I’ll admit it, I am a planner. I find my way through life with lists and schedules. Spontaneity, although I admit is fun and exciting, can also be disruptive and interfere with, yes, my carefully laid out plans.
I’ve been looking forward to the Baltimore craft show this coming February. Finally! An in person show! But I was also a little nervous, because the latest covid variation is raging and I was worried about the hours on a plane, the logistics of a hotel and restaurants and crowds of people.
But, you know, there it was in my calendar, scheduled in. Planned. I was not going to argue with my plan. I had signed up and I was going to go. I was focused on the positive and looking forward to going.
So when the email came from the American Craft Council folks that because of the covid numbers, they had rescheduled the show from February to May, I was a a bit stunned. As I digested the news, my feelings were thrown back and forth between, ‘Whew!!!’ and,….. ‘sigh….’
I stared at my computer, thinking, ‘but my schedule!!!’
It was a reminder that things change, that no matter where you think you are headed, you might be wrong.
The silver lining, in anticipation of Baltimore, I’ve been nose to the sewing machine. And because I am signed up for the Smithsonian show in April, [fingers crossed that show will happen…] I’ll have plenty of new pieces to bring.
Including this group, sewn from classic kimonos. Full of traditional Japanese imagery. Like the one below, with ocean waves, bamboo and cords.

And this pretty one with a venture of phoenixes [I just learned this, a large group of phoenix is ‘an odyssey’ a small group is ‘a venture’.] The phoenix is a mystical bird that lives 500 years and is reborn from the ashes of its predecessor. It has a very long and flowing tail which you can see winding around and through the leaves and flowers.

And this coat, from such an amazing kimono, with pink gradating to grey with bold cherry blossoms. The vertical stripes of bamboo make for a elongated and flattering design.

So, instead of Baltimore, these pieces will be making their debut this coming April in Washington DC.
That is, unless,…
things change.
Wow, postponing Baltimore until May. That’s different. I’d love to see Bmore in May
Beautiful pieces
Yes! Susan, Baltimore in May, it is very different. Maybe even more proof, [do we need it ???] that things have changed.
Three stunners, Ann!
Thank you Betsy!
I thought I was pretty good at accepting that the only constant in life is change and that I need to be flexible. I just never expected it to be so exhausting! In your favor, I think Baltimore is going to be more pleasant in May than in February. Not that you get a ton of time to be outdoors while at a show.
Thanks Jeannette,
I am still working on accepting that the only constant is change. Intellectually, I know it to be true, but emotionally, I have a ways to go.
Hi Ann, glad to know you are well and still creating such beautiful art to wear. The jacket with the venture of phoenixes is perhaps my favorite jacket of yours that I have seen over the years. I delight in getting to see your new pieces. Happy New Year, Susan Glass
Thank You Susan!
I am indeed well. Isolating in my studio with all my beautiful silks, all things considered, it’s not too bad.
Yow! Such exciting and exquisite new pieces Ann!
Thank You Christina!
I hope to see you at both rescheduled shows. Your new pieces are beautiful…looking forward to seeing those and other beautiful creations born in the unexpected hiatus.
Thank You Margaret! See you at the shows!
These are quite beautiful.
Thank You Nellie Jean!
As I recall it tends to snow around the usual time of your Baltimore show? At least I remember not being able to get out of the driveway one year. Shouldn’t be a problem in April for DC and May for Baltimore. Lovely new jackets, especially the one with the waves, and the one with the phoenix. I can only imagine how wonderful they are in person.
ceci
Ceci, you are so right. There was a blizzard one year at the Baltimore show. Crazy! In that respect, May will be is much better.