Please Stay Tuned . . .

Fall is here and once again change is in the air.

My studio is moving to Tucumcari, New Mexico which is why my postings have come to a standstill. Details are being worked out. Soon my studio will be better than ever and on the New Mexico Fiber Arts Trail. I'll update as soon as my new location is finalized.

This is an exciting move. Leaving the city behind for a small town on Route 66 has me breathing deeper and looking forward to new opportunities in the Land of Enchantment - New Mexico.

Looking Ahead to Fall

Summer is coming to an end. It's back-to-school time for children and teachers. Plans are underway for Fall and Winter - travel, holidays and weddings. And October seems to have become the new June for brides. This October I take my turn as mother-of-the-bride. It's been lots of fun spending time with my daughter, Brooke, planning for her big day. Of course, I can't just plan. Being a fiber person, I have be "hands on!" I'm currently dyeing swatches of silk fabric which will be made into wraps for the bridesmaids. Let me tell you, it's not easy to dye silk chiffon a dark brown. I'll also be designing a special shawl for Brooke and her maid-of-honor. At least the natural silk matches her gown perfectly.

And in my studio, new pieces will soon be ready for delivery. In addition to my tanks, vests and shrugs in the "Simply Ribbon" line, I've designed an open weave jacket which I think will be simply wonderful for holiday parties, resort travel or a cruise. It will be available in my usual colors as well as black. Also it can be order short as pictured above or longer. It also features a handmade glass button. These items can all be custom ordered to ensure you get the perfect piece for your size and style. You'll be the envy of all your friends.

Summer Heat and New Project

As the summer heat brings life to a slower pace, the frequency of my blogs seem to be affected as well. Even with the evaporative cooler set on high all day, my work pace is slower in my upstairs studio. But deadlines must still be met. I remind myself that this only lasts a couple of months each summer and I'm grateful for the cycles. In the meantime, the music reflects my summer mood with Crosby, Stills and Nash from 1969, singing Helplessly Hoping.

One day this summer I had an inspiration. It started with my collection of miscellaneous threads in rayon, silk, cotton and even cashmere. Some of the threads were very fine and I usually hesitate to weave with them. But this time the color progression was too delicious and I couldn’t help myself. I had earlier posted a photo of the beginning of the project. These are my warp chains. The colors progressed from dark paprika to a dark olive green. I had the yarn wound off the warping reel and onto the loom in just hours. The fine threads were doubled or trippled in the dents.

I decided to use a twill pattern which produces a nice drape. I wove in a shot of metallic/eyelash every couple inches. Then I had another idea – I left a two inch tail hanging instead of weaving in the end.
This kind of project is extremely different from my usual projects. I knew it would either be outstanding or a total flop and go into my pile of things I want to bury in the ground -- quickly before anyone sees it - yikes! That afternoon my daughter stopped by, took one look at my beautiful project and said, “I want placemats just like those on the loom!” As you can imagine, my weaving slowed down as I imagined horrible placemats instead of a beautiful shawl. It wasn’t until I finally cut it off, tied the fringes, trimmed the hanging threads and draped it on my mannequin that I could see my vision had been realized.

Away Too Long

For those of you still be reading my blog, I apologize for my silence. This past month was my busiest in a long time. We travelled -- another long road trip. Then there was the catching up of work left behind and new projects started.

For my Ebay customers -- check out my Summer Clearance Category. I'll also be running a few auctions each week starting at ridiculously low prices. My Artwear will continue to be offered on Ebay as well. Coming new this fall -- I will offer custom designed items for those of you who see something you like but want it in a different color or size. For custom orders I will make sizes Small - X-Large.

Recently, I had a customer purchase a Gypsy Tank and just loved it. She decided she'd like another one in mostly black. Since I currently did not have a solid black ribbon, I contacted my suppliers and found just what I needed to create a custom fabric. I wove it with a touch of purple (a few "Jewels" ribbon) woven in. This fabric is outstanding -- It's a little lighter weight than the other "Simply Ribbon" fabric. And of course this leads to many other possibilities. I can weave in any of the colored ribbons as an accent. And who doesn't like wearing mostly black? So, thanks to Ruby, it's definitely on my list of offerings for this fall. Here's the final piece.

Final Sunset Over Lake Michigan

Our last evening in Michigan found us on the beach watching this fabulous sunset after a rain storm.

Michigan

After a very fast trip across the mid-west with one fun evening in Omaha at my nephews wedding, a quick visit with my family, we now are in Grand Haven Michigan for the July 4th week. I worried a bit because my suitcase was not full like previous trips, but it's summer, after all, and no need for sweaters, jackets or sweatshirts, right? Wrong! We arrive to find cool breezes off the lake. I’m happy that at the last minute I threw my hoodie and a windbreaker in the back of the car. Yesterday we went out on Lake Michigan with relatives in their speed boat. What a lovely day to be on the water. There weren’t many boats out and the water was calm and just perfect. We motored, or should I say “speeded” up to Muskegan and had lunch at the BLT where we hear there are often Tim Allen sightings. But he didn’t appear, “sigh”!

Even though we’re technically on vacation, I’m never far from my work. I have my trusty laptop at hand for communicating with customers, and I’m planning the next project for my loom when I return.

Summer Solstice

The time the sun moves into Cancer, is the all-out celebration of the sun, of long days and warm evenings and of life out-of-doors. This is the time of the "longest day." when we, in contrast to the Winter Solstice, honor the light and focus on outward activity with picnics, fireworks and other festivities. This is the ancient time of celebration of outward joy in the fullness of life, and the richness of our blessings. -Danaan Parry

Listening to Divine Love from Vision - The Music of Hildegard von Bingen as I remember this past week. No need to remind me that summer is here in full force. On one of my early morning walks as I tried to beat the heat, I observed the glint of gold on dragonflies by the lake as fuzzy ducklings paddled quickly to keep up with their mother. Two little birds perched on a tall reed which bent in an arc from their weight. They blended in with their background, the green algae around the edge of the water. A painter sat in the shade of a large tree trying to capture the beauty of the morning lake with the snow capped mountains in the background. Ah, if I'd only brought my camera. Summer is here in all its glory.

Busy

It's been an incredibly busy week with orders to process and new projects in the works. I'm also trying to get caught up before next weekend when we head out-of-town again for a Nephew's wedding in Omaha and a visit to Carl's family in Michigan. So I've sort of put my photo printing project on hold for the time being. I feel hopeful though, since the new print cartridge seemed to work. In the future, I'll have to change the ink cartridge before the printer actually gives the "empty message."

A Rose

I stopped by my friend Vicki's house today to photograph her roses. This one in particular was a surprise. Not only was it a beautiful rose, but a vessel for holding water. We had a rainstorm last night and if you look closely, you can see the water standing inside the petals. I love nature's surprises.

Freedom

A couple days ago I put the top down in my lil' baby car to run early morning errands. As the wind blew through my hair and warm Colorado sunshine beat down on me, I received a rush of memories of my first spring here in Colorado and the incredible freedom I felt at having had the courage to make my move here in 2000 -- all alone and scared to death, but I did it! What a rush!! And then I remembered a couple summers ago when my friend Irene was with me driving down from Mount Evens into Evergreen. She looked at me with a twinkle in her eye and said, "Let's just keep driving on forever!" In that moment I knew she understood. Cars have always been like that for me -- my freedom. As a teenager, I could escape my family and just drive wherever I wanted and no one had to know where I went. The tunes on my radio were all I needed for company. I've always loved road trips too, even by myself. There's something about being in a car and I feel free as a bird!

That same morning, I walked in a park in the suburbs that I hadn't visited since winter when it was a huge open field of brown with a small lake and a path around it. This time it had been transformed into beautiful spring meadow with blue and yellow wild flowers. The lake was almost hidden with tall rushes and trees. It was filled with water birds and ducks. A white egret stood by the shore fishing. As I walked I got a whiff of pine needles in the underbrush that took me back to my summers as a teenager and freedom at my summer camp in the woods. And just then, synchronistically, my music player played Suzanne by Leonard Cohen, a song I learned from a friend at camp when I was 14 and spent hours learning to sing and play it on my guitar. I was flooded with memories and feelings from my life.

What a gift this day had been. A reminder of all the experiences that have brought me to this place where I am today and gratitude for the freedom I have to live in this beautiful place and this incredible life!

Nothing

Back in the studio life is routine again. Edie Brickell and The New Bohemians from the album Shooting Rubber Bands at the Stars, sing Nothing on my music player. She sings, "Are you in a bad mood?" Of course my answer is "no, not exactly" but when she continues "there's nothing I hate more than nothing. I think, "that's it!" Feels like a whole lot of "nothing" is happening right now. My days are pretty much the same and that's okay. But not exciting. So, this week I give myself the challenge to design something new -- do something different. Maybe even step outside the box. Hum - I wonder what that will be?

Peonies in my Garden

We returned home this week and were greeted with the tallest weeds and biggest plants ever seen in our garden to date. Do I work in my studio or work in my garden? Every day it's a struggle. Mostly in the mornings when it's coolest, my garden wins. I almost missed my Peonies on the terraced hill. They were hidden behind three-feet high plants. What a shame when they are so short-lived. Due to an unusally wet spring, we are enjoying green and lush growth. I'll delight in these moments in my spring garden as the hot dry summer is not far away!

May 25 -- A Day on A Desert Two-Lane

After a week of traveling we begin our journey home -- this time through the desert. We're the only car on the two-lane dodging road runners and lizards and listening to Willy Nelson sing Poncho & Lefty. I remember singing this same song with my friends Billie and Willy on the desert in Southern California -- ah, sweet memories.

I look out at the wide open spaces. On the surface it seems quiet and dead. But the desert is full of life if one chooses to look. The open spaces of the desert are some of our favorite places. To be able to see for miles with mountains in the distance. Space, ah so much of it. One can breath! I take a deep breath.

The Saguaros are blooming. This is the first time I've been here late enough in spring to see their flowers.

We pass skeletal remains of homes. Places people have lived at one time. I wonder who they were and why they left their homes to become victims of the elements?

I'm reminded of lyrics from a Kate Wolf song, Carolina Pines. The setting is different but it could be anywhere.

Just an old house with a roof fallin' in

Standin' at the edge of the field

Watchin' the crops grow as it's always done before

Nobody lives here anymore

The sun's goin' down in the Carolina pines

I'm a long way from home and I miss that love of mine

Broken windows, empty doors

Nobody lives here anymore

Old memories come whistlin like the wind,

Through the walls and the cracked window panes

The grass is growin high, round the kitchen door

Nobody lives here anymore

Once there were children and a few hired hands

Hard workin' woman and a bone tired man

And now that old sun steels across the dusty floors

Nobody lives here anymore

We pass a lone combine parked along side the road. We wonder why -- no agriculture can be seen anywhere -- only dusty desert covered with creosote bushes and cactus. But miles down the road we cross irrigation canals and once again we find ourselves driving through lush green fields and fruit trees. Such a stark contrast to the desert.

We enter a big valley where multiple dust devils spiral and dip in the wind playing chase in the distance. Closer to the road are Oleander bushes, Bougainvillea and white plumes stand tall from Yucca plants. What beauty and variety this day has given us.

May 20 -- Crown Point Navajo Rug Auction

Our stay in Santa Fe had come to an end. We dropped off the dogs to their respective caregivers and traveled north into Navajo country – our destination -- a Navajo rug auction at Crown Point Elementary School. Here every month Navajo women line up with their hand woven rugs waiting to check them in. After check-in the rugs are folded on tables where shoppers have two hours to find their favorites. It didn’t take me long to get caught up in the excitement. With pencil and paper in hand I soon had a my list.

The stimulation was almost too much so we stepped outside to enjoy an authentic Navajo Taco and then back to the excitement of the waiting crowd in the school gymnasium. At exactly 7 pm, with all the rugs piled high on the stage, the auctioneer began. It moved quickly and before we knew it, three hours had passed. I finally bid on and purchased one of the last small rugs for a souvenir.

As we stood in line to pay for our rugs, the Navajo women waited on the other side of the gymnasium to receive their well deserved money. What a great evening! We enjoyed seeing beautiful rugs, met people from all over the U.S., and got caught up in the excitement of the “how high will it go” moments. The highest rug went for over $2000 and the lowest $20. Of course these prices were lower that wholesale prices.

May 19 Jeep Trail Adventures in Our Volvo

We were nearing the end of our stay in Santa Fe and decided to do a day trip with the dogs. In our past trips to Northern New Mexico, we've explored areas northeast and northwest of Santa Fe. But this time we headed off to the Bandelier Mountains southwest of Santa Fe. As we left the lower elevations and climbed to higher altitudes, the views were breathtaking. Photos help tell the story but are never as good as actually being there.

We started out on the Jemez Mountain Trail. We drove through Las Alamos where World War II's secret Manhattan Project created the first atomic bomb and is still a national lab. We were surprised at how large it was. I must admit, I'd just as soon move on to higher ground. The dogs were on my side.

We continued on and discovered the trail to the lookout for the Valle Grande area which is one of the world's largest collapsed crater of a three-million-year-old volcano. Unfortunately the trail is closed to dogs so we veered off the main road and drove higher towards the ski area.

Always looking for an adventure "off the beaten path" Carl suggested we take a Forest Service road. It looks passable on our map. The gate is open with warnings: High clearance vehicle recommended and Beware of driving on wet roads. Do you suppose our Volvo station wagon is high enough? And were they calling for thunderstorms?

We stopped several times in open meadows to let the dogs run. Briar is a hunter and wanted to sniff at every shrub and hollow tree. Isha just wanted to run and play.

The deep woods jeep trail opened on one side to a view of the natural formations of the crater. I gasp as every new vista is even more amazing than the one before. We stop often and I did my best to capture the beauty with my camera lens. We drove, stopped, looked, photographed some more and let the dogs enjoy the forest. Time passed quickly and we realized we must keep moving to ensure not spending the night in this deep forest. We have no idea what the trail will be like as we descend.

Descending became increasingly challenging. Several times Carl stopped the car and walked ahead to determine the best sections of the road to traverse. The good news was, we didn't scrape the bottom. After what seemed like hours of very rocky and bumpy road upwards, we reached the top. Rounding the corner my heart is in my throat as I see a cliff drop-off just inches from my side of the car with the most incredible view of the entire day lying before me. There as if in a painting is a large valley with mountains in the distance. A river meanders through it. But all I can think of is not sliding off the edge. As we creep a little further towards safety and the downward trail, I realized I missed the opportunity for the best photo of the day. But there's no way I'm going back up there! At this point I think I've had about as much excitement as I can stand!

But it's not over yet. We twisted and turned through the many switchbacks and finally made it to the bottom and the large valley and same river we had seen from the top. And there was no bridge! For a moment I was sure we'd have to drive back the way we had come. But Carl found a fallen branch and tested the water for depth in several spots. He got a running start and we soon found ourselves on the other side with the only damages being a very dirty car and an almost empty tank of gas.

No Internet Hot Spot Here On The Desert

I had no idea we would be unable to access Internet for such a long time. My apologies for the delay in postings. Luckily I had enough intermittent connections to deal with most of my emails.

I promise to continue where I left off very soon. Please stay tuned.

Art Wear with "Heart"

After visiting some shops in Santa Fe, I must admit -- I felt dissatisfied. I was seeking stores that carry one of kind or limited edition clothing by designers and artisans who take pride in producing quality handmade wearable art. Most of the stores I found are now carrying mostly clothing that has been imported and manufactured with an artsy look. These items still carry a high price tag in spite of the lesser quality. To me, they lack "heart." As an example -- people shopping for fine art wouldn't dream of shopping in a gallery where prints were passed off as originals! I did see some exceptions, such as Santa Fe Weaving Gallery, and I certainly didn't visit every boutique in Santa Fe.

Over the years, I've been tempted to turn my designs over to manufacture. This would take away the satisfaction I find in making each item unique and hand crafted. The artist in me is excited by design and creation, but my roots in craft still keep me conneced to the loom and my studio.


It's seems our culture has become more focused on quantity rather than quality. Rather than collecting because of understanding and appreciation of craft, we are focused on "everyday low prices." Where do we go from here? Time will only tell.

And now I get off my soap box as you breath a sigh of relief!

Flowers, Dogs and Birds

I'm sitting outside of a coffee shop where it's cold and breezy trying to get some work done on the internet before Carl returns from the grocery store. This hot spot is really slow! I hope it works!

Every morning a new flower has opened it’s face to the world. The hummingbirds are here but wary of us. They visit their feeder when we don’t appear to be around. We see one perching on a tree in the distance. We think they may have a nest there. The dogs wake us up at dawn so with our coffee mugs we enjoy the early mornings and exploring this secluded habitat. I’ve found my perfect spot in the morning sunshine in which to do my yoga. A breeze blows and the windchimes sing. The animals mostly have adjusted to us. But I’ve decided to keep my distance from Taki the parrot who bit my finger enough to draw blood. She favors Carl and enjoys sitting on his shoulder.

Meet Some of the animals

Yesterday we spent the morning in Santa Fe. Carl enjoyed the library while I browsed through the stores and admired the Indian jewelry in the square. It was almost too much to take in.

I must go for now. Hopefully I'll be able to post again before we leave this wonderful place.

Escaping Denver

Enjoying my cup of French press coffee from a hand made French pottery mug and listening to French Café music CD complements of our host. And no, we're not in France, we are in Santa Fe.

We left Denver very early Thursday—unusually early for us. The sun had just come up as the first shift rushed to work. We headed south on the I-25 corridor listening to tunes, NPR’s All Things Considered, and then tunes again. We passed through Colorado springs then Pueblo. The Sangre de Cristo mountains to our west were beautifully covered with snow. I snapped a quick picture at a rest stop. Along the roadside were drifts of color – purple and yellow early spring wildflowers. Further south above the picturesque and sleepy town of Trinidad, Colorado, is a mesa. Carl says every time he passes that mesa he wants to climb it. So we made a note to some day return to camp, hike and explore the area. We crossed Raton Pass into New Mexico and everything looked suddenly different. I am always shocked how quickly the terrain shifts. Here are wind blown yellow grasses and small clumps of Cholla cactus speckled throughout the wide open pastures. Far away in the background are snow capped mountains. In all the muted tones of nature, a sudden speck of orange. An engine of a very long train – almost lost to our view. And wildlife – There were hundreds of antelope, a herd of goats, a group of buffalo and cows with long horns and cows without horns.

We stopped in Las Vegas, New Mexico for lunch at Charlie’s Bakery for the best Mexican food ever! Well, at least in Las Vegas.

After arriving in Santa Fe, we met our new animal friends and moved into the house where we’ll stay for a week taking care of things. I’ll have more about that later with pictures so stay tuned.

What's On the Horizon Now?

Music de jour -- All The Roadrunning by Mark Knopfler and Emmy Lou Harris from album of the same name.

With us, you never know what we'll be up to next or where w'll be headed. In fact, we usually don't know until the last minute. We're not like most people with a yearly calendar full of plans. We're always open to opportunities and ideas and can be ready at a moment's notice for any adventure that catches our fancy. That's one thing I love about Carl. We're so much alike --both Virgos and INFP's if you know about Myers Briggs. Being stuck in a car together for long road trips is one of the things we do best!

We're headed out on another road trip this week -- a mix of business and pleasure and hopefully a lot of new experiences. It all started with an idea to travel to southern Arizona before it gets too hot (for some people it already is)! Then a friend mentioned her friend in Santa Fe needs someone to house sit and watch her animals for a week. Now we've traveled around Santa Fe proper many times before, but have never "done" Santa Fe. Of course I jumped at this opportunity. Long story short -- we signed up for the job! So yes, we'll be leaving Thursday and putting my studio work here on hold. I'm hoping to meet lots of really cool people, have new experiences and be inspired with lots of new ideas before I return. Right now I have too much to do to get real excited but I'm sure it will kick in Thursday when the car is packed and we're off and headed down Interstate 25.

Cinco de Mayo

Last night was Sci-Fi night. Carl and I ate unhealthy nachos and drank cheap Mexican beer in honor of Cinco de Mayo. We could have gone out and joined the masses of people celebrating -- there was First Friday Art Walk in the Santa Fe district not far away, and any number of other activities we could have done but earlier in the day a cold front came through with rain and we decided to enjoy the warmth of our home instead.

Since I last posted I've been busy shipping and receiving shipments. I finished weaving the green ribbon warp. The blue dupioni silk fabric I had planned to sew with it was too purple-blue. It was a great color and I hated to see it go, but I overdyed it with yellow using the "unscientific" method of guessing at proportions. First I dyed a small swatch which actually turned out a great khaki green. But for the final dye bath I went with less yellow dye. It took the edge off the purplish part. Now the fabric is more of a denim blue -- not as exciting or exactly what I was going for, but it will work perfectly well. Things do have a way of working themselves out -- well most of the time anyway.

Final Dyed Dupiani Fabric

In between the studio/office work I've managed to move my plants from my solar room out into my carport to begin the adjustment process for summertime outside. We put the covers on the sky lights several weeks ago but even with the windows all covered, it's still quite hot out there on a sunny day. I moved my glass-topped table and chairs out into the back garden as well. All that's left in my sun room is my wicker chair and an empty plant shelf and a very dirty tile floor from the dead leaves that were hiding behind my plants. I guess I know what I'll be doing this weekend!

I've also spent some time weeding in the garden. It's amazing how hardy these weeds are here in the West. Roots grow deep and strong so it's a constant battle to keep the beds clean.

May Day

Today is May Day. This day takes me back to school days, May pole dances and spring parties. I'm listening to Celtic music - Against the Wind by Maire Brennan from the album Celtic Circle, Vol. 2, in honor of this ancient holiday.

I'm back on track in my studio. I've dressed the loom with a ribbon warp and will weave it off today. I'm also working on a silk and ribbon vest in my sewing area. I get bored rather quickly with one project so it's always good to have more than one thing in the works.

Tiger Lily

Be free from the petty things yet true to the big ones. Things born of artificial education, be free of them. Throw to the four winds - an iconoclast. Be individual. Obey law and be absolutely guided by Principle, yet be individual. That means emancipation. Get right out and blow the top off the atmosphere. -- Florence Fleming Noyes

Listening to In my Soul, Mark Adams Allison (composer) Tempting the Muse Mysteria, as I enjoy my Sunday morning quiet time.

For a short time in my life I was privileged to be part of a group called Tiger Lilies --a group of women who danced together, seeking their own authenticity, their personal power. Women who acknowledged and nurtured the artist in each other, as we are all artists; a group of women who related to the earth and celebrated her seasons. This group helped define who I am now, a person who chooses to live a life that nurtures my authentic self. From time to time I'll share some of the material from my "Tiger Lily" file that I hope will be inspirational to you as well.

This is the closest to a Tiger Lily picture that I had in my file taken from the flower arrangements at my son's wedding in 2005 and then computer manipulated.

Chaos Has Passed

The chaos has passed -- at least for the moment. After boxes of fabric and pieces laying everywhere in my studio, a new design evolved using some of my leftover purple chenille pieces. My first idea of sewing small pieces to a foundation fabric didn't work out. It was too stretchy. Instead, I worked with larger pieces. It was going to be a jacket, but somehow it turned into a loose and unstructured shirt with sleeves. The weight is more that of a heavy sweater. This should fit anyone from size medium/large to extra large.

I can't seem to get the color right on these photos. This is a really deep and rich purple blend woven of yarns in three shades of purple from a fuchsia purple to a almost navy blue purple. Some of the pieces were woven and dyed with a shibori technique.

Music in my Studio

This morning I'm alone in my studio--the perfect opportunity to pump up the volume on my music and practice techniques I learned in my singing classes at Swallow Hill Music. I don't consider myself a musician, but I love to sing. There's nothing I love better than harmonizing with folk and roots music. I was raised in a large family in the rural South with no TV and little radio. As we did our chores or rode in the car we sang gospel tunes. Singing harmonies was what we did. I was influenced by many other genres of music from that era as I came of age --bluegrass, country, rock, blues and folk. This morning I've put some of my favorite singers in my CD changer on shuffle-- Nancy Griffith, Eliza Gylkerson and Ian Matthews, The Waifs, Emmy Lou Harris.

Inspiration or crazymaking?

Listening to Reasonland by Antje Duvekot from Hands Across the Water and sipping coffee from my very tall apple green mug -- On the mountains and foothills lies a new blanket of spring snow. Here in my garden everything is brilliant green from the two inches of rain we received yesterday. Since this much rain is rare here, I am reminded to enjoy this beautiful moment.

I seem to be going in circles in my studio. I start a project -- then get another idea. I drop the first project and start a new one which gives me another idea. So I drop that and off to the next inspiration. And once again total chaos reigns. When I'm in this state, it's anyone's guess where I'll find myself in the end. But one thing's for certain; when the ideas flow I'm going to go with it but, heaven only knows where it will take me. And I remember; I've been her before. Ah, yes, many times.

Saving the Earth One Napkin at a Time

Ah -- a walk in the park with a friend after a busy day in my office catching up with paperwork, shipping and planning -- much was accomplished and still time to enjoy the beauty of spring.

Yesterday was Earth Day. I spent some time thinking about what I could do to help heal the earth this year. I've decided to make fabric napkins. Silly? maybe . . . but why not? Quality is more important to me than quantity. Buying lots of stuff that goes in the trash doesn't makes sense to me. Serving my dinners with cloth napkins is so much more elegant and special and besides, I have lots of colorful cotton fabric on my shelves so voila! No reason to fill my trash with paper.

Spring

There is a part of me
That is rooted firmly in the earth.
It is to this grounded solid me
That I now deeply bow.
For without this,
There could be no expansion,
No life giving nourishment
Coursing to my tender new leaves,
No strong stem to reach
Toward the sun.
The earth is my home for this
Incarnation, and I am blessed.
--Danaan Parry

Listening to Govinda by Jai Uttal/Ben Leinbach -- Music for Yoga and Other Joys . Finishing the last of my special Sumatra bean coffee reserved for Sunday mornings. It's spring and I love my life!

Newly turned earth from the beds where the weeds have been pulled, fresh cut tulips in a glass vase on my counter, sun streaming in through my windows and bright color all around me. This is life at its best and I am happy!

I finally got my studio cleaned this week -- at least mostly! My smurf blue shag carpet makes it difficult to vacumn up every thread with my old upstairs vacumn cleaner. But then, who can work in a completely clean space anyway? I spent some time yesterday working on an idea for a new design. Actually it's a variation on a "gypsy cape" from Peasant Chic by Esther Holderness, 1977. I'm planning to add a few garments that are loose and flowing and work for all sizes and shapes of women.

Home At Last

Back in my studio at last and catching up with shipping for my eBay business. I really want to start a new weaving project but I forgot I left everything in such a mess! How can one be creative with all this stuff on the floor? I guess I'll clean first and maybe tomorrow I can start something new. I'm thinking about another chenille piece with surface design or maybe woven shibori which I haven't done in a long time. I have some of the green yarn left from the jacket I did in March. Have to see where the inspiration takes me.

Saying Goodbye Is So Hard To Do!

This morning is bitter-sweet. It's my last day in Pittsburgh. While here I've cooked copious amounts of food for the kid's freezer and held, fed, changed and bonded with Brendan. I know he smiled and cooed at me even if they think it was "gas"! I'm totally in love and sad I won't be able to see him again until this fall.

It's been a cold week here. Sunday we went to the Arboretum in spite of cold rain and high winds. The flowers were nice and Jenn did a trial run with the Baby Wolf Mai Tai baby carrier I gave her. We had Thai food at their favorite restaurant, Thai Cuisine. Check it out when you're in Pittsburgh!

The day we planned to visit the Fiber Arts International Festival, was the one day they were closed. Disappointing. I could use some new inspiration. But all in all, it's been a great week. Now I'm ready to get home to Carl, my routine, and my studio but sad to leave Corey, Jenn and Brendan.

Favorite Things . . .

Why does it seem the things I love the most are not in my city? -- specifically Trader Joes and IKEA. So I got my fix here in Pittsburgh. But really, it seems they're everywhere but Denver! What's up with that?

Leavin' on A Jet Plane -- Destination Pittsburgh

Listening to Someday by Carol Elizabeth Jones from O Sister 2: A Woman's Bluegrass Collection , on my laptop while I try to be reeeeally quiet so I don't wake the kids downstairs. I didn't hear the baby last night but I'm sure they were up feeding him so they need their z's.

I flew into Pittsburgh last evening to cold and rainy weather but I'm all warm inside after holding my new grandson for the first time. What a sweetie! Okay, I'm biased, but he really is the cutest baby I've ever seen. I watched as they bathed him together and of course took lots of pictures. What sweet parents they are!

Snow Again?

Another snow storm in Colorado! Personally, I think we've had more than our share this year. You know, I really can't complain about the moisture. Denver is dry and we need the moisture. This means more spring flowers and maybe a greener summer. Gardening here in the West is always a challenge.

I've been in my studio this week finishing special orders and contemplating new designs.
Just finished the book Into the Wild by Jon Krakaur. Interesting book. The movie version is being released in September, Sean Penn, Director. It was shot in many locations around the West where Carl and I have traveled and even some of our friends who "live" in the desert are extras in the movie. Can't wait to see it!

Sandstorms in the Desert

Listening to The Emperor is Naked Today-O by Dave Carter and Tracy Grammer from Songs of Pete Seeger, Vol 2". Just returned from Palm Desert, California where I was one of eight featured designers at Earth Spirits, a funky little boutique, at their fashion week in conjunction with El Paseo Fashion Week. This was my second year. Instead of flying, this year we made it a road trip. My husband, Carl, and I love to travel the back roads.

Sand Dunes on Southern California Desert

It was cooler than I'd expected. In the deserts of Southern California we experienced vicious dust storms. The spa in Desert Hot Springs where we stayed expecting a hot soak, turned out to be a "cold" soak instead with high winds bending the palm trees almost in half.

On our way home we stopped in Phoenix and met an old friend of my husband's who is into jewelry making. She inspired me to incorporate beads on my garments.

Since returning to my studio, I've finished a one-of-a-kind fabulously artsy jacket for an incredible woman from Philadelphia who has more knowledge of art and artists than anyone I know. She'll wear it well! This jacket was labor intensive but in my opinion, the end result is worth the time and effort. The fabric is rayon chenille which I wove on my floor loom. The designs were painted onto the finished fabric with fiber reactive dyes. After the jacket was sewn, I added the glass beads.