We share this existence.
I named him Gary after the other groundhog friend I had back in the Valley. Or maybe he followed me here. He lives under the porch. I'm only growing scallions and garlic in pots this year. We are sharing the dandelions and plantain. There is a lot to eat here, even for a groundhog.
A bit more stitching, and I made the photo look worn because looking back through all the archives has made me feel ancient today.
I've begun making changes here, we'll see how it goes. I really have no idea. I have been thinking that all of this is pushing me in a direction that involves in person interaction and that book that will still be here when the electronic world blows itself up.
You might have been the first person I ever followed way back when I got my first computer in the ‘90s I could hardly figure out how to work the thing but could find my way to Spirit Cloth. I’ve noticed that I do feel alarmed at the thought of you going off line but understand how it could happen. In some ways the whole digital thing seems to have gotten as difficult again as it was in the beginning. Anyway while I spend time deleting email I never asked for I always open anything from you. A book would be nice, something real to hold onto. Doesn’t have to be huge, just some of your favorites.
It has all become very strange hasn’t it? I attribute it to age, but everything has become so inhuman…
I agree. We have become detached as a community. I am new to slow stitch but I love your work. I appreciate your videos. You have an easy way of speaking to people. I sure you will flourish and prosper with in person classes. I would love a book written by you. Best wishes
Thank you for your encouragement.
I’m a fan of Number 4. It seems positive and bright. Do you think the sun looks different that it did when we were kids? The light seems different too.
Everything seems different, maybe my old eyes?
#1 is very hopeful. The rest are moody; so it depends what kind of mood you are in. Love everything you do really. A book? Yes please!
An e-book?
I want to do all of them!
I’m looking at all options.
I see 3 as a rocket, ready to land on that moon. So if you’re up for a trip, go for it!
I’m up for anything!
Could you actually take the photos and instructions or ideas that you have already written and just duplicate them into a “HOW TO” format that is categorized . I would also like a copy of the book!
Your sharing is a really refreshing. All ages can relate to how you explain the content of your topics!
Yes, that’s kind of the idea, but I doubt I will get through all of it. I’ll just give it a go. See how it feels.
I have groundhog friends both at home and work. I love the way run. I’m in on the book order too. Have a good weekend.
Me too, the run.
#5 so calmimg and bright.
Yes a book!
the corner style sun always brings me back to childhood story books
I like #4 because it organizes the smaller motifs. It looks inclusive. Gary Groundhog is adorable, but rodents always become problematic.
Dana, I love your word here.
And yes they do, there is a mouse living in my car
#3 the moon will keep an eye on the sun
maybe 2 faces?
#3 and #4. I have always hoped you would do the book.
i have been hoping for the focus
#4, the big circle is inclusive. 🙂 I’ve always imagined your book…
and so many things these days are built on exclusive.
Maybe imagined is enough? ha!!!
#1 and #3
I like them both, but for different reasons. In #3 I see a sun that is way too hot, and eyes are now opened to its damaging effects.
#1 Just a beautiful day in the neighborhood.
A book! Jude! Absolutely. So many people have no idea how cool you are.
Oh ha!
I like #5- it’s subtle. Something in me relaxes and sighs “yes”.
I like that one for that reason
Put me down as number 1 on your list of book orders. Whenever it appears I definitely want one. Now you have to do it!
I really do!
Your pictures are pulling me back into the needle and thread. And how it holds the pieces (or itself?) together.
Gary knows a good friend when he sees one. I salute you for wanting to be social.
I’m glad, I’ll keep pulling you.
I should at least try to be social while I still can.
Number 3 is my favorite. I love that you gave personality to the moon.
Faces bring life to almost anything.
I like #3 bc of the quirky moon! I love the way you think!
It is quirky.
A book…..? I love real books that I can hold in my hands. My favorites at any one time are close to my coffee spot at home. You might write a book? That gets me excited, Jude. I will treasure any book by you.
I love #3 above.
Wishing you well, today…..☀️
I need to go for it.
3 & 4! Love the sun and flames
Maybe they could be combined.
I like #4, although I’d also be interested in seeing that ring of sun moved lower, around the house, leaving the moon up there. I’d love to have a book, even if it was mostly photos and techniques that you’ve already shared online..
That’s an idea.
And book ideas are swirling…
My favorite is #4 💙
and my dad was a Gary… he must’ve comeback as your groundhog!
😁
I’ll say hi for you.
❤️
#1 for me … it’s cozy sitting right next to the house while reaching out to everything else in the sky.
It’s #1 but I drew that one last. It is simple…
All are great
Anything could work
Hello to Gary!
I like #4… it seems so You!
I love a moon, but The Sun is what Makes my Day! , so bring it on!!
#4. Don’t know why.
I get that.
#3 just because of the moon face.
I l8ve the faces too.
Books are what survives after the electronics change or disappear. Would love books
Seriously, one of these days it will collapse. Let’s get ready
beware woodchucks around your foundation. males (boars, i think) like to come around and dig, and they will dig many holes and eventually tunnels and they do this to attract females (sort of, “gee, sweetie, i have three properties to show you., so we can co-habitate…”) each spring. you do not want them, even though they are vegetarians, there is the wood attraction, but worse, the holes dug. imagine all your foundations cracking and caving in! they are pests. get a have-a-heart live trap, trap them, then travel 20 miles away and release. you might make that 30 miles. one woodcheck might mean there are 10+ you’re not aware of. i know how nutty this sounds. but it’s a real problem i’ve had to (actually, successfully) deal with..
Yes, I’m familiar with the problems they can create. The foundation here is stone. Like a pile of really big stones. I will be discouraging him soon enough, I’m surprised I’ve only seen one.
I like #3 best. The eye in the storm is the finishing touch for me.
Oh, I wish we had a groundhog in the neighborhood. What does Soul-o think about him?
The eye has me thinking.
Soul-o likes him.
When I saw #4, I went, “wooooh!” For me, it’s #4. Uplifting!
Good reason, Matches your name!
I like 4. But I do like the face on the moon in 3. Don’t know if they would be good together though.
If I had a Gary, I’d have to use all my restraint to not want to squeeze him
I often end up trying a little bit frim all the ideas…
Gary is a cutie.
I love the sun behind the house, no 3. It surprising to hav it there, as if it is a symbol for a new beginning.
A new day!
I love the sun representation on #4 and the face on the moon from 3. A book sounds great but I really will miss getting lost in the rabbit hole and seeing what comes up in your blog. I’ll miss that but totally understand the issues.
What ever you do will be fine. Even if it’s only the emails you send out. You have to take care of you!
I’ll be here… maybe feeling freer than before.
#4!!!! I move the big sunshine lending warmth but all that empty space for growth..
A ring of warmth. And a bit like a hug
Jude~ Love the moon face and eye of the storm and #4, since I come from the land of mostly sun! ha.
I like that eye too.
I like the face. It completes without competing.
Always love what faces add.
I like #5, it looks like most of the seasons are represented. The bright spot of orange makes me smile, but does not cover up the fall leaves. I like this piece of cloth, so much movement. Thank you for reminding us of how much we have to be thankful for: shelter, food, something to do.
Enjoy this beautiful season of harvest.
I had thoughts of avoiding what was already there. If I added the sun first, all would be different
Oh my, I absolutely LOVE these! And a book…? Yesssssss!
These reminded me of pages in a book.
I like #4 best I think. Wondered if all of this would inspire working on that book. Wish I lived close enough to take a workshop in your cabin.
Yes, the poof factor of the web is real.
I was always so happy and honoured when wild friends would come make their home in our garden, or just visit.
Number 4 for me ☀️
They are not well liked. But I have always been attracted to their being.
I like #1 and #4. #3 reminds me too much of a fire (forest fires are common here). Tomorrow I’ll likely make different choices. Ha!
Loving #3, all the faces/eyes and yes the sun does look a little fiery but I guess it is. A book! That would be wonderful Jude 🙏🏼❤️
Fire, yes, we forget.
Book idea has been hanging over me for a while. So far only imagined.
Yeah, I get the fire thing…
I’ve changed my mind 3 times already…
I like 4 with the arching sun.
Looking through old work and postings will do that —
But Gary is just a great name. Makes me laugh.
I like that one, but have done something similar before… might try a different one. Maybe I will paint the other versions. To see. To let them BE.
I like #3 and #4.
What do you use to make the sketchings that combines digital and drawing? What a great idea!
A book is a great idea but I am a bookworm.
We have a new neighbor that is also a groundhog. We had to use wire fencing to reinforce the idea of sharing when she began to get too liberal with my slicing tomatoes.
I have Samsung phone only because it comes with a drawing pen. I love it. Take a pic and draw on it
Do you know what has happened to Hazel Montegue? she hasn’t blogged for a year. she is on Typepad also. I love her small embroideries and have purchased a few. Janet
She is on Instagram. Handstories.
#3
We have all become so reliant on the techno stuff…but I still love (& practice) hand stitching, drawing, snail mail and handmade stuff…it is what makes my heart 💓
No “Gary’s” here…but we have armadillos ha ha!
The “reach” is swell, but…
I worked for a mill in Texas, saw my first armadillo.
Are you sure it is Gary and not Garella? At my previous home I had Missy and every year she would bring her kids to eat my flowers. She was enormous. I don’t know why folks get their panties in a bunch when we name our neighbors. Makes it easier to talk to them if we know their names.
I’m not! 😂
loving #3… the “eye” in the midst of the storm…
Eyes always add that mystery of Consciousness
#3 looks very spiritcloth!!!
I like #3 best. 4 is cool, too. Ah, heck. They’re all cool! 😎
That always happens, they could all work…
Ha, I get that.
I love all critter friends, and yes, we could all live in peace, there is plenty for all. I love the many varieties of suns. 1 and 4 are catching my eye more. Thank you for sharing, we all need a little extra sun in our lives.
I like 3 and 4. I think a book is a great idea. Maybe there is a grant you could apply for to help cover costs of the book.
I don’t know much about doing books but my brother does. We’ll see.
Yeah, there are ways.
Sun makes a big difference in my mood.