"Usually, we live peaceably together,
except there was the time when he sold him a horse, but delivered a mule." ...a line from one of my favorite stage plays, Fiddler on the Roof. I think that is how I would sum up the total experience of the 10 day show. We had 17-21 inches of snow, depending upon where you were in Wisconsin, followed by the ever lovely ice that follows a melt and re-freeze. Most of the crowd was there to experience the German themed Christmas atmosphere, to do some shopping and of course, eat the wonderful foods that were there. We were lead to believe that the show was juror ed , but when we were setting up, we knew differently. They were looking to fill booth spaces, that was the process. Suffice it to say, I am so glad to be home.
I met wonderful people, people who "got it" about the felt or wanted to know more about the wonderful textile. Several hats in particular got a lot of attention, ones with the hand dyed yearling mohair and the ones with unusual fabrics in the surface design, such as the velvet, silk, gauze, chunky yarns, or the ones with unusual lines. I think the total number of hats I sold was 24 by actual count. All in all, really not that bad and with the other felt items that were sold, the nuno/laminate felts, pincushions, scarves, etc, it was all ok. I was surprised at how many of the wool and silk scarves sold. I think for many, they are comfortable with silk, and they are intrigued by the combination, so they are comfortable making the purchase even if they are unfamiliar with felt. It was a great learning experience in many ways.
In the days ahead, there will be much family time, and I rejoice in that. There will be time to reflect on the great gift of Christ's birth, more joy in that as well. I believe the final days of this year will be full of family, friends, wonderful foods, quiet nights and simple joys all around us. But, I know I have a lot to think about as well... Felt ideas that keep going through my head, thinking about going back to the art shows for finished goods and blending my time between art shows and fiber art shows, wondering how much I can physically accomplish to build my inventory, and getting class schedules put together. It's going to be a busy 2010!
Looking back in thanksgiving, looking forward in hope, looking up, listening.
Blessed Christmastime and Shalom,
Suzanne
Not much time to write. Very good friend has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, and they asked me to be their nurse through the crisis. I'll probably be away for a good bit. I did get these three hats made. Yeah! I need to make felt to feel connected to the felt community. I have to go love my friend through her final phase of this life and help her die with dignity and grace, of which she has much. Hard days ahead of me and I am asking God for the strength and grace and wisdom to get me through.
Jim and I are well settled into our new routine with Dad, and it is going splendidly. I am accustom to "care-giving' so it does not fatigue me in the same way it does my husband Jim. He is rising to the occasion though, and I am so proud of him ... So much so that I felt I could leave them for a few days and travel to see Pam MacGregor at http://tarveycottagestudio.com/
It was just what I needed. Over the past weeks/months, I felt as though I'd really lost my sense of "play" and knew that I needed a safe place to have that rekindled...no pressure, no expectations, just play...and we did.
Life happens FAST! and with it comes changes that we sometimes see coming and others, not so much. My much respected husband Jim and I have aging parents, my Mom and Dad are still alive, traveling between FLA and MI as the weather changes, 6 months here in Michigan, 6 months there in Fla. and his Dad (Bob) is alive living a few miles from us. This week, he, Dad (Bob) informed us that he's decided to take us up on our offer to have him come live with us. He is nearly 90, alone, lonely, funny, capable, delightful, wise, loving, fussy, neat as a pin, and a bunch more stuff, and soon he will be under our roof. We are delighted, and anxious and disrupted and honored. It is a life changing event...and change can be good!
Prior to the phone call from Dad, I was able to make a new hat and a couple of flowers. It may be a bit of time before I can get back to the felting.
except there was the time when he sold him a horse, but delivered a mule." ...a line from one of my favorite stage plays, Fiddler on the Roof. I think that is how I would sum up the total experience of the 10 day show. We had 17-21 inches of snow, depending upon where you were in Wisconsin, followed by the ever lovely ice that follows a melt and re-freeze. Most of the crowd was there to experience the German themed Christmas atmosphere, to do some shopping and of course, eat the wonderful foods that were there. We were lead to believe that the show was juror ed , but when we were setting up, we knew differently. They were looking to fill booth spaces, that was the process. Suffice it to say, I am so glad to be home.
Blessed Thanksgiving to each of you. One can hardly help but to look back over the year and find an abundance of undeserved gifts and treasures of the spirit to be thankful for. I am humbled by the love of my Lord, my much adored husband, precious children, family and friends. I don't take love lightly. The kind of love that lasts, no matter the circumstances, that kind of love is not to be taken lightly.
Shalom,
Healing is coming slow on the elbow and shoulder, but I am getting some other things done. These two hats are the efforts of the past couple of days. I think the blue one is my favorite. The purple one is growing on me. It is intended to be for a child, not something I normally do, but did last night.
