For several weeks, family members have been watching over my older sister who’s been ill with Alzheimer’s for many years. She’s finally reaching her end of life. Hosting out of town family members has become a new reality for those of us nearby. And not entirely unpleasant. Whenever else would we make the time?

Life
My sister Mother Perpetua, a Benedictine nun/ceramicist since the age of 21 when she entered, and yours truly.
Life
I bought fresh and removed the (dried) very interesting roses from my sister’s room and later set up a photo shoot for them at home- prelude to a creative dive.
Life
“Laura” is a new scarf dedicated to my sister. Out this morning for print testing.

I take solace in creative work. Quiet time engaged in physical activities like gardening, cooking or sewing can go a long way in achieving internal peace- rather then hitting hard issues head on.

Life
Meet “Caroline.” The top image was the first. On testing, I wasn’t happy with it. The lower two are the final ones I sent to press this am. Which one do you like? Each has its own beauty..and buyer. I’m liking the blue.
 

I chose the name “Caroline” In honor of Caroline Ferriday, the inspiring former owner/resident of the Bellamy-Ferriday House in Bethlehem CT. Caroline’s enclosed garden was inspiration for my garden in Litchfield. She and her mother were fans of blue Delft pottery. Me too.

Life
Frida Kahlo was a prolific Mexican artist, born in 1907 and died in 1954 at age 47

Frida’s flamboyant physical appearance masked physical traumas from childhood-Polio, followed by a brutal bus accident as a teenager, that sent her to bed for consecutive surgeries. Later, Frida was not without the personal drama   associated with the partnership with an older, adulterous husband who was a traveling muralist. They traveled between Mexico and the US creating art. Frida.

Surprisingly, Frida maintained an incredible “joie de vivre” a catalyst for a storied personal drive in the creation of beautiful art. She was a real-life survivor who frequently referred to herself as “the great concealer.” Besides, what person is without any hard times? As a gardener I respond annually to the call to plow under the crap of life to create new and better flowers.

Life
Frida’s clothes, her artwork and the materials she surrounded herself with are infectious.

The Man in Me– A timeless love story by Bob Dylan. Love the words. We each have the power to inspire one another in life.

Paola Prints natural fiber and feather pillows and handmade scarves are for the heart in each of us. Wear them, hold them, love them!

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