Vaildation

I flew to North Carolina this past month for vacation. Whenever I am going to fly somewhere, my mind prepares for the worst, i.e., plane crash. I am not afraid to fly, I just start getting my house in order, in case I don't make it home. I call my sister and visit for hours, just in case I don't make it back. I make sure the bathroom is clean! How bizarre is that? I would hope my sons would be so overcome with grief they wouldn't notice that the bathtub wasn't clean. And really, do they even notice when I am alive? I hope not!

The weekend before we left, I cleaned my 'studio' aka Quilt Room. As I sifted through the piles, I wondered how my sons would react to the half (or less) finished projects, the scraps, the minute pieces of ribbon, fabric, paper, and all of the "ephemara" I collect. Would they appreciate it's value, or enjoy one last "Make fun of Mom" moment together? I tried to throw some of it out so they would not have to deal with it, but it didn't happen. It is organized now, banded and clipped together in neat boxes, piles, shelves, floor, etc.

We went to North Carolina so I could join an old college friend in a Jane LaFazio Sketch and Watercolor class in person. We stayed at my friend's Dad's house in Hendersonville (she is from New Jersey). Her mom had passed away about 4 years ago. Her mom, Barbara, was what I consider a "REAL" artist. Her paintings had been exhibited, hung in galleries and were absolutely fabulous. After the class, we were inspired to keep the shared creative process going. In doing so, we rummaged through what was left of her Mom's supplies. What a treasure! Here were stacks of half (or less) finished projects, the scraps, the minute pieces of ribbon, fabric, paper, and all of the "ephemara" she had collected. As well as her experements in color and techniques. We incorporated some of it into our art work.

It was a wonderful validation of Barbara's, her daugher's and my work and creative process. It was very powerful. Her artwork is in this "recycled circle" from the Jane LaFazio class we did not take, but wished we had!!

Now, I imagine my sons and daugher-in-laws and grandchildren exclaiming in delight "Look what I found" when they go through my Quilt Room.