Making as Meditation

My first week at the farm here in Poulsbo, and I’m starting to settle into the routine. Start work at 7, keep working all day, and sleep like a log all night long. Repeat 6 days a week. It’s been wonderful, the farm is tiny but so abundant, every inch in utilized. We are making progress on the cabin which will be my new home for then next two months, and working on all kinds of things on the side. I promise I will post pictures soon!

It’s infrequent that I have computer access, but until next time I wanted to post some things I am ever so grateful for:

- Linnea. It was so amazing to reconnect with her after so many years! It’s so incredible how similar we’ve grown after all these years apart. I’m so grateful to have her back in my life, and I hope to see her again soon!

- My mom. She seems to find her way on my gratitude list every week. I can’t even express how grateful I am for her company and help on this trip up, and though I probably could have done it myself, it was infinitely better having her there the whole way. She has a way of saving the day.

- Sitting by the water in Seattle with my mom under a shady tree, reading “Endgame” and the “Humanure Handbook” respectively, and reading aloud passages to each-other.

- My cousin Sara, for being awesome. I hope I’ll get to spend time with her now that we’re only a sound apart.

- My hands. They make everything I do, and love, possible.

- Raspberries, fresh picked. Danya told me to close my eyes and when I opened them he had two handfuls of raspberries for me! Yum.

- Hard work. I’ll be working 50 hour weeks, quite reminiscent of school, only much more physical. It’s such a joy to be outside and using my body fully, the way it was made to be used. I feels so good- especially doing a bit of yoga after a long day.

- Dirt. It’s some amazing stuff. Thank you, dirt.

- Andrjez and Christine for welcoming me into their home and on their farm. I know I am going to learn so very much from them.

- Alexander and Danya. I know we’ll be friends soon!

- Molly (the dog) for not barking at me today

- My feather quilt- ubber comf. (Gabby would approve.)

- The Northwest- for being all I hoped it would be.

- Positive energy. Bubbling and brewing, it starts from within and changes the world. For real. Feel it!

- The fact that you and I are a dynamic web of inseparable energy patterns. I love you!

Ahh, back on the road.

It’s been a good trip so far, but it’s only going to get better. The desert was harsh, hot and barren- but now that we are up in the mountains with such beautiful trees and people, I can’t stop smiling. It feels so good, and I’m growing ever more excited for the beauty unfolding around each bend in the road.

I left my camera cable somewhere, and so I will be with out pictures for a little while until I can get a new one- bear with me my friends! Till then, know that wonderful things are brewing and I wish you were all here with me to share it.

I’m so abundantly grateful for:

- Sunglasses, water, and melted chocolate bars

- Dust blizzards and desert rains

- Walking into the nursing home to see Grandpa Fred, only to find him wearing a tee-shirt saying: “01/20/09- bush’s last day in office- the end of an error.” He voted for Bush. I hope he gets better and comes home soon.

- My wonderful, amazing mother and father

- Monica, for taking care of my little Nico while I’m gone

- Palm tree crop circles… weeeeird

- My mom’s dear friend Mary, who welcomed us so kindly into her home!

- The solar living institute, appearing like a beautiful dream along the road

- Redwoods. I’ve been missing the color green so much these past few weeks in Tucson, and now I’m surrounded not just by trees, but by huge ancient trees. They FEEL so good!

- My car, for being a trooper through more road trips than I can count, all over the world.

- The price of gas, because as awful as it is on a road-trip like this ($5 a gallon in California!), it’s going to force me and countless others to stop driving and relying on our cars

- Forest fires as the energy of destruction for purification and rebirth. I do hope they will burn out soon- the smoke is thick in these parts. And so many blessings to the firemen and women doing their best to protect the people and forests from absolute desolation.

- The NOW and all the now this is to be!

- Finding myself, and finding my home.

I just wanted to give a shout out of glee for the rains that descended upon us last night. It seems the monsoon has come early this year, and I’m so grateful that I am here to experience them once again. The power of the rain and lightening in the desert is indescribable, as is the sweetest fragrance that fills the air as the thirsty plants soak up the moisture. It started to rain just before I went to yoga, and as I was lying in savasana little drops of sweet rain lightly sprinkled me from the skylight above. It was perfect. Even better, I discovered that my new yoga friend that was lying next to me was named Ram. Now that’s a name I will never forget.

Thank you Ram!

I can hardly believe it’s been over a week since we’ve arrived in Arizona! I’ve loved every second with my wonderful family, and I’m so grateful to be here. But the heat has been hard to get used to, and I’m looking forward to spending time in the northwest soon. I’ll be leaving for Washington in the first week on July, where I’ll be working Leapfrog farm in Poulsbo. I can’t wait!

Until then, I’ve been keeping myself busy:

Unpacking boxes

Making more cookbooks

Escaping the heat

Monica and I drove up to Mount Lemmon the other day to go to a small craft fair and then hiking down in Marshall’s Gulch. It felt so good to be in the cool mountain air, and it even started to rain on the way up the mountain! Every person on the road in front of us had their hand out the window, soaking up the precious rain drops. I do hope the monsoons come soon!

I feel so honored that the band Natural Breakdown has decided to use the logo I designed on their tee-shirts. Thank you guys, and keep spreading that light!

Feeling so much gratitude for:

- Re-uniting with my family and all the tremendous love they share

- Safe travels and unfolding adventures

- Taking chances and trusting the universe

- All of my dear, sweet friends that are scattered all around the world- you mean so very much to me!

- Yoga at the oasis on the cheap cheap

- Solstice celebrations and full moons

- Sunglasses and swamp coolers

- Driving with oven mitts

- Rest and peace

- Our little adobe house

And a little blessing for the health of my dad and Grandpa Fred, who are both working hard to recover from their respective ailments. I wish I could be here with you for every step along the way, and I love you both infinitely.

It’s been manifest destiny all the way through the week, heading out west to start a new life.

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Whew!

My mom and I have been workin’ like crazy this past week, packing, recycling, donating, and sorting out all the contents of my house. I cannot believe just how much STUFF I have accumulated these past few years- it’s incredible to actually see the floor of my studio again. Been using this time of discarding the old to give space for the new as a metaphor, physically with my stuff and my hair, as well as emotionally, and spiritually. It’s been an intense experience, but as I work I have been singing to Kali, and blazing through the pain and attachment. Onward and upwards, free and light, I’m moving, and it’s wonderful.

Some pictures from last week:

Me and my sister after graduation

My mom sitting at Janine’s hand dyed breakfast table

Me and the beautiful Jessica Rogers, without whose love, spirit, and strength none of this would have been possible. I love her so very much!!

Last night my mom and I went down to the Hostel in the Forest. It was my mom’s first trip, and I’m so proud of how brave she was- getting over so many fears and inhibitions and opening up to a really wonderful time. I’m so grateful to that beautiful place, and all the incredible people I’ve met there over the years…. so many wonderful memories!! I know I will be back.

We will be leaving Savannah tomorrow and hitting the road on our grand cross-country adventure. Thank you for nurturing me all these years! ”All I ask of you is forever to remember me as loving you.” Om Shanti.

It feels so good to be done!!

Thursday was our last day of classes, Friday was our senior show, and today was our six-hour graduation ceremony. There hasn’t been any time to sit back and savor this new freedom- the work has been constant and I’m feeling exhausted, but happy. My amazing mother, once again, saved the day and was a huge help preparing for the show and commencement. My fantastic sister came to the show as a surprise, and it’s been so wonderful having her here!

I cannot believe what a success the show was- everyone’s work was stunning, every inch of the house looked fabulous, and it was transformed into a fiber wonderland in just a day. I’m so proud of all the talented, wonderful ladies who were part of making this happen!! I am most especially grateful to Jess and Nicki- without their selfless hard work, I don’t know where we all would be. They are angels indeed.

I’m so thrilled with the response I got, I couldn’t have asked for better comments or support for what I’ve been doing. This week I will be going into production on the first set of cookbooks for sale- I’m so excited!!

If you would like a copy of the Daily Fiber cookbook, please go to:

www.dailyfiber.etsy.com

Finally, some shots from my portfolio (by the lovely Steffanie Halley):

the Shovel to Spoon line

handwoven organic cotton/hemp tote bag

embroidered clothespin pouch and handspun organic cotton clothesline

lavender and chamomile stuffed snail

handwoven and embroidered fork/pitchfork dishtowel

handwoven and embroidered spoon/shovel dishtowel

trowel pot-holder, screen printed with natural dyes

harvest apron, hemp, screen printed with natural dyes

organic hemp/wool yoga rug, handwoven and screen printed with natural dyes

Finding peace amidst the ever increasing whirling of time. This has been the craziest week I can remember. Working non-stop, and trying to keep peace of mind and a heart full of joy as I go along. There is so much to be grateful for:

- Stephanie and Amelia - you are my angels!

- Sudden hail storms on a hot, frantic day and the lovely Cori to the rescue

- Witnessing Cori’s very first bubble-gum bubble EVER

- Getting challenged by a cold in the heat of finals

- Rising above with the help of raw garlic, miso soup, elderberry, eccannacia, and ayurvedic wisdom

- Jess’s dance moves, spirit, and bathroom hair salon

- My wonderful Gemini friends who had their birthdays this weekend!

- The golden Ms. Amelia shines so bright, drowning everyone in her light

- Molly’s prayer rug, prophecy, and beautiful smile

- Living mythology and universal lessons everywhere I turn

- Having my internet connection turned off

- Crossed paths and synchronicities

- Conversations with Kali/Cali – she creates destruction to birth transformation, embracing the divine feminine and uplifting universal consciousness…. I love running into her!

- The lovely fellow with a peace sign tattooed over his heart, who was punched at a party for no reason at all and remained serene and calm and smiling, expressing compassion for the individual filled with anger.

- The fact that Kinkos is open 24 hours, even on memorial day

- The incredible responses to my cookbook

- Sattwa, tamas, and rajas

- Not know how everything will get done, but knowing it will all happen exactly as it should.

- The health and safety of my family and all those I love

A guy on the radio said, “Who cares if the glass is half empty or half full- just be grateful you have water!” I am indeed, so very much.

I just want to add how incredibly proud and joyful I am for everyone of the girls in my portfolio class. Yesterday was our portfolio critique, and it was astonishing. Work, presentation- everything was above and beyond anything I could ever have dreamed. Amazing job everyone, I’m so proud of us!!! Our show is going to be incredible!!

With only 2 and a half weeks left till graduation, I’m definitely feeling the rushing of time slip by. I have an incredible amount of work to do, but it’s so difficult to wrap my mind around. Just how long is two and a half weeks? What exactly do I have to do, again? What is time, anyway? Does any of this even really matter?

Perhaps it’s the fact that everything I’ve worked on these past five (yes, five) years is drawing to a close. I want to send it all off with bells and whistles- at the same time, I’m getting pretty exhausted and ready to move on to the next thing, to start my life. With the beautiful spring/summer time bursting through my windows, and much of my work for my cookbook requiring the computer, I’ve been finding myself sitting at the loom for extended hours, working on gosh knows what. I know it’ll be something for my collection, and it will be fabulous. Do I really have time for this? Maybe not. But that’s just how I work. 

I’m taking it fast and slow. Working hard and hardly working, all at the same time. I know as the time gets closer, the pace will be frantic. So, for now, I’m enjoying myself. Listening to Vedic Mythology podcasts and weaving my heart strings. Looking forward, staying present. Doing my best.

Good luck to everyone in this boat- we’re so close to being free!

In fact, we already are.

Yesterday was a day to celebrate my mother. I try to do that everyday, every way… jai ma! But I mustn’t exclude my wonderful father, either. I’m so grateful to him, for all that he does, and gosh, does he do a lot! Together they inspire me to live to my fullest potential, and support me with ever flowing love and gifts of all kinds.

“Tina likes to do things differently when she goes about them. When she cooks, she cooks for 300 people. When she makes things, she goes to the sheep.”

- my dad (as told by Ale in a wonderfully comedic fashion, with an emphasis on his adorable Italian accent)

It’s starting to feel like full blown summer, though the calendar says it’s still spring. Catching deep whiffs of magnolia as I zip around on my bike, and the heat is really making it’s presence felt. Today was a glorious thunderstorm, a few hours of much needed rain. I can only hope it will keep coming!

Some edible color palettes:

gosh, I love the farmers market.

stir-fried and scrumptious.

These crepes reminded me of a cafe that we used to go to right outside of Le Grande Place, only theirs were much more tidy. Mmm, memories are so delicious.

Some things to be grateful for:

- Mothers, shakti, the energy of creation.

- My mother, specifically. I am so incredibly blessed to be here, through her!

- Ceiling fans, open windows, and thunderstorms

- Deflated car tires, inflated bicycle tires

- Compost -> fruit flies -> vinegar

- Using both sides of my brain

- Hard work

- Mantra, yoga, breath

- Basil

- Nicolina

a few recent sketches from my notebooks:

                                        spoon and trowel

                                       fork and pitchfork

                                           genetic modification is creepy.

Oozing with love and gratitude, this post is inspired by the lovely Ginny Branch.

I am most especially grateful for:

- the sunshine, and even more, the rain (please keep coming!)

- fire ants in the garden do give the oddest love bites

- eating juicy mulberries and arm wrestling with purple fingers

- dear, dear friends and my incredible family

- sunny-side up cupcakes on an even sunnier day

- Frida Kahlo’s love letters and photographs on display

- ideas and inspiration that keep on coming

- loving all imperfections and growing constantly

- intuition, awareness, and grace

- this moment, right now

- grand adventures to come

- you, most of all. Thank you for sharing this moment with me!

The brand new, custom prayer spindle!

It is the only one I know of like it. The idea for this spindles came from traditional tibetan prayer wheels. Tibetan prayer wheels contain a scroll of mantra written inside of it, so every time the wheel is turned, it is like saying that mantra however many hundreds/thousands of times. They are so similar in shape and the process of spinning is so meditative, I’ve been dreaming of combining the two for a long time.

The whorl of my spindle is a vessel for the scroll of mantra (will be writing it out and putting it together this weekend). I can’t wait to get spinning! The wonderful woodworker (thank you Paul!) that helped me with this really infused it with love, and was thrilled with the project. I hope to collaborate with him further in the future! I would love to have several of these, to use in the workshop concept I created around it.

These are previous attempts of mine to create a prayer-spindle, but without woodworking skills, it was difficult. The first was a traditional spindle simply painted with the OM MANI PADME HUM mantra. The second was a little box containing paper yarn I spun with the mantra written out hundreds of times. In the foreground is a real prayer wheel, made out of bone (memento mori).

In Food:

The beginnings of my egg salad sandwich… or an educational tool?

Egg salad- made into sandwiches on my very first sourdough bread for the Earth Day festival last weekend.

Whole Grain Sourdough Pancakes

Home-made Palak Paneer and sourdough naan

Yesterday I showed a bunch of things I had been working on to my portfolio class, and got some incredible feedback as to where I should be directing my energy and what is working, and what isn’t.

A clothesline set - part of a greater whole

Embroidered clothespin pouch

Hand woven garden mat (for knee support)

Hand-spun organic cotton clothes line

Hemp yoga tank top, OM detail

Thank you all for your feedback, and all your ideas (especially the ones I haven’t yet posted- they’re in the works!)

I’ve been keeping my hands busy this week, stitching and sewing and creating up a storm. A kids collection I worked on these past few days, based upon a snail pattern I had made in screen printing:

A pillow, shirt, and stuffed snail bedtime set.

Applique on the front and back

The snail is stuffed with pillow fill, as well as chamomile and lavender, to aid with sleep. It smells so delicious!

As I was sitting in the park working on sketching out my cookbook, this little winged beauty came to join me.

I’ve been sprouting more seeds for the garden, medicinal herbs as well as dye plants!

Inspired by Eric’s incredible brunch, I’ve been covering everything in chocolate. Mmmmm.

Speaking of chocolate, I made this hearty banana brownie cake for Abby’s birthday yesterday.

Stir fry and wild rice

I made some paneer with ghee and spinach, and then used the leftover whey in a veggie stew. I wish this photo could express just how mouth-wateringly good this dish was! Hooray for leftovers!

(04/18/08 - I decided the rest of this post, with photos from Shakti’s workshop, didn’t really belong on this blog. If you want to see the photos, feel free to e-mail me!)

Grow young caterpillar!
Nourish yourself with the leaves of sages.
Sit in quiet contemplation
In the temple of your own body,
Woven with your pure intentions.
Reveal the beauty that has always been inside of you.
Glide with the gentle currents of the wind,
And see the world from a higher perspective

(Poem un-earthed from an old sketchbook, pillow photographed last week)

Goodness, so much has been going on this week! Last weekend we went to the Hostel in the Forest for the annual Spiritual Retreat. I don’t quite know what to say about it- words wouldn’t do justice to the mind-blowing experience of love, unity, and connection in the forest.

I feel so bonded to all the people that were there, in a matter of days strangers (and old friends) became family. Thank you everyone for an unforgettable experience! More photos soon.

On a completely different swing of the pendulum, this friday was the SCAD career fair. I took it as an opportunity to whip my resume and portfolio into shape, and to practice interviewing with people and get feedback.

In Food:

Raw Munchkins

Home-made Cheese Ball

Curds and Whey

Carrot Slaw

Tadpole Salad

Raw

Cooked

Frozen Banana

Molded Leftover Kimchi

The Story of Stuff is a really informative little video, following the cradle-to-grave life of what we consume.

An important resource for anyone who buys anything.

Check out: http://www.storyofstuff.com

While in Arizona, we have been working in the garden, sowing seeds and enjoying fresh fruits and veggies. I took the opportunity to photograph some of my recent work, a tablecloth, pot holder, and the aprons I made.

I would really appreciate any feedback!

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This past week I have been loving the sunshine of Arizona, visiting my family and community.

On hike with my cousin Camila, we noticed rich oranges, reds, and yellows on the rocks where the water ran, and learned that the water in Tanque Verde Falls is highly rich in tannin (aka tannic acid) from the local plants, which can be used as a mordant. It makes me wonder if these beautiful falls were once used by native peoples in their dying. When I get back, I am going to experiment with soaking my fibers in the rushing waters as a pre-mordant, and seeing how it works.

Bookshelf experiments, playing with color and pattern. I have a few plaids up my sleeve as well.

Traditional Mongolian Yurt Felting:

Constructing a Traditional Mongolian Yurt:

I am determined to make one.

I am planning on building the frame from locally grown bamboo and reclaimed wood, and either felting wool with my bicycle and the fibers department’s new felting machine, or fulling used wool blankets.

If anyone has any suggestions, or can offer a helping hand, I would love to hear it!

I just finished this today- a hand bound journal, each page watermarked with words and sketches I’ve accumulated from my own journals over the years. 100% post consumer recycled paper and natural plant dyes. 

I have a few more of these in the works- gonna bind the rest in the next few days, and give them to those I love.

Also, I love this graffiti piece Banksy created- it’s so refreshing!