Tuesday, November 30, 2010 — On my own with memories

Something I've begun to notice more and more lately as the holidays come and go, is the lack of collective memory. Or, more specifically, I've begun to realize what a large roll collective memory plays in a close relationship. I'm thinking of the couple who fill in with the nods and words for each other in ordinary conversation. I'm sure we're all guilty of various forms of that scenario, but I'm also realizing that it plays a big roll even when there isn't a crowd. Just lying in bed thinking of events and people, there is something missing in terms of fact checking. A kind of validation that I wasn't consciously aware of until now that I don't have it. "When did that take place? Who was it who said that? Where do you suppose we put those......... ?" And so on. It hits pretty hard when you suddenly come to the realization that you're totally working solo with your own fact validations. It's probably a sign of a lack of security on my part. I've never been one to hold back an opinion unless I thought it might be hurtful. Yet I've also always been willing to doubt my convictions or even my own name for the sake of keeping an open mind. Now I feel a sadness for the lack of "knowing" dates, places, events, even names of people who should be a sure bet.

Insecurity. Is it good or bad or does it really matter? I hope it won't seem to matter as much in the future as it does at this moment. It's like what I've always felt about fear, anger or holding a grudge. Those things can incapacitate you in a hurry. This newfound lowering of confidence could do the same thing. Well, as I talk it out with you so "intimately," I am convincing myself that this is a hurdle I need to jump in a hurry. I really can't afford to be incapacitated. Too many things I still need to do, need to try, need to experience. I hope that takes care of that — But I'm not absolutely sure —

Saturday, November 27, 2010 — Better than I expected

Another hurdle crossed. Thanksgiving came and went and we had a really good time. Many toasts to Skip and to all attending. We had thirteen people Thursday night and the same on Friday evening. Thursday featured a beautiful turkey with way too many side dishes and Friday we did turkey Penang curry with leftovers and salad. Lots of good conversation, wine and the most artistic chocolates Karen Urbanek has ever shown us. A grid of one eighth inch high tiles made from two different formulas that only Karen could describe. They were designed like tiny one of a kind tiles with imagery so similar to some of Jenny's latest abstract paintings I had to pull Jenny away from a deep conversation and drag her into the dining room before anyone disturbed this perfect chocolate arrangement. They were incredible. So much for the dietary restraint I had been so good about lately. All to the wind. Karen is as much an artist with chocolate as she is with silk. Bravo and thank you.

I can't overstate the gratitude I feel for the unconditional love I receive from my family. Along with good friends, they are directly responsible for my level of sanity. I don't think I could cope with the loss of Skip without their caring attention. By coming here and spending this holiday with me and a few good friends, they have made a serious contribution to my health. Dear ones, thank you. I love you for everything you do to keep me in touch and functioning through this time.

Mike had a gig this evening so he, Chuck and Jenny left after breakfast. Kathy and family were determined to have lunch at Viraporn's Thai Cafe before heading back to Trinidad. That also was a huge success, including Larkin's bravery in going for the "spicy hot" designation of his grandfather's favorite lemongrass soup with coconut milk. Let's just say, the world stood still as we all watched for him to take his first spoonful.

As we were preparing to leave, the rains became torrential with something resembling a waterfall just outside the north window of the restaurant as the water cascaded down a tall green fern. The sky was dark and we were ready to run for it to get to our cars. But just while we opened the front door, the sun burst out and a vibrant double rainbow appeared in the northern sky. Unbelievable! Skip was blamed for orchestrating the whole show, we kissed goodbye and drove off as the sky again became dark grey. When I turned north on Highway One, the whole rainbow appeared again and I drove home peering at wondrously contrasting clouds with a huge grin on my face.

All in all, it was a good few days. Tomorrow I will play boule again as I managed to do last week, and try to resume the journey into the new normal. I know I can do it. It's just the alone time that makes the doubts creep back into my head and heart. But I followed the happy mood when I returned home and made myself go on line to book my ticket for Mexico in January. lt's done now and I'll be down there for six weeks. Sandra will live here and keep our dogs happy and cozy. That will be a huge tonic for me as it always is. After the workshops in El Tuito, some of us are going to travel by bus to Mexico City where our Maiz tapestries will be shown and then we'll go by bus to Oaxaca. I'm thrilled about that. I've never been there and I know it is a weaver's paradise beyond compare.

Monetary crises abound. The Mendocino Art Center is in the worst budget crunch they've ever experienced and big decisions are pending. Please help if you can. The Star Aquatic Center in Fort Bragg is conducting a last ditch pledge drive to save the center from being forced to close. I finally decided to make the requested monthly pledge for a year. Won't you all try to do the same if you possible can? Pacific Textile Arts is actually in the best shape of all. Our pledge drive has been very successful though we still need a bit more than expected because of the sudden edict regarding fire sprinklers for our buildings. Please send your donations or the pledges you have already made to: Pacific Textile Arts, 450 Alger Street, Fort Bragg, CA 95437. If you can't remember how much you pledged, email info@pacifictextilearts.org and we'll get that figure back to you immediately. We need to bring in all of our pledges within the next two weeks. And we thank you with all our hearts. Remember, if you'd like to see photos of our youthful weavers who will benefit so greatly from our project efforts, just go to: pacifictextilearts.org. You will also find pictures from our latest Japanese braiding workshop with Makiko Tada on the website.

If it sounds to you like I'm beginning to get back onto my galloping horse, it does to me as well. Love you all. Abrazos.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010 — Best books yet

Thoughtful people continue to give, loan and recommend books to me that they feel might help me through these times. There is almost always a little something here and there that is worth notice. More time alone, the acquisition of a Kindle this year and a lust for escape keep me digging into these offerings. The Book of Us is one that ended up surprising me. I thought the main characters, a couple, were terribly self-absorbed in the first half of the book. But in the second half, even the mediocre writing didn't keep me from hanging in there. It deals with channeling the recently expired woman from the first half of the book. I've become fascinated by the number of expressions and words that books dealing with "the other side" seem to have in common. And even though Skip and I would both have rolled our eyes at much that is being said in these books, I now take considerable comfort in hearing what they have to say. Kathy has a channeling friend who speaks with Skip and as I've told you earlier, says that where he is is "amazing." I like that. And for now I choose to sort of believe it. Actually, I have to admit that I don't come into it completely biased because I have known all my life that powers of thinking and undeniable ESP have been part of my make-up. I have simply chosen to keep very quiet about it and I vowed at an early age that I would only use these "powers" for good and not for evil. No doubt a carmic attitude stemming from my pre-twenties life as a born Catholic. I once heard the British white witch, Cybel Leek, speak on the radio. I was so impressed with her positive and creative persona that I developed a genuine respect for her art. She is the one who talked about each human's vibrations regarding color choice. She gave me a strong confidence in the color choices I have made throughout my adult life. She also became a model for being positive about life in general. I told Kathy about the Book of Us and felt compelled to repeat several times that it is worth slogging through to get to the meat of it even though it lacks the kind of writing style and skill that appeal to me. Thank you, Susan, for your always provocative book suggestions and also for your, comforting words and insights from Mexico.

I also just read a book about women in Afghanistan called Kabul Beauty Salon. Another good one from Susan L. Very snappy writing and startlingly honest. A real page turner. And an eye opener about differences in what it means to be married! Having read all the Greg Mortenson books about his school building efforts in that area, I was fascinated and horrified.

My good friend Rennie, who was also one of Skip's dear friends, loaned me two books several weeks ago. After finishing the Kabul Beauty Salon on my Kindle, I opened Rennie's careful plastic bag wrapping of her two books. The first book is a slender volume titled The End of the Alphabet. I read the jacket and decided to begin with it. It is a tender, though biting love story, filled with metaphor, irony and lovely writing. Maybe because the author is a designer. I related to his economy of words from the first sentence. It is a book about love, anger, loss, despair, creativity and courage.

The second book from Rennie is titled The Giver. I'm two thirds of the way through it and during it's early pages I was at a loss over why Rennie had chosen to recommend this book to me. You can easily guess that I'm no longer puzzled. It is spot on by multiple standards. This book is actually for young adults, written by a Newberry Medal winner. It was published in 1993 and I haven't yet looked into its availability. Rennie, you were right. It resonates with the times and with my own personal circumstances regarding my attitude about memories and awareness of reality and choice. That's something I'm definitely wrestling with these days. Memories, their cherished value and their flip side occupy a good deal of my ever wandering thoughts.

Monday, November 22, 2010 — Yet another newsletter!

Pacific Textile Arts newsletter #52 just hit the road. The main theme for this issue is that we need all our generous supporters to send in their pledge money right away if they haven't already done so because we will soon be receiving bills for our construction project. We started writing these quarterly communiques several years before we were able to buy our headquarters on Alger Street in Fort Bragg. They now provide a pretty accurate record of our activities since we first formed as an outgrowth of the old Pacific Basin School of Textile Arts in Berkeley. In the coming months they'll be available for display in our new, soon to be constructed library space. It's been a wild and sometimes scary adventure into dealing with the processes necessary for working with the planning commission, planning department, building department, the fire department and school district. Each of these offices has actually been extremely helpful in trying to assist us in expediting our project. They certainly have helped and educated me from beginning to end. And even though it temporarily seemed like a show stopper to receive an edict for sprinkler systems in both of our soon to be established buildings five days after we had received our building permits, we forged ahead and the construction of the foundation areas and the U shaped rock driveway is well under way. We owe a great deal to our contractor, Fort Bragg Electric for correcting errors made in our plot map and other "little details." And of course it's raining cats and dogs and it's soon to be Thanksgiving, so nothing is going to happen too rapidly until next week. But just seeing that earth moving equipment and heavy compacting roller out there doing what they do, is very exciting. It's always so tempting to say I'm sorry Skip isn't here to see this come to fruition, but then I remember all my informants who are telling me that he sees everything now. OK. Good.

I received an early morning phone call from Rodrick Owen in England today. He was ready to get specific about some dates for next year's Kumihimo Festival at the end of October 2011. We set dates and he told me that he reads my blog each day that I post an entry. And yes, he did read the one I deleted last week. And yes, he did think I had perhaps crossed the line and was probably better off deleting it. Guess I'll have to be a bit swifter next time that happens. Maybe it won't happen. One occasionally learns from one's mistakes.

I'm gathering my courage for hosting the first Thanksgiving celebrations since Skip died. I just have to keep reminding myself that we had a great seventeen years up here on the north coast that he loved so much and that there is a new and as yet undiscovered life in store for me in the years to come. Absorbing the fact that I am really on my own is still the hardest thing for me to cope with. I drive up Sherwood Road and fully expect to pass the red pickup around the next bend. I think of things that I would ordinarily have conferred with him over and suddenly realize that those decisions must now come from me on my own. Mike has really been helping me come to grips with the UC retirement office and their slightly confusing letters. Loving friends like the wonderful organizers at MLPA, who wrote to me and asked me to pick out a tree to plant in our garden in memory of Skip lift my spirits beyond belief. I am so moved by this gift. I spent hours visiting Hortus Botanicus and sitting by Robert's lovely pond with its waterfall. The tree I picked will go near the beautiful gingko Marilynn Thorpe gave me. Again, it's the same old roller coaster since the days at Sutter Medical Center. One minute all signs seem to present a future that's worth looking forward to and the next minute you're dealing with a wrenching reminder of what's happened. I can only imagine that it must be getting to be a bore hearing this litany of up and down. Please know that your emails, notes, phone calls, trees and flowers like the greenish yellow lillies with the salmon centers Sheila O'Hara brought the other day are what bring smiles and tears of thanks to my face. I am so grateful for every comforting hug, reassurance and the general spirit boosting my friends and family give me. It's hard to imagine what it might be like to not receive this kind of help in facing such a new reality.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010 — Hurray for the pendulum

Since I was a small child I have had a strong faith in the "swinging" of the pendulum. That old belief that when things got to the bottom of the barrel, there would finally be nowhere to go but up. I guess it's pretty simplistic, but it's comforting and it always seems to work. If you prefer to be happy, it's easy to fall back on this crutch. This last week definitely was a visit to the dark side where you don't really want to be. Along with this period come all the self defeating tendencies that carry you from bad to worse. I woke up one of those mornings regretful of all the self pity I had expressed the day before in the blog. In the morning, as some of you know, I withdrew that blog entry. I retreated into isolation which is definitely counter productive for a sociable person who prefers the company of others at least some of the time. But when you're so down in the dumps you just don't want to inflict your somber mood or any negativity on your friends. I missed boule which I had thoroughly planned to play Sunday, and I missed the dinner and auction in Caspar which I'm sure I would have loved.

Then, at the beginning of this week I was told that the Fire Suppression Authority was definitely going to require installation of fire sprinklers in our old buildings being sold to Pacific Textile Arts for one dollar each. Our contractor and others in the know keep telling me that we were lucky the Fire Department based our requirement on a residential designation rather than commercial. If the commercial designation had prevailed, we would have faced paying in the neighborhood of 50K to 75K, but because we were so "lucky" to be put in the residential category we'd only have to pay about 10K to 15K for this installation. Thats money which we had not budgeted. Pretty clear that after the week I'd just had, this new "lower" cost was the last straw. I walked out of the contractor's office and the fire department barely able to suppress my tears until I was out in the cold. No, it couldn't have gotten much worse in my book. But then the pendulum thing kicked into my consciousness and I began to calm down. It really does work. That sobering up brought me eventually to another coping mechanism I've used all my adult life. The old "two sides of the paper list method" is what I'm talking about. I'm sure many of you use that one all the time. It has a way of bringing you back to a new reality or at least it usually allows you to gain some perspective. After all that, I'm definitely on the mend. Somehow we're going to get those buildings moved across town and into their new surroundings. Too many good people have contributed to our building fund for this project to just give up.

Last night Sheila O'Hara came to spend the night with me before giving a fabulous lecture today at the Art Center in Mendocino. She's so incredibly productive and creative that it just brings a huge smile to my face. And she's soooooo funny too. Always has been. And her sense of humor shines through in all of her artwork. It was great to have her here if only for a short time.

Tonight I've been listening to the radio. Jamie Roberts' spoken arts program with Sir John Gilgud telling the story of the Emperor's new clothes followed a great edition of "All things computed" on our endlessly interesting KZYX. We're so lucky to have this eclectic station that sparkles with intelligent programming, creativity and generosity. Guess you can tell that I'm much better, and it feels so good. Thanks Adriane, Karen and Sue for your kind and comforting words. It brings me a new dose of confidence in the future. Love to all from a better place.

Sunday, november 14, 2010 — Apologies

I apologize to anyone who read my entry from yesterday afternoon. It was much too laden with self pity. I am removing it as soon as I finish this short note. After a restless night's sleep, I've decided that there is such a thing as being too honest. (At least so publicly). Yesterday was over the top with candor and I'm sorry. Today should be a better day. It has to be. I'm still determined to check in with you and keep this chronicle going for a while longer, but I honestly wish this period in my life would move on to something more palatable. I want to be happy and creative and productive. Let's hope that begins happening soon. Much love to all of you who care about me.

Thursday, November 11, 2010 —Three month anniversary

Yes, it has been three months since Skip died. One minute that seems like an instant and at other times it seems a hazy long time. I'm actually so glad to retreat into making a blog entry at times like this. I have no idea if only a few or more people are actually reading it, but the writing is a comforting exercise for me. And actually, it will some day provide me with a running chronicle of this strange period in my life. I often start out to say one thing and something entirely different pours out. As some say: "go figure." It doesn't happen every time, but often enough for me to notice it. Usually when I sit down to write a newsletter or public service announcement or the like, I have a purpose that is compelling enough to keep me on the straight and narrow. It needs to tell what, when, where, why, how, etc. I've never been to see a therapist, but from the descriptions I've read about that experience, it's not too much of a stretch to conclude there may be some similarities to sitting down and letting the blog screen be my listener. Poor reader sometimes, eh? I also don't happen to read other blogs very often. So I don't have much basis for comparison. It is probably true that if I'm particularly lonely or high or low, I might tend to seek out the blog spot more readily. In today's case, however, I've had good phone conversations with friends and a pleasant phone visit with Chuck. And yet here I am. I think this anniversary is causing me to want to commit to the written page.

There seems to be a deep seated desire in humans to mark or commemorate anniversaries of all types. Actually, I've noticed for years that people do go through that process. But that was before. Now is completely different .... for me. In a subconscious way, I get it now. Why do we have to go through such wrenching experiences to see the light? That's a silly question. Since I've taken it upon myself to describe my thoughts and experiences from the time Skip entered the hospital, I feel a responsibility to explore all my inner reactions more deeply and I'm certainly doing it more publicly than I would ever have imagined. Part of me is still a very private person and so this surprises me and points to the ever present duality that humans are always experiencing with each act they perform. Fifteen years ago, I could hardly remember how to turn the computer off and on. Yet here I am, recording all these private thoughts and then sending them out to you and who knows who else. Is this why people who write sit down each day and just do it? It's like the artist's in my circle who say they do what they do because they "have to." So here I am, commemorating. Maybe I just have to. I hope you're right Patty, that Skip is really where "it is amazing!" Perhaps that will help him to be more tolerant of my electronic ramblings.

Sunday, November 7, 2010 — Up and down

I'm now thinking that grieving may bear a strong similarity to what it's like to be bipolar. Is this possible? Months ago I wouldn't have thought so. But I am experiencing something that seems to suggest exactly this. I was warned that there would be unexpected downturns in my spirits but I hadn't quite believed how unpredictable it could be. I'm much more inclined to encourage the up side. I like to be happy.

Right now I'm watching a "Nature" program on Channel 9 about the efforts to restore wetlands to an area in Iraq where the Tigris and Euphrates rivers were walled off to wipe out the wetlands Arab people by Sadam Hussein. A man whose father used to be a wetlands engineer and who had finally escaped to California has returned to this area near Basra to attempt to restore these wetlands for the people, the birds and all the animals who live in and around the river. The swarms of birds being shown on the screen are a cause for intense pleasure. This man formed a group called Nature Iraq. They think there are about 40,000 birds that have returned to this spot since 2005. This is an extraordinary film and the sighting of an Iraq Babbler is bringing wild excitement to the screen. An early morning trip out onto the river reveals a huge flock of a very special kind of Flamingo. Wow! But then the mood changes as it is brought to light that there is a severe draught here, caused by the increasing construction of dams upstream in the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. A woman speaks of how it used to be and how her water buffalo have all died because of the draught. The scene changes again as they make one more exploration to see the rare Basra Reed Warbler. On goes the narration, describing half solutions to some of the problems of providing water to the wetlands. It shows Italians giving generators to support some of the project's needs. Tribal disputes are depicted and the safety of the film crew is threatened. Check this film out! You can evidently see much more footage by going to PBS.org. and clicking on "Nature." The imagery is breathtaking and gives one hope that all of Iraq may eventually have a chance of being restored. I'm now looking at a whole nest full of rare Basra Warbler nestlings. This is definitely an up time! I didn't start out to talk about a television program but sometimes you just have to follow where the moment leads you. This was actually a good example of the circumstances that will bring about a "high" time for someone in my state of being.

When something suddenly propels you into a deeply descending mood, it can be just as unexpected. You see some familiar handwriting, or carry out a task that often used to be shared, or something simply wrenches your gut without warning. At those moments, I wonder how it is possible to accept this new reality. Then a friend arrives to pick up the last of her equipment from the recent workshop and it is possible to become distracted by discussing the success of the class and the excitement of learning so many new things. You go through the motions and before you know it, there is a temporary new reality and you are back to the up end of things. So it seems to go. The rest of the day proceeds on a level plane. And so it goes.

Saturday, November 6, 2010 — Kumihimo celebrated

The past five days have been a high intensity celebration of the art of kumihimo (braiding). Such a variety of artists and devices. Makiko Tada worked tirelessly as she shared a multitude of techniques, samples and ideas for creative braiding. The weather was amazing, just like summer. Linda maintained the early morning fires and we let them die out during the balmy afternoons. Thursday various guests popped in, thinking they would look around and then quietly retire from the studio. No chance! Makiko latched onto each of them and convinced them that they should give braiding a try. The likes of Sylvia and Russell, Susan and others left with self made samples and smiles on their faces. Victoria, who is a jeweler, brought her friend Betsy and, after realizing that they were going to do it themselves, settled in for the afternoon. Betsy left with at least five or six samples and Victoria got an amazing start on a very fine silk braid geared toward practical uses by a jeweler. I think we will be seeing more of them.

We all felt a little tired when it was over but it is that good kind of tired. Much energy expended and a great deal learned and produced. That's what group workshops provide if they're good. It's that cumulative brainstorming and sharing that brings about so many "Eureka" moments. And then there was Bobby. What a party animal he has been this week. He's made it very clear that he should be considered a welcome addition to any floor area as well as primo spots on the couches and occasionally on boxes or baskets alongside patient braiders. I have to say thanks to all who were so tolerant of a little guy who does shed a fair amount of short white hair. All in all, this past week has been a happy and welcome diversion for me from when there is too much time to think.

Late Friday I received a phone call announcing the fees that Pacific Textile Arts will need to pay to the city, county and the school district in order to receive our building permit needed to begin the road building, transporting of the buildings and placement of the new (for us) buildings that will serve as a classroom and library at Alger Street. It suddenly dawned on me that this message was proof positive that we were going to receive the permit. This is just about the best news we've had yet. So, if you've pledged money toward this endeavor, we'd appreciate it greatly if you would send your checks for the building fund to Pacific Textile Arts, 450 Alger Street, Fort Bragg, CA 95437. If you'd like to see pictures of the children we've been teaching to weave and spin, go to pacifictextilearts.org

It's going to be awfully quiet here after this action packed week. I'm already looking forward to Thanksgiving when family and a few friends will gather here for the holiday. It's the time when any friends not committed to another event are cordially invited to join us. It's a time to catch up on everyone, get a bit noisy and wild and generally enjoy ourselves. We'll miss Skip terribly, but many a glass will be tipped to him. And since there are those among us who feel that he's in an "amazing" place now, we'll send our love to him and celebrate and give thanks for all we have and have had, just like he'd want us to.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010 — Creativity abounds

This has been day three for our five day braiding workshop with Makiko Tada from Japan. This is one of the most diverse groups of braiders we have ever had at Henhouse Studio. We have people using marudais, takadais, ayetakedais, kakudais, karakumidais and everyone is using both round and square disks. Makiko has written many books on kumihimo including a very recent one on disks. What you can do with one of these little foam devices is absolutely amazing. Makiko enjoys challenging all of us with new and trickier things to make with them. Our "homework" each night has something to do with using the disk to make any number of shapes, relief forms both flat and sculptural or interesting lineal progressions.

As most of you know by now, I make a different soup for the participants each day of the workshop and that never ceases to be a challenge. I love to make soups, so the first chore is to narrow the possible selections down to five for the season. This year I have chosen to start with a chicken/tortilla and follow that with carrot/ginger, tomato with turkey burger and vegetables, corn with roasted peppers and turkey bacon and we'll finish on Friday with a rich lentil/pumpkin and curry soup with coconut milk. My friend Ann has been staying with me here in the house and she has made unbelievable baked creations for breakfast each morning. We've been covering the town eating out at some of my favorite spots for dinner so that we can get back to the studio and do a little more work before resting for the next day. I've been trying to enter something in the blog each day to keep friends posted and let everybody know that I'm doing well and still receiving much comfort from a number of friends and family for which I am very grateful. Thanks so much for your emails and calls.

The workshop is one of the most exhilarating diversions I could possibly have from my sadness. The creative process is so endorphin producing and contributes greatly to my overall well being. One of our participants lost her husband some ten years ago. She is still, and probably will always be going through some sort of grieving process. Yet she enters into the fray with enthusiasm and has a rich and meaningful experience while contributing enormously to the dynamics of this fertile learning experience. There is much to be learned from each friend I have who has undergone this kind of loss before me.

One new friend of mine has, with the help of his step daughter, created a beautiful slide presentation — a tribute to his diseased wife. She has been gone for two years but she lives on in this amazing series of photos backed by perfectly chosen music. They've placed this collection on her website. I showed the slideshow to some of the braiders today and they were overwhelmed by its beauty. The photos trace this lovely woman's life from an early age when she was gorgeous and obviously a multi-talented force to be reckoned with. In the later photos her playful personality continues to shine and she becomes even more beautiful as she ages.

Tomorrow we are holding open house at 4:30 and doing a pot-luck dinner at about 6:00. All friends are welcome and Makiko will do a slide presentation after dinner. If there are some who can't make it at those times, you are welcome to drop by and see what's going on during any time on Thursday or Friday before the workshop ends at 4:00 Friday. Braiders love to show their beautiful creations to the outside world, so don't be shy. Remember also that I'm posting pictures at our Pacific Textile Arts website each day. pacifictextilearts.org

Tuesday, November 2, 2010 — A lovely diversion

Makiko Tada is here for the week to teach Kumihimo and there are twelve enthusiastic students following her every word, doing (or trying to do) all she asks and heartily enjoying the results of their efforts. It is a great group and it's fun for me to have them here at my studio. If you would like to see what they look like and later see what they are creating, just go to the Pacific Textile Arts website. I have posted a few beginning shots taken toward the end of the day yesterday. Today I'll try to get some close-ups and I'll print them in a larger format. We'll just say that today's pictures are a teaser. Do come back each day for more. I'll figure out the right way to do it by the end of the week surely. Website: pacifictextilearts.org

Yesterday I posted a picture of the courtyard that helped to calm us down at Sutter Medical Center. Today I'm showing you Larkin and Leah practicing their music. Music was such a comfort to all of us at that time. It was so good to see the pure pleasure of their smiles and laughter bursting out for a little while during those difficult days. The weather was surprisingly nice and never as warm as one would expect it would be in July/August in the Santa Rosa area. Skip has always been such a weather follower (charts and all) and it was nice to be able to return from the courtyard to tell him how pleasant it was outside.

Back to the here and now. Yesterday we had Chicken tortilla soup for lunch and today we're having carrot ginger soup. The carrots are roasting in the oven and I'm taking myself over to my marudai in the studio to do some work while they're cooking. Last night eight of us went to Viraporn's Thai Cafe for dinner and tonight we're returning to Tacaria Ricarda's. Her soft carne asada tacos with tomatia sauce are the best in the world! Well, that's the food report for today. I'm off to braid and listen to the music of all the tomas clicking around the room.