I've been away from this blog for so long I've forgotten the setting particulars. You'll have to bear with me as I ease into it again.  Ease into I feel I must. And really want to. One of the big things that has stood in my way for so long has to do with huge setbacks in my camera situation. As of today, I think I have made great strides toward fixing all that. For the sake of upping the quality of the photos I place in the PTArts newsletter, I have brought my big old Canon back to life — I hope. For the last year I have depended on a series of those light weight but easy to drop or lose little pocket cameras. Dropped the first Nikon off onto a tile floor at a restaurant in Oaxaca. Bought a backup substitute. It won't work now and doesn't tell me why. That might be about all you need or want to know. So I am now equipped with a new little refurbed Nikon for easy carrying and, as I said, I have resurrected my trusty old (and larger) Canon. So at least for a while there's no excuse other than finding the time. Wish me luck.

Much water under the bridge since last we talked. Pacific Textile Arts (PTArts) has made great strides in the last year. We used the grant money from the Mendocino Community Foundation to build the wonderful arbor over our courtyard and laid a fine concrete slab over the whole courtyard space. Just recently, Greg Tregoning installed four  tall vertical windows in the storage building which is going to become our new tapestry studio by sometime next year.

We've been conducting classes in the new classsroom and that has been more than exciting. It's like a dream come true. Check out our wesite for more news of what is going on there.  pacifictextilearts.org 
Mylife has been going well though there are never enough days in the week or hours in the day. I feel happy to tell you though that I still am a great believer in stopping to smell the roses. I try seriously to pace myself each day. To me, that is a key formula for living a good life. My friend Art has lured me into the world of bird watching. I used to joke about "those guys" but here I am. I have placed a hummingbird feeder on my back porch and a wild bird seed feeder on my porch rail nearby. Both feeders are only a few feet from me as I gaze out the window while sitting at my kitchen table. It's actually mezmerizing. Ii've been learning so much. A month ago I saw my first grossbeaks eating from a hanging little cage filled with sunflower seeds. Then the Steller's Jays began coming to the wild seed feeder that has four places to stand. The last few days I've been watching the interesting relationship between the very gentle looking Mourning Doves and the Jays. When the doves first arrived I was sure the Jays would route them out in no time. Much to my surprise, the Jays bow to the wishes of the doves. Still can't believe it, but it happens over and over again.  I can't see any "Hold fast" gesture on the part of the doves. Their very presence seems to have an effect on the Jays who will stamp their feet and wait behind the doves until they've had their fill. Who knew?

Since I've written we've had tow remarkable festivals in Mendocino. The Film Festival was well attended and much appreciated. I was away for part of it but went as soon as I returned.  The second festival was the very exciting Mendocino Music Festival which began with a four day concentration devoted to Bach. Susan Waterfall did a fantastic job composing that part of the event. Lectures, beer introductions and musical concerts made the four days fly by. After that we went to an opera dress rehearsal, several great jazz performances, a big band concert and finished with a rousing Delta Blues concert.The slick program for this festival was almost a half in thick. This festival has come a long way over the last few years. Think about coming up for it next year. You won't be sorry. Google Mendocino Music Festival sometime during the fall or winter.

Over and over through the empty blog period I've had moments when I've wanted to share wondrous sights or moments with all of you. I guess I've just reached the point where I MUST get back to writing. Can't imaging anyone even looks to see if I'm here for quite some time. So I may be writing to the wind for a while. That's OK. It's time for me to get back to it and see where it goes.