Hey everyone, I'm back from an exhausting and amazing few days with Amma. As always, it was an intense time, but filled with the incomparable blessings of my beloved satguru. I like to set aside as much money as I can to spend in her shop, because every cent of the proceeds goes to her many charities and institutions. And since much (probably most) of the materials and labor for the merchandise in her shop are donated, that's a lot of bang for your buck. I want to thank all of you who have supported my work in recent months, and let you know that most of that income went to support those charities.
On Saturday morning before I went up to see Amma, Pueblo artist and archeologist Mary Weahkee was across the river from us at the Kuaua Ruins giving a demonstration of yucca cordage making. I had met her several years ago and was glad to have the opportunity to hone my skills. I took a bunch of pictures and scrawled notes, which I am deciphering in my notebook, and today a roaster pan full of our yucca leaves is simmering in the oven. When they're done I'll prepare the fibers and make some cordage. Eventually I hope to be able to make cordage that is fine and soft enough to be used in necklaces.
So with the advent of summer I am slowing down from the intense pace of the spring, to work on improving my skills, explore some new things and get back to drawing, which I have been missing very much lately. There's a bowl of turquoise on my worktable wanting to go into settings, too! I'll keep you posted.