What did people do in the heat of the Midwest before air conditioning? Put a blanket in the shade and read. And read and read. Reading seeded the imagination.  After 40 years in nursing, it was time to let the imagination fly. My special interests were art, the Renaissance, mystery and tapestry. These interests led to trips to the UK and Europe to learn about tapestry and there I fell in love with the art form. I wanted to bring the excitement I felt to the reader. Now that the first book is complete the focus will remain on textiles. Textiles - such a harsh word, full of consonants and guttural sounds but encompassing some of the most beautiful art forms- lace, costume, fabrics, weaving, no carpets. Join me on the journey. Grab a coffee, put your feet up and venture into the past.