The cowgirl is coming, the cowgirl is coming...

My "crafting room" (that corner of the laundry room now filling with my small fabric and yarn stashes, boxes of buttons and trinkets for the surprise balls) is starting to have life for me. I'm no longer afraid of walking in to my corner and seeing my "dream-to-reality" to-do list scolding me because of inattention.

My body also is starting to cooperate. I'm tired but feeling better (gall bladder operations suck) and strength is returning. I've photographed some surprise balls and created a few cowgirl baskets.
So, my little idea may come to life yet. Tomorrow I hope to learn a bit more about html for the cowgirl web platform. Tucson cowgirl may be blossoming soon! I'm doing a little blogging, too, just to keep the writing/marketing juices flowing....

(But first, my bro joins us this week. Family, watching sunsets, eating good food all come first. Maybe I can try a short walk, too. Websites will wait another week.) Can't wait to see you, Stephen!

Two Tucson champions

In 2005, as Leigh and I pondered whether to move or not to move to Tucson, we stayed downtown at the Royal Elizabeth Bed & Breakfast during one of our visits. As New Yorkers, downtown vitality is very important to us, and we wanted a local B&B to help confirm that Tucson would have something to offer us. Leigh found the Liz on the Internet, and I’m happy he did.

Chuck and Jeff are the proprietors of the Royal Elizabeth Bed & Breakfast, and they manage a beautiful little corner of downtown living. For several days in 2005, these two guys, through their inn and their hospitality, showed us the possibilities of what would soon be our new city.The Liz is a stylish and architecturally-historic inn, complete with luxurious rooms and absolutely delicious breakfasts. A favorite time in the evening was cozying up in the library with a book off their shelf and a warm homemade cookie.

But beyond its superior inn qualities, the Liz was a Tucson bellwether for us, a testament to a city with possibilities. Chuck and Jeff are prominent in the Tucson business scene who believe in a revitalized Tucson future. They also are strong community advocates in their Iron Horse neighborhood group. In addition Chuck and Jeff are nice, friendly and generous individuals who run a great inn.

Just wanted to tip my hat to these two Tucson champions, whom I now consider friends.

One stitch at a time this week, taken very patiently

“Take your needle, my child, and work at your pattern —it will come out a rose by and by. Life is like that . . . one stitch at a time, taken patiently.”— Oliver Wendell Holmes

Oh, how I love this quote! It assures me that all these small projects I have undertaken eventually will flower. All it takes is patience (and some talent, I hope!).

The quote is quite appropriate today, especially. I am mending from an operation, and so I must take life patiently, one stitch at a time this week. Every once in a while God sends an email to illustrate the frailty of life, the preciousness of the day-to-day.

Stop! Look! Listen! And enjoy. It’s all about here and now, paying attention to what's important inside me, and in those I love.

Through him, Spanish guitar is a living art

I had dinner at Casa Vicente this week – always a wonderful venue for sangria, tapas and the beautiful art form called flamenco. This restaurant helps illustrate the lovely and rich cultural roots in Tucson’s cuisine scene. Yes, there was flamenco and Spanish guitar accompanying our meal. The performance brought back memories of my first visit to Casa Vicente, when I was first introduced to the stunning rhythmic dance style of the flamenco.

Back then, I could not take my eyes off a wonderful dancer, Macarena, whose swirling skirt and exquisite hand clapping accompanied the quick and resounding taps of her red shoes. But the most magical part of the experience came from the intricate strumming patterns of the Spanish guitar accompanying Macarena’s dance. The man performing on guitar in both classical and flamenco style was Ismael Barajas, a gentle, creative musician whose great talent evokes such power on stage. Ismael studied with renowned Spanish guitarists as well as at the University of Arizona, where he later instructed. Ismael has performed across the United States, drawing audiences into the emotional experience of the flamenco art.

Yet to me one of Ismael’s most outstanding accomplishments involves the holiday CDs he records in behalf of the local food bank. Ismael is a talented artist, yes, and a generous one, as well!

I missed Ismael and his music on Friday night, and I wish him well. His work strikes a chord in my soul and has helped me develop a great love of his profound music. The great photo here was taken by Leigh, my photographer-husband. Did you know Leigh and I met in photography class, some 37 years ago? I guess love and friendship can last forever.