All Goode Things Come With Time

Life is changing for me. I'm slowly able to pick up where I left off with pattern orders and wee friends going to new homes. Sadly I do have to cancel some orders and shows, but on the flip side there is great excitement as I go forward and prepare my continued future as an Artist. I am very much a creative spirit, and so when my outlet is taken away, I am unbalanced. Creating is like an addiction for me, I can't imagine my life without it. Yes, it does rule me, but that is part of my soul. With so many things needing my attention now, I would be mush without creating somehow. And so... the fruit of my creative outlet is my beloved ink drawings. Perhaps a stolen hour or so in the evenings, but cherished none the less. Meet Eliza, inspired from "My Fair Lady" with her dress. A friend suggested that she would be great on Invitation cards...the possibilities are many! I hope that as everything settles down, I will be able to share with you more of my joys in other media. Here's to goode things ahead for all of us!

The Power of Forgiveness

Several years ago, Pam (of Soft in the Head) and I met and became fast friends. We enjoyed each other very much....but we were younger then, both artists shaky and insecure with our individual gift. There was a rift because of it and it was huge; both spirits badly bruised.

It has taken several years and my Father's ill health that began our healing and new journey ahead. My Father was sooo very pleased that Pam and I had put the past behind and started going forward, doing what we did best with each other... being friends. Today, the door flew open and a voice exclaimed... "The bitch is back!" We have both changed in appearance a bit and are quite different than the two friends of long ago. Time has been our gift.. we both recognize the special part that makes each of us unique in what we do and who we are. We both have worked hard and earned our style of creativity over the years. We babbled on enjoying the funny stories of our adventures that both have held so dear in our hearts. Pam's friend, Rennie is wonderful and holds the title of Official BFF! There wasn't near enough time, but there IS next time and we do look forward to giggles and adventures shared. The really cool thing is that we are enjoy not just the friendship with each other, but in our mutual friends. I hope that Pam and Rennie's trip is just the beginning of all of us coming together. Safe journey you two!

Joys

In the next couple days, our family will be sending my Dad along to his next journey. It's not goodbye for us...if you knew my Dad, you know that he will be beside and letting us know it. As we gather there are many, many stories shared. It seems that everyone has a funny story to that starts as, "I remember the time when Jack....". The above picture is the last time photos were taken with him, along with son, Steve...retired from the Air Force. Steve is now considered to be a "Dirt Bag" with his haircut and received quite a bit of ribbing. I am packing a bag of Cheerios to send with my Dad. Not as a snack as one would imagine, but for the Gin Rummy games to be played with John C. who was notorious for eating them. There are still many tears and much laughter to be had, especially in the next few days. It is a new journey for us all.

The Next Journey

It is with great sadness that I share with you the passing of my Father this morning. In talking with family today, I told them that he did it all....he had an amazing life. He served in every branch of the Armed Forces, fought in 2 wars. Not only did he serve his country, but he served his community as a Sheriff and a Volunteer Fireman. He traveled the world, jumped from airplanes and gave his children an amazing childhood...perhaps different to many, but amazing none the less. He wanted a degree from college and earned one. My Father and I both earned our degree together making for a wonderful and memorable time (I had double duty rewriting all of his Term Papers too!). We were brought up Military style and with Military values. We rebelled of course, but to no avail. He could be the grumpiest guy but he was always on your side. A couple of months ago, when he was home from the hospital, he had a chance to read this blog. He sat and talked with me on how very proud he was of my writing and what I have shared with everyone. I will miss our talks but I know he'll still be listening to me.

August

August here is usually hot and muggy, but this year has been cool and rainy. The back deck for my parents is nearly complete and looks over a tiny gazebo and a grape arbor, that is on a growing rampage with all this rain. The two little tumbleweeds can't wait to go out and play around on the deck and tease when someone walks by the back door.

I am looking forward to completing my move downstate. Held up right now as my brothers are in charge of this part. I told them that I needed to settle in by September first, so now the heat is on them to pull things together for their parents.Okay Kevin and Steve... the world is watching!

This is such an exciting adventure for me. One of Tim's sisters asked if I would be working or anything outside of the home to get to know this new area. It is great food for thought as is the opportunity to continue my education as there are quite a few colleges to choose from there. I may be leaving my beloved little village, but the world is my oyster on this new adventure. I don't know exactly what I want to do, but I do know that my art will continue and perhaps the opportunity to share and give back to my new community. I'm so excited!