So, my first post...starting a blog is something I have been thinking about for a long time. I love to read blogs! I religiously read about 25 blogs and occasionally read about 30 others. I am always looking for another good blog for inspiration. I started reading blogs in 2006 when I stumbled across one looking up some fabric terms, then I found some others through Free Spirit Fabrics (some of my most favorite fabric designers). I read all sorts of blogs...mommy blogs, several artist's blogs, interior design and fashion blogs, blogs about cupcakes and blogs about crafting, quilting and hairstyles! Most of my real-life friends and colleagues don't fall into the creative or artsy/crafty category and reading blogs helps me to feel connected to other creative people. I think that is the real reason for this blog. It is a way for me to record the creative work I do and also to provide help and inspiration for my students, but, ultimately I hope it will bring me connections with other creative people.
My favorite blogs are rich with imagery - I am a very visual person - I like for things to look good. In class, I often say "Is it aesthetically pleasing?" So this is going to be a challenge for me to make this blog look good. I don't generally enjoy spending time on the computer because I would rather be doing something else. Not a big picture taker either...although the blogs I enjoy most have the most pictures. I often think to myself "this person takes pictures of EVERYTHING!" But I'm so glad they do! So that is challenge number two. Challenge number three is the fact that I really don't like to write and don't consider myself a good writer.
The above image is the Ocoee River in East Tennessee. In 1996, the kayaking portion (maybe others?) of the Olympics took place there. In high school, I went down this river several times on a large whitewater raft. It is something I think my own kids would love to do. My mother and I made a brief stop there on our way back from a wedding she attended.
Close up of Echinops (globe thistle) with Monarda (bee balm) behind
View from the patio table. Knock out roses under planted with Achillea (yarrow) and Nepeta (cat mint, Walkers low)
More globe thistle, daylillies and bee balm. 
