Embarking

I won't be posting for a while as I leave for Houston tomorrow for 10 days. I'm excited but also a bit anxious. I've spent most of my days these last few months working in solitude as my life turns in a new direction. Where to from here is not quiet clear. I feel the country and I are in similar transitions.

I always enjoy seeing where people create. Here is the view as you enter my "studio". Normally it's hard to see the floor for the layer of scraps. Yesterday I decided to clean and create a bit of order so that I can jump right in when I return. I know I'll be full of new inspiration.

I will work at Quilt Market, visit family & friends (I lived there 38 years), and hopefully take in the fabulousness of Festival without major shopping insanity (I joke that I could be locked up here for 20+ years and not run out of materials). That's Miss Meowgie standing guard at the foot of the machine. I think she knows I'm taking it with me.Several folk in northern climates have lately posted lovely pictures of fall colors. Here is the North Texas version. These giant Coreopsis burst forth in Oct. and are taking over the flower beds and gardens since first planted 4 years ago. All summer they look like weeds but now I know to look forward to cooler days and their warm yellow exuberance.

CHOICES

"Faces of Democracy"....Karl & I went to vote this morning (first day of early voting in Texas). Drawing these folks was part of my amusement as we waited in line about an hour. I couldn't help but wonder how these folks view themselves - "proAmerican" or "antiAmerican"? Who decides? When did having different views and opinions become criminal?


Having voted does make me feel better. Now to wait for Nov. 4th. The ranting will probably get worse before it gets better. It was good to hear Collin Powell yesterday speak with a voice of reason. I truly pray that the country can move in a new direction soon and we can all be just plain Americans.

Special Days and Memories

Happy Birthday Elliott! Wish we could be in California with you to celebrate today. You are much loved, as you have been from the beginning; here you are with Dad and big sis, Ashley, back in 1980.

I always loved that Elliott had such a special bond with his Pawpaw, my dad Bo Ashley. Here they are with their afternoon catch from our pond back in '92. Elliott thought it was his pond because it was filled with fingerling fish on his 6th birthday in 1986. They were fed well and were good eating in turn.

There are lots of happy memories out there and it was good that Pawpaw enjoyed the pond thru this spring when this last shot was taken. Pawpaw left us on May 10th but will always be in our hearts.