Dalai Lama Weaving and Sunflowers

Although I brought the Dalai Lama weaving with me on my trip to the East Coast, I didn't show it around very much.
But when I got to these magical fields...well, you get the picture.


Whenever I feel overwhelmed with the move, I look at this picture and can't help but smile.

It puts every in perspective---don't you think....

I am living the experience of "Right Livelihood", a blessing to be a Weaver in this time.

The following is a brief excerpt from the piece by Susan Crowell, writer, and
ceramics instructor at U. Michigan, Ann Arbor:

"For craftspeople, this making special emphasizes both the making and the
special. Reversing the terms - special making- rings even truer when speaking
of craft, for which the process of handwork is an essential component. As our
perception of time becomes more precious and the time-intensive nature of
craft increases its value, craft may even come to represent the preciousness
of time itself, embodied in an object."

First Pictures out of Coolpix

Between condo selling and apartment hunting, it's time to point and shoot.
These pictures were all taken at the same time using all the same auto setting. I wanted to get an idea of the kind of pictures this camera takes. I must say I am pleased with the color and detail.

Ball of recycled cashmere artfully decorate the condo.

I've moved the Gary Fireside against the wall to maximize the space. The warp is just itching to be woven though.

In case you thought I hadn't been weaving, here is what is on Grace. I've been weaving on it since Monday. The Woven Words: FLEXIBILITY, PATIENCE, LOVING KINDNESS (read from left to right, sort of) I accidentally inverted the first two words, so it really spells YTILIBIXELF and ECNEITAP and LOVING KINDNESS (with a little ikat stripe between each word)

These words were selected by my dear friend who began her second round of chemo on Monday. I thought I would weave my encouragement and support.

Anyone who would like to weave some healing words, please email me directly by clicking on "View My Complete Profile"

Ah, my Japanese Tree Peony in full bloom today on the patio. I was hoping I would get my camera in time to capture a picture or two. I have 12 blooms this year. I did have to prune off 5 of the buds (and a foot of height) when they painted the exterior of the building. I knew the extra height made the plant too fragile, and it was easier to wrap in plastic to protect it from the paint.

First Sign of Spring

In my urban patio setting here in Northwestern USA, it is not too early to find the volunteer hearty Wood Hyacinth getting a jump on the season. Apparently squirrels do not care for their taste as they devoured all of my crocus.

Here are some other volunteers, those big aromatic purpley blue hyacinths. They are not as far along as the wild variety. (also squirrel proof)

Happy Ground Hog Day!
(February 2nd)

Celebrated by the Druids as the festival of the lactating sheep. Herd animals have either given birth to the first offspring of the year or their wombs are swollen and the milk of life is flowing into their teats and udders. It is the time of Blessing of the seeds and consecration of agricultural tools. It marks the center point of the dark half of the year. It is the festival of the Maiden, for from this day to March 21st, it is her season to prepare for growth and renewal. Brighid's snake emerges from the womb of the Earth Mother to test the weather, (the origin of Ground Hog Day), and in many places the first Crocus flowers began to spring forth from the frozen earth.

According to lore, if the groundhog emerges from his burrow on February 2 and sees his shadow, he will be frightened back into his hole, presaging another six weeks of winter. A cloudy day -- and no shadow -- means winter will end early.

The results so far:

Shubnedacadie Sam (Nova Scotia): Spring

Punxsutawney Phil (Pennsylvania): Winter

Wiarton Willie (Ontario): Spring

General Beauregard Lee (Georgia): Spring

Balzac Billy (Alberta): Spring

Buckeye Chuck (Ohio): Spring

Staten Island Chuck (New York state): Spring

Malverne Mel (New York state): Spring

Woody Woodchuck (Michigan): Spring

Ms. G. (Massachusetts): Winter

It was cloudy here when I went out to take the pictures on my patio. I did not see my shadow. I vote for Spring!