Nicest People

 

When I saw this one pop up, I was flooded with memories, so I watched the movie Corrina, Corrina. It was just as I remembered it. I've always loved this song. I once knew a Kindergarten girl with the name of Corina (she used only one 'r'). She was a worried soul, as her parents navigated a messy divorce. Each day, she came to my desk and asked who was picking her up from childcare. The wetness in her eyes and concern on her face said it all. I answered as best as I could. If I wasn't sure whose day it was, I would try to reassure her that one of her parents would always come for her. I was generous with safety precautious one-armed hugs and the chorus of this song. Some memories never leave you, eh? I hope I was able to help her a little in those hard days. At least she knew that she could always come to me.

Corrine Corrina

LINK 2:54 minutes

Today we visited the 17th park in the Parks Project. Our rating for this one was one of the highest yet! There was a very large grassy area, a children's playground and public restrooms as usual.

What really caught our eye was the path that lead through a natural-like setting, where many plants were labeled and that whole area was being restored. There is a book path, where a few paces apart, one can read each page of the book. I thought of my grandchildren. I smiled at the page about the goats and thought of Grace.

Duck on a Bike by David Shannon : Kids books read aloud by Books with Blue

LINK 3:50 minutes

Next week, a ribbon cutting will take place for a new "Meditation Garden". I didn't take any photos of it, since there were orange cones all about. However we do want to go back when it is opened up. For now there is another frame picture, which is hard to see. But, the link above has a drawing of the planned space.

There was also interesting trees, a bridge, a running stream and a few scout projects. one was a bench area by a huge Sycamore and others were the plant labels.

I was glad to see the name of the 'childhood camp' scented plant. Evidently it is a "mule fat" (more HERE).  There was also a lot of California Sagebrush - our favorite. A sensory delight.

* Yes, a horrible photo!

We paused at the white fencing to listen to the creek and the toads. We chatted with a woman, a man and his mother (in a wheelchair). It was so nice to see their interaction with this elder woman: reading her the story pages and plant signs and following our example to smell the California Sagebrush. She thought it smelled strong. There were many benches and picnic tables along the way. I took advantage of several! As we sat again at one of the many picnic tables having a water break, they headed down the path ahead of us. The gentleman paused to wave and say "See you later friends!" We concurred once again that "we meet the nicest people on the trail". 🙂 On the way home, we remembered other nice folks we've met on the trail in the past.

*A kind of 'mugwort'?

On the far side of the park is one of the city bike/walking paths, which runs along the Santa Clara River. These paths criss-cross across the valley here. You can take this one all the way to the bridge - if you have the time and stamina!! We headed back to the car. But first...I see a painted marking that I read as "WOOL" and picture a spinning wheel and raw fiber. He sees what it truly is there to represent: "100M"! 😂

Who have you met on your life's trail? Where were you?

 

May you meander down many trails

May you the views and the scents wrap around you

May you the wide open spaces inspire deep breaths

xo

Photos by NAE @pomegranatetrail ©2026

Choices

 

Waiting in the Medical facility pick-up zone

Noticing flags against a bright sky

Thinking about the contrast between this vision and the reality of the dark times we live in 

A blue sign becomes a stand out in this scene

"Safe Area"...

Safe area? Where? In this small circle of flagpoles and trees? The whole of the Medical Campus? What exactly does 'safe' mean anymore? How can we feel safe ourselves, while helping others to feel safe as well?

I think we need many, many more 'safe area' signs...everywhere.

We can choose.

⇴

Drum circle song for Former President Biden

LINK 4:22 minnutes

You can listen to Biden's speech HERE - 29:16 minutes and well worth the time.

We scooted by The Bridge on our way home. I took enough steps to see the last 5 CMB had been picked up. This brought me joy. I'm glad I chose to get them out there before the winter holidays.

I managed to walk over half of the bridge, before heading home again. I've done a lot of icing, elevating, sitting, napping...and not much else. I've yet to start the new Medicine Bag, but I will.

The yellow, fuzzy blooms above shone wonderfully in the afternoon sun. Can you see me snapping the pic, while in the shadow?

H Is For Hawk - Official Trailer

LINK 2:06 minutes

Years ago, at the charming bookstore in my beloved Morro Bay, I purchased this book. If you know me, you can guess why. But, even though I tried a few times, I just couldn't get into it. I wonder if it was just the wrong time for this particular book. Anyway, I ended up passing it on. Now, after seeing this trailer for a movie based on it, I wonder if I would fare better with it now. At any rate, the movie looks beautiful. I could choose to try again or find a way to watch the movie or do neither. We'll see.

The morning sky today held the promise of coming rain and moisture. The air was cool and the scent - sweet as can be.

These are the things I chose to focus on and share here today. 🙂

How do you make your choices?

 

May you choose as best as you can, in the moment 

May you change your mind, or not, as needed

May you forgive yourself for any "wrong" choices

xo

Photos by NAE @pomegranatetrail ©2025

Arm Yourself (Figuratively Speaking)

 

How do you arm yourself - not literally, of course - during challenging times? I think many are asking themselves this kind of question these days. Do you turn (tune) in or out? Do you look to Nature, Strong Relationships or Action Steps? Do you have a preference for one coping skill or another...or do you go with the flow using whatever skill you have in the moment? 

I obviously look to Nature, Humor and Song. If you've been here more than once, you can guess that. I go for conversations with loved ones and support them and myself when I can.  

How 3 words completely changed a character

LINK 4:52 minutes

WORDLE LIFE

11/13/24

He had to TREAD carefully while he gathered up the necessary PROOF. The items he worked with were very sharp and he did not want to PRICK his finger, causing blood to drip on the PRISM. 12 hours later he accomplished his goal. Before heading upstairs to inform his boss, he paused for a quick PRIMP in his locker mirror.

11/14/24

MINTY is the name of our favorite eagle at the wildlife center. She is actually really popular with everyone and DRAWS huge crowds on weekends and school holidays. You can hear visitors LAUGH and cheer as Minty swoops down from her perch. Even the French DOULA who was there with her very pregnant client loved it. In fact she was laughing so much, an ALULA feather, which had loosened in the repeated acts of soaring and swooping, fluttered down right into her open mouth, thus tickling her UVULA. Who would ever expect that?

NOTE: This puzzle was our toughest one yet. He went to bed and I gave in to one of those web pages that offer hints. I had said to him that it would be a word I don't know. I was right! For both ALULA and UVULA I had put in these combinations of letters and hit enter, hoping for a word. I got words, but I had to look them up, which was very interesting.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alula

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uvula

11/15/24

There was an especially big CROWD there to watch the OCTET of performing seals. Their vision was frequently interrupted as the aquarium employee walked by the front of the tank and pulled all of the TACKS and small posters off the wooden posts. He couldn't wait til the show was over she asked. Yeah, how TACKY he agreed.

11/16/24

They were trying to make thick CREAM from scratch. They dug the utensils out from the RUINS of the back pantry. The very first thing to happen was a large SPIRT of milk landed on the floor. If that FIRST mistake is any sign, I'm going to need to continue while wearing a VISOR, she exclaimed.

11/17/24

Every  member of the four TEAMS sat in the bleachers, waiting. They were on the edge of their seats waiting for the newest TALLY. This one would tell them which two teams were going to the playoffs. You could cut the tension in the air with a knife.

11/18/24

Their mother sat quietly on her CHAIR as the TRAIN slowly moved out of the station. She wanted to go on this adventure across the country, as it would likely be her last trip with her beloved children. What a trip it would be too! They would be criss-crossing the country with stops in almost every state. After all of their years of travel together, this felt like the holy GRAIL of family togetherness. Her children were having their own thoughts though. They were wishing they could have gone on this trip years ago when their mother wasn't quite so FRAIL.

11/19/24

It is not worth the PRICE, he said. But, I really want the SKINK for my new pet, the little girl whined. I can't just FLING money at every new pet whim you have, he added. Now come on, let's get GOING, he said finally before she could say any more.

She paid the PRICE and felt like a SKINK for having the FLING with the preacher. The last time I saw her she was GOING south.

11/20/24

The ETHIC committee is made up of all the brightest progressives. When the CHIME sounds, they get down to work in a very productive and collaborative way. As a team, they've really found their NICHE.

11/21/24

Will I ever know PEACE again? she whined. The doctor's blank expression told her all she needed to know. Not if you don't have the SPINE surgery I recommended three years ago, he replied blandly. 

11/22/24

You look GREAT, she told him and I'm almost READY. Will you please grab the basket of  PEARS while I put on my PEARL necklace, then I'm set to go.

11/23/24

She asked the traveling chef for a QUOTE on 50 MEALS for the upcoming event. She was somewhat shocked at the high price. What if we leave off the JELLY? she asked.

⌘⇈

This helpful post from Brene Brown about Stress and Overwhelm came in her email newsletter. I found it helpful.

⌘⇈

May you not forget you have more power than you realize

May you not forget others who need you

May you remember how love and humor and song heals

xo

Photos by NAE @pomegranatetrail ©2024 

Pondering

 

Last Sunday morning, the Hawks call me out onto the patio, the light on the tree has me stay a bit.

~~~~~

Sun, always the sun - or so it seems.

Next 10 days predicted to be in the 80's. So cooler for sure, but still hot. Our apartment stays between 80-83 at all times.  Just HOT. I remember years back, how I used to joke with a friend how it is "always 80 something" - now 80 is a cooling spell. sigh

~~~~~~

Trust Time Anytime

SUNDAY 10-9-2022: J. watching The Addams Family. when Morticia says, "Trust me Gomez". My ears perk up and I think: There's that word again! Then I think: If one prefaces something with trust me, "you can trust me..." - you can pretty well be sure they are not to be trusted! Ha.

~~~~~

Thursday:

So, trust...the phrase 'trust and abandonment go hand in hand' comes to me whole.

I ponder it. I ponder another spontaneous thought that one has to 'trust others to do it right'...I ponder that too. What is right anyway? So are we back to trust and control? Is there only right and wrong? 

Then comes: trust = relax ...and more pondering

As I drive I consider how I usually begin my TT on the Canyon Road...to the Road that Wraps Around the Mountain...to the Over Road...to the top (North) of the street corner with the Long View. I usually end when I've move a mile or so down that road and begin to drive through more 'civilization' (as I consider it). I consider how it may not be 7am, so at my own time & place..and pace. I consider how because of my drive "trust becomes a distance". It becomes a distance, not a time.

And lastly comes: "trust & healing" - so there's that.

and that can be a long road.

~~~~~

This was in author Katherine Center's 3 Good Things email newsletter.

Enjoy!

LINK

~~~~~

At the "man's shrine hill used to be"  - "trash" corner, the couch someone slept on, now tagged.

Observations

There is a man with matted and coarse and wild brown-gray hair, who sits in his wheelchair in front of the church a few doors up. Sometimes he sits at the first corner, on the side of the street - in the dirt. He sits in his chair, his plastic grocery-type bags beside him...talking to no one seen. There seems to be a lot of that these days. Anyway, there he is in his chair as I head out to work or come home late in the evening after my workday. One time J. waved at him. He flipped J. off in return. These are the days of now. Going nowhere.

I saw a large wooly human walking down the road, wearing clothes of brown - hair covers face almost entirely...head tipped to the far left - ear on shoulder. Teeny, close together steps. Eyes blank. Moving forward.

Man in soft, baggy clothing shuffle steps down the sidewalk. He pauses to look at...something, before shuffling some more. After several steps his tiny steps become a trot...a small stepped, shuffling trot. Moving forward.

~~~~~

To the left of the couch, across the driveway, this photo shows the group of men that come every morning to sit in the parking lot and hang out, talking, whatever. You can just see them there by the truck. I wonder who they are and how this corner became the meeting place.

~~~~~

Still thinking about words. Still thinking about "once". Went looking for other choices of "once" words to use and found lots of language to play with (in the link above). Nice, a little word play.

~~~~~

Sing it out, sing it loud!

FREEDOM'S JUST ANOTHER WORD FOR NOTHING LEFT TO LOSE!!

LINK

Morning Crow

~~~~~

It took me some time to recall enough about Grace's often used phrase no te rindas to look it up and recall the meaning (which I had gone totally blank on!). I finally found it and added bonus - got to hear it too!

Don't Give Up

I wrote it in Spanish on my arm last Friday to help me remember it.

No te rindas

The thing about writing something on your hand/arm is that it washes off and you can write at will, depending on your mood! Isn't that grand?!

~~~~~

Lunch break, looking at the trees again...what is this white part? Mmm...

Long view and close ups are below.

~~~~~

Things I question. Is the above sign appropriate for a senior building?

Is the below label enough to scare you off of this treat?

~~~~

Friday I watched a very large hawk land on the top of a power pole. It immediately hunched forward, eyes down looking for prey. I drove on and drew it later. I drew a Volcano too, but did not get a good enough picture of it. It was titled: Volcano Life.

I made notes about the most recent 'church signs'. I always wonder what direction the sermon is going to take with each one of these signs.  It is all a mystery to me!

~~~~~

Almost last thing...I told J. the story of seeing this movie as a kid and how thrilling it was to see all of my neighborhood streets on TV! Even though it was supposed to depict a cross country trip, it was all filmed close to my apartment building. It is an odd movie to say the least. Even odder is I read about it (see link below) and discovered that it was Sally Fields as the lead and Linda Ronstadt singing the title song. Who knew? It was interesting to watch it again as an adult. Putting it here to remember, watch if you wish.

READ HERE

It ended up not being super hot this week and Cooling Off today!! Cool enough to want socks on. So I wore my Alaska Wolf/Moose socks. The thin, colorful, comfort of this thrilled me way more than one would guess. The toes look like Jude's "B"!! Don't you love simple pleasures?

~~~~~

I close with words not my own this time, but heartfelt just the same...

xo

May you always have
Walls for the Wind, 
A roof for the rain, 
Tea beside the fire,
Laughter to cheer you,
Those you love near you, 
And all your heart might desire
~ An Irish Blessing

Photos by NAE @pomegranatetrail ©2022

One Fine Thing #5

One Fine Thing...

 

...enjoying an old favorite and home

xo

Photographs by NAE ©2021 

Indie Kindred

No hike this weekend.  

Sunday was busy catching up with regular chores and such, because...

On Saturday my sister and I went to a screening of Indie Kindred.  You can watch the trailer and learn more here.  It's a film about collaboration and art and finding your people.  Jen Lee and two of the artists were there and did a Q&A after the viewing.  I've followed Jen for years.  I posted about her back here in a story about stories!!

It was held at City Garage in the Bergamot Station,which was a great intimate venue...perfect for this film.  I came away with feelings of inspiration, longing and gratitude.

I am so thankful for my online community of fellow clothmates.  I'm so thankful to have found you all through Jude.  My days are richer because of all of you.  I feel inspired to continue on my creative path, hopefully incorporating even more time to make art and share conversations.  Alongside my gratitude for what I DO have, lives my deep longing to have in person interactions like those I have in the Spirtcloth world.

Before we left, we stopped in an amazing paper shop called Hiromi Paper, Inc.  I thought of Velma of Wake Robin and could see the allure of paper/book making.  I thought of the exquisite Laura Ashley sample book seen on FB.
I stopped myself before I bought out the shop!!!
On the car ride back to my sister's we had a good conversation about the film experience and friendships and finding our tribes.

We also shared ideas about how all of this thought on collaboration led us both back to how we work with children.
I have always incorporated activities (sensory, manipulative, art...) that encourage the children to share space and materials.
It's interesting to consider how many ways we all collaborate.
I, of course, thought of Jude's Magic Feather Project.
A collaboration between many.

May we all continue to create, collaborate and inspire one another in the
days, weeks...years to come.

Photos by NAE @pomegranatetrail ©2013

Romeo and Juliet ♥ 1968 and Velvet

                                      Do you ever have one of those moments where you suddenly have an idea pop fully formed into your head?  Of course you do, we all do, don't we?!  I think the technical name is an "AH-HA Moment"!  Today while reading two comments at favorite blogs, I had that happen.  I think the comments merged in my brain.  Over at Deb's bee creative both Deb and Jude mention the 'velvet' she is stitching on.  Then quickly after, I read the comment over at Jude's 9 hearts where Eva mentions love and Romeo & Juliet.
Suddenly...BAM...my brain realizes that in my mind those two are forever entwined.  This movie (posted above) and deep rich fabrics (velvet really).
I have recently, over the past year, been drawn more and more to velvet.  It is not a fabric I've ever bought, nor sewn with.  But lately, I really want to!  I now have a little piece (thanks Denna!) to add into current work.  I've dyed it a beautiful color, so I'm excited about that.  See if you can watch this trailer without an eye on all of the gorgeous fabrics!

None of this is really all that important in the 'grand scheme of things' (as my mother would say).  It just was a rather odd thing to realize, out of the middle of nowhere, that...Romeo & Juliet = Velvet.
This is one of my favorite movies of all time.  I was in the 5th or 6th grade and I walked to the theater with my best friend, meeting along the way one of the boys everyone 'liked'.  He was your typical cute, popular bad boy!!  So he went with us, but would not actually sit with us (girls, you know).  Instead he sat several seats and a row away.  As we were falling in Love (draw a big heart around that word) with Leonard Whiting and wishing to be Olivia Hussey, he was snickering.  We fell in love with love that day.  The kind of love that lasts forever and really means something!  Romantic love.  Everything about the movie and those two young actors was perfect in our eyes.  Well, practically perfect, with one big exception, I wouldn't Really kill myself!  It was just all that grand beauty and drama.  (((sigh)))  Oh, how we wanted to be Olivia!  And so, as we sobbed at the ending, the bad boy several seats away laughed outright.  I wonder what further meaning this scenario paints?!  The difference between the genders, at least at that young age.  Or the roles society places on us, the ones we learn unconsciously at a very young age.  I've thought about that over the years when reflecting on this oh-so-clear example.

Anyway, now that I know this connection of mine, I think I will use velvet with a new kind of intention.  Thank you to those who inspired this train of thought :)

PS In searching for this video, I found these two that also caught my eye:
view one
view two
The second one has a more current song: Ghost of a Rose by blackmore's night
I ended up really liking this song and the video is very well done.

Sunshine Movie and More

 


I've been a lot of places lately, mentally that is.  Feeling so busy and scattered and focused (or not) and concerned.  Sometimes when that happens, I go back to a place of comfort.  So I watched a bit of this movie while eating dinner last night.  It is my movie.  It is 15 year old me.  But it is a part of me that stays real and true.  It fits in with some of what the sewing circle has been talking about.
Things that change...shift...morph or deepen.  All to come full circle, right back to who you always were (or a part of you).  Why is that?  I think part of it is, because, well at your core...you are who you are baby!  Yes we all grow, change and evolve.  And it is good to reflect and consider elements of yourself from time to time.  It is good to be a person of continuing education (in whatever form that takes).  But some days, some moments...one needs to wallow in self-ness.  That's important too.

As far as MD goes...I had an idea.  It felt like a big idea.  I had been sewing on my heart sampler and it has been feeling important.  It's had something to say to me.  I wanted to keep it near me for a long while.  Then suddenly, in a burst, I thought what if...you could wear your important blanket.  Not such a far-fetched idea (think big-seller Snuggle blanket - the blanket with sleeves).  But I was thinking, not like a skirt or jacket or even a cape (a-la Grace).  I thought what if...it was a quilt and then it wasn't.  And so, I thought of the blanket/poncho.
With a neck hole that could be 'covered' with the heart sampler.  Button on...Button off.  I thought that I could place buttons strategically so if I was wearing it and I so desired, I could add the heart sampler back on.

 I rotated this, but Blogger wants it sideways!   

I think it is kind of funny that I have to post this sideways...because when it is to be worn - it will face one way, to create a "V" neck hole... it can face another way when buttoned up.  I hope that makes sense.  I have thought of uneven edges, haven't planned for arm holes.  Frankly, I have an idea...but other than that...not so much!
 I have seen folks with their posts and/or design walls -  starting in the center or with a collage foundation.  I like both approaches very much, but I just keep thinking how I may want to keep this with me in a different way.

I am having trouble with a few things about this cloth.  There are things I am problem-solving.

1. In some moments it feels too contrived.  I want it to evolve and be organic.  I have enjoyed watching Jude's & Grace's process. I love the collage of Nat's browns. But I had asked myself, "What is the purpose of this cloth?"  The answer fits this poncho idea perfectly.  So, then is it contrived?  Am I trying too hard?  Or am I setting it up so it can then evolve - in which case it is just part of the prep process.  Right?  It is just a cloth that has a hole in the middle, no big deal right?
2. I have been planning on having the hearts be a finished block, so when it is buttoned on, covering the hole it has a 'back' as does the rest of the cloth.  Right now the heart sampler is about 12X11+.  I have no idea how big a poncho neck hole should be to make it functional.  Suggestions?  I plan on adding on some dyed neutral blocks (maybe 1X1 or 2X2) around the main sampler to make it bigger.

I have some other thoughts going on too, as far as other fabrics to use.  I found these darling lambs in some old stuff.  They may wander aboard this cloth someday, or not!  I may tea dye it.  Or not.

Old child's pillowcase...lovely!


I adore the edges on the little pillowcase.  The blue and white gingham is from my daughter's Dorothy costume and the other little blue print is from my wedding dress!  Hey, it was 1979 what can I say!  I may use some of these...(say it all together now!)...or not!  I do want to wiggle some blue in somewhere.  I've always been a blue jeans kinda gal!  If it works to use actual blue jean fabric, well I've got that too!  I also found this old sugar bag fabric.

Very old sugar bag

The choices are many.  It seems I am not so great at deciding between all of my ideas.  I am glad it is considered slow cloth!  This gives me time to let things gel awhile.  I just keep adding the intended stitches to the heart sampler and ponder on what may come next.
It's a good thing I am not in a hurry.   I don't have a deadline.  Plus,  I have many other things to attend to right now.  So this is good.  Yep.  Just breathe...

Photos by NAE @pomegranatetrail ©2011