Can you just hear that wind howling?

Knocking down branches. Soaking the dock. Weather is such a vibrant occurence in this location, right on the lake. (And yes, I did kayak earlier – before this built into a full blown gale.)

(Peaches loves a windy day)

Amanda and Samsun are here. What a welcome visit theirs has been for me. Lyme can be rugged. And somehow another matter had blindsided me. I had assumed one reality, the other had another completely different one from mine. Those moments can lead to such sadness.

But Samsun and Amanda focused my attention back to my art. Which is a place that I feel at home. A good place for self-nourishment.

They had flown from Toronto where Samsun teaches at University of Toronto. With his wife, Amanda, a well regarded writing teacher and … in April, to be a new mom! They found a way, in their busy schedules, to fly to Boston, rent a car, and drive up to distant Squam Lake. I feel so loved.

AND it happens to be Amanda’s birthday today! We’ll cook our Thanksgiving turkey (parts) and say thanks and happiness all at once. Because that’s what I’m feeling with them here.

Happy birthday, Amanda! (the kimono I designed came just in time)