FELTING

One of my artist friends wanted to do some "felting". She felt (excuse the pun) she had all the stuff but wasn't certain how to use it. Anything to gather and share. It was almost embarrassing how simple the process is. You can use "roving" (which she had an excess) or boughten felt or old wool pieces or yarns and other embellishments or anything you wish to "put yarn or a design on". We began quite simply---see photo---but quickly graduated to silk scarfs and anything we could get our hands on. Back to the process. A very sharp barbed needle is used to breakdown yarns to insert them into another item---be it clothing, decor, or whatever you wish. The action of your wrist to "break up the yarns" in an up and down motion is what can be dangerous. I work pretty fast and since I have a tool, with three or four needles, I can pounce down quickly and even hold a conversation. Once or twice you pounce on your fingers---never to be forgotten.

ART

I have been busy. How can that be---retired, no kids home, and as a matter of fact, I loaned out my car which has "grounded" me to home. I marvel at how quickly the time can pass when I just stay at home. My hours are filled with "projects". Be it art, cleaning my "art room", trying to think of my next class to teach and which "art" should I work on. I am fortunate enough to have many talented artists as friends and we try to gather when we can. On Tuesday there are four of us who stretch ourselves to try new methods and mediums. Keith has been so very generous in accepting the "group" and often times runs out to get our lunch at a wonderful deli. Anyway---here are some of the things I have been working---rather---playing with.

Class Reunions

I had to decline my 5oth high school reunion. I know you're all thinking---that can't be so--trust me, it is so. Living in CA and the costs of travel and other commitments we had to say no. (Keith's reunion was the same weekend) I so wish I could be a "fly on the wall".

It seems like yesterday we celebrated our 25Th. So much had went into the prep. I was living in Lansing at the time---and trying to figure out if I started my diet in June would I "make it" by the date of the reunion. It was at "Boyne Apple Mountain" and I recall climbing a hill with "classmates" to have our picture taken. I tried to be cool in heels that were sticking into the soft earth and praying silently I didn't fall down. The days of having people laugh were not pressuring me anymore. I do recall in school, Miss Penty (English teacher at St. Andrew's"), telling me she saw nothing funny about me. I had stood up in front of class to give a required speech. For some reason---honest, I do not know, the class laughed at me and she promptly sent me back to my seat. I acted cool and nonchalant about it---but I was dying. Not giving the speech was going to cost me. There are many stories---and they play back in my mind when these reunions roll around. But back to the 25Th. Everyone was cheerful and huggy and proclaiming, "...you look the same," but quietly rejoicing they had their senior picture pinned on them. I also recall paying more for my bra than I did for my dress. (this day and age, I just pray I can keep a bra on for the length of time I need to.)

Keith and I moved west in 1990, but I do remember seeing a classmate, Dick Taylor, at a GM Christmas party. Our eyes had caught each other and I was itching for the speaker to be done so I could see him. He was always in my homeroom and I would consider him a good friend. He always smelled good, wearing "Old Spice", and I remember once in school he and a Zilwaukee buddie told me that they had a 400 bowling game over the weekend. I wanted to appear I knew sports :) so I fussed how great they were. Finally they blew my knowledge of the game, by saying, "...a perfect game can only be 300" than they laughed. Seems I was always making people laugh...but back to GM. The speech had ended and I started out to meet with Dick, gave him a big hug and began talking about families etc. As he was speaking I noted something beige around my waist. That was a riddle since I had a "holiday" dark, skirt on. I looked down and to my horror, my pretty holiday skirt was nearly on the floor. Seems the tiny hook and eye didn't hold. I did the only thing I could, bent down, picked up my skirt and re-fastened it. As I did, Dick said, "Georgia, you 'll never change." you know---maybe he's right. I MAKE PEOPLE LAUGH---but just saying, "all happiness isn't measured by smiles".

'61 will never die...please raise a glass to me---and see you at our 60th!!!!!

Fathers Day - June 19, 2011

What a special day---Father's Day---a day when dad sits and holds court, while his adoring children crown him with many gifts...and compliments. Often times there is a meal in the "mix". We had a breakfast---eggs to order; bacon, crisp; cheesy potatoes; fruit; orange juice; toast...Usually we reminisce a bit---mostly light "digs" at dad; or times dad rescued us. One thing for certain---"...these are little scraps of magic & when you paste them together you get a memory of something fine & strong. Sometimes it takes till you're a lot older to see it though" Gratefully, we have seen how "dad" is perfect---for these three beautiful kids, who do him proud. Happy Fathers Day, Poppa, you deserve it!!!!

PROM

May---a month of dance recitals, upcoming graduation, letters of college acceptances, try-outs, and

PROM

Our first granddaughter went to her junior prom last week. How can that be???? Her "Poppa" and her "soul mate" went to record the event. We saw a most beautiful girl in her flowing gray/silver dress, with sequins at the top. Her blond, long hair was off to the side with something threaded through the hair to accent it. She proudly lifted her hem and showed some "slave/gladiator" silver shoes---you know---the strap ones with higher heels than her high chair just a short time ago. It reminded me of the time she so proudly held up her ballet shoes. Shortly thereafter she held up her tap shoes with her invite to dance in competition. With any pair of shoes she dances trough life, enjoying every moment. ( She had worked very hard on the prom for the outgoing seniors---knowing full well---next year was her senior year.) As I hugged her goodbye, I told her, "...granny T put a dime in the hem of my prom dress to call home if we needed to for any reason, they would come get us." She smiled at me, and looked some befuddled----and said---"...why did you get a dime?"

Oh, her date Matthew, was handsome in his tuxedo, and as they drove off---I said,"...call on your I phone if you need anything and oh yeah, thanks for the pictures of the place. They came over so clearly. Have fun "Abba Zappa"---senior year is right around the corner!i

Masters---no fun for the Mrs.

Saturday, with a million things to do, I find myself sitting and watching the "Masters" with Keith. It started with, "maybe we'll see John". (where he has been sited in the past, usually at the 16Th hole.) He is there on one of his "programs", but no luck. Then I am totally drawn in by the two "young guns" that are leading. While Keith is watching technique---I am wanting to know specifics about them. Where are they from? How old?? I bet he hates his curly hair? Where's Tiger? Ohhhh, I bet he's mad. And what about Phil??? I hope his wife and mom are better. The announcer says "Se vie" was too ill to come from Spain. What's wrong with him? "Young Guns"???? Our youngest, Matthew, is twice their age. I tried golf. Took lessons with a female "pro" from who I learned at least some of the "terms". Then I decided to impress my son in law, John---who is a GREAT, "crossover" golfer, with many talents. I acted like I wanted him to teach me golf. We got the gear---of course I had golf clothes...and headed to the course. I took out a "driver" and placed my ball on the tee, positioned my hands---and looked at john. I asked him, "which way should I swing?" He looked at me with disbelief, threw his head back and laughed that wonderful laugh he has and told me, "Georgia, you're too afraid of getting your pumps dirty to golf. Short lived career where I pictured myself a "Nancy Lopez on tour. It was HOT on the course and I thought a moment and said---"you're Right John. I'm too young to golf." Now, WHAT DID YOU AND GEOFFREY DO WITH THE ANTIQUE CLUBS I HAD IN MY GARAGE????

youth

Most of my grand kids are on spring break. (you know, that one to two week break to try and "break" parents) I try to do a "one on one" visit, with them when schedules allow. Katie, (the one in brown) graced me with her presence... (providing it was lunch at the soup plantation). We talked a lot about the awards the "Lancer's" took at competition; how fun the recent "show" was at CB HS; and how she has to hit the books because some teachers don't believe in breaks. I think my grand kids are the most responsible, brilliant, cutest etc. I found out that the triplets pictured here---fall under that same description!!! I asked them what they were doing for "spring break", expecting to hear Florida, Hawaii and other such vacation sites. Instead---they are headed to Central America with their physician mom, to help the "natives". Mom will be doing some volunteer surgery and the "kids" are doing whatever is needed. When I look a this small group of "kids" (actually they share the same birth date with Kate) I swell with pride. They were born into a mess of problems and yet they maintain a sense of joy and optimism and service to others.With this example of kids---we have nothing to worry about in our future. We haven't even begun to consider the GREAT KIDS at Vista HS, where my other grand daughter goes.