Hi all, I have not dropped off the face of the earth. I am very much here but oh so busy that I can't read my emails or really sit down and think about issues and contribute to the threads of conversation.
This past weekend I was part of a planning committee that led a Quaker Quarterly Meeting on the theme "Lightning Candles in the Dark." I spent my free time making ceramic frogs and turtles. I have 10 frogs, but eight of them are huge and although they are within the weight limit of my luggage, probably not within the size limit counting the packing that is needed to protect them from being thrown around by airline attendants. I won't really know until the last minute because I am so far behind and am struggling to make my final firing tonight. Probably turtles are out of the question. Last time I transported turtles in my luggage, they arrived with their heads severed. Frogs don't have any appendages sticking out. I am so looking forward to seeing you all and participating in the Conference. My friends and family have all encouraged me and the logistics of being picked up at the airport are in place from a Quaker family who live in Manassas. Thank all who have cheered me on... Best, Merla
