In the Land of Many Fabrics

Thanks to @chris_saeger for referencing the 100th Anniversary of The Secret Garden. Barnes & Noble Community commentator Sarah-W writes about the life of author Frances Hodgson Burnett and reveals this nugget from Burnett's personal writings:

What is there to feed my poor, little, busy brain in this useless, weary, threadbare life? I can't eat my own heart forever. I can't write things that are worth reading if I never see things which are worth seeing, or speak to people who are worth hearing. I cannot weave silk if I can see nothing but calico--calico--calico.

Geneva is, without a doubt, a land of many fabrics. More than one person has remarked that Geneva is not truly Swiss, as most people here are from other lands. Having spent so many years in Washington, watching and welcoming others to my town, it is interesting to be on the other end of the spectrum. In a conversation with "international woman of mystery" Laura G, we discussed approaches to creating a community in a new town.