It's 6.30 am and I feel as though I have climbed the sleep ladder.  It's not often I go to bed when it's still light.!!!

Like many of you, I have dreams and aspirations. This year is rather a turning point for me. It's probably the last year I travel as much as I have in the past as I prepare for other energies in my career.

Can we do this in middle age when we reach the magical age of the 60's..?

Why not?

The realisation that I might not be back here in Grayling for a while after 13 years of visits is sad in a way, and exciting in another as I pursue a different aspect of my career.

Next year, I have plans of completing my education as a documentary maker and photographer.

I have to be in one place to accept the Government funding to complete our documentary on the "Bayeux  Tapestry to Quilt"…. and I need to be home to oversee the project.

We require editors, a soundtrack, production, so much to do and it needs careful planning.

Jamie will complete the rest of the filming as I work on the Quilt and I have to finish it and the accompanying book and fabric designs.

We plan a new production company to present videos of my classes and techniques on other projects and I will be accessible to more people through this medium. Videos. patterns and fabric as well as documentaries.

In conjuction with a buddy we have some exciting ideas for "Art and Textile Journal" tours to far flung places. Not your average tours honey….

It's a huge task.

Our Arkansas project is exciting… with proposed Textile Art retreats at the new Hotel and in a way this turn in my career will give me more free time and flexibility.

That's not to say I won't travel, it would be like cutting my arms off, however, it will be different.

It really just beginning to sink in as I share this news with you all and my friends here in Grayling.

It takes 3 years to wind down from a lifestyle like this but I'm almost there… it's been in the planning since 2009.

Maya Angelou