Home James and don't spare those horses...

There is something soooo precious about traveling and experiencing new places, people and different worlds.  But there is something equally as precious about going home and we were ready.  Our hearts were full and goodbyes were hard but we were ready too.  We arrived in Washington DC with just 10 minutes to board our next 15 hour long flight home.  We made our flight but it was around 24 hours before anyone at home had heard from us because I didn't have a gap to let anyone know we were on our next flight.  Out of my whole trip, this was my worst flight.

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A little while after take off when they were serving dinner, we hit the worst turbulence I've ever experienced and the longest.  I wasn't happy.  We continued through our first 7 hours of the flight in utter silence with the seat belts on most of the way.  There was no walking or standing around and no coffee served.  We stopped in Dakar, West Africa for an hour in the morning for refuelling and restocking before we embarked on the next 7 hour leg to Johannesburg.  For the first time ever, I took out my moleskin journal and I started drawing, the distraction helped me home.

We arrived in Johannesburg fatigued with motion sickness and pretty much anxious to finish the final 5 hours... 3 hour layover and 2 hour flight.  I slept most of this final flight home.  I had had enough.

Getting home to Digz and Courteney felt so precious.  We sat on the bed, all of us, including our Daxies, Riley and Sandy until 1am unpacking treats, pics and MilkDuds and sharing stories.  I slept through, much to my amazement and woke up normal time and poor Kitty slept until 2pm the next day until I forced her to get up.

It was good to be home.

The different faces of Kitty...

I have loved all the 'faces of Kitty' appearing on FB and I have loved everyones renditions of her.  She's loved them all too.  She's pretty shy so this has been a pretty remarkable thing to have happened to her.  She even struggles to have her picture taken.

Thank you for making my girl feel so beautiful and so loved.

Jenny Doh

Jenny Doh

Kara Bullock

Kara Bullock

KJ Allison

KJ Allison

These three canvases have come home to live with Kitty.  I love how they are all the same but all so uniquely different at the same time.  Thank you guys, for your generosity.

Jenny Doh - Oil

Jenny Doh - Oil

KJ Allison - Pens

KJ Allison - Pens

KJ Allison

KJ Allison

Phyllis Riley

Phyllis Riley

Lyn Tivenan

Lyn Tivenan

Lyn Tivenan

Lyn Tivenan

Ivy Newport

Ivy Newport

Finishing this precious Soul... for a most precious soul...

I am so pleased I finished this SoulBearer that I had started in Jenny Doh's studio - Day 1 of SculptingPoetic.  I was hoping to finish her and leave her as a gift for Ivy.  She had spoilt me so much through my visit and I knew I wanted to leave her with something special from me.

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I was feeling tired and knowing I wanted to leave her as a gift was making me feel pressured.  I had no idea what direction I was going to move in but she started leading me and I loved that so much.  It's my favourite way to work when it comes to my Soul Bearers.  Not only was I creating all day in Robin's Studio but I had her encouraging me all the way too.  Only right at the end did I "see" her and once I finally saw her, I was immediately in love.  When I am head down and pushing through, I don't always see it, only when I started to photograph her, did I "see" her.  I was excited to leave her for Ivy but nervous too. 

Eeeckkk.

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I used a limited palette which I totally loved in the end.

Sending you with so much love, sweet SoulBearer.

xoxoxo

Robin, Ivy and the Beautiful Oregon...

Oregon was our last stop and it was a precious one.

We stayed with Robin and it was beyond special to be here with her and Ivy.  They both picked up our exhausted bodies from the airport.  And we had a soft landing and a beautiful quiet dinner at home, just the 4 of us.  We were grateful for the soft landing.

We spoke well into the night.  I knew I was going to have a connected time.

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Our first day in Oregon was spent meeting beautiful Michelle for lunch at a sushi spot and I was so delighted to have met her in person.  Meeting online friends was definitely a highlight of our trip.  Thank you Michelle and thank you for the beautiful gifts you gave Kitty and I.  Wow.

After a slow lunch we went for a walk in the beautiful gardens followed by a beautiful evening at Chris and Ivy's home.  I loved these together family times the most.


I got me some beautiful precious Ivy Love.  Thank you my friend for your generous heart and soul.  I am so grateful that I got to meet you and Chris and the girls in person.  It was a treat of treats.  You are a beautiful inside and out.  I am so grateful I got to take some specialness of you home with me.

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After some sight seeing days, we settled down to some quiet days at Robin's home for hiding, deep connecting and creative time.  I had to fix a Soul Bearer for Robin that had been crushed in transit so I had some work to do and I spent a studio day with Robin and Ivy.  Robin created her very own Soul Bearer and that was beautiful.  And I got to watch Ivy draw and start her painting of Kitty.  I can't wait to see her finish that.  What a treat to be in studio with these two beautiful creative souls.  We got to talk about art and creativity for days.  That was a dream come true.

 We also popped into Ivy's gorgeous new Studio and we had breakfast together.  Getting to do daily things together and visualise 'life' was so precious to me.

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Photo:  Caitlyn Grace Web

Photo:  Caitlyn Grace Web

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We got to experience the Oregon Coast.  It was lovely.

We ate, we walked and we did a bit of shopping.  It was a chilled, beautiful day.

Meeting Michelle over a sushi lunch

Meeting Michelle over a sushi lunch

Long deep precious conversations on the patio will be my forever highlight and memories of Oregon.  Thank you for your heart my friend and that we got to tap into each others some.

Long deep precious conversations on the patio will be my forever highlight and memories of Oregon.  Thank you for your heart my friend and that we got to tap into each others some.

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I can't tell you what these days meant to me to be quiet and gently close out our days in the USA.  I loved the deep connecting with Robin.  The meals shared with her and Joe and the incredible chats around social differences between our two countries and cultures.  Deep connecting is the way to fill my love tank and I'm so grateful we got that.  I loved the one on one time and the talking art day in and day out.  I loved seeing Robin's art up close and personal and we inspired each other so much.  What creative friendships are all about.  She could see things for me and I could see things for her in our art respectively.  I loved the home visits so much.

Robin, Joe, Ivy and Chris - I can never thank you enough for this time we had.  We love love loved it.  I couldn't think of a better way to end off our trip. Thank you for opening your hearts to us and allowing us to be ourselves with you.

It was a perfect send off home with our love tanks overflowing.

Goodbye Oregon and the amazing US of A, next stop... home.

xoxoxo

Breathtaking moments on that incredible bridge...

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The weather was perfect...

I'm kind of glad it was misty and overcast because it came with it's own moodiness and emotion.  I love how the height of it disappeared into the clouds above.  It's everything I imagined and more.

The power on the bridge was quite something, the weather, the movement and noise of the traffic, the magnificent size is astounding and rather overwhelming.  I can't recall something so big or so powerful.

It is something I won't forget for a very long time.

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The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Fransisco
— Mark Twain
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Moments on the bridge.

I am soooo thrilled we planned this excursion.  Thank you Jackie for making some dreams come true for us on this remarkable bridge.  In fact, for making some pretty remarkable memories during our time together and I can't wait for the next adventure

Thank  you Jackie and your beautiful family for having us.  Some of our favourite moments were around the dinner table.  Thank you so much for having us and embracing us and for the wonderful conversations and sharing moments.  I will cherish our moments forever.

Goodbye beautiful Jackie and incredible San Fransisco, you stole my heart...

Next stop Oregon.

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It was so freezing - we had to move quickly and the wind was so strong.

Hello San Francisco...

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Seeing Jackie in San Fransisco was something we had planned for a while because in 2016 we did #1faceaday/#366Faces together on our #TeaBags.  I am so grateful that we did.  We only had 3 days together but it was so special.  We connected deeply and quickly and our 3 days were fully about adventuring together.  Jackie had planned so much for us and I'm so grateful.  We all three did new things for the first time.

And doing this together just cemented our friendship.

Like taking a ferry to San Fransisco from Walnut Creek.  Walking to the top of Coit Tower, going to the SF Moma and of course walking the Gold Gate Bridge.  It was a beautiful precious time we shared together.

I'm so blown away about our time together and like with Phyllis and Chrissie, it felt like we had known each other forever.  I guess it has something to do with sharing something as personal as our journey through paint, there is a natural vulnerability already there.  I can honestly say that there was connection with just about everyone I got to meet in person.

I can never express what this meant to me.

Beautiful City

 

Coit Tower - we climbed the steps through the private gardens to the top and then we went up the tower and we got to see gorgeous San Fransisco from the top, a 360 view of the city.  It was breathtaking.

On our way down to the ferry, we popped into the San Fransisco MOMA.

One of my favourite images from our trip, Kitty in the SFMOMA.  Poor Courteney was at home beside herself that we were in this incredible place.  I knew that was going to be hard for her.

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Port Costa, CA

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Jackie arranged a visit to Port Costa, CA.  The sweetest time warp of a town from another era but interestingly still standing.  She took us to the Theatre of Dreams to meet Wendy Addison.

What a treat!

I'm not going to lie, I'm a little in love with SF.  What a beautiful city.  I think to fully grasp the extent of this remarkable place, one would probably need to live here a little.  Jackie was amazing at navigating her way around.  It was an amazing few days.  I'm so grateful for this time, her family and everything.

xoxoxo

Bye bye Chrissie, bye bye Encinitas...

I can't believe our time was up... I had 10 fabulous days with this incredible lady in beautiful Encinitas, San Diego.

It feels like we have known each other our whole lives.  From our circle time at Kara's both of us kept tearing up because we knew our goodbyes were coming.

Thank you for beautiful YOU.  I will never forget this time with you and yours.

Thank you Jim for sharing your Chrissie with us and thank you for giving us the time to do art for 10 days and thank you Kenzie for sharing your mom.

We miss you Reiner.

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The laughing was all day long... beautiful girls for a PotLuck lunch.  Jennifer, Jeneve, KJ, Libbi, Cynthia, Erin and Chrissie.  Thank you for a precious time.

The goodness just didn't end.

Jim and Chrissie took us to the airport and the drop off was swift - it's all we could manage.  ByeBye Encinitas... next stop San Fransisco and Jackie.

~ Thank you ~

xoxoxo

Teaching @ Kara's...

When Kara asked if I would teach painting in her studio, everything inside of me wanted to say no.  I said "yes" but my body actually said "no".  We laughed about this in class but my reason being is you guys are so lucky have the most amazing painting teachers at your fingertips.

Once I put this down and just reminded myself that I was painting with friends and peers, the time became more precious to me.  I really had a fabulous time but I do think that was because the class was just soooo incredible with me.  I can't thank you enough for allowing me this space.

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I loved it once we started... I loved this class so much.  Thank you for everything.

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Nancy gave me these tiny tiny canvases to work on and they were wonderful and such fun. I did them between lessons, they were smaller than teabags.

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Beautiful gals.

Class vibes - Kara's new studio space was a beautiful, light and happy space.  I couldn't believe I was here.

Class vibes - Kara's new studio space was a beautiful, light and happy space.  I couldn't believe I was here.

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Class Shenanigans

Two of the most incredible beings in the world.  I am so blessed to have had them in both my classes.  Thank you!!!

Two of the most incredible beings in the world.  I am so blessed to have had them in both my classes.  Thank you!!!

Thank you Kara - I'm so grateful.

Thank you Kara - I'm so grateful.

Irene, Jen and Lesley - all special online friends who I had a wonderful two days with.  Jen was also with me at Jenny Doh's. I loved that... so special.

Lucy and I go way back online and to meet her in real life was a dream come true.  Thank you for making the trip, beautiful soul.

Lucy and I go way back online and to meet her in real life was a dream come true.  Thank you for making the trip, beautiful soul.

Beautiful Chrissie making beauty.

Beautiful Chrissie making beauty.

Mary Valante - a beautiful creative soul that I had the pleasure of meeting, with Lynda.

Mary Valante - a beautiful creative soul that I had the pleasure of meeting, with Lynda.

Circle time - was tender, vulnerable and precious.  Thank you for the most amazing two days.  I am soooo glad I said "yes".  Teaching this class and sharing with beautiful friends was an incredible journey for me.  Thank you so much.  I had no idea I would love it.  Thank you to Nancy, Josie, Jen, Chrissie and KJ who were also in my clay class at Jenny Doh's.  That meant so much to me.

I will never forget this time and thank you Kara.  Adore you.

This happened...

Nancy and I go back online for so long now, I can't even say when it happened... but she's one of the most beautiful souls and this trip I got to meet her in person.  I knew it would be an emotional encounter and standing next to her in person was a little surreal.  And as synchronicity would have it, with me being in California was the same time as her exhibition.

And Chrissie, Kitty and I got to go. 

Nancy is from Laguna Beach and is a wild horse photographer and her captures are out of this world.  I can't believe I got to see her beautiful handy work and heart, first hand.

Thank you Nancy for this awesome moment in time.

We got access to the Festival of Arts Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach.  The exhibitors were incredible and we got to meet Kathy Jones.  I had pinned some of her pieces on Pinterest and Nancy told me she could introduce us... it was another wonderful moment for both Chrissie and I.  We had an incredible time.  Chrissie drove the coast road home and Digby couldn't believe we had spent time in Laguna Beach.  I know this trip would have blown his mind. Next time babes, we have lots to make up for.

Adore you beautiful Nancy.  My heart is a little larger having met you.

Big hugs and loves, always. xoxox

Finished SoulBearers... from Saluda

I met Terie Christmas in Saluda, Random Arts.  I loved connecting with new people and making new friends.  I loved seeing Terie's finished SoulBearers on Facebook.  Terie has combined her assemblage skills with paperclay and the outcome is truly remarkable.  Well done my friend.  She's gorgeous.  Can't wait to see what else you make and do with your combined skills.

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Janet Hickey was another incredible artist I met in Saluda and her work was truly astounding and the work she does continues to blow me away.  She shared much with me and her tools were beautiful.    Thank you Janet for your friendship and generosity.  Your work takes my breath away.

Find Janet on Facebook and see her finished video of this incredible piece.  I couldn't get it to work here.  But her vision for her pieces are art in themselves, not to mention her skills.  Just once again showing me that there is no limit to what can be done with this medium.

I look forward to seeing other works completed from class.

 
Find Janet Hickey on Facebook - her work is gorgeous.

Find Janet Hickey on Facebook - her work is gorgeous.

 

Home based were my best days...

Our schedule was so full between Encinitas and Santa Ana so when we got moments back at home, they were slow and precious. They were some of my favourite days of all.  I loved waking up slowly and sitting with Chrissie with our coffee and catching up on social media and chatting with each other.  Reiner was always by our sides and I loved the gentleness of these moments.

I was so grateful to have them and so grateful to have this precious time with my friend.

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We walked to downtown Encinitas to Swamis to get Digby some Swamis Tees and Kitty wanted to do some thrift shopping.  Other times we drove to the art shop, passed Rob Macho's home and went to see different beaches.  We loved it all.

We loved being tourists.  I know how much Digz and Corks would have loved this.

 
Kitty thrifting with Pikachu

Kitty thrifting with Pikachu

Awesome sushi and saki

Awesome sushi and saki

Crack Shack - Real Fried Chicken with the best fries in the world.

Crack Shack - Real Fried Chicken with the best fries in the world.

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Chrissie told us it was the Summer of Love anniversary and being in California and finding this jacket felt like synchronicity at it's finest.  Great thrift find Kitty.

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I touched the Pacific Ocean and picked up a pebble keepsakes.  It's in my studio.

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Visiting Swamis and Kitty ordering her first Starbucks treat... oh the choices.

4th July in America in an American home was a special moment for us.  Thank you Chrissie, Jim, Kenzie and Will for allowing us to slot into your day and being part of your festivities.

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We had a beautiful time with Chrissie's family and in their home.  I loved her studio and I spent time working there one evening.  I loved their togetherness as a family.  I am so grateful to have experienced everyday 'life' with them.  To me this was the greatest honour of all and it is everything I hope of my trip to the USA.

I wanted to soul connect with everyone I was staying with and so far being in Phyllis and Chrissie's homes, this is exactly what I was getting and nothing made my heart fuller.

Thank you for allowing us to slot in, to see and feel your life.  There is so much grace and humility in doing that and receiving that was beyond precious to me.  Humbled by this gesture.

xoxox

She came home with us...

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We all left Jenny Doh's studio with our Kitty pieces unfinished.  The next day Jenny finished her piece and I was completely blown over.  I knew I had to have her and she needed to come home with us.  I couldn't think of a better home for her.  Thank you Jenny for finishing her so beautifully.

She's currently up in Kitty's room and this is a sweet reminder of this perfect day, a precious moment in time.

You captured the essence of her.

#happyhearts

 

Our Studio Muse for the day...

When I knew I was coming to the US to teach, I started looking for some classes I could take too.  Learning for me is vital as anything else I do.  I had managed to secure two classes for myself in-between my own teaching schedule.  Unfortunately, one fell away, much to my disappointment but the one that held was a day painting @ Jenny Doh's with some of my dear art friends... Chrissie, Kathy (KJ) and Kara.  We planned it well in advance and we were super excited.

I was nervous, excited and I knew I was going to be out of my comfort zones but I was almost desperate for it.  We decided to paint a big acrylic piece, a portrait.

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Jenny asked Kitty if she could take some pictures of her so we could all paint her.  I loved that we all painted the same reference and I love that we painted her.  It just felt so right.

We decided to work with this image.  I loved that hand and I knew right away, I wanted to paint it.

Step 1 - sizing up - It wasn't easy but I was enjoying

Step 1 - sizing up - It wasn't easy but I was enjoying

Step 2 - highlights first, middle and dark

Step 2 - highlights first, middle and dark

Step 3 - trying not to freak out completely

Step 3 - trying not to freak out completely

I found this new approach rather intimidating.

I struggled with new techniques and a different way of painting, thinking and approaching the canvas.  My whole body resisted and I was uncomfortable.  I loved step 1 and 2 but by the time I reached step 3, I was feeling panicked.  We stopped for lunch but I could hardly concentrate at lunch because I was a little freaked out, right.  The truth was, I wasn't sure I was going to find my way back from the mess I was making.  I was doing some deep sighing, a sign I'm struggling.

Hahaha... that being said, it felt good to be so uncomfortable.  Jenny was fabulous and I loved her teaching methods and approach.  It was good to be learning new things.

I was happy where I left off and I have brought her home to finish, but I haven't gone there yet.  I know I will.  For now she's up #inmystudio.

What an incredible day.  I haven't felt this challenged for a long time and I'm so grateful for the time, the lessons and the togetherness of this day.  Truly one of the highlights of my trip.  As for my Kitty girl, she watched the whole day and loved seeing all the versions of herself start to emerge.  It was an incredible experience for both of us.

Thank you ladies, for making this dream a reality.

The many faces of Kitty - each one holding elements of her and her character

The many faces of Kitty - each one holding elements of her and her character

I'll remember this day for a long time.  My heart was overflowing.

Much Love, Jeanne-Marie

Teaching @ Jenny Doh's

 

I'm a huge fan of this incredible woman who in as remarkable in person as she is online.  I feel so honoured to have had this opportunity  to teach in her beautiful creative space and to meet her in person too.  Not to mention, the crowd she attracts.  It was quite something.  I was particularly excited about teaching this class because we mostly all knew each other,  online and/or in person and the excitement was contagious.  I wasn't nervous but more excited. I was quite emotional, in the best way.

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Jenny's Studio is full of beautiful art and Kitty was loving all the powerful messages that totally speaks her language.  I was utterly in awe of it all.  What a place to experience.  You gals are so lucky that you get to come here for classes as often as you do.  I'm so thrilled you have this.

Lindsay said it looked like she was having a coffee date with Taylor Swift :-)

Lindsay said it looked like she was having a coffee date with Taylor Swift :-)

Day 1 - Kitty and Lindsay went out for the day.  Lindsay is Kathy's daughter and they kindly offered to entertain Kitty for the day.  She took her out thrifting and for her first coffee and great heart to heart chats.  I was so grateful - thank you Lindsay and Kathy.

My Sweet Dottie Friend - we meet in Italy 5 years ago and this year will be our 3rd trip to Italy together.  Can't wait

My Sweet Dottie Friend - we meet in Italy 5 years ago and this year will be our 3rd trip to Italy together.  Can't wait

This sweet girl and I got to create here together and again at Kara's studio - what a treat.  Thank you Jen

This sweet girl and I got to create here together and again at Kara's studio - what a treat.  Thank you Jen

Oh my, this beautiful lady - I love that we are friends and have ended up being such good ones too. Kindred Spirits.

Oh my, this beautiful lady - I love that we are friends and have ended up being such good ones too. Kindred Spirits.

Two beautiful women, who are old friends and who are so dear to me and I got to hang with both of them. Lucky me.

Two beautiful women, who are old friends and who are so dear to me and I got to hang with both of them. Lucky me.

Old friends and new getting together, some of us for the first time and some of us, again.  It felt like a reunion of sorts and it was magical.  I got to meet my online friends that have been so dear to me and who I go way way back with.  I can't even tell you how much that meant to me.  Again, thank you to those who flew in, or drove so far to take this class and I'm thrilled we got to create together.

I am carrying you all in my heart.  Thank you for choosing to spend these two days with me.

Jen's beautiful work

Jen's beautiful work

Michelle Hilliard - incredible

Michelle Hilliard - incredible

The Gypsy Cafe - I was immediately in love with this wall - where we had lunch on Day 1

The Gypsy Cafe - I was immediately in love with this wall - where we had lunch on Day 1

The level of work was off the charts.

I soooo loved teaching this class and I loved how open everyone was to trying new things.  I think I am in love with teaching paperclay.  My favourite part was the one on one work with each person on both days.  I loved seeing how inventive and intuitive everyone was.  It was such a beautiful group of woman and the class dynamic was incredible.  Thank you for making it such a joy for me and thank you for teaching me too.  The level of work was so inspirational. 

We had our lunches together and some of us had dinner together, those of us who stayed in town for the night.  I adored the personal connections so much and all the spoils.  Thank you.

At the end of day 2, we had circle time of sharing and vulnerability - what a precious way to end an incredible two days.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, this was an incredible time for Kitty and myself, one we will never forget.

Hello SanDiego... Hello Beautiful Chrissie

I have no words to express how excited I was to be meeting my sweet Chrissie friend.  I was literally giddy.  Kitty kept asking me what was wrong with me.  Hahaha, I was just so a precious moment for me.  Jim and Chrissie collected us from the airport and we arrived back at Chrissie's home in the dark, settled in and all had supper together with her beautiful family.  We sat chatting into the night, it was delightful.  I immediately felt at home and like we had known each other forever.  I loved Chrissie's family and I loved that we got to hang with her daughter, McKenzie too.  There was an ease that flowed and I loved it all.  What a treat to just slot in to their everyday life and move through the days and the moments together.

We had a full schedule heading up to Santa Ana several times and I was so grateful to Chrissie for charting us backwards and forwards and arranging as much as she did for us.  She was truly remarkable.

Beautiful Encinitas, San Diego

Beautiful Encinitas, San Diego

We had a gentle Friday at home, getting my packs ready for my weekend class @ Jenny's.  We took a beautiful walk to Downtown Encinitas for views and tacos.  In the afternoon we popped over the Chrissie's neighbour who was also South African and we had a lovely visit.

So San Diego / California felt more like Cape Town to me, the climate and foods were more similar and of course, the laid-back coastal vibe.  It felt good.   We were still getting to bed early because the days were so full of new things and full of adventure and the stress of traveling too.  We had been in the States for almost 10 days, our clocks were finally resetting, albeit East Coast time it was still easier than being on South African time.  That being said, I was still waking up all hours of the night, to chat to Digz and Corks and wide awake at 3am (North Carolina timezone).  The nice thing about that is that I got to have a lovely chat with Phyllis each morning.

We were missing her and Daisy a lot and Bob too.

xoxoxo

Courteney's first Uni Exhibition and we were across the world...

It was pretty heartsore for both Courteney and I that I would be missing her very first University Exhibition.  Not being there for her for this huge milestone was a biggie for both of us.  Digby wasn't in the position to help physically with his injury so it was stretching for all of us.  For me, in letting go and trusting she will be okay and for her, knowing she could to do this, alone.  I had total confidence in her but not being there to see it in person and for her to feel my love, pride and admiration for her work... OUCHIE!  Some of the pieces I hadn't even seen yet.

She did beautifully.  She worked through the night to get her exhibition pieces finished and her space set up and Digby was so proud of her.  Luckily for videos and messages, I got to be part of it as much as I could.  I was missing them both so much!

First year students work in all the disciplines... drawing, photography, sculpture, painting, printing and new media.  It's fast paced and it really has been an intense time and a massive adjustment for all of us as a family.

So proud of you, my girl!

First semester done and half way through your first year of University.

xoxox

So close but so far...

How beautiful is this city... I can't believe I was in Chicago and I didn't get to leave the airport.  I have friends here, dear friends and I wish I could have included a few days to visit but my schedule was so tight.

So close but so far... It's still on my bucket list for sure.

It is so beautiful from up above.  I'm so glad I got to glimpse it.  I also got to see Lake Michigan from above and that has always been something I have wanted to see, ever since I was a little girl.

All a little surreal.

Another Wishlist Item - check!

This happened in Chicago...

A soft pretzel was on the Wishlist and boy was it worth it.  We don't eat bread / gluten but we weren't about to miss out on this.

It was warm and delicious and we are still wondering why we don't have an Auntie Annies' here in South Africa.   Once again we will try and find the recipe and Kitty will attempt to make her own.

As you can tell my little foodie was in heaven.

 

 

Auntie Annies Soft Pretzels

Auntie Annies Soft Pretzels

All American Diner...

 
 
 
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This was definitely on Kitty's American Wishlist and when we drove home with Phyllis on our arrival day, we spotted Pop's Diner.

We knew we needed to go.

It was only open for breakfast and lunch.

We couldn't wait!

It was everything we had imaged and hoped it would be and it was truly a delightful moment in both of our hearts.  For Kitty it was everything she had seen on tv and it delivered right down to the chirpy waitress.  And for me it was so wonderful for me to see Kitty's dream come true.


Diner Coffee

Diner Coffee

How perfect is this interior

How perfect is this interior

Waffles, banana & choc chip - it was good.

Waffles, banana & choc chip - it was good.

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We tried lots of new foods...

We even got to try biscuit and gravy and it was nothing like what we expected.  We had no idea the gravy would be white.  We also tried grits.  It was good to learn and discover new things.  It's exactly what we hoped for.  Kitty being a total foodie too, discovering, experimenting and trying new things was a highlight of note.

 

The sweet sound of music

After breakfast, Kitty got her long awaited ukulele, we love the color she got and she made sweet tunes the rest of the trip.  We spent a beautiful day in Hendersonville with Phyllis, slow and relaxed.  We stopped for coffee and took in this beautiful town.  We couldn't have asked for a better day.  The down days were some of my favourite days.  Time to chat and connect deeply, to share stories and get to know each other.

 

'Devil's on Horseback'

On our last night in North Carolina, on our way home from Random Arts Studio, we popped in to have tapas at this sweet spot and Phyllis introduced us to 'Devil's on Horseback'.  I think they might have been the most fabulous things we have ever tasted in our lives.

We have found the recipe online and we will be making them for sure.

We without a doubt LOVED Southern food as much as we loved the people.

Thank you so much Phyllis, Jane and the beautiful people of the South, we ate together, we visited and we connected and shared.  It was a truly remarkable time and I could share forever about this leg of my trip and the photos too many to share them all.  You left a lasting impression on our hearts and souls and I know we have grown just by being together.  Thank you, for the love and most of all for the beautiful Southern Hospitality that we had heard so much about.

For the folk that flew in and traveled from far especially to meet me and to work together for the few days that we had, I'm utterly humbled by this gesture.  Thank you, you will never know what that sacrifice meant to me.

It filled our love tanks to the brim.

Next stop was Chicago on our way to San Diego...

My kind of bears...

In Hendersonville they have these creatively painted bears all around the streets.  They are commissioned works by local artists and at some point they get auctioned off and the proceeds go to the charity or cause who commissioned each artist and piece.

I just love this initiative. I loved them all and what a special way to beautify your streets.