turning the pages

In my last entry, I wrote that I’d been away from home a grand  total of two weeks since the beginning of may.  Oh, how I was wrong (in my current addled, twisted frame reference of time:  I left home perhaps five days before the end of march, and since then I’ve only been home a couple of weeks, all at one time.  This beloved home of mine feels very foreign to me – it’s hard to explain, but perhaps you all understand.  The green, lush green of all the many trees on mountains that are surrounding me, and the mountains themselves, have left me feeling a little claustrophobic, which is the first time I have ever had that reaction to this beautiful part of the state.  I love the mountains, love the trees, love them bare and love them green.  June is my favorite month of all.  Surprised I am, then, when I find myself glancing out the window and feeling that it would be nice to be see something other than leaves and forest.  I’m ashamed to even say that.  Re entry has been tough this time around – I’ve been back in the country since late last Thursday night, yet I still find myself wide awake at odd hours of the night (4:44, three times now) and about to pass out at 1pm.  Last night I plugged in a movie – not aa dull one in the least– and was perhaps a fourth of the way through when I found myself waking up at 2:10am with the movie having gone back – long, long before that – to the beginning “play” button.  Music was throbbing, and there I  was – out like a poor overworked gal, mouth hanging open, pillow in my lap, and aspen snoring somewhere behind me.   Yet when I staggered off to bed, I lay there for a good 30 minutes before I dozed back off – and woke again at nearly 11am.   To say that I’m feeling a tiny bit out of control of myself is to make a subtle understatement.  I know now how my father feels, with his rapidly declining memory that serves him in fits and starts.  Poor daddy.  It breaks my heart.

And poor aspen.  Poor Roy.  Yesterday morning I was able to snag both of the boys online, at 7am my time (early for me, believe me), 2pm theirs in germany.  Sometime last week, in interlocken switzerland, roy jumped over a post and tore a ligament in his knee.  He has been hobbling around europe, climbing youth hostel stairways, on crutches with a knee brace.  Robin says he “is a champion” (oh, I do hold back the lump in my throat when I remember these words from robin years ago when roy wrecked on his bike and ended up in the emergency room).  Surgery is required, but he is to wait six weeks for that; come home, young man, come home.  And aspen?  Somehow, when yesterday he jumped from the car for a bathroom break on the way home from alabama, he sprained his knee (or so the vet called it – funny to think that dogs have knees, but they do).  He hasn’t been able to get up easily from the floor, is not really able to go up stairs without my lifting his fat rumpus.  Keep them both in your good thoughts, please?  And carole, continue lighting those candles for the fellas in my life, honey.  Your actions bring back the lump in my throat all over again.

 

I ended my last entry with the stories of the sweethearts of dwellingup, and I find myself reluctant to bring that lovely chapter to a close.  When I gathered my cart of mail from the rural post office today, there in the overflowing stack of papers and catalogs and assorted other tidbits was a package that jen crossley (bless you, dear one!) had taken the trouble to mail back here for me.  While the other gals were busy working like elves on their own book of trees creations, I passed the quiet moments very loosely assembling what I’ve ended up calling my treasure book of australia.  In it are assorted bits of flora, snippets of fabric, pearls, beads – most of which were given to me by each of the workshop participants.  This book, along with the beautiful journal that misty made and that I documented all along the way, are my most prized possessions I brought back with me.  I asked student and friend jen crossley if she wouldn’t mind carrying this book of mine to the post office for me, as both australia and new zealand customs are quite strict about what can and can’t be brought into their countries.  Things like shells, flowers, sticks, bones, many of the items that I incorporated into its pages, are prohibited -  In short, anything that was once alive.  And here it was, faithfully waiting for me upon my return (and – here is a major hint, perth- where o where is the book of trees?!).  I snapped some images late this afternoon, when I tired of lying sprawled limply on a bare bed (sheets are drying as I write this) and watching the movements of a little black spider as it crawled in circles on my ceiling.  So what you are seeing here are the pages I created.  I do love this book, so so much.  I hold it next to my heart each time I pick it up, and when jen wrote (that rascal) and said for me to be watching for it on ebay, I had to laugh – a bit.  Thank you, jen, for everything.  Next time, honey, there will be a day of the two of us getting into trouble, I promise.

I can’t show you images of those pages without sharing a few of the artwork pages from my beloved journal.  And let me say this as well – poor misty has been asked by quite a few of you if she would make one for you as well.  That isn’t really how it works; what you see as a finished journal, or the blank decorated pages and journal she presented me to take on the trip,  took heaps of hours, I know, and the assembly alone was another feat unto itself.  We traded , she and I – jewels for a book, which I think is grand, and I also think I came out on the better end of the deal.  So when I continue to show you the beauty of the book – the bones of it, underneath my raw scribbling and pasting – remember that she did it as an enormous favor to me, and I’m forever indebted to her for making for me something that will be treasured for the rest of my livelong life.  (and don’t think that she put me up to saying this – not so.   I speak from the pulpit of my consciousness and heart).

I will say this:  because of my friend robyn longley, I learned that flowers and leaves can be made into art on book pages, simply by gluing them with heaps of dear old matte medium.  Robyn had dried and pressed her own flowers to bring – you can see a page of hers here – but i?  I slapped quite green and flexible flowers and stems right into the pages, just making sure to pile on the medium before and after.  Who knows what these buds and leaves will look like a year or six months or a day from now, but as I write this, I can open my journal to the page with the lavender stalks, placed so tenderly on my fresh towels by the cottage owner when I arrived with my friends wendy and graeme to our glorious respite overlooking the mountain ranges of hawkes bay.  In spite of the glue, the lovely, heady scent of lavender (which grows everywhere in new zealand, everywhere!) comes wafting through.

Ah well.    Picture this:  I am sitting out here on my deck, in the cool velvet hour of summer twilight.  Some of my local birds are still talking a bit to and fro, and I can hear the hammering of a woodpecker somewhere in the nearby woods.  The stream across the way rushes and makes a constant whooshing sound, and when I glance up into the thinning blue sky, I can see the occasional errant crow sailing past overhead.    My feet are up on another wooden chair, the laptop atop my legs(oh, olga, I cannot thank you enough for this gift!) , and there is an almost empty glass of oaky, smooth Australian red wine on the glass table to my left.  You’ve all seen that table in many a photo, covered with rain or snow or lovely reflections of barest winter trees. You’ve all sat with me here, whether you realized it or not, and we’ve talked of life and liberties, of beautiful  remembrances that we’d all like to have stay with us until we are so old we can’t recall the precise color of a beloved dog’s hair.  We’ve lit candles and citronella to stave off the biting bugs, we’ve turned on soft music and had the evening fall across our laps as gently as a rain would fall, if we were to sit out in the elements of water that falls from the sky.  I’m sitting out in the cooling evening air right now, with you there, I’m typing across my lap and telling you my stories because you say you want to hear me tell them to you.  There are so many more, I promise you, from this one incredible journey alone.  There is the tattoo that I got in new Zealand (yes, I really did do what I told myself I wanted to do), the visit with a clairvoyant (another wish come true), lunch with a maori man who told me stories you wouldn’t believe unless I swore to you that they were real.  There were  colored lights in Melbourne that danced  in revolving circles across the water, an overdue taxi so stuffed with teaching luggage that we swore it would all fall out of the open trunk, a walk across a river bridge with two women I love with all of my heart.  A visit to a grass labyrinth where I quietly, thoughtfully walked in my bare feet, a gift of Australian stones in the shapes of hearts and noses of pigs, beads of wood from the outback of an achingly beautiful country,bones from the spine of a kangaroo, sweet smelling soap named after a blue wren.   I’ll come back and tell you more, I promise, if only you’ll promise to let me know that you are listening, that you are truly there.  xx

Comments

[Jordi]

I am sure there will be many more comments, but I have been following your adventure with longing. I have been there three times and loved it every time. One of those mystical moments was when the folks I was visiting in Melbourne sent me out and told me to just go "here" park the car, sit on the bonnet and wait. I did and suddenly I was surrounded by huge grey silent kangaroos. I almost cried with the amazing wonder of them. The brain lag will pass, but it took me a while to get back to some sort of 'reality'. Enjoy it while you have it and I am sending a nice kiss for Aspen's nose. Wouldn't presume to kiss the son. (Grin)

[Adrienne]

I. am. here. listening. longing. tasting. smelling. breathing. experiencing.

[Erin Gergen Halls]

Of course I am here, I am the one filling your glass with more wine! Trying, secretly trying, to keep you here, talking and sharing, because its as though what you say is exactly what i need to hear. We'll kill that bottle and hopefully open another as the stories keep coming...

[Eunice]

I am loving your stories of Australia and New Zealand! Australia is one of the places on my 'bucket list'...and now I want to go even more! Thank you, Nina.

[kim]

omg !! a tattoo!! so love it, now you need about 10more to catch up with me!! ha! it is very beautiful! like it floated gently from the sky and landed peacefully on the back of your neck!!!
missing you at good manor.....
xoxoxoxox

[Judi]

I want to walk that grass labyrinth...seems such peace and power there. On a totally different level - I LOVE your tatoo! You really did it - good for you. It's lovely.

[Tina in McLeansville]

Hooty-hoo, Nina B..I'm here...I'm waiting patiently...well...relatively patiently! You must tell me more....I haven't run out of popcorn yet! You have the gift of telling the richest stories of your experiences. I think if I were blind and someone read this to me, I could still see it in my mind. Wow.

[sue]

Nina, yet again, what beautiful stories and pictures. Keep them coming honey, we are all here on this virtual wooden deck in the mountains just waiting for the next instalment of your adventures!
Sue x
P.S. Cute tattoo too ;-)

[Elise B]

Nina,

This is all so lovely. I have been enjoying your stories and feel for you about your loved ones' injuries...

See you in September!

Love,

Elise

[Chris Meissner]

Dear Nina, I'd love to see the book in person--feel the textures and soak in the imagery and colors and bits of nature. It looks incredible--full of stories as well. Until later!

[Diana Frey]

ahhh...reading your blog, Nina, I am transported to your Australia. Thank you for taking me along and allowing me to savor your experiences with you. You add so much richness to my life everyday as I read your blog daily. Now, let me tuck you into bed with your sweet Aspen, sprigs of lavender on your pillow and sing lullabies to you to sleep well and wake feeling refreshed and rested.
Diana

[Stef]

Such beautiful stories you tell. You fill our spare moments with your rich and lovely tales. As always, thank you so much for sharing.

xo
Stef

p.s. I love your tattoo!

[Renee Plains]

I am listening and have thoroughly enjoyed your adventure! Your art is always sooooo inspiring-I love your journal. Thank you for sharing yourself so generously and freely!
xoxx, Renée

[Jen Crossley]

Oh how I love reading your words they always seem so calming to me.Poor Roy I hope he will recover okay.
Your tattoo looks awesome dear Nina.
Im so pleased the book arrived unharmed and out of the hands of ebay LOL
Jen

[Jenny]

I am here, reading, and dreaming, and believing. Your tattoo is more than ink, it was a ritual - bonding you to that specific place and time. It marks you as connected to New Zealand - as you had shared with us, the connection in your heart. Now it is manifest, dear to you, always with you. A rite of passage, a talisman.

[janet]

oh, yes yes!! i am here listening with rapt attention and loving the beautiful photos. you are a master storyteller, gently weaving your memories and images with gossamer thread. i thank you!!

[cheesehead with sticks]

I'm there, sitting with you! What a fabulous book and such a wonderful setting. This post is the best thing I have experienced today - I feel like I'm right there!

[herhimnbryn]

You have made me look at my adopted homeland with fresh eyes. Thankyou for that.

You will get your equalibrium back......promise!

It's cold here this morning and still dark, but there is a magpie warbling in the garden. Can you hear him?

Sending 'a scratch behind the ears' to your hound and good positive thoughts to your son. Sx

[Crystal]

*sigh* I'm inspired. Always so inspired when I visit here!
Crystal

[samm]

dearest one.... i am here too, amongst the others, sitting crosslegged on the mat, waiting, patiently for you to turn each page, but not really wanting the story to end. you my dear friend, are captivating, captivating and enchanting and i long to spend more time... xoxoxox

[annie lockhart]

oh sweetie...i could just sit here and read and re-read your ramblings...you know i love you. mmmmmmm!

[Mary G.]

Sending prayers for your battered son and doggie to Get Well Soon. Two bum knees.

More even than the glorious pictures and vivid descriptions of your great adventures in the wide world, I thank you for sharing your more intimate thoughts. I was stopped cold by your slightly claustrophobic feeling and wondered: What is THAT about? But it is no surprise to me, really, not even knowing you but knowing what wide and wonderful spaces you've inhabited lately. How could you not feel a bit confined in your hollar and home, after all that? And suddenly being on your own again after being WITH someone(s) for so many days. Not to mention the jet lag. Must be a big adjustment.

Yes, I would like some more, please! I look for the next installment and thank you.

[Lisa]

Oh...we are all so lucky to have you sharing your adventure with such beauty and grace. I swear I hear your sweet southern drawl and feel as if you are telling it just to me...you have a gift and thanks for sharing it. xxx

[Graciel]

Beautiful. Delicious. Mesmerizing.

Please do continue. :)

Love and thanks from Buffalo.

[Mary]

Yes, I am here. We are all here. I don't know if anyone else feels this way, but I'm too mesmerized to comment on all you have done, all you have seen. I don't want to speak and interupt the story. Please continue, your blog is like a book I can't wait to finish.

[robruhn]

I'm such a lucky one to have been part of your great adventure. I love seeing that adorable book from WA again, Jen will be so happy it arrived safely, she was very worried, and the journal Misty made for you is so sensuous to touch, what you are adding to it makes it even more memorable.
I hope Roy's on the mend as well as Aspen.
Look forward to the next installment.
Ro
xo

[m]

the pages in your journal are amazing...as i knew they would be and i cannot wait to see it in person.
how very lucky you are to live such a life with so, so many that love, admire, envy, cherish, adore, believe in, and crave you.
sorry home is not feeling like home, i know the feeling.
carrying your heart with me...always & forever. xo

[leslie]

Welcome home Nina. Your stories are captivating. I am here too, with the others, appreciating the enjoyment of listening to more of your great adventures to the land down under, looking closely at the marvels of hand made artists books, and seeing through your eyes the beauty that is our world.
Hold your feelings gently in your hands. Gently, gently, you will reintegrate with your trees and your summer season, and your sweet home.
~Leslie

[Patricia Eaton]

Nina, Well, I am so glad you are home safely. I have thoroughly enjoyed the trip right along with you...thanks to your wonderful writing and photographs. I know you are tired, and it must seem like a dream at this point. Rest well, friend, and remember well too, and when you look at your beautiful journal pages...feel as blessed as we do by seeing them here! Thank you so much for taking us "out of the everyday" and giving us so much inspiration. And, your son, bless him, I'm hoping for all good things to come his way. You take care. Pat at birdnestontheground

[Jo Stables]

Well where else would I be but (im)patiently awaiting the next installment!
Book Of Trees is crossing the oceans back home to you. We waited to post it to make sure you were back home. It should land on your doorstep any day now.
Kindest thoughts and healing wishes to both your human and canine boys for a speedy recovery.
Love Jo

[beadbabe49]

have a small kitty on my lap so will just leave a small stone to show i've been here...

(o)

[Corrine]

Your journal looks amazing. I'm inspired now to make one for myself. Love the new Tatoo! Love the picture of the grass labrynth as well...I made one on the shores of the Lake when the kids were smaller...from sticks and stones. You can still see it. I'll show it to you one day.

[nel]

The book is so gorgeous, almost mesmerising. I want to absorb every detail and take it in. Just beautiful.

I understand the sleeping patterns, I too have been having trouble sleeping and feeling so lethargic and low during the daytime. It's the whole problem of a million thoughts running through my mind... never stops!

The photo of you is beautiful too, very honest and true. Lovely.

[Jennifer]

Glorious!....(sigh) -- amazing stories from an even more amazing soul! I dreamed I could go and your stories able me to believe, almost..., that I was. Thank you!

And your book looks fantastic, filled up to the brim with love, thoughts, inspiration, tenderness...and more love. I bet its amazing in person! How fun it was to hold, touch, explore your books during the Artfest class I took! Glorious!

Sending, too, prayers and blessings for your family... the all of them: father, son, sidekick xox

[Sue Shelley]

Dear Nina. Can't believe you were so close(I am 33Km north of Morrinsville!! at Patetonga)So glad you enjoyed your trip, waited for updates with great anticipation which has been repaid by your beautiful stories and photos many times over. Just so enjoyable.My commiserations to your son and dear Aspen, am recovering form a torn knee cartillage myself and my dear doglet Brie is about to go under the knife for her 2nd knee surgery next week. We hobble about our 5 acres and old villa on wobbly knees down here.
Divine Tatoo, bought tears to my eyes being a proud kiwi. I hope you will be back one day and get to explore some more of our exquisite country.For me, a lifetime is not long enough!
Looking forward as always to your next instalment

[gina armfield]

Oh poor roy - was it his ACL? As you know I have lots of experience with that one. Happy to pass along any info that may be helpful to him. Oh Aspen had to have sympathy injuries for roy did he - hope he is on the mend as well - Arnica gel _ found in the health food store works really well rubbed into the area used to use it on Ebony. Your trip continues to look as though magic was afoot there. Sorry you had to come home to busted up boys - but alas they will mend.

[keli]

i just seem to sit with your words & works and soak it up. i kept checking back in while you were away...and then she's home! i missed you and then thought that a bit odd...as i only know you here...your words just connect and it's like having a nice visit...seeing your pages and visiting the blogs of the folks in your classes has opened little windows in my mind...new places and ways to look and to see. all these wonderful images add to the anticipation for your classes in the fall...oh this is all so good...thank you for sharing with us.

[Cami @ Heart-Shaped Rock Cottage]

I am incredibly familiar w/ 4:44am...

[Vanessa]

We're all here from Perth College - hanging on your every word and wishing you were back here to inspire and create with us. Until then, your beautiful words will be treasured. Thought you'd like to know that when proudly showing off my precious bracelet to my class of baby artists, amongst the oohs and ahhs, one poppet whispered "On your adventure did you really meet the mermaid who made this?" I nodded and smiled - "Yes, I did and she is every bit as magical as you all imagined!"
Thank you xxxxxx

[Maggie]

Enchanting, heart-tugging, pure Nina-words. . . . like the voice of a loved one or the handwriting of an old friend, your writing style is instantly recognizable and uniquely you. What a delight to spend a part of my day in your world ----- thank you for opening the door and inviting us all in.

[Maggie]

Enchanting, heart-tugging, pure Nina-words. . . . like the voice of a loved one or the handwriting of an old friend, your writing style is instantly recognizable and uniquely you. What a delight to spend a part of my day in your world ----- thank you for opening the door and inviting us all in.

[Shirley]

Of course, we are listening. With...bated breath... for all the stories and the BEAUTIFUL pictures. Just take your time and lay it out for us,
like the griot you certainly are.

xoxo,
Sassi
PS. am having trouble sleeping. When I turned to look at my clock just a few moments ago it was 4:45AM NY time and I am hoping you are finally asleep. At least one of us should be.

[Shirley]

Oops...I forgot to say, that your journal is so beautiful it looks like one of those books that should only be touched while wearing white cotton gloves. Absolutely exquisite...REALLY!

xo,Sassi

[sepia art studio]

i know nina how it feels to come home, between the trees, when i have been days or weeks with human beings. it takes time to rooting down...
your words sinks in to my heart, like a pebble in a water.
i just purchased a journal, which waits the words from my journey, which i will begin to fill tomorrow in north-africa, tunisia. your journal pages looks w-o-n-d-e-r-f-u-l!!!

love,
delila

[Jacky]

We're all listening Nina and loving that you share these wonderful experiences and images with us.... I have just polished off two glasses of wine as I sit her and read your beautiful post.
The journal you are working on is soooo beautiful. What lovely memories you have to cherish.

I have a son overseas too (Belgium) so know how you are feeling. You just want to be there to make things better....no matter how old they are.

Thanks for sharing, you are so sweet!

[linda]

we are all here....we are always here for you....your words are like a beautiful incense that slowly, quietly wafts about the room....curly tendrils of perfume...mesmerizing and hypnotizing....transporting us into your dreams and experiences. tell us another story, aunt Nina! :) hugs to aspen - my Diva Dog just finished recovery from a torn ACL...who knew dogs could get what the vet called "a football injury" ? linda

[Rhonda Roebuck]

Your stories and photos are so wonderful....there are many of us out here reading! I know the strange feelings of returning from a trip to be on the wrong time....it certainly plays with your mind, not unlike a mild form of depression, things just aren't right! I have heard that for every hour of time change, a day is required to get back to normal....don't know if that is true, but it does seem to take a while. Here is hoping all is well with you and your family.
Rhonda

[Ursula C]

What a beautiful photo of you! and I LOVE that you got a tattoo, it is so exciting and brave! Your journal and book look stunning and I am sure days, weeks and years from now they will bring up memories of the adventures you have had. Here's to many more. Keeping your family in my thoughts and hoping re-entry smooths out soon. Uxo

[Joei]

Silly you! Had you any doubt there were sooo many of us gathered around listening to your stories and looking at the pictures dreaming of far away and sighing for your loved ones.
Welcome back Nina.
Joei
Rhode Island

[Brian]

I hadn't had a chance to stop by and say "welcome back." You're so lucky to have experienced all this. I've always wanted to see New Zealand (and Australia too), so I'm green with envy. Still, it must be nice to settle back into the misty embrace of your mountains. If I were there I'd want to sleep outside under the stars, encamped in one of those blue ridge mountain meadows.

[Cindy In Carolina]

I'm here !! Reading your blog helps me get into another world, if only for a moment!! AND I look forward to that moment everyday!!

[Leau]

Here I stand, like the small child from Oliver Twist, holding my heart in my hands saying more please...

[Cindy Ericsson]

I am here, enchanted as always by your word-pictures and the photos you share. I am here, praying for your dear ones.

[natalya]

keeping fingers crossed for roy and aspen... and enjoying your tales of course...

[Isabel]

I always try to find a quite time in my day to sit and relish your words, thoughts, images, and ...heart.
But this entry, I don't know why exactly, has a very distinct and special flavor with all the scents of your exotic adventures, that sweet cleansing of lavender that reminds me of the linen sachets of my grandmother's drawers, and your kids become my kids, your dad my dad, your pleasures and worries blend with mine, and I feel an intimacy that it just IS. As if we are family...

[Colleen]

Dearest Nina, I can relate to the feeling of being out of place at home, to look out and see nothing but trees, and all it takes is one visit to the grocery store and I am ready to get 'back to the hills', & my gardens and Birds. But I CANNOT WAIT til we meet again at Squam, like minded souls, what great energy I find in reading your blog, no matter my day, you take me away. Thank you for being you!
Colleen in NH

[Paintdiva]

Ah, Nina, You have given me courage. My brothers and I have been speaking of getting a tattoo; a design that would bind us as we have been unbound in the past, but rediscovered in the present and want to prevent the dispersal of nestlings again. Being the only female, and the oldest to boot, I was bemoaning where I could place such a tattoo and have it be a secret thing, but not so secret a brother could not see it. You have chosen just such a spot and now I breathe a sigh of relief. We are still debating the image but have serious consideration of a seashell as we were begun on a shore though some are now far from the waves.Thank you. the journal is a treasure. As Misty has done, I have made treasure journals for loved ones and understand they are not items that can me easily marketed, but only bestowed. Keep writing, my friend. We are all here.

[sperlygirl]

raising a glass to you as i read this...love and light to your son and dear aspen - a speedy recovery to them both. to your weary traveling body - i wish you deep sleep. and to you dear, nina, thank you for sharing so much of yourself, your journey, your thoughts -- with us. ciao bella! xoxox

[sperlygirl]

raising a glass to you as i read this...love and light to your son and dear aspen - a speedy recovery to them both. to your weary traveling body - i wish you deep sleep. and to you dear, nina, thank you for sharing so much of yourself, your journey, your thoughts, your heart -- with us. ciao bella! xoxox

[katie]

i'm here, still wrapped in my warm blanket, sitting on a comfy chair on your deck, looking out onto the beautiful trees, waiting for the enchanting story to resume...

my thoughts are with roy, poor thing. as someone who tore a calf muscle several weeks ago (and then retore it half way through healing), had to use a cane to get around, and is still in physical therapy, i can appreciate the long road of recovery ahead for him. and a tendon and surgery, oh man, poor guy. and aspen too - a sprained knee sounds painful, poor boy. sending them both healing thoughts.

xoxox

[Penny]

Just want to let you know, albeit sort of late, that I too am listening. What adventures you have had and all of them beautiful. Roy and Aspen are in my heart - for healing. You will soon get the rhythm of your life (and Firefly Lane) back -- just give yourself time and the luxury of hugging the book, reading through the journal and reliving the beautiful experience you've just had.

[Sandy]

Your flowing comments and fantastic photos keep me enthralled. Those journal pages inspire me to add more creative touches to my own. Nina, I am listening along with so many others. Welcome home. Blessings to you and your loved ones.

[Tracie Lyn Huskamp]

my dear one, we rejoice in the knowledge that you are home, safe and sound.

how could you ever imagine for one moment that we would not be carried away with both delight and wonder by your tales... your art. please, tell us more... tell us more!

xo always!

[Karen]

Welcome back dear Nina. I'm sitting here sipping a cup of Japanese sencha and thoroughly enjoying reading about your wonderful adventures in Australia and New Zealand.
Breathtaking journaling and photos.
I'm sorry to hear of your son's and your dog's accidents. 2 weeks ago my S.O. tore a ligament in his knee walking our dog, Jack, in the woods so I keenly feel your concern and your wish to make it all better for them. Sending healing wishes to all. xoxo, Karen

[Vickie]

I am here: listening, spellbound!

[kelly]

welcome home, Nina. As I read your description of return being a bit discombobulated, a bit disconnected, I keep picturing you taking a long, slightly vigorous, late afternoon walk through those mountains. That might help reset your rhythms...

my prayers for your boys...

keep telling, we're listening with open hearts and gratitude.

[Helen]

Nina,
Of course we are here and listening... your words are always so beautiful, poetic and magical.... Actually, when I read your blog, I find myself trying to somehow listen on a deeper level to take in your words and images fully.
Bless you for your sharing heart and generous spirit!
~ Helen

[Bonnie]

Oh Nina, I feel as tho' I was actually there with you!
I am l-o-v-i-n-g your writing and all of the photographs.

This is a wonderful time that we live in.... when you can share with so many of us... all at once. We can feel the excitement and see the sights as well....sigh!

Thank you so much and welcome home!
Bonnie in MN.(Kiss the doggie for me)

[Ariane Cagle]

Nina, I always love hearing your stories and can't wait to hear more of your adventures down under and see your photos. Love your book art and journal above. Also I wanted to let you know that the photo of the double rainbow in a couple posts ago was glorious. It sounds like you had a wonderful time.

[Candace]

Oh jeez, Nina. What's left to be said except there is always more left to be said? I have followed you for some time but the NZ trip... sigh. What lovely photos, and the tat!!! Good on you, Sweetness. And the adventures you tell... I promise to tell mine someday to you, too. (now if I could only decide what type tat I should have -- )

Thank you from the bottom of my black little heart!
Candace

[beth]

oh we are here...really we are....soaking up every word you write and every photo you share !!!!
beth
www.moredoors.blogspot.com

[Carole]

I am definitely here, listening and reading, enjoying the trip through your words and photos. :-)

Love the bird collage!

[red tin heart]

Nina, your words are like the best book I have ever read, that I hope never ends.
Your art pages turned out so splendid..
The pictures as usual glorious.
And on waking up..It seems being alone does that to a person. I know from experience.
Sending you love, Nita

[red tin heart]

P.s. i will keep your boys and pup in my prayers..
xoxo Nita

[Miss Mandy]

Is there even room for another ? 75 makes for a crowded room but I won't take much room - promise.
Tell me a another story and I'll sing for you a song, a song of a tui... the meaning of which I've long forgotten.
This sharing is a wond'rous thing. Again, thankyou.

[Jenny Rebecca]

Oh my goodness what a beautiful post to "come back" to. So little time to check my beloved blogs these days. Yours is always a breath of fresh air, serenity and beauty.

[wendy]

Nina your words are poetry.You share more than your journey and family stories because you express the passion and beauty of your life. Welcome home and I'm sorry I don't let you know I check in frequently to read your prose.

[Laura]

So glad you are home safe, Nina. I will light a candle for Roy and Aspen wishing for healing for both. Take care of yourself and enjoy your mountains.
Blessings,
~*~
ps...love the tattoo...

[Kate Robertson]

Nina,

Oh how could we not listen. your prose is so beautiful, your images breathtaking. I have a strong desire to go to Oz and NZ, its always been there but you bring it so much to life I think it needs a bigger priority on that list of lists. The tattoo looks great. I love walking labyrinths and that one looks particularly inviting. Thanks for sharing so much of your journey.

Kate

[Karen Hardie]

Dear Nina, I'm here too. It's wonderful to see your treasure book of Australia again. The 'ta' page makes me smile. Poor Roy and poor Aspen! At least Roy has his supportive brother with him. I think Aspen may have gone out in sympathy. I hope they both heal up quickly. I love your tattoo - it's like a kiss on the back of your neck.

[Frankie Kins]

Welcome Home, Nina! Beautiful pictures, beautiful stories from you....I love to hear them.

[Robyn]

Aah Nina, you are a gift! I have loved every word and every photograph and feel as if I have been to Oz and NZ with you, basking in the arty buzz that follows you wherever you go.

[andra hepler]

wow...i just got back from vacation...what a visual feast to catch up on! You know when I see you in Sept. I am going to want to see that tattoo...lol..wild woman...it is perfect. I think you have a combination of jet lag...big time and the blues from all that fast paced and constant vision stimulus! It will pass. Rest, recover and as always thanks for sharing your travels. i love it! smiles your way, Andra

[wendy from NZ]

i was crying because it was over but now smiling because it happened......oneday soon the adventures will continue as if we had never parted and time will become ours again......missing you heaps xo

[Jennifer Blevins]

You are so inspiring! I love the pictures of you with the scarves tied on top of your head. I think you look beautiful-a woman who is comfortable in her own skin. And I admire the tattoo...what does it mean? They always mean something to the eternal wearer. I can't wait to hear all your stories. Glad you are back and sharing with all of us.
Jennifer

[Julie]

Here is a place to find out about processing those bones you found.
http://blog.wired.com/geekdad/2008/02/chickensaurus-s.html

[holly]

OH my goodness Nina, your journal is absoluetly WONDERFUL.SPLENDID.AMAZING.

Honestly it inspires me so much. Makes me feel excited about making my own one. I wanna make a journal right now! :)

Love and blessings,
HOLLY X

[taylor]

Once again reading your words has such a magic effect on me. I almost feel as though I am out there with you on your explorations.(Don't I wish) The book is utterly fantastic and beautiful. But I do have to say that the tattoo is what caught my eye this time and made me thank you once again for sharing your heart.

[Tally Oliveau]

I am simply blown away. Thank you.

[Judy Wise]

We are here. What you do is such a gift and I know you spend hours in the giving. My imagination soars on your words. Thank you, truly.

[Seth]

Thanks for sharing your journey. And the pages from your book are extraordinary.