Week in Review 2019 – 05/03

“Life is what happens to you when you’re busy making other plans.” This quote is commonly attributed to John Lennon from his lyrics “Beautiful Boy”. However, before Lennon, it was in a Reader’s Digest article by Allen Saunders. Others have used similar phrasing. Whoever says it, the sentiment remains the same. Do I ever have a week that goes to plan? Do you?

Sunday, I returned on a red-eye from San Jose to Boston. I had spent a week in San Jose, first at SAQA’s Board Retreat and then at the conference itself. Both were very heady experiences. I’ve been a member of SAQA since 2004. The growth of this organization, who’s mission is to promote the art quilt, during its 30 years is staggering. The talent of its members, is inspiring. Spending time with just over 200 fiber artists – nirvana.

This is where I stopped when I left for San Jose. All these discs needed to be hand stitched after folding, to form individual petals for hydrangea blooms.

I knew Monday, the day I returned, with just 3 hours of sleep on the red-eye, would be a wash. I did manage to unpack, do some laundry and handle a few business items. Tuesday I was back in the studio. Wednesday is my day to focus on the business of making art. This is when I update my website, work through various lessons for applications, such as WordPress and EQ8, and deal with Calls for Entry at various stages. I was really, REALLY, looking forward to Thursday. This is another studio day. I couldn’t wait to start stitching the hydrangea petals to the background.

The circular discs above have been turned into hydrangea petals. I have marked the background with an approximation of where I will attach the petals to build up blossoms. Just like building an appliqué image, I wanted to get a sense of overlaps and which blossoms are in the back versus being in the foreground.

Surprise, surprise! The phone rang at 6:30 am Thursday morning. (Good thing I’m an earlier riser. ) My husband and I had already finished walking 4.5 miles to Minot Beach and back. Next up was breakfast and a shower. Then a lovely, quiet day in the studio. One of our granddaughters is under the weather with a likely viral infection. Can we help? This will require creativity and flexibility in planning.

Mikayla (turns 7 next week when I turn 66) and I sharing a quiet creative moment.

How do you regroup when you have one plan and life throws another plan your way?

Oh, the irony! Life threw me yet another curveball. My post written it was time to add images. This wasn’t possible due to a glitch in my WordPress application. I didn’t have time to deal with tech support, until today. Back in action. Hurrah!

I am linking up with Nina Marie’s Off the Wall Fridays.

By Gwyned Trefethen

I am an artist who uses fabric, thread and miscellany to create designs gifted to me by my imagination.

2 comments

  1. OH yes…….I can relate. But how very wonderful you are now close by and can have some grandchildren time….even if she’s under the weather. Aren’t we lucky to have our art as our companion…it’s always there when we need it!

    1. So true. We definitely have more grandchildren time. I don’t miss flying half way across the country 4 or more times a year to visit and care for family.

      What I love about working with cloth and stitch as my medium, is the ease of being able to put it down and pick it back up at any time. I may not want to put it down, but I can.

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