Friends.....

This has been a week of friendship and sharing of special treasures!

I received a wonderful package full of the most delightful scraps and swatches from Jude. A myriad of beautiful colors, textures, weaves - velvet, eyelet, linen, etc. If you are familiar with Jude's work, you will understand how special it is to have received a small piece of her collection. And leave it to Jude to include someone special in the package. Those of you who follow Spirit Cloth and "What if" - can you spot it?? Thank you so much Jude - you made my day!

Later in the week - Sabrina and I received a Priority Mail package from Lisa -- way over in Oregon. It was a total surprise. First there were two absolutely beautiful glass beaded "Dotee Dolls" inside. One for Sabrina, and one for me. The one for me has a special message on the back and Sabrina's is the one with the sunflower. But that's not all - there was more.

Also inside were several hand carved antique wooden type fonts from Lisa's grandfather and great-grandfather's printing business in Oregon. Lisa is a native Oregonian. I can't believe she sent these to us. Sabrina went crazy over them. How special they are. We will treasure them.

As if that wasn't enough - Lisa also sent me two curved beading needles because I am such a spazz and am having a hard time beading a doll that Grace sent me AND one of James Taylor's cds - with I think has every song he ever sang on it. I've been listening to it for two days. It's wonderful. Lisa knows I love James Taylor. Fire and Rain was the first "45" I ever bought. I was 11. I still have it.

Lisa and I have been friends for a while now. She lives in Oregon and is a master at documenting its beauty. I so enjoy her photography and narratives. I visit Pursuing Art often and we share some great conversations.

Receiving presents in the mail is "awesome" as Sabrina puts it. But the gift of friendship is even better! The world just doesn't seem so big anymore.

Ahhhh Take a Deep Breath.....

Summer is almost here. And while Summer is my least favorite season of the year -- it's onset is still a signal to take a deep breath and s l o w down.

I've always had a problem with that -- slowing down. I try to - I really do -- but my brain is always on fast forward -- always thinking about what needs to be done later, tonight, tomorrow, next week, by the end of the month, etc., etc. I even spend my leisure time -- trying to "finish" that book, complete that project, wrap up that painting, etc. Reaching the finish line -- is always on the brain and of the utmost importance.

You miss a lot -- with that mindset. You really do. There is great joy to be found in the moment, as well as in the smallest of details that tend to accompany those moments. Those lovely little details that often get missed -- when one is in a hurry. And while I've been pretty good at teaching my kids to appreciate the moment and drink in the details, I really need to heed my own advice.

This leads me to my real topic -- S L O W cloth. Have you heard of it? Probably. It's a hot topic right now in the fiber art community. And, to tell the truth I've been admiring thinking a lot about "slow cloth" -- what it stands for, what it means, what it symbolizes. Actually, I' ve been thinking about it for quite some time.

If you're not familiar with the "slow cloth" movement or concept and would like to know more, here are some places to get a good education on the subject. But keep in mind -- the concept of Slow Cloth is very personal and means something different to every artist. I have found that it is a concept that evolves with YOU.

Take some time and read the article written by Elaine Lipson that discusses in detail -- Ten Qualities of Slow Cloth. Once you've read this, you will certainly want to experience slow cloth first hand and you can do that at the oh so appropriately named (consequently my absolute favorite place to spend time) Spiritcloth where Jude has the instinctual ability to intertwine fiber and words into a visual and spiritual journey. Make sure to thoroughly explore Jude's site -- particularly the visual journey, breadcrumbs, textile studies, etc. links on the right-hand side.

And NOW, as I find myself faced with the onset of summer, I look forward to the "quality" not quantity of my time. I intend to take that deep breath and slow way down. It is my intention to STOP -- and enjoy every breeze, every song, every giggle and every stitch.

Enjoy the Moment!!