A Writer's 5 Days Away

              Once a year the Writer's League of Texas hosts a popular educational get-away to Alpine, Texas. Now Alpine, for those of you that haven't found it, is the best August climate in Texas.  Breeze and 80 degrees is a nice contrast to Austin and 100+ degrees with humidity.
The small community of Alpine also enjoys popularity as a key entrance to Big Bend National Park, home to Sul Ross University and an eclectic array of shops and eateries. Oh, and I must add the Alpine Book Store and its' annual Book Writer's Festival.

For those of us that love words, books and composition, the Alpine retreat is paradise.
For five days we study a topic of choice from one of four faculty, take notes, write and read 'til we drop. Last, we review each other's work, critique and offer marketing suggestions and visit until the clock sadly clicks finished.

This year three of us loaded up and headed west. My sister Fran, a League writer friend, Kayla and I packed enough computer stuff, paper and food into my small SUV to last a month--all for our short five day excursion. We had agreed to live dorm style (bring our own bedding, food, etc. for this "cheap" girlfriend writer's camp). En route we recalled endless memories of the past retreat. Hopes of changes and non-changes made for non-stop conversation. (After all, we ARE experienced retreaters.) One after another, we anticipated certain expectations to this grand get-away.

For example, Alpine mornings start early (or we will be disappointed) with the sound of the Amtrak train whistle announcing its' early weekday arrival. Our minds rush past last years dorm experience  to remind us that the shower is sure to flood or the toilet be contrary. We suspect luke-warm showers and laugh about three women getting ready--in one bathroom. We tell stories about our mother's teaching us politeness and sharing. Promises of "no-problem, I take my shower at night" seem to solve the potentially crowded issue.

Arrival is on schedule. We get our room keys and unload luggage, tote bags of books, computers, food and bedding. Fran and I find our bunk beds (did I say bunk?) as high as the sky, with NO ladder. Quick discussion gives me the bunk bed -ugh!, because I don't have to get up at night.?? Should I pretend?

Moving on, we unpack French roast coffee, paper towels, plastic bowls and spoons. Kayla organizes all in dress fashion while Fran stuffs the refrigerator with homemade soup, boiled eggs, home-grown tomatoes. I check the computer outlets.We're ready.

One night's rest and a walk across the Sul Ross campus, up two flights of stairs; now to find room 203. It feels invigorating. I can't wait. Fran is with me; Kayla hurries to another building. My energy is high. In walks the teacher. Even a chance we can be freshman again? I reminisce.

DAY 1 --dajavou of dorm life 1970, almost repetitive in it's basic furnishings, humble room, poor lighting. However, one thing is different. This time Fran did her homework on a computer. Ah...great changes.

Kayla, the bestest of friends--another bonus of the workshop. We found each other on last year's League carpool list! This is our second year together. We plan many more. And I might add, give Kayla a word challenge. She can handle it in A+ fashion.

And friends Chris (left), food writer extraordinare' and Carol (right), memoir collector of the best of Big Bend family stories.

Total craft, total consumption in the possibilities and total enthusiasm found in classroom and writing time kept us off the street. I'm a student at heart, so hours in a classroom felt just fine. I embraced the continuous discussions on the essence of writing--the style, the sequence, point of view, even the chapter heading possibilities. Constant references to must-read books, websites and blogs worth the time kept my pen busy. Absorption is what I like about these retreats. The real world gets out of the way--one week in student style with a bit of age over the brow.

So, here's my summary. If you are a reader, a wanta' be writer--grab your boots, your pencil (or computer) and come out next August (or hit your local writer's scene sooner). You won't regret it!

My favorite read: Try another Julia Cameron book, her second after Artist's Way. Walking in this World, 2002. Julia is a master in helping us balance our creative juices and desires with the daily.

My favorite scripture: Psalm 23 The Lord is my Shepherd...

and add Max Lucado's wonderful hope and encouragement using this favorite Psalm. His book:

Safe in the Shepherd's Arms.

Til next time,

Alice

What's Better?

WHAT'S BETTER????? I awoke to a beautiful day and found many happy thoughts racing through my morning pages. Here are a few:

                  1) What's better than celebrating Kate's one year birthday?

What's better than enjoying it with her mom and dad?

 

        2)What's better than a writing workshop with talented author Dena Dyer?
                               Check out her blogpost--Mother Inferior

     3)What's better than enjoying peaches with Charlette, my neighbor-friend?

4)What's better than a GRAND summer tomato stand, 1 mile down the road?

5)What's better than enjoying my dear grandchildren--
big brother Michael, age 3 and baby Kate, age one?

What's better??--LIFE IS JOYFUL!!

And the best read of the week? new magazines that surprise me in the mail--
my favorites: The Quilt Life; Poets & Writers; The Writer's Digest; Quilt Mania
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE???

AND anticipation of QUILTING ADVENTURES (www.quilting-adventures.com)  fall guest teacher--check out
SUE SPARGO (www.suespargo.com) She's coming to our annual seminar,
September 12-15--Look forward to seeing you!

AND GOD'S unfailing scripture:

God did not give us a spirit of timidity,
but a spirit of POWER, of LOVE, and of SELF-DISCIPLINE.  IITimothy 1:7

til then,

ali

Northwest to northeast--what a ride!

For ages we have talked of taking a trip--a big trip. So, after countless armchair catalog previews we finally decided on the train adventure across the Canadian landscape. We signed on to a two week, 4000 mile train and bus journey.  From Vancouver to Toronto we found views, new friends and food too delicious to resist. And to get us off to a typical tourist photo album,George took the first photo of my train adventure, at the TX airport, and might I add, early in the morning.

Day 1 and forward--
My smile is all about the beauty of the fabulous Butchart Gardens in Victoria BC.--and the bears? sculptured with a moss like growth, carefully poised (almost hidden) in the forestry of the gardens.

Believe me, I could talk and show photo after photo of the fabulous sites, but here--just two more, totem art that is spellbinding in Stanley Park and the seafood markets--oh my, they made this

                                    Texas girls taste buds drool! And the photo below, a totem shop. Pure fascination to watch the storytelling detail come to life. I could have watched for hours. One figure at a time, just like our words and quilts.

From Vancouver, the Rocky Mountaineer train gave us the first view of the immense Canadian Rockies--so spectacular a photo cannot express.

Some of the evenings were in lovely hotels; others were bunks on the train. Two trains provided our journey--the Rocky Mountaineer and VIA. They were both perfect.

                                                                                From mountains to water, from water to mountains, our Texas eyes took it in. Logging to a saw mill; a geography lesson in the making.

Perhaps the most beautiful of the beautiful--Lake Louise with the Ice fields in the background. And if the view isn't enough, can you imagine such a splendid wedding??

And a personal photo with a REAL Mountie--Pretty cool, don't you think!

Of course, to complete our Canadian photo journey I had to show you my bear picture. They are difficult to photo as they are experts at privacy. From there we closed our trip with the spectacular Niagara Falls, more food, on going friendships and memories.

This post is so expected, so vacation like--but friends, it's somewhat like grandchildren photos. I  HAD TO SHARE. Enjoy and thanks--

Preferences -1,2,3

     The first 30 minutes of today I spent outside. I joined George on the patio and sleepily watched him enjoy every breath of the  morning breeze.  I huddled to drink my first cup of coffee. It did not come easy. I was groggy, the breeze felt chilly and the dogs were slurping--loudly. I preferred to be inside in the comfort of my red wing back chair, adjusting my laziness to the morning movement--gradually.

Why? What makes us have preferences? Webster defines preference as "a greater liking." Perfect definition, don't you think? So, why do we prefer inside or out; chocolate or vanilla? With age (and wisdom-ha) I've discovered three reasons preferences are so much a part of life.

1. CHILDHOOD CONDITIONING--What exposures and opportunities did we experience at age 4, 10 or even 25? Did we like or dislike the person and situation that influenced the opportunity? Was an attitude of "it's okay-try it" prevalent or a household demeanor of "wait, don't try it, don't go too far?" speaking loudly as you developed your preference list?

2. ACCEPTANCE OF SELF --I call it our wiring. We are all predispositioned to difference palettes, different talents, even to the time we go to bed. It is the voice inside that speaks "I want more" or "never again," or "it works for me."

3. SECURITY --The depth of comfort we demand. Several years ago I had a bad fall and since, I am conscious that my security needs have intensified. The strength of assured peacefulness and safety defines preference in different doses for different folks.

--yes, in a nutshell, preference is a summation of  our personal identity.

Think about it. What do you prefer? For fun, listed below are four personal preferences:

1. Friends and family--oh my, how would we survive without these soul mates?This week friends and family were major players in the seven days. A neighborhood party and then, God bless her, Pat hosting a beautiful, and I say "beautiful" dinner. And in both cases--special blessings. The neighborhood party had a unique detail spin.  Charlette brought a box of goodies-- genealogy records, photos, etc. and shared stories about her great-great grandfather settling this area. Pat's party brought community together. George has known Pat and Phil since college days. I call them "history friends." Wow!

2. Beautiful, delicious food--think a picture says it all.

3. Household comforts--my favorite red wing back chair and the splurge--a past Christmas gift of a down sleeping pillow--Shhh....

4. A surround of books, paper and pins. The written word. I love to hold books and enjoy turning page after page written by a great writer. I love the laughter with my sister, my daughter or friend as we share "did you read?" or "let me share what I wrote..."

And your preferences? Every preference fulfilled is another spout of our bucket list. Analyze the peacefulness of your preferences. Or, forbid the lack of peacefulness when preferences don't prevail. As someone said, "make preferences happen...show up and vote"

So, this week I share the preference of a GREAT read:

FOR YOU MOM, FINALLY by Ruth Reichl. A short read by the well-known Gourmet Magazine editor about her mother, ..."an investigation of a mother I never really knew." I found this on a sale rack--I suspect you'll recall your mother/daughter relationship.

And daily, GOD'S WORD: "Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven's lights." James 1:17

Til then,

Alice

Grandmothering doesn't get better

I knew a trip to enjoy the family would be a more valuable experience than a doctors visit for lonely grandmothers depression symptoms. After all, Kate is 11 months old and Michael is almost 3 1/2 and the last visit was Easter. So...what's a grandmother to do? You are right! Eight hours later and I'm feeling hugs and smiles and knowing the pleasure of toys across the den floor and hearing my name with an "I love you" attached. Discussions of fresh corn and whether its' summer flavor is "yum-yum" or "yummy" are serious and a pull and wheeze bug toy create laughter and smiles from ear to ear. Yes, grand mothering doesn't get better.

The role of mothering was fun for me so never, until the autumn of life, did I give thought to the secondary role of grand mothering. Only upon Michael's birth, did I  learn my new role could be equally satisfying. Now I watch my daughter do all the tasks of the "daily necessities"--prepare meals, change clothing, remind about the potty, make a snack, make and feed bottles, play HI HO CHERRY OH over and over, change diapers, correct behavior firmly yet gently, and I ask "did I do my role as well?" How did she learn to put her babies to bed, happy and without tears? How does she teach "thank you" and "yes mam" and make manners seem automatic?

Maybe the answers come from current resources of great baby how-to books, friendship connections and mentoring from friends with slightly older children. Ah yes, this is true...but it also comes from her skill development. Hard work, consistent reinforcement of God's love and rules, sacrificing to be a modern stay at home mom, she's into her full time job three + years and no promotions are in site. Certainly not the easiest choice when money decisions and normal personal wants are pulling from every direction. But the payoff...yes, grand mothering doesn't get better.

A second June joy I treasure is the abundance of garden fresh food. Working on my daily diet to detour osteoporosis, I am eating pounds of fresh veggies. The bounty of spring and summer foods --tomatoes, broccoli, carrots, garlic and purple onion fuels my bones while blueberries, organic pears and strawberries work to satisfy my sweet tooth. Altho, I must confess, my daughter and I shared a chocolate brownie at a wonderful local diner and every bite gave my chocolate craving honest pleasure, almost forgotten. The brownie of the day was a double stack with a creamy ganache in the center. Is that "yum-yum" or "yummy?" We decided to go for both.

Walking, walking and walking. Another detour to osteoporosis. And Lis, my fit daughter, shared a discovery of a new DVD titled WALK AT HOME by Leslie Sansone. It features mile markers for "house walk" and provides energetic direction for weight loss, fitness and health. Tomorrow Lis and I begin our first workout. The inside exercise plan is very appealing to me because it avoids the summer heat. I'll let you know how it goes.

Reading is another passion of my heart and mind. One of the books I've picked up this week is WIRED THAT WAY by Marita Littauer, Regal Press. Focusing on four personality profiles (Sanguine, Choleric, Phlegmatic and Melancholy), Littauer helps the reader identify her personality and gives valuable tips to aid in the complexity of successfully interlacing our personalities. Different chapters focus on friendships, marriage, communication and spiritual life. Littauer helps us see ourselves and how our personality plays against or with others. I'm having fun exploring my own personality fit to family and friends.

Another great read: Summer pushes my novel reading desires and one quick-read author I love is Elizabeth Berg. She had an Oprah book several years ago. I like her because she writes like women think and talk. Consider picking up THE YEAR OF PLEASURES, her viewpoint about the solace found in ordinary things--simple girlfriend talk.

And if cooking is speaking to you, bring in garden fresh veggies, brush with olive oil, sprinkle with lemon pepper and grill. Then decide if they are yummy or yum-yum!?

Remember my comment in a recent blog about unexpected pleasures? Well, "Pearl" showed up on our property and G and I are charmed by her. What a beautiful and peaceful bird. Best of all, she has decided to nest on our porch roof every night. Like children, we eagerly wait for her evening flight in, under the trees and up again, to light and roost by the same window night after night. Yes...unexpected pleasure.

I am blessed through the day when I think of you. Recall God's word:  "Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God." II Corinthians 3:5

til then,

Alice

HAPPY Wednesday--May 26,2010

          Some years ago I lived in a small village that was entertained daily by a bicyclist that rode down the Main Street (actually, the only street) greeting everyone with Happy Wednesday, Thursday or whatever. Today his joyful greeting came to mind--Happy Wednesday.

It is glorious outside, a slight breeze, dogs lazy on the porch, spring flowers and berries bursting in their contentment. My morning walk compelled me to take a photo shot of agarita berries. Dad used to tell about shaking them into a fabric strip, carrying them home and making jelly. Those country stories seem lost now. When is the last time you collected berries, went home and made jelly? I can't help but wonder how many of those tiny berries it took to make a few jars of jelly.

                     A beautiful agarita bush

I've been dividing my day into segments, trying to accomplish all the things I love to do. Reading, writing, sewing, the daily walk, the daily read + Bible study and always, the chores that keep sanity and organization of life in tow. I start the morning with coffee (for me, a delightful treat) and conversation with George. From there it is breakfast and quick chores, then a morning dedicated to reading, writing and internet. Shortly after lunch I pretend I MUST change roles and move to the sewing room for total immersion into planning and sewing unfinished and new projects. It has been easy to buy too much "stuff" and never produce end results. I am determined to change the course.

Another joy of Happy Wednesday is the anticipation of seeing my grandbabies. It is a push to call them "babies" because little Michael is past 3 and Kate touches one year old this summer. In reflection I laughed when I saw the photo of M in the grocery car--taken last summer. Visiting for a short time, I decided to be the "perfect grandmother" and asked if he would enjoy riding in the b-i-g (and heavy) grocery cart. By his smile, do you think he enjoyed? I've never had so much fun! We laughed down every aisle!...and soon, another visit--this time with M and K, and maybe another cart.

Remeber Fred?-- the neighborhood cow? That boy has a new costume! Thought you might enjoy--guess it is his summer cooler. He just stares at me when I take his photo, so don't know what he might be thinking. ?? ha.

"fred"--our neighborhood favorite

I love organization, even though it isn't always apparent. But, to my disciplined week, I decided to make some of the soft screen bags. They are perfect see-through squares with a zipper. I can't wait to use them for sewing supplies, files of articles to share with my writing group, etc. I bought the fabric at my favorite store (Creations in Kerrville) and it is also available on-line. By the way, they have a great website http://www.creations-online.com/

And the most fun of my sewing week--working on Kate's paperdoll quilt. Inspired by the delightful book Material Obsession by Kathy Doughty and Sarah Fielke, it is pure joy to sew.  My deadline of Kate's one year b-day is soon--so I better get crackin'.

Oh my, the reads, the fabulous early summer fruits and vegetables, God's scripture this week--blessings are overflowing.

Here are this week's favorites:


A great read: Wildflowers of the Texas Hill Country by Marshall Enquist--not really a "read", but great photos and copy for identification of beautiful flowers.


Traveling Mercies by Anne Lamott--it is raw--almost too raw, real, funny, touching and an honest tale of her journey to faith. I will always remember this book.

A great meal: Sharing lunch with fabulous friends, we enjoyed chicken enchiladas (home-made), tomato and avocado salad and corn custard (to "live" for). Thank you, Janie.

And God's word: "Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope. Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:21-23


To remember--gifts come in the most unexpected packages.


Til then,


Ali

Thursday Twigs

Getting back in routine after a few days of travel, I decided the morning walk must start the day.  A windy mist blew against my face as I walked out the door. And then, as I looked down, I noticed an unusual number of "twigs" --everywhere. I picked up a handful and began looking at the character of each little stick. Crooked, straight, short, long, dark and light, they intrigued me. Each one reminded me of life's daily bonuses--the unexpected treasures.Then, to my amazement, upon the return of my walk, almost as many were on the walk again! Multiples--can't wait to see what waits ahead!

So far, this week has been full of twigs (bonuses)--fun twigs. Invitations to two geographically related guilds gave me perfect opportunity to study and share two of my favorite stories. I visited Waco and the Homespun Quilter's Guild, followed by Temple's guild, the Wildflower Quilt Guild. Thank you ladies, I had a great time!

We talked about Texas women and the role the quilt played in the settlement of the unsettled frontier. Looking back to 100+ years the quilt story of three layers of cloth, often beautifully designed and always functional and lovingly sewn literally wrapped it's settlers in comfort and security. Each hardship and danger was softened by the woman's working hands and the tenacity she showed as she helped refine this great state. What women they were! And best of all, they often passed on the talents of their hands. The second story I shared touched the liberation of the traditional quilt into the short lived fad of the crazy quilt. It was a true coming out party for women in the late 1800's. For the first time, a woman's creativity served no functional purpose, except to share her skill in sewing freely and beautifully. Guided with threads, dates and memories, each quilt hosted ribbons and silks, most often to tell a family story. And again, each quilt, each story ...always a bonus.

For me, an added bonus of going to the city is the opportunity to shop. I actually found myself giddy as I shared a fabulous purse line (http://www.maryfrances.com/ ) via phone with my sister. Details of embellishment overflowed on each artistic version. I was awe struck.  Added fun was a computer store, a hobby shop and fun, even in an office supply. Maybe I need to get away more!

And speaking of country living...I must introduce you to our neighborhood cow, Fred. He is a costume eccentric ,--today he's celebrating a birthday. I'll share him as often as he finds new garb. I anxiously look forward to the next holiday; he's always a bonus--you'll soon agree.

Just call me "Fred"

And now the bonus at the end of the day, phone calls with friends, a happy day, chocolate and God's blessings --a merry good night. THINK BONUS tomorrow...see what you can fine.  And if you need a bonus--

A great read: The book of Ruth, Old Testament

A favorite quote: One's friends are that part of the human race with which one can be human. George Santayana

til then,

Alice 

Is it Monday again?

Does time fly by in your day? I'm amazed at the speed of each day, and yes, it is Monday again!--the second Monday in May. Such a glorious time of year. I walked my daily mile this a.m. and loved the wild flowers blowing in the wind, the butterfly weed with little butterflies enjoying the bloom and the baby calves in the pastures.

Now, for those of you that know me, you know country life is not my first calling. I have a love/hate relationship to the wide open spaces. I miss the city stores (where is Barnes and Noble? the multiple choices of sale items when I need some new t-shirts, etc.?) Ain't here, but the beautiful trade off of nature is. It works; I've made it work for 15 years. The saving grace from the empty fences of pasture and cows is the computer, the quilt bees, the writing groups and Bible study friends. FRIENDS and FAMILY...the glue that holds us together.

The computer translates to friends and business connections. And I'm thrilled to say my latest connection is to THREADS MAGAZINE http://www.threadsmagazine.com/ with my published article about getting back into decorative machine stitching. Wow! It is such fun and so simple. Review the July, 2010 issue. My article is on page 80 forward; and I also love the article on beautiful ribbon embellishment and "no waste" garments--cutting garment shapes with no fabric waste. So creative.  I'm so glad to be writing articles again. Over the years I've written many sewing articles; now, I've found that self again.

And you might notice that I list Sue Spargo in my favorite blogs. Her work is amazing--and she is Quilting Adventures (http://www.quilting-adventures.com/) guest teacher for the fall session, September 12-15 in Boerne, Texas. If you want more info, check out our site. We can't wait for Sue to bring her talent to Texas. 

And Mother's Day--my house is full of beautiful flowers because of thoughtful men. My G brought me roses and his son Carl brought me roses again! I love it. Thank you guys.

And speaking of flowers, our neighbor Sandy had the coolest party. She has a new garden and to welcome the beginning of the growing season she hosted a ribbon cutting party, cutting a garden ribbon to celebrate the flowers, squash, peppers, etc. She and her husband served from the grill, all the neighbors brought the sides. It was a delightful welcome to summer. Thanks Sandy.

Energize yourself--have a great week and if you are looking for a great book:

A favorite read: QUILT mania--the fabulous French magazine (printed in English),

bi-monthly and available on big newsstands or by subscription http://www.quiltmania.com/

A favorite scripture: "Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things." Philipians 4:8

til then,

ali

pictures of "the" date

a book here, a book there... then a walk to a perfectly restored building. George loved the long leaf pine floors and original windows. Next, we found the knitting shop and across the way, a potter's haven, custom buttons --maybe the next jacket?

It's a super day...

Julia Cameron is one of my favorite creative authors. She speaks in her book THE ARTIST'S WAY (Tarcher/Putman Press) of giving our self an artist' date--a window of time to enjoy the beauty of God's nature and the wonders of the creative people we find. Such was my day Saturday. I hope my day will engage you to give yourself an artist's date--just with you.

Our small local library has a once a year yard sale, selling endless varieties of books for pennies on the dollar. Seemed like a perfect date for me! I drove down to the sale early and fit into the crowd. I'm one of the folks "that never saw a book I didn't like" so selecting books for myself and assorted family members ranging from the best cooking to history was easy. Oh,I might add, part of the fun was people watching. Young and old scurried by the loaded book tables, eagerly looking for a favorite bargain, adding each new find to their cardboard holding boxes."Anybody found something on golf?, on bridge?" played from one group to another. Next came the long checkout line. No big deal--it was a beautiful day and chatterly conversation was plentiful.

Second in the artists' date was a trip to Comfort, a small hill-country town down the road from San Antonio. This Saturday's big event was an antique show in the town park. Buzzing with vendors selling fabulous wares, people were everywhere--standing or sitting on the main street benches, each telling their favorite stories. Laughter and joy filled the air. What fun to enjoy the varied voice decibel's while meandering in and out of old buildings, sharing the day with George. The best find for me was a fabulous knitting shop (and I'm a major beginning knitter).Check out The Tinsmith's Wife (www.tinsmithswife.com) for a fabulous selection of yarns and workshops. And to complete my artists' date we previewed a friend, Delia Hunt's one woman art show--SO GOOD! Congrats! my friend. Check her out: www.deliahunt.com

Home again and a quick stir-fry (really stir-steam!) of as many vegetables as I could put in a pan. I recently read a book describing how our moms cooked for flavor; we cook for health. How true-how true; we all think more about food for health than "yummy." Wish we could think more in the first direction, but issues--heart, osteoporosis, etc. We must be as health conscious as possible.

Well...that was my artists' date. Can't wait to hear about yours.

And my favorite book of the day: another Julia Cameron book, THE RIGHT TO WRITE.
Great prompts and invitations into the writing way. Penquin Putnam Inc., 1999.

And a favorite scripture. "Come unto to me, all of you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Matt. 11:28. What comfort to hear Christ's words.

til later,

Ali