It’s been an exhausting yet exhilarating few weeks. We are getting settled, unpacking boxes, acclimating to a new time zone, a winter that consists of green mountains, and watching cherry red trucks haul dirt up the hill for the art barn foundation.
I thought (a bit belatedly) to host a Valentine’s Day Groundbreaking party, and planned for a local affair but I was really thrilled that some out-of-towners came too, and made a weekend of it!
Left to right: Leslie Jenison, Jamie Fingal, me, Judy Coates Perez
Friend I have known forever came over, too…
As did their parents who I have known most of my life.
We ate a lot of cake!
Quilters hung out with non-quilters (in efforts to lure them to the dark side).
And the strongest woman I know, Yvonne Porcella, made the trek, too. Founder of SAQA and one of my greatest mentors, I was so honored that she came.
Her humor nearly surpasses her strength…
She also wanted to made it very clear to me that she got dirt under her (freshly manicured) nails during the groundbreaking.
Alex Anderson came too! (Below, far right)
And more old friends from high school…
There was the ceremonial dig. (The pink silk scarf on the shovel was hand-dyed by Yvonne.)
Others got into the spirit of it, too.
And we laughed. A lot!
And took advantage of a surprisingly warm day.
Some of the guys…
It is really starting! I can’t wait to post progress pictures.
Congratulations, Pokey! What fun it will be to watch a dream come true!
I’m so excited for you!
Oh Pokey, I feel tingles of joy! How completely wonderful!!! Thank you for taking the photos and sharing. I am thrilled with and for you!
I, too, am in the midst of a move (your use of Bekins inspired me to get a quote from them and they are completely amazing) back to my home state of Florida (from Ohio.. brrr).
I wish us BOTH much joy, happiness, laughter, love, success and all things which make our hearts sing.
watching the unfolding of this dream retreat center has me saving for a trip out west once the facility is open for operation…..any excuse to visit friends in Humboldt and Mendocino counties on the way there!! So excited as I watch the process unfold with perfection.
Kristin
We’re sad you left Houston but congratulations on being able to make your dream come true.
Hip-Hip Hooray!! Congratulations on a dream coming true, for all of us !!!!!
Best of Luck, sweetheart!
It is now on my bucket list to take a class in your art barn. Can hardly wait.
Excited for you!!!
Congratulations Pokey! What an adventure you’ve embarked on! I’m also at the beginning of a new life adventure as I reinvent myself from stay-at-home, sometimes artist to something else. I am looking forward to coming out and spending time at the art barn.
This is so wonderful for you. And for the people who will attend and be touched and changed by the experiences you will provide. I hope I get to attend some day. It’s on my list.
you are such a lovely lady so glad i got to meet you. Your projects look like lots of work but so fun.
So wonderful for you. Congrats on groundbreaking. What great support from your friends too. Happy times to you.
This is so exciting, can’t wait for it all. Congratulations!
I love reading about the beginnings of your new adventure! Congrats on the ground breaking!
Adding this to my list of joyful, artful wishes!
Congrats! I can’t wait to see this adventure unfold!
Warm congratulations as you begin building your dream… How lovely to have such great quilters and fun friends as part of your foundation!
What a great way to get started!
Wow!! What an incredible party. Amazing friends showing up with boundless love and support!
All well deserved.
Pokey I am so happy for you. You are an inspiration. Keep up the good work Shune