Sisters, Here I Come!

Woohooo!!! Three more days until we head to Sisters, Oregon for Quilter's Affair!!!! 

Sisters, Oregon. This was the view behind our motel last year.

Google says it is 2,082 km (1,295 miles) from here to there. We figure three good driving days will do it. 

OMyGoshOMyGoshOMyGosh...I'm sooo excited!!!

Yep. Almost 50, but you'd never tell from my behaviour as I bounce around, clapping and squealing like a little girl! Yay, yay, yay!

Part of my excitement has to do with the classes (of course!)

My friend, Marsha, was the catalyst for my return to Sisters this year. I had no intention of going back to Sisters so soon, but when Marsha said she was going, I checked the line up of classes.
 
When I saw "Promises and Possibilites: Design in Action" with Rosalie Dace, I knew I had to go!!! This class has been on my bucket list for a few years...sign me up!

Outside the plant nursery in Sisters, 2013

On Marsha's recommendation, I looked up the work of Hilde Morin. After I picked my jaw off the floor (check out her bowl gallery), I signed up for her Cityscape class, too!

Obviously her work attracted me before I even knew who she was. Last year I'd taken this photo in the "Teachers' Tent" on quilt show day, and a close up of the tag confirms that it's hers.

 
The third, and final, class I've signed up for is Printmaking, with Sherrill Kahn. I have one of her books already, and am always interested in surface design, so...perfect! My days are full, and my evening explorations await. Yay, yay, yay!

 
And, part of my excitement has to do with the town, itself.

 
For one thing, it is incredibly gorgeous with its Ponderosa Pines, high desert climate, and warm sunshine.

Evening in Sisters...business district. Yes, that is a business!

There is beauty around every corner and in every nook.

For another, the town is teeming with artists and artisans. Exploring their galleries, shops, and restaurants fills me with creative joy.

Horse made of horseshoes.

Sisters is a small community with just over 2,000 residents. For such a small town, their events calendar is astonishing. Much of the money generated by these events goes back into the community, so their library, town hall, schools, and other public facilities are absolutely top notch.
 

Throngs of people arriving for the show.

The one-day, outdoor quilt show attracts an astounding TWELVE THOUSAND viewers.

This community fascinates me. Its level of volunteerism is unequaled, and its leaders' business acumen and vision should be studied! I'm inclined to think, "If they can do it, we can do it!", but I know the locale has much to do with its success. After all, who wouldn't want to visit such a beautiful place?

Unique decor on someone's home!

I'm also looking forward to seeing Marsha again. We met last year in class and have kept in touch, but haven't visited in person since. So many reasons to be excited!

On a more personal note, nine days after my final reconstructive surgery I decided to see how I look in a bathing suit. I think the result is quite amazing, don't you?

Can't even tell I had a mastectomy!

I'm overjoyed!


Try, Learn, Grow!
Carole

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