In Search Of August

wow ... it's pretty sad when typepad greets you with welcome back linda and opie!

our august can only be described as the good - the bad - and the surreal.

the good... 

our summer studio workshops were very successful and everyone wants to return again next year. we created everything from jewelry to dada dolls and shared lots of laughs, techniques, and great food.

it was a summer of publications in Cloth Paper Scissors magazine - including the sept/oct issue

we were invited to teach at the first ever Art and Soul Cruise next aug 2010 that will begin in venice, italy with stops in croatia, turkey, the greek isles, then back to venice ... more info will follow shortly.

we'll also be back at Artfest with new classes as well as Art and Soul Hampton, VA and Portland, OR.

we finally had a fantastic day/evening with Ginny Carter Smallenburg (from the creative block) and her husband John. Ginny moved back to Ohio 2 years ago and after one too many reschedules, we finally had them over to our place for dinner. we had the best time and we just read her super cool blog post about their visit and you can to by going to http://smallstudio.typepad.com (i'm still working on the correct way to create links)

and (tah-dah) we received an advance copy of our new book: Who's Your Dada: Redefining the Doll through Mixed Media (we think it's great and are very excited about it)

the bad...

one night in early aug. quite unexpectedly, my only son, 41 and very fit, had emergency double by-pass surgery. we dropped everything and drove to georgia. thankfully he's on the mend but he has a long road ahead of him. the entire experience has affected me in ways i can't even articulate. the 16 hour drive each way was endless ... so many thoughts -- too many thoughts. it almost broke me.

the surreal...

when my son was very young he was shot in the eye with a BB gun while playing with his friend next door. we lived in a cottage onTybee Island (Savannah Beach) and i was driving home from motor vehicle and runnung late. i was on the phone with him when the screaming started and then my neighbor came on the line and told me she was calling an ambulance and to drive directly to the hospital in Savannah. while they saved his eye, he needed an intra-ocular implant but not for several years since he was too young. seeing him in the hospital and unable to help - i thought it was my worst nightmare - i was wrong - this was worse. i needed this time offline to put it all in perspective and count my blessings. we'd like to thank you all for the emails, prayers, and well-wishes you sent to us throughout this month - each one of them gave me both comfort and strength.  i'm finally back to myself and ready to move forward.

our next post will be about Art and Soul Portland as it's almost here. most of our classes are full with a couple of spaces in 2 classes. we have a great line-up and look forward to seeing you there. 

more to follow shortly -- it's good to be back.

Comments

[UGG Classic Mini Boots]

I have two sons, 40 and 31...I can imagine your deepest fears. My sincere hope is your son regains good health for many many decades to come. Good to see you on your blog. You all are in my most positive thoughts. Kathy Pinkerton

[Lelainia]

Oh LINDA! I am so sorry for all the stress and heartache you've been through. I hadn't been online much over the summer (trying just to get through chemo) and so somehow I missed this. (But I think I remember you'd mentioned to me something was wrong with your son...) I hope he's doing MUCH better now.

I know what you mean about making a drive like that. I have done it more than once through the mountains, alone, for 12 hours each way, sick with worry and grief. It's gut wrenching to race to someone you love's side like that.

Sending you big hugs. May life be kinder to you all. xo

[Joan Tucker]

So glad your son is on the mend.. and many congrats on being featured instructors on the Cruise. Joan Tucker and Lana Weed

[jane powell]

I got my "dada" books yesterday! So "unmentionably" cool! ( is that a word??) but you know what I mean. Planning to sell them all in 10 minutes or less!
So now, when are you coming to our brand spankin' new studio in Saluda NC to teach? anything open for next year? Get me on the list friends.

[Kathy Pinkerton]

Dear Linda, My heartfelt best thoughts are with you during this scary time with your son. I have two sons, 40 and 31...I can imagine your deepest fears. My sincere hope is your son regains good health for many many decades to come. Good to see you on your blog. You all are in my most positive thoughts. Kathy Pinkerton

[Sam Marshall]

Hi Linda and Opie,
I'm so happy to hear your son is on the road to recovery. This have been so frightening for you both.
I'm glad that you are going well with your teaching and creative pursuits.