Well that was a whirlwind of fun! I spent the past six days in Shaftsbury, Vermont where Taproot sponsored and helped host the New England Fiber Arts Summit at Wing and a Prayer Farm. The days were filled with classes by such great folks and teachers as Katrina Rodabaugh, Cal Patch, Bristol Ivy, Thea Colman, and Susan Anderson. And the nights filled with the sounds of the farm animals, plenty of pool action, and a whole lot of women gathering together, handwork in hand, laughter in hearts. I got a lot of embroidery done, too busy talking or listening to really focus on a knitting pattern. On Saturday, we opened up the farm for an Open Farm Day and a Taproot Maker's Market in the barn, which is officially my new favorite place to hold any affair. Farmer Tammy (and her daughter Char) have such a beautiful farm and business, but even more so beautiful hearts and spirits, and a truly lovely collection of women of all ages who gather around them. It was hard to remember that this was 'work' when it was such a delight. Surrounded by pretty much the cutest array of farm animals ever (roughly 175 in head count!)
Ah....getting away from it all to connect with likeminded folks? It's a treasure, and such a blessing.
But home is oh so good too, and I'm glad to be here, feet firmly planted in my garden and the world of end of year concerts, recitals and celebrations!
