Saturday, July 20, 2024

Cobalt

 I've been working on too many things all at once, and my life seems crazy out of control. Too many quilts at the same time, garden of weeds (very big ginormous weeds!), mom duty (she had bypass and is coming along at the right rate for an 85 year old - but I am lacking patience)., and an ever growing list of commitments. In my craziness, I ordered in a book that I had come across during my cobalt research for once of my current dress projects: Cobalt Red by Siddharth Kara. I find that I can't read for very long before my anger sets in. In a nutshell, the people in the Congo have been mistreated and abused for centuries. All I wanted to read was about how the mining practices are hurting Pachamama (Mother Earth). I've now entered into the world of slavery, horrible governments, lies, unspeakable crimes against the innocent and the knowledge that anyone who has a cell phone, tablet, or laptop is guilty of contributing to problem. Problem is not a strong enough word. 

That was not what I set down to write when I realized that my blog has also been left alone for much too long. Instead of adding it to the to do list, I steeped a cup of tea and sat down for a little break. In the book, I read a Congolese saying that I find very thought provoking: "You never finish eating the meat of an elephant."  For me it translates to "slow down girl, you will never finish that to do list if you keep adding to it faster than you complete."  

Today seems like the ideal day to take a step back from the list and just enjoy the beautiful day that God has blessed me with. It's cool, calm, and the birds are singing. I think I'll go for a walk.




Wednesday, July 10, 2024

St Louis /Aquarium

 My second time to this incredible aquarium.  I love the hands on exhibits. Imagine having your hands cleaned by an display of "Dr Fish"!!! Petting the rays and jellies - also a must.









Tuesday, July 9, 2024

St Louis

 I'm visiting my son for a few days. Lucky me, we stumbled onto a bead store, ever so close to his place. Better yet, he was very patient with me while I explored. The Bead Place has a great selection of beads and beautiful yarns. Too bad (or maybe fortunately), it's so far from home.





Wednesday, June 12, 2024

Kirkwall Scotland

 Visited St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall Scotland today. The floors!







Saturday, June 1, 2024

Glyptotek/mummies

 I love a good Egyptian exhibit. The whole preserving process intrigues me. I was especially interested in the wrapping pattern that looks like a log cabin quilt. 





I was also fascinated with the art work on the inside of the coffin as well as the miniatures that were sealed with the mummies. 











Friday, May 31, 2024

Glyptotek / Copenhagen

 Life has been a wee bit crazy this past few weeks. Fortunately, I'm away from home for 3 weeks and find myself enjoying life and actually getting some much needed rest while refilling my well. Corinne (niece) and I are currently in Copenhagen and enjoyed the Glyptotek Museum today.

One sculpture really caught my eye - great detail. 






The date was approximately 100 ad. I'm always amazed at what artists could do with the tools of the time. 


Thursday, May 9, 2024

Butterfly stitches

 I'm currently working on stitching blocks for "Flora". This quilt will be #3 in my Earth Fragments series. It is a statement about climate change and the effects changing temperatures is having on agriculture.