The End of a Creative Day

Got back from my basket making class a couple hours ago and just did a bit more "homework." I think I've found the kind of basket I really like: any variation on the ribbed basket. This week, it's a key basket. [I'll try to post pics tomorrow. A wee tired right now.] I also learned earlier this week that there are three basic kinds of baskets: plaited (made out of flat weavers and stakes), spoked (made out of small round "spokes" radiating out of the center of a round bottomed basket), and ribbed (a traditional Appalachian design in which weaver moves in and out of curved ribs). So, that was good to learn. Makes me feel I have a better grasp on the natural history of the craft. And, every basket is just a variation on one of these three basic types (or, sometimes, a combo of two or more of the types).

Also, earlier today, messing around with kraft paper and fonts: playing around with a hypothetical cover to a hypothetical literary/cultural magazine. Something I'd like to get going within the year.

Earlier this week, was accepted to give a reading at the Appalachian Studies Association conference. That'll be in Huntington at Marshall University at the end of March and I'll be reading from my Zinnie manuscript...which, well, at that time should be a finished and defended dissertation.

Speaking of: I'm planning to defend on Whit's spring break, if possible. Go down to Florida and spend some time there with friends and the landscape before all official ties are cut. Hope for warm beachy weather in order to enjoy the Gulf for a bit.

Ah ha! I now realize why I'm such a pleasant, satisfied mood: in addition to working with both sides of my brain and with my hands, I had a good ole social time in basket class. It's so good to work in a group together, and laugh, and talk, and learn.

Ahhh...a very nice, cozy, drizzly day.

And so, for now, g'night.