Archives : 2010 : July

Unplug

Did I just suggest that?   Can we really survive by unplugging – our cell phones, our computers, our iPods and iPads? Yes we can.  Especially in a place like our Central Oregon resort Black Butte Ranch.  This is such a magnificent place to experience nature and the forest, to listen to bird songs and the sounds of the meadow.

You can’t hear the wind gracefully rippling through the Aspen if you are listening to the latest Top 10 hit on your iPod.  You won’t notice the golden twinkle of Paulina Springs as the sun makes its appearance if you are engaged on your cell phone.

Technology is wonderful; it makes our lives easier,  but it also makes our lives faster and with higher expectations.  Expectations that even though you may be away from work, you can still answer emails.  So why do you vacation?  Is it because your bodies and our minds need to unplug?  I think so. I think people love coming to beautiful Central Oregon because they do get to unplug, they get to relax and let their thoughts of work and obligations drift away on the warm summer breeze.  Here, it’s OK to take a stroll, to stop and listen, to make a small discovery. You will  discover that it’s fun to watch your kids giggle and squirm as they run through the water shooting up out of the cement at the Glaze Meadow  “splashground.”  You will  discover that sometimes being together doesn’t mean you have to make conversation.  You will discover that watching wildlife will improve your blood pressure. you will discover that you can unplug and survive.  Give it a try.

See ya ’round the Ranch!

Katie

Quilting is a Reflection of Life

When you look at the amazing quilts that the Black Butte Ranch Quilters have on display this month at the Lodge Gallery, you can see a reflection of their lives and an expression of their artistry.  It takes a tremendous amount of creativity and patience to make a quilt.  Quilts are heirlooms passed down from generation to generation; they are cherished as a pieces of family history; they represent their own unique place and time that they were made as well as representing different cultures and mores. A quilt could even  be compared to a letter from a loved one – a personal, handmade expression of love and caring.  Some quilts have been “loved” to shreds and others are carefully preserved and tucked away.

Over the centuries, quilts have told many stories.  Quilts played important roles in American History as well. They were made to raise funds for the abolitionist movement and then also during the Civil War quilts were made to earn money for the war effort and to give warmth and comfort to the soldiers. There are stories that the Underground Railroad used certain quilts as signals to help slaves  in their fight for freedom.  One  such example was the practice of using  a “log cabin” quilt hung on a clothes line to indicate that a house was a safe place for slave.  Women sometimes even put anti-slavery poems and saying on the quilts they made to sell at fairs.

In more modern times quilts were made for Aids patients by their friends and family as a way to show their support and love. Simple quilts and blankets are given to victims of tragedy to help comfort them. Quilting, which has traditionally been a women’s craft, has also seen an increase in interest by many men.

Most recently a dear friend of quilters  and founder of Peggy’s Pin Pals passed away.  As a gesture to honor their friend Peggy Click-Taylor, the

Black Butte Ranch quilters collaborated and  each made a quilt square, from which a quilt was made and presented to Al Taylor in loving memory of his wife.  The quilters always felt that Al was their “teddy bear” and appreciated the support his gave to his wife and the group.  The quilters have continued on with their craft, meeting every week to quilt, or just to talk about quilting  and dispensing a little advice along the way.

This week we celebrate the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show, in it’s 35th year.  I know the BBR quilters will be busy this week attending classes and events surrounding the quilt show, and our hats go off to you and thank you for your amazing handiwork.

See ya around the Ranch!

Katie