Timely Inspiration.

On Saturday, I went to RUG, a semi-annual hook-in in Barrie, Ontario. It is always a great event, well attended by folks from all over the province. The main programme is always provided one of the local branches, there are always lots of home-made goodies to eat, and a bevvy of vendors who are more than happy to help you empty your wallet.

This year's programme was presented by the Orillia Sunshine Hookers, who are a dynamic, creative group who meet every Tuesday morning in Orillia. They are always working at something interesting and their presentation Saturday was all about Inspiration and Creativity. And it was based on the influence of Deanne Fitzpatrick, whose Creativity Symposium I am attending in Amherst, Nova Scotia next Thursday and Friday - October 16th and 17th.

Many branch members have already had the pleasure of attending Deanne's workshops on Primitive Faces and Creativity, so they all had insights to share on how Deanne's approach had influenced them. And the proof was in their rugs. Even the most stalwart 3-cut, fine-shading hookers had been challenged to go outside their comfort zone by exploring their inner artist. Although they will never hook with the freedom that is evident in Deanne's work, they now look at their approach in a whole new light.

I know that the two-day symposium that lies ahead of me will be filled with inspiring stories and insights and I am counting down the days - practically the hours - until I am on the plane bound for Moncton.

There is quite a contingent from Ontario making the pilgrimage, and I am lucky enough to be joining a group right from the airport in Moncton on Wednesday. I think I am the only "Deanne virgin" among us. Everyone else has already trekked to her studio, and already know where to go and what to do. So I will join them on their itinerary. First stop is a wool farm on the way to Amherst, followed by a gallery prowl. Luckily for all of us, the Nova Scotia Fibre Arts Festival is taking place while we are there, so there will be lots to do with our free time. The hard part will be choosing what events to attend.

As you can probably tell, I am already a near-zealot for this art form, so I can't wait to see what inspiration I will acquire on this journey of discovery. I promise to share when I get home again.