liberal arts

I got to Earlham in time to sit in on the 1-3:30 afternoon session of Hannah's May Term class, the Life and Times of MLK. From the course description..."This course aims at the biography, theology, philosophy, and social activism of Dr. King within the historical and cultural context of political upheaval that characterized America during the 1950s and 1960s. This course is a research-based seminar in which students will encounter the life and thought of Dr. King through autobiography, sermons, speeches, essays and film. Class discussion, independent study and collaborative projects will enable us to develop a robust understanding of King's legend and legacy by investigating his response to the challenges of the historical circumstance that forged his life's work for freedom, equality and social justice."

Tonight, Han and I are still talking and listening... about non-violence, white privilege, black power, growing up in the 1960's (me, not her!), futility and hope, education...

 

westward, ho

Here is my supper, fresh from the "snack pack" cooler. Spread out on the desk in my hotel room in Ohio. Trying to eat healthy, reduce throw-aways and slow down after driving for 7 hours.

Crossed the Hudson, the Allegheny and the Susquehanna today! And marveled at my ease compared to those in covered wagons generations ago.

Listened to NPR, some of a book on tape and munched yummy dark chocolates from our local candy maker (thanks, Liz!!!). I am going to try to get to Earlham by early afternoon tomorrow and sit in on a bit of Hannah's May Term class on the life of MLK jr. 

After supper tonight, a few laps around the parking lot, some stretching and the latest issue of Quilting Arts , which is still in its plastic sleeve!

When we travelled by car with all four young kids, from Illinois to New England, we would buy Tootsie Pops and give them to the toll attendants, just for fun. Do you have any fun "road trip" memories/traditions?

pawsing in the sunshine

Tomorrow I am heading out to Indiana by car. So today I am trying to leave the house in some sort of order for Gretta and Batman. Laundry, scrubbing the bathrooms, vacuuming......took the car in for service, G has a sports physical for Knox this afternoon, the list goes on.....

Do you know the work of Vermont artist, Mary Azarian? Years ago, I bought this card, framed it and hung it in my kitchen. I am still waiting for this lovely lady to arrive at my doorstep! I could really use her help today!

Have you heard of Garrison Keillor's  Writer's Almanac? I just subscribed and today's poem is PERFECT! If you decide to subscribe, you will find a poem in your inbox everyday, a very good way to start your day as far as I'm concerned. And check out this lovely posting from my blog-buddy, Emily.

Posting may be erratic this week, but I'll try to keep up... 

i'm jealous of my car

because she gets to sit in the parking garage 

(i always leave her with a nice view)

while i have to take a few deep breaths

and walk into the MALL...

gretta just really needed a few things for the upcoming months,

like a new, decent rain jacket, 

a new fleece (old one worn out and grown out of),

she never got a swiss army knife, even tho the big kids had...

and another cute (affordable) dress for senior class day.

g is not a clothes hog nor does she have a closet full of shoes

(you have seen her footwear of choice).

so armed with a list and the best attitude we could muster,

we forged ahead.

found most things on sale.

and did OK.

and are still speaking.

but we are TIRED 

and don't feel like we need to go back anytime soon.

we try to shop locally, or online,

because we really don't like malls at all.

too much "stuff", too impersonal, too big,

not the loveliest slice of american life...

oh, i am venting, i know.

but i'll bet g and i are not the only ones familiar with mall fatigue.

 

skip breakfast? not me!

Butterworks Farm organic nonfat lemon yogurt (came home from VT in the cooler), stewed rhubarb and granola for breakfast, along with a mug of Scottish breakfast tea, all served up in a beautiful bowl and mug, bought as seconds from Simon Pearce.

Now I am ready for a day full of errands and chores, carefully planned to be as efficient and pleasant as possible...

Lovin' the sunshine! I'm thinkin' laundry on the clothesline, finally!

going in different directions

Paper crane, I will write peace on your wings

and you will fly all over the world.

-Sadako Sasaki, age 12

Do you know the story of Sadako and the thousand paper cranes? Written into book form by Eleanor Coerr, the true story she tells has inspired generations of folks to work for peace. 

This origami crane, made by Gretta, floats in my car as a reminder to breath while driving!

And today Gretta and I were driving, driving , driving to go see our good friend Jimmy graduate from high school. Not just any high school, but one for kids with language related learning disabilities. What an inspiring day it was! Kids who may have been told they would never amount to anything, could never learn, could never succeed...worked harder than their peers and proved all the naysayers wrong. These kids knocked our socks off, with their spirit, grit and passion. Bravo Jimmy!

And driving in another direction, Peter left work, met up with a buddy and set off for VT again. Only this weekend it's all fun. Fly-fishing for neophytes! With borrowed fishing gear, tomorrow Batman will go buy some TALL waders and a fishing license and he and Bill will  scout out all the "good spots" on the White River. 

Now for a light supper, a glass of wine, a lame attempt at book reading and...sleep.

What's up for your weekend?

rainy day sewing

I found this fun project and asked Erin for her permission to post my results. She graciously encouraged me to share and, voila! A French press cozy, made to keep Batman's coffee warm on those chilly Vermont mornings. Do you love the birch fabric? And the antler button? (which was billed as being made from a "shed" antler, I hope that's true!) 
Yesterday, I finished another clothespin bag, made from The Impatient Patchworker, for a friend's daughter and son-in-law, who have just bought a house. They asked for spring colors/solids. I could not resist the polka dots...and I'm glad to know there's a new generation of clothesline devotees!
And here's progress on the quilt-along, still trying to stay a day or two ahead...I have added aquas, and a periwinkle too.

Henry has been encamped in his cozy bed in my sewing room all day. Such a lazy beastie. I think for both of us, time sometimes stands still in there! Hen in his bed, and moi at my sewing machine.