Life: Through the Lens

A number of years ago I was drawn down a path I had never imagined I would walk.  The world of quilting.  Well, technically it's "sewing," and "creating," but my own product does not become a quilt until I take it to the magic-weaver.  The person who transforms my imagined product into the real-deal.  The quilter.  The person behind the machine.  And the woman I go to works true magic and turns my story into a work of art. Valerie Reynolds...quilter extraordinaire! Get comfortable - for here the story begins.  My daughter is a fantastic fine arts teacher - middle school theatre arts, no less!  She opens the minds and hearts of these wonderfully energetic young people and shows them that drama is not always a bad thing!  She had moved schools a couple of times and worked her magic on many before deciding to explore the world of administration.  More power to her!  Not my gig, that is for sure.  The story begins with a col...

One Fish, Two Fish,  Red Fish, Blue Fish "I like nonsense.  It wakes up the brain cells.  Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living.  It's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope, which is what I do.  And that enables you to laugh at life's realities." ~ Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel) And that sentiment is obvious when you revisit his books, or see the bronze statues depicting his famous characters.  I had the delightful pleasure of seeing 6 of these statues on display at Dow Gardens, in Midland, MI, and can't wait to re-read the books!  I happened to see the traveling exhibit advertised, grabbed a friend who would understand my child-like excitement, and hurried over, as it closes on September 1. The Lorax Stepping out of the visitor's lobby and into the garden, The Lorax started us on our journey.  Such a delight!  The detail in the sculpture was amazing, as was the story behind the character.  ...

Today's adventures included a trip to the Mint Festival!  It is fun to see the summer line-up - Potato Festival, Highland Festival, Mint Festival...every community has their specialty. St. Johns is known for it's mint farms, and mint products.  So we spent the afternoon going through the arts and crafts show, visiting various vendors, eating fair food, watching kids games, rides, and demonstrations...and enjoying a beautiful summer day.   It was the last day of the fair, so attendance was a little slim, but I don't personally mind smaller crowds.  We enjoyed a quilt show, as well as a photography competition, placing our votes for our favorites of each.   And the cardio-drumming demonstration was amazing!  We particularly enjoyed watching it from our picnic table viewing spot!   There were tasty treats for everyone.... Summer is waning, and fall will be upon us sooner than we want to admit.  B...