Farewell for now...

The time has come and I must be off. But before I go, I thought I would share some images of Autumn's Splendor from the Plains of Kansas and a bit of poetic prose.

The weather has been SIMPLY PERFECT, which is a very rare occasion. I could not help myself, but spend just little time amidst Nature's beauty, soaking up the sunshine, gazing at the blue skies, listening to the sound of rustling leaves that have begun to fall.

I return in early November with stories to regale about my GRAND Adventure!



"looking across the vast landscape,
watching as each crease is neatly folded flat
I see the wide open spaces, and the expanse of my days
then given a choice with finger outstretched, I point

point to the very center, if ever there was one
proclaiming boldly, "I don't want to live here."
with a voice of innocence...
not really knowing, yet sure all the same

but live here I did for the love of another,
in the middle of the world
with its dapple sun rays, bursting through veins of illuminated leaves
that constantly sway in the swift winds of time."

The Onward March of Time...

The rains have returned and brought with them glimpses of the Winter to come. There is a biting chill to the wind that is always present here in the Plains. And I find my heart aching, knowing that my beloved Autumn is steadily marching onward, soon to be followed by snow and ice.
Before a change in the weather, I happened to snap just a few pictures of the evening sunlight cascading through the front windows. The late afternoon glow in my dining and living room is always soft in warm dapple hues this time of year. It begins by decorating the floors, slowly drifting toward the the walls until daylight gives way to the giant moon.

Autumn and Winter, the rain and colder temperatures always cause me to want to burrow deep into the covers at night, and wrap the warmth of home and comfort around myself. I suppose most scientists would call this the hibernation syndrome. I like to call it, celebrating home, for that is what it really is, a kindly embrace of hearth and home.

As I pack class samples for the upcoming workshops I will teach, I feel quite nostalgic especially over my little collages that embody all the feelings of home I have been reminiscing about.

Hopefully, these pieces will inspire the students participating in my "Celebrate Home" class at International Quilt to also create works that cling to this same loving spirit.

As minutes, hours, and days are being swallowed up and the on rushing of time seems to hasten, I feel as if I am moving at a turtle's pace. I continue to think of more and more things that must be done before I leave for two full weeks.

Yet even in the midst of these preparations I know when the journey ends and my adventure is over, I will return to a place I adore and affectionately call Home.

May My Thinking Be Creative and Fill the World With Light...

October has already proven itself to be overwhelmingly busy with three teaching engagements, an art show to prepare for, and finishing up a BIG part of a VERY EXCITING PROJECT (more details to come on this!!!!).

I have only been able to enjoy small snippets of time surrounded by nature and the season of Autumn that I love so. Because of these brief interludes, each moment has seemed magnified, and I have worked harder to hold on to them with every ounce of my being.

I suppose when one is extremely rushed, going hither and yon, to and fro, it is very easy to have your thoughts scattered to the wind. Yet, I have found that I draw deeper into myself and really begin to search my soul for more guidance and wisdom, reflecting more on my hopes and wishes.

I always feel so very grateful for having the chance to live this life.. and lately these feelings have caused me to breakdown quite often into a puddle of tears... tears of joy coming from my very core.

Even at the tender age of 40, I find myself intensely contemplating the directions of my everyday... where do I want to be.. here, now,... today,... tomorrow,... weeks,... and years later.

What desires and wonderings will simply fade into the background of my thoughts and which will move to the forefront.

I have been both comforted and stirred by a quote I read recently from Rudolf Steiner, "May My Thinking Be Creative and Fill The World With Light".

I feel a great need to embrace this mantra and examine my choices more closely.

I want to be that light, that brilliant glow of love and compassion, of kind words, deeds, filled to the brim and overflowing with creative fervor. I want to share and experience minutes and hours of profound inspiration and revel in the joys of friendship and love.

What a full life indeed that we all might lead... by recognizing and striving toward our dreams.

The view from my window

The view from my airplane window revealed a Kansas landscape dusted with the colors of fall. I returned home on Sunday from days spent in Portland at the Art and Soul retreat.

The event was magical and wonderful, all rolled into one!

Marylin and I brought back with us precious memories as souvenirs from the trip. The hospitality was outstanding, as usual, and we felt quite blessed by the friendships we made and rekindled during our travels. Two particularly touching moments for me was when my friends, Shari Beaubien and Jan Harris, each gave me an exquisite gift. I hope to post pictures soon of their lovely artworks that now grace the walls of my studio.
We had the distinct honor of hosting several workshops for a second year in a row. Our classes were completely inspiring and brimming with such talented individuals.

We are always so incredibly lucky to be in the company of the most beautiful people. Above is just one of many artworks created in the Nature Painting workshop on Thursday.

I have created a Painted Nature Photo Album so that you can see the other BREATHTAKING!!!! pieces made during our time together.

It is OH... SO HARD FOR ME TO RESTRAIN MYSELF, and not post more artworks from our Fusion classes. But Marylin will be sharing those with you later this week on her blog.

On Friday, this incredible journey also led me to an early morning meeting with six other artists that are all part of the art challenge, Nature Gathered.

What started out as a somewhat daunting task to come together at 7:00 a.m., turned out to be a wonderful occasion, and a real bonding experience for those involved.
The day continued to weave into it more cherished memories with a visit to Apifera Lavender Farm, which is the home of the very famous artist, Katherine Dunn.
Katherine and I started conversing via email all the way back in March, and she graciously agreed to receive a visit from us while we were visiting Portland.

I have been a real fan of both Katherine's work, and endearing tales of life on a farm.
She was a most gracious host. The conversations were quite lively as kindred spirits discussed art and life.

She even introduced us to her also famous little donkeys; Pino, Paco, and Lucia, who were completely adorable!

We also got to meet the silly one-eyed Pug, Billy and lovable chocolate Lab, Huck.

The little donkeys were also happy to receive visitors, and sweet Paco proudly showed us his beloved pumpkin patch.Before long an entire morning had passed and it was time to go. But there were plenty of little donkey kisses to go around as we said our goodbyes.
What a wonderful adventure... my visit to Portland! These perfect moments for me to hold close to my heart...

THANK YOU EVERYONE.. for making this time so very special. I will remember it, always!