Two Gals on the road.
As we were traveling home today today we passed four ‘older’ ladies on their fancy motorcycles. The wrinkles were evident even under the fancy helmets and leather jackets.
One lady had had a highly decorated leather outfit and holes in her helmet for her pigtails to fly free. They had a sign, Motor maids 2016 convention. A quick visit to Mr Google and I found out that the organization had been running for the past 75 years with 3500 members and the convention was in Santa Fe.
It made me think.
Well not enough to want to take up motorcycle riding, but I liked their spunk, I mean, I can imagine them out on their bikes on the weekend and I figure they would be the types to stop and do a bit of quilting when they got to their destination. One lady had a little two wheel trailer behind her white Harley, I’m sure that would be big enough to even carry a machine.
Having just traveled some 2000 miles in 6 days, I’m waxing lyrical about the wonderful things that surround us. The amazing things we have done and seen. The time seems too short for all that we really wanted to do.
I know I’m lucky to be able to do this, but on the other hand I take time out to make it work. To experience the normal, like blue skies green grass and a breathtaking range of mountains.
Then again, my work takes me to exotic places and my nature allows me to take notice of the smallest of details. Roses in a bag on the street of Delhi.
The man in the street i8n Kathmandu sewing on his treadle machine.
And even today the way the clouds form over the plains in the high desert
and tonight on our return the bird sits in the tree tonight at sunset.
I’m 69 and I’ve made a concerted effort over the past few years to ‘observe’. I sort of feel that I probably have another 10-15 years left to really ‘see’ and I sure don’t want to miss anything. That doesn’t seem long enough for me but it’s reality.
I’m a tutor, a lecturer, writer and photographer and I quietly take note of everything I see. Of course this week its been the things we’ve seen and experienced in a land far from home, and there is a lot more to come in the next few weeks, then I’m back home in the studio to work on my special project. But while I’m here I’m gathering creative ideas, and just enjoy the ambience of summer in New Mexico while my family shiver in mid winter in Australia.
There are so many things to be positive and creative about and it all starts with that tiny spark which comes from just plain ‘seeing’
We all need to slow our mind down and focus to ‘see’ a good example is to look at the scene in front of you. You will inevitably look left to right, now go back the other way and look right to left. You observe more because your mind has slowed.
Any way, that’s my theory and it sure works for me.
Hi Pam! What a great blog to read. I can see since I can remember. My mom does it too. I see the details on trees, on flowers, in people. I love your pics. We were in New Mexico too and will be again next year…
Seeing gives me great joy all my life but even more so since I started quilting 5 years ago…
Thank you for sharing your sight with us!
Keep on doing what you are doing Hilda, its a world apart.
Pam, you have so much energy and you are so generous in sharing your knowledge and experiences. You are truly an inspiration to me and, I am sure, to many others all over the world. Thank you.
Thanks for joining me on the journey Hellen.
So true – so easy to pass the days doing our chores and seeing – hearing, tasting, smelling nothing. By the way, love the photo of the guy with the sewing machine. I remember seeing much the same on the back streets of Hong Kong, always amazed at what they could whip up with these old machines.
Anne, sometimes I just sit and smile… I did visit with the guy with the sewing machine and he was so happy to talk with us and show off his skills.
Thank you🙏😍💖
Love your blog and the photos I will now never see, I am 77 with a few health problems, but I too have seen some fascinating parts of the world,so appreciate what you take photos of. Not a quilter but love what you do. I too live in South Australia, down near Victor Harbor.
Welcome Penny, I have some more amazing events to share in the next week. The folk art festival in Santa Fe New Mexico and the beauty of the South West.
Thank you so much, for sharing your wonderful talents….You have enriched my life tremendously! Kathleen
You are an inspiration. Love reading your post.
I am catching up on previous blogs. I am so glad to have met you and experienced at least one of your classes. I cherish my Geraldine and the memories. Of course, our Ireland trip with you was very special. You always amaze me with your energy, your blogs, and your creations, not to mention, your schedule of travels and classes. How you balance all that with your family is beyond me. I think I picture you as someone who has caught the tail of her kite of dreams and is “going for it” to have a full and satisfying life. You always bring a smile to my face! — Therese Graves
Therese, thank you for your kind words.