I believe

If asked what is one of the things that is important to me in my marriage, I'd say our morning goodbyes and evening hellos. It is very rare that we don't kiss eachother goodbye and hug in the morning and again at night when we get home from work.

Some people might say that makes the greetings a meaningless habit, but my husband and I have found the reverse to be true. It would break my heart if something happened to Jim, and I had not taken the time to give him that ritual kiss and momentary acknowledgement of our love.

I believe in the power of the physical touch. I believe that in their deepest hearts, even those who say they don't like physical affection, desire it. A person can have a good life without a lot of physical affection but I believe we are made for it from the instant we are born. Why we think our babies should sleep alone, I cannot fathom.

Avalanche Looms

Several years ago, I discovered Avalanche Looms, tucked into the coolies of western Wisconsin. Avalanche is a little turn in a road with a few houses and businesses dotted closely together. It is there that I met Susan, extraordinary weaver, owner of the Avalanche Looms and its whimsical little store.

Susan inspired me to think about a creative spot of my own, someplace where being productive is not the bottom line. A place where I can be aimless and consider what it is to be me: what I truly like, who I truly am and what I want to pursue (besides aimlessness).

Her workshop has many windows in it, along with several looms and various projects she is working on. We had a great conversation there. I have been back several times, each time having a similar experience but I still don't have that space.

Although I currently cannot carve out a large workshop, I am working on organizing smaller areas in my house where certain resources are more accessible. I'm excited about that and will post pictures of these areas soon!