cold toes

It's a cold day

I've got cold toes

but the cold feels so good 

and I wish I were there again

now.

Taken on July 1, 2011 on Mt. Rainier in Washington State while hiking.  It's cold, wet and chilly today, in Houston.

Alas there's no snow ....

Blue Vase

I realized that I have never posted photos of the first delightful quilt that I received through Kate North's Another Little Quilt Swap #4 (ALQS).  Click here to learn more about the ALQS swaps and click here to see my post about my quilt Big Foot, framed!, that I offered up for trade.  But enough about these details as this blog post is featuring the quilt I received!  Tell me what you think of this little detail view ....

This sweet quilt originally  came to life  in Victoria, Australia.  Sue McBratney is the quilter who pieced, stitched, embellished and quilted this little quilt which I adore.  Here is the full view:

Blue Vase

Thank you Sue, for swapping such a lovely quilt!  

I love the pieced neutral background as it adds such texture and interest without distracting from the focal point of the blue vase filled with flowers.  I love the embroidery details that enhance each flower's center (and how you covered the threads on the backside of the quilt with little circle appliques).

Sue, I am thrilled to be the owner of your art!

BJP 2012

It's official -- I've signed up for another year of beading with Robin Atkins Beaded Journal Project, my 5th year (is that right?)!

Granted I have only completed the first year, 2007-2008 with my beaded pieces 4" x 6" in size.  Below is one which I named DNA gone wild!.  This piece is in a private collection...

DNA gone wild!

In the second year of BJP, I have so far only completed 8 of the 12 pieces.  Here is my February piece, reminiscent of a Madam from the Wild West ...

Queen of Hearts

I haven't started pieces for the third series, and am contemplating sizes to use for it as well themes -- and then to get started on the 4th series as well.  I am looking forward to working with my beads once again!

Zinnia

 I love love love my new quilt! 

I received this lovely blossom through the Another Little Quilt Swap #6 (ALQS6), hosted by my internet friend, Kate North.  My quilt, Zinnia, was created by Nickels Pickles (aka Nicole), who lives across the ocean from me (in Germany).

 

Click here to read Nicole's blog posting about making Zinnia which measures approximately 19" square.

(perhaps you recognize the border print - it's a Kaffe Fassett fabric)

 Here is a view of the back --the dark triangles are the hanging loops, in lieu of a sleeve.

Don't you enjoy getting to see the quilting from the back too?  Zinnia smiles on either side, front or back.

This is a great swap, Another Little Quilt Swap, too.   Anyone can sign up with no fear of failing to finish their swap quilt .... because Kate North, our fabulous hostess, will only swap the quilts that have been finished with two digital photos sent to her via email.  You can sign up, then life interrupts your progress on your quilt-to-swap, and that's OK, no one is let down (but you won't be eligible to swap).
If intrigued, join me when I sign up for ALQS #7 later in 2012 (or email me with questions).

Here I am

Here I am

standing in my own back yard

admiring my newest quilt 

and 

enjoying the gorgeous fall day with its cooler temperature. 

Love my quilt, love my sandals and love the lovely day!  

Summer heat seems so very long ago.

Did we really have 100 degree highs 

day after day after day?  

and a severe drought? 

and wild fires raging nearby?  

Yes, 

but all that is in the past now 

and 

today is a gorgeous fall day ... with rain coming ... soon ....

I am a fan of Lynn Krawczyk and her "Where I Stand" series and this is my version (and first attempt) of borrowing her idea.  (Thank you for the inspiration Lynn!) 

... Will this be the beginning or do I lack the dedication, time, energy, etc. to do this every week (taking photos, writing thoughts, then remembering to post these photos and thoughts every week?  I do not know the answer yet  ...  be patient as I dabble with this new element I hope/plan/want to add to my blog.

Thank you

For my birthday, I received some lovely handmade cards ....

 

and I love handmade cards.

Especially these made by my Toddler students! 

They are 2-3 years old.

After receiving such lovely cards, I couldn't bear to send store-bought "Thank-You" cards.

Could you?

So I  gathered a few supplies ...

to use as I set to my task... 

 of making simple, colorful cards, such as these.

After adding a handwritten note inside each one, I mailed my cards to their young recipients.

Thank you to all my Toddler students and my Kindergarteners, as you made my birthday such a wonderful day!  Celebrating is always fun, especially with my young friends!

Jazzing

I have a new found love ... and surprisingly it has nothing to do with fabric or fiber ...

It's jazzercise!

If you haven't ever tried it, or have ever been curious, or even used to "Jazz" days ago .... come check it out!  Come to a class before the holidays sweep us away (and before the post-New-Year's crowds swarm the classes in January (all those resolutions ...)

It's more fun that I imagined, plus I benefit from the exercise, and can celebrate with a guilt-free ice cream indulgence (ssshhhh, that's my secret).

Look for a class near you -- or come visit me and I'll bring you to mine.