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.