After a spring that has seem me traveling to and my beau going round the world we met up in New York for a few days.He had been on a photographic trip and one of the focuses was to work on portrait photography.As the photographer’s wife I am the worst subject !

Studio work continues on the road-images over on instagram.Watching my grandson growing has made me focus back on my conservation work as a young adult.Attending the preview of “The Wild” and the current #NoPebble Mine movement lead me to want to return to active docent status.Connecting with the public to share artists work is a privilege and fun. I hope to support my local community in this experience.Carrying out research for new shows every 4 – 6 month’s keeps my brain active, makes memories and connections with fellow docents. Elements are also added to my own visual storytelling.

I have just complete my first online art course with Roxanne Stout Evans hosted by Jeanne Olivier.Along with my studies last summer with Larry Calkin’s I’m enjoying exploring my studio supplies and trying new techniques.My local and international community of artist continues to grow.

For Summer I will be in the PNW and I very much looking forward to a road trip down Highway 101 in September My work may be exhibited here and possibly in Canada waiting to have details confirmed currently.

We have a new exhibit at Bellevue Arts Museum .A touring exhibit called Cut Up Cut Out. It covers just about ever media that can be cut to convey an artist message.There are around 50 artists and 100 pieces of art to tour.

I find this work inspiring along with that of many others and an looking forward to touring this exhibit.

This morning I attended my volunteer orientation for Bellevue City so I can now officially volunteer in the perennial border along with volunteers.On Thursday mornings I’ll be weeding and socialising in this beautiful garden environment.I feel like I have more to learn about gardening here the longer I work my yard so this is a great learning opportunity

.http://www.northwestperennialalliance.org/npa_propagation_yard.php

This morning the most famous Pacific North West Garden Cisco popped by to visit.Gardening royalty in the PNW !

My yard is full of Forget-me -nots.I have been looking for a pattern of knitted flowers to include in my art quilts for many years.Within a stash of knitting magazines which I rehomed for a friend and found the perfect instructions.

I have long admired the ancient Egyptian culture.I have a childhood memory of getting lost at the Tutankhamen exhibit in London.I was looking for a project for my Tuesday beading group and out an old kit.

With a little help from my friends we made these Royal Plume Earrings.

Well the month went quickly.I’ll break it down in episodes but I found this little piece on my return and it sums up my trip perfectly.

http://www.facebook.com/nordicsis/photos/a.930751730270565.1073741828.930740540271684/1529699533709112/?type=3

I have been privileged to be invited to join the American Craft Council.I have to do a little research into how this will impact my practice but feel honored to be invited.

I am currently working on a pair of sister quilts for the author of my artist statement and her long term colleague volunteer coordinator at Kidsquest. One is completed but the other is proving to be a challenge.I will keep at it and hope to be accepting of the resulting quilt.I always find it a change to balance pushing technique and abandoning a project.

We have planned out the year and I have a month long trip to the UK and 3 week vacation in Hawaii to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary.