It feels so wonderful to be out and about! Yesterday started with a beautiful cup of cappuccino.

And progressed into a trip to the Met. We meandered the Middle Eastern art section.

David is quite photogenic, don't you think? Oh. I am sorry, that isn't him!

When I was a child I would ride my bike around town, taking myself out on jaunts. I got into jags where I would go to the library to xerox the stuff in my pockets, to the rec center to play foosball, down to Ezra Street and back again. Anyway, I would go where it pleased me most. These days museums and galleries please me most and although I am now 42, I may as well be 9 and riding my lime green,banana seat bike with handlebar tassels. Geez, I would love an adult version of that bike.

Yellow! Isn't this color amazing?

This piece is by Anish Kapoor, whose work we were also able to see in Bilboa. I don't 'get' his work yet but I like it.

Happy All Hallows. Serve your ancestors and the saints some divine treats tonight.

I have always loved having pen pals. When I was a young girl and adult I had a few folks I would write to on a regular basis. I have never had a Needle Pal.

Upon my return from Switzerland I received a offer I could not refuse from my new friend Fabia. She asked if we might become pen pals through stitch by mail, in other words, Needle Pals! I could not resist. Nope, not even an ounce of me could say no to such a request. What a fabulous way to keep connected with fellow artists and fabulous friends!

This is my first mailing to Fabia (who has already received the letter). I tacked a few choice pieces of cloth, see anything you recognize, Jeannie (you dyed the indigo)? I dyed the brown silk satin using acorns and eucalyptus, the hankie is from my stash. This is the first time I have thought to embroider paper onto cloth so that felt liberating (see the Chinese money bottom left). Of course I also had to send photos, a note and the like.

This is the beginning of a great artistic meeting of two friends across continents, using stitch. Very excited.

And of course, my adventures are not over. I can bask in photos taken along the way, just last night David made vegetarian Rosti (a Swiss specialty) and we looked at photos while eating dinner.

This was taken at The Academy of Fine Arts of Brera, Milan. She will need to make it into a piece of art somehow.

This was taken at the Duomo in Milan. I think it is a confession box decoration. I have always loved eyes taken out of context and given meaning.

Those crazy Swiss have lived among mountains for so long that they came up with the idea of funiculars to be able to easily get to the top of mountains. These inclined lift systems are a fabulous way to traverse steep inclines and see elevated views easily. We went to the top of San Salvatore in Lugano. Another day I will tell you about taking the cogwheel train up to Pilatus from Luzern.

And we have a winner from the Destination Creativity post..... Shirley Levine! Shirley is a good friend of mine and I was happy to see her comment among the 95 that were left on that post. Congratulations Shirley!

I have been quiet over here. Perhaps I have jet lag, perhaps my body is tired and I am catching up. I met so many fabulous people and did so much over the two weeks we were away, I have been processing and integrating all the the things I learned.

I met a beautiful woman named Fabia. I am a softy and fall in love easily, so when I met Fabia, I just knew. She gave me this fob and I love it. I am happy to have something made with her hands. I will use it as it was intended and I hope that it is in tatters the next time you see it. I love using hand made things until they fall apart.

A little man and I missed each other dearly for a very long time. Lap time is in high demand.

I have been working on my trip embroidery project. You will see more photos over the weeks to come. I need to complete this and start wearing it.

Please go check out Melina's blog, Linda's blog and Marlis's blog

I have good news. I am all clear on my latest Pet CT scan. I am moving away from the land of cancer and back into my life. It feels good.

I am not 100% available at the moment. I am working, painting and enjoying an extended period of time with my Man, who is in his third week of a month long sabbatical. We are rearranging the abode and having fun with a new set up.

I don't think I have mixed dye in a prettier place.

The accomplished Gabi Tisch. I feel honored to have her in my class.

Beautiful Sabine.

In the first two days we learn monoprinting with stamping.

Everything is going well and I am soaking up the love and beauty here. If ever you are able to come to Switzerland on vacation or take a class, Tex Art Academy is the place to come! This is an amazing experience.

Marlis Egger of Tex Art Academy. I begin teaching tomorrow!

Put your heel in erm...the...and turn, three times.

And hey! If you want to win a copy of Ricë's book comment on this post (only).

And don't forget about the Blog Hop Giveaway.

Destination Creativity: The Life-Altering Journey of the Art Retreat is an amazing book on so many levels. I am enthused about it because I met up with Ricë and The EGE several times last year and at several retreats. I watched as Earl took photographs and we all got to know one another over time and several retreats.

I watched Ricë stitching on clothing and we talked about the array of bracelets and memories she wore in her jewelry (check out page 42), we ate barfood together while talking about hotel rooms and well, if you know Ricë, you will know there is a story around every curve. The other teachers would sit down, somehow nosh would appear and soon we be laughing and talking over one another.

I met Michael McMillen and talked at length about Utilikilts (there is a photo of him on page 17). You know I came home and showed them to my Man. I would love to get men, any man into a skirt-they are just so comfy!

This is the atmosphere of Ricë's newest book, Destination Creativity and I think it is aptly named. To read this book is to sink into the relaxed, energized and creative retreat experience. It is a place to get more how-to drawing lessons by the ever silly Carla Sonheim, get to know Jesse Reno and take some mini classes too.

I wrote some on Quilt Festival and some photos from a class I gave are on page 128. So, like I said, I got to see this book unfold and was able to get mentioned in it too.

If you would like the chance to WIN a copy of this book, leave a comment on this post telling me about your retreat experience or mentioning the retreat you would like to go to most.

And also check out this list of A-list bloggers for more chances to win.

Tuesday, October 4th: Seth Apter
Wednesday, October 5th: Mary Beth Shaw
Thursday, October 6th: Carla Sonheim
Friday, October 7th: Lisa Mayers Bulmash
Saturday, October 8th: Melissa Manley
Sunday, October 9th: Deryn Mentock
Monday, October 10th: Jen Cushman
Tuesday, October 11th: Jill Berry

And of course, Ricë's blog, Notes From The Voodoo Cafe

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P.S. I am going to Switzerland and will be away for 2 weeks, David and I will explore and then I will teach. I will be posting silently, when I am able. Good luck winning a copy of Ricë's book!