promise, security, contentment, peace?

The Oscars just passed and not without a few references to that political turmoil to which our lambs have been subjected and or succumbed in recent history and beyond. The “Weinstein ripple effect” brought forth the savage truths about how the lions have been dominating the lambs over a multiplicity of decades, if not centuries. But this last year, for some reason, timing was primed and ready, for all little lambs to come out front and center as the lions and in their own respect disseminated the reputation and careers of many self-proclaimed lions.

Winter broils with blustery, sometimes blizzard, cold and unpredictable conditions and we liken it to the lion. Spring; tepid with warming sun rays bringing us hope and promise of a better future, the lamb. But the lambs we speak of here are not looking to lie down with the lions anymore. They will no longer be manipulated by the lion. No more lying down in passivity. What they are looking to do, is stand side by side in equality. Assert the right to be equally respected, equally honored with designation of intellect, acumen, value and proper positional recognition.

Lest the lion ever forget – it is the lioness; that hunts, kills and provides prey to the pride. She may be the last to eat, but she knows well her value without question and awaits her turn – with honor, anxiousness and patience because this is also, how the lion himself survives.