home.

Home.  It's a simple little word jam packed with meaning.  I am home.

I guess, I am lucky as I have two homes.  One here down under and one up over there.   Here I have my husband, boys, dog and my own coffee, bed and studio.  There I have my mom and dad, brothers, friends and the green green grass of home.  There are many things from that home that I have brought with me to this one. 

For starters, Sam.  Here we were on the way to the airport from my brothers lake house.  How easily he slipped into that other home making friends with his cousins and partaking in their lives.  He left a mark of companionship in their hearts I know...he also left marks in their bedrooms... This one at the lake and this one in Annapolis...

The dynamic of the family has changed dramatically as we all make way for the new stars of tomorrow.  The kids are each in their own way growing up into beautiful people with so much to offer us as we watch them grow up. Still a lot of playing to be done.  One of the highlights was watching them make costumes for the opening midnight flick of Harry Potter.

 

In a short amount of time we had accomplished many of the things on the "list" of options.  We even found time to make dolls!

There were many friends I did not get to see but we made a quick detour to NYC to meet up with a special one at Il Buca.

I cannot ever forget the fun times with this gal.  We spent many a late night (early dawn) together making our way home and stopping off for a night cap to review the evening.  Times have changed our lives but not the way it felt to be together.

It was surprising how much fun we could cram into a late afternoon in NYC.  My brother and I shared our memories of living in NY.  I wonder what the boys thought as we practically jumped out the window of the car yelling, "that's the bedroom window right there!  RIGHT THERE!  

Here was the door of my humble abode...the trees of NYC grow just as much as the ones in the rest of the world I was surprised to see.    The dry cleaner that shrunk my favourite jumper was still there, the scene of many early mornings in the dinner at the corner was still there but in many ways the neighborhood was overgrown with new things.  Fun to see as we grabbed a slice of pizza and headed north and out of town.

Our lives may take us many places but our hearts stay together.

 

It is hard to contain all the wonderful experiences of this trip.  Sisters, family, QBL...so much living on so many levels.    QBL ended with a bit of fun on Friday night.  We had show and tell hosted by Donna Lamb, the Executive Director of this fabulous event.  

There was much fun and frivolity as quilters and teachers let go of any tension that might have accummulated as we struggled with our own creative reaches...All the tutors made aprons for auction and entertained us with  much hoola hoop dancing.

There were bountiful raffle baskets as well as mini performances that brought the entire event to a fun point of closure.  It is incredible to think that after such an exhausting week full of deep and meaningful work that these teachers can continue on and do it again this week!

 
As Kathy and I drove away from QBL with minds full of potential progress on our quilts I thought to myself, ah, that's it.  The fun is over now and there is nothing but travel ahead of me.  However, that was not to be the case!  We headed to her friend's B&B and arrived late at night.  In the morning I woke to the sound of birds and frogs.  It had been a big day before but still I rose at dawn driven to see where we had landed...

It was as if the place had a spirit of its own drawing me out to the dew covered lawn...to see...

And then, to top it all off, we went out and picked a bowl full of snap peas, broccoli fresh herbs and green beans while nibbling on blueberries.  YUM!

 

And did I mention we snuck in a bit of chat and quilting on the front porch!

It was, in a word, blissful.  

It was soon time to change gears.  We stopped in Amherst and said goodbye to the animals before heading up to New Hampshire to catch up one last time with the twins at my brothers place.

It was only a short visit but one filled with many glimpses of their summer life.

The last sunset...

 

The last morning view...

And the last family game...

It is hard to believe or accept that the time at home has come to an end and that afterall, I am once again home.  Thanks to all of you for sharing my trip with me.  I can only say one more time...thank you, more please...as that statement fully represents the overwhelming sense of gratitude I have for the gifts of loving people and a creative life that I have been given and appreciate more and more each day. May we always feel at home wherever we are. k

Comments

[Pam]

Look at those happy happy kids. That's is the best part of being a mom...really nice that you got to do so much in your visit. It seems a lifetime ago already to me that we were in sisters sewing, when it reality it was a little more than 2 weeks ago. Have a wonderful time settling in and thanks again for sharing. It was the greatest! xo Pam

[Anna]

What a wonderful time! Here and over there, both places filled to the brim with love!

[maree]

Glad you arrived home safe & sound..Your Son is a Beautiful Artist...Thanks for sharing your Wonderful Trip.
cheers

[Cardygirl]

What a beautiful post sharing your special adventure. Looks like such a great time...hard to step back into your other life in some ways! Lucky you have your Aussie life that is so enriching too! I am here hoping to catch up with Kate's life!

[Heleen Webb]

welcome back, Kathy! what an incredible and enriching holiday you've had :)

[marianna]

What a lovely posting. Makes me want to give you a big hug. It is amazing how close one can feel to someone they have never met.

[Annie]

I so enjoyed the photos and events of your vacation to your home of origin,so glad all went well. It must seem strange to go back to winter. I'm not sure what winter is like in Sydney?

Oh, the talent of your son, exceptional!

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Thank your for sharing your wonderful article. I very agree with your views from here

[Molly]

What beautiful pictures. I love to see someone still hand quilting. I admire the skill that some have with machine quilting, but still like the look of hand stitching best.

[Coach Outlet Online]

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