​https://www.craftours.com/tour/9-day-poland-4/

I've always wanted to go to Poland, and I will be accompanying a group this September with Craftours. You'll get to meet the talented artist, Cheryl Lennox. For those of you that don't know Cheryl, she is an amazing artist, and will be teaching a hands on craft workshop.
​I'm very curious to see what she's come up with, I have a hint from her and it sounds very exciting. Here are some of her gorgeous handicrafts.

I've been so negligent in writing this blog, but hopefully things wont get in the way like they've done in the past....

I just want to say that Travel is everything. It opens your mind , heart, and soul. I have met some amazing people with my journeys with Craftours, as a tour manager. Not only the clients, but the service people we get to work with, along with the local guides that all greet us, and welcome us into their lives.. It might be that happy face at the jewelry artists we visit, or a laugh with the Japanese Shibori team....It's all so fulfilling, and makes life so interesting and rich. The flavors, colors, and sights, swirl into a kaleidoscope of memories, and life lessons, some of the most magical moments of my life have been on the road. I say never turn down the chance to enhance, and color your experience on this planet. It's oh so worth it, once you step into another country, or sip that first passion fruit mojito. You become alive again, the daily mundane black and white of life suddenly becomes aglow in color! Go grab some life, it's out there XXX D

I'm off to Norway stay tuned for pics of my knitting and crochet tour! It's been nice being home, cooking and water jogging in the lagoon near my home. Its so peaceful, makes you a new person! At the end of a day emersed in clear turquoise water, you come home to shower your sun warmed skin, it's a sheer delight. #luckywelivehawaii #ocean #Hawaii #artistsinhawaii #haleiwahomegrown

From a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, to a class in Shibori dyeing, we will bow to deer in Nara, visit magnificent temples and stroll the fabric street in Tokyo.
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Japan is a rich culture, I actually got tears seeing the story of a famous kimono artist, it was so very touching. An evening of Japanese traditional food, and dance proves to be an educational look at the lives of the "Geisha ladies" with a question and answer period. They were so accommodating, sweet, and willing to answer all of our questions.

There is so much to say about Japan, it's probably one of the safest places I've been on earth. I was at a coffee house, I sat down outside at the tables and saw a young girl leave her lap top, coffee and phone on the next table. I couldn't believe it, and immediately went into "Mom" protective mode...lol A few minutes later she came back out obviously having used the restroom, and I said "I watched your things for you." She just smiled gave a bow, said "arigato." I was blown away at how safe it was, that would have been gone in 2 minutes any where else.
I hope you can join us for sushi , sake, and so much fun. Treat yourself to a Christmas present, rent a kimono there, dress the part and we will do Japan in 2024. Click the Craftours link above for specifics, oh and I will be Urban Sketching, and teaching a class how to start your sketch journey and practice.
I'll change that dialogue in your head that says
"I can't draw" XXX Much Aloha, Deb