I've finished most of my packing, and in the morning I will be heading for Kennedy Airport, and then home for the week! I have been giddy all week anticipating this trip. I am thrilled for big momma hugs, sister cuddling, tear-filled laughter with my dad, best friend chatting, riding my bike, Farmer's Market, enjoying the sun, and relaxing. I start classes the Tuesday after I get back to New York, with only one day to get all of my things situated, so some relaxation is definitely something I plan on experiencing to its fullest.

Now that I'm so close to seeing my family, and that I know I probably won't get to see my Grandma, I decided to browse her adorable website for some reminiscing (you can too! just use this link: http://conniebutlersculptures.com/ ) She is such an amazing artist. I have seen her work around our house, her house, in Christmas cards, cards she'll send randomly just to say hi, my entire life, and I am angry at myself for shrugging it off, as if it was "just something Grandma threw together once." As I look at her work now, removed from it from quite some time now, I cannot help but be in awe of her. What I find most impressive and admirable is her method of creating a piece of art. I quote from her website, "For me, the process of creation is the concentration of my attention on wood, stone, or clay. When I first began, I trembled with respect and honor for the material. Now, I wait until a conversation between my mind and the material begins. It is a dialogue." One of my favorites of her pieces (other than the man-fountain) is a relatively small wooden sculpture of a pregnant woman; I recall her explaining to me how she decided to carve such a woman, showing me the different knots and circles of the wood, so perfectly positioned for the big belly and the two breasts. Brilliant, right?! As a little girl, I remember being embarrassed to look at that sculpture, wondering why she would want to carve a "naked woman", but once she explained it to me when I was older, I saw that smooth pregnant woman as elegant, powerful and spiritual. Despite growing up with such an artist, I really do not know much about the process of wood sculptures and how they are created, but I think it is wonderful that my Grandma carves what the wood wants to be carved as, not what she believes her next project should be. She is simply lovely!