Recently I attended an art retreat in Waxahachie, Texas. I spent three wonderful days meeting the most interesting women, all interested in furthering their knowledge of various art forms.
However, the most fun I experienced was meeting the two children who attended the event...eleven year old Landon and nine year old Presleigh. Landon happened to be the grandson of a classmate and Presleigh the daughter of one of my instructors.
I came to "know" these youngsters on a Saturday evening while most attendees were shopping for "that perfect bauble" at the vendor show. I adore yammering with young people...one never knows what will pop out of their mouths during an extended conversation...and these two didn't disappoint! I soon realized that Presleigh reminded me soooo much of myself in my younger days...constantly on the move...never at a loss for words...and supremely at home in the company of boys. Not far into our conversation she imparted that her sole purchase at the vendor show had been a book that dealt with the Orient. I soon came to realize this same book had been held up as a "sample" in one of my classes..."oh to be able to purchase such a book!" I thought at the time. My head had been literally swimming with ideas of what I would do if the book belonged to me...LOL
Little did I know that the instructor would eventually put it up for sale with her other wares, and that out of all the people scavenging the vast array of trinkets, ephemera, glitter, jewels, hardware, you name it....it was there....that a nine year old girl would manage to uncover the one book I found fascinating....I was gobsmacked by her choice.
Sooooo...not wanting to be a sore loser...I decided to embrace my new found friend's wise purchase and reward her with a little gift from my heart and hands. This "new" tag book is for you, Presleigh...I've no idea what in blazes you'll do with your "old" book, but I'm confident it will be simply amazing.
, Whether you choose to alter it, create pockets amongst its pages, fill it up with tags or simply leave it as the author intended...a tome to be read and enjoyed...I know you'll make the right choice little one!
just me...having felt like a nine year old again, if only for an evening...jan
Sunday, August 1, 2010
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Jan, it was so nice to meet you this past weekend! Your work is beautiful & I hope to see more of it!
ReplyDeleteAll that Asian art -- I love it!
ReplyDeleteI lived in Korea for nearly three years and visited a lot of museums and historic sites, and then visited Japan for two weeks, so have a particular fondness for this style.
BEAUTIFUL work on your part!
Jan...you are adorable! What a wonderful, heartfelt post and beautiful gift, too!Welcome to Blog Land, and thanks for stopping by my place...be in touch!
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed hanging out w/ you again @ the Wicked Tea. Let's not wait until the next PC gig to get together..email me @ imvintage@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteHi Jan, It's Suzie! I just discovered your blog and enjoyed your post, what a great connection you had there at the art retreat! I posted about my swaps from a gilded life this Pink Saturday weekend, be sure to drop by! Thanks again for such a beautiful recipe card! I LOVE quiche and will definitely make it! Suzie
ReplyDeleteJan, What a sweet thing to do making those tags! And seeing the wonder of youth & embracing it. So glad to have seen you again at Gilded Life. Sorry I can't join you & Cami on Saturday as she asked but, you guys have fun & please give me a rain check. HUGS!
ReplyDeleteCharlene
Hi Jan,
ReplyDeleteI am your newest Follower. You have a beautiful blog with such a creative flare! LOVE IT! I will be reading "Every Word"! I'm so happy you came to visit me too. I HOPE your will be FOLLOWING ME TOO!!! My past posts have OODLES of my extensive Lace&Linen collections to share with you. I wish I lived closer to you so you could teach me how to bobbin lace!
I'm having a GIVEAWAY that ends tomorrow so hurry over and join in... The link is
http://conghailecottage.blogspot.com/2011/03/conghaile-cottages-1st-giveaway.html
Have a Wonderful Week,
Hugs,
Donna