wisdom. and fucque.

(sub-title: raven steals the sun.)

We had a weekend visitor and the essence of her coolness is still floating around here... it was such a fabulous visit. Laurie traveled from Canada to meet me and to explore my Rhea Belle clothing and a little bit of New York city. To say I feel honored and charmed that such cool women gather with me is an understatement (Jeanne, another online/blogger friend came to New York in September from Seattle). From the moment Laurie and I met on the sidewalk I was so comfortable with her and I had a feeling that the weekend would bring a creation of long conversations and inspiration. And this feeling proved right.

Laurie came bearing gifts: Canadian mustard with maple syrup, cocoa camino- a bar of the most delicious fair trade dark chocolate imaginable (of which I've eaten three pieces while writing this) and two cds which I have nearly worn out already, Eve Goldberg's A Kinder Season and Joni Mitchell's Shine. When Laurie arrived John wasn't home from work yet so I called him and asked if he'd pick up some good dipping pretzels for the mustard and a bottle of my favorite wine- an Australian Shiraz. When he later pulled the wine from the bag Laurie said it was her favorite! I knew it was going to be a great weekend.

Friday evening, after a visit to the roof to experience a cold clear sky and a glistening view of Manhattan with wine in hand, we looked over the Rhea Belle clothing collection and Laurie unveiled which garments were her fave- we decided that Saturday we'd venture out and procure the necessary materials. Saturday morning we cruised the L train into Union Square for Laurie to experience the Farmers Market and the Holiday Mart and then we were off to gather supplies. With our mission accomplished we hunted down a cup of coffee and a bit of fuel before we went our separate ways: Laurie to brave a few Manhattan sites alone and I back to the loft to begin sewing her selected garments. I absorbed every minute to sit and talk with Laurie and I could've remained in that coffee house, across from her for a long time but we both had some stuff to accomplish. Later in the evening Laurie arrived back at the loft with a pot of home made vegetable soup waiting for her. I did my best to spoil this woman.

Sunday arrived way too fast! It's a real delicious treat to be in the company of a person who is incredibly lovely to be with- no silence being awkward and plenty to talk about. Kindred spirits, indeed. Even my cats, Tina and Freeda, adored her and allowed her to sleep peacefully and gave her some lap time. After a breakfast of freshly baked banana nut bread, coffee and the company of my sister Laurie ventured out to explore a few more bits of the city and I finished up her two garments. That evening Laurie had planned on treating us to dinner so upon her return we took her to a neighborhood place that we tend to take guest and celebrate special occasions. Northeast Kingdom's small simple cozy environment is seductively inviting and the food is comfortingly delicious. Our conversation wove in many directions as it often did- from body politics (of course), far away travels, details of our weddings, to ravens stealing the sun while adorning jewels. I believe a fabulous, warm, memorable time was had by all of us.

Monday we awoke with a plan. Laurie and I wanted to photograph her in the garments that I had created for her to include in my Rhea Belle slideshow. After an unplanned dry-run we eventually captured some beautiful moments of Laurie in front of the lens wearing the perfect cardigan and stitched atop plum goodness. It doesn't get any better than that!!! With a few hours to spare before she needed to head to the airport we found ourselves out in Williamsburg Brooklyn on a crispy chilled day and feasting on some of my favorite pizza! Laurie had mentioned wanting to have a good New York slice while visiting and though it wasn't planned- enjoying this delicacy together topped off what was already a kickass weekend. I just can't believe she's come and gone already.

The conception of Rhea Belle clothing was born out of a necessity to fill a huge social gap and to establish a clear message of defiance. A societal f**kyou one might say. It's not a tough code to crack with a name like Rhea Belle- and that's better than Fucque Clothing, right? The clothing actually has very little to do with fashion- it's "fashionista" (a term I actually dislike being associated with but take no offense when it is attached to me kindly) implications are merely a by-product of a marriage between diabolical aesthetics/design and purpose. But when a woman says that I, my clothing, makes her feel beautiful- then if you want to call it fashion- by all means, call it fashion. Calling it wonderful is cool too.

"I have come home inspired and rejuvenated. You have helped me to go back to feeling good about my body, as it is. You are doing a wonderful thing with Rhea Belle." Laurie

I once confessed... "my life feels thick as pudding
and is as good". this is true, still. in part because of this experience.

the top image is for Laurie.
("Raven Steals the Sun" By Preston Singletary, at the National Museum of the American Indian)