I finally got a walk today, cool and wet underfoot, and my neighbors in full bloom and art
Happy little elephant! I have the most cheerful neighbors.
Yesterday was cool enough to make stock
Then use it in a powerhouse soup of kale and celery with barley. Plenty of berbere seasoning and Old Bay, sprig of Italian basil on top.
The kale was easy to cut down, just had it frozen then hit the bag sharply, result small pieces, fine for purpose.
Last visit from Kira the Stringmaker last evening to thank me again, before she goes home, tell me she liked it, and is going to do it again, using the kit I gave her.
She's teaching her Mom and aunt on Friday evening, all arranged! She not being big on talking, Gary filled in the details. So cool. The string going out into the world! Each one teach one.
The drawing of shrubs, no, people, reminded me of another couple of similar experiences, where the customer insisted I knew nothing!
One was back when I was making a lot of paper beads and selling at festivals. One necklace made from shiny coated paper with a black and white abstract design was snapped up by a lady who said I'll take these porcelain beads, please.
Not wishing to commit fraud I explained they were paper, and she swept that away with "No, they're clearly porcelain!" and went off with them, happy with her buy.
Later I realized her knowledge of beaded jewelry extended to people who bought and strung beads for sale. The idea of making them didn't fit in there.
I also quickly found that when someone needs an artwork they are not interested in chatting with the artist. More than once I've been waved away from explaining the methods by the buyer saying none of that matters. I need this! Happened with prints, drawings, miniature needlework, same thing.
I think this is probably quite right. The work matters, not the maker. In the best work you feel as if it was just out there waiting for you to make it, not something you thought up! You assist it into existence, rather than force it.
And here's a lovely Maggie Rudy tribute to one of everyone's favorite destinations
And to the continuing brave struggle in Ukraine
