Friday, June 17, 2011

Finished Pillow, Final Draft & Reunion of Friends

Here is the finished pillow. I used some exquisite, deep-purple satin for the backing, to pick up the purple in the design. I trimmed it with decorative stitching (my sewing machine has this capability) and made a long flap so that the backing folds into the inside of the pillowcase like an envelope. It is closed with velcro dots, out of sight on the inside.

Yesterday was a busy day. I started by taking the final draft of my book to the printers. I had 5 copies made for a small group of readers to review. It still needs work on bibliography, permissions, and the occasional improvement to phrasing. After the comments come back, I will format it for the University Book Store's Espresso Book Machine, and plan to have it printed there.
I feel as if I just had a baby.

After my stop at the printer, I drove to the ferry dock and met David in the terminal. He was on his way to work, and I rode over with him, on my way to meet two friends from high school. Jody, Sally and I were one of those female "threesomes" in high school that worked. They were a couple of years ahead of me in school, but we attended the same church, were part of the same youth group, went to the same summer camp. In addition, one of Jody's brothers was dating my sister; Jody even dated my brother. Our paths were interwoven for a few years, until the two couples broke up...and then, things got a bit too messy for our youthful frame of reference. We went our separate ways for college, and allowed our "threesome" to drift apart.

I reconnected with Jody last year, and it was lovely. She has the same sweetness, intelligence, humor, beauty and positive energy that I remember, just burnished and deepened over the years. It was good to meet her husband, and to have her meet Gregg. We enjoyed a delicious dinner together in the warmth of their hospitality.

I hadn't seen Sally since high school, but she and Jody have stayed in touch with each other. It was lovely to see Sally again. She is just as I remember her: intelligent, whimsical, creative and kind. The three of us talked non-stop the entire time we were together; about 30 years has passed since we were in close contact, and I'd say we made a fair start at catching up!

The interesting thing, to me, was how quickly trust and rapport were re-established. It's a gift to find that all of the qualities which we recognized and loved in one another so many years ago are still there, still sparkling and still beautiful. Though life has thrown all three of us some serious curve-balls, that goodness is still percolating, alive and well.
facebook made this reunion possible - it is one of the blessings of that addictive social medium.

11 comments:

Diane Walker said...

Ah, Karen, the pillow is just gorgeous. Such a work of love...

And I am VERY excited to hear about your book! Congratulations!!!!!

Elizabeth said...

The pillow is beautiful, and I am so excited that you're going to hold your book in your hands. I hope that I will have the privilege of reading it one day!

That sounds wonderful -- your meeting with old high school friends. I have a couple that I still keep in touch with -- there's nothing like those companions that "knew you when."

ChiTown Girl said...

The pillow is gorgeous. So glad you were able to get together with old friends. Isn't that the best!?

Mary Potts said...

LOVE the pillow, and many congratulations on the birth of your baby! I hope to read it someday.
There is nothing like friends with whom you can pick up right where you left off, no matter how long ago it was since you left off.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Karen! That is so fantastic.

Thinking of you....

Carin

Ingrid's Organic Body Care said...

hi karen
my name is also karen.
i have an odd request. i knew kathleen strum when i lived in kingston as a newleywed. gunnar was only about 11 then. i now have a young son named gunnar. the other day i was reminded of her gunnar when my gunnar was enthraled in watching some motorcycycles. it made me want to get back in touch with kathleen. that is when i saw your site after a quick google search and had learned also of gunnars death. how devastating. i tried to get a phone number for kathleen but all the ones i called were incorrect. then i tried sending her a letter to a sawdust hill address, and i just came back. could you please email me with her address? felmleyfam@mac.com
i haven't spent much time on your site but i did see your sweet daughters photo and i'm sorry for your great loss. sincerely, karen felmley

Busy Bee Suz said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE the pillow!!!!
I can't wait to see your finished book Karen....you should be so proud of yourself; I am!
I really adore those friendships that never cease to dwindle...even when you don't speak/see each other for years. Magical!!

pysanki.blogspot.com said...

What a big undertaking on both projects! Good job!!

AnnDeO said...

Gorgeous handiwork! And the book - wow, you are my hero. I'm grateful I met you in cyberspace.

Anonymous said...

A book! Amazing! I know I felt the same when I finally finished my dissertation - like I'd just completed something monumentous - hope there is a good sense of achievement mixed in there! Sorry that you have been having a sad time of late - thinking of you.

Irene x

Jody E. Pineda said...

Karen - I just read through your insightful and very sweet comments about our friendship! I feel the same way and am very grateful to have you back in my life. It is a gift that I need right now. You are a wonderful soul and make such a difference to so many Karen. I am a bit in awe of you, truth be told! Looking forward to our getting together again in late late August or early Sept. - we need to get a date on the calendar. I will attempt to make that happen, around your availability since we're coming to you! xoxo