(I wrote this post on Saturday) Hello friends. It’s been a while. Because we live in Bonkers Land these days, do we not? It’s just so hard to pull myself together and try to be articulate and sane. But here I am, just trying to stay connected…
We are finally “greening up” here on the ridge.
The crab apples are gorgeous.
The flannel sheets have been tucked into the linen closet and the cotton sheets have already done a few rounds out on the clothesline. (Hi Stacy!) Swapping out sheets is such a heralding of spring for me. It’s the little things, when we notice them, that can bring simple joy to our days.
My cup of tea at dawn was magical.
Batman found a packet of radish seeds in his Christmas stocking, and this is what happened 5 months later.
Flora turned 6 recently and I heard a rumor that she was yearning for an aquarium. So I made her a money pouch and we sent her some cash for “accoutrements”. We heard today that there are now three resident fish in the tank in her living room, with the promise of more next weekend.
I have begun work, in earnest, to rehab the first quilt I ever made, in 7th grade, I think. I will keep you posted on progress.
We had a very, very scary medical situation in our close family. Thank goodness for the Cleveland Clinic medical system and good insurance. Thank goodness, too, for devoted siblings, who dropped everything and went to help, one by one, tag team style. Some of us lit candles on the day of brain surgery and waited a long time to hear that everything went splendidly. DO NOT TAKE LIFE FOR GRANTED, dearest ones. These sorts of situations put things into very good perspective!!!
This is “the one that got away”. Our local hospital has an amazing thrift shop that supports the work of the care providers. On the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, they have their annual vintage linen sale. I often find bits and bobs to use for hand dying. I saw this beauty as I checked for plain, white linens and decided I did not really need it.
I found this set of 6 placemats, a dresser sleeve and table cloth…all of which are so softly worn that they will take dye beautifully. I spent $6.00 on these, total. When I had regrets and went back for the quilt, it was gone. ARGGG. Alas.
Collage by Janet Cathey, printmaker
Poster by Caroline Pennington
Studio of Tamara Wight, fiber artist
Gorgeous work of the Friday Weaver’s group at the White River Craft Center. Master weaver Susan Rockwell is my neighbor on the hill. xo
It’s Open Studio Weekend here in Vermont and I stayed local. Our wonderful White River Craft Center is filled with creativity. I spent time with two lovely artists this morning, talking about all things creative. Melle Finelli is a jeweler and Caroline Pennington is a printmaker. They were both very generous with our conversations. I was inspired.
And tomorrow, I am headed up and over the Brandon Gap to visit Golden Russet Farm, where I will, once again, purchase indigo seedlings from my friend Pauline. I swore I was taking a break from growing indigo this year! But I stumbled upon a resource that may help me with some skill development. So, onward! Hooray for BLUE!
I had planned to stop by Middlebury, just up the road from Shoreham, to visit the Art Museum and a few of my favorite shops. But this is Commencement Weekend and there will be no room for me in the streets of Middlebury!
Batman and I ended up at Creek House Diner for lunch, where the flowers at each table were brought in from the gardens of one of the waitresses. Ilovermont.
Friends, there’s so much going on in this crazy world. Sometimes it’s hard to settle down and just breathe. Please know that I am here. Just here. Next to you on the internet, wherever you are. Hoping, worrying, being furious, celebrating, feeling all the feels…it’s a lot to be living in 2026 in this mixed up country, in these challenging days.
I keep coming back to Rumi’s words…we are all just walking one another home.
xo