The Space In Between

Since last Thursday, when I first learned how serious Theone's medical condition was, I have lived in the space in betweeen. I wait for the final call, the final text, the final email, the final blog entry. I try to find words that will convey the finality of the process. Part of me demands to say the actual words, yet being sensitive seems the more gentle and loving path to communicate reality.

I ache at times for those sitting with Theone. Then the stuff of my life distracts me and the ache subsides. But in the quiet and when I truly feel what's in my soul, the pain of loss seems bottomless. I think each one of our journeys is different. Yet, the common emptiness and helplessness at these times is universal. I believe there is a passage somewhere that says through death we are reborn. I don't know about that, but I do know that I have been given amazing gifts through these losses. It's that moment of clarity when you know nothing can be destroyed. It is simply transformed.

Life is tenacious, precious, precarious, joyful, sorrowful, painful, humorous, serious. It's a mystery that we know. I once had the honor of being in the delivery room when a friend of mine had her baby. I cried. No other response seemed more apt. All of the sudden there was a new life in the room. I have had the honor of being in several rooms when lives have ended. I cried. No other response seemed more apt. It's about the cycle. Nothing is destroyed, it just changes, it's just transformed.

I could not have written this without Theone being in my life when I was a teenager. It wasn't about what we did or where we were. She saw me. She heard me. She told me that I deserved to be here. She just knew when I needed to be seen and heard. I new I was her favorite, yet I have a suspicion that many people felt that same way. No, she wasn't a saint, but on the other hand she was my Patron Saint. My Patron Saint of knowing that life is worth living.

Sadness

Most of you probably know that Theone is in the hospital in Fargo. She will start hospice care tomorrow either at home or a different facility. I don't know many medical details other than her lungs and heart are failing. Donald will arrive in Fargo tonight. Effie and Lara plan on getting there Tuesday. I have been texting with Tonya and spoke to her this afternoon. It's a hard process as most of us know.

Theone holds a special place in my heart.

I will update the blog as I know more. If you want to add anything you know, please do.

Canton 4th Friday Artwalk

We had a nice event last night in downtown Canton. The store was full at times. Sales were actually pretty good. People love the masks. Some of the artists canceled because they thought it was going to rain. Every time I talk to someone they say the rain is supposed to start at a certain hour. The next person keeps saying a different thing. What's a boy from Seattle supposed to do?



Jim and Liz with masks.

Where is everybody

Thanks, I love Whitney, one of my favorites is I didn't know my own strength.

Where is everyone?

No comments? I guess everyone is too busy these days.

Breath and say OM with me.

Listen to this and then return to whatever multitasks you are doing.



Peace y'all

More Commerce

Okay, as promised, some of our products are now on-line. You can access the site here:

feltandwireshop

There are products from other designer's on the site as well. Of course, ours are the coolest. ;-)

The Halloween merchandise will start coming on-line tomorrow. Ask Monna how awesome it is.

Jim

That Impressive Mr. Grant

Bill is speaking at a conference next week in North Carolina. Here is some nice press on the conference. It's a quick read.

Piedmont Triad Partnership Presents Second Triad Design Leadershop Program with Designer Bill Grant

When It Rains...

Unfortunately, Monna did not get to experience the Sunny South for her birthday visit! Instead, she was here for the Great Atlanta Flood of 2009. Some parts of Atlanta had up to 18" of rain over 7 days. We had around a foot here in Canton. We had some water in our basement at home, and the office has been leaking all week. However, we are fortunate compared to many people in the ATL Metro. We were taking Monna to Going Coastal for her birthday dinner, but the restaurant was flooded! So, she got to dine at Canton's newest fine Italian restaurant instead! Supposedly, more rain is on the way through the weekend. This photo is from Heritage park in Canton. There are usually walking trails and grass in the park, but we may have to replace them with canoeing and boat ramps!

Welcome to the South Debby and Ronaldo

Welcome to the South Debby, Ronaldo and family. It's a little different (understatement) than Seattle. The people are crazy, but that just gives you permission to also be crazy. One thing I learned early is that if you establish eye contact with a true southerner you may be in for a long conversation about their life. Transplants from the North and Left Coast are safe. I am still not used to living here, but the sun shine so much, I forget all about being home sick. Although, this week the sun has not shined.

It sounded like Monna enjoyed her visit with you.

Perhaps we can visit with you one of these days.

Francesca, if you send your email address to jim.wilson@yahoo.com, I'll add you to the blog as an author and you can you can update your family back in Seattle. I am pretty sure Georgean reads it.

Enjoy Charlotte and your big beautiful new home.





Jim

Happy Birthday Monna

Happy Birthday to Monna. We are going to Goin' Coastal for dinner tonight.

Monna went to downtown Atlanta today. It took her 3 hours to get home due to the flooding. Is would normally be about an hour drive if there is traffic. I-575 is closed due to flooding.

Our building always leaks when it rains a lot. A 100 year old building with a flat roof. However,because of the drought we really haven't had any problems the last few years. Well, that changed today.


This leak isn't even from the roof, it is water leaking through the window casements on the 2nd floor.

I'll get a video of the Etowah river and post it.