The words, sculpture, and photography within these episodes are my own.

I am Deborah Kay, Debbie, Deb.

[email protected]

June 1, 1952 - Nov 2, 2001
episode 1 episode 11
episode 2
episode 12
episode 3
episode 13
episode 4
episode 14
episode 5
episode 15
episode 6 episode 16
The Ending Time
episode 7
episode 17
episode 8
episode 18,
in progress, ketchup
episode 9
epilogue
episode 10
Take My Hand
Red cedar and sheepskin
Welcome

Welcome to Kickapoo Valley and home of the make-do;
where farmers just chop up some twine when out of their best chew
The women turn bedsheets to curtains to cover a good view.
And children use boxes for sleds and swim in their tennis shoes.
The poem at right was written as part of a sarcastic rebuttal to a Milwaukee Journal article in the 1970s that slammed the Kickapoo Valley, its habits and inhabitants. My letter and this poem was published (so I'm told) several weeks after the article was printed. Unfortunately, I didn't save a copy of the letter;
I wish I had.
Each house has a floor that is cold and a closet that's too hot.
Each kitchen is stack with some pails that are just known as drip pots.
The walls are covered with pictures of relative despots;
and repainted every two years to cover the fly spots.
Welcome to Kickapoo Valley; we're sorry to show you:
unless you're a native returned we can't say we know you.
But please, be assured, we'll know you (better than you do),
You're our window to the outside and we can see through you.
On the last page of this tome, I requested possible epitaphs to summarize my life
and promised their publication here. Thank you to all who accepted the challenge.
Dry wit; strong work ethic.
Confident outside; struggling inside.
Smart, loving mother and wife.
A "Top Ten" favorite person.
You'll be missed, but always remembered.
    Love, Clair Urbain
    Fellow Fort Fest Board Member, client
       and appreciator of really great humor		 I only met you twice, but
To me you were...
Brave in the face of impossible odds
Positive and witty in fearful circumstances
Appreciative and strong to those who worried
With a sense of humor til the end.
          Remembered by a night nurse
                       Marlys
Cousin Deb, a TERRIFIC wife and mother.
A master of pen and crafts getting the most from life.
She shares her deepest thoughts of what her God has brought.. and has the vision to see beyond the obvious,
now and ... when God calls her home.. again.
    Love,
     Bob and Helen Abb		 My dear friend Debbie,
A Soul Mate. Master of Words. A golden sense of humor. No better, no more sincere friend  will you ever find. May God Bless You -- Rest In Peace!
      Your friend,
      Alice
A very talented, courageous lady that fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith; and now she has peace and eternal life.
    Love you,
     Donna Kay
She finished the quilts, but had so much more to give that her many friends will miss.
God be with you.
     Dave Gray
Our physical path's never crossed, but nevertheless you are such an inspiration. How many many quilts you have stitched for me with loving words. Peace be with you friend - you made footprints on my heart and I will cherish them always.
   Susan Burkheimer
The Gathering has begun. No more time.

                                       Deb
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