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I love this purple and orange shibori and have wanted to use it in a piece. I started auditioning possible fabrics to go with it – different purples and oranges and a piece that I had painted. Believe it or not, that piece on the left is very purple.
I decided I needed another color for a pop so I went to my color wheel to see what a triadic color scheme would add. I was so excited to see that it was one of my favorite colors – lime green!
I immediately got the idea of an ocean sunset with the green flash that you hear about, just as the sun dips beneath the horizon.
Now we are getting somewhere. I went to Art Media yesterday to get canvas to stretch some work over and picked up some metallic copper paint and some pearl violet. I decided to over paint that other piece of fabric so that it would look like water with the reflection of the sunset. The colors on this are not quite true, but you get the idea. I really like it.
Here is another audition of fabrics.
I wasn’t happy with that pure orange as the orange in the shibori is more reddish. So here is another audition.
Ahh! I like this and I like the shimmering of the silk green and orange. I have actually drawn a sketch and done some chalk lines for cutting the shibori.
Yesterday was our 45th anniversary. We had a lovely dinner at Paley’s Place in downtown Portland. They knew it was a special day and treated us royally!
Sadly, we have come to the conclusion that it is time to let our beloved Maggie go. I talked to the vet on Friday and she helped me realize that we are not doing her a favor by waiting until she is even more sick. We decided to spend the week-end with her and will take her in on Tuesday and say our good-bye.
On a much happier note, I am picking up Laura Cater-Woods tomorrow at the airport. She is spending the next 5 days doing workshops and a lecture for Columbia Fiberarts Guild. I am so excited to meet her in person and spend some quality time with her.
Gerrie, I’m so sorry about Maggie. They’re not “just” pets–they’re members of the family. We had to put our beloved dog down last month and being there while he “left” was the hardest thing I’d ever done, but I knew he would’ve been there with me at my moment, too, if he could’ve. You did a wonderful thing to help her out of her suffering and you were a wonderful mom to her while she was with you. My thoughts are with you.
Gerrie, Know that many are holding your family in their hearts as you say farewell to Maggie. She leaves this life but not your heart; surely your memories will give you many smiles.
Your art is such a delight for eye and soul. I love the green flash in the sunset and look forward to seeing it in your new work.
I am so sorry about the decision you had to make regarding Maggie. Having experienced it, I do know how it hurts. I received this last week and want to share it with you:
A Dog’s Purpose (from a 6-year-old).
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog’s owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn’t do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker ‘s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker’s Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ‘I know why.’
Startled, we all turned to him.. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I’d never heard a more comforting explanation.
He said, ‘People are born so that they can learn how to live a good Life — like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?’ The Six-year-old continued, ‘Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.’
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you’re not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
So sorry about Maggie…you’ve given her a great life and she in return has done the same for you and your family. Don’t hestiate to get another one right away! So many dogs are looking for good homes. We adopted our Bischon one day after we put our Charlie down and she’s now a therapy dog and we visit hospice and children’s reading programs. She’s my best friend!! We all need a friend!
Gerrie, what an action packed post! That shibori is gorgeous, and I know you’ll have a great time with Laura (I took a one day class with her last year). Congrats on 45 years – that’s a big accomplishment.
I’m so sorry about Maggie, I’ll be thinking about you tomorrow.
Gerrie, I’m sorry to hear about Maggie, I know she brought you lots of jot over the years, and I hope her passing is peaceful
I look forward to your sunset piece….LOVE hearing your thought process.
Glad to hear your dinner out was GREAT!
I am so sad for you both about Maggie, we get so attached & they are so much a part of US! {{{{{HUGS}}}}}}
I always LOVE reading Rainbow Bridge, still brings a tear to my eye thinking my our cocker spaniel.
Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….author unknown
Ditto what everyone else said — gorgeous quilt in the making, so sorry about Maggie. Hope you have a peaceful day, today, saying your goodbyes.
LOVE the fabric groupings….gorgeous. Sorry about your doggie..I know you will miss her.
Dear Gerrie,
It’s sad to lose a furry friend. I just had to put down a special cat, but my grandkids sent a poem to me about meeting again on the “Rainbow Bridge”. It’s a nice thought to look forward to and also wonderful to have such great memories of my Tanya. Sorry that you will be losing her, but I’m sure you have lots of memories to call on.
Your fabric selections are wonderful. I hope you will post your progress on this piece.
My best to Maggie–a good and faithful companion and family member.
Your fabric choices and ideas are brilliant! Can’t wait to see this piece develop.
Dear Gerrie,
So sad to hear of Maggie, I wish you strength, but
I also wish you a very good time with Laura. Isn’t it always like this, the contrast between a loss and something new and beautiful at the same time. Will think of you and Maggie tomorrow,
Regina
i love working with shibori, and i am happy to see what you do here. happy anniversary.
…and sorry about maggie but she needs peace i suppose.
Oh, I’m so sad about your little Maggie!
Love your fabric selection. Can’t wait to see the quilt.
Bye, bye, Maggie. Glad I knew you. Rest in peace.
Love the fabrics.
Bye bye to sweet Maggie. Big hugs to you guys — I know it’s hard saying goodbye to a beloved family member.
And Happy Anniversary!!
Oh Gerrie, I am so sorry about Maggie. Letting go is so hard, my heart is with you. I love the color scheme in your next project. Congrats on 45 years with C and have a wonderful time with Laura. Enjoy the sunshine.