A small glimpse of Lithia Park

Last month, Aunty went to a 5 day clothing seminar with pal Diane Ericson co-teaching with Carol Lee Shanks in Ashland, Oregon.

What did Aunty make?  Ha!  Not much because having so many techniques, twists, and possibilities presented got rusty gears in Aunty’s head turning and moving again and Aunty’s hands didn’t know where to start.

The greatest message that Diane gave to us was to use the things you love the most.

Aunty is a hoarder of fabric, beads, and whatevers.  Because of this, there isn’t much room to create in, much less have a working display board for ideas, treasures and pinups of parts.  As soon as Aunty came home, a purging began, sort of Mari Kondo style.  The message was to use the things we love the most and clear enough space to work.  In the process of purging, the hidden treasures are coming to the surface again, and one of these days, Aunty will begin to create fabric masterpieces with the best of her hoard – though after the purge is done.  (This may take awhile.)

A wonderful place to be

Ashland in the fall is a delight.  It is a small town with everything you would want.  Aunty had the absolute best facial at Waterstone Spa, connected to the Ashland Springs Hotel, a historic classy hotel where classes were held and accommodations for students were arranged.  Each day was crisp and sunny with trees everywhere displaying the reds, golds, and greens of fall.  Everyday, Aunty ate fresh salads and yummy soups, either at Lark’s in the hotel or walking down to the Ashland Co-op.

Cars stopped for pedestrians at every corner – which made Aunty remember a wannabe crossing pedestrian in Kapahulu who flipped Aunty the bird for not stopping for him as he approached the curb.  He must have been from Ashland, lol.

Lithia Park is huge and drop dead gorgeous.  Walking through it made me wish Jalna could see it.  So many trees, set against even more trees, with bridges over a lively stream.  Duck ponds with benches all around made for peaceful resting places.

Home with fresh eyes

It made Aunty sad to return to Honolulu with its high rises getting higher, way too much concrete and not enough trees.  Our island paradise is losing its identity and roots to progress that isn’t always welcome.  Auwe.

Sorry to be a downer.  Hawaii is still beautiful with wonderful warm winters.  Aunty will be concentrating on making her home a sanctuary and place to create.  We each need to find our own space of contentment.  Aunty will try to ignore the dang concrete and glass invasion.  Maybe Aunty needs a shot of obliviousness.