Sunday February 13, 2011 — Happy Valentine ya'll

Happy Birthday to Skip. Before I say another word I want to wish all my friends, family and especially my four wonderful grandchildren a happy Valentine's Day. I must sometimes seem almost as unceremonious as Skip and have been known more than once to forget this event unless we are all getting together for the "brothers' birthday" celebration. So I'm trying to turn over a new leaf. There are never too many excuses to say, "I love you."

We had another lecture period this morning and it was full of gems. I'll share it with the tapestry study group when I get home. We discussed the names of our favorite tapestries from various time periods as well as our favorites of our own tapestries if we wished to. We talked more about the metaphors and symbols associated with the designing, weaving and studying of tapestry. There was lots of give and take as well as Eureka moments. JP stressed the special importance and benefits of thinking about the philosophy behind designing and weaving small format tapestries. They are such a direct manifestation of the urge to tell about a moment or a story. We talked about the origin of words that lead one back to "tapestry." After much thought, it often feels that those of us who get involved in this area simply do it because we must have our hands, minds and hearts involved in warps and wefts. Who knows — there might be another "sit down" discussion tomorrow morning. There seems to be no end to what we might explore. Of course we are all deeply aware of the possible finality of bringing this nine year period of study to a pause, permanent or not.......

Those in this group who are not heading for Mexico City, will be leaving on Tuesday morning. I'll be sorry to say goodbye to them. I have particularly enjoyed having Kissiah with us during both sessions this year. Skip enjoyed her special Texas humor when she traveled with us to France for our tapestry tour with the Larochettes some years ago. I think she grows sharper and funnier each year and I'll really miss her. She has some special insights and I appreciate the sharing that has taken place this year. Her weaving skills have taken a giant leap forward also. It must be so satisfying for JP and Yael to be able to witness and contribute to this kind of growth in all the individuals involved in these retreats. What great mentors they continue to be for all of us.