My kind

Dear Cal,

  This afternoon I visited the open studios of several artists--painters, a jewelry maker, glass artist, and a blacksmith.  I was with my kind of people... the kind that are charged up about the work they do with their hands.  We've talked about this before; the something that all artists have in common once they've put in their time.  They have a respectful confidence in their materials and in their process.  Does that make sense? It's hard to capture the idea in words. Every bit of knowledge and experience serve as building blocks for what comes nexts.  I had a wonderful time, you would have enjoyed it, too.

All my best,
Kate

So much alike

Dear Laurel,

  I'm in an unsettled frame of mind today.  I'm circling a big thought, walking around it trying to gain perspective; poking it and then backing up to see if it makes any difference.  So far it's not working.  Yesterday I came across the blog of the woman I wanted to be.  I dreamed of that life--not fancy, not wealthy, but sure in my place of service and calling.  I clicked on the amazon.com link and saw the book she wrote 10 years ago, about the same time I was writing a proposal for the same kind of book.  She was deeply influenced by the same people who influenced me; last weekend we cooked from the same cookbook. We are so much a like, but different in our experience.  More than anything I am startled to see this glimpse into her world; circumstances changed my life and opportunities so dramatically that I had no choice but to pursue my calling in a different way.  Startled, and maybe a little wistful. I'm sure you'll be hearing about this for a while, thanks for bearing with me.

All my best,
Kate