What's going on

Colorful scene from Ivan’s wedding 

 MORE TO COME

These days, we've stayed in touch regularly with our family in Peru. Hooray for the internet!

Their economy has not really recovered from the political upheavals in Peru that followed economic disaster of the pand*mic (I don't know if these things are searched and bothered, hence the *asterisk). Tourism is currently very low in this place that has invested a lot of the community's energy into developing that tourist industry. Therefore, Sam and I have continued sending money (sometimes with help from other godparents) to help out over a dozen families, at least enough to avert hunger keep many/most of them on Taquile island. Living in the big city for awhile to earn money is not a bad thing, but is not for everyone. We are so blessed for the integrity and willingness of our son-by-ceremony who acts in our name when we are not there. 

Next post will have stories: Ivan, our oldest grandson's matrimonial ceremony--and Fredy's! Kids growing up! Dancing videos from holidays. These will be news and pictures sent to us by Silvano, Olivia, Delfin, Asunta. So please consider following this otherwise rather neglected blog.

Right now our textile sales page is seeing an uptick in sales activity. We brought suitcases full of beautiful textiles when we returned last January, and it appears we will not be joining holiday fairs this year (?). So check out our Etsy site to see what is most available: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TaquileFriends

Pictures coming!

Native Wool Blankets

 Fortunata is making blankets from the wool of her own sheep. She starts by caring for the sheep, shearing the sheep, cleaning and the spinning the wool. 

Next she dyes a few colors and weaves the blanket. Her loom is staked to the ground; each thread is pounded into place with a polished llama bone. Here her granddaughter looks on:

Spun yarn is ready to weave.

Fortunata has been busy.

H

We were only able to purchase one blanket to fit in our bags to travel back to Colorado—and it sold right away! 

Congratulations to the new owner! 

You can be sure we will buy more blankets in future years.