tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-325914262024-03-24T23:09:35.890-07:00desertsong studioa journal of tapestry weaving & lifelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680727252540559507noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32591426.post-51096093923895398432009-05-12T13:05:00.001-07:002009-05-16T06:57:04.326-07:00follow me!<p>Hey, what are you doing hanging out here? My blog has a new home, please come along-- <a href="http://www.desertsongstudio.com/">www.desertsongstudio.com</a> !</p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_C4eoXLxLdYM/SgnWmbFKRUI/AAAAAAAABZM/7JhTJnhpAEE/s1600-h/aberts%20squirrel.jpg"><img title="aberts squirrel" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" height="484" alt="aberts squirrel" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_C4eoXLxLdYM/SgnWn05wrNI/AAAAAAAABZQ/e96jFtAkMYQ/aberts%20squirrel_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" border="0" /></a> </p><p>See you there…don’t forget to bookmark & subscribe so you don’t miss my new posts!</p>lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680727252540559507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32591426.post-25401265397122564882009-04-30T14:38:00.000-07:002009-05-02T07:47:32.394-07:00retreat ahead<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_C4eoXLxLdYM/SfoZ1KhyHTI/AAAAAAAABYU/JQn65a5TeD0/s1600-h/DSCN0030%5B7%5D.jpg"><img title="DSCN0030" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" height="484" alt="DSCN0030" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_C4eoXLxLdYM/SfoZ1xIV6oI/AAAAAAAABYY/Bcpa9q6yQrY/DSCN0030_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" border="0" /></a> </p><p>Spring is in full bloom & I am in the midst of preparations to once again journey to <a href="https://artistsregister.com/artist_page.phtml?number=AZ104">Janie Hoffman</a>’s place on the <a href="http://www.blueriverretreat.com/">Blue River</a> in the White Mountains of AZ. Janie & I have organized a tapestry weaving retreat… there will be 7 of us attending, hanging out together in the mountain spring weather, weaving, soaking in the sights & sounds of nature, & talking about all things under the sun that could possibly interest any fiber artist!</p><p>I finally completed <em>canyon night. </em>It was difficult to finish, it felt as if all motivation I had to weave suddenly dried up and blew away. The lack of fanfare with its completion is a direct reflection of the ambivalence & dissatisfaction I have been feeling about my design process. I did submit it & <em><a href="http://desertsongstudio.com/artwork/526515.html" target="_blank">painted hills</a></em> for <a href="http://intermountainweavers.ipower.com/Conference/conference.html" target="_blank">IWC</a>’s Fiber Celebrated, but I am not sure they will be accepted, especially with my poor batting average as of late. Yet another rejection notice today, received from the Tucson Museum of Art for their Biennial exhibit. </p><p>I am not upset in the least by these rejections, they are just confirming what I’ve been feeling… my artistic soul is experiencing a period of fallowness. With the exception of IWC & the upcoming <a href="http://www.tohonochulpark.org/PDF/Exhibits/Entry%20form--Wish%20You%20Were%20Here--PDF.pdf">Tohono Chul fiber art postcard exhibit</a>, I have decided to stop trying to exhibit right now. Sometimes we need that thwack on the head to wake up & say, “Yeah, I knew that.”</p><p>Time to renew, regroup, reinvent, rethink. I have begun that process, it is in the rumination stages. I am researching new design methods, I hope to greatly improve upon my weaving skills by taking <a href="http://www.kathetoddhooker.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kathe Todd-Hooker’s</a> tapestry workshop at IWC this summer, & I have registered for a couple of other non-tapestry workshops that I hope will allow for deeper design & creativity explorations. I plan to make major changes to my blog & website. I am ready to dig deep to find my true artistic vision… it’s in there & just needs encouragement to rise to the surface.</p><p>I am viewing this upcoming retreat as a door opening to a new & exciting place. While I am there I will be reading about design methods used by collage & journal artists, & I have a new camera, a Nikon P80, that I have started experimenting with & I will take it with me… some of the first images I have taken with it are below. I am preparing a cartoon so I can work on a very small piece while I am there, it will be a postcard for the Tohono Chul exhibit, & it is a depiction of one of our bobcat kittens from a previous year. This particular bobcat mama would leave her kitten in our courtyard lemon tree while she went about her business for the day. We discovered this when one day, as Dennis went out to water, he looked up & was startled by this tiny bit of fluff staring at him with amber eyes through the bright green leaves. Below is my design sketch, just started, using watercolor crayons & pencils. I am working from a cropped version of the photo Dennis managed to take & also getting inspiration for stylized versions of lemon leaves from a Frida Kahlo painting I admire.</p><p></p><p><img title="DSCN0064" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" height="484" alt="DSCN0064" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_C4eoXLxLdYM/SfoZ-5CPneI/AAAAAAAABZA/7aUGrlMX9K0/DSCN0064_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" border="0" /></p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_C4eoXLxLdYM/SfoZ2TSIrrI/AAAAAAAABYc/KybaOVKMQNs/s1600-h/DSCN0022%5B9%5D.jpg"><img title="DSCN0022" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" height="484" alt="DSCN0022" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_C4eoXLxLdYM/SfoZ3C7-KlI/AAAAAAAABYg/aYi3Npzne0M/DSCN0022_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" border="0" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_C4eoXLxLdYM/SfoZ4cmX1qI/AAAAAAAABYk/KyRgBYK50Hc/s1600-h/DSCN0055%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="DSCN0055" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" height="484" alt="DSCN0055" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_C4eoXLxLdYM/SfoZ5nWNwiI/AAAAAAAABYo/hK7SUfPRxfk/DSCN0055_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" border="0" /></a></p><p><img title="DSCN0051" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" height="484" alt="DSCN0051" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_C4eoXLxLdYM/SfoZ7hHKMTI/AAAAAAAABYw/cPC-Sh47TwI/DSCN0051_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" border="0" /></p><p>Now I am off to continue preparing for the retreat… I will keep a diary of my time there & will look forward to posting about it all upon my return!</p>lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680727252540559507noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32591426.post-72839516304896795042009-03-20T13:24:00.001-07:002009-03-20T13:28:20.172-07:00happy equinox!<p>Vernal equinox, Spring’s beginning, equal day & equal night; surprisingly the beginning of our driest season as the days grow longer still. In years of plentiful winter rains, we experience an abundance of wildflowers. This past winter was another of non-abundant moisture, yet it is always amazing that life pushes its way up through the baked, crusty desert earth in bits & pieces here & there, thriving in spite of those seemingly insurmountable difficulties. Seems humans would do well to stop to notice what’s underfoot, as Georgia O’Keeffe once said.</p><p><br /><br /><div align="center"><embed style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 400px" name="flashticker" align="middle" src="http://widget-b5.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=2738188573465248949&site=widget-b5.slide.com" wmode="transparent" salign="l" scale="noscale" quality="high"></embed></div><br /><div align="center"><div style="WIDTH: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><p align="center"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=2738188573465248949&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-b5.slide.com/p1/2738188573465248949/bb_t047_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=2738188573465248949&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-b5.slide.com/p2/2738188573465248949/bb_t047_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" /></a></p><div align="left"></div><p align="center"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=2738188573465248949&map=2" target="_blank"></a> </p><div align="left"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=2738188573465248949&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-b5.slide.com/p4/2738188573465248949/bb_t047_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" /></a></div></div></div><br /><br />Desert marigolds & globe mallows visually punctuate the dun desert with their vibrant colors, penstemons wave their flowered spires at the sky, blue belly flowers & purple lupines hug the ground. Not in profusion, but just enough to make us notice the desert coming to life. The air is tinged with the sweetness of citrus & acacia trees flowering. Scented geraniums bring beauty to our back door, & the star jasmine’s creamy blooms have filled our bedroom with an exquisitely heavy fragrance that graces our pillows as we fall asleep each night. My insomnia is greeted by the nightly owl hootenanny, coyote choruses, & the unearthly yowl of our resident bobcats. Soon to follow in the spring parade will be a cascading & quick procession of strawberry hedgehog, prickly pear, palo verde, pincushion, ironwood, & saguaro blooms. Life must move quickly here before the intense summer heat arrives to wither & desiccate—the desert does not coddle late bloomers. <p></p><p>Earth, our planet, our only “ride”. Such beauty this planet provides for us to abide in. Yet, we take & take, giving so little good back in return. How long will she continue to love us if we continue to treat her like this? Here’s a wonderful way to tell her thank you, the only cost is an hour of your time…</p><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://www.earthhour.org/voteearth/" target="_blank"><img height="250" alt="VOTE EARTH" src="http://www.voteearth2009.org/support/banners/VoteEarth_300x250_GIF.gif" width="300" border="0" /></a></p>lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680727252540559507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32591426.post-63662643691925256132009-03-12T11:13:00.001-07:002009-03-12T11:14:29.203-07:00same tapestry, different deadline<p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_C4eoXLxLdYM/SblQycf_d7I/AAAAAAAABYE/HvCUq7c5JZU/s1600-h/canyon%20night%20in%20progress%5B12%5D.jpg"><img title="canyon night in progress" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" height="693" alt="canyon night in progress" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_C4eoXLxLdYM/SblQzam67TI/AAAAAAAABYI/H-KUaCTRdxA/canyon%20night%20in%20progress_thumb%5B10%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="518" border="0" /></a></p><p>So, what I had planned to write in this post was that I had come to my senses after the weaving frenzy over the weekend, realizing that it wouldn’t be humanly possible to meet IWC’s March 15 deadline for the <em>Fiber Celebrated</em> exhibit, not for this human, anyway. I had decided instead to shoot for a different deadline & submit <em>canyon night</em> for the 2009 Arizona Biennial exhibit at the Tucson Museum of Art. Not a shabby proposition by any means, but I was disappointed because I thought <em>painted hills</em> & <em>canyon night</em> would complement each other so well if they were accepted & exhibited together at IWC.</p><p>But, suddenly, like a bolt from the blue, or an answered prayer to one of the many saints of weaving (my favorite out of the many I recently discovered searching on Wikipedia is St. Maurice, who besides being the patron saint of weavers & dyers is also the go-to guy for soldiers, swordsmiths, armies, & preventing menstrual cramps), I received a wonderful email from <a href="http://rebeccamezoff.blogspot.com/">Rebecca Mezoff</a> informing me she had discovered that <em>IWC has extended the deadline to April 25th!!!! </em></p><p>You rock, Rebecca, for recognizing & understanding the angst of a sister tapestry weaver & coming to the rescue with the only thing that could possibly assuage the torture at this point--- a deadline extension! Wooo Hoooo!</p><p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_C4eoXLxLdYM/SblQ0cnNdAI/AAAAAAAABYM/5jHHHrti_NU/s1600-h/canyon%20night%20detail%5B13%5D.jpg"><img title="canyon night detail" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" height="333" alt="canyon night detail" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_C4eoXLxLdYM/SblQ0_AFqjI/AAAAAAAABYQ/-8dxSXEWf-0/canyon%20night%20detail_thumb%5B11%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" border="0" /></a></p>lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680727252540559507noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32591426.post-62313688597296382322009-03-05T12:44:00.000-08:002009-03-05T12:56:55.303-08:00sonoran spring evening<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4HNGfWB2u2FuwcFNtbDuvWSuWet0WXMQFEDl5O92vulXZyIPdd7nFLHQKmdsWTxlUtxFSnXk-ZvDxKpAjZ9HYcLER8T4rP6wXPY-WByw-223HpzwXJmvgb5LTStk8sG74ajHsQ/s1600-h/chairs+in+pasture.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309809550080733042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4HNGfWB2u2FuwcFNtbDuvWSuWet0WXMQFEDl5O92vulXZyIPdd7nFLHQKmdsWTxlUtxFSnXk-ZvDxKpAjZ9HYcLER8T4rP6wXPY-WByw-223HpzwXJmvgb5LTStk8sG74ajHsQ/s400/chairs+in+pasture.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="right"></div><div align="right"></div><div align="right"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">warm day wanes</span></div><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwE1qQZbSC2eN_W5SxaVVOxnMa8SvirHsOEbKvnT7qO1C8X5Z-VjswSN4QzK-oNvfInmcIfXquTsrwePW-4-OWyOktA2OPCl_waAbTHL0FVlCgP5h1SUrLY0T0dIeqe6BZmNJikg/s1600-h/chairs+in+pasture.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></a></div><div align="left"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">cool air flows over skin</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">smell of warm sand</span></p><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">tart kiss of red wine</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">sunset blushes the Catalinas</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">dove coos his evening song</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">gila woodpecker tucks into the saguaro high rise</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">dogs investigate bursage for errant lizards</span></div>lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680727252540559507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32591426.post-44684476074459315022009-02-26T12:53:00.000-08:002009-02-26T15:16:15.007-08:00early spring<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7hgg3GsdZNtjj0dpOlFijkpqu3Y9Tz3cx65sxINp8s-LsCPX8pIsO4Z4LjkwcQRwsz9u5zJG711EkgXhYp1pdJjzus-1bEpwyO3L9hBKAtYoPNjCnkm_GHvzLEpxFjMcc29yzw/s1600-h/zigzag+flowers.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307230965635178402" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7hgg3GsdZNtjj0dpOlFijkpqu3Y9Tz3cx65sxINp8s-LsCPX8pIsO4Z4LjkwcQRwsz9u5zJG711EkgXhYp1pdJjzus-1bEpwyO3L9hBKAtYoPNjCnkm_GHvzLEpxFjMcc29yzw/s400/zigzag+flowers.jpg" border="0" /></a>I had a thought the other day when we started getting these warm temps that spring isn't green in the desert, it's yellow. Our desert is green all year... not that Kelly green crayon box green, but chartreuse, sage, silver, avocado, & army greens. Spring in the desert, I thought to myself, is really <em>yellow</em>. Yellow prickly pear blooms, yellow palo verde blooms, yellow creosote blooms, yellow cassia blooms, yellow fiddleneck blooms, yellow desert marigold blooms, yellow brittlebush blooms, & even more plants with yellow blooms that I cannot think of just now, none of which are really blooming just yet, but which will soon if the warm weather continues.<br /><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">It <em>is</em> early spring. </div><div align="left"><br />It feels like early summer with the 80 degree temps we've been having. This is the desert, but even that is unseasonably warm for this time of year. I am not complaining in the least, it feels fabulous compared to the highs in the 30s we experienced while visiting my parents in Illinois during the family reunion to celebrate their 50th anniversary. It is quite cruel to force desert dwellers to visit locations with those kinds of conditions!</div><br />Here's a photo of all of us gathered together after a wonderful anniversary meal at one of my parents' favorite restaurants, Zapatas. I am usually skeptical of Mexican food outside of the Southwest (it tends to be what I think of as Amerxican). Not bad for Illinois, not bad at all. There are 6 of us offspring (I am the oldest, there is a 12 year span between myself & my youngest brother) & we all attended along with most of our respective spouses/children. Two old & dear friends of my parents, whom they met when they were stationed in Cheyenne, WY together, were also able to join us. This is the only family photo from that experience I will subject you to & I'm not even going to say who's who in it. If you are dying to see more, which unfortunately includes the strange gringo habit of drinking margaritas & donning sombreros, visit <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/desertsong/sets/72157614393320636/">this set on Flickr</a>.<br /><br /><div align="center"></div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307231374728776290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeD6-IhGQxRZ2E_1yaIkX9IwOr7-D_5gWdj_yZrT0PU7MV6TbZw5OcScjw-Hi3cIqri-DLVC0L_qLuKu2DXcbhx1-xyX1DmTPcBe9t4UjkpqU-IqDSMkcnPv04mby3im9Fh1CNiA/s400/mom+%26+dad%27s+50th.jpg" border="0" /> </p><p>Today, however, as I meandered about outside enjoying the sun, I started really noticing things, like waking up from a fog. And I noticed more than yellow, although yellow <em>was</em> first-- the photo at the beginning of this post is of the eensy-tineensy electric chartreuse flowers on a zig-zag cactus.<br /><br />Here are others...</p><br /><br /><div align="center">A diaphanous purple vinca bloom</div><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307235327821554882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-VTTaGkf-y4BRHjNfDm5PT9AEzNJf2AD1mrVn9VqyYDwZXB6f9ZDSxWL_OilBBSCqxgHvGbdYZnGEHUeSJRkEl8cKcyYdmHKAU26aNkM-1rvjkgcow8TmqfcGsnCX3ri4_YyLQ/s400/vinca.jpg" border="0" /> </p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"></p><br /><p align="center">Pink tinged newly unfurled pomegranate leaves, sunlit & glowing against a blue blue sky</p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307236115471845122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIXB3EB6u7lDM4G_kCHqJ_EuUlpysDumlMsmG7m2Tn8fzqt423Z5d2yvcPsDSZQjIOQR_OHNUYuBL_qclq-cuarRcFHG5fhnHSn51_A96xUx8Zagt0nbtr3Mz1Y6Lam7VtrZgHdw/s400/pomegranate+leaves.jpg" border="0" /> </p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"></p><br /><p align="center">Chinese star jasmine buds; slender, rosy, & soon to burst into little twinkles of white that will fill the air with their divinely sweet, heavy scent </p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307237173390718626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9put5xPCXL80RowtCwVG96b9c5JVWUy6dh72hZJdRJC9eCFwtNmiycDU4V4iSXNvCyYL1SJjoPUoZtg1mG3zLM2j971Pt29fRJ_2-Yk86nc0DlqalyGCZltzgN5RgjxABDvEjLA/s400/jasmine+buds.jpg" border="0" /> </p><p align="center"><br /></p><br /><p align="center">My hot orange kalanchoe kettle</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307238782665756434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzm_w5M6mOnv44FsYaHvprhmhC29nojAIr5V5E0AUuWJWxiy8n3kUJsVvJaJrV_IDTtX0WdipVE1TDgEcd4FqdfvdGkRJs8gMXrMj7oyrDx3qAuXYwdNn7RQu10E1FGrrQGAk7w/s400/kalanchoe+kettle.jpg" border="0" /> </p><p><br /></p><p align="center"></p><br /><p align="center">The always sudden & astonishing beauty of fuchsia pincushion buds... one day it's just a little cactus, the next, a tiny jewel box</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307239195213552130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3H4yB2RdkY-Zo8Ho45j8XUTFtfLM1fgAw_thdrbmTJ5oPZZD8JzJ8N3DcOARJqJxsDsfCiFQ2jE77YxXXlCrPAKoNZwYXAODTtKYBg6vBUP3P1hyphenhyphenIK0jHGvUp0Ah3I5aWT9HPTQ/s400/pincushion+buds.jpg" border="0" /> </p><p><br /></p><p align="center"></p><br /><p align="center">Plump indigo purple velvety Texas Laurel blooms that smell <em>exactly</em> like sweet sweet grape Koolaid & make me think of hot sticky summer days of childhood</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307239621887109218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57G44kOBM2gSb640rlVZz3gXkD32EoCy4ZPeKVSK2OMfqYDVRSh0uuupdz2SuTnZQf30h2qoLyGiOP6WyMatPaUod0p0eQ8KogUKAkiYHxTnJX_XTMi0GT9YHemyvsA-U0w5MNQ/s400/texas+laurel.jpg" border="0" /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhciLJwlHCwmK3JsUGuDu6ybl_IhIobyTtsk62C5lR0Z34M4MyuRcRL074YqfoJwPXcffXIiDoJdBLy_KoshNd9V_11V8WI_Pajabov_2cUEuaCuULTuV9FAQVJqfTQxjjmQJlVA/s1600-h/roger+%26+mo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307232540430882386" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhciLJwlHCwmK3JsUGuDu6ybl_IhIobyTtsk62C5lR0Z34M4MyuRcRL074YqfoJwPXcffXIiDoJdBLy_KoshNd9V_11V8WI_Pajabov_2cUEuaCuULTuV9FAQVJqfTQxjjmQJlVA/s400/roger+%26+mo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And Roger & Mo on lizard watch & wondering why I am crawling around on the ground with that little metal square box pointing it at things.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>canyon night</em> is still underway, you can actually start seeing the forest for the trees. If my cartoon looks odd, in case you missed an earlier post-- I decided to create & use what I've dubbed an "X-ray cartoon", a black & white color inverted version of the original that allows me to see the detail in the trees much easier than tracing them onto vellum would ever have done. The <a href="http://intermountainweavers.ipower.com/Fiber_Celebrated/fiber_celebrated.html">IWC <em>Fiber Celebrated</em></a> deadline is a little over two weeks away... will I make it? Weave, weave, weave...<br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNZgnKOuyaWNxetKwawyNnKePMjzu6wKb8UAzE3BVFZvu2UHqxSunLloZsKxdNBuzsWusR0GotRKdzmOll0jBDL2TtZ1BuibIScnFjNWP2l7Jqz1WkINV9Yj19FbHIgIH72xaNw/s1600-h/canyon+night+detail.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307232056338865522" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNZgnKOuyaWNxetKwawyNnKePMjzu6wKb8UAzE3BVFZvu2UHqxSunLloZsKxdNBuzsWusR0GotRKdzmOll0jBDL2TtZ1BuibIScnFjNWP2l7Jqz1WkINV9Yj19FbHIgIH72xaNw/s400/canyon+night+detail.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWshiYQu2Ax6MCgz86txtObEkcZVkzdF8TYhex-5L0b5-hKvLKmYSDpEgRXq8a-b9zn_sDciOg0gfju4g7_Ypj44uPhAfWEKaBKr9l0Bop6HdMcfxBv3OSyBl0V8Y47u5w1nfh2A/s1600-h/canyon+night+in+progress.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307232267582688514" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWshiYQu2Ax6MCgz86txtObEkcZVkzdF8TYhex-5L0b5-hKvLKmYSDpEgRXq8a-b9zn_sDciOg0gfju4g7_Ypj44uPhAfWEKaBKr9l0Bop6HdMcfxBv3OSyBl0V8Y47u5w1nfh2A/s400/canyon+night+in+progress.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div>lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680727252540559507noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32591426.post-88726365421485027212009-02-05T10:56:00.000-08:002009-02-06T05:56:40.479-08:00rejected, but not dejected &... accepted!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwUohk2CEOXfAWtnf8vAHH5PESqP1uD0aGtsUxvhsalH58yfdVXCaGuAIKfr4b8_cbemhPDIqsuSiVhCzcneniY8Icxp0vEBwfq_8zc_2plJx5cvO79risFBJshPT9m4EqyDJRhA/s1600-h/painted+hills.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299403296423664258" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwUohk2CEOXfAWtnf8vAHH5PESqP1uD0aGtsUxvhsalH58yfdVXCaGuAIKfr4b8_cbemhPDIqsuSiVhCzcneniY8Icxp0vEBwfq_8zc_2plJx5cvO79risFBJshPT9m4EqyDJRhA/s320/painted+hills.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>Yes, I also received my "Dear Artist," letter on Tuesday from ATA. Thanks to <a href="http://kspoeringtapestries.blogspot.com/2009/01/connecting.html">Kathy Spoering's subliminal post</a>, I was prepared. It is only my second rejection since I've been exhibiting, so I feel fortunate. I also knew that it is notoriously difficult to be accepted into ATA's juried exhibits, whether you are a master or novice weaver. At least this letter was tempered by Kathy's wonderful handwritten message... thank you, Kathy, I know that must be taking quite a bit of effort!<br /><div><br /></div><div>My first rejection was several months ago after I submitted several works to a gallery in Tempe for a Contemporary Craft exhibit. Guess I was either not contemporary enough or crafty enough, but I wan't dejected about that rejection either. However, I did become quite irritated when the same gallery quickly started inundating me with requests to support them (as one of their artists!) with monetary donations. Let's just say I communicated to said gallery my desire to stop receiving those solicitations in as an adult way as possible.</div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiLwbnzDe_SOtFGMy2zH4gAwlbkB6NbXZwO1Feu3aNioSh-L0GYK73kw5LdcOUY1TNDdGlKvaUy7YyqvDHw9_MXANV38agjZmvWPH7P3R8h6rKg7OWcXO9COFTARrWrezAt-4U4Q/s1600-h/monochrome+macro+series+agave.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299401208566249474" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiLwbnzDe_SOtFGMy2zH4gAwlbkB6NbXZwO1Feu3aNioSh-L0GYK73kw5LdcOUY1TNDdGlKvaUy7YyqvDHw9_MXANV38agjZmvWPH7P3R8h6rKg7OWcXO9COFTARrWrezAt-4U4Q/s320/monochrome+macro+series+agave.jpg" border="0" /></a>Yesterday I received another letter from another exhibit I had submittted work to. Uh oh, the envelope felt awfully <em>thin</em>, so I steeled myself for another Dear Artist letter. But, instead it told me they had accepted one of the three tapestries I had submitted, my <em>monochrome macro: agave</em>, one of my first tapestries. The exhibit is "Of The Earth" & is being held at the <a href="http://www.foundryartcentre.org/index.html">Foundry Art Centre</a> in St. Charles, Missouri which happens to be very close to where my parents are living in Illinois & where I am headed next week to attend a family reunion that I put together to celebrate my parent's 50th wedding anniversary. Unfortunately, the exhibit won't be up until March, so I won't get to visit it in person, but I am very happy that they selected this tapestry to be included since it is one of my favorites.</div><br /><div>I am fresh from a weekend in Bisbee which I spent with Shirley & Lynn, two of my first students who are now special friends, helping them to stay on track with their tapestry weaving. Lynn was getting back into weaving her impressionistic wetlands & Shirley was learning to use her new Mirrix & starting a tapestry of a sunset on a special "friendship beach" near where she lives in Alaska most of the year. What could possibly be better than a weekend of weaving, friends, & wine? I was so involved with helping them that I forgot to take photos with my own camera, but luckily Shirley shared hers with me... <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2puWlC2aVLFpyTyuqvfzLSmEJf67UOIO_3qcKlOIwvVECzurp4RRgifu0rx-4WTcx1WdtYjDzP6KF0oq9LMzJyvB6LcrvWN0Ty3ELErs8Xa7x43cOt7moTb0OUocJlv1nUjBEw/s1600-h/shirley's+sunset.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299401783961686290" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2puWlC2aVLFpyTyuqvfzLSmEJf67UOIO_3qcKlOIwvVECzurp4RRgifu0rx-4WTcx1WdtYjDzP6KF0oq9LMzJyvB6LcrvWN0Ty3ELErs8Xa7x43cOt7moTb0OUocJlv1nUjBEw/s400/shirley's+sunset.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwazE63AYJtu6a6Z7OT6phy6nFWVjKIBaPqoA05hr_qS5jhZyiU4eCjAsx0KycM_H8Dv5dIrQmAL2AAnsPFRuAR6JGQxXL3aVsPxsRghW-i4NJko7z54ZF6kvwRMuwRTB9a_s8xA/s1600-h/shirley.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299401585317493682" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwazE63AYJtu6a6Z7OT6phy6nFWVjKIBaPqoA05hr_qS5jhZyiU4eCjAsx0KycM_H8Dv5dIrQmAL2AAnsPFRuAR6JGQxXL3aVsPxsRghW-i4NJko7z54ZF6kvwRMuwRTB9a_s8xA/s200/shirley.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGLQ5bj9WVDCQlWsaubCTGeGMi22T-GfUnB8sSnc1Eq4DhhL5R9oDRMkWZO3H4zBK5f9r3sAEDK-X0wCgLLF9gnv60-gmzdPjSN7EZ-eFMCGMuPduOYhEnx1f9kPpxy-JI3DRpHg/s1600-h/lynn.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299402548938177378" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGLQ5bj9WVDCQlWsaubCTGeGMi22T-GfUnB8sSnc1Eq4DhhL5R9oDRMkWZO3H4zBK5f9r3sAEDK-X0wCgLLF9gnv60-gmzdPjSN7EZ-eFMCGMuPduOYhEnx1f9kPpxy-JI3DRpHg/s200/lynn.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div></div><br /><div></div><div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_ZudEv2ci4pdK2rKVK_mYKI2C5EFnjf5B4z0vTnZ_lPMjV3SP-RSW71O-JACIh7H244rif6BseWvE8MOFK9ukDH706DXQwVx7-Y_mbzzGjjE0bgGiRO79q8gv2a5MI70qB3cZg/s1600-h/lynn+%26+lyn.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299402082560652386" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_ZudEv2ci4pdK2rKVK_mYKI2C5EFnjf5B4z0vTnZ_lPMjV3SP-RSW71O-JACIh7H244rif6BseWvE8MOFK9ukDH706DXQwVx7-Y_mbzzGjjE0bgGiRO79q8gv2a5MI70qB3cZg/s320/lynn+%26+lyn.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZmKc1lNfZWYNbrKGIRTVrwfkfo9Zz9GOhPW9SyCAWTLs75JrfQqsWhj7vQJbxWnSTqCPjtwuB9JmREsLVOyQGFgLeKYG-nZlt_mzYWTIDwhShZgdme7mse2pzDoCY9_zTaQg-QA/s1600-h/lyn+%26+shirley.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299402319089108034" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZmKc1lNfZWYNbrKGIRTVrwfkfo9Zz9GOhPW9SyCAWTLs75JrfQqsWhj7vQJbxWnSTqCPjtwuB9JmREsLVOyQGFgLeKYG-nZlt_mzYWTIDwhShZgdme7mse2pzDoCY9_zTaQg-QA/s320/lyn+%26+shirley.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><div>Work continues on <em>canyon night</em>, although the trees are still looking a bit ambiguous at this point. I am planning to submit it to <a href="http://intermountainweavers.ipower.com/Fiber_Celebrated/fiber_celebrated.html">IWC's <em>Fiber Celebrated</em> exhibit</a> & it will now have a companion, as I think Kathy's suggestion to consider submitting my recently rejected <em>painted hills</em> to the same exhibit is most excellent! Great idea, Kathy, & if they are both accepted I will get to see them in person since <a href="http://artistsregister.com/artist_page.phtml?number=AZ104">Janie Hoffman</a> & I will be attending together & taking <a href="http://www.kathetoddhooker.blogspot.com/">Kathe Todd-Hooker's </a>"Color & Tapestry" workshop she's teaching there. Anyone I know planning to attend?<br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299400196634759154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 392px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZVItAIdhhy3sTL3dRP1BpHWKpnuNSTkq8HFQ90gq2rX6xGL9PFYxIXi33FYpQW8uZT-Ipb5GVDFjuMl3oIS5-ruDylFlixOIaBntgGe_qeK8eFw9vZ4hWD9oWqdabt7Z9-JTfg/s400/canyon+night+in+progress.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680727252540559507noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32591426.post-72248347032593819652009-01-21T14:12:00.000-08:002009-01-22T06:44:08.057-08:00shine on, new year; rock on, mr. president<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAu7E947wNnSyqs-IdLj6-i-URGI8rXf1OnyUkShoJsOEr9JkRpt-kp4y7z2BqOweZ2Elpb3p_CubjRotNz_1R5NXq6arg2NZiM8zLxpoproKEcVoB0zTAX3McFIchn9uhh0emXw/s1600-h/DSCF4200.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293883655408584066" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 269px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAu7E947wNnSyqs-IdLj6-i-URGI8rXf1OnyUkShoJsOEr9JkRpt-kp4y7z2BqOweZ2Elpb3p_CubjRotNz_1R5NXq6arg2NZiM8zLxpoproKEcVoB0zTAX3McFIchn9uhh0emXw/s320/DSCF4200.JPG" border="0" /></a>Although the new year is well underway, the shine hasn’t dulled yet. It is full of possibilities, promise, & plans, especially with our new president at the helm who will be turning the ship around & charting a more rational course. Watching the inauguration was inspiring, amazing, & emotional. Obama is going to do great things. I sense an innate goodness, fairness, & extreme intelligence emanating from him whenever I see him. That feeling is also present with Michelle Obama… she is going to turn “First Ladyship” upside down. They will bring us into the 21st century, even if some people have to be dragged kicking & screaming.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTiU5NoY9D97Q4rAOt3cwgwtdVWX3OuYFFlwv54KauxDRz38MYsDNQW01wpAHRj3fZPg3ohm3eKYZ2TtIYb5DyNQlQnoip9aooYHqtDPZxSh5V78wqrPhGP_QcN8v7bBxGbhTZVw/s1600-h/obama+inauguration.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293874628113974578" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 362px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTiU5NoY9D97Q4rAOt3cwgwtdVWX3OuYFFlwv54KauxDRz38MYsDNQW01wpAHRj3fZPg3ohm3eKYZ2TtIYb5DyNQlQnoip9aooYHqtDPZxSh5V78wqrPhGP_QcN8v7bBxGbhTZVw/s400/obama+inauguration.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />On January 20, 2009, the world became a bit more beautiful.<br /><br /><br />I always like to stop and reflect back on the year that has just passed. It’s a time to remember the events that have brought me to where I am right now at this moment in time, poised & ready to start another journey around the sun…<br /><br />It is so astounding to realize that a whole year has passed since our little Roux died. During that time, a new dog era has begun with Mo & Roger, shaking up our world a bit with the changes their two personalities have brought into our lives. Dennis & I cannot imagine our home without the studio, which will mark its 2nd year this May; I spend most of my day in here, soaking up good energy, weaving, writing, exploring. I taught my first tapestry workshop, giving new weavers a start & making wonderful new friends as well. I was able to get to know Janie & DY better during the many times we were able to spend together. The place where I learned to weave<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUV_rnaZnAjND4dQtnRS5luundzzMAx-BXSBb1eHOwbI7PmQPHcSl50iZZLSrEkjCQpYZDoc8hobKTox4q3zDI6lslQg_kmJjt_grl0duviNFMUrwvW3g22WnkzmKSbVFCz5V8DQ/s1600-h/embroidered+textile.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293875185016867826" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUV_rnaZnAjND4dQtnRS5luundzzMAx-BXSBb1eHOwbI7PmQPHcSl50iZZLSrEkjCQpYZDoc8hobKTox4q3zDI6lslQg_kmJjt_grl0duviNFMUrwvW3g22WnkzmKSbVFCz5V8DQ/s320/embroidered+textile.JPG" border="0" /></a> tapestry, Desert Weaving Workshop, where I also met DY & many other wonderful people & took several wonderful workshops, closed its doors. I continued my journey in tapestry & my work was included in several local exhibits. Dennis experienced his first participation in an exhibit. I wrote several articles for ATA’s Tapestry Topics & continued my volunteer role editing the online digest. I became a National Park Service volunteer, thanks to Barbara S., a member or our local guild who created the opportunity for those who were interested to become involved in a textile storage project at the Western Archeological Conservation Center here in Tucson (check out the slide show at the end of this post). I feel my weaving has improved & that it is starting to take direction. And, I must confess, I started cheating on my looms with another thing with strings… I’ve started to learn to play the cello, recently buying my very own.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293876366078664386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyy1yB-F2zXXoy-VW_Mxlcqr24xOtTD9JAg9L1Ft0gyW2YASb5VufeloIZK1jLZ0bc_dCkyvDxmLoF_lZO7HR636-7GjTolE10mJBOWbrfk4oiwVc5Ct9Nx0RaV2shvpXg9Z22Mg/s400/DSCF4212.JPG" border="0" /><br />The new year is already ramped up & charged with activities…<br /><br />I’m presently coordinating the theme for this year’s first issue of <a href="http://www.americantapestryalliance.org/index.html">ATA</a>’s Tapestry Topics, which has involved defining the theme, choosing & inviting artists to write, reviewing the articles, & submitting them all to Linda Rees, the editor. The theme title is <em>Sustaining Creativity</em>, the articles are fabulous, & that’s all I’m going to divulge. If you’re a member you’ll see it when it hits your mailbox, & if you aren’t, why in the world not? I’m headed to Bisbee at the end of this month to give Shirley & Lynn a tapestry workshop. I have three submissions in place for three upcoming exhibits (ATA's <a href="http://www.americantapestryalliance.org/Exhibitions/STInt/Connections.html"><em>Connections</em></a>; The 9th International Triennial of Mini Textiles in France; The Foundry Art Center's <em>Of The Earth</em>). I wove the 9cm x 12cm <em>after the monsoon<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8R2hZud_-pIE15iP-cWwT16ggwcwBBCBanJtu1lRX1sAVnvzhEfLmm3eZ10k_rySJ-vfhWLlOI0WAIzGxrmsq1C10DUSQWAWaSZni2BflH3d0Pp8mJAh4WTYT2TnYa2qgxZB3Q/s1600-h/after+the+monsoon.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293880797677433266" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 305px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8R2hZud_-pIE15iP-cWwT16ggwcwBBCBanJtu1lRX1sAVnvzhEfLmm3eZ10k_rySJ-vfhWLlOI0WAIzGxrmsq1C10DUSQWAWaSZni2BflH3d0Pp8mJAh4WTYT2TnYa2qgxZB3Q/s400/after+the+monsoon.JPG" border="0" /></a></em> for the Triennial. My parents’ 50th wedding anniversary is in February & I’ve organized a family reunion to celebrate it with my 5 younger siblings & their families. <a href="http://artistsregister.com/artist_page.phtml?number=AZ104">Janie Hoffman</a> & I have planned another tapestry retreat for early May at her place on the <a href="http://www.blueriverretreat.com/">Blue River</a>— there will be 9 of us this year, including <a href="http://www.pamhutley.com/">Pam Hutley</a> who is coming all the way from Australia to join us!!! Janie & I have also sent in our registration for the <a href="http://www.intermountainweavers.org/">Intermountain Weavers Conference</a> which will be held in July in Durango, CO. We’re planning to take <a href="http://www.kathetoddhooker.blogspot.com/">Kathe Todd-Hooker’s </a>workshop, <em>Color & Tapestry</em>; I haven’t taken a tapestry workshop since early last year, so I am very excited! </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgny6mjeP3zTrF9xyyCCpJp8-4HEMvCCfOC0WE_NoYumVYdH3-WXd3cTKVOKm_cCeKDkQa0XE5t1w-kTb4Z68xxYzcu85_OfMbQ4Vh_WD2RP-NXc1TZBQwSfqPgPkoSmkheaS7K0Q/s1600-h/monsoon+agave.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293881271841286322" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgny6mjeP3zTrF9xyyCCpJp8-4HEMvCCfOC0WE_NoYumVYdH3-WXd3cTKVOKm_cCeKDkQa0XE5t1w-kTb4Z68xxYzcu85_OfMbQ4Vh_WD2RP-NXc1TZBQwSfqPgPkoSmkheaS7K0Q/s320/monsoon+agave.JPG" border="0" /></a>I have a new tapestry, <em>canyon night</em>, in progress on my Shannock loom now & I’m planning to submit it for IWC’s <em>Fiber Celebrated</em>; it would be wonderful to have it accepted & see it there in person. Inspired by <a href="http://tapestry13.blogspot.com/2008/10/slide-show-of-my-first-week-at-hambidge.html">Tommye Scanlin</a>, I will soon be submitting an application for an Artist in Residence position, but I don’t want to reveal where just yet. <a href="http://www.mtnspinweave.org/index.htm">The Mountain Spinners & Weavers Guild</a> of Prescott, AZ has asked me to give a presentation on tapestry weaving, which will be in November. My cello teacher, a member of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, tells me if I continue doing as well as I have been that she will invite me to join the adult ensemble she directs this summer, although I’m not as convinced as she that others will want to listen to what is coming from my cello. Whew, can I have a bigger plate, please?<br /><br />Here’s a little more about my current tapestry, <em>canyon night</em>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelXGge_4hFVD0jnVwsjcRKlY9SqdrAOxBBuAVuArLWYRwKguNYceJcZicebKdujV1ysOjTG7Ygh3ze33-rDkPzWF_fn7kRn_sS2iebsL13sU6JCFTiTJJehVYZaC8s2RobB19UA/s1600-h/DSCF4250.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293882224786926034" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelXGge_4hFVD0jnVwsjcRKlY9SqdrAOxBBuAVuArLWYRwKguNYceJcZicebKdujV1ysOjTG7Ygh3ze33-rDkPzWF_fn7kRn_sS2iebsL13sU6JCFTiTJJehVYZaC8s2RobB19UA/s320/DSCF4250.JPG" border="0" /></a>My cartoon is a photo I took at dusk during one of our trips to our NM mountain property. Instead of trying to trace the intricate & not so clear branches of the fir & cedar trees onto vellum as I usually do, I decided to invert the colors in the photo & tile print it onto cardstock. Reminds me of an x-ray image. So I must weave what appears dark as light & light as dark, using the actual photo as a guide for the sky’s color gradations. Not hard if I don’t think about it too much! I will post with more photos as it progresses.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuPNdguET89z3YcLh-SCymehz0E2OsLiBuWQqpS_FlW6HTkORceK9mz_z_lRqRjOwJPihkwTvnRiKbI3aiAAkOti0SJamR7EfLRzPlvsY1bsT-kfN4-19fKPNnF0wsYDphfnc5g/s1600-h/2007_0929NM0078.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293881924082731138" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuPNdguET89z3YcLh-SCymehz0E2OsLiBuWQqpS_FlW6HTkORceK9mz_z_lRqRjOwJPihkwTvnRiKbI3aiAAkOti0SJamR7EfLRzPlvsY1bsT-kfN4-19fKPNnF0wsYDphfnc5g/s320/2007_0929NM0078.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghsfOvaUsLkctySOgqy4wITzJpC32dqL2lpBimwW4ZAm8xyZuZdvXJenvo2dhblpH1PEHT5w1ngidOX3sAFTmWYU5OlhndDu6X4Gsp_ZOMNoHPG0LsgO4odz4MaPLCnHHGLO77qg/s1600-h/DSCF4252.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293882531993778354" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghsfOvaUsLkctySOgqy4wITzJpC32dqL2lpBimwW4ZAm8xyZuZdvXJenvo2dhblpH1PEHT5w1ngidOX3sAFTmWYU5OlhndDu6X4Gsp_ZOMNoHPG0LsgO4odz4MaPLCnHHGLO77qg/s400/DSCF4252.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Lastly, here is a slide show of images from my volunteer activities at the Western Archeological Conservation Center. Click on any photo as it appears to see a description. For a brief explanation of what we are actually doing, visit the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/desertsong/sets/72157612456507874/">WACC photo set</a> in my Flickr photo album.</div><br /><div></div><br /><iframe align="center" src="http://www.flickr.com/slideShow/index.gne?group_id=&user_id=75805638@N00&set_id=72157612456507874&text=" frameborder="0" width="500" scrolling="no" height="500"></iframe><br /><small>Created with <a title="Admarket.se" href="http://www.admarket.se/">Admarket's</a> <a title="flickrSLiDR" href="http://flickrslidr.com/">flickrSLiDR</a>.</small></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680727252540559507noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32591426.post-1045886141998494622008-11-25T13:36:00.001-08:002008-11-25T14:22:31.092-08:00got thanks?<div align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272720086370196882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYkFNG88rkS7mogzkICV2esMZwedFnKLhyphenhyphenG5Nl3QrR2Y5GKTlqYB3jdyH9KcwKivZDHmN6zJNk8rVkJb68K_8kuRoNqG-Ocwd9b2YRC6OpaabdTmk1TxxzfFAofQrLHiyqyNVaOg/s400/painted+hills+detail.jpg" border="0" />I do!!!<br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">As my most favorite holiday approaches, I have much to be thankful for...</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left">After what has seemed like a very long struggle, <em>painted hills</em> is finally finished, mounted, & submitted for <a href="http://www.americantapestryalliance.org/Exhibitions/STInt/Connections.html">ATA's new juried small format <em>Connections</em> exhibit</a>! </div><div align="left"></div><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272720607380690578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-FkQHBO-V5De1PV3MyN5O_J0bf4HjvwdJLJ3VYxabBii95WSErXwLDla_liI6ZkLjB-5dCuerNmx_PonFPzCasl7-7CE3UHGwgiAu3iJM2_e-gcz4MUv4_pSa82DzpF82T-f0Cg/s400/painted+hills.jpg" border="0" />I think this tapestry really represents what the entire year has been about for me (which is about how long is has taken to complete). Although it isn't visually apparent just looking at it, both this little tapestry & my life this year have been filled with beginnings & endings, false starts, sorrow & joy, rethinking how to do things that have been automatic, & explorations. Life changed after Roux died, bringing Roger & Moka into our lives. I have come to an understanding about my parents' health issues & their emotions as people, not parents. I've formed wonderful new friendships & strengthened others that were evolving. I've journeyed to beautiful places. I am having new experiences. I will write more about these last few events near the year's end (my other favorite holiday), the time when I really love to reflect on what has passed & what is to come.<br /><br />I am always filled with thankfulness when I think of Dennis & our home. I will never forget that he became such an important part of my life just as the knot in the end of my rope was about to slip through my hands. Because of Dennis, my world changed into something I never thought possible before, & that is still happening.<br /><br />I now have much hope that I can feel proud to be American again, something I haven't been able to feel for the last 8 years. It is good to know we now have someone who isn't asleep at the wheel to guide us into the future. Obama has a huge, tangled mess awaiting him, but I have the distinct feeling he is chomping at the bit to get started untangling things. I know things are a bit grim now, but I see a shining future awaiting us.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272721787329274914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9GBNKvoqvbQp_vxjD0O1e78tqTmY_6S9AHplkyansR6FsB_hhuqAPO0CkOHOxzsLmDYlvw_JaVTIZfluugbyIj_n8cCvtc6JgJHJyyLpthXVN9jzUb4Wr_G3pDRDLweONG2x3Q/s400/DSCF3570.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">Got turkey? </p>lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680727252540559507noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32591426.post-88696904382777407092008-10-15T14:27:00.000-07:002008-10-15T15:29:55.504-07:00blue river retreat fall 2008<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4susm_29d11sjO6I4w7oXzKP6LwzW43tR_3hlI2h_DPnPJ4f1HD1KfU4IVQHiNEdwcOvjpxQyQECZwnS3Fc80ii2XQNxvhaZuTsAsyVpHIybEby6ajzUGnEjWQmj8FbsMqN28Cg/s1600-h/janie's+garden+-+marigold+harvest.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257509268739968466" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4susm_29d11sjO6I4w7oXzKP6LwzW43tR_3hlI2h_DPnPJ4f1HD1KfU4IVQHiNEdwcOvjpxQyQECZwnS3Fc80ii2XQNxvhaZuTsAsyVpHIybEby6ajzUGnEjWQmj8FbsMqN28Cg/s400/janie's+garden+-+marigold+harvest.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Did you blink? If you did, you missed it, the not so subtle transition from summer to fall. It happens like that here in the desert, a place of extremes which can evoke both fascination & frustration. Over the weekend, during a time period of about 48 hours, we went from temps of high 90s & low 70s to temps of low 60s to low 40s, so quickly as the weather is wont to do this time of year that I always wonder how our reptiles don’t get caught with their pants down & freeze, so to speak. We’ve now tempered a bit to our more normal fall weather of low 80s & low 50s, & lizards have come out of hiding, skittering about at midday much to Roger’s & Mo’s delight.<br /><br />Signs of seasonal changes can seem imperceptible here in the desert for those who are accustomed to more flashy fanfare, but they do exist, & their subtleties are what I find so beautiful… the sun rising lazily over the Catalina Mountains; our pomegranate tree's branches bowed under the weight of its dusky red fruits; turpentine bushes turning their brassy gold blooms into buff colored fluffs of seed; the sudden proliferation of coyote scat looking ever so much like thick piles of raspberry jam studded with seeds, the coloration resulting from gorging on the abundant bounty of luscious, ripe, wine red prickly pear fruits; those same fruits laying scattered about half eaten & oozing red juice & shiny black seeds, a testament of nightly feasting by the desert's denizens; the sky putting on intense blue coloration so brilliantly bottomless it doesn’t seem it can possibly be real; the rarefied atmosphere bringing into sharp focus the craggy features of the mountains encircling the Tucson basin.<br /><br />Luckily, I had a little prep time for this weather change a couple weekends ago when I joined <a href="http://www.navajo-indian.com/">DY Begay</a>, her friend Peggy, & Janie Hoffman at <a href="http://www.blueriverretreat.com/">Janie’s home in the Blue River Wilderness</a> for a little retreat. Just a couple days, enough for us 3 desert dwellers to get a bit of a respite from the heat that was still plaguing us then. We hiked on Escudilla Mountain through groves of aspens, their golden autumn leaves shimmering in the breeze, & enjoyed an al fresco lunch of crackers, cheese, & apples on an open hillside with spectacular views of sky, evergreens, aspens, & golden grasses encircling us. Peggy, DY, & I spent time in Janie’s magical garden, collecting dyeplant blooms & veggies before the first frost claimed them, enjoying the lush greenness of the plants, the beautiful blooms, & the industrious insects. DY, Janie, & I also got in a little loom time in Janie’s studio. DY was working on the first weaving in her new Parfleche series, using a cleverly procured “For Sale” sign frame as a portable loom, Janie was beginning the second to last tapestry of her Sky Island collage tapestry, & I continued work on my painted hills. And, of course, our visit was also spiced throughout with wonderful shared meals, good wine, lively conversation, & much laughter. We’re already planning another retreat in May next year… want to join us?</div><div></div><div></div><br /><iframe align="center" src="http://www.flickr.com/slideShow/index.gne?group_id=&user_id=75805638@N00&set_id=72157608068448639&text=" frameborder="0" width="500" scrolling="no" height="500"></iframe><br /><small>Created with <a title="Admarket.se" href="http://www.admarket.se/">Admarket's</a> <a title="flickrSLiDR" href="http://flickrslidr.com/">flickrSLiDR</a>.</small>lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680727252540559507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32591426.post-29248606422739503792008-09-08T14:16:00.001-07:002008-09-09T06:16:00.459-07:00road trip to taos<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjryuDNNuSE_RM0MaEYoTLVTvL_cx9_3DDb0DStsc-0wx5soERxqjGALB7UL4IxJbNBlaGdkCSWWgYZFrBgbMYwELtQo_q20rT9JoZge5l3PBnM7VyDSO-lxof4DZtgCxMQ-ovSrg/s1600-h/new+mexico+sunflowers1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243817561647956610" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjryuDNNuSE_RM0MaEYoTLVTvL_cx9_3DDb0DStsc-0wx5soERxqjGALB7UL4IxJbNBlaGdkCSWWgYZFrBgbMYwELtQo_q20rT9JoZge5l3PBnM7VyDSO-lxof4DZtgCxMQ-ovSrg/s400/new+mexico+sunflowers1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Dennis & I ended August & celebrated his 51st birthday with a road trip to Taos. We haven't been on a trip like this in over 4 years... when our dog Bear died in 2004, we had just bought our New Mexico mountain property near Cloudcroft & started taking camping trips there with our other dog Roux until she died at the beginning of this year. Now, our "new" dogs, Roger & Moka, are young, healthy, & perfectly able to stand the trauma of being left with the pet sitter for a few days, so we packed up, hopped into Dennis' Corvette, & jetted up to Taos. I couldn't believe we were actually going some place together where I could sleep in a regular bed, have a shower every day & not have to cook a single meal!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mabeldodgeluhan.com/index.html">The Mabel Dodge Luhan House</a> was a fabulous place to stay, & served the best breakfasts I can remember ever eating during a vacation. It's quirky, it's beautiful, it's historic, it's got character... & it's a little bit shabby here & there, kind of like an old fashioned grandmother's house. Thinking about the interesting conversations that must have taken place between Mabel & some of the house's renowned guests-- Ansel Adams, D. H. Lawrence, Mary Austin, Willa Cather, & Georgia O'Keeffe --had me daydreaming about what some of the old giant cottonwood trees around the house must have heard & seen. Still an artist's retreat, there are no televisions, no phones, & no obnoxious people talking on their cell phones. If you want a generic, sterile, homogenized place to stay, this may not be the place for you. We LOVED it!<br /><br />We spent our time in & around the Taos area... driving through the beautiful high desert country visiting many different places:<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.handweavers.com/">Tierra Wools</a> weaving cooperative is in the tiny community of Los Ojos on the other side of the Tusas Mountains. The rugs, wools, & looms were a feast for a weaver's eyes & soul. Dennis was in heaven driving his Vette the way it was meant to be driven on the twisting roads... he said he knew he reached optimum speeds when he saw me grabbing the door handle. I think not being able to see the speedometer from where I was sitting was a good thing.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.earthship.net/">Earthship Headquarters</a>-- getting to see the inside of a "model Earthship" & watching a sugar coated video about how "easy & fun" it is to build one yourself by just collecting old cans, bottles, & tires. Interesting, but the video forgot to mention that swinging a sledgehammer to pack those tires full of dirt might just kill you if you're over 45, not to mention the effort it would take to hand plaster the entire structure. Oh, yes, & we were able to experience firsthand just how hungry mosquitoes in isolated areas can get if water is left standing in unused tires when we went outside. Still, we were very intrigued by the structure & it was great to be able to experience the interior of one & see the wild & strange looking community of Earthships scattered around the area.<br /><br />Seeing the views from the Rio Grande River Gorge Bridge, or at least Dennis did. I was so struck by panic & fear when I caught a glimpse of the abyss through the open railing when we were partly across the bridge that I almost crushed Dennis' hand, broke out into a jello-legged, hyperventilating, stomach churning sweat, & couldn't look. When cars drove past the bridge trembled, & I grabbed the rail, knowing I'd never be able to walk back to the car. Luckily, some other tourists came right up next to me & started talking about a group photo... in dire fear that they would ask me to take the photo (Dennis had left me clinging to the rail to go across to take pictures of the other side), which meant I would have to let go of the rail & LOOK, I was able to pry my hand loose to run over & latch on to Dennis, who kindly took me back to the car.<br /><br />We drove through the tiny <a href="http://www.visitseco.com/">Arroyo Seco</a> community & up the switchbacking curves into Taos Ski Valley on Taos Mountain, then back down for lunch in Arroyo Seco. We spent only a little time looking around Taos since most everything there is more or less "tourist trap" type merchandise, with the exception of Weaving Southwest where I bought some nice chunks of natural indigo for dyeing & La Lana Wools where I bought walnuts for dyeing & some beautiful roving for my friend Stacey who is learning to spin. There was a very disappointing "Art Fair" in the park on the weekend, but in walking to it from Mabel's House we discovered the old tiny Taos cemetery where we were able to see graves & read headstones of Kit Carson, some of his cavalry buddies, & Mabel herself. In the evenings we enjoyed delicious meals, good microbrew beer, & smoky mescal at <a href="http://www.eskesbrewpub.com/">Eske's Brew Pub</a> & the <a href="http://taosinn.com/adobe_bar.html">Adobe Bar</a>, accompanied by the vibes of good local musicians.<br /><br />We made a journey down to Santa Fe to have lunch with Kathy Perkins & Bengt Erickson, & to visit the <a href="http://www.okeeffemuseum.org/home.aspx">Georgia O'Keeffe Museum</a> where a fabulous exhibit of both her & Ansel Adam's works were on display. Dennis said I had found my "mecca", but he was just as absorbed as I in the pleasure of viewing these two artists' works. It was quite an experience to look at O'Keeffe's paintings in person & up close, so close in fact that I was thrilled to be able to discern her brush strokes & notice that she had used different techniques for the effects she created in each work.<br /><br />Finally, the time came when we had to leave the wonderful Taos climate to journey back home to the desert heat. It has still been breaking 100 here, but I feel & see that fall is on its way. Mornings have been cooler & the light is changing. No longer thin, searing, & white-hot, morning & afternoon light now have a rarefied, golden quality... evidence of the change in the Earth's tilt as it makes its way to the end of another year's journey around the sun.<br /><br />Below is a slide show of images for you to enjoy of our journey to one of the most beautiful places in the west... to see photo captions, just left click with your mouse on the photo.<br /><br /><iframe align="center" src="http://www.flickr.com/slideShow/index.gne?group_id=&user_id=75805638@N00&set_id=72157607186319272&text=" frameborder="0" width="500" scrolling="no" height="500"></iframe><br /><small>Created with <a title="Admarket.se" href="http://www.admarket.se/">Admarket's</a> <a title="flickrSLiDR" href="http://flickrslidr.com/">flickrSLiDR</a>.</small>lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680727252540559507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32591426.post-56717066450557482052008-08-21T17:27:00.000-07:002008-09-02T15:59:04.071-07:00dog days of summer<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjopTjVx5HiDXUFsv7CVuQm87R_sPZ1Oe1oOYA7i85LYIFQvr6nYZXaVnEjacPJ4WWdsNxO50lvxE2ncBy0bQlDMEezPKO4w_HWBMLcCrDK8jtSiHAuyiBtEF-UHnK2EI9tEsHQYw/s1600-h/mo+%26+roger.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237144934509646306" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjopTjVx5HiDXUFsv7CVuQm87R_sPZ1Oe1oOYA7i85LYIFQvr6nYZXaVnEjacPJ4WWdsNxO50lvxE2ncBy0bQlDMEezPKO4w_HWBMLcCrDK8jtSiHAuyiBtEF-UHnK2EI9tEsHQYw/s400/mo+%26+roger.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div>We are in the midst of the dog days here. It is miserable to go outside. Roger & Mo have totally adapted to studio life & know how to handle it.</div><br /><div>The temps I see posted for most of the rest of the country on the national weather reports fill me with a great deal of envy. Although our humidity has been dropping this week, making the heat a tiny bit more bearable, 105 is HOT, dry or not!</div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwgUyWtxKFCa9En1zxUB8sm4TBzVxboJOZxycPb-AhLg3KYTCBT4zoA0xkRUri3okhZ1NwGOCQXyIJDXkvuBwc9junQv_1odnDPWOKCBk3D0o_JFTKjITE4gTHB7KgvgsQPgAuw/s1600-h/devils+claw.jpg"></a></div><div></div><div></div><div><br />But, I am grateful we have had substantial rains this <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwgUyWtxKFCa9En1zxUB8sm4TBzVxboJOZxycPb-AhLg3KYTCBT4zoA0xkRUri3okhZ1NwGOCQXyIJDXkvuBwc9junQv_1odnDPWOKCBk3D0o_JFTKjITE4gTHB7KgvgsQPgAuw/s1600-h/devils+claw.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237145121494963554" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwgUyWtxKFCa9En1zxUB8sm4TBzVxboJOZxycPb-AhLg3KYTCBT4zoA0xkRUri3okhZ1NwGOCQXyIJDXkvuBwc9junQv_1odnDPWOKCBk3D0o_JFTKjITE4gTHB7KgvgsQPgAuw/s320/devils+claw.jpg" border="0" /></a></div>monsoon season. The desert is very green right now, with many "volunteers" such as this Devil's Claw sprouting up seemingly from nowhere. If you look into the photo's background, you can see the green "claws" which are actually the plant's seed pods still in their sticky green skins, reminding me of a warped okra. When the pods dry, the skins split & the interior structure curls outward into two curled prongs. The Tohono O'odham use the claw to weave black designs into their <a href="http://www.tocaonline.org/Basketry/Entries/2008/6/9_Basketry_Materials.html">exquisite baskets</a>.</div><br /><div>I have been organizing my files in the studio & cleaning up, not much weaving taking place. Now that everything is in order, I have started working again on <em>painted hills</em>; I will post photos when I've got more to show! I had started it around the time I went to Alpine for the tapestry retreat, & took it with me to Tselani, but I didn't get much accomplished on it either of those two trips. I am feeling like I will be digging into it seriously now & I hope to be able to submit it for ATA's newest small format exhibit.</div><br /><div>In between organizing tasks, I completed my ATA volunteer duty editing the next Tapestry Topics newsletter for the online issue excerpts. One of the perks of doing that is getting to see the newsletter content before it goes to print. Since I just skim it for the excerpts, I get a good taste of the theme. By the time the actual newsletter comes in the mail enough time has passed so that I enjoy reading it thoroughly. This issue is fabulous, the theme of small format tapestries received wonderfully written submissions from many tapestry artists. I am very excited to have three articles that I wrote included in this issue.</div><br /><div>I delivered <em>sensia</em> to Tohono Chul at the beginning of the week for the "Please Touch, Again" exhibit which opened today. I am honored to have it represent the exhibit (along with another artist's work) on the exhibit's promo postcard. The artists' reception will be in October & I am looking forward to it because by then the weather should be much more bearable.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237145440257018626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpFnhpfnqjybRLIQT3Um8oL_qN2_62tAcZ_uVq7UXn4bRI9PFhd5fQJcKY-SR7SoXW0EjnlvNz-W9MyQ6C-eT_kp5CVS-zaItAsYpmo3iDcnHUrA-ptePD4VGr1OR82VmHBPhmw/s400/please+touch+postcard_front.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237145657951518786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65g4l7J4W9yIS2-kX1yKDBigev7DK7RRwC3ecM0Hm610qxA9Wlvw_-arOJhQiEdXfgp7O2a4nbTGO1Vib_hwsVlOY6lFg0OrlauCYePdRDnOx1q37KD8VZVATPAmMyQJzdz7rEQ/s400/please+touch+postcard_back.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>I've decided to submit most of my previously completed tapestries for a couple of upcoming local exhibits, Arizona Designer Craftsmen's <em>Craftsmanship: 2nd Annual ADC Juried Exhibition</em>, held at Arizona State University in Tempe, & Mesa Contemporary Arts Center's <em>30th Annual Contemporary Crafts</em>, in Mesa. Both cities are large suburbs of Phoenix... I can't wait to see if they will be accepted as I am not sure that they have had much tapestry represented in those venues. I feel the need to start spreading my wings locally & get my work into more locations than just Tohono Chul.</div><br /><div>Next week, Dennis & I are taking a road trip to Taos for a few days! An escape from the heat! We will have fun exploring around Taos, driving out into the beautiful high desert country, & experiencing some of Taos' eclectic night life & tasty cuisine. We also will go into Santa Fe one of the days we are there to do some sightseeing (I am ecstatic about visiting the Georgia O'Keeffe museum) & to have lunch with tapestry artists Kathy Perkins & Bengt Erikson. Dennis is worried that I will turn the whole trip into a "fiber head" extravaganza. I tried to reassure him, but then I remembered that New Mexico has a fabulous publication, <a href="http://www.nmfiberarts.org/">New Mexico Fiber Arts Trails</a>, which is free & maps out rural fiber arts destinations all over the state. I now have a copy of it in my possession... after all, many of those places are right on the way & it would be a shame not to stop, wouldn't it?<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237145848416805602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvORTEjSnyBt2nyEl1bJdbJX1K_T-aXctSBPRv1DCVr7RMWbvMJ6T_swmKaHbsuMBde9FtyIRLr_JEtAlLbIVsOtj4E4gV_UYcVeLDMO7ghMg1uda1wE7YJpfMZdykuQ5aLT45zA/s400/mo.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div>lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680727252540559507noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32591426.post-57391893658549171242008-07-31T15:53:00.000-07:002008-10-15T15:33:15.008-07:00tres tejaderas: retreat in tselani<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfffbESnRKNvGBPpODWtGUMtUREW7pUIuGFzRodEs4WsFs0N9bmyjZhoishjybqr4huk-vMJ7DhqWWpnplrvslJONjMDlfvVi-VsZEU8S6wQU32bvtakFw-KHtDEGkTttGYCa2NA/s1600-h/paintbrush+%26+canyon.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229319809178645042" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfffbESnRKNvGBPpODWtGUMtUREW7pUIuGFzRodEs4WsFs0N9bmyjZhoishjybqr4huk-vMJ7DhqWWpnplrvslJONjMDlfvVi-VsZEU8S6wQU32bvtakFw-KHtDEGkTttGYCa2NA/s400/paintbrush+%26+canyon.jpg" border="0" /></a>In the beginning of July, just a few days after Dennis & I returned from our NM camping trip, I had the incredible pleasure of spending several days with DY Begay & Janie Hoffman at DY's hogan & studio on the Navajo reservation in Tselani. Located about 30 miles SW of Chinle as the raven flies, Tselani is quite a bit further by road... as DY said in one of her emails to Janie & I, "Bring plenty of wine! The nearest store is 96 miles away!"<br /><br /><div></div><div>I'm not even sure how to begin describing our time together there; it was so wonderful, words do not even seem adequate, but I'll try... </div><br /><div>The hogan & studio are located on DY's family lands; she grew up here with her many brothers & sisters, surrounded by other family members; many still live there or nearby. She climbed, ran, played, hauled water, learned about plants & their uses, & memorized a landscape punctuated by junipers, buttes, & mesas. Even though DY didn't tell Janie & I this in so many words, it's readily apparent that she comes back here to ground herself, to decompress from city life, to allow her creative energies to thrive unhindered.</div><div></div><div></div><div><br /><br />Mornings were for hiking, following DY up canyons, clambering over sandstone & shale, inhaling juniper scented air, drinking in the vistas. She told us about many land features, plants, old home sites, & little bits of what life was like growing up & living there, even of meeting her first English speaking person. We collected quite a few dye plants on our hikes-- sage, chamiso, cota, mistletoe, juniper berries --& collected pocketfuls of colorful pebbles. Tselani means "many rocks" in Navajo & it is easy to see why it is called so. The heavily eroded sandstone cliffs are banded & striated in every color one could imagine & some you'd never think of. Colored boulders encrusted with rainbow colored lichen are strewn about the canyons like a giant's bag of marbles. DY & I traded Navajo & Spanish words for the plants & objects we encountered, leading Janie to christen us the "Tres Tejaderas", the three weavers.</div><br /><div>Afternoons we lunched, napped, & retreated to the studio to weave, listen to music, & talk. The studio's rectangular windows were carefully placed low & on the horizontal so DY has spectacular views of the landscape & horizon while she is seated at her loom weaving. We examined & talked about what we each had on our looms, admiring each piece & making observations, & discussed our future weaving plans.</div><br /><div>Evenings we enjoyed an ice cold beer or chilled glass of wine on the hogan's broad deck, soaking in the ever-changing view of the mesas on the horizon. We took turns as cook each night & enjoyed scrumptious meals of lasagne, chicken chef salad , & chile verde pork posole.</div><div></div><div></div><div><br /><br />How exquisite this experience was... all three of us share a passion for weaving, natural dyeing, & the natural environment which made it very easy to spend time together & strengthen our friendships. Our visit felt timeless, yet the hours seemed to fly by.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><em><br /><br />"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born." Anaïs Nin</em></div><div></div><div></div><br /><br /><iframe align="center" src="http://www.flickr.com/slideShow/index.gne?group_id=&user_id=75805638@N00&set_id=72157606506868052&text=" frameBorder="0" width="500" height="500" scrolling="no"></iframe><br/><small>Created with <a href="http://www.admarket.se" title="Admarket.se">Admarket's</a> <a href="http://flickrslidr.com" title="flickrSLiDR">flickrSLiDR</a>.</small>lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680727252540559507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32591426.post-71192057564365818652008-07-25T14:20:00.000-07:002008-07-25T14:37:55.364-07:00a touchable tapestry<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">sensia...<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227067229595479602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61H5a1_VsB34m8ZZYK4CwzlIX0RK-avYY9RvuyaLJuCutYqiKE8mrXSsit8njptbNCdzsiEJtpsT4Du27Ar_7lYVCOQdCq7s6F5eNJvZE2vzsE20idc-Wqqwud_-43GjQbcWFFQ/s400/sensia+complete.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:180%;">smooth, silken, soft</span> </span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:130%;">rough, ribbed, ridged</span> </span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:130%;">thick, thin, thirled<br /><br /></span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center">desert life fragments<br /><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:85%;">human made trinkets<br /></span><br /></span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">tangible & visible feast</span></div>lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680727252540559507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32591426.post-29590847568037146492008-07-20T16:22:00.016-07:002008-07-22T06:07:57.052-07:00a NM trip & new tapestry<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76cbyZtOpenUFSYNbZcD5j9OhQIMetyji6DbfFG-D8aNGNCq8kRroUzIO-OW9fUVfJ81n4Uh2DphvAUTCPEuIPRXp_AkVrgufc7Zsd1IcXsn0Dh07Txi_9A0cL9nVl2hWdUru9w/s1600-h/vervain+%26+skipper.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225261622318261410" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76cbyZtOpenUFSYNbZcD5j9OhQIMetyji6DbfFG-D8aNGNCq8kRroUzIO-OW9fUVfJ81n4Uh2DphvAUTCPEuIPRXp_AkVrgufc7Zsd1IcXsn0Dh07Txi_9A0cL9nVl2hWdUru9w/s320/vervain+%26+skipper.jpg" border="0" /></a>At the end of June & through July's beginning we took our first trip of the year to our New Mexico mountain property. It was also the first time Roger & Moka have gone there, & for Roger, probably the first time he's ever been on a trip at all. Moka's foster owners, Lisa & Kurt, had taken her on a brief camping trip just before we adopted her. So, this was more of a "shake down cruise" than the laid back relaxation we had enjoyed when we took Roux in previous years. After all, she was, as Dennis put it "an old lady" & knew how to behave; in sharp contrast, Roger & Moka are two rowdy teenagers & needed constant supervision! Their senses were in high gear, seeing, smelling, & hearing all things new & wonderful. They did pretty good overall, although they became quite vocal over turkeys that passed through our clearing on a couple of days & <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG560bDDBWl9lFzOdLwcH78mGSzgrwJnF9j3Q0qVFIaLjq6-G4nIUkW8TMmM6UdCKAqqfDqqB4LZSEkyQPqqsZi_SYOlSQx0QExEWbLZNLXX8V30EiSv26WHaljbPQ3rgdVOsg5Q/s1600-h/camp+scene.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225260080036732850" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG560bDDBWl9lFzOdLwcH78mGSzgrwJnF9j3Q0qVFIaLjq6-G4nIUkW8TMmM6UdCKAqqfDqqB4LZSEkyQPqqsZi_SYOlSQx0QExEWbLZNLXX8V30EiSv26WHaljbPQ3rgdVOsg5Q/s320/camp+scene.jpg" border="0" /></a>very agitated with a bold vole that kept dashing through the middle of camp & seemed to know just how far Roger & Moka could stretch their ropes. They were tired & quiet at night, very ready to come into the camper & settle into their beds. The biggest issue we discovered turned out to be Roger's inability to cope with riding in the vehicle in a calm manner, so this is something we'll have to work on so we can better maintain our sanity when we travel with them the next time! <div><div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUAulaTecXoUqb-5EBdF96acx8T2edLXDV77wIawXoPmlqHXFhotOXqcrxL75bV_xXGK126DTw1HPnp2wow7QL2MgqduOvokxHfhb5odgGoVI50SWB66TVaTNEQAvtkIH1SezcDg/s1600-h/milberts+tortoiseshell.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225259763418798306" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUAulaTecXoUqb-5EBdF96acx8T2edLXDV77wIawXoPmlqHXFhotOXqcrxL75bV_xXGK126DTw1HPnp2wow7QL2MgqduOvokxHfhb5odgGoVI50SWB66TVaTNEQAvtkIH1SezcDg/s320/milberts+tortoiseshell.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>I did do a bit of gathering on this trip, collecting more stinging nettle-- the last I collected was in late summer on a previous trip; early summer is supposed to give slightly different colors, so we will see. I also collected elderberry leaves & branches to bring as a gift for DY when I made a trip to her hogan in Tselani with Janie Hoffman--- that trip will be the subject of the next post!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDEw1Ullgy41LMmaz_gwIkKUlz8O7GO3K1jAdfI9M1Va5L53zX-iQuun4U6xIQXWA8QJHThkR_rPn-SLhJBNleT7TQLgcdD-sGd4pen83UYaB4Cs2GKdauqrUz2Q9WsvjzgJZMw/s1600-h/lyn+%26+elderberry.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225260737822459298" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDEw1Ullgy41LMmaz_gwIkKUlz8O7GO3K1jAdfI9M1Va5L53zX-iQuun4U6xIQXWA8QJHThkR_rPn-SLhJBNleT7TQLgcdD-sGd4pen83UYaB4Cs2GKdauqrUz2Q9WsvjzgJZMw/s320/lyn+%26+elderberry.jpg" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225260400378259490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0mRsF2hr_K2X2QDoTIvex6aV8Ftm_FTJPZMuWx94V0nJFGnlFD4TesAqFsDfOtOdc8uXMIu5KCjB0A6p1s0xzFstdMvVJu8Shh_13S_1MJkd5iXt6lBSX0fMLJRHXtHC_ODz2Q/s200/nettle.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>On a walk down our road with Dennis & the dogs, I was surprised to look down & see a spiral <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgtq4s4YLfB-yq02hpz4GoMa1Oo_Anc8LqiABv7YSkwB1rH77KGfRfUS2AEcqFhIrsIMt_L_ulqZHpt2qo0TAqk_0BpkKC0hEkepQN0gNireTv7TWfWwsUBSRBQT1tIsEWRiAjWw/s1600-h/cephalopod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225260990398008338" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgtq4s4YLfB-yq02hpz4GoMa1Oo_Anc8LqiABv7YSkwB1rH77KGfRfUS2AEcqFhIrsIMt_L_ulqZHpt2qo0TAqk_0BpkKC0hEkepQN0gNireTv7TWfWwsUBSRBQT1tIsEWRiAjWw/s400/cephalopod.jpg" border="0" /></a>shape amongst the rocks... I found a cephalopod fossil! What a special find, I did a small sketch of it with my watercolor pencils & crayons, inspired by <a href="http://tapestry13.blogspot.com/2008/04/working-outside-today.html">Tommye Scanlin's ferns</a>. I think I would love to design a tapestry based on my sketch! I also did a sketch of a vervain bloom, New Mexico's state flower, & one day worked just a little on my <em>painted hills </em>tapestry, unweaving some of what I had woven previously because the colors weren't working, & began to replace those areas with yarns that I just dyed this past spring which worked much better.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6S8Mw8g-ACXzoB05LQ71HOr_Y1xClNPfOH2v5CXU4pGGy1k5FjrypHucEJGWAtfiYdWl4-DIaPVnk1tDWevTqMkf7MZGw7RkPoFD2THvQSFUESzumxGXsq4KYF-rTaN-Dk42H8g/s1600-h/fossil.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225261250803502738" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6S8Mw8g-ACXzoB05LQ71HOr_Y1xClNPfOH2v5CXU4pGGy1k5FjrypHucEJGWAtfiYdWl4-DIaPVnk1tDWevTqMkf7MZGw7RkPoFD2THvQSFUESzumxGXsq4KYF-rTaN-Dk42H8g/s200/fossil.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL13qFKAKiHQ5htGEKly2mB9soVOKBQsXCOdmiTdCjqMkuFsW50GSqVcTWaAgg5RneTmHQIw61ZgmASyggNjardjzvfJAl2IQswPSnmL1HTaT-UwgUxvA7KmxV1-VZvfLnDGAUCg/s1600-h/sensia.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225261914081169746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL13qFKAKiHQ5htGEKly2mB9soVOKBQsXCOdmiTdCjqMkuFsW50GSqVcTWaAgg5RneTmHQIw61ZgmASyggNjardjzvfJAl2IQswPSnmL1HTaT-UwgUxvA7KmxV1-VZvfLnDGAUCg/s400/sensia.jpg" border="0" /></a>Before leaving on our trip, I had started working on a mixed media tapestry, entitled "<em>sensia"</em>, for submission to the exhibit, “<em>Please Touch, Again</em>”, the third in a series of award-winning, hands-on exhibits at <a href="http://www.tohonochulpark.org/upcoming.html">Tohono Chul Park</a>. The series is intended to give everyone a unique opportunity to experience art using multiple senses, reaching out to people in the community who have vision loss. Once we returned from NM, I was able to finish the weaving & submit it. It is constructed of linen warp, wool, linen, & sea silk weft with mixed objects woven in. Some found & picked up here on our desert property & during walks with Roger & Moka & others from my stash of "art stuff"-- seed pods, cholla & saguaro skeleton fragments, a snake backbone, desert luffas, wood & glass beads. I also used a few different weaving techniques with the wool & linen weft in areas to add texture-- soumak & a looped weft Coptic technique. Now I need to finish the hems... I have been considering several different methods & will choose one this week to complete it.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWonZAPNVYM5YBNkIP5RBASlwDs6r27mQ8NoSHjjNJ_2GR1rm7uwhC-gQ91rlPQzYCxA68G3GukGOZj8B228_6Xom5kDLd4_mwuZ0NlhHxq4bGIcrd_joaySIFe3Pn3RXFfVC_AQ/s1600-h/sensia+detail2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225262353093608226" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWonZAPNVYM5YBNkIP5RBASlwDs6r27mQ8NoSHjjNJ_2GR1rm7uwhC-gQ91rlPQzYCxA68G3GukGOZj8B228_6Xom5kDLd4_mwuZ0NlhHxq4bGIcrd_joaySIFe3Pn3RXFfVC_AQ/s200/sensia+detail2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225262147909579186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzfZ_SJtmX8bj3Kh5r82T_pNK-bbQlACx_PqPJOLJQU2kVfwjs0wkztKfE9KodwE6QpLKhqXUqloRyUAbd8Nr0lRCj3FDWnnuIOafgOeXWribgbsbI9B2BCSJfNo8Zv-VKwAqvGQ/s200/sensia+detail1.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680727252540559507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32591426.post-6207789502350949632008-06-23T18:16:00.018-07:002008-10-15T15:34:58.571-07:00a retreat, a studio gathering, an exhibit, & getting my head on straight<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215496510840244338" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc1_91Vhd5ar9mQnnEKO3hKZMqazYBgrb95Tm2JAjr0L_4mzj4BhxuKWhCRYL7tAxE1IK6piCaL6Xfj_gur3269jHcTxtbf7OCmEgEGFqkyx4qCiOOxugSbeT_Y3CtEdnlKL_sXw/s400/blueriver+flower.jpg" border="0" />It has been a long time since I last posted, but life has been overflowing the rim...<br /><br />Back in the beginning of May, I & several of the women who were students in the beginning tapestry class I taught in Bisbee early this year, Darquise, Shirley, & Lynn, made plans to go to Janie Hoffman's <a href="http://www.blueriverretreat.com/">Blue River Retreat </a>for a tapestry retreat. We were there for 3 days and it was a wonderful & relaxed experience for everyone. Morning walks in the woods & birdwatching for those who wanted to go, gathering informally by mid-morning to weave the rest of the day with breaks for lunch. I didn't actually do a whole lot of weaving because I don't focus well in a group, but I helped them when they had questions or needed to learn a technique that hadn't been covered in the workshop. Janie also gave assistance at times which I appreciated since I think learning from more than one teacher can be so enriching & she was also one of my first teachers. On some days we invaded Janie's studio, exploring her space & admiring her work. This was the first time any of them had visited an actual tapestry artist's studio & it was a great experience for them to see some of Janie's finished tapestries, her work in progress, her cartoons & watercolors, her yarns, & her library. Some of these encounters led to in depth discussions about many things related to tapestry, inspiring for everyone! In the evenings, Janie & Don invited us into their home to gather at their dinner table to share our communally prepared meals. I was absolutely astonished by how well they were all weaving; their tapestries in progress were the first they had attempted since taking my workshop! We all decided it was an experience worth repeating next year, so when the time comes around I will post an announcement on my blog for anyone who might care to join us! I had so many wonderful photos, I created a slide show so I could include more--<br /><br /><iframe align="center" src="http://www.flickr.com/slideShow/index.gne?group_id=&user_id=75805638@N00&set_id=72157605200301115&text=" frameBorder="0" width="500" height="500" scrolling="no"></iframe><br/><small>Created with <a href="http://www.admarket.se" title="Admarket.se">Admarket's</a> <a href="http://flickrslidr.com" title="flickrSLiDR">flickrSLiDR</a>.</small><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div>After returning from the retreat, I hosted an informal studio gathering in my studio for friends & fellow weavers... unfortunately, I was so excited when everyone started arriving & had such a great time, I forgot to take pictures! Thank you to everyone who came, you all brought great energy into my space.</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimqSON129Z_gLIeq1gGTG3xPfehUGNftkt9max4XHPHbhGxIbawwNVffhkcQlVmquhkFWSXCN4Iu3Y4UERaqwDDsYpVMkIaL6NV3FbDnoS5_tqMFFt_MHrrs2Xq4uqVUGmEjmvBQ/s1600-h/dennis+%26+butterfly+magic.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215497065613031698" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimqSON129Z_gLIeq1gGTG3xPfehUGNftkt9max4XHPHbhGxIbawwNVffhkcQlVmquhkFWSXCN4Iu3Y4UERaqwDDsYpVMkIaL6NV3FbDnoS5_tqMFFt_MHrrs2Xq4uqVUGmEjmvBQ/s400/dennis+%26+butterfly+magic.jpg" border="0" /></a>A week later was the artists' reception for Artful Insects & Inspired Arachnids at Tohono Chul Park's museum. My tapestry, <em>pinacate shuffle</em>, was included in the exhibit, but the highlight for me was seeing the drawing, <em>Butterfly Magic, </em>done by my husband, Dennis, his first exhibit. He was so low key about it all, I took it upon myself to secretly invite his father & "step-mom", so it was a very big surprise for Dennis when they appeared. And, luckily, they persuaded him to allow them to take a photo of him with his work, because he had forbidden me to do so!</div><br /><div>During all of this, I was steeling myself for a visit to where my parents are living... they both have been having major health issues the last 8 months or so. I had recently seen my mother at the beginning of this year when she came to visit one of her sisters who lives nearby, but I hadn't seen my father, who is the most ill, for a little over a year. I wasn't sure how he would look, and let's just say my nursing experience was making me think the worst. As fate would have it, our hot water heater sprung a leak just prior to my visit... I had been storing practically the whole mother lode of our family's photos in the same space for my parents when they were traveling in an RV after my father's retirement, so I had to go through ALL of them to make sure none had gotten wet. Luckily, none were damaged, but I went down a very, very long walk on memory lane. Some of the photos were so old of my parents when they were children, & then there were all of those of myself & my 5 siblings as we each were born & grew up. I laughed, I cried, I felt so very nostalgic. Now they are all stored in a plastic bin instead of cardboard boxes! When I called my mother to tell her what had happened it proved to be good timing since my father, who is quite depressed over his condition, had been asking about specific photos he wanted to see again. So, I selected a few albums to send & used my scanner to scan in, blow up, & print a few photos from those albums. The box arrived in the middle of my visit there & one evening I persuaded my parents to look through one especially old album. It generated many good memories for them, & I heard many stories, some I'd heard before, & others new & surprising. It was, for the most part, a good visit. My father's condition is not ideal, but he did not look as bad as I had imagined. I cooked dinner for them most nights I was there, pulled weeds in the garden for them, did a temporary fix on a leaky AC pipe & got them to call for repair; we had a serious discussion about considering assisted living & I am going to research it for them. Although I am still worried about them, I feel a weight has been lifted because I have a more accurate image of how they are living & how they look.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQs41uPP7aSZk09TN4lYVci_Ulz1gcwiN2bcWpQ3DTY85WRxx8cdEIFbpZXjyUZ2f1cZ3GgIh5Aa6r00aBaHJ0wSolUfAlvZcVIvK5E2EPBeiCiJdatur2VwJqZAHRXIdFeTtjhw/s1600-h/mom+cheerleader.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215498604840262034" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQs41uPP7aSZk09TN4lYVci_Ulz1gcwiN2bcWpQ3DTY85WRxx8cdEIFbpZXjyUZ2f1cZ3GgIh5Aa6r00aBaHJ0wSolUfAlvZcVIvK5E2EPBeiCiJdatur2VwJqZAHRXIdFeTtjhw/s400/mom+cheerleader.png" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br />My mother, 1st on left, the captain of her high school cheerleading squad.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESQYoTbO1NKXfMsw5mj1mDEO5w2p0mti5qCrI5bDjjCQrlI90W8oUpoWP-H4DFn7sOn6rDAs5P6QFrxd4orf7FL0z6ofrRG7z5LVDm-x7JApakGQRsJPRiQqIvhVGXmEyKxQU5Q/s1600-h/dad+in+band1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215497631252956690" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESQYoTbO1NKXfMsw5mj1mDEO5w2p0mti5qCrI5bDjjCQrlI90W8oUpoWP-H4DFn7sOn6rDAs5P6QFrxd4orf7FL0z6ofrRG7z5LVDm-x7JApakGQRsJPRiQqIvhVGXmEyKxQU5Q/s320/dad+in+band1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />My father playing his bass in a high school jazz band (I have this very same bass displayed in a prominent place in our house).<br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>The only weaving I have done since the tapestry retreat was to weave an alpaca lap blanket for my father (I was there during Father's Day). In amongst all of the above, I was working on my volunteer job editing the <a href="http://www.americantapestryalliance.org/index.html">ATA</a>'s Tapestry Topics newsletter for the <a href="http://www.americantapestryalliance.org/Members/v34n1/NLv34n1.html">online digest</a>, putting together the final <a href="http://www.deserttapestryweavers.blogspot.com/">Desert Tapestry Weavers newsletter</a>, & writing several articles for the next ATA newsletter. With all of that, along with the worry about my parents, I had no desire to weave or be creative... I was experiencing a complete creative block-- mentally, physically, & spiritually.</div><br /><div>Now, I feel the block starting to crumble... Dennis & I are planning our first trip to our mountain property this year next week. We'll spend close to a week there; it will be the first trip for Roger & Moka. I am bringing my Mirrix with the <em>painted hills study</em> in progress<em> </em>that I had started during the tapestry retreat, also my watercolor pencils, crayons, & paper. Our camping is primitive, but I make sure to bring good food, and we both love spending our days outside in the mountain air & out of the desert heat. I always feel renewed after a trip there, so I am looking forward to bringing that feeling home to the studio.</div><br /><div>In sorting through all of those old photos, I came across one of a place we used to live on a river in rural New York from the time I was about 8 until I was 12. It was a tiny old cottage perched on a steep river bank; my parents moved our trailer home next to it & built a connecting hallway into the cottage. It was the only place we lived where I had my own room, & my room was in the cottage. A bed of lily of the valley bloomed outside my window in summers & I could smell it all night. The old German couple who sold it to us had planted many interesting plants on the property & there was a patio landing over the river where we went fishing. A study room surrounded in plate glass windows overlooked the river & the cow pasture on the other side. If the river froze solidly enough in winter, we could skate on it. I always loved that place & cried when my parents decided to sell it after my father rejoined the military. In finding this photo that I had not seen before, I realized it embodied the essence of how I felt about the cottage. It was where I learned to love nature, to see it, to smell it, to listen to it, to taste it, to experience it. I now have a copy of that old photo, enlarged & hanging on my board next to my desk so I can see it every day.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215500230670330626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRHOPSQ3WVnL9IWdlB3vQpQn-QTa_SgNAHlTtZ38ZWUxNtPz_Sz7gju4xL8LUnpo5tp0zs2ImJunR9u2sZP6osjCiJ2ySIbr5a41MOHZ5j6lwfqQ96xI5Bw2ISC4F4nMeCw0vNA/s400/may+lane.png" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div>lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680727252540559507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32591426.post-76257047540979998482008-04-18T11:40:00.008-07:002008-04-23T12:32:04.244-07:00dye run - spring 2008<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHzihmcafyWXcUq1oQf5zvrJP9BOdA2v2da00U6o_GwMHrnkNbnbTdoa8BLaZ4gnesVRRdlINyal89Rz8AnC3Jdbs2VhBUmxZ_LYzi5XwJb8QIUlsGfsACdmw8BtkhqAssy8huQ/s1600-h/dyerun+spring+08.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192254301847428978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHzihmcafyWXcUq1oQf5zvrJP9BOdA2v2da00U6o_GwMHrnkNbnbTdoa8BLaZ4gnesVRRdlINyal89Rz8AnC3Jdbs2VhBUmxZ_LYzi5XwJb8QIUlsGfsACdmw8BtkhqAssy8huQ/s400/dyerun+spring+08.jpg" border="0" /></a> After preparing & organizing all last week -- choosing & weighing dyestuffs from the 33 I have on hand, most that I gathered myself, weighing & labeling the skeins, readying all of my dye worksheets & sample cards --I was finally able to start the dye run last Thursday! This was the largest since the one I did in spring of '06 & it was fun, but after 4 days I am happy it is finished. I decided to give Burnham's tapestry weight wool a try this time & also changed from using natural white to bleached white. I also always overdye grey skeins along with the white, they are so wonderful to use for shading & blending.<br /><p>In the middle of the dyeing, I received good news... John Jenkins the wood artisan who creates fabulous tapestry forks (along with other beautifully crafted wood items) now has a website... </p><p align="center"><a href="http://magpiewoodworksusa.com/">Magpie Woodworks, LLC</a></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192254555250499458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfkFlC-4zVtEuoOLsn6FGOpp-eNkNuJ6-ukWXHFMRc7DaE8ZYTNZTjHy_XX3zuTwYEjKF3JUhMd7gttRXcfJbi6-8FX8pGEuSNd7kJx15pQh9EoCNt-PP-7pyydgQ5G8RRRKlsRQ/s400/maggieforks1.jpg" border="0" />Everyone who sees my tapestry forks wants to know where they can get them, just as I was struck with fork lust the first time I saw one, so here it is.<br /><br />And more good news, Jan Austin has joined the world of tapestry weaver blogs! Bravo, Jan, I think you'll be a natural. As far as I'm concerned, the more tapestry blogs, the better. It is so wonderful & inspiring to see an artist's work from planning stages to cutting off, so much more enlightening than looking at a photos of a finished piece in a book! Visit Jan's blog-- <a href="http://austintapestry.blogspot.com/">http://austintapestry.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPlCLy75K9UcXM90bWfL8U69b_LA51t2e_9FumFYIENNyTc7k1D1-n0YesaRleyHSUhWSf7tTE67zfmS6PV60v565wuPBbfd8H_z1g88CwFaOKBLAb5NZmDm2yrDP4AcvsY2qRg/s1600-h/dye+pots.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192254817243504530" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPlCLy75K9UcXM90bWfL8U69b_LA51t2e_9FumFYIENNyTc7k1D1-n0YesaRleyHSUhWSf7tTE67zfmS6PV60v565wuPBbfd8H_z1g88CwFaOKBLAb5NZmDm2yrDP4AcvsY2qRg/s320/dye+pots.jpg" border="0" /></a>Every dye run has its surprises & this one was no exception... <p>The cutch given to me by Kathy Perkins produced a beautiful coppery brown & smelled of slightly burned cooked carmel. After dyeing my skeins I even threw a white washable linen skirt in that I love the feel of but don't wear much because of the color in the cooling dyebath to soak overnight. The "cutch skirt" has come out a beautiful light coppery brown. </p><p>However, the lichens were a complete failure, producing absolutely no color in the dyebath after simmering for an hour & no color on the one skein I threw in the dyepot! I had good directions to follow from a source that reported using New Mexico lichens. Hmmm. Well, that skein was rinsed & joined the skirt to soak overnight in the cooling cutch exhaust. Don't think I'll be one of the lichen dye junkies as I now have no desire to harvest any more, even though what I collected was from deadfall on our NM mountain property. Too many other plants out there are easier to harvest, more predictable in the colors that they produce, & less precious.</p><div>As far as the avocado, the results were a little disappointing. Even at 200% wog, the colors were very subtle, barely beige from the peels & a light apricot from the pits. I did an ammonia assist with one pit skein with no change. I did follow the instructions very carefully, including heating them once during their soak time to prevent mold growth. My feeling is that I did not let them soak long enough, just 7 days. The author of the recipe goes on at length about the longer they are soaked the deeper the colors, but she is quite vague on just how long is long enough! If I were to attempt it again, I think I would just collect the pits since they seem the most promising. You would have to be quite attentive & diligent about heating the soaking dyebath every few days to keep mold from growing, so I'm not sure how happy I'd be having to do that for a long period of time!</div><br /><div>The eucalyptus did not give me the hoped for oranges, but instead a green tinged gold. No matter, it smelled quite heavenly. I was quite happy with all of the other dyestuffs I used as well those I've already mentioned... mountain mahogany roots, elderberry leaves, nettle, & brasil wood.</div><br /><div>Now I am looking forward to a Bisbee trip with Dennis to celebrate our 15th, then soon after that a trip up to <a href="http://www.blueriverretreat.com/">Janie Hoffman's place on the Blue River</a> for a tapestry retreat with several other weavers!</div><br /><div align="center">Live to dye another day; respect our Earth; live, love, <em>weave</em>!</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192255092121411490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqq0UfdHaEcRpwfrUcMe5mQ1gWJpal3GMjs-c30P54dzkR3natucFpzCer5dgjDhSVTuviNL8JCxwT-bv3FD-DK5WBlrqo1aVUSFPGf3xKmeu7QNlQ1ZFGIpnKbODKQtlQifYTVA/s400/cereus+bloom.jpg" border="0" />lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680727252540559507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32591426.post-76427221418123293952008-04-15T18:31:00.037-07:002008-04-23T12:33:09.277-07:00livin' la vida moka<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCuzZ541N3Qhhe652lgH4o6IZs2pN-aZ3H7XFEUFplSCDlMxZEBrTcm9wYd9XeG4EkWDiJz75OIlV-DzHRxxDxE6Ei2cp9nzgWnGIg9PVQmxVQLuU1uRec4HZ0H22WAUKfWq0pQ/s1600-h/desert+marigold.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190012266025154690" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCuzZ541N3Qhhe652lgH4o6IZs2pN-aZ3H7XFEUFplSCDlMxZEBrTcm9wYd9XeG4EkWDiJz75OIlV-DzHRxxDxE6Ei2cp9nzgWnGIg9PVQmxVQLuU1uRec4HZ0H22WAUKfWq0pQ/s400/desert+marigold.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Life has been taking the fast track lately & I feel like I've been holding onto the ragged edge by my fingertips! But, it has all been good, if a bit hectic...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><div>Spring seems to have come & gone, since we've had temps in the mid-90s already! Fold up that fuzzy sweater & pop on that bikini, would ya? The change in season has brought a quick succession of flowers bursting forth as is wont in the desert-- the heady perfume of the waxy blooms of citrus trees; the dark, rich scent of jasmine; the bright scattered spots of color from<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRu8_eZTZl4QMS_l_RU-295oRly7G7kSXVZuFO78KGnVOr4AwFeR_eRts4SE8-ztOAcuaaiw_JIu4BFbfvju7RzMC4Jdu2_UMD8QGjsivd5eSV2g3LMsGBjeSZyNU8Bh3v5pJzcQ/s1600-h/dennis+%26+roger.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190005535811401634" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRu8_eZTZl4QMS_l_RU-295oRly7G7kSXVZuFO78KGnVOr4AwFeR_eRts4SE8-ztOAcuaaiw_JIu4BFbfvju7RzMC4Jdu2_UMD8QGjsivd5eSV2g3LMsGBjeSZyNU8Bh3v5pJzcQ/s320/dennis+%26+roger.jpg" border="0" /></a> desert marigolds, mallows, & lupines; and now the cactus & palo verdes are starting to join the <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27D5zwjaVkducPTsT7fuku7SIpSJsci6CAdbmH96vEtSVFD_P4M0uKmN7gYwp3EZJmctzDI1lCrfmhnXAhxHqgsoGoKDECveVzu5eDky-_ztrbkOUVxZz3YeFVtWryRfBcB8L2w/s1600-h/dennis+%26+roger.jpg"></a>floral chorus as mesquites & acacias don their millions of tiny green leaves. Dennis barely had time to get outside to attend to his "yard chores" before the high temps hit! We are hoping this is not the harbinger of a very dry & hot summer.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSj9EzM8-1vvDHJBATfnNL-Nif0J8Yo_u8h5nhoW1VTRDB5Vjv9d1V7bfIwmsw1Lj9F8SFLBmIUibEein9k-oAevZQuW3Faefx10sE6i8BepHHGHOLpYh2luWJK78pNziifV37YQ/s1600-h/moka.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190005952423229362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSj9EzM8-1vvDHJBATfnNL-Nif0J8Yo_u8h5nhoW1VTRDB5Vjv9d1V7bfIwmsw1Lj9F8SFLBmIUibEein9k-oAevZQuW3Faefx10sE6i8BepHHGHOLpYh2luWJK78pNziifV37YQ/s320/moka.jpg" border="0" /></a>Spring also brought us... Moka! She is our newest dog, another rescue, born on & rescued from the reservation, adopted as a puppy & then returned to the rescue organization by her first owners. She is about a year old & was very shy & skittish when we first got her, owing to whatever kind of treatment her first owners did or didn't give her. She lived with foster owners Lisa & Kurt for three weeks before we got her & they did wonders to help her become adoptable. The name came with her, although it was originally "Moca" (which I didn't like because it is <em>way</em> too close to a Spanish word for a bodily fluid I am not fond of), then became "Mocha", which I decided to change to "Moka" because she is way too hip for such a common name & she isn't brown! Good thing dogs can't spell. She has now been with us for just over two weeks & has completely made herself at home. She still has some skittishness at times, but she is quickly learning she can trust us & she absolutely loves Roger, who is a bit of a stick in the mud about playing, but who allows her to steal the cushiest bed & fling toys around & on him without much grumbling. All of the old stuffed animal toys have all had very precise sqeakectomies performed on them, Moka is quite the little surgeon. Both dogs love the daily 3 mile walks, are getting in good shape, & have learned to drink from the water bottle when we are walking. Bunnies went out of fashion after Easter, now their latest obsessions are ground squirrel holes & lizards. Needless to say, one must have a tight hold on the leashes or find oneself going for an unplanned flight into the cactus!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzmWcJDyyt77FggKhiBs2dPWQWZFQCDbStfd-NRrwMH7C0rsro4bGcaYOzv1aCFaKzfeXlGfJnyrOXyJyjjMVgtzm3NIcVZ0MMNytbwRTh1GhHdBmgxwV5KxKEwl_g8xgXqT0Yg/s1600-h/creature+hunt.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190005290998265746" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzmWcJDyyt77FggKhiBs2dPWQWZFQCDbStfd-NRrwMH7C0rsro4bGcaYOzv1aCFaKzfeXlGfJnyrOXyJyjjMVgtzm3NIcVZ0MMNytbwRTh1GhHdBmgxwV5KxKEwl_g8xgXqT0Yg/s200/creature+hunt.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5jDnfUJ8s5kaHVQLZa1gI7bJk24VA7NfPWmvNM71xmf_o55R8aiFzhut-0-JW3YM_W35YFjjlu2O73lK_KP-kYqbaFozg0pULEorGqH759zQ53xbfyHRLkxF9tfdoDmmZwxI0Jw/s1600-h/moka2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190004655343105890" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5jDnfUJ8s5kaHVQLZa1gI7bJk24VA7NfPWmvNM71xmf_o55R8aiFzhut-0-JW3YM_W35YFjjlu2O73lK_KP-kYqbaFozg0pULEorGqH759zQ53xbfyHRLkxF9tfdoDmmZwxI0Jw/s320/moka2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdT1qFc430KeNJ1xznwUfMujJrovOpSm9-KSDLBGPT3X4yhfF_rmqZdKLVZcO6AHhKgqzWiP-TWswI7mD5oWyq8ChYUX3vu-tDx863pizykWm-1uyvMpM27wjY_Cq9IlAfMvb_A/s1600-h/moka.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjswuDedyW8nelxXiXD4Seygb1J8CWO6TVrIAq2XqSRnlqnBg3hBSGNF2w77Kfn0kzfhdNTJsEvw-ATOTj70kqZaNNBYAjce1VgamRyFMk78jWQabZ_e1Rg_y7_Iion2rnvyql-MQ/s1600-h/dog+studio+duty.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190004891566307186" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjswuDedyW8nelxXiXD4Seygb1J8CWO6TVrIAq2XqSRnlqnBg3hBSGNF2w77Kfn0kzfhdNTJsEvw-ATOTj70kqZaNNBYAjce1VgamRyFMk78jWQabZ_e1Rg_y7_Iion2rnvyql-MQ/s200/dog+studio+duty.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>I finished <em>pinacate shuffle</em> just in time to get the loom warped up & a header woven for the Hernmarck method workshop I took during Arizona Federation of Weavers & Spinners <em>Fibers Through Time 2008</em> convention. Here it is while in progress & the cropped shot I took of it for the Tohono Chul exhibit it was woven & accepted for--<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190006235891070914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgradWibPNlWZQkFGMIuiOAlnQIrSJJCJZzayoicvEhKALdtNHWe0U6gAxax8IxT74wQzMqLMUD9W0_WG9GiBJvFZyr41rQBhWENtWLuYLduKYec5qy6JbBPJqU4Qi5UijhS2XpXQ/s320/pinacate+shuffle+in+progress.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190006532243814354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbEAQdxym31MRwcRycQrTMVUvfDokJLd1vS6n_9SGZZbl9N8y9LK5D1sx6LyiVwJGz4EOMgJ4kTkR8oCoNfqwpLjlqEteG2O4MAr7SClfGpfGnIAnFDL_u3A_wcsBBnJYqve_mHQ/s400/pinacate+shuffle+april_08.jpg" border="0" /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3h0GgW4tn-5PXQB2TcWj9lI3CBkapFxsKOJHUTpE0HVwAQnef9mEdCTD2u8CopPIPw6mD9LYoPDUAPFo1RGlBhfLlMRgqxzVFB_DuLIOrVHaABXw1WKyj_0Ady1NLoPcdkLK5w/s1600-h/sand+yarn.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190008353309947890" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3h0GgW4tn-5PXQB2TcWj9lI3CBkapFxsKOJHUTpE0HVwAQnef9mEdCTD2u8CopPIPw6mD9LYoPDUAPFo1RGlBhfLlMRgqxzVFB_DuLIOrVHaABXw1WKyj_0Ady1NLoPcdkLK5w/s320/sand+yarn.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Burnham's Two Grey Hills & Native Brown were perfect for the sand!</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggsfBv7IzTFREKaJN9xEFo8OJNxeOy9tw3maVfpEDZo6eg-DsRx9Y-v4ApZ6-RDDwNrd5KSh30JCf-rsu-3QOo9C_Jv7zz1GhOHf_OUXTIjqOmQoPwI13rdnVK8PBYRGfKqDwYOw/s1600-h/butterfly+magic.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190008091316942818" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggsfBv7IzTFREKaJN9xEFo8OJNxeOy9tw3maVfpEDZo6eg-DsRx9Y-v4ApZ6-RDDwNrd5KSh30JCf-rsu-3QOo9C_Jv7zz1GhOHf_OUXTIjqOmQoPwI13rdnVK8PBYRGfKqDwYOw/s400/butterfly+magic.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Dennis also had one of his works accepted into <em>Artful Insects</em>, it will be his first exhibit! He works in watercolor pencil and pen & ink. Here is his <em>Butterfly Magic</em> before framing.<br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div>The <em>Fibers Through Time</em> convention was 3 1/2 days of fiber, fiber, fiber & it was held here in Tucson. The first day was registration & tours; I took the AZ Historical Society & Arizona State Museum tours which were fabulous since we were allowed to go "behind the scenes" to see textiles that were not currently on display. At the Historical Society we saw many items of hand stitched clothing from the early 1900s worn by people who were living here then, & at ASM, known for its textile collection, we saw breathtaking pre-Columbian textiles undergoing restoration & exquisitely old Navajo weavings. That evening instead of going to the wine & cheese event I decided to go home, partly because I was very tired & partly because I have <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64bsVywNbMz0ZHl3uhW4syLcfVOdMQte-yx0LJp5vBtlUzkplR4l7dneMi3M-RGJ1Z2zd7-vWGUjFZxy-v02WMGq7um9kluBfaw9_GwBD3m2-y_OInpWZroT7FAzR67WqMBn6Vg/s1600-h/yarn+mess.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190008782806677506" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64bsVywNbMz0ZHl3uhW4syLcfVOdMQte-yx0LJp5vBtlUzkplR4l7dneMi3M-RGJ1Z2zd7-vWGUjFZxy-v02WMGq7um9kluBfaw9_GwBD3m2-y_OInpWZroT7FAzR67WqMBn6Vg/s320/yarn+mess.jpg" border="0" /></a>learned to trust my premonitions & instincts when they come on strongly... something in Dennis' voice when I called to see how the dogs had done after being left alone during the afternoon was not reassuring when he told me that <em>someone</em> (Moka!) had gotten into my yarns & he wasn't sure what color they were. I arrived home to find that Moka must have had quite the soccer match with not just any yarn, but the special yarn I had just bought & carefully packed for the workshop. I was winding what I could out of the mess for 2 1/2 hours just to get enough to use! It is somewhat humorous now, but wasn't at the time! While I was winding & thinking bad thoughts, Roger made sure he came into the studio & told me he had absolutely nothing to do with it, honest!</div><br /><div>The workshop was taught by Diane Wolf, who has studied with Helena Hernmarck, worked as her <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wkwALs71sYufrSHKr_Q1D_twj7B3dXaz6Db61zNjBT9DvJxdgbUjwtLrDPG5-R2wBnnMAkweBFDqU-T1MAYcQJg9kxz6RREfBfEoh95ZJdwfoD6m_b2zuRHvACtPX24dr0Tpgw/s1600-h/FTT08+workshop1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190009190828570642" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wkwALs71sYufrSHKr_Q1D_twj7B3dXaz6Db61zNjBT9DvJxdgbUjwtLrDPG5-R2wBnnMAkweBFDqU-T1MAYcQJg9kxz6RREfBfEoh95ZJdwfoD6m_b2zuRHvACtPX24dr0Tpgw/s320/FTT08+workshop1.jpg" border="0" /></a>assistant during convergence, & was encouraged by Hernmarck to teach the class. Here is our workshop space, a shot of my loom with my piece in progress (it's a silver U.S. Navy pitcher, the photo was taken by Diane), & a detail of the weaving. It is a very intriguing & time consuming method, requiring much consideration... I still have most of it left to weave!</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXrZ8FGSXRwGsW1F8-39qtD9rvb-CHVX7mIhoiRtg_nDB1DSZhXjyrkGLJwtQp4IebmNQzgTZDPmYBNRWE2es9QWFuKF7a9AUznDIINAyfgV719KmRtuMGJiThJUTpgp_8fC-wQ/s1600-h/FTT08+workshop5+my+detail.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190010470728824898" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXrZ8FGSXRwGsW1F8-39qtD9rvb-CHVX7mIhoiRtg_nDB1DSZhXjyrkGLJwtQp4IebmNQzgTZDPmYBNRWE2es9QWFuKF7a9AUznDIINAyfgV719KmRtuMGJiThJUTpgp_8fC-wQ/s320/FTT08+workshop5+my+detail.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4lT6cqxvdF3vlgM_HRwVxUDn9tRHKOEtspheCZJ1Nmf1YzUqYUSA6FRi57CYzCeReZBrWBg8regANKxx4l4skvOtdGTXPpgL0SINSkqOjmHQzAPQAKMeJhlpoA0KgQGgu52ziA/s1600-h/FTT08+workshop4+my+loom.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190010131426408498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4lT6cqxvdF3vlgM_HRwVxUDn9tRHKOEtspheCZJ1Nmf1YzUqYUSA6FRi57CYzCeReZBrWBg8regANKxx4l4skvOtdGTXPpgL0SINSkqOjmHQzAPQAKMeJhlpoA0KgQGgu52ziA/s320/FTT08+workshop4+my+loom.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuKiNtO_tBA6XmqGd6m6ISm0xnA7ak1HN4NgEM4Zt5Ry49o0t4Pzd-dkPd6hRIE4f6B76UzSrXf8h2kXaO75ylk-YxIixglmwIzw1nYT-Pi0TZyKSkqY8-uJf2krDlHFu6J6EMAw/s1600-h/FTT08+exhibit+award.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190010784261437522" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuKiNtO_tBA6XmqGd6m6ISm0xnA7ak1HN4NgEM4Zt5Ry49o0t4Pzd-dkPd6hRIE4f6B76UzSrXf8h2kXaO75ylk-YxIixglmwIzw1nYT-Pi0TZyKSkqY8-uJf2krDlHFu6J6EMAw/s320/FTT08+exhibit+award.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>I entered 3 of my works into the exhibit that coincided with the convention... I was quite honored to have <em>recuerdos de georgia</em> selected to receive the Juror's Recognition Award For Tapestry.</div><br /><br /><br /><div>My friend Janie Hoffman taught the natural dyeing workshop during the convention & after the convention's end, she came to stay for a couple days before heading back to Alpine. We had a field trip day, driving up into the Santa Rita Mountains on a very narrow single lane dirt road that switchbacked up close to the peak of Mt. Hopkins before we reached the security gate for the <a href="http://tdc-www.harvard.edu/mthopkins/">Whipple Observatory</a> at around 8000' elevation. It was a slow <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7GW519F-wC6peHlL2vePFWwtOhQFKJRT6oXleT0bettzjoZHl3RTql1Y6dWHyl-9VF40wG-QuMuXukM0rE1tUZZRNT77TQbCpQN7SRLLnYEJh8K3cSD17_P6Y5Cg3G6EuAkRPzw/s1600-h/mt+hopkins+tumacacori+mts+view.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190011080614180962" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7GW519F-wC6peHlL2vePFWwtOhQFKJRT6oXleT0bettzjoZHl3RTql1Y6dWHyl-9VF40wG-QuMuXukM0rE1tUZZRNT77TQbCpQN7SRLLnYEJh8K3cSD17_P6Y5Cg3G6EuAkRPzw/s400/mt+hopkins+tumacacori+mts+view.jpg" border="0" /></a>going, sweaty palm drive up with very steep drop offs, most with no guardrails, & spectacular views-- thank goodness the road was very well maintained! The reason for our trek was for Janie to get some photos of the Tumacacori Mountains across the basin from the Santa Ritas for her Sky Islands tapestry that she is working on. She got some great shots & so did I, along with having most of the day to enjoy each other's company, the mountains, & the desert.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0lLyiqR3Quo9283DalCCmJwKNqa1aNmXU1V2EB8jrFxV-aCp9rdffMrWD7JoEzloNZHlE_eHuPJwhRr1K42YZxpPltL2XfZRnbtxJQXI2mAmK-v1rerXi_eaowcLMaQp2IHQLA/s1600-h/janie.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190011402736728178" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0lLyiqR3Quo9283DalCCmJwKNqa1aNmXU1V2EB8jrFxV-aCp9rdffMrWD7JoEzloNZHlE_eHuPJwhRr1K42YZxpPltL2XfZRnbtxJQXI2mAmK-v1rerXi_eaowcLMaQp2IHQLA/s320/janie.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbfxVNh9etaKcilG_40z76ibG053u4n8XM2aRgd9wBfCnlZvMZVDdABcDDFLoTCFk0asMCpZQR21d3M1U3G-97cgv9Oq-VPiTeiNnM91MXhvUiuzriHQFMa-Ax_SXyBKuRX1Fgw/s1600-h/lyn.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190012802896066722" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbfxVNh9etaKcilG_40z76ibG053u4n8XM2aRgd9wBfCnlZvMZVDdABcDDFLoTCFk0asMCpZQR21d3M1U3G-97cgv9Oq-VPiTeiNnM91MXhvUiuzriHQFMa-Ax_SXyBKuRX1Fgw/s320/lyn.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Now I am in the midst of preparing for a dye run that is overdue... I also want to get the dyeing done before it gets any hotter! I will be dyeing with 8 dyestuffs, most which I have not tried before & most from my own collecting efforts. The most unusual of them all will be the avocado peels & pits-- these photos were taken immediately after I covered them with boiling water to begin a week long soaking process, wow!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4QbmY3wmg275btW2qBeciGprJJsyttyHkPjM_-yycHo90o6ohuojxz6AHiD8z0j2AMfB5Rl9_ST_hW-dKBvL6_i7MaMNakwp3t94_w4Izi37jYvppJKPgSmhnkUjmjESXtIiQ6g/s1600-h/avocado+pits.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190013167968286898" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4QbmY3wmg275btW2qBeciGprJJsyttyHkPjM_-yycHo90o6ohuojxz6AHiD8z0j2AMfB5Rl9_ST_hW-dKBvL6_i7MaMNakwp3t94_w4Izi37jYvppJKPgSmhnkUjmjESXtIiQ6g/s400/avocado+pits.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVyTV0BRwq-dVc7OmhH1lMrtAMKIIvOx2finLaIxXYAhetd3Q3-oF2Qy5D-ysTFLxs1nLJbupUWoLFlCgv7_XzdVMR98_I6sX5aLLvNkx8NBvkSomDmpbxL_zz55yopkLGlAmbvQ/s1600-h/avocado+pits+%26+peels.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190013455731095746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVyTV0BRwq-dVc7OmhH1lMrtAMKIIvOx2finLaIxXYAhetd3Q3-oF2Qy5D-ysTFLxs1nLJbupUWoLFlCgv7_XzdVMR98_I6sX5aLLvNkx8NBvkSomDmpbxL_zz55yopkLGlAmbvQ/s200/avocado+pits+%26+peels.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>I hope to be able to post the results of the dyeing session before Dennis & I take a mini-trip to spend a couple days in Bisbee to celebrate our 15th anniversary. It will be the first time Roger & Moka will be left with our trusted pet sitters, so we are hoping all goes well so that we will be able to enjoy future trips together occasionally in non-dog venues!</div><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190012549492996242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWondsjs1M1Op71kM8TaMmy8u0vC3_ymji7JSyu30x8eEh1CbRdUrfi5V5dtTWfFZvnPaF4xm5OMmWiJWmDn1jgCS9_hKszdtFNTksPy0FC-zOgMpKcDo4WMx8syNVKaIYXp2aPA/s400/studio.jpg" border="0" /> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680727252540559507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32591426.post-53886855619612667422008-03-11T13:14:00.054-07:002008-03-12T07:28:47.990-07:00february was a fiber filled frenzy!I am not sure how the shortest month of the year could have held so much fiber related activity!!! I am still recovering from it all, but in a blissful, not devastated state. I am also very behind on reading my favorite blogs, so I hope to catch up soon on what everyone has been doing! This post will be loooong, so better get at it...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8JzB-dHVpQuz2Upq9jYTfptqCkfcLhFYoS9FgzH4zuuiFshrNBqE_CCmM2MtUlmbPIKJxla32fDXQggKyBDzSSluKX6GoLfgFohI8K7a8A9XYeTPktavGu6UDJqMaAfnnZI83A/s1600-h/landart.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176623305483880962" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8JzB-dHVpQuz2Upq9jYTfptqCkfcLhFYoS9FgzH4zuuiFshrNBqE_CCmM2MtUlmbPIKJxla32fDXQggKyBDzSSluKX6GoLfgFohI8K7a8A9XYeTPktavGu6UDJqMaAfnnZI83A/s200/landart.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The month started off with the grand opening of the <a href="http://www.pima.edu/performingarts/bernalgallery/CurrentExhibit.shtml">Land, Art, And The Sacred: Three Perspectives</a> exhibit that I have been eagerly anticipating. I do not want to write much about it in my blog because I am working on an article about it for The American Tapestry Alliance's <em>Tapestry Topics </em>newsletter, but I will say it exceeded all of my expectations (which is why I feel driven to write an article about it!)... I was also able to spend time with DY & meet her dear friend Peg while they were in town for the reception, & I got to know Claire a little better, something I've been hoping would happen since meeting her briefly last year. I had the serendipitous pleasure of visiting the exhibit many times during the month, so I was able to really absorb & enjoy it.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8gu_YSRhOZ0Sdg1WmpBx0KJ2rmNM2g4yGKZijXqfZI-gWH_H4WsCFCWRSz6IFHfHrgazHbKMe7A-Hye7wm0elqygsn1WxTBHsD6jx6BBCzs3oEf7cLcV6xo6O7R0-saj43RJ1Q/s1600-h/landart+claire1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176623610426558994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8gu_YSRhOZ0Sdg1WmpBx0KJ2rmNM2g4yGKZijXqfZI-gWH_H4WsCFCWRSz6IFHfHrgazHbKMe7A-Hye7wm0elqygsn1WxTBHsD6jx6BBCzs3oEf7cLcV6xo6O7R0-saj43RJ1Q/s320/landart+claire1.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uwxDztjFhUP__5ogm-XUO5zN8M6QO4aJQCP0XHdf3IjIRzca-s9heJsGbNBKsu8cnc5xQchLG55LNvDaTPZf7CZaz3TUZs0ZW_SXg3_7XjuOidbyBULMF5Q06TxqjVswqYkt2A/s1600-h/landart+dy%26claire.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176624963341257314" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uwxDztjFhUP__5ogm-XUO5zN8M6QO4aJQCP0XHdf3IjIRzca-s9heJsGbNBKsu8cnc5xQchLG55LNvDaTPZf7CZaz3TUZs0ZW_SXg3_7XjuOidbyBULMF5Q06TxqjVswqYkt2A/s200/landart+dy%26claire.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-B6n8GL6ecODvrbBfqMDwTkk3sl77KH8sj9ehxJMhWAGMvbvnzwpwZAvdF3DnGtiSuMuB_OzYUDvUlMpyzYTToZswAV7EZRpqWZy06oWn23SJR57I9tMjqXt1t165qzZehyphenhyphenoAFQ/s1600-h/landart+nungurrayi.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176623855239694882" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-B6n8GL6ecODvrbBfqMDwTkk3sl77KH8sj9ehxJMhWAGMvbvnzwpwZAvdF3DnGtiSuMuB_OzYUDvUlMpyzYTToZswAV7EZRpqWZy06oWn23SJR57I9tMjqXt1t165qzZehyphenhyphenoAFQ/s200/landart+nungurrayi.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg020tvr-WNhLPiRCXozo7bwi9a9x1ip-V5CmcHSHvIJpJCW21I2Ss7C-_EjH7J40UTpUBkVANlg4grLCNK0YWtVehyphenhyphenwQdCwJ2a80R4OqviQzmx9pWItPjIuWih6HZerufrIulF0w/s1600-h/landart+claire2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176624082872961586" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg020tvr-WNhLPiRCXozo7bwi9a9x1ip-V5CmcHSHvIJpJCW21I2Ss7C-_EjH7J40UTpUBkVANlg4grLCNK0YWtVehyphenhyphenwQdCwJ2a80R4OqviQzmx9pWItPjIuWih6HZerufrIulF0w/s200/landart+claire2.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JHsuUBdb3yj-WeiRPpFgTq4ah0PQEaWdDHAtf0VXOXfMUEdJLC2b-LfUSnRjbb8ydfINtDumyMbqfjtn3kY5qwe04cxC0SCslyGWIH-CAxgXqBDwCOkiP70y3-1EyN8Eeof3Dg/s1600-h/landart+dy1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176624370635770434" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JHsuUBdb3yj-WeiRPpFgTq4ah0PQEaWdDHAtf0VXOXfMUEdJLC2b-LfUSnRjbb8ydfINtDumyMbqfjtn3kY5qwe04cxC0SCslyGWIH-CAxgXqBDwCOkiP70y3-1EyN8Eeof3Dg/s200/landart+dy1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicB201XK68ZYse8zuD712LN1tO7ljR2vBgsE0bgLF_35fxdDz-wvuQC3x7j75ozNfvsGUGuf01GfqHZPahSP9TVHwe93NV4WFUPebOMTAlR-OD4CEQxSU4Y1pgGPDoHAqZqbZHmQ/s1600-h/landart+dy2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176641520440183842" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicB201XK68ZYse8zuD712LN1tO7ljR2vBgsE0bgLF_35fxdDz-wvuQC3x7j75ozNfvsGUGuf01GfqHZPahSP9TVHwe93NV4WFUPebOMTAlR-OD4CEQxSU4Y1pgGPDoHAqZqbZHmQ/s320/landart+dy2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>In preparation for the beginning tapestry workshop I taught at the end of February, I drove the 2 hours to Bisbee one day to check out their frame looms that would be used in the class... I discovered it was a wise thing to do because they were a bit dusty & in need of a good tightening. I was also able to ferret around in their fiber room to see what was available to weave with. The <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBxhUcHvkr5tb3KnjJ8qJ7gRlSJWZ1rMvM84Uz0BQ67aYD11oAM_eISt17MRS17nowGQtFLA7PFSrkXMKP280mYjPTsq2NU8cLaEkQysTCTy1OctrazDtPz_Jv0aJG5gf7kHJJQ/s1600-h/2008_0223new0001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176628566818818690" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBxhUcHvkr5tb3KnjJ8qJ7gRlSJWZ1rMvM84Uz0BQ67aYD11oAM_eISt17MRS17nowGQtFLA7PFSrkXMKP280mYjPTsq2NU8cLaEkQysTCTy1OctrazDtPz_Jv0aJG5gf7kHJJQ/s320/2008_0223new0001.jpg" border="0" /></a>next day my sister, Susie, arrived for a week long visit. We spent much of the time in the studio, where I put her to work weaving a sampler to improve & expand on the weaving techniques I had taught her last year.</div><div><br /></div><div>While Susie was here, we, along with my friend Stacey, took an overnight road trip up to northern Arizona, traveling north through the Salt River Canyon route to visit <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJ-43kqEL8vDrtTq9c79romf1fYEZP2NBJIbLRNDLjvG9Udk_01L4-ajCiRGuif6YthR0kTIGEzIm6-qPsX8o0OK5S7703EDoGPQTzWm1xOMS5ewuAsbKVXHZZe-T1b609xxgFA/s1600-h/salt+river+canyon+overlook.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176632694282390306" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJ-43kqEL8vDrtTq9c79romf1fYEZP2NBJIbLRNDLjvG9Udk_01L4-ajCiRGuif6YthR0kTIGEzIm6-qPsX8o0OK5S7703EDoGPQTzWm1xOMS5ewuAsbKVXHZZe-T1b609xxgFA/s200/salt+river+canyon+overlook.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.rbburnhamtrading.com/">Burnham's Trading Post</a>, where, as the snow started to flurry outside, we indulged in a flurry of yarn buying & gaping at the beautiful Navajo weavings & turquoise jewelry for sale. I found the most beautiful turquoise bracelet I had ever seen & was able to buy it for myself because the price was right, along with purchasing yarns I needed for my next tapestry... my idea of heaven! Stacey & I have quite the love affair with Burnham's since we are devoted to using it in our tapestries & I use their natural white & grey exclusively for my natural dyeing... if we are ever in the neighborhood (oh, say within a 100 miles or so), we always go out of our way to swing by. We can mail order it, but it is just SO wonderful to buy it in person. The skeins that are vegetal dyed by Navajo women come in a rainbow of beautiful, earthy colors. The first time you walk into the yarn room, it widens your eyes & takes your breath away. Thanks, <a href="http://artistsregister.com/artist_page.phtml?number=AZ104%20">Janie</a>, for turning me on to Burnham's, I am trying to return the favor by spreading the word! In fact, if anyone reading this has thought about trying Burnham's wools for weaving, but hasn't taken the leap yet, you should know that their yarn sample cards are <em>free </em>& also that during the entire month of April all of their wool yarns are on sale!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi585u81-szKeOYoaMjGmtwEPPweTJMrVs78iPz-n0yT8_n0bUZe32qm_R1GYuVdlYVSaHXNTXHtNxZjkJzVRpLRDCRpPlQnkVVrTb-YDB4uRMtKfS6AZRSMZJ0M-zzBTywd_dggw/s1600-h/burnhams3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176629885373778626" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi585u81-szKeOYoaMjGmtwEPPweTJMrVs78iPz-n0yT8_n0bUZe32qm_R1GYuVdlYVSaHXNTXHtNxZjkJzVRpLRDCRpPlQnkVVrTb-YDB4uRMtKfS6AZRSMZJ0M-zzBTywd_dggw/s200/burnhams3.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHF1kT3FQELk8Vo_O_gqtH0Qi9DdZtyxu4KLF8I6QhL-RdgkXC83MDMqhU39_O9gGTMbElPM9V6tCbPWNYBC0hFrimIfyWPg-09te8zIGwMSIo2xBWdODMm1sWc8WPT4oQeDFo5Q/s1600-h/burnhams1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176628949070908050" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHF1kT3FQELk8Vo_O_gqtH0Qi9DdZtyxu4KLF8I6QhL-RdgkXC83MDMqhU39_O9gGTMbElPM9V6tCbPWNYBC0hFrimIfyWPg-09te8zIGwMSIo2xBWdODMm1sWc8WPT4oQeDFo5Q/s320/burnhams1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div>After Burnham's, we headed for Flagstaff to spend the night. By the time we got there, we were <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnO5WG2hKPoVrz4-6wMqkzLiKAPslmv1Bi_RVLUAdyBYDLAXa_ZaNOb-LgAQVuH-rAwYBUpEBblhRs2AGdGywBnXtrV0yKnnWRT08M73128SYLwXF4s-EPpeheFTkv9QJp6k6_CQ/s1600-h/flag1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176630667057826530" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnO5WG2hKPoVrz4-6wMqkzLiKAPslmv1Bi_RVLUAdyBYDLAXa_ZaNOb-LgAQVuH-rAwYBUpEBblhRs2AGdGywBnXtrV0yKnnWRT08M73128SYLwXF4s-EPpeheFTkv9QJp6k6_CQ/s320/flag1.jpg" border="0" /></a>in a blizzard, but we braved the foot deep drifts to walk 5 or so blocks for dinner & afterwards to check out the few stores that were open. We awoke the next morning to a magnificent sight of snow covered San Francisco Peaks outside our <a href="http://www.inn410.com/index.htm">historic bed & breakfast </a>window & a scrumptious home cooked gourmet breakfast. Stacey made me laugh when I noticed that, a true desert dweller, she had rolled up her pant legs to keep them out of the snow. I even had to scrape quite bit of snow & ice off the Rover before we could leave to sled off back south, taking a convenient detour through Oak Creek Canyon, which was completely & breathtakingly covered in snow, & the red rock country of Sedona. <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPY4w2BgYU7k2DPCZmt0xwoLmtm1U8VLRE5XqC9z8nsuGYPOmNjPn_aUqY3gLzn56ULjjTdjiowBADKre17AzrHRRm0CkynQDVy-cGxSHkhthzXl6RDWvCm8sLC1flsHFOGNZgfA/s1600-h/oak+creek+canyon.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176631371432463106" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPY4w2BgYU7k2DPCZmt0xwoLmtm1U8VLRE5XqC9z8nsuGYPOmNjPn_aUqY3gLzn56ULjjTdjiowBADKre17AzrHRRm0CkynQDVy-cGxSHkhthzXl6RDWvCm8sLC1flsHFOGNZgfA/s320/oak+creek+canyon.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiw1eM3DjM57HSWShEUpFWhOvb9QvkDnQF7254OAuuL13GYnUSBNAZlLkH9uWaXwg6MCPNJc8wccow39zv0qzWmLlP55lBOV7Ue0h-82_5OFGY8CROPACWWO7XtzTN9m9sRCqMZQ/s1600-h/flag3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176631049309915890" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiw1eM3DjM57HSWShEUpFWhOvb9QvkDnQF7254OAuuL13GYnUSBNAZlLkH9uWaXwg6MCPNJc8wccow39zv0qzWmLlP55lBOV7Ue0h-82_5OFGY8CROPACWWO7XtzTN9m9sRCqMZQ/s200/flag3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPY4w2BgYU7k2DPCZmt0xwoLmtm1U8VLRE5XqC9z8nsuGYPOmNjPn_aUqY3gLzn56ULjjTdjiowBADKre17AzrHRRm0CkynQDVy-cGxSHkhthzXl6RDWvCm8sLC1flsHFOGNZgfA/s1600-h/oak+creek+canyon.jpg"></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />When we hit Phoenix, we made our way to the downtown <a href="http://www.heard.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Page.aspx?pid=183&srcid=-2">Heard Museum</a> to see a newly installed tile mosaic representation of one of <a href="http://www.navajo-indian.com/">DY Begay's</a> weavings... it was stunning, DY! We also enjoyed a very delicious lunch at the museum's Arcadia Farms Café. By the time we got back home to Tucson, we were a very weary, but very content bunch of fiber addicts! A couple days later Susie left, with new yarn stuffing her suitcase & new tapestry techniques packed into her head.<br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYo5W-VVzGz1Y3yrLVpLvSB00YPirz1NdjUauxtuf7VelAIri1abwIZpPPhlRsSJtHNSqQu4aRQxWcOlD_jKSYzB5bJpab6gro1o_EDD9UYV9cz601sKSExTzV_7F0FqVPAdshg/s1600-h/dy's+mosaic.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176631766569454354" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYo5W-VVzGz1Y3yrLVpLvSB00YPirz1NdjUauxtuf7VelAIri1abwIZpPPhlRsSJtHNSqQu4aRQxWcOlD_jKSYzB5bJpab6gro1o_EDD9UYV9cz601sKSExTzV_7F0FqVPAdshg/s320/dy's+mosaic.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxdvOnBf-hskURStSDUm5XhSzOJOcscPShTTC985-RCbEjn6WtsAUz9USEIW3iNwXhwmuZ8SMnPJIc76I8MTtCfJHx0Ge6ad79wcXNv2j3XD3pwvl58t8Oy0_7Nd_IRcNd9E3pA/s1600-h/dy's+statement.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176632973455264562" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxdvOnBf-hskURStSDUm5XhSzOJOcscPShTTC985-RCbEjn6WtsAUz9USEIW3iNwXhwmuZ8SMnPJIc76I8MTtCfJHx0Ge6ad79wcXNv2j3XD3pwvl58t8Oy0_7Nd_IRcNd9E3pA/s200/dy's+statement.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The very next weekend, I was off to Bisbee to teach my very first tapestry weaving workshop & I kept a little journal on my mini computer...</div><div><br /></div><div><em><strong>thurs, 2-28-08<br /></strong>How odd that the first tapestry workshop I will be teaching should fall on a leap year... but this has been an odd week, precipitated by a phone call from a lawyers' office asking if someone at my residence was related to my ex-mother-in-law & could "handle her affairs". Quite a shock to receive that call, considering that my ex & I did not part on friendly terms & I haven't seen him or any of his family in over 15 years. Receiving that call & realizing that she was no longer alive prompted me to do a little online investigation & I discovered that my ex-father-in-law had also died, but 2 years previously. Learning all of this caused the resurfacing of many, many memories of people, times, & places that I have not thought about for 20 years or more, some good & some bad. Needless to say, these reminisces occupied my mind so much for the last couple of days while I made final preparations for the workshop that I had no time to think about being nervous. I loved teaching patients & their family members when I worked as a nurse & I had hoped that perhaps I could one day teach tapestry weaving, but I never thought the opportunity would come so quickly. I met the Bisbee guild's "education recruiter", Joan Ruane, when I was in Bisbee for their fiber festival last October; when she learned I was a tapestry weaver she asked if I would consider coming to teach a workshop for them.<br /><br />So here I am in Bisbee, on the eve of my first beginning tapestry workshop. It will start tomorrow & run for 3 days. I came a day early to prepare the space & pull yarn out of the guild's fiber room. Bisbee is a tiny, quirky little historic mining town, converted in modern times to an art town/tourist destination perched on & in the nooks & crannies between the Mule Mountains & the Naco Hills at an elevation of nearly 6,000 feet. The Bisbee Fiber Guild is fortunate enough to have their own permanent studio space in the basement of the historic <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnrpPgA9NDDJ85rEgQeXYJtTLW3f2pJ_PFveHcQp6Gqbe_JgNQ9I1i_oSIjSWaG0jaIbXz4qW5KdQD2QjHrwd3IU-CVb93GHbX0UJeoFFjowbfxp77WqaQMFSmBodtoulM3cI-g/s1600-h/workshop+Y.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176634124506499922" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnrpPgA9NDDJ85rEgQeXYJtTLW3f2pJ_PFveHcQp6Gqbe_JgNQ9I1i_oSIjSWaG0jaIbXz4qW5KdQD2QjHrwd3IU-CVb93GHbX0UJeoFFjowbfxp77WqaQMFSmBodtoulM3cI-g/s320/workshop+Y.jpg" border="0" /></a>YWCA building where they have looms set up full time for members to weave on, a fiber room, a library, several storage rooms, & giant steel utility sinks for dyeing. It is a 2 hour drive from where I live in Tucson, through mountains & across high desert grasslands. It was an especially wonderful drive today-- the sunlight warm, clear & sharp; the sky very blue; the landscape a color study of duns, ochres, & greys... the high desert grasses gleaming wheaten gold & rusty red, the mountains looking dry & craggy with their canyons & drainages shadowed in sharp relief, and the creosote flats glowing with the chartreuse of tender new leaves. You can see across the basins for 50 or so miles & your eyes are constantly straying to take in the view, so much so that you have to remind yourself to be more careful to watch the road.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_XI68rRcbP9oC3Nq-OkENTA2iG-jKLtXT-0jfo2jQeXelVVucRMd8sEN9sYfi0-9MR-dSGTVaEm8zlQ_KPxh4St0R1Yfzq9H8NUp8H4I2mYiDNRF-UgTpPlmPgQNXZyMIK57uQ/s1600-h/airdries+cottage.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176634558298196834" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_XI68rRcbP9oC3Nq-OkENTA2iG-jKLtXT-0jfo2jQeXelVVucRMd8sEN9sYfi0-9MR-dSGTVaEm8zlQ_KPxh4St0R1Yfzq9H8NUp8H4I2mYiDNRF-UgTpPlmPgQNXZyMIK57uQ/s200/airdries+cottage.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I have the pleasure of staying in a guild member's guest cottage while I am here, only a few miles from the guild's studio, but in the hills without a neighbor in sight. It is a spacious one room with a bathroom & "closet kitchen", surrounded by alligator junipers, Mexican oaks, manzanita, rolling hills, & bird song. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvS9okIufzDGx2KveoTOcqJHGmvYJes4JE7Rlbvf9r_8zLPV3HlldMyQ5plev_RJqENBq1lexjjgvcm5AKTeHXa8uBFcDpiycfO3qPa8vO0EbUEiCwI9YGocrQkYVR4L24xW3EA/s1600-h/bisbee+hills.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176634768751594354" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvS9okIufzDGx2KveoTOcqJHGmvYJes4JE7Rlbvf9r_8zLPV3HlldMyQ5plev_RJqENBq1lexjjgvcm5AKTeHXa8uBFcDpiycfO3qPa8vO0EbUEiCwI9YGocrQkYVR4L24xW3EA/s200/bisbee+hills.jpg" border="0" /></a>This afternoon & evening I set up the student workspace in the guild's studio, set tapestry looms out, & selected yarns from the fiber room, arranging them by color family on a table. My efforts were awarded when a guild member who came in to do a little weaving on one of the floor looms was immediately drawn to my "yarn table" & began exclaiming over the display. Most of the guild's fiber has been received through donations & I was very happy to discover a <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha90medNOTxyMdl4dylN8KrQLDBv4Hlf1evtZkEix8_A2UK9VV74AjIhUQqIAiyh1a0rfvuHhCwt2rjMDfNUV5jIDkxiixVJnjQ4Zu1Ernnq5obocnBzzkVrRmevvDeo3p6m1GHA/s1600-h/manzanita.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176634987794926466" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha90medNOTxyMdl4dylN8KrQLDBv4Hlf1evtZkEix8_A2UK9VV74AjIhUQqIAiyh1a0rfvuHhCwt2rjMDfNUV5jIDkxiixVJnjQ4Zu1Ernnq5obocnBzzkVrRmevvDeo3p6m1GHA/s320/manzanita.jpg" border="0" /></a>nice selection of wools suitable for tapestry weaving. The frame looms the students will use also belong to the guild. They are simple frame looms made of hard wood with a nice tensioning beam on top & cylinders with grooves routed into them affixed to top & bottom beams for warping. The workshop begins tomorrow at 9 am, but I will arrive early to have a pot of coffee ready for those who need it & to put out class notes, spools of cotton seine, & bobbin kits. Let the weaving begin!<br /><br /><strong>fri, 2-29-08</strong><br />I arrived at the guild studio an hour before the start of class, set out all of the class materials, got my ipod set up with its portable speaker system, & started a pot of coffee for anyone who would be in need of caffeine when they arrived. One by one my 7 students trickled in, with the last two arriving just a little late. Today they were able to get warped, weave a header, & learn the first technique on the agenda, pick & pick. I feel very pleased that all of them are so very eager to learn & that my teaching seems so far to be effective. Everyone appeared to be intently enjoying the learning process & I felt I was able to give each person the attention they needed during the day. We worked from 9 to 4, taking frequent breaks & a lunch break. I cannot wait to see how it all goes tomorrow... with the difficult process of warping & getting the sampler started now accomplished, I hope to make good progress working through the other planned techniques so that they will be able to do a bit of weaving on their own, & cut off & finish their samplers on the last day of class. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7SMqsvZ5Q1LQ_5FsAZKsgDAQtCY7pKzYtWdAWl6CgXpWAvoHjvVflJrUEEbO4QJgXHtETN7JNcWw_askHPgQWEm_9dEXSO7ayilc7JJ47eVloNP3YaUjsg5GqarokiRD4KaXq6g/s1600-h/workshop+palette.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176635649219890082" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7SMqsvZ5Q1LQ_5FsAZKsgDAQtCY7pKzYtWdAWl6CgXpWAvoHjvVflJrUEEbO4QJgXHtETN7JNcWw_askHPgQWEm_9dEXSO7ayilc7JJ47eVloNP3YaUjsg5GqarokiRD4KaXq6g/s200/workshop+palette.jpg" border="0" /></a></em></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8iWF7u4-HWwUjauKuLONTyvIVFowrxOQGtdMMFc2FaVoWHjNHEQNyzmCu3n7jlJ9XeoacwyghrTU94m8e7CLTjg33vo1jkss7uyWsz4FHCpfmhd7Z72KV431oLLS4lyPBbbU7Q/s1600-h/workshop+students.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176635391521852306" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8iWF7u4-HWwUjauKuLONTyvIVFowrxOQGtdMMFc2FaVoWHjNHEQNyzmCu3n7jlJ9XeoacwyghrTU94m8e7CLTjg33vo1jkss7uyWsz4FHCpfmhd7Z72KV431oLLS4lyPBbbU7Q/s320/workshop+students.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em><strong>sat, 3-1-08</strong><br />This morning all of the students arrived with big smiles on their faces & eager to get back into the weaving so I must be doing something right! Good progress was made today & I noticed that everyone's dexterity handling warp & weft was improving as the day progressed. We managed to cover all of the techniques I had planned except for eccentric weft, so we will start with that in the morning. Then they will have the rest of the day to weave on their own & hopefully we will be able to cut off & finish the samplers as well.<br /><br />After all of the students left at the end of class & I had packed things up, I headed out to walk around town & grab a bite to eat at a little café I had noticed driving back to the cottage yesterday. Across the street from the café I had also been noticing a building with a big hand painted sign advertising a musical comedy play, Annie Get Your Gun, being presented by the local actor’s troupe. I had been thinking it would be fun to go see it & in the café I saw a flyer that gave the time it would run. Dennis & I have driven up to a small town north of Tucson to see plays put on by the actor's troupe there, so I knew how good & fun a small town production could be. After finishing my meal at the café, I walked around, found a place to get a small espresso so I wouldn't be too tired, & headed back to get tickets & a good seat. The play was good & funny. It was so enjoyable to watch it on my own, just sitting quietly & absorbing it all without having to talk to anyone after having been talking all day during class!<br /><br /><br />I am looking forward to tomorrow... I can't wait to see what everyone chooses to weave when they are turned loose to weave on their own!<br /><br /><strong>mon, 3-3-08</strong><br />Too tired to write last night! Luckily I had already anticipated how I would feel & had planned to spend last night in Bisbee. Everyone arrived yesterday for the last day of class tired, but still smiling. We quickly covered the last technique, eccentric weft, & they all got down to the business of weaving. It was very apparent that everyone was intently enjoying finally being able to weave on their own & I was so very proud that they did so with minimal assistance from me. I walked around & observed, giving out reminders & prompts when necessary. Everyone also had a chance to at least quickly review the books I had brought so they could think about which one appealed to them most if they ended up acquiring one for themselves. Throughout the workshop they were also requesting that I come back soon & teach them more, expressing much interest in learning to design on their own, learning how to prepare a continuous warp, & learning to use a cartoon. I encouraged them to get together, decide what they would like in a next class as far as length & content, & to approach their education coordinator with a proposal. I would love to come back to teach them more!<br /><br />As the day neared the end of the workshop time, several of the students decided for themselves they were ready to stop weaving & finish their samplers off so they could make the drive home to the nearby towns where they lived. Everyone was able to weave as much as they wanted & to cut off & finish their samplers which made me extremely happy. Several who actually live in Bisbee were already making plans to meet today at the guild's studio to help each other warp the looms for their next piece... wow! My encouragements to continue weaving & practice their newly learned techniques must have made quite an impression!<br /><br />After all of the samplers were finished, the wool returned to its place in the fiber room, & the looms put away, 3 of the students & I went out for a drink & dinner. For most of the time we continued talking about tapestry, & I discovered they were quite passionate about soaking up more experiences... we ended the workshop & the evening as new cherished friends with a great idea to plan a trip to Alpine to have a "tapestry retreat" at </em><a href="http://www.blueriverretreat.com/"><em>Janie Hoffman's place on the Blue River</em></a><em>.</em></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy69STUy0PZ6LMkYmkAAWui4jb_8NO1a45K_yU9CwtYH14kNnaAbqJZkBeWgNlic1eewV2IYH7CnRTcP6aHvQV5rz83fEJ7ycK0R2Go18j17t4sUkIDbRRZmSE39AMOAZ3uEYuxg/s1600-h/workshop+charla.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176637405861514162" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy69STUy0PZ6LMkYmkAAWui4jb_8NO1a45K_yU9CwtYH14kNnaAbqJZkBeWgNlic1eewV2IYH7CnRTcP6aHvQV5rz83fEJ7ycK0R2Go18j17t4sUkIDbRRZmSE39AMOAZ3uEYuxg/s200/workshop+charla.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div>Charla<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHOSnpfhgSO2dI4ytqZdFLPxCpgt8EawWEruKVHQvgS9Q67xJELPuLGQypW6zMfsPV6rMHloErXHXDO258Cv7rWzQjwPApA530KsGFAKZEX1GWgw_acq0IjfDkwDK9wwkuAMJR7g/s1600-h/workshop+randy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176637654969617346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHOSnpfhgSO2dI4ytqZdFLPxCpgt8EawWEruKVHQvgS9Q67xJELPuLGQypW6zMfsPV6rMHloErXHXDO258Cv7rWzQjwPApA530KsGFAKZEX1GWgw_acq0IjfDkwDK9wwkuAMJR7g/s200/workshop+randy.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div>Randy</div><div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjj9mVkyyTllEU3yg9FpXpa2mDHK5Esu02dyWKwfMyU5al3vkTTf__NejQ77Bjz7Ct0IHA7L36tfR8SJG6ChprnOvKGPb5WSENinyaSF4PwzBrYe5G3XYlqoRks5f7oh8b-idqDQ/s1600-h/workshop+jan.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176638067286477778" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjj9mVkyyTllEU3yg9FpXpa2mDHK5Esu02dyWKwfMyU5al3vkTTf__NejQ77Bjz7Ct0IHA7L36tfR8SJG6ChprnOvKGPb5WSENinyaSF4PwzBrYe5G3XYlqoRks5f7oh8b-idqDQ/s200/workshop+jan.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Jan<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxTaSHKBP5iDnjCvtunKR_tQw9LSkHTnfTn9NIPhFJIhM8XYTcIQV_8TfcHsDUnAKoGWPLxj7Y020LuixSC0T9kb9xjiRWXbUmTgZ2v2ynGeCofXw67oJVe8sx_l-5j2jqP0oItw/s1600-h/workshop+shirley,+lynn,+darquise,+joy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176638406588894178" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxTaSHKBP5iDnjCvtunKR_tQw9LSkHTnfTn9NIPhFJIhM8XYTcIQV_8TfcHsDUnAKoGWPLxj7Y020LuixSC0T9kb9xjiRWXbUmTgZ2v2ynGeCofXw67oJVe8sx_l-5j2jqP0oItw/s320/workshop+shirley,+lynn,+darquise,+joy.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /><br /></div><div>Shirley, Lynn, Darquise, Joy</div><div><br /><br /></div><div>Since the workshop, two of the students, Shirley & Lynn, came over to Tucson to do a little shopping at the <a href="http://www.desertweaving.com/about.php">Desert Weaving Workshop</a>; I met them there & we went for lunch together & then to the Land, Art, & Sacred exhibit. During that time, we decided we would definitely try to plan a tapestry retreat at Janie's... since they are both "snowbirds" who come to Bisbee for the winter months-- Shirley from Alaska & Lynn from Seattle, they both had to see about adjusting their travel schedules. Now the date is set for early May, and Darquise has also decided to come along. Janie & I had started contemplating the idea last year of having an informal retreat at her place but until now we hadn't found anyone who wanted to make concrete plans. I am so thrilled that it is finally going to happen!</div><div><br /></div><div>The two exhibits I recently had work in at Tohono Chul have come down...my <em>earth & sky</em> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLQFNsTIoyMbjSCL5ribKP0HdJYDgptw5hFGLzvt9IPHZ4q6oDFJ0ucgJZUD7tOef-AQeFN1uGM8ax7vvg5piMYm19g8azGpfUC5RZ0HTppvsr9fG-ZsKPmlxwd3pxshoGuPHBw/s1600-h/earth+%26+sky.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176638909100067826" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLQFNsTIoyMbjSCL5ribKP0HdJYDgptw5hFGLzvt9IPHZ4q6oDFJ0ucgJZUD7tOef-AQeFN1uGM8ax7vvg5piMYm19g8azGpfUC5RZ0HTppvsr9fG-ZsKPmlxwd3pxshoGuPHBw/s320/earth+%26+sky.jpg" border="0" /></a>tapestry was sold so it went home with someone else. I felt a startling bittersweet pang when I learned of the sale. I was surprised it had sold; I had begun to feel it was my favorite that I have woven so far, & in the original photo I had used, the image included Dennis & Roux because I took the photo when we were hiking, & it is one of the last tapestries I wove while Roux was still alive. But, the feeling has passed, mostly because I think the person who purchased it must have been very moved by it & will treasure having it in their home. I am beginning to learn just how closely a tapestry can be connected to the weaver's life, a wonderful, if a bit unsettling, discovery.</div><div><br /></div><div>During all of this wonderful madness, our new dog Roger has settled in nicely, no longer has separation anxiety attacks when I leave, enjoys hanging out in the studio all day (with an occasional cookie to break the routine), & loves our daily 3 mile walks which have helped shrink both of our waistlines! Dennis & Roger walk on weekends when Dennis is home from work, those "guy walks" being a bit more hard core & good for them both!</div><div><br /></div><div>Now I have my small Shannock loom warped up & a tapestry under way for another Tohono Chul exhibit, <em>Artful Insects. </em>It will depict a pinacate beetle crossing the sand, leaving a wake of footprints-- as soon as I chose the image I christened it <em>pinacate shuffle. </em>So far I've gotten the header woven & when I've completed more I'll post again with <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxRnlGM1OvKZgy0eX-8kmIxPsZzhwJpsPgeTCE9qntBti5t5gVgYi3DsTYXpacuEf5xv8hl5dvw-CQV2MEik1czYfqjO4JT7JkAav5BXmtB9uQRVIM-4yMC5Qu0AWbr1wxUdpllQ/s1600-h/pinacate+shuffle2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176639261287386114" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxRnlGM1OvKZgy0eX-8kmIxPsZzhwJpsPgeTCE9qntBti5t5gVgYi3DsTYXpacuEf5xv8hl5dvw-CQV2MEik1czYfqjO4JT7JkAav5BXmtB9uQRVIM-4yMC5Qu0AWbr1wxUdpllQ/s200/pinacate+shuffle2.jpg" border="0" /></a>photos. The deadline is early April, but I have incentive to finish it much sooner because in early April is also the <a href="http://www.azfed.org/">Arizona Federation of Weavers & Spinners</a> biannual conference, <a href="http://www.azfed.org/2008.html">Fibers Through Time</a>. I will need the Shannock for a workshop I'm taking to learn the Helena Hernmarck technique of weaving being taught with her permission by Diane Wolf, a weaver who has studied extensively with Helena & has been her assistant during workshops at HGA's Convergence. After the workshop, the Shannock will be put to work again... I've been invited to create a piece for an upcoming Tohono Chul exhibit, <em>Please Touch Again !, </em>being held specifically for the visually impaired so that they may feel & touch the items on display.</div><div><br /></div><div>March is well underway... fiddlenecks, mallows, & desert marigolds are beginning to bloom, our windows are thrown open to warming temps & birdsong, the light is taking on the rarefied & luminous quality inherent to desert spring & fall. I've been sharing my tapestry passion not only through my blog, but in real life. Life is feeling very good again.<br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176639725143854098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfxKeR3b-8aD_plQqc11zp3m4ueDdXDxGnScFmFuzTGspQ7JKEZNg1QCMwLEGx73gPxU8qkhGcEJ9GyPA41f5yyBY0oji1ny8M1ujyte0ieOHqlzZW1Hv8QB5Bp8WoMVmXFCpvRA/s400/flag2.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680727252540559507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32591426.post-58706484606960022662008-01-31T15:37:00.000-08:002008-02-01T17:17:57.889-08:00goodbye & hello... good things come in large packages<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqkwOy220XfUAp95bKdO7HjFbmyKmLzoeUAeBTu0ljzcBjFessTWqHVTyhu9IDifaO3Q0yinFp-1Wj_KU3fvHQft6TB_0JTERMcLC6OJWi_n-GcafkshuCBz0ZPGqFfeIXSw-a4g/s1600-h/roux's+sunset4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161790542810423426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqkwOy220XfUAp95bKdO7HjFbmyKmLzoeUAeBTu0ljzcBjFessTWqHVTyhu9IDifaO3Q0yinFp-1Wj_KU3fvHQft6TB_0JTERMcLC6OJWi_n-GcafkshuCBz0ZPGqFfeIXSw-a4g/s400/roux's+sunset4.jpg" border="0" /></a> Almost exactly 24 hours after we said goodbye to Roux, we had the most spectacular sunset we've had in quite some time... I like to think of it as Roux's sunset. Gentle rains followed for a couple days. I always look for signs from my environment during times of sadness or stress... a special bird, or animal, or sight... something to tell me things will be fine or right themselves soon. I take this as one of those.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPOgFQZ0QGgK_tiwbdxpYjkjdM7ypyYunXeu-NDt-8rg1iAbGi8qCiSFDZ28Oogv1S0SYIkUOK0mY0KQF9HSd4OX_2HY7B9-IBxr4t_PadM24d08qIrI-S6kDHQCChu6SFA3-bw/s1600-h/lyn+%26+roger.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161791711041527954" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPOgFQZ0QGgK_tiwbdxpYjkjdM7ypyYunXeu-NDt-8rg1iAbGi8qCiSFDZ28Oogv1S0SYIkUOK0mY0KQF9HSd4OX_2HY7B9-IBxr4t_PadM24d08qIrI-S6kDHQCChu6SFA3-bw/s320/lyn+%26+roger.jpg" border="0" /></a>Now, I have a new guy in my life... he's a good listener with soulful eyes, who kisses my tears away when I am sad for missing Roux, who lays his great, warm head in my arms, who looks at me & says, "I know how it feels to be sad, but I'll help you feel better & I'll love you with every fiber of my being all of my days on this earth because I am so happy to have found my forever home"...<br /><br />meet Roger! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgLOKAsixkmqV2YKuhPRRGYGSw1jtfIo26zuqSfLhgIAlxR_7Cvix6n8Eum6slB9zQNqnX4r02xZH4ysYgphU62MyhWc1Luu8qyX56ACuoBqcrP2lJxYp57tLJhXSPy4RUNDo1XQ/s1600-h/roger+day4c.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161793643776811170" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgLOKAsixkmqV2YKuhPRRGYGSw1jtfIo26zuqSfLhgIAlxR_7Cvix6n8Eum6slB9zQNqnX4r02xZH4ysYgphU62MyhWc1Luu8qyX56ACuoBqcrP2lJxYp57tLJhXSPy4RUNDo1XQ/s320/roger+day4c.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Roger was dropped off with 3 other dogs by the same person at the county animal shelter & then rescued by a local no-kill group. I found him by looking at <a href="http://www.petfinder.com/">Petfinder.com </a>. I cannot go to shelters myself because it is so overwhelmingly sad for me, even on a good day, that I cry. Roger was advertised as a 1 year old mastiff-retreiver mix, but our vet is quite sure he is about 2 years old, mostly Rottweiler & with his black spotted tongue & soft coat, maybe retriever with chow or sharpei?<br /><br /><p>All I know is that he is a 90 pound love sponge, with pretty good house manners, a yarn fetish, a fascination with birds & bunnies, & a little bit of separation anxiety, which I am working on. He loves hanging out in the studio, although he does need to learn not to put his head into the working parts of looms.</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgZXk3gEEzorkAYOrz5tdmEA0KfHQ4t2O9luRR-JQTK_8ibLLZrA4h7UEp2m3hOeXnQHCx76IBg7CjXdZIzqx1ofyF9PSv7ZVM8eybZFDs-w8LyaAcNBw6gjPmgKRVIR8RJd_qw/s1600-h/roger+in+loom1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161794206417526962" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgZXk3gEEzorkAYOrz5tdmEA0KfHQ4t2O9luRR-JQTK_8ibLLZrA4h7UEp2m3hOeXnQHCx76IBg7CjXdZIzqx1ofyF9PSv7ZVM8eybZFDs-w8LyaAcNBw6gjPmgKRVIR8RJd_qw/s320/roger+in+loom1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I found out about the yarn fetish when <a href="http://www.navajo-indian.com/">DY Begay</a> dropped by for a visit... she was in Tucson to bring her weavings that will be included in the 3 women artist collaboration exhibit, <em><a href="http://www.pima.edu/performingarts/bernalgallery/CurrentExhibit.shtml">Land, Art, and the Sacred: Three Perspectives</a></em>, being held here at Pima Community College. It will be quite a dazzling exhibit, already on display, but I am waiting for the gallery talk & artist reception so I can savor the anticipation of seeing it for the first time. DY came by to let me choose & purchase a saddle blanket woven by one of her relatives on the reservation. We presented it as a gift to our beloved vet, Dr. Nunn. We gave his partner, Dr. Koski, a small blanket I had woven from local Alpaca yarns, & the staff a couple pizza certificates to thank them for all of the care our pets have received from their clinic since we moved here.<br /><br />So, about Roger's yarn fetish... as DY & I were looking at the blankets she had brought, I heard a noise that sounded like Roger was rolling on his studio bed & playing with a toy. Well, he <em>was</em> rolling on the bed, but he was rolling around with <em>a ball of yarn in his mouth!</em> When he ran through the studio with it wrapped around him, I figured it out pretty quickly, especially since that particular ball was attached to a poncho in progress on my triangle loom! I discovered that wrestling with a 90 pound dog that flops on the floor thinking it's part of the game to keep grabbing the yarn once I got it pried out of his mouth can be challenging, especially with a guest standing there watching the whole thing! Luckily, DY has a large Akita, so she understands & she even helped untangle Roger.<br /><br />He has tried making off with other balls out of my yarn baskets, but I've caught him before it was too late. When I was putting away newly wound yarn I had just bought from <a href="http://www.norskfjordfiber.com/">Norsk Fjord Fiber</a>, I had my yarn cabinets open & Roger sat gazing into them like he was looking at shelves full of chocolate. Wow, well I guess most of us feel like that about fiber, now that I think of it. When he went to the old dog toy basket & rummaged around, the toy he brought back to the studio was a sheep. Hmmmmm.......<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhr9eGq0qcKIdxi93k4W2gDLjrVTgtIfalNip9LKojEtBOO90eh509LyUwfhQSgArWQ6Ybm5P9lIxbgGz6WXOvbBMBYyamFAVmHmdHyBGY1UcKNHWvbD155A9q6Z4Mp5uSHWHqdw/s1600-h/earth+%26+sky+on+exhibit.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5162101309464092866" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhr9eGq0qcKIdxi93k4W2gDLjrVTgtIfalNip9LKojEtBOO90eh509LyUwfhQSgArWQ6Ybm5P9lIxbgGz6WXOvbBMBYyamFAVmHmdHyBGY1UcKNHWvbD155A9q6Z4Mp5uSHWHqdw/s320/earth+%26+sky+on+exhibit.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em><a href="http://www.tohonochulpark.org/art.html">Earth, Air, Fire, Water</a></em> opened at <a href="http://www.tohonochulpark.org/index.html">Tohono Chul</a> two weeks ago & the exhibit is ¡muy fabuloso! The reception was crammed with people. I immediately saw my <em>earth & sky</em> & Bengt Erikson's <em>Rincons </em>since they were displayed near one another, but then a friend mentioned there were two other tapestries in the exhibit... I turned around & gasped as I saw Michael Rohde's two magnificent tapestries, hung on either side of the exhibit hall's large picture window. They extended nearly floor to ceiling. How exciting to have other tapestries included in the same exhibit! I especially loved how my tapestry was displayed alongside some beautiful jewelry pieces, one with a large chunk of polished agate. All of the tapestries garnered much interest during the reception & I talked to many people who were quite intrigued with the process of tapestry design & weaving. Although <em>earth & sky</em> was quite small compared to most of the works in the exhibit, many people came up & told me they were drawn to it from across the room because of the colors & subject (The Vermilion Cliffs).<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5gkf9sWbie_cL5pAdiFzldILVSVHNJghEMw2HQ1CdKojvCIJTPI7Se5s0BtQo-CvPf5e_ag3vM_qnk_KiaHchdnESrwolQXvdJapSpRlro_1W8vUH-kBMXQ3Gr-w5CCvOlLluA/s1600-h/michael+rohde%27s+2.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSSa0sZ0g679TtIJETqyesgEUkhDFhIDbMsFb7TyWFDzGjCyX0WBqf963rZX8sJ4fo2Ms-fKlB9e7vAbFV6btGnfhBOLZVsZ0scD6ixLWCwjgW_91WG4OzxuP33nkGe78ugR2aA/s1600-h/bengt's+rincons.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5162165691023859922" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSSa0sZ0g679TtIJETqyesgEUkhDFhIDbMsFb7TyWFDzGjCyX0WBqf963rZX8sJ4fo2Ms-fKlB9e7vAbFV6btGnfhBOLZVsZ0scD6ixLWCwjgW_91WG4OzxuP33nkGe78ugR2aA/s320/bengt's+rincons.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The other Tohono Chul exhibit, <em>Turquoise</em>, opened the following week without a reception in the <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh36-EMZ21HZvG_nz2cOCTQYulCAN-ZAN1sWNeQfNwKqturtNk_YrQ1cc0XFIhNLvzTk8O97xFs1Y-t7my6TWWTc7roxOwv95Djnol7yXvrCkETem5eVkS_xNNJP4YlHBo2yR8kQ/s1600-h/michael+rohde%27s+1.jpg"></a>smaller gallery. I have a tapestry in there as does Deborah Komisarek, a fellow <a href="http://www.deserttapestryweavers.blogspot.com/">Desert Tapestry Weavers </a>member. Surprisingly, neither of us knew the other was submitting... we both designed geometric tapestries based on the concept of inlaid turquoise jewelry & even had very similar titles-- hers, <em>Inlay 1</em>, & mine, <em>inlay 9. </em>I have visited that exhibit & our tapestries complement each other very nicely. I hope to revisit the exhibit & get some photos to post of both our works on display.<br /><br />And, speaking of Michael Rohde, he is in town teaching a rug weaving workshop at the Desert <a href="http://www.desertweaving.com/"></a>Weaving Workshop. I had the exciting pleasure of attending with my dear friend, Stacey, a slide & video lecture he gave last night on his trips to Tibet & Lithuania that explained the <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVaKS9aHx2ptDYTXI56baajT7Ec_xXGM-wVZhYWLGREh0QzJOiRPw7wGGGyyrMOe-Nh0n5tMVFDT_zfQIt8Ph9jgayDjYLkrFerdZYEGZdMV8EpSlpRH1tn-nmuqqjO1_kKd7iQ/s1600-h/michael+rohde%27s+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5162167344586268946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVaKS9aHx2ptDYTXI56baajT7Ec_xXGM-wVZhYWLGREh0QzJOiRPw7wGGGyyrMOe-Nh0n5tMVFDT_zfQIt8Ph9jgayDjYLkrFerdZYEGZdMV8EpSlpRH1tn-nmuqqjO1_kKd7iQ/s320/michael+rohde%27s+1.jpg" border="0" /></a>inspiration behind his body of work, <em><a href="http://web.mac.com/mfrohde/iWeb/Houses%20for%20Nomads/Houses%20for%20Nomads%20-%20Tapestries.html">Houses for Nomads</a>, </em>which was exhibited in a solo show in Lithuania last year. A wonderful lecture with fabulous photos & videos with audio that he took of the people & many festivals that were going on during his visit, along with photos of all of his tapestries. It was very inspirational to hear how he was inspired by the people, their lands, their culture. He brought a few of the tapestries with him, how very special to get to see them! I hope to make it into town tomorrow evening to the little gathering they will be having after the workshop is finished for the day.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWtfa0QFXkqZ4D9tO9xk5KbEeZ9QVlEjCgPq0vXi6U8dOVV1nfG7qVDZHxtxpH0s33iaI5ipx1FxMLxEjhq-5B8szGAzcDlHUjdmlklqimOosxMcIeWA39kyTwDEMQI6F8BpQN8A/s1600-h/michael+rohde%27s+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5162171708273041746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWtfa0QFXkqZ4D9tO9xk5KbEeZ9QVlEjCgPq0vXi6U8dOVV1nfG7qVDZHxtxpH0s33iaI5ipx1FxMLxEjhq-5B8szGAzcDlHUjdmlklqimOosxMcIeWA39kyTwDEMQI6F8BpQN8A/s320/michael+rohde%27s+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So, Roger & I are settling into a routine of morning walks, helping him learn to be comfortable & <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUt2wYFh4FFt3d4advw0hxQ4kd93bAQJIjDCobfkv6xobkzXSHVDHK30ETCfkqxQqKyi_C_fz16qeMygn5mq3Z7eBaPs_vg8CzBFGLCKoa_UvF0oG_2_f3HvlhMwbFvdEy6BelsQ/s1600-h/workshop+sampler.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5162167804147769634" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUt2wYFh4FFt3d4advw0hxQ4kd93bAQJIjDCobfkv6xobkzXSHVDHK30ETCfkqxQqKyi_C_fz16qeMygn5mq3Z7eBaPs_vg8CzBFGLCKoa_UvF0oG_2_f3HvlhMwbFvdEy6BelsQ/s200/workshop+sampler.jpg" border="0" /></a>learn the rules in his new home, & working in the studio. Right now I am working on writing my class notes for my upcoming beginning tapestry workshop I will be teaching in the nearby town of <a href="http://www.bisbeefiberarts.com/">Bisbee</a> at the end of February. My weaving consists of weaving a sampler on one of the frame looms the guild is providing, one, so I will know how their looms work, and two, because it is helping me while I am writing. So, I weave a bit, jump up & go the computer, write a bit, & repeat, while Roger snoozes (& sometimes snores quite loudly) on his studio bed. My sister is coming for a visit in mid-February & as I have been helping her learn to weave, we'll be able to get some hands on time to help her advance her skills. I also hope to take us on an overnighter field trip while she is here up to <a href="http://www.rbburnhamtrading.com/">Burnham's Trading Post</a> so she can see some beautiful examples of Navajo weaving & we can buy MORE yarn!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5162173241576366434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXmaDTPWoVflAmRc9uvW6AxiuB9ZhfefVVJM_RzPnKPm-rtjC2crsKUAAVJ1ah7mR5lA7rKY2YcCHWm7osrRwVFgLmabYo5QLyrCn_EX2hUo1LfttOYVaoIv8wyfx7NMadHezyJA/s400/roger+sleeping.jpg" border="0" /><em>You ask of my companions. Hills, sir, and the sundown, and a dog as large as myself that my father bought me. They are better than human beings, because they know but do not tell. ~Emily Dickinson </em>lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680727252540559507noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32591426.post-49610442452348805842008-01-07T14:40:00.000-08:002008-01-07T16:46:20.287-08:00another road on life's journey<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqHBZB5aD_5XTMzDkaqVx0avL_-1a5KA5Q_vBa3LVdvMdDsMBKVmWMKOq2PR-NDbhN7NC_oeqd61hjE6MSnXqSzdJBvw7MF78eAZzRTaN2R6tOUctF0WWYilo2UruDS9BTAkCL0g/s1600-h/penstemon.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152898461757994562" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqHBZB5aD_5XTMzDkaqVx0avL_-1a5KA5Q_vBa3LVdvMdDsMBKVmWMKOq2PR-NDbhN7NC_oeqd61hjE6MSnXqSzdJBvw7MF78eAZzRTaN2R6tOUctF0WWYilo2UruDS9BTAkCL0g/s200/penstemon.jpg" border="0" /></a>Life, for the last month of '07 & the first week of '08, decided to take a sudden turn down a bumpy road. Since this is supposed to be my journal, & a journal's purpose is to record events in one's life, I think it is important to also include sad times as well as happy, upbeat ones. It can't all be a reflection of the eternal sunshine of the spotless mind... these bumps in our lives are what make us grow, what help us learn about our own true natures & the nature of others in our lives. <div><div><div><div><div></div><div>The period of time after Thanksgiving & before New Year's Eve has never been my favorite. Not only do I miss the daylight hours that have been replaced by darkness, I also have come to dislike Christmas. Although I am spiritual, I am neither religious nor believe in any unseen deity, & I am saddened by the wasteful consumerism that has come to mark the season. What makes me happiest at this time is the passage of the solstice, marking the gradual lengthening of daylight hours. My feelings about this time of year are usually enough for me to deal with, but life decided to throw a few barbs in as well.</div><div><br />My father was hospitalized for almost 2 weeks in the beginning of Dec for pulmonary/cardiac edema & to try to save his leg from amputation. He had refused to go in for treatment for 5 weeks, so they had a mess to deal with when he finally went (because he couldn't breathe). Upon returning home, he resumed his smoking, drinking, & not elevating his legs as much as he should. On Christmas day, my mother had a minor stroke & was hospitalized for a couple days. Luckily there were no residual effects for her. Both of my parents are nurses & have knowledge of how they should care for themselves, but I have come to terms with recognizing that they are the only ones who can make choices about how they live their lives. I have siblings who live near my parents & they help out during these times. I am closer to my sister who lives there, so I stay in close contact with her, explaining the medical things & giving my "nurse perspective" on the situation. Needless to say, a very stressful few weeks.</div><div><br /></div><div>Which brings me to the last little bit... we finally had to have our old Roux put to sleep on Friday,<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0_nblvaxKoiAo1NsUm5J3-eQ-N7XZxTDDm0cnVdr8EXU6S3-ZYJTmGN9XIBSlPHQI3pIj9QQA-CwajBZ6f7uAfuU7QHixuwvGBatU1d1U8a_SRG8YVtyYIsUyyNWsGQLDzQkcQg/s1600-h/roux+in+NM.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152895137453307394" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0_nblvaxKoiAo1NsUm5J3-eQ-N7XZxTDDm0cnVdr8EXU6S3-ZYJTmGN9XIBSlPHQI3pIj9QQA-CwajBZ6f7uAfuU7QHixuwvGBatU1d1U8a_SRG8YVtyYIsUyyNWsGQLDzQkcQg/s400/roux+in+NM.jpg" border="0" /></a> January 4th. Just before Thanksgiving, she had labs drawn that indicated she was headed into kidney failure. We declined taking her in for 3 days of IV therapy because we thought that being there away from home at her age (14) would kill her faster than staying at home where she wanted to be. So she did quite well until the last weeks of the year, when we started seeing a rapid decline. We finally knew it was time to make the decision we have been dreading since her cancer diagnosis a year & a half ago. What was great was that since Dennis was home so much (he always has lots of time off at the end of the year & had extra to burn), we got to spend lots of time being together here with her & taking her for walks around our property. She got to eat turkey at Thanksgiving one last time. She played with her toys & chased Dennis down the driveway. Her last day was perfect, so warm & sunny we could open the bedroom window, she could smell the light breeze & hear the birds singing. We took turns hanging out on the bed with her. She ate cookies in bed & played with her favorite toys a little. In the late afternoon, when we took her out to use the bathroom one last time, a pack rat jumped out in front of her from the bushes & she almost nailed it. It was just a little too quick for her, but she felt like a young dog again, if only for a few minutes. The last couple of hours before our wonderful vet came here to perform euthanasia at home, I laid with her & just kept petting her the whole time. My arm never got tired. The vet came & it all went smoothly... she went very quickly & peacefully. As her heart stopped beating, our vet said, "She's on her journey now" & he was crying as much as I. Poor Dennis couldn't bear to be in the room, so after he walked the vet out, he came in & had his moments with her. It was so hard to let her go, but we know it was the best for her... we didn't want her to get so bad that she was really suffering, so it was better to do it while she still had some of the "old" Roux spark. We buried her here on our desert property, in a very sunny spot with a good view in all directions.</div><div><br /></div><div>We will miss her little paws, her pointed ears, the mischievous glow in her amber eyes, the swagger in her walk, the rocks she used to carry around & try to sneak in the house. But most of all we will miss her love. Roux's passing has also brought back many memories of our other dog, her buddy, Bear. He died almost 4 years ago very suddenly during our first trip to our New Mexico mountain property, and we still think of him very often. He is buried there, in a shady spot under the fir trees.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSoKzAxQ2Uy952CxvczscvqcmZycSQc1i5CqIw1dZCOifjRqW9wMkO_7itRLc7Co6444UfzIDtnJ7aYnkO3XE-OMeXRngFq6Ebb2eGdJics3-SygTNns3bRMMqhn0hHmv1f1lNmA/s1600-h/dennis+%26+bear+-+1993.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152884653438137826" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSoKzAxQ2Uy952CxvczscvqcmZycSQc1i5CqIw1dZCOifjRqW9wMkO_7itRLc7Co6444UfzIDtnJ7aYnkO3XE-OMeXRngFq6Ebb2eGdJics3-SygTNns3bRMMqhn0hHmv1f1lNmA/s400/dennis+%26+bear+-+1993.jpg" border="0" /></a>A dog era has come to a close. While our hearts mend with cherished memories, we are looking forward to the time when we will welcome other dogs in need into our hearts & home. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsJ7ApkVVWNTSTEK2S7CcDap0uiXoarqSN_HrJ7tart948Lzg7pZHxNLROG52lcF1Gzg_JtXlBAFeHfEkAzkqj0L84nmevXoO5w25LvEcdgNYVTjXoQ6KN0PV3jwjXzh93qhVtg/s1600-h/dennis+bear+roux+-+hannigan+meadows.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152895721568859682" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsJ7ApkVVWNTSTEK2S7CcDap0uiXoarqSN_HrJ7tart948Lzg7pZHxNLROG52lcF1Gzg_JtXlBAFeHfEkAzkqj0L84nmevXoO5w25LvEcdgNYVTjXoQ6KN0PV3jwjXzh93qhVtg/s320/dennis+bear+roux+-+hannigan+meadows.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCtAsnd915STRy690i5SjOpBWb4TiSvD6Q_KLAyp7zs1ZXXztcYGAiItTvTWP80ea28APmG5zo7KZjOVe9IAM0_Mmc2ccrm134i7nX5XRA1XUsoeO8D-ayDxz4F3AZ9tAE_ByrQ/s1600-h/bear.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152884799467025906" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCtAsnd915STRy690i5SjOpBWb4TiSvD6Q_KLAyp7zs1ZXXztcYGAiItTvTWP80ea28APmG5zo7KZjOVe9IAM0_Mmc2ccrm134i7nX5XRA1XUsoeO8D-ayDxz4F3AZ9tAE_ByrQ/s400/bear.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div><em></em></div><div><em></em></div><div><em></em></div><div><em>I have sometimes thought of the final cause of dogs having such short lives and I am quite satisfied it is in compassion to the human race; for if we suffer so much in losing a dog after an acquaintance of ten or twelve years, what would it be if they were to live double that time? <br/>Sir Walter Scott<br /></em><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDHRBEqA7GQ2lMfZUHquXhnO9qgPQuHKS9doWr361mqxYV5cU3PKlAzAFrZZsEEtQyFihwNwGzXbIHD1udq1vlUkeHzrLiNgx4YlN0zdpANCftgJVuDtf69FUyFLKo_lX7_yWAA/s1600-h/lyn,+bear,+roux+-+hannigans+meadow.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152895468165789202" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDHRBEqA7GQ2lMfZUHquXhnO9qgPQuHKS9doWr361mqxYV5cU3PKlAzAFrZZsEEtQyFihwNwGzXbIHD1udq1vlUkeHzrLiNgx4YlN0zdpANCftgJVuDtf69FUyFLKo_lX7_yWAA/s320/lyn,+bear,+roux+-+hannigans+meadow.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjG1edb-ma5ivu4Di-WjlhdXZ_7hu24_hkHlIEIAs_yLsh80kfXLflIqdEqH1DZ4cpq_S5GeNF3rDBpTxXT4G3Gq-V1fK7iJAE5s8u8611xg8oQGnWs4-ytaBdwBpYjN9QQ5dgCg/s1600-h/dennis+%26+roux+at+DMR+5_07.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152896559087482418" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjG1edb-ma5ivu4Di-WjlhdXZ_7hu24_hkHlIEIAs_yLsh80kfXLflIqdEqH1DZ4cpq_S5GeNF3rDBpTxXT4G3Gq-V1fK7iJAE5s8u8611xg8oQGnWs4-ytaBdwBpYjN9QQ5dgCg/s320/dennis+%26+roux+at+DMR+5_07.jpg" border="0" /></a><em>To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring - it was peace. Milan Kundera</em></div></div></div></div></div>lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680727252540559507noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32591426.post-6142156287350550912007-12-11T10:26:00.000-08:002007-12-11T11:40:11.100-08:00inlay 9 underwayIt has been raining intermittently, yet steadily, for almost 4 days now, a very good thing in the <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUTzE3b45k6Sg2Z82WFuwEBwcu10gpEzeP_mz4LPmlrNJ5XMOOp9av5ooufxN8pnS5XxbiTPeOZ24TtgX21WIOfyu6kUODClMbuyrfI85Jjk7WEjJXwlHFinkaqpDq3H1w34gGg/s1600-h/rain.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142798826657049394" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUTzE3b45k6Sg2Z82WFuwEBwcu10gpEzeP_mz4LPmlrNJ5XMOOp9av5ooufxN8pnS5XxbiTPeOZ24TtgX21WIOfyu6kUODClMbuyrfI85Jjk7WEjJXwlHFinkaqpDq3H1w34gGg/s400/rain.jpg" border="0" /></a>desert. It is always so amazing how quickly things can change here... for the last 2 days, the temps have not made it out of the 50s, yet just before Thanksgiving we had some days near 90. The birds outside seem to enjoy wet weather so much, increasing their usual cacophony of birdsong while they are feeding at the feeders. The studio windows have been continually streaked with rain & because of the flat roof I can hear the rain if it is coming down hard enough. The clay canales that drain the studio & garage rooftops have been continually trickling & at times gushing water. The surrounding mountains are either lost from sight when the clouds engulf them, or they are strikingly illuminated when the sun manages to peak briefly through the thick cotton of rain clouds. The Catalinas have also had brief dustings of snow on their peaks which melts quickly if the sun stays out for long.<br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMnmfyw5k2TZDjhoF3K0GVUORzwZ-uuUCWF5pUoCrCN1p8mCEH_JRy4JQvjoZCNTjCRKnHIIFJ1F_i-eHrbyMWBtUX2EGdh8wyWQVevQtwbu9PqwkM3g2Q1d4BQsstliIOj0HmWQ/s1600-h/pusch+ridge.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142799002750708546" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMnmfyw5k2TZDjhoF3K0GVUORzwZ-uuUCWF5pUoCrCN1p8mCEH_JRy4JQvjoZCNTjCRKnHIIFJ1F_i-eHrbyMWBtUX2EGdh8wyWQVevQtwbu9PqwkM3g2Q1d4BQsstliIOj0HmWQ/s320/pusch+ridge.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div>On the Shannock frame loom, <em>inlay 9</em> is finally in progress, after a bit of tweaking of the design. Inspired by Tommye's latest <a href="http://tapestry13.blogspot.com/2007/12/designing-blues.html">post</a>, I'm including images of my designing as it progressed. I don't sketch very much for most of my tapestries because I use images that I take with my digital camera & then trace the main shapes & outlines onto vellum to use behind the warp. But, this tapestry is geometric, so I had to head for the graph paper & then to my CorelDraw.</div><br /><div>Here, my first conception while I was still in the process of choosing the palette. I had originally envisioned it as a horizontal design...</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142799311988353874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1ZpZ-D3EkcydJAqGq3ye2P-AnMTC2YG0tFS0Wv37cI6UHuzePyNF08twj3lRcevAeKBEh2OAlu2Vi0pp5h6i1DBmaZxxCRrv-00Y34m-2GDJRrMMQKLVh128g8-iDN68KLsBrQ/s400/inlay+9+cartoon1.jpg" border="0" /> Which I then transferred into CorelDraw & modified to come up with the final design & palette, with some of the shapes changed & the alignment now vertical...<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142799483787045730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkBHzt8y3ZZEUNrr9iBDl-qEbT40vGe1nKj6XZVzS6nBo0FgHzFsf9uZQN-556aqEKRwYmIXbQrUyOIaOeSOfGeHlnqw4ip3dw6P0Y7KXvjExV1-wWhAEYdfIdC5SLA1A2BTeFw/s400/inlay+9.jpg" border="0" /> Here the final design has been transferred to graph paper with yarns attached to their respective color areas. I can keep it near the loom to track of each shape's dimensions; since the overall size is 9" x 22" & it is such a simple design, I didn't want to waste paper & ink printing a cartoon out from my printer.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142799805909592946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYofJDu3BRb2qsPVxY5HJ_owqAifzehV1RehM_SnzCQNRU2NRNJRUs4Q7X2EnNYTQfWrA6xAbISdgw5TJkqhEvgUD6J4SatW106mtAZToci3049zSnt-MwA_cuLNHMFmBxiNEi1g/s400/inlay+9+cartoon3.jpg" border="0" /> With each new tapestry, I tend to try to incorporate a tapestry technique that I have not used much before so I can push my envelope a bit & become more proficient in my weaving skills. In <em>earth & sky</em>, it was pick and pick-- in this tapestry it happens to be interlocking joins, which I felt it was necessary to use because of the precision of the shapes & the size of the slits that would make it difficult for me to control draw in or "bulge out". Two of the shapes are using a wool yarn that is much larger than the other wools, bamboos, & cottons, so I am weaving those in basket weave (over 2, under 2) to compensate. Although the overall design is simple, I find that the preciseness of it requires that I am very mindful of all of my joins & selvedges.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3i0GPyscUcLxZnYNOE90I_FDWfMaprj6UBxU-M7lvR0E1Y9Hhb1TM-j3Ba3fwBnx7U82MA1gTRyxnsu0v4es_of78qvVTKs7yJysrpp2hyphenhyphensRSauRMziPE8PHE3A544RSK1U6wsA/s1600-h/inlay+9+detail1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142800136622074754" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3i0GPyscUcLxZnYNOE90I_FDWfMaprj6UBxU-M7lvR0E1Y9Hhb1TM-j3Ba3fwBnx7U82MA1gTRyxnsu0v4es_of78qvVTKs7yJysrpp2hyphenhyphensRSauRMziPE8PHE3A544RSK1U6wsA/s400/inlay+9+detail1.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-tdbCk87D2FyQjByHISwFFc7-SUEmvtSRSU7pJWYfn7J_qO2ce7xA13NOrS-ZHILJyT6QDR1CPm5pCyyJEPqalSKx27Bvo78F4HwN3nai7ys2OOt73e3b5aVZcG7s2fjZV99sQ/s1600-h/inlay+9+on+loom1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142802271220820898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-tdbCk87D2FyQjByHISwFFc7-SUEmvtSRSU7pJWYfn7J_qO2ce7xA13NOrS-ZHILJyT6QDR1CPm5pCyyJEPqalSKx27Bvo78F4HwN3nai7ys2OOt73e3b5aVZcG7s2fjZV99sQ/s200/inlay+9+on+loom1.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680727252540559507noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32591426.post-36561417758255696482007-12-04T13:27:00.000-08:002007-12-05T13:45:09.459-08:00busier than a one-legged woman in a butt kickin' contest!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimrNNrXcHvSnzkt5LuhaoksO0MeOJjBzZrF95B-xbwxzM1ANB7pJ6GO_EmB7jzYAlWdNtxYXtA_G73XqSQZ3a4Cx3YWaof9NBW_okG8PkRCJxO7liVa3W0Nr76J8_J6RyxgGzxrw/s1600-h/winter+sunset.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5140253197999275794" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimrNNrXcHvSnzkt5LuhaoksO0MeOJjBzZrF95B-xbwxzM1ANB7pJ6GO_EmB7jzYAlWdNtxYXtA_G73XqSQZ3a4Cx3YWaof9NBW_okG8PkRCJxO7liVa3W0Nr76J8_J6RyxgGzxrw/s320/winter+sunset.jpg" border="0" /></a>If you didn't know that I pretty much grew up in the South, the above phrase should be a good clue, although I have "genderized" it & cleaned it up for public consumption... I have other phrases that aren't really printable here. Let's just say I have to assess who is within earshot before those phrases are uttered.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div>So, what have I been doing???....</div><div><br />Getting the latest <a href="http://www.deserttapestryweavers.blogspot.com/">Desert Tapestry Weavers newsletter & announcements</a> out.<br /></div><div></div><div></div><div>Doing my volunteer bit for <a href="http://www.americantapestryalliance.org/index.html">ATA</a> (I help do the excerpts for the online version of <a href="http://www.americantapestryalliance.org/Members/NLv33n3/NLv33n3.html">Tapestry Topics</a>). </div><div></div><div><br />Gave a <em>fabulous </em>presentation to my guild, <em>Sources of Inspiration</em>, to share the experience & how I benefitted from attending a <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/desertsong/sets/72157594511123945/">Sources of Inspiration workshop</a> at the <a href="http://www.desertweaving.com/about.php">Desert Weaving Workshop</a> back in January taught by DY Begay, Madeleine Darling-Tung, & Barabara Heller. The guild awarded me some CE funding to help with tuition & the presentation was how I was to "pay them back". I say it was fabulous because I learned to use Power Point for the first time & because everyone seemed to love the presentation... at least I didn't see anyone "pecking corn" (the jerking movement one's head does when one is nodding off while sitting upright). Thank yous to DY, Madeleine, & Barbara for sending me images to use!</div><div><br /></div><div>Volunteered for an entire day at the Tucson Museum of Art Holiday Market in our guild's booth. The first half of the day I was a sales person & the second half I demonstrated tapestry weaving on my little Mirrix. So much fun to be around people ALL day & I picked up a few trinkets as well while Dennis stayed home to tend Roux.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDmEypKdAw4urRiWmw8mE9CXqPn6Vg3UQf333fk4OSmdiaDP_lui1OYJwt-K3MXJ-2bfpuSZR9_tfGRAQJbE4BvOeRYZe0QxEf3ZuJaFDuDpenhI3q54hKGWr6NOljhMhmiOyokA/s1600-h/roux.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5140253880899075874" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDmEypKdAw4urRiWmw8mE9CXqPn6Vg3UQf333fk4OSmdiaDP_lui1OYJwt-K3MXJ-2bfpuSZR9_tfGRAQJbE4BvOeRYZe0QxEf3ZuJaFDuDpenhI3q54hKGWr6NOljhMhmiOyokA/s320/roux.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div>Had a peaceful<em>, happy</em>, Thanksgiving with just myself, man, & dog. We thought we would be euthanizing our little old Roux instead of enjoying turkey... it has been 16 months since she was diagnosed with bladder cancer & now according to her recent bloodwork she is going into kidney failure. She is 14... we decided to fore go the horrible treatments, which would be torture for her, just to eke out a few more weeks of life & instead we are letting her enjoy a normal dog life for whatever time she has left. We thought she was headed downhill after the lab reports, so I made a call to the vet to discuss options for at home euthanasia... that evening we walked into the bedroom to discover her "paddles up", rolling around, wrestling with toys & pillow, just having a merry old time. Entirely living up to Dennis' description of her as a "tough old bird". I think she knew there was a big, juicy bird awaiting roasting in the fridge! As of now, she is still hanging in there & enjoying life.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Le8W7QZlEteC8-YcxfqKa6o6YK1yS8yzsSncDPYn2qr0YIc8rl09N0u5gbBBcj7WyNGl8I5b524hZn6oHxpDmsiAlQnbyqz0SrvDcEh39BoE1trQBuF6dBTtvesf6LRYUEP3FQ/s1600-h/rincons+tapestry+detail.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5140255036245278514" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Le8W7QZlEteC8-YcxfqKa6o6YK1yS8yzsSncDPYn2qr0YIc8rl09N0u5gbBBcj7WyNGl8I5b524hZn6oHxpDmsiAlQnbyqz0SrvDcEh39BoE1trQBuF6dBTtvesf6LRYUEP3FQ/s400/rincons+tapestry+detail.jpg" border="0" /></a>Went to Vail to visit my friend Bengt Erikson & help him out by taking some digital images of a couple tapestries he didn't have images for. He & Bill will be moving away soon, to Santa Fe, since they discovered they are not happy here in the heat & in the isolated area in which they live after relocating from the Pacific Northwest. And, I bought his 2 ft. Shannock collapsible frame loom from him when I discovered he was interested in selling it! He primarily weaves on his 6ft. Shannock now. To see more of his work, visit the online ATA exhibit, <a href="http://www.americantapestryalliance.org/Exhibitions/TOTE/TOTEListofArtists.html">Tapestry On The Edge</a>.<br /><br />Above, a detail of Bengt's <em>Rincons.<br /></em><br />Made the decision NOT to torture myself trying to crank out <em>opuntia</em> for submission to ATB 7. I decided instead to torture myself by cranking out a small tapestry for another upcoming Tohono Chul exhibit, <em><a href="http://www.tohonochulpark.org/upcoming.html">Earth, Air, Fire, Water</a></em>. This newest tapestry, <em>earth & sky</em>, is from a digital image I took when Dennis, Roux, & I were hiking along the base of the Vermillion cliffs during a trip there in '06. Bengt is also submitting his <em>Rincons</em> for this exhibit, so I am hoping to have his tapestry there to keep mine company! For more on tapestry & torture, please visit <a href="http://kspoeringtapestries.blogspot.com/2007/12/dogged-determination.html">Kathy Spoering's blog</a> to learn more about this fiber-related affliction. Remember, Kathy, we <em>love</em> to weave!!!</div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwothgqqOp6oVbKhy-Xm-HXKsJIiruS3Eyld8XZYrmc1M32pwKcWxe831tVs5WU1UjBKi8YH4pSTemL0f4sIQQGeU3F0ai57A3Bz8Apz3BSSQydKhHrzFUqhpEAkj-PDeoimrc8A/s1600-h/earth+%26+sky+on+loom.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5140255895238737730" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwothgqqOp6oVbKhy-Xm-HXKsJIiruS3Eyld8XZYrmc1M32pwKcWxe831tVs5WU1UjBKi8YH4pSTemL0f4sIQQGeU3F0ai57A3Bz8Apz3BSSQydKhHrzFUqhpEAkj-PDeoimrc8A/s200/earth+%26+sky+on+loom.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtThip1ldXW1q9jybQa5N07L5XsVsAQrSUYw3tdaUzsAPv6ZppEF3P0fwt6mImznGH4-nfl25038kT1VrRWDJ6vEFG5zYrslNx6waYUpClSKcDWsuNnkBsVoC3xwDGPd3vWrVA8g/s1600-h/earth+%26+sky.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5140256157231742802" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtThip1ldXW1q9jybQa5N07L5XsVsAQrSUYw3tdaUzsAPv6ZppEF3P0fwt6mImznGH4-nfl25038kT1VrRWDJ6vEFG5zYrslNx6waYUpClSKcDWsuNnkBsVoC3xwDGPd3vWrVA8g/s400/earth+%26+sky.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnj4t_eOk6LBDXFdhI674DDG9_RHfvfh9sLjEhxvtvboo-QPDKf7J8RETm11nmy_pc75Q4t_h5Eg0VtUqkxBxieySWu3j9zNN6XSqNumz_9zSgajwDGanKgutRfD0qu4TZ8k4yw/s1600-h/vermillion+cliffs.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5140256453584486242" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnj4t_eOk6LBDXFdhI674DDG9_RHfvfh9sLjEhxvtvboo-QPDKf7J8RETm11nmy_pc75Q4t_h5Eg0VtUqkxBxieySWu3j9zNN6XSqNumz_9zSgajwDGanKgutRfD0qu4TZ8k4yw/s320/vermillion+cliffs.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Was offered & accepted my first teaching job by the <a href="http://www.bisbeefiberarts.com/">Bisbee Fiber Arts Guild</a>! I will teach beginning tapestry weaving, & my first workshop will be in March of '08. I am in the planning stages now...</div><div><br /></div><div>And, finally, I have started a new tapestry for yet another Tohono Chul exhibit with yet another looming deadline, one I just <em>couldn't</em> pass up, <em>Turquoise</em>. I will be weaving it on Bengt's old Shannock, since <em>opuntia </em>is languishing away on the Tissart. The header is started & my palette & design are ready. It is a geometric design, <em>inlay 9</em>, rectangular in shape & composed of 9 geometrically dynamic squares & rectangles based on a 9 inch square in 9 different shades of turquoise . I love turquoise jewelry of all kinds & this design makes me think of inlaid rings & bracelets. The "9" denotes the number of letters in the word "turquoise" & I chose the shades based on pieces of turquoise I own. I will post images of it once I have woven more!</div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5140256741347295090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Fa80Ox3-v_pFHKYw0TVR_66r3FF_F3iePQ5eVhyphenhyphenHMp4VAg7R9ggny4EeIxLaw4ioYZU1bSoKIQhvoyRahl7rOsuSd0-kuCLdftM_RIIYroN7wjQPuMo8K6Ej3q-7f5A3x8bomg/s400/turquoise+palette.jpg" border="0" />The desert has finally settled into winter... after weeks of temps near 90, just at Thanksgiving the weather turned & since then it has been very pleasant 60s & 70s during the days & 40s at night. We had a giant storm roll through a few days ago, rain all day & all night, the most we've received in over a year and hopefully more on the way with the upcoming front on its way here from Alaska!<br /><br />After this flurry of activity frenzy passes, I hope to be able to return to work on <em>opuntia</em> in a more leisurely manner, since it is the biggest tapestry I've woven so far. I plan to submit it in the Juror's Choice exhibit that accompanies <a href="http://www.azfed.org/">Arizona Federation of Weavers & Spinners</a> <em>Fibers Through Time</em> <a href="http://www.azfed.org/2008.html">conference</a> being held in Tucson this coming April. I should have plenty of time, right, Kathy?</div></div></div></div></div>lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680727252540559507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32591426.post-4461775519452889802007-11-11T12:56:00.000-08:002007-11-12T07:12:56.267-08:00give peace a chance<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XM77BM7DKVq-KANR2T5lxNZWiMgwjcW3P8kLkFGQW-uz57DDBEBdNemYtGIc37oHi9Z_r2RT0Tbzcr9_kxt-BeM7hdOe5qDRJRtzsm9GYyRa3QuaHM3amZas24_mSYwCTv24tQ/s1600-h/peace+dove+postcard+5x7_front.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5131692403133734482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XM77BM7DKVq-KANR2T5lxNZWiMgwjcW3P8kLkFGQW-uz57DDBEBdNemYtGIc37oHi9Z_r2RT0Tbzcr9_kxt-BeM7hdOe5qDRJRtzsm9GYyRa3QuaHM3amZas24_mSYwCTv24tQ/s400/peace+dove+postcard+5x7_front.jpg" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5131692501917982306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmTSSo79pHvXyNcy-S__3rcH-SXOWIpmc1bUQk_mIVwWI2s7HKy76_aD0ipKX1LrARdRVIcRv46GuBzltdsqEzlNyg5bGYTszhtg0TMmBnPKukPWpeLmV8Uj3KXN_gtPfEbjt_g/s400/peace+dove+postcard+5x7_back.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><em><strong>Please consider creating your own 4" x 4" work to submit for this collaboration... they are still accepting entries and are in need of more than 1600 to help them on their way towards completion of this project!</strong></em></div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://pages.suddenlink.net/w2la_design/peace/index.htm">“COUNTDOWN TO PEACE” Project<br />Artists Call to PEACE </a><br /></div><br /><br /><div align="left"><br />Inspired by collaborative projects like the Aids Memorial Quilt and Sonya Clark’s Beaded Prayers Project, we invite you to help create the “Countdown to PEACE.” Presented in calendar format, the project will begin with March 19, 2003 (the day the war in Iraq began) and will end when the war ends. At this point we are into the fifth year of the war; the calendar format allows us a way to measure the full extent of the war and gives us a visual sense of its continuing scope.<br /><br />CRITERIA:<br />Each calendar month will be its own presentation board made up of 4-inch squares, 7 across and 5-6 rows down. Each entry will represent one day of this war. We are inviting artists to send us entries that are no larger than 4-inches square and no deeper than 1 inch. Limiting size will make display feasible. Work that is included in this project will become the property of the project. The entries will be permanently attached to the “calendar” pages for ease of transporting.<br /><br />Any media is acceptable. Remember that since only one side of the work will be seen, 2-D approaches are preferred, however clay or metal works done in relief (for example) will also be accepted.<br /><br />We intend for the project to be POSITIVE in nature. We are mainly interested in your personal VISION OF PEACE. Please do not use imagery and/or text that is specific to any government officials or policies. Please keep the focus on PROMOTING PEACE rather than on decrying war.<br /><br />Entries that do not meet the criteria in terms of size or content will be returned to the sender.<br /><br />WHAT TO DO:<br />Send your work, along with $10. PER ENTRY; the entry fee is non-refundable. Make checks payable to “Countdown to Peace.” Mail your entry and check to:<br /><br />Countdown to Peace<br />PO Box 145<br />Ayden, NC 28513<br /><br />Email questions to:<br />Jodi Hollnagel-Jubran at <a href="mailto:jodijubran@yahoo.com">jodijubran@yahoo.com</a><br />Catherine Billingsley at <a href="mailto:billingsleyca@ecu.edu">mailto:billingsleyca@ecu.edu</a><br /></div><div align="left"><br /><br />For complete prospectus & entry form, <a href="http://pages.suddenlink.net/w2la_design/peace/submission.htm">click here</a>.<br /></div><div align="left"><br /><br />Money collected from the entry fees will be used STRICTLY to defray the costs of display materials, promotional information, shipping, and insurance.<br /><br />Our website, <a href="http://pages.suddenlink.net/w2la_design/peace/index.htm">COUNTDOWN TO PEACE</a>, is under construction, but it will provide information on current developments and will also give participating artists a link to their websites. Our first exhibit is scheduled for the month of November at the Mendenhall Gallery on the campus of East Carolina University. As part of the exhibit, there will be a book that will include:<br /></div><div align="left">1. an alphabetical listing of all contributors with the day, month, and year where each entry is displayed </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">2. a chronological listing of entries along with artist’s name.<br /><br />Submission is ON-going. UNFORTUNATELY, WE NEED ONE MORE ENTRY WITH EACH PASSING DAY OF THIS WAR. PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH YOUR FRIENDS.</div>lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680727252540559507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32591426.post-80596054425538943322007-10-18T15:37:00.000-07:002007-10-18T16:47:50.454-07:00dyeing, weaving, and peaceSo, what did I <em>really </em>do first thing after we returned from our mountain trip?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeP-J5wmBbUH69edRGc7I1VbCT6fffLWFQQwpHsvevC2c6Rd8XxYjqsjUjVDModwI5_c3zMZdh5M8mEbyO6t-9Kl37fQuxCgu3eAM5k1KaoUREPNgM_M__zaXowSwybooT7TiMjw/s1600-h/dyepots.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122821462390354482" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeP-J5wmBbUH69edRGc7I1VbCT6fffLWFQQwpHsvevC2c6Rd8XxYjqsjUjVDModwI5_c3zMZdh5M8mEbyO6t-9Kl37fQuxCgu3eAM5k1KaoUREPNgM_M__zaXowSwybooT7TiMjw/s320/dyepots.jpg" border="0" /></a> Even before blogging about it? Of course, what any sane weaver would do, I did a little bit of dyeing because I couldn't let my fresh dyestuffs ruin! Even though it was a small dye run, nonetheless, it was the first for the new studio. And I could further rationalize dyeing instead of cleaning up & putting away things from the trip because I pulled out several bags of sunflower heads that had been in my freezer, so it created more space in there for actual food. (We won't mention the fact that other frozen dyestuffs are currently still occupying 9o% of the bottom shelf space, & we also won't mention that there are only two shelves in my freezer.)<br /><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122821685728653890" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeruXjBydZrJ-sivNpiZvKVbIPGBd7zdC8XMSJ-CePZb9TlCHdWevbrJ90WCXSvHofUDWoNZvDwUjB9j4Pm65-_xC0PNPkj2ympltcWHwfSDjgNiba7iv3I1XRQfZNaSE50JSMnw/s320/studio's+first+dyerun.jpg" border="0" />I used the mullein, dock, & sunflowers, obtaining a very muted but beautiful palette. As luck would have it, the dock provided the exact shades that were missing from my <em>opuntia </em>palette, which are the two skeins already wound into balls. Most of the colors for <em>opuntia </em>will be from my natural dyed wools-- pomegranate, ponderosa pine, chaparral sage, peach, marigold-madder. As I weave, I will remember where & when each of those dyestuffs were gathered: the pomegranate & sage from our property here in Tucson; the ponderosa pine during a stop outside Show Low during our Marble Canyon trip; the peach leaves & tender branches from our NM <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksbO_PShwqvT7wXt8QvGdzv5XncvJUj9wLWRjgcrwaw12CYuHefe1hXdnrAODPlKRYlPuA7z8EEPIvmooldNpihCFi-Dzwy029VlsXuqEgnJ-_9pon5GpJahyphenhyphenfQpZwAkJ0Ba_5w/s1600-h/opuntia+palette.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122821917656887890" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksbO_PShwqvT7wXt8QvGdzv5XncvJUj9wLWRjgcrwaw12CYuHefe1hXdnrAODPlKRYlPuA7z8EEPIvmooldNpihCFi-Dzwy029VlsXuqEgnJ-_9pon5GpJahyphenhyphenfQpZwAkJ0Ba_5w/s320/opuntia+palette.jpg" border="0" /></a>neighbor's orchard; the marigold-madder from a post dye workshop mini dye session when I was assisting <a href="http://artistsregister.com/artist_page.phtml?number=AZ104">Janie Hoffman</a>.<br /><div><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxV4tIuUVwhKikilze6ohdkzZXpNgE-t3f-_lvN_aTjnXOGXBO_8V80E13Y7Iw5lmV-Gn3aVAAU0q6bAUJ1GMDpOEvpZI97prOMAcSkYX0AHmRLbDABbr9pWi_T3fsmkAoV0h6Hg/s1600-h/opuntia+progress+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122822209714664034" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxV4tIuUVwhKikilze6ohdkzZXpNgE-t3f-_lvN_aTjnXOGXBO_8V80E13Y7Iw5lmV-Gn3aVAAU0q6bAUJ1GMDpOEvpZI97prOMAcSkYX0AHmRLbDABbr9pWi_T3fsmkAoV0h6Hg/s320/opuntia+progress+1.jpg" border="0" /></a></em></div><div><em></em> </div><div><em></em> </div><div><em></em> </div><div><em></em> </div><div><em></em> </div><div><em></em> </div><div><em><br /><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br />Opuntia</em> has been started, & it is already glowing. It is being woven on its side; when it is finished & displayed, the pollen head area will be in the lower right hand corner. I have spent the last couple of days not really weaving, but mostly weaving & reweaving the first pollen head because I wasn't getting the effect I was seeking & I wasn't feeling very well. Today, as I have started feeling better, I have also figured out how to weave the pollen heads. I wanted a raised texture, but didn't want to use a technique that would take eons to weave. So what I have come up with is to intersperse single picks of basket weave within passes of regular weave, using a double strand weft of two different, but similar colors. Now, with two pollen heads woven, I like<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiug3OMv7IR6-gB0I5-VyNw4MlV1kpKQrv2STY9tQlaXSYO6lEmb8lG8eFP3ZZahVeaKo7AFw3Om_unyusP4pbQkGHbvMwyOp3gQ0gxxfwlnz9cZX2tVGahC7qWySQSHCRY6EqIqw/s1600-h/pollen+heads+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122822441642898034" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiug3OMv7IR6-gB0I5-VyNw4MlV1kpKQrv2STY9tQlaXSYO6lEmb8lG8eFP3ZZahVeaKo7AFw3Om_unyusP4pbQkGHbvMwyOp3gQ0gxxfwlnz9cZX2tVGahC7qWySQSHCRY6EqIqw/s400/pollen+heads+1.jpg" border="0" /></a> the effect I see, & I have also decided that the pollen heads that are deeper within the flower will be woven as the rest of the tapestry, with a 1 strand weft to help them appear deeper than the textured heads. </div></div><br /><div><div>Over the last few weeks, some wonderful things have been happening, like little unexpected gifts out of the blue... </div><br /><div>I've been visited in my studio by two good weaver friends-- <a href="http://www.navajo-indian.com/">DY Begay</a>, a Navajo weaver who lives in nearby Mesa, & Olga Neuts, another tapestry weaver here in Tucson. What wonderful visits we had! It is like a good cool drink of water that quenches your thirst when you are able to spend time visiting & talking with other weavers who share your passion!</div><br /><div>While a friend & I were attending the Bisbee Fiber Festival, I was approached by members of their guild to come teach a beginning tapestry class next year. Of course, I said yes... what a great opportunity! One of my favorite things I did as a nurse was teaching my patients. Since I retired to pursue my weaving I always hoped that some day I would be able to teach others again. It has come much sooner that I dreamt it would!</div><br /><div>I have solved a dilemma that had been pestering me since the last time we had cool weather. I like to weave barefoot, & when it's cold, my feet get cold. I just cannot weave with shoes on & socks slide around on the treadles. So what's a poor, barefoot weaver girl going to do? Get some toe socks! And not just <em>any</em> toe socks, <em>yoga toe socks</em> with <em>tread</em>! They are very sticky, & yes, they obviously pick up dog hair, but my feet will be warm when I am weaving this winter-- heaven! Feets don't fail me now....<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPM5fewrXdkAGZSRn0zlmw3g8cs-yN54HJR0kqaObhSrhGAmd9EbQ_O9t3Li7Ag4-x8HDc3OIrvJd6gvR8KdCkm5OArhhIQ5lxl5e6_0OKTTxPcdFO1BV32hr6M1dNwqhUEC1YA/s1600-h/toe+sox+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122824340018442898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPM5fewrXdkAGZSRn0zlmw3g8cs-yN54HJR0kqaObhSrhGAmd9EbQ_O9t3Li7Ag4-x8HDc3OIrvJd6gvR8KdCkm5OArhhIQ5lxl5e6_0OKTTxPcdFO1BV32hr6M1dNwqhUEC1YA/s320/toe+sox+1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDeVDG7fANMqZTe2vATudJWu5yg2Yhswfw6klLZNxeiDCwUzvvqE23gmQFtawAhVfWw2aOe_BAPztWuo03BbvCh_oPo1ICkYiDWd_fKut3XVEQi5nGU7G9GulPTgKhY16RyyNeVA/s1600-h/toe+sox+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122824928428962466" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDeVDG7fANMqZTe2vATudJWu5yg2Yhswfw6klLZNxeiDCwUzvvqE23gmQFtawAhVfWw2aOe_BAPztWuo03BbvCh_oPo1ICkYiDWd_fKut3XVEQi5nGU7G9GulPTgKhY16RyyNeVA/s320/toe+sox+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br />And, like an extra dollop of hot fudge on the sundae (forget the cherry-- give me more chocolate!), I just found out this week that the <a href="http://pages.suddenlink.net/w2la_design/peace/index.htm">Countdown to Peace Project</a> is planning on using my <em>peace dove</em> on the postcard announcing their first exhibit. They now have a website & some of the artists' work has already been posted. My piece was assigned the date of 3-30-03, kind of cool! They are still accepting submissions, so if you are reading this & you are an artist, think about creating a 4" x 4" work to send!</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122823987831124610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL0W4X8zCho98VvikPH3OLbPp3Vqd-hjmBt9NuyP-oxusFS31OWMQJAIMt-vVJ_1Tp3KoQ477mpKfc1l1p4TJDXW2jp2O6vDyuqz6ahh3Gu1QgAcskgIO6u0rC7xbkgCEcSd5Sdw/s400/peace+dove+5_07.jpg" border="0" /> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div>lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680727252540559507noreply@blogger.com5