Two Quilt Shows in 24 Hours

I just returned from a jam-packed trip east, taking in the 24th Annual Northeast Quilts Unlimited show in Old Forge, NY (heart of the Adirondacks) and the 30th Annual Juried Quilts=Art=Quilts Unlimited show at the Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center in Auburn, NY the next day. I only ran into freezing rain once.
I took lots of pictures under low-light conditions (no flash allowed) at the first show, no picture-taking allowed at the second. I found both shows invigorating, a visual feast, lots of eye candy. Might even take up quilt-making again (and finish some UFO's). The main commonality in the Auburn show was printing on organza and painting on silk. Some bead work. Vivid colors: bright pinks, lime greens, oranges, aqua blues. Yummy! One side-trip yielded pictures of Fort Hill Cemetery entrance/gate:

Beads n' Things

One of my pleasant pastimes in Tennessee was arranging glass, metal, stone & shell beads on wire. I was pleased to figure out how to finish off my new necklaces which matched several outfits. Is it possible to have too many baubles? Perhaps...

Butterflies

On a group hike to the Walls of Jericho near the Tennessee/Alabama border, I stopped beneath tall canyon cliffs to soak my feet in the cold water gushing from holes in the rocks. While I basked in the late winter sun, a butterfly landed on my socks, presumably to suck on the salt. I reached out and it climbed onto my fingers. Fortunately I had the camera in the other hand. I can't express the feeling as this delicate wild creature willingly chose me for its temporary perch.

Butterflies seem to personify freedom. "Butterflies are free to fly... fly away!" As a child I used to catch them in improvised nets with the intention of starting a collection. It never happened. Now I regret killing them.

One clear autumn day I sat mesmerized on the garage roof while scores of migrating monarchs floated overhead, their gossamer wings glowing like orange silk backlit by the sun.

Many can relate to the concept of being "in limbo," wrapped up in a symbolic chrysalis, waiting, stuck in a metamorphic holding pattern. I have kicked against the cocoon walls with impatience, even groaned in despair, and sighed with resignation to the 'permanent darkness.'

To you and to myself I say- Take heart. Hold on. Consider the butterfly and its humble beginnings with hope of something better, much much better yet to come. The One who fashioned this fragile yet strong and graceful insect surely has a good plan for those who love Him.

Testing, testing, are you still there?

Long-overdue greetings to those who may still be watching this blog. I've been away from it for a very long time, and in that time have moved again twice. I have driven a moving truck four times more than I thought I ever would.

Living with one's aging parent is a good test of character, and I admit I failed the test from time to time. It's the struggle even a two-year-old experiences when he declares, "I can do it myself!" Although I was there to help her, I felt the danger of slipping into a dependent role, if only in my mother's eyes.

We did enjoy going out to Chinese buffet dinners quite often, to the movie theater several times, and even attended the local writers' guild meeting together- once. Scrabble challenges kept us sharp.

Besides riding my bike (even on Christmas Eve!) I found many opportunities to soak up the southern sun while searching the red clay fields for fossils. The best part of fossil collecting was donating one-of-each specimens to a museum and many boxes to someone who puts together educational programs for children in the schools. The latter expected hundreds, if not 1,000 participants in the 2010-2011 school year.

Joining the hiking club gave me access to some gorgeous territory I never would have found by myself, and the rock hounds group afforded a visit to an area rich with preserved seashells from another age.

And now, where do I find myself? In western NYS starting a new chapter of my life. I have spent hours in the creeks, finding more fossils. I am also tumbling and polishing quartz pebbles found in Alabama, with hopes that some jewelry crafters will be interested in the colors and textures accentuated.














No promises, but perhaps I will be able to bring this blog back to life with a little effort. Leave a comment or message if you want to.

Another Christmas

It seems these Christmas entries are getting closer and closer together. Wasn't it just a few months ago I re-posted a picture of the lights on the trees? Here in the south, except for the recent freak storm, they don't usually get much snow. Temp's in the 50's lured me out into the winter sunshine for my first area bike ride today. Great to be enjoying fresh air and outdoor activities.

I just want to wish any readers a very Blessed Christmas and a Healthy and Happy New Year. Thanks for your continued interest.

Dunbar Cave

After spending almost two weeks unpacking and getting organized, I contacted a local hiking group and joined them for a short jaunt through the woods near Dunbar Cave. I liked the area so much, I returned the next day- with a camera. This tree was growing on rocks, against a rock wall. "Between a rock and a hard place."

There's quite a history of this geological site. In the 1930's, big bands and musicians from the Gran' Ole' Opry used to perform on the stone steps, and dances were held on the wide open area which was actually built above the cave entrance. There is also a balcony overlooking the dance floor, where ladies reportedly had tea.

Over 8 miles of mapped passageways extend under the wooded cover. Guided tours are not available during the winter months so the bat population can hibernate undisturbed. I took this shot of the cave entrance through the barred gates. A vacant concession stand appeared to be walled with sections of stalactites and/or stalagmites, possibly rescued after vandals destroyed some of the property. On closer inspection, I noticed fossil conglomerates (with embedded sea sponges) and fossilized groups of coral-like creatures.

This red and white rock really caught my eye after I had the pictures made up. Click on it for a larger view. If anyone ever says, "You can't get blood from a stone," show them this sample. Unusual, to say the least.

At the upper level near the bandstand is an alcove. These steps emerged from a rock wall, and descended into a small grotto filled with water. "Stairway to Nowhere".

And for my next adventure...

A Moving Experience

Just over two weeks ago, I drove a loaded "22-foot" (that's just the back part!) diesel moving van over 300 miles across state to my new location. It's a long story, filled with all the sordid details we normally omit when someone asks, "So, how ARE you?"

After some time on the main highway, I no longer felt the size of the truck, I just focused on keeping the windshield centered in the lane. It was kind of like I imagine a video game might be. Almost an automatic action.

Until we pulled off the highway for supper. In the dark and drizzle. And I tried to back the truck into a parking space at an angle. And didn't see the cute yellow VW bug that had been situated at the very back of the parking lot to keep from being hit. Crunch. I felt just awful about knocking out it's lights. When I read "Fellowship of Police" on the license plate, I thought to myself, "Sister, if you're gonna' mess up, do it good!"

Two points of consolation later: a friend reminded me that professional truck drivers spend many training hours learning to back up their rigs, and, two unrelated people mentioned that with the size (and engine noise level) of the truck I was driving, I could have run over the little car without even knowing it.

Fortunately I had signed up for maximum insurance coverage before the adventure. Phew! And now I know for certain sure, I'm not interested in being a truck driver for hire.