Artisans of the Island

Kindred Spirit friend and I are souvenir snobs.  We eschew the usual convenient offerings for the far away artist's studio.  We enjoy meeting the artisan in her natural habitat.  (I know that their are male artisans as well, but oddly, during this trip we only ran across their female counterparts).  I believe that the 2000 kilometers that we put on our wonderful rental car, will testify to the truth to that statement.  We managed to perplex our Garmin and challenge all the iron nosed people in our car.
But we found the artists and it was worth the excursions.

• Marcela Rosemberg: www.marcelarosemberg.com Amazing glass artist.  A Jewish woman from Argentina, she was invited to come to Prince Edward Island to live and work and share her art form with the locals and the tourists.  A gracious woman who understands how blessed she is, displays with joy her work that includes her Jewish faith;,  menorahs, mezusahs and Seder plates to delicate pieces of jewelry and functional art.  It was a rainy day when we visited her studio but the brilliance of her glass and her warm hospitality made it a glowing encounter.
• Brenda Watts: www.cattailswoodwork.com. Woodworker extraordinaire. KS did not make it out of the studio without a piece.  Brenda's rural studio sits amid the very thing that she repurposes; bountiful trees!  The men in our group were awed by her state of the art equipment and tools and the skill she used to create the wonderful things in her studio.  From cutting boards to decorative items, her creative imagings in wood won us over. Her daughter, a fused glass artist, shares some of her mama's space as well.  A good marriage of crafts. Pandia Glass/Meghan Watts

Naturally, all this oohing and ahhing worked up an appetite 
And wouldn't you know it, in the midst of NOWHERE there was the tiniest Tea Shop.  This convenient little stop came attached to Belfast Mini Millshttp://www.minimills.net/index.php an extremely productive 'little' place, it produces Mini Mills for those involved in wool spinning cottage industries.  This small spot on the island produces the mills as well as an abundance of hand knit and woven items for sale in their showroom.  Not only do they knit and weave the items but most of the wool is from their own sheep.  While we were there, a local sheep farmer dropped by a load of unspun wool.  There was a torrential rainstorm going on while we were in the shop so we had plenty of time to peruse the finished items and the wool.  I came away with a grand gift for all the grandgirls to share and some wool to make Hubby some warm slippers. The shop even had Samoyed Dog Wool.  No kiddin.


Another stop on the Artisan Tour was at Hazel and Bette's home/rug hooking shop.  Not being too friendly with contemporary ways, these two adorable sisters handed out their handmade cards without benefit of websites or Facebook friending.  These two ladies have probably been hooking and designing and selling the accouterments for many years.  They finished each other's sentences and complemented their skills.  One sister was the bookkeeper who kept the other grounded.  The other was the designer and right side of the equation.  While KS received a perfunctory introduction to Rug Hooking 101, I snapped the sign on their door.  'Open at noonish today'.  Somethin tells me that if KS and I had a shop, we would borrow their sign.

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Driving the long lane to Hedwig Koleszar's Gallery/Studio,http://li58-148.members.linode.com/articles/profiles/394 it came to mind that artists, these designers of lovely things, are quite possibly, the glue that holds us together in the midst of our day to day mundane and challenging lives.  The beauty that they bring into our lives in simple and amazing ways overwhelmed me as we entered Hedwig's property.  Gardens carefully and organically cared for, the warm greeting from her puppy and the smiling face of her Summer Assistant, was a mere portent of the lovely pottery that she creates.
It was at Hedwig's Studio that we discovered the true spirit of Prince Edward Island.  We had encountered such lovely people during our stay.  Cars stop in the middle of the road if you are waiting to cross.  Smiles are abundant and greetings are warm.  They seemed genuinely interested in why we would visit their island and where in the states we hailed from.  KS is great at engaging conversation so while she did all the work, I quietly peered into all the areas of the studios and galleries. 
At Hedwig's, we were told that sadly, she was in town but that we were free to wander around.  It was while we were absorbing the vibe in her studio, that we saw the note:.

Need I say anymore?
Book your next vaca..'.Holiday' for next year, late June.  And tell Hedwig that we said thank you for restoring our faith in mankind.....

Kindred Spirits

When Kindred Spirit Friend greeted me at her home at the start of our journey together, she rather wryly commented, 'I shall be on my best behavior on this trip.  You must always be cautious when you travel with a Blogger.'

And right she was.

Not only did most of the square miles of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island get photographed, but a Travel Journal was half filled with the day to day adventures of these traveling, long time friends. Menus were copied and humorous insights noted.  And between the four of us, there was much to note.

 Hubby and I started out early for the start of our vacation. (Heretofore referred to as 'holiday' since that's what the Canadians call it)  'On holiday, are ya, eh?'
Hubby and I felt we needed the extra day and a half to catch up with them and to learn from KS's hubby, all the ins and outs of international travel and packing.
We reveled in each other's company, still finding it hard to believe that the trip was imminent.
Looking back at my notes, I  found such a great contentment just hanging out at KS's cozy,gracious home that I could have called it a vacation. Almost. The colorful cutting garden, the soothing front porch, the tasty, well decorated table that she sets so well, all added up to a joy to my senses and comfort in my soul.  Anytime you can spend time in the company of a Kindred Spirit, you should soak  in the minutes and clamp your brain around the memories.

 It has been thirteen long years since I said good bye to my dear friend and moved six hours south.  Sure, we've had visits and emails and in the early days before I became adept at the computer, we had long, colorful, gift filled letters and postcards that I'm sure confused and amazed our postal carriers.  These letters are bound away, waiting for the day when our children will be rolling on the floor laughing or sobbing into their hankies.  I have warned my kiddos that they need to make the time to read the letters circa 1999-2002 when I have gone onto my reward.  I believe they will get a clear, objective view of their mother through the letters written often and clearly to my Bosom Buddy.

 We are scarily similiar in so many ways but interestingly different to keep us on our toes.  We chastise and encourage.  We critique and give wisdom.  But mostly, it is my goal to get her to laugh.  Love it when tears are rolling from one of  our comments or observations.  We are opinionated yet open minded.  Somewhat.

 I thought it was important for you to see her home so that you can understand just how lovely she is. (And yes, we  have the same color for our bathrooms.)

 Patriotic and political, a flag waves her allegiance.

 Wicker decorates her porch.  Along with a customized pillow by yours truly, made nearly 20 years ago for the occasion of a garden that we made together in her yard.  A harrowing storm was impending and the sky started turning green.  We were in the midst of planting marigolds around our tomatoes, when KS pointed out that we needed to stagger the color of the marigolds so that it would look amazing. (Even though the main point of the marigolds was to keep bugs off the maters)  I began to run for shelter but KS insisted on finishing the planting the colorful way.  As I yelled at her to drop her trowel and to get her....self in the house, she raised her small shovel in the air and yelled, long hair blowing in the tornadic winds, 'Poor weather is no excuse for bad taste!!'  That's how looney she is.

 Kindred Spirit also bows to the need of flora and fauna.  Her home shares a nest with a mourning dove and other unwed mother birds.

 She placed this vintage appliqued linen piece in her window just because she knew I would love it.  She did this with her serving bowls at meals as well.  Beautiful pieces adorning the table only adding to the whole experience of the visit and completely tickling me.  She knows.

 KS is a glass mosaic artist.  The window on the left is mine.  It's called Deb's Garden.  This is publicly stated just in case her daughters are reading and they doubt the ownership.  Sara's is on the right.

 I have a piece of furniture painted this color. Technically, her wonderful daughter, Emily, painted this but you can see how this relationship kindredship is leaking into the next generation....

Here we are prior to our drive to the airport.
Our time together was fun, blissful, full of beautiful images and memorable conversations and dinners.

But truly, when you spend time with your KS, sitting on the porch would have been enough....

Love you Renee.....

The Merry Month of May

Since last August, I knew that this May was in reserve.  I knew that my 'schedule' would be put on hold and that any and all activities would be paused as I helped Eldest/Admin prepare for the life changing event of having her second child.  I remember all too well that overwhelming feeling of having a toddler and bringing a brand spanking new little one into the mix.  I remember with fear and trepidation as my due date approached, looking for an out to the situation.  As God would have it, I found myself wonderfully overdue and having two extra weeks to work out my issues; I was then,more than ready to welcome our second child.  As God would work it, that is what happened to E/A.  

(pictured: The Labor Trail, where we walked every night and some mornings...)

 As I packed and prepared for my trip to her home, I wondered with an overload of adrenalin, just what do I do for her?  What is my exact position in bringing Grandgirl #Four into the world?  How do I work with a completely natural birth when my only experience has been on my back in a surgical suite?  How do I best serve her and her family?  Just what is my job?  Do I draw close or keep hidden with toddler close to my hip?  These questions were the first thing I thought of when I woke up each morning and the last thought before I shut my eyes each night.  I wanted to be the helper that she needed but I didn't have a clue as to what that would look like.
Turns out that God in His infinite wisdom, gave both of us puh-lenty  of time to figure out how we would get through this thing called Bringing a Human Being Into This World.


Hazey Jay (her daddy's nickname) aka, Hazel Jane, had her own agenda and plan for her debut.  HJ's arrival date was May 1.  Her birthday is May 12.  Eleven full days to make peace with the wait and surround her home with the right amount of busy-ness and rest.  Eleven days to wrestle with issues and make pillows for her bed.  Eleven days to have fun with her sister, the illustrious Miss Viv, and Eleven Days to make all the teeny final touches on her sweet little room.  Eleven Days for her mama to walk, dance, bounce, walk and rest for The Big Event.

 This time will heretofore be remembered as The Golden Time.


I shall remember this time my whole life.  Even when my memory gets iffy, I shall relish the days that E/A and I spent together, along with Miss Viv and Wonderful Man. I just know I will.

 There were long talks, good meals, sewing on the deck, visiting with neighbors, evening walks, wonderful weather and always this tiny thread of anticipation as each pre labor contraction and little twinge, propelled us(me)  into Level Yellow on the Baby Alert warning system.  Miss Viv was more than willing to help Mimi take her mind off the reality of her baby having another baby by lots of swinging on her playset, jumping on Neighbor Steve's trampoline,hosting tea parties, reading books, playing pretend and lots of making up stories on the swing.

 I loved watching the peaceful repose that I would find on my eldest daughter's face as she would caress her burgeoning belly . 

 I loved watching the inner conversations she would have with her body and spirit as it was stretched to max. Silent yet powerful, I could feel the strength that she was summoning from the recesses of her soul as her body prepared for the most profound of moments.

 One lovely Friday evening, after Papa had arrived and the night was settling in, a long walk started the process that would culminate in Miss Hazel Jane's arrival 24 hours later.


It was a privilege to be a part of those sacred hours.  To watch WM step up and step into the supportive, strength giving, encourager that makes for a wonderful husband and places himself right up there in the running for Father of the Year.  It is every parent's dream to see their daughters so tenderly, protectively cared for by their husbands.  


The time frame from laboring at home to laboring at the hospital, happened quietly throughout the night so that Miss Viv barely knew that the Big Event was happening.  The afternoon and evening that Mimi and Papa watched over the Big Sister, consisted of fun and frivolity involving hungry ducks and fun filled parks.  Make no mistake; Miss Viv is but a mere three years old, but her thoughts were staying near to her laboring mama and her absent daddy.  Complete strangers were told, unbidden, that 'her mommy was in the hospital, pushing her baby sister out.'.  She could be involved in the funnest of play but her mind and heart were in that unfamiliar spot; Her Life Was Radically Changing And She Knew It Involved Pushing a Baby Out.


Papa's job was to keep her safe on the playground and to attend to her needs while Mimi's job was to park herself on a bench nearby and intercede on her daughter's behalf, the needs known only to her Maker.


As the three of us settled in for the night, The phone call came:  Hazel Jane had joined our family in a completely natural, healthy way, just like her mama hoped and prayed....


The next morning consisted of preparing for our trip to the hospital to see Baby Hazel.
Reporting the scene at the hospital, little girls meeting each other for the first time, is pretty much beyond my expertise.  Suffice to say, in all my years, I have not witnessed a sweeter scene....


Baby Hazel and her parental units arrived at their home close to midnight that same night.  With Miss Viv asleep and my mind running through so many things, I opted to keep reading my book and allow HJ to settle into her home with her mama and daddy without my assistance.  I fell asleep with the sweetest little face on my mind...


The first words out of Miss Viv's mouth the next morning were, 'Is my Baby Sister home?' After receiving the affirmative, she zoomed into mama and daddy's room to greet her new sibling.


Shortly after breakfast, Mimi and Papa left the sweet, happy, exhausted little family to their own devices while they adjusted to their new normal on their Babymoon.  I knew that after daddy returned to work, I would return to get acquainted.  But for now, it was important for the four of them to have time together to cement the bond that had been forged nine months previous.


By the end of the first week on Babymoon, the siblings arrived, thus bringing the quartet of little girlies together for the first time.  Since I was not present, I can only go by the reporting of Neighbor Deb as to the wonderfulness of the viewing; three of my sweeties, three spouses and four of the most dazzling granddaughters ever, hanging out and sharing their lives.  I do believe I would have combusted had I been in attendance.

So, as the earth erupts in blossoms and summer is a whisper away, our family celebrates our newest arrival....A wondrous time, a glorious memory...




Welcome, welcome Hazel Jane...We have waited for you a long time......

Leafgirl Studio+ Organics Spring Bags!

(Ed. Note:  I imagine that some of you are wondering: 'So Deb, whats up with the bags?  Where are the new grandgirl photos?  Where is the story of her arrival??  To this I answer, I am a good Crunchy Grandmama.  I wait till the mama has a chance to post the first photos and introduce our friends and the world to our newest baby.  Some of the Commandments of Crunchy Grandmothering are: 1.  Thou shall not tell anyone anything about the baby until you have been properly okayed by the parents.   2.  Do not speak of the labor and delivery for it is sacred and belongs in the heart of the mama and daddy and is up to them to reveal the details when they have processed.  3. Never release photos publicly without permission.  Since I was the closest thing to a Crunchy Mama in the 70's and 80's, I completely understand and respect these rules and so until I get the okay, you shall just have to put up with the bags I made for Leafgirl Studio+Organicshttps://www.facebook.com/leafgirlorganicstudio the week before I left on my trip to Baby/LaborandDelivery Land.  Watch this space for future journeys with my grandgirls....)

 1.  The Hippie Bag.  Made from a tablecloth....Whimsy inside as well...

 2.  The classic market bag.  Vintage Everything.  Of Course.

 3.  Sprite Bag.  Microsuede with scallops and vintage buttons

 4.  Walkabout Bag.  Just fun when you travel light.

 5.  Elfin Beauty.  Fringey and perky.  Fun abounds inside and out.

 6. Vintage Sheets Work Well Bag.  Sprinkling of buttons

 7.  Potpourri Bag.  Little bits of this and that. Colorful and really fun.

 8.  Market Bag Supreme.  Colorful, appliqued and pocketful.  Can't be crabby carrying this....

Can you tell how much fun I have designing, sewing this little bits of art???


BTW, did I mention that I have a New Grandgirl??  :D

Dogwood Festival Fun

 Once a year, the most fabulous thing happens in the life of a Picker near Orleans Indiana.
All the goodyness of everyone's discards get brought out into public view for people like me to pant and sweat and froth over all the opportunities to be had.


This year, Hubby and I prepared for the event.  Hubby came home from work last night and bid goodnight before I did.  Some nights I am gone to the world before he makes it home.  Last night, he properly installed himself into the sheets, kissing me goodnight while I still had my nose in my book.
I say to him, 'Well.  This is different.  You falling asleep before me?'  He responds, 'Garage Sales tomorrow.  Gotta get at em early.  Got to get to sleep earlier.'  
I just cracked up, patted his sweet little head and said, 'Way to get at it, bud!', and returned to my book.
But not for long.  His good sense made good sense and my bed side lamp was turned off shortly after.

 So it was with great enthusiasm and united front that we approached the small town of Orleans Indiana and sought out the bargains of the year.  Our Rickety Pickety Up Truck was put into sort of good stead to load it up properly and thoroughly.  
And we did...

 Some of our goodies:  

• Fossil watch and three bands for it
• Mission type side table
• Big commercial initials from an old sign
• Brand new Vera Bradley pencils and notebook (still in wrappers)
• Vintage wicker fern stand (A piece of wicker is a requirement to make it a successful picking day)
• Shawnee Pottery, large vase, no chips
• a bag full of vintage notions and fabric
• an amazing quilt; 30.00
• a purple 27 drawer notion holder; Yes.
• a fabu lined water repellent jacket; Dog Walking Special.
• A vintage wool/cashmere great coat for Hubby
• 7, yes S-E-V-E-N sets of vintage Star War Lego sets for Younger Son for his library Lego sessions with the little ones
• well framed Reservoir Dogs movie poster for YS
• and bunches of little things that my giddy brain is forgetting now....

 A trip at Lord and Taylor could not have filled me with more joy....


Ah, simple things...