In more ways than one, the gear shift is in play. As I mentioned last post, the intensity continues to grow here and the demands of time seem to inflate rapidly ... much like my waist line. Yikes!
Here is my morning, whilst trying to firm up a couple of articles, check all the emails, catch up on my blog reading and writing, pay bills and update social media. I'm usually exhausted by the end of the list! But have my trusty assistant, Spartacus to ever keep my spirits high. And my coffee. And the view outside the window. Lovely. Life is good. Gratitude is over whelming.
In the gear shift category ... Paul has yet again ordered cables for the Vespa and we anxiously await their arrival. SO close to completing the task ... yet so far away when one blasted item is in California and the Vespa is in North Carolina. Onward ... We await the UPS truck with a level of anxiety that is impressive...and abundant.
First Gear.
I have finished gluing this stepping stone.
I have finished gluing this stepping stone.
Her name is Lauren because she was inspired by Lauren Burch, a designer. I have a pile of these to grout now. If only I had some time when the sun was shining. Timing! 'Tis everything, truly.
As my friend Patti brought to my attention, I make these stepping stones to sell at the Crossnore Gallery, where I support the Stepping Stones program. (click here for link) The program is for the children who have surpassed 18 years old, have graduated from High School and are pursuing either college or technical training. The still live on campus, but have transitioned from the normal cottage residency into a group home cottage where they are all learning to become adults, be accountable and responsible but still have a resident counselor who is available for guidance and support. I am proud to be a part of such a wonderful program. And honored to be able to contribute. And grateful to Heidi Fisher, the director of the gallery for having me there among such lovely artists. And praying for grouting weather. ;-) If you only knew how ironic that statement is ... grouting is not the favorite part of making these...
There is another one on the table, of course. This one more abstract and leaning toward a water color look... we shall see! That's my plan of attack. Plans often change.
Her name, thus far is Test Kitten. You can see the inspiration for the stone in the upper right hand corner. I bought the magnet about 5 years ago. I just needed some experience and shifts to take place first. Excited for new things!
New things *** In the weaving arena, I began this pattern ... and then did lots of colors with it!
Lots of table runners for our DAR Continental Congress Conference later this month in D.C.
Paul and an amazing intern helped the owners of the Trosly Farm, Amos and Casey put up their greenhouse last weekend. It was a great thing to watch. I had lots of other things going on ... but eventually I showed up to take photos. My favorite! Please visit the Trosly Farm in Elk Park. It is a great place to take the kids, buy some local organic food and see how a small family farm runs. If you can't go in person, visit the website. Or do both! Totally worth the time. To visit the website click right here
And this tree is there - 100% gorgeousness!
I finally received my LeBarre training kit. Oh my! Totally humbling. I should not have quit dancing. It was easier to stay fit than return to fit. Learn from my experience!
It's very fun to have my daughter teaching me in my very own living room whenever I like. But the fun wears off when it gets hard, even though she is continuing to smile and chuckle. She knows I'm flailing, I'm sure. Guess it's payback for when I taught her ballet. ;-) Christian, her son was watching me. I asked him what he thought about having his mom being on the t.v. He said "my family always knew it was going to happen. We are just glad it finally did!" Kids! Seriously tho, Y'all need to get one of these LeBarre things. I'm going to have a rockin' body back soon. And my bum is going to perk back up. Once I get over the pain. Yikes!
This guy is here visiting and keeping us filled with joy. His facial expressions are priceless, photo worthy and hilarious. He keeps me filled with wonder and love. Grandkids are the bomb diggity.
Second gear ...
We are community gardening this year. It is super helpful to keep each other motivated and accountable. Also, it's fun to have a community. Even if it's just two families. But look what else is fun! These two beautiful, precious little souls who come over to help with eating dirt. My heart melts every single time I see them. The twins, Stephen and Everly who live across the street and are the children of Tammy & Robbie. We are so fortunate to be a part of their village. And Tammy loves to pull weeds ...total bonus!
Everly
Precious Princess
Stephen
I'm betting Stephen will be the mayor as soon as he is old enough.
And we actually have food growing, thanks to Tammy planting some. Paul digs and mows, Tammy plants and the babies add the good juju for the growing process. Mostly I walk around and do other things. Don't know exactly what. Lately my ability to concentrate is non existent. I'm lucky to have the little folks for distraction. I can concentrate on them! No problem.
So much FUN!

Tammy also has a teenaged son who is a great baseball player. We have been to a couple of his games. A nice kid ... James. Handsome and kind. And a heck of a pitcher, even though his preference is playing at short stop. It is a pleasure to know this young man. Restores my faith in the future of mankind when I meet this kind of middle school kid. What a stretch!
Third gear ...
There have been a lot of projects around here. Trying to get some flowers planted, plants in the right places, trash from the winter cleaned out, quilts down from the door frames where they block the cold air in the winter time, windows washed from the little bit of propane we use, heavy winter drapes down and summer fun window treatments up, house plants cleaned and taken outside, clothesline washed and ready for summertime use, art studio straightened and cleaned, winter clothes put away and summer clothes brought out, spring cleaning, articles written for Carolina Mountain Living, art work created, and working at the weaving room. Just had a week long class of lovely women learning to weave. I so enjoy the progress from day 1 to day 5 and the look of accomplishment and happiness on their faces when they finish the week. It's a good life. I am always grateful to meet new friends and promote weaving.
Tonight I attended my very first ever fulling class. We are knitting a hat and felting it. In theory. Mostly, I am panicking over the knitting. A hat! Holy circular knitting needles. I am lost.
Fourth gear ... reveing up nicely!
Recently my daughter had a wonderful pathology report come back. Cancer markers gone. G-O-N-E. G.O.N.E.! Not there. I say grace on a consistent basis. But the goodness in that pathology report is overwhelming and transforming. And it reminds me of one beautiful word in our language
MIRACLE
Oh, such a wonderful, lovely word. Especially when it hooks with your life, dreams and desires. Jenn has been a consistent reminder to me about belief. Her entire family are walking miracles. Her faith is strong and unwavering. Her family believes together and the strength is testimony enough to honor their belief and power in their faith. And encouraging enough to try it out on your own!
Victor & Jenn, love you guys.
Here's another miracle in my humble opinion. This beautiful woman, Virginia Coffey turned 80 years old on May 30th. We call her "Granny" at her own insistence. She is such a joy and still works 4 days a week in the Weaving Room, adding richly to the experience of weaving and learning. Happy Birthday, Granny (Virginia). And many more! It is an honor to know you, work with you and call you a mentor and friend.
Paul's beautiful niece, Sara graduated from high school last week! There was a family party we had to miss. :-( I am sure Sara had a splendid time any way! Congratulations, Sara! We are so very proud of you and wish you great success at the Citadel next year!
The list of our past dance students who graduated this year is long and fills us with pride! Our hope is for these lovely young adults to go forward with their lives, find happiness and success, and be good people who do good things. Congratulations to you all! Adding to my previous list of graduates are:
Kristin Hardy (Samford College graduate)
and from High School
Sara Winch
Vanessa Marozzi
Kaley Suero
Paige Spears
Katie Wilkes
Morgan Carr
Andrea Carreno
Sarena Nelson
Mary Otto
Rachel Pierce
Manuela Velez
and all the wonderful seniors who graduated that I don't know about!
Cruising in over drive now ...
Tomorrow begins the summer string of Birthday parties on the veranda. This one, first up, is for our dear friend, Cindy Michaud. check her art site out here! Happy BIG GIRL birthday, Cindy. Can't wait to celebrate!!!
Happy June everyone and
Blessings to all!








































