Police Encounter

Back from my travels once again, this time it was a little further away in Mildura. I had a great time with the group. Wonderful folk.
Travel on Monday was interesting.... I've mentioned previously that I'm making a documentary and I stop often, so having a full day to return home was a luxury. I went through Barmera to visit Lake Bonney and shoot footage of the trees, wildlife and the stark environment and then drove down to Swan Reach to the ferry, down past Sedan and I was sailing along very nicely. ABC radio was entertaining me. The GPS set to keep the speed in check, cruise control set at 108 just below the speed limit.
I was listening to the Stain Guru.... she had a phone question "how do you get boys water out of your shoe"? "boys water.... you mean urine, how did it get in your shoe?" hesitantly the person on the line just said......"Well lets say he was in time out and had his revenge".... I was laughing so much that I almost failed to see the Policeman on his bike coming towards me. Suddenly he put his hand out, turned on his flashing lights and signaled me to pull over.
"Help" I thought.... And I looked at my speed... No problem, well maybe he wants directions.
As he pulled up behind me I wound down my window. He approached the car.... (I wasn't going to get out, I watch CI and this was a deserted road right out in the countryside)
"What the problem" I asked him. "Do you realize you were speeding"? I opened my eyes wide... I knew I was within the limit... Unfortunately it seems it was the wrong limit... it was now 100. Whoops. So I produced my license and he looked at the GPS and said that he didn't realize that it gave the speed..... "Sure I said and it beeps if I go over".... So we began to talk about the GPS... I mentioned I use it in the USA and Britain.... "Wow what sort of a job do you do to travel so much"........ a little silence and then I said "I teach Quilting" He looked at me as if I was pulling his leg..... Quilting.... "Oh yes he said I see your number plate."
OK so I had to tell him all about Quilting. There we stood on the side of the road chatting about his impending wedding, where he was going on his honeymoon. His children he was leaving with his ex..... etc.... etc.... "Have you got children he said?"..... Well that began another conversation.
"OK now tell me about this quilting you do".... so we had show and tell right on the road side, Drowning Bear draped across his bike and the sun shining against the brightest blue sky.....
I got a warning and a blue slip which I told him I would put in my diary for posterity.....
but we had a great chat and he got to know about quilting.... I have his number because I think he deserves a card for his wedding in 2 weeks time.....
I now have 3 weeks at home teaching which is a real luxury....
Moral of the story.... You never develop character by never making a mistake.

Stained Glass window

This is my project for the
week. The Victoria and Albert Museum in London is the place I love to visit most of all in London. I have been studying stained glass windows and this was one made in the 1400's. The ink used in the window was the same as the ink I use on fabric and this is my fabric stained glass. 

Students work

The Picture and quilt.
Melva had a ball.


Students quilts....they were just super.... 

Gems in time

10 pm and the car is packed. Just the clothes and computer to go in and I’m off once again. We’ve been home two weeks now and it’s been rather a whirlwind. Children shifting back home, grandchildren visiting and staying, projects and manuscripts to finish and in between that I’ve had 2 trips to the country. Last weekend it was Pt Augusta and the beauty of the Gulf. One of my favorite places to visit is the small town of Pt Germein originally settled as a deep sea trading Port in the late 1800's. The historic timber jetty is still the longest wooden jetty in Australia. When built, back in 1883, it was the longest jetty in the southern hemisphere at 1,664 meters (5,459 feet) Storm damage reduced it's length to 1,283 meters (4,209 feet).
I had the luxury of time to walk the Jetty and take photos. As I walked, I suddenly realized it was the first time I had been alone since early December. I love the solitude I encounter on my travels; it is a way of focusing and refreshing the spirit. The day was just perfect, and in my shorts and T’s and warm sun I thoroughly enjoyed the experience… but more was to come, was that a sign with a quilt on it in the main street? Of course the quilting car stopped automatically. What a find….. the store was filled with all sorts of exciting bric a brac, vintage handicraft goodies, antique quilts and all manner of old sewing supplies. I browsed for a while, then from the bowels of the store came a woman dressed in the most interesting style. Her appearance fitted the store perfectly…. A skirt made up of antique fabric, laces, buttons and large Suffolk puffs. A vest of Asian origin and a wonderful big Aussie hat with a bright blue feather…..Oh and boots of course to finish the overall ambience. Not known for quiet clothes I felt quite plain in my shorts and T-shirt…..
We talked for ages, where did the old quilts come from? One by one they were unfolded and an explanation of their origin was explained… there was the one made from men’s suits, even the pockets had been left in…. it was just wonderful. In came a couple of locals and so we sat for another chat… probably in their 70’ they were transports from New Zealand. We talked about all sorts of things, Mr. told me of a doll he had when he was a child and a lady had just repaired it for him, now it was better than when he was given it at 4…… and then they asked if they could see a quilt or two… show and tell ensued of course…. They just couldn’t believe it that you could make a picture out of fabric and call it a quilt….!!!!
They stood on the step and waved as I drove off; I just love those little gems in time….
Pt August was wonderful; I stayed in a house situated right on the gulf. We watched the sunset from the verandah and marveled at the reflections on the water. Temperatures of 39 – 40’s don’t stop those gals from quilting…and we set to with gusto. Two days of classes and they made some wonderful quilts…. Many of my Tutor peers tell me they run on sheer adrenaline at the end of class because there is so much to share… I’m the same; I wound down on the 5 hour trip home and fell exhausted into bed.
The rest of this week has been spent right here in the shed…. Writing, for days, and making samples. My web page takes up hours and working on two computers is rather frustrating....
As for travel, Mildura is further than the last two classes so it will be a 1000 km round trip and 4 days away.
But what a gift.

Pt Germein Jetty Again

 

Images of the Port Germein Jetty.

 

Home and Recovered.

Recover - "to restore ones self to ones normal state" Just what is normal? Last week was a week of recovery, renewal and a sense of home. However, there was no time for too much relaxation because I took off again on Friday to teach in Loxton a town in the Riverland some 250 kms from Adelaide. With my Ipod in full force and the sun on my back, I drove through red soiled country, a ferry across the river, through vine laden hills and wheat fields that fairly glowed in the evening light. I observed flocks of pink and grey galahs and white parrots against the blue sky, I thought I LOVE MY JOB.
My host and hostess are farmers and their house is big, sprawling and welcoming. We sat and chatted over dinner in their large country kitchen and shared similar experiences.
I LOVE MY JOB, I meet the most wonderful people.
We had a two day class and at lunch time despite the high heat we sat under the big sprawling trees out the front of the cottage on the property that is now a most wonderful Quilt Shop.
Over lunch Pam (student) was explaining in great detail about a problem she had with "Dulcie" and how her neighbor was trying to help her out in this very difficult situation.... Her neighbor, a Nun I think, didn't know how to help so she offered to sprinkle holy water on "Dulcie". I surmised that Dulcie was an errant child or difficult elderly parent... No, she turned out to be Pam’s very large quilting machine. Now the mind boggles at a neighbor Nun sprinkling holy water on Dulcie to make her perform.....!!!!
Students came from far and near and once again I am humbled that they choose to come to my classes. I LOVE MY JOB.
Trying to fit everything in is a little difficult at the moment... but early mornings and late evenings accompanied by a little Bach helps. This morning friend Jeanette and I drove to the beach and rode along the foreshore. It was a magical morning. Clear skies, sun on the ocean and good conversation, then a gourmet breakfast cooked by Daughter Callie.
I have a great deal of writing to complete and very little time to consider quilting, but I did get to the machine for a few hours this week. I LOVE MY JOB
The latter part of today had been preparation for another 4 days away into the outback. This will be my routine for the next few weeks. The family is surviving, the dogs are pleased to see me home and the doves have forgotten I'm their provider. Oh well I'm recovered.

Images of Thailand

Applique quilt taken from images from the bus. 

Images of Thailand

Bananas for sale
Dining out
Tiles in the temple
Jasmine wreath 

Images of Thailand

Spirit Tree wrapped
Disgarded franji






Colours of the temples 

Images of Thailand

Hats in the market
Decorated Buses
Flip flops
Vendor in the market 

Photos from the Wat 

Colors

The colors of the
Temples (Wat) in Thailand 

The Grave of Thomas
John Mortimer Holland
The war graves at Kanchanarbury, the site of the Bridge on the River Kwai. 

Thailand

Thailand, a country that is very much part of our family. It is an inspiring country for a designer. There is color, composition and atmosphere in every mind picture.
Walking the pavements of Bangkok you come across situations that make you think…. The gal on the corner who sits with her treadle sewing machine amidst the car fumes, street chefs and vendors of ‘everything’. (in fact you can buy a new treadle for 1400 Bt $50)
The blind woman who sings like an angel as she stands on her small patch, microphone in hand and amplified music to accompany her voice in a box over her shoulder.
We ate local food in a small restaurants, traveled on a tuk tuk through the traffic, walked without a map and found ourselves amongst the locals on little back street klongs and Jasmine scented temples. In one Wat (Temple) we observed the Senior Citizens sitting and chatting under the shady trees in the compound waiting their turn for their free haircuts, medical checks and advice. Saffron robed monks walked amongst them and added serenity to the scene.
Of course shopping is a top priority in Bangkok and our bargains were excitedly examined when we arrived back at the hotel each evening…. One for each kid, some for friends and of course the grandkids feature high on the list. Having extra luggage on this tour has been a real bonus. I usually have to watch every pound.
Yesterday we visited the War Cemetery situated next to the Bridge on the River Kwai. 6500 headstones lay in carefully tended lawns each stone accompanied by a beautiful flowering plant…. Sometimes it was a rose, often a bright pink frangipani. Keith found his Uncles name in the book of names at the entrance and it directed us to the grave of Thomas John Mortimer Holland. We stood silently paying homage to an Uncle Keith and his brothers never knew, who aged 27, in terrible circumstances, died as a prisoner of the Japanese in WW2. I think we are the first members of the family to view his grave. Sadly his last brother passed away last year, it’s too late to show him the photo.
We drove through bright green paddy fields, crisp white salt pans, fields of sugar cane all accented by bright colored buildings, cars and the most amazingly decorated buses you have ever seen. They are art pieces on wheels. We sped down the river on fast water taxi's and sampled the wares of the boat vendors. I just don't know how they can cook on those little canoe type vessels!!!
We return home tonight and I have just a few days before I take off again to teach….but it's sure been an experience.

Last day in London

Our last day in London was spent visiting the city of Reading and an ulterior motive http://www.bayeuxtapestry.org.uk/ It was a short trip on the underground and then a half an hour on the train. Unfortunately we were held up on the way back and the trip took almost an hour and a half because someone had jumped in front of the train. I had just seen a documentary on the very same situation the night before on BBC Television. The effects on the police, train drivers and passengers was terrible. It was sad to be in the same situation ourselves the next day. The day was so cold, just 3 deg. I just went from shop to shop to keep warm. It doesn’t matter how many clothes you wear…. Your face and hands freeze. The plane trip was 2 movies and a long sleep. 11+ hours and once again a serious time change which always seems to affect me going home…..
Just on 30 years ago, Keith and I came to Bangkok on our first trip overseas. We came to pick up our Son Joshua, just 3 weeks old…. Now he’s almost 30. We were so scared. We stayed in the Maya Guest House organized by the adoption agency. It was made of bamboo for goodness sake. We awoke the next morning to find the room 5” under water…. I can’t actually remember why, I just remember that we only had cold water out of a hose like thing for a shower. They were making a movie just outside our window and after our compulsory 3 weeks stay, we worked out that the guest house housed a Brothel on the top floor… I wondered why there were so many men hanging around downstairs.
Joshy was handed to us out of a taxi at 9.00 am the morning after our arrival, he weighed just 3 lb and we managed to care for him in that interesting place toting him in the Bangkok taxis by day and staying up all night when he cried.
What a contrast as I sit here and write this note. We are on the 16th floor of the Marriott and in the executive lounge. The hotel is world standard, just sheer luxury as I look out over the city of Bangkok.
Joshua is almost 30, 6 ft 3” and gorgeous. This is about our 20th visit here and travel is matter of fact in comparison with 30 years ago.
We’re in for a day of shopping today and then sight seeing the next two days… then home…..

I would like to recommend a book I purchased in Minneapolis. It's called 'She' written by Kobi Yamada and published by Compendium Publishing. ISBN 1-932319-14-X
It's simple and to the point and will sit on my kitchen bench for all to read.
Here are just some of the quotes.
She had a way of turning obstacles into opportunities - celebrate her magic.
She went out on a limb, had it break off behind her, and discovered she could fly - celebrate her faith.
She was an artist and her life was her canvas. - celebrate her brilliance.
Just heard they are planning big demonstrations and a possible coup here tomorrow, so maybe another life experience.!!

London Underground

As I mentioned before I find the whole ambience interesting. I imagine that if I used them every day I wouldn't be quite as interested.
At least the advertising agencies should be pleased that I enjoyed their posters and signs. The colours were also a strong contrast to the "compulsory black" that most people wore.
My red shoes, jacket, shirt and bags stood out a little. 

London Underground

Which one is the Beached Whale and which one is the native?no I'm not suggesting it's Keith 

Documentary Camera.

We're enjoying the experience... you should see the looks when a middle aged woman pops out a camera like this and points at objects such as an eye in a poster.
"Eh what's she doin" ? we heard one young couple comment as I photographed a poster on the wall of Harrods