Saturday, September 7, 2013

Memories of Summer

The little people have come and gone, and daily life has settled into quiet routine. Like last year (here), Grandma's Boot Camp included piano practice, sketching, painting, conversational French and Arabic, reading, math, beekeeping, 




learning to be handy,







visiting Roman ruins,






making a fairy house,


and, of course, several birthday parties and a few days at the beach--an exotic Mediterranean beach at that. They were sad to go and I was sad to see them leave, however, everyone seems happy to get back to their schools, friends, and busy lives. 



Me, too. I finally found time for my textile sketchbook, for which I have several ideas. To start with, "Memories of Summer", for which I used one of the stitched shell sketches mentioned in a previous post. 
I drew over the lines of the fabric with a black permanent marker. 
This seemed rather stark and dark, which might have represented this summer well because of civil unrest in Tunisia. 
However, the threads on my shelf called to me.
































That wraps up the summer fairly well. All in all, it was a good summer...

**************************************************************
My granddaughters first reaction when they returned to the States was: "It's so clean." Yes, the sad reality of Tunisia right now is a vacuum in authority resulting in filth at all levels. In the absence of dialogue and responsible governing, large protests against the government will take place today. Calls for government leaders to step down [their mandate ended October 23, 2012] have been ignored, so opposition parties are formulating plans to force them to do so. 

It appears that the situation will worsen before it gets better, making memories of summer bittersweet. 

Linked to Nina Marie's "Off the Wall Friday."

18 comments:

Tonya Ricucci said...

glad you had a great visit with the grandkids. great commemorative piece.

Nana said...

Thank you for stopping by at my blog, this way I found yours too and the art you make. I like it alot! I believe you have tons of ideas.

Nana

Julie S said...

I would like to come to boot camp next summer. I will do whatever you say, I promise.

Rachaeldaisy said...

Boot camp sounds absolutely wonderful Such a great variety of different activities! It's good to see you found time to stitch for yourself, I really love your thread sketching.

Carli The Quilter said...

Thank goodness that your life was filled with the joy of family this summer, as so many families are torn apart. I wish and pray you and yours are fine always.

I think of you often when I see the news and its not good in your area. Even though miles stretch to the most Syrian conflict, Tunisia is still fragile, do take care!!

Magpie's Mumblings said...

Beekeeping and fairy houses - a summer to remember for your little ones!

Maggi said...

Glad that you have good memories of the Summer. I do hope hat the situation that Tunisia finds itself is resolved as quickly and peacefully as possible.

Thank you for visiting my blog.Connie's is great isn't it?

Julierose said...

Wonderful sketchbook entry on Summer Memories! Happy times with grandchildren are precious...love your stitching...julierose

Linda said...

Please sign me up for next summer's Boot Camp. Can we do quilting too?

Unknown said...

What a wonderful experience the summer was for you all.
The stitch -sketch is terrific.
Blessings to you Nadia.
-sus

Els said...

Lovely memories of summer .... just too bad the situation over there isn't getting any better yet ...
(courage !)
Happy stitching, Nadia (on whatever beautiful piece ;-) !)

American Homestead said...

Hi Nadia,
It sounds like you had a busy and fun summer. Now time for some rest and creativity? All the best,
Ellen from American Homestead

rtquilter said...

Oh, nadia, I say my prayers regularly for you and for all of the Middle East. Where will it all end? Please take care and hold fast to the lovely memories of summer with the children. They make everything good :-)

Norma Schlager said...

Lucky, lucky grandchildren to have a grandma like you. Can I come next year, too? Your shell sketching and stitching are fabulous and such a nice reminder of a great summer. Stay safe!

Sujata Shah said...

How wonderful for your grandchildren to be able to visit you! And, glad to know that you are able to thread those memories - as bittersweet as they may be. Children will treasure them forever in their minds.
I remember our summer vacations at grandma's.. There were lots of not so fun things happening, but all in all, I have the fondest memories that keep coming back and make me smile.

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

Isn't it heartening to know that even in the midst of chaos and turmoil you can still create happy, lasting memories! You are a special lady to do that for your grandchildren (and yourselves)!

Unknown said...

Now I know whu you were exhausted! You are a grandma every body likes to have!
I love your stitch sketch!

blandina said...

Spending holiday with a Grandma full of imagination like you must be a dream for every child.