I spent 22 hours traveling home. I’ve decided I really wish I could be like Dorothy and just click my heels. I travel “economy” class and it’s not easy. My flight from Frankfort to Chicago, I was in the middle seat. I had good traveling companions but it was still torture. Chuck, a young man returning from Iraq, couldn’t help himself (big guy) with getting into my space. Emily, a 24 year old nurse, was on her annual trip home from Africa where she teaches nutrition. She and I spent a lot of time talking and for that I will be forever thankful for her kind words on the work I had done in Georgia, Armenia and Kazakhstan. She shared that the rich women in the villages she visits have quilts white and blue quilts hanging from the ceilings of their dung huts. Emily promises me pictures because she can’t find any information on these quilts which have crosses on them even though the country has been Muslin for over 50 years. I sure hope I hear from her again.
It’s going to take me a while to catch up. Also my bronchitis is not gone so I have to do another round of antibotics. I’ve bruised the ribs on my right side from coughing so much. I went to bed at 6 last night and was up at 5. I don’t suffer jet lag for which I am thankful but I have to tell you that it is going to take me a while to process the last six weeks. And while it is good to be home, I am grieving the loss of friends and distant places. More tomorrow. Karen
Comments (2)
Welcome home. Great work–you, your family, and The Alliance should be incredibly proud. I can’t speak for the guild, but please let me know if there is some way to support your efforts– we loved your presentation last year. Regain your strength, and thanks for being such a wonderful representative for our quilts and our country.
Cocktails any time!
Claudia
Karen: glad to know you survived your doctor’s appointment and that hopefully you just have a bruised rib … I am sorry I only had a few doses of Robitussin for you. Take it easy, and let your boss know that you worked HARD every day and you need a little easing in time! Jonathan will mount a mini photo show in the part of the Embassy where he works, so I don’t get to admire my photo of the ladies at the sewing machine … yet. Did get all my books back and they were in remarkable shape; amazingly, the one most dog-earred was Jean Ray Laury’s Book on Imagery … go figure! Otherwise, they seemed fine. But I think a lot of it is due to quality of the books, many by C&T. But the bindings held, so I’m happy, and I know they were enjoyed. Haven’t gotten to the sewing machine though — maybe tomorrow – your blocks are lonely. Maryjo