So it turns out Idaho is pretty great

I knew I would be enamored, I knew the scent of sage would capture me and the rolling cumulous columns would enthrall me.  I knew Plume Gables would feel welcoming, and I knew Miss Jillian herself would be just as lively, just as thoughtful, just as generous with her home and heart as I suspected.  

What I didn't expect was to miss it so much after I came home.  I mean, I was only there for five days, a veritable blip, but I feel like I left a very important sliver of my soul back in Idaho.

The Noisy Plume with The Gables in her eyes.

It was one of those trips where the return to routine and normal responsibilities is tricky, and the last two days have held their share of struggles.  Making this even more difficult is the extraordinary inspiration I feel.  I want nothing more than to hermit myself away in the studio, coming out only for water and berries but the exterior world keeps pressing; business emails keep piling up, the refrigerator is empty, in-laws will be arriving in mere hours, the porcelain needs scrubbing and I can't find my tweezers to tame back these eyebrows.

So today I awoke, determine to bask in the goodness that was last week, and the goodness I will create for myself this week, even if it is already Tuesday (when you live in my world, days of the week really only apply when the gallery you want to visit is closed on Mondays).  I sluffed off the last sticky burrs in my skin and greeted the day early.  

Today:

*I've greeted the Dogwoods, with all their subtleties and lanky blooms.

*I've baked three loaves of bread, tasty farmhouse whole [white] wheat.

*I've caught up with business emails (I know, rough life when you have to correspond with various gallery directors, art collectors of ALL types - painting and pillowing).

*I've whipped up a few new pillows, some that will be landing in el etsy shop this week, and some that will be heading to a brand new gallery-boutique here in Seattle - but more on that later.

*I've determinedly sought out time for myself, a quick bit of reading and a petit glass of chenin blanc.

Slowly, so slowly, I'm putting my feet down and testing the surface.  It's gonna hold.  

*** side note ***

I just had to share with you my new favorite bit of plumage, found, naturally, right here.  I don't believed I've ever used the term "flattering" when it comes to earrings, but these long babies are FLATTERING!  They  make me hold my head up a little higher, allowing their curve to swing flirty against my cheeks, making me feel as elegant as any gypsy princess ever has.  

sigghhhhh. 

I love me some pretty, shinny things.