Glen Ellen quilt on display at Mother’s Day breakfast

Powering up

In my last column, I wrote about Lance Morgan’s adventures at the UN. More recently, I’ve seen Lance on the trail in the Regional Park, powering his bike uphill. Sometimes I see him walking with the family dog. 

Lance’s wife, my fellow Bouverie docent, Angela Morgan, recently told me that Lance has seen me, too, powering uphill, on foot. Powering? Well, we did meet on the trail near Sky Rock (look it up in Arthur Dawson’s book, “Place Names of Sonoma Valley”), but powering up I was not. I was galumphing down, after a slow, breathless climb to the popular lookout point. Resting there on Barry’s Bench for a spell before descending made me appear more athletic and adventurous than I felt, even than I am. 

Such are the restorative wonders of a far distant Mayacamas view, with a blue sky above and buzzing bees below, most certainly a mid-level paradise. 

Bodhi in Bhutan 

But more than Angela’s praise of my prowess (entirely unearned), she shared good news about their son Bodhi’s Bhutan adventures. 

He ventured there with his class from Santa Rosa Summerfield Waldorf to help plant trees at a small school and transform a recreational field in the community. 

After helping at the school, Bodhi and his classmates set out on a week-long trek into the mountains, as well as meeting the current king of Bhutan’s grandmama. As for the latter, you’ll have to ask Bodhi or his parents for that hilarious story. Some might say the kids from Summerfield shared a throne with the king-mother. 

Angela waxes enthusiastic about “the joy, beauty and the cultural interchange” that Bodhi and his friends experienced. I concur, with the belief that it is awesome, adventurous kids like these, who so freely travel the world, making friends and learning, that may eventually bring about the peace we seek. 

Nebulous creation

Good neighbor and community volunteer Margie Foster shared more good news. BTW, it was Margie who first introduced me to the Morgan family, many years ago when they moved to Glen Ellen. Margie happily shared, “They’re the best neighbors ever,” a sentiment that still fits.

Margie’s news is about the completion of the 2015 Glen Ellen Village Fair quilt. Hot off the quilting frame just this week, the brand new blanket will be featured at the Glen Ellen Firefighter’s annual Mother’s Day Pancake Breakfast this coming Sunday, May 10. 

The stunning work of art was designed by Pamela Wiley, veteran quilter who has a creative flair for beautiful craft. The quilt is called the Star Quilt, featuring individual star patterns done by a variety of local folks. The highlight of this year’s quilt is a central medallion designed and created by master quilter Mary Ann Carr. She calls it a Nebula, but you’ll have to see it at the Pancake Breakfast to truly appreciate its effect. 

Scary beginning

Last week I talked to her about the quilt, and her beginning as a Glen Ellen quilter. Mary Ann confessed, “I had never quilted before; I was so scared,” when she committed to making a square for the first Village Fair quilt. That was 24 years ago. Now she is one of the acknowledged experts in all aspects of quilt creation. 

Margie Foster told me that this year they had more quilt squares than usual, so she and her friend Marsha Moran (another talented quilt artist) will create a small wall hanging called “Out of this world” with the leftovers. When Margie said “wall hanging” my mind immediately went to a baby-sized quilt. But we’ll have to see, after it’s completed. 

Firefighter fizzes

with friends 

Meanwhile, make sure you check out the Star Quilt at the Pancake Breakfast, May 10. As for that, here’s what the good fire folks say on their website about that yearly event: 

Glen Ellen families flock to the fire station to celebrate Mother’s Day with pancakes, Firefighter Fizzes, Mommy Mimosas, friends and families. Safety demonstrations, a jump house and maybe a visit from Smokey himself make this a “must go” event. 

Meanwhile, keep in mind that Mother’s Day originated in Boston around 1870 as a day to promote peace and disarmament. In her famous speech, “Mother’s Day Proclamation,” Julia Howe declared, “Women need no longer be made a party to proceedings which fill the globe with grief and horror,” demanding an end to war. As the proceedings continue in our own day, with grief and horror as ever, Julia still stands apart. And waits, as do I. 

Art is a powerful healer

Justine Ashton Gotthardt, of Ashton Vineyards, is a talented watercolor artist, self-taught and wildly creative in her approach. Her paintings are shown in local galleries and owned by collectors who appreciate inspirational self-expression.

Last spring, I visited Laurel Glen Winery’s open house where Justine’s paintings were featured, along with a few historical photos of Christo’s Running Fence by Stephen Ashton.

Back then, I noted that Justine’s paintings, “come alive with a brilliant display of colors. Her style is a unique blend of Grandma Moses out on a stroll with Rousseau and Chagall. The paintings feel elemental and emotive, with fantasy dominating.” 

Continuing, I shared, “Painting is part of her spiritual practice. She employs her brush and board as new forms of communication with the world. We, the viewers, benefit from her explorations and insight into her own life, as we are drawn to examine our own.”

Justine is offering an inspirational watercolor class midday May 16, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., teaching her techniques using vivid colors and free spirit. About art, Justine says, “I know from personal experience that art is a powerful healer. It enriches my life. I’m offering this class to anyone at any level who loves to draw or paint, or wants to, and for whatever reason isn’t.” 

Justine’s class begins with a quiet breathing practice, walking in nature. She adds, “This short exercise will open us to what I believe is magical and creative, and will connect us to talents that dwell within.”

This watercolor class is limited to six people. Open to any age. No experience with watercolors expected. $30 a person. Reservation required, no drop-ins, please. For location and what to bring call 933-6177 or email wcfilmfest@aol.com. 

Artists and

eagles on deck 

Finally, in my last column I promised news about more talented and clever local folks, including artists Tasha Drengson and Patrick McMurtry, and a new Glen Ellen Eagle Scout. That news awaits. 

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Email me at Creekbottom@earthlink.net.