The Quilter Who Never Sleeps

So much for the title that I have lived up to lo' these many years. I am so sleepy. I keep yawning. In fact, doctor's could do a study of my tonsils for a medical novel on just one yawwwwwwn. Not sure if it is my aging body that is changing or what, but, I am going to bed and it is not even 10 in the evening. Who cares? Nighty, night. Definitely wishing for no bed bugs.

Jacksonville Quilt Fest

What a delightful time! Not only was the place great, the folks hosting and attending the event were terrific, too. It did not hurt that we were staying at some friends' home and they were the best hosts EVER. Their home was gorgeous, their company fun and generous, but the delicious food, YUMMY. We have already made reservations to stay there next year, as well.

I know I made a promise, of sorts, to take some photos but you can see how that is progressing......We are back at the beach and I do have my priorities!!! I sat by the pool for a couple of hours and then went down to the beach which could not be more enticing. We had the beach almost entirely to ourselves, the water was as clear as could be, the sand white as snow, the temperature, at 78 degrees, wellll, you get it. I did not take photos. I have mixed feelings about leaving this bit of Heaven, but, if it means I get to see my gorgeous wonderful hubby, I am OUTTA HERE. Oh, did I mention the Grand Opening for a huge T.J. MAX is calling me??? Just might have to make a slight detour into a certain parking lot.....................

Sun and Sand

How great is that, continues. Yep, we are still at the beach. I keep thinking I am going to post a picture but, you can see how that has gone. Perhaps tomorrow? Oh yeah, tomorrow we head to Jacksonville. It will be challenging enough for me to even write, so let's don't expect miracles, ok? Right now, I figure I am best for bedtime reading material, zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Belated Birthday Celebrations

Yummy, my sister decided to join us at the beach. Not only that, she surprised me by taking me to a birthday dinner. It was delightful. The food was good, the company, better. What a sweetie, and, she brought gifts. I have a collection, of sorts, of hand blown drinking glasses and she added to that with a great black and white one. I love it.

All-in-all, a pretty great day. Sun, sand, water, good food, great company, and GIFTS. How good is that? GREAT.

Beginning the Journey

(Still back in time, now it is Friday -- last Friday)

Oh my goodness. We actually got started on time. Well, I told my daughter and Gina they should get to my house by 8 a.m. They arrived before 10. That is exactly what I expected so, "on time." We were on our way by noon and everything was going well.....at least until we missed our exit. So, to make a long story short, one bad decision, one policeman, and one expensive "donation" to the Alabama police department later, we proceeded and arrived at our beach house, safe and sound. Show me the sun, the sand, the water......

On to the Quilt Show

I am going back in time, pretending it is Thursday. I am preparing for the trip. First, what to pack. This is such a chore for me. What size suitcase? How many days to prepare for? What will we be doing? What is the weather? etc etc... My sister-in-law believes that if you have anything left in the suitcase that was not worn, you packed too much. My sister believes if there is still room in the suitcase when you are packing, you should add something else. I am somewhere in between. Still, I never get used to it. It never gets easy. Deadlines are necessary so I am forced to DO IT.

Freakin' Out

EEEEK. I called my husband. "Look, we have something eating our house. Look at the residue on the step." There was definitely evidence of some type of insect enjoying room and board at our expense. I am freaking out!!

My husband's response? "Oh that. Honey don't worry. It is not termites, it is just carpenter ants. They only eat wood that is already rotted." And off he walks......

Now, I have been married to this incredibly sweet man for a very long time. He happens to have a Ph.D. He is generous and supportive, thoughtful and amazing. However, if you think for one moment I did not want to shake him til evidence of a brain cell fell out, you are DREAMING. I mean, don't worry, it's only ants eating only the rotten part of the house????
EEEEEEEEEEEEK, and EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK and EEEEEEEEEEEEEEK, again. I am not normally a drinking woman, but I believe this deserves a nice big margarita......see ya.

Happy Birthday to one Quilter

I have to be quick. I want to add to my blog while I am still young...tomorrow is my birthday and I will officially be OLD. Think I am gonna go quilt and avoid mirrors and old thoughts. I guess that means I should start a "new" quilt instead of working on an old on that I have already begun? I can do that.

Moment of Reflection

Today is a day that is difficult to forget...I imagine, like I, each person remembers exactly what they were doing when they found out about the bombing of the World Trade Center. I was at school, teaching. The next thing I knew was that the entire school was watching a television, somewhere. Such incredible sadness, such heroism. Whatever that maniac was trying to accomplish, he, for a short while was very successful. We were terrified, heartbroken, and fearful. Luckily, we seem to have recovered and hopefully, learned something. The thing that has probably stuck with me the most is to stop worrying about the small stuff, live each day to the fullest, and tell EVERYONE you love that you love them, a lot, and often.

Rhode Island Quilter

Wow, I just got an order from a quilter in Rhode Island. I had never met anyone who actually lived in Rhode Island; I just thought perhaps someone decided to create another little state so the US of A would have "bragging rights" so they could now say we had 50 states. I mean, 48??? 49??? 50 sounds waaaay mo' betta.

Welcome to my little part of the world, my little R.I. quilter. You just made my own world a little bigger, brighter, and funner.

New Fabric Designs

Yippee. I was just notified that Timeless Treasures has decided to "experiment" with me and try some of my fabric designs. I am now, "officially," a designer. They bought six different designs. Please say a little prayer that these sell so I do not look like one BIG MISTAKE for them. It would be soooo embarrassing for my designs to be sitting on a shelf, lonely, unpurchased, all alone. I would definitely cry. I am beyond excited, beyond nervous.

Happy Birthday, Chris

I cannot let the day go by without letting the world know that this is the day that brings a huge smile to my face. I love this day, every year. It is the day of our son, Chris,' arrival onto this earth and into my arms. I call him my "Birthday Present" because he arrived just six days before my own birthday. It also is evidence that my husband does have the ability to plan ahead with gifts since this is one of the few times he had my present ready before "the" day.

The Happiest of Birthday's my dear, sweet Chris

Quilting on Hold, again....

I don't know how the rest of the world was spending their Labor Day, but I did something I have never done before, I, and my family, went to a Barrel Race. This was so fun and such a different way to spend the day. The force for my wanting to attend is my hairdresser/friend, Martha, who re-kindled her passion for Barrel Racing in her 50's. I not only love her, I admire her. She has actually won some $$$$ doing this. Go Martha!!!

Did I mention there are vendors selling realllllly cool belts, boots, and jeans?? I can see more Barrel Racing in my future, heh heh.

Forget Quilts

At this moment, I am not going to talk about quilting. I was reading over my last blog addition and it made me think about weddings, obviously, duh. Anyway, I decided I am going on a campaign to find someone wonderful for my daughter. Anyone know of a great guy who would love to have a lovely, attractive, intelligent, hard-working, creative, giving, educated, kind-hearted gal who also happens to give the best head rubs and back massages? She is 42, never been married, wears a size 8, is 5' 10" tall....hmmmm, what else? Oh, as soon as I can snap a shot of her w/o her realizing why, I will add that to my information. Marriage is my goal, others need not apply. So, if you quilters out there can help me/her, let me know. This should be fun....

Still Quilting

What do I mean, "Still??" I should have said, "Finally, quilting." I have been so busy, so gone, so wedding-ed, that quilting has definitely taken a back seat. Oh, how about a couple of images of the wedding. One of the pictures is the location. There were lots and lots of candles to light the bride's path. Crystals were hanging from the trees. The couple was draped in the wedding quilt that I made for part of the ceremony but we were not allowed to take pictures during that time. The next image is of the Mother-of-the-groom (ME) wishing the couple good thoughts. Each of the attendees stepped up to give their blessings, too. All in all, a perfectly lovely, understated, but romantic wedding.

Now, to get back to the issues at hand -- quilting, designing, and creating. :-)