the seasons change

    buckeye hull basket, tiny!

here i am again, playing catch up as i try to take a deep breath.  summer is gone.  autumn is here.  i've had a cold, unusual for me, that turned into bronchitis.  this makes twice in a few months that i've had to make a trip to the doctor for an uncomfortable infection that left me compromised and unhappy here at home.  but the days are crystal clear for a change, the sunlight is filtering in quietly at different angles than before, and i herald the changes of the seasons.  hello, autumn...  hello, smell of smoke in the air.  hello, hot cups of ginger tea with a cookie on the side, hello chilly evenings, hello colors spreading from mountaintops down, down down into the valleys here below.   in honor of blue skies and fluffy white clouds - sapphires and pearls

my days are even quieter now.  i live half a mile up a gravel road from my mailbox, maybe i've said that before, but it makes a huge impact when i have to walk that far to pick up the mail.  walter and i have a lot of quiet time to spend together, out here walking amongst the woods, down by the little stream, or down in the studio where i tap away and he either sleeps or brings me assorted toys in vain attempts to pry me away from my work.   bless his heart.  he really has matured, but still has that crazy springer spirit and still has a wild streak in him.  he always will.  life is never dull.   we walk down Wooded Way in the soft rain, or in the cool shade of yellowing leaves overhanging the little one lane road.  we stop by the stream to search for buckeyes, gone now mostly, and we stop to listen to the toad that took up residence in the wet earth beside the stream this summer.  we sit on the porch to listen to the breeze in the trees.  we just sit, and listen.  we are quiet, and we are content. who wouldn't be, with peace and calm, like this?   i love calling this place home.  it has a name - did i mention this? - Heartrock Hill.  that name was selected all the way back in 1996 when i had a sign made, but i never knew it would hang on the log walls of this cabin.  it makes my mother relieved and happy to know that i am loving this place, and keeping it beautiful and safe.  and it is loving me right back.   a grainy look at my rainy day rainbow bedroom

  i find treasures waiting for me out in the woods, or right at my back door.   i gather these things and carry them inside with me, i place them here and there, and sooner or later they inspire me enough to work their spirit right into my work.  i pull roots from the edges of rivers or worn spots in a trail; i clip fern fronds to press between pages; i break off a stem of dried queen anne's lace, still standing in the meadow, for the simple reason that it reminds me of a bird's nest.  does this make me peculiar?  i don't even care.  not anymore.   i see sweetness in the clouds, in the fading leaves, in the trees.  i see the little girl i used to be.  my spirit is in every single thing i see, in every piece of artwork i make with my hands.   now that the early evenings come even earlier, now that the cool falls down around my shoulders as walter and i walk at dusk, i relish the time of drawing in, of shutting the windows against the coolness and the dark, of curling up on the red sofa with needle and thread in hand and stitching, stitching, stitching, long past midnight and into the wee, wee hours of the long, long nights.  these  nights are soft.  they stretch out long and wrap themselves around us, they send us quiet dreams, they rock us in our sleep.  these nights are sweet, and comforting, and full of the peaceful spirit of home.  i wish you all the sweetest of times in the coming days and weeks and months ahead.  sleep well.  walk always in awareness.  be yourself.  and be well. xo
postscript:  i completely neglected to mention a couple of things here, once i got to remembering all of the autumn things... my French General workshops filled up very quickly, and enough folks have signed up for a waiting list that a second workshop has been made available, for Friday October 18.  yes, that is my birthday, too.  i would love for you to come and spend the day with Kaari and me, stitching and creating a wrap bracelet for yourself.  if interested, sign up at French General, here. 
also, i've been contacted by a sweet North Carolina gal who has invited me to teach a workshop in her Wilmington studio the weekend of November 9.  it will be a two-day workshop, and i'm not quite sure yet if it will be friday and saturday, or saturday and sunday.  depends on several things.  i've decided to teach the wrap bracelet workshop there, since it is a new class and a lot of you have expressed interest - and it will be on the east coast, for those of you who lament the west coast offerings.  i know how that feels!  let me know if you are interested, so i can get a good idea of numbers.  it will be small - 10 or so.

don't forget, i'll be working on setting up the studio to teach small, intimate workshops there as well.  give me time to invest in tables and chairs and extra tools, to do some local research for places to stay, for places to cater lunches, for little side trips.  interested in visiting a pottery studio and a goat farm out this way?  in purchasing fresh goat cheese, pottery and beeswax candles right there on the farm?  interested in spending part of a day exploring this gorgeous area with cameras and journals, and coming back to create something based on what you have seen, heard, found?  let me know what appeals to you, in that regard.  i'm hear, and i'm listening.

one more thing, and then it's time to go walk down little Wooded Way:  i've spent the better part of today listing new pieces in my shop.  go take a look.  several things have sold while i was writing this post....
thanks for continuing to be here.  i know that my posts have grown farther and farther apart; the time spent writing and editing photographs seems elusive these days, in spite of the fact that my hours have actually, finally, quietened and settled down.  i do appreciate your coming back to read, to let me know you are here. xo  

Comments

[sue]

Still here Nina, still loving your musings! Your new home/studio sounds amazing. xo

[Marti C.]

Love to read what you write and look at the glorious pictures you post. Your posts may be few and far apart, but always, always worth waiting for. Blessings to you and yours and your handsome Walter!

[carol]

So happy for you Nina......what a beautiful environment you live in........and so many memories of your dad and mom embedded.........your new work is gorgeous!

[Julie]

autumn sweet autumn my favorite time if year!! and it's about time to build a fire and let that wood smoke fill up heartrock!

[Nilene]

See you soon, dear one. Thank you for the lovely post. No matter how far apart, they fill me joy.

[Bonnie Moench]

I remember you once called me the spring girl with the autumn colored hair, when I said spring was my favourite time of year....well after your description I may have to rethink that.
I am finding this fall a time to settle down. After our terrible summer, it feels like I could use this quiet time. Get back to my art, relax, and learn to live without our precious Paige.
Thank you for your post, I will surely read it over and over.

xoxo
Bonnie

[Red Sandlin]

I see the rock peeking out with al your treasures as it was meant to be. good to see you are up and running,,,settling in...calling it home.
Happy Fall. OOXOOX

[Monika Schmid]

What a breath of fresh air your posts are even if farther apart they are well worth waiting for. It is a glimpse into your fairytale life! Get well soon, Nina.

[Tina M.]

so much here....all good.....and yes to all of it...except for that cold and yuck. hoping you'll feel 100% soon. a Wilmington workshop.....how wonderful!
hugs...xo

p.s. I've emailed you. x

[Erin Perry]

Night draws in sooner and yes, ginger tea and wood smoke - it's autumn here on the coast too - our favourite time of the year.
Erin in Morro Bay

[Debbie]

Nina...It's so wonderful to read about your new life in your new home...and to see lovely pictures, especially of Walter. He's such a sweet boy. Be sure to take some time out to play with him...it's good for both of you!

[Missy]

Glad u are nesting! Jealous of your autumn. Still in the 90's here.
Missy from the bayou

[Mary]

Thank you Nina for updating and sharing with us what's going on at beautiful Heartrock Hill. All sounds precious and Walter looks so sweet, perhaps some day I can come play with him and his toys!

Sorry you've been under the weather - hope all is well now and you are able to enjoy these lovely Autumn days and nights. Also hope your dear mother is well.

We're off to Central Europe on Tues. - visiting Budapest, Vienna and Prague - my birthday gift as I'm hitting one of the big ones on 10/26. Know I'm going to love it all and hope to take some good pics to share.

Happy B'day to you dear as I may not get back to you by then. Enjoy each minute, each day, each year.

Woof to Walter - love to you.
Mary

[Michele Unger]

Such a lovely place to spend the autumn. Your new work is stunning, as always, but evolving. You sound happy!
XO

[cynthia]

Still here, reading whenever you post. Walter looks quite contented. What a glorious photograph of gable and sky. Much color in you life!

[penny Willoughby]

Is it contentment I hear in your voice? The peace of living in a home your dear Father built must have something to do with it. I check by often to see if you post, but as others have said, you are worth waiting for. Wishing you happiness always! Love, Penny

[Denise]

This was such a wonderful post, Nina! I could feel the autumn. Thank you!

[Mary]

So happy to see a new post! How wonderful are all your treasures - by the way, another name for queen anne's lace is birds nest. And I love the flower in all its stages too. Beautiful picures of your beautiful life, happy for you and Walter and your mom too.
Mary

[Tracey broome]

I am soooo interested in a workshop. I have found myself drifting away from clay this year and looking more towards my loom, fiber seems to be my new crush, I think a workshop is the thing I need to spark some new imaginings! please keep me posted!

[Katey]

looking forward to being quiet with you and walter and mom on the walk to the stream and then the late night stitching while walter waits.

[barbara lassiter]

Love reading your posts and think you are so blessed to live in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. I was in college there many, many years ago and though I don't get to return often, it's still one of my favorite places. I do enjoy seeing your beautiful photos from the area!

[Jacky Mcfarlane]

your workshops in your beautiful studio sounds wonderful and I am sure it will be popular. Long way from Australia, but who knows
xoxoxo

[martha]

Did you make the tiny garden? If so, please tell how!

I am glad to see you all nestled for the winter. It is a lovely house and studio.

I hope you feel better soon. I would love to come to the Wilmington class. My dad was born on Wrightsville Beach.

m

[Mary]

Thank you for bringing a bit of fall into my home and heart.

[Charis]

Gosh Nina you're chosen way of living sounds wonderful.

[Sue Merton]

I have followed your blog for several years now and feel I know you because you are so generous in sharing your thoughts. I do get disappointed when there is not a new blog post but it just makes it even more rewarding when there is a new one. I love seeing the photos of your new home and studio. Here in New Zealand we are heading in to summer so it seems so strange that your days are getting colder and shorter.Please don't stop blogging, we will wait for however long it takes, and be grateful for any thing you post.

[Kate]

Its been a long time since I have visited here, don't know why I stopped or what happened. Reading a slew of your posts felt like coming home. You always write so beautifully and share so deeply from your heart. It felt like coming home. Coming home to an old friend and sitting on the porch in an old rocker and sharing lives once more. Even though you are the one sharing it still feels like a bond. Enjoy your new home and studio, it is an amazing place.

Kate

[Monica aka The Creative Beast]

It's always a treat to read new blog posts, Nina, and it's icing on the cake when they highlight new jewelry offerings in your shop!
I will certainly stay tuned for your in-home workshops - the trip to a goat farm for fresh goats cheese sounds WONDERFUL!!! Add me to your list and I will begin to save for such a workshop/retreat in your lovely and colorful studio...
Actually, if you want help with looking up locations, I might be able to do research on your behalf it that helps. I've been known to be a pretty great admin assistant =-)

[Martha Smith]

Nina,
What a beautiful post, full of peace and inspiration. I am so happy for you in your new home.
Creative gatherings at Heartrock Hill sound glorious.
I am always excited when you post; it is like receiving a letter from an old friend.
Martha

[Carol H.]

I'm so glad you're still here, Nina. Although I don't know you personally, I know your work well and am always so inspired when I come visit your blog. Even if the posts do get farther apart, the important thing is that they are still there. Thank you for taking the time to share and inspire us. It is appreciated.

[Vickie]

I was SO happy to see a new post when I stopped by this morning. But so sorry to hear you've been ill. Hope you are recovering alright. Always good to hear from you and to see pictures of dear Walter. As others have said, I, too, will wait for when you are ready to post.
Vickie in KC

[Caryn]

A lovely and evocative post. Thank you!

[Kat Langford]

You sound so happy, contented and bathed in heart light in this magical cottage in the woods. Sending dreamy days ahead!

[Ramona]

What a delight to read more about your new workshop and home, Nina, and about autumn there. Be well, dear sister!

[Tina Zappone]

Your posts are like a meal at a gourmet restaurant, not too often but so delectable they are worth the wait! Your beautiful words and images, your warmth and sincerity envelop the reader and bring contentment to a weary soul...

[Jane]

I think your idea of classes sounds so fantastic!! Wish I didn't live on the other side of the world sometimes :)

[Angi eharis]

You sound so perfect where u and walter are, your artwork looks gorgeous and your words are soothing, i look so forward to doing a few days withu when u set up studio where u are, feels like it could be healing! Aloha, angi in hana

[Sue Sande]

I love your blog...how poetically you describe your surroundings. Thank you for the inspiration.

[teresa atkinson]

I love coming here. and simply breathing for just a few minutes. I would love to come to your studio and create. All of the other excursions too.

I love your artwork. And I wish I could take time to go to wilmington for that wrap bracelet workshop. stunning

By the way --- that scrappy granny square blanket on the bed --- that makes my heart sing.

[Mary Meyer]

I loved this. I am somewhat hooked on the peace and beauty that your blog always exudes. I love that you are in the cabin now in a safe and wholely/holy place. The world is a better place because you are in it and you share freely. Thank you.

[Pati]

Still here and enjoying your new chapter and home. Sorry to hear you're been sick. I usually have a few colds a year but last year I stayed healthy all year. I made this tonic http://nancyvienneau.com/blog/articles/home-remedy/
and I added some curry powder on my last batch. I take it everyday and I think it's really made all the difference. I rinse after taking it so the vinegar doesn't mess with my teeth. Stay well and best wishes on your classes and adventures.

[kim beller]

i loved reading your post and seeing the bracelet that you will do here in wilmington. your photos are so beautiful and make me miss the mountains that much more!
can't wait to see you. xo
kim

[Maria]

Nina, so glad you mentioned workshops. It would be divine to travel to North Carolina (I've never been there), to view Heart Rock Hill, learn your art and wander the byways. Sign me up!

[Nicola]

Nina, you have the uncanny ability of calming one's soul - thank you with love and light

[laura]

I've been away from the computer this week and am just getting caught up but am so happy to see you back here. I might be interested in the wilmington class but would probably be more interested in classes at your studio. It all sounds so wonderful.
love & blessings
~*~

[Lori]

Always delighted to read your musings and see your lovely photos, at whatever frequency. Ebb and flow is part of nature.

[Claire Smith]

Reading this post makes me feel so calm and peaceful Nina. It's been like reading a lovely, long letter from a friend......definitely worth waiting for.
Your description of the evenings 'drawing in', i just love that,......I love Autumn.....
Finding treasures in the woods to bring in side doesn't make you peculiar.........but someone who notices beauty in the big and small.
Heartrock Hill looks like a beautiful home and place to live, wishing you and Walter much happiness and creativity there.......x

[sandy]

lovely thoughts, nina.

[Jan]

Definitely here. "You can bet your boots on that." So nice to "hear" from you, and I'm thrilled that all is going so well. Your home and studio and fantastic.

[Constanza]

your next venture should be to write a book, your writing, your thoughts and how you see the world around you are expressed so poetically nina.