I went to Japan and it was amazing! It was a trip for fun, to see the sights and relax. We went north of Tokyo, away from the throngs of people and up into the mountains. So much fun. We landed in Tokyo, then got a car and drove north. First stop, the Ashikaga Flower...
I like to have some sort of handwork around, in a basket, next to my sofa. It's nice to have, especially at night, when I'm relaxed, the TV on and a little something to work on. It can be buttons to sew on, or a hem, a kimono to take apart, or the slow process of...
I've been in my studio, sewing, making new things, appliquéing, a little piecing, all that stuff. I have been on-task. But, more has been happening. Lots going on past my front door. How about you, have you been paying attention to what's going on out there??? Spring!...
Mottainai means 'waste nothing.' It's another way to say, 'waste not want not' or 'reuse, recycle and repurpose.' For me It means to save and honor even the smallest leftover kimono silk scraps. Throw away my scraps? Nope. I keep most all of them for other projects....
Over these last few years, we've lost some of the better craft shows, so I am very happy that the American Craft Council is still producing American Craft Made Baltimore. This was their 49th year! Amazing! The first time I went, in the mid 1990's, they'd been going...
I am sending you wishes for every possible delight and joy this holiday season! You deserve it! Lots going out there. A remedy, this a short performance by Vocus8 performing O Salutaris Hostia by one of my favorite composers, Eriks Esenvalds. A perfect distraction....
Despite what you might hear, despite what some people are saying, Portland, Oregon [my home town] is not a 'hell-scape.' It is not 'war ravaged.' Quite the contrary, it is doing just fine. We are at the beginning of one of our most beautiful seasons. People are out,...
Outside of Paris is a fantastically amazing farmhouse/ restaurant/ guesthouse, Le Doyenne. With beautiful gardens of fruit and vegetables cared for with loving attention. And open fields around. The old barn, shown here during restoration, was converted into a...
First stop, beautiful, old, new, extravagant Paris. Glorious Paris. Iron balcony railings. Everywhere, down any street, amazing, gorgeous doors. Quaint bookstores that make you feel as though you've stepped into a movie set. Beauty everywhere, even in the smallest...
