I am at Grunewald Guild near Leavenworth, Washington!  My trip was uneventful, other than having my suitcases go to San Francisco rather than Seattle.  They caught up with me the next day.

Having stayed with my cousin, Trudie, and her family in Seattle for two nights, I drove a few hours up into the Cascade Mountains and over the major pass to reach Grunewald Guild.  It is a quiet time for the staff as they gear up for spring and summer programming so I am blessed with lots of quiet and solitude.

My room is in the River House (by the Wenatchee River) where I also have ample space for my artwork.  While in Seattle, I went to my favorite art supply store, Daniel Smith, and purchased enough paints, glue, paper and brushes to last for quite some time.  Now I am busy painting and trying my hand at making paper fabric (a technique described in a book called Stitch Alchemy.

My intention for my time here at the Grunewald Guild is to find a holy rhythm of daily life that will ensure a margin of grace/space for rest, creative time, prayer and community.  Already my prayers are being answered.

You should know that I've brought a creative muse with me named Hilda.  I made her a number of years ago from an old flannel shirt when Bob and I were vacationing in the Adirondacks.  Whenever I need a good laugh or a reminder to create, I get Hilda out where I can see her.  I took her to Daniel Smith where you see this picture of her in the watercolor display.  The staff was laughing hysterically but Hilda was not offended.

Peace,
Hannah