among the best gifts ever.

I knew it was coming. I was warned and that helped. My aunt, my Dad's brother's wife, had asked if I had any of the batiks my mother had made. I knew the fate of several, but had none myself. So she sent me the gift that my mother had sent her as a wedding gift a forever time ago. It was a time when Mom had more talent than money. Aunt Heather has had it hung on many walls. Alaska(Ketchikan) Washington, and other places. My Uncle passed many years ago and his daughter has had a little of her own. Whatever reason she had for shipping this priceless piece of my personal history to me I wii always be joyful that she thought of me.

As several people have asked me today what a batik is I'll give you the process. The fabric, usually white, but may be any pale color, is painted with wax. Anywhere the wax is on the fabric it will be resistant to dye. In this case the picture was painted everywhere but where the key shows. If you have more than one color you start with the lightest, wax the area you wish to have that
color, dye the fabric for the next darker color, paint those shapes... Next thing you know you have your own finished model of St Basil's Cathedral.

I hope you have all had a lovely holiday.