Shipwrecks Beach, Kauai 

Hawaiian Palm Trees

I blogged a while back about turning 50 and the wonderful early surprise party I had. My actual birthday was on the 10th, and my fabulous husband surprised me with tickets to Hawaii. Believe it or not, I have never been to Hawaii, so I am really looking forward to going. We will take off for about a week in July and leave our adult son in charge of the house and animals.
We are not "sit on the beach" people, so I look forward to a lot of sight-seeing and a very active vaction. We will do all the "tourist" things (visit Pearl Harbor, see a volcano, go to a luau, see a show etc.) and enjoy every bit of it. We may even go over the top and buy matching Hawaiian print shirts...

ONE

The ONE Campaign
The ONE Campaign is asking Americans to sign a letter to President Bush asking the following:



Because:


ONE billion people around the world live on less than ONE dollar a day;

The US government spends less than ONE percent on overcoming global AIDS and poverty;

Citizens are uniting as ONE across political and religious divides to support action to overcome the emergency of global AIDS and extreme poverty.

At the G8 leaders meeting on July 6th we urge you to:

Help the poorest people of the world fight poverty, AIDS and hunger at a cost equal to just ONE percent more of the US budget on a clear timetable;

Cancel 100% of the debts owed by the poorest countries;

Reform trade rules so poor countries can earn sustainable incomes.

We urge you to lead an historic deal with other nations to help Africa and the poorest nations overcome global AIDS and extreme poverty. Together as ONE, we can Make Poverty History this July.

src="http://www.one.org/media/banners/ONE_banners_017_468x58.gif"
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I've signed it. How about you?

Skinny Daily

For folks who are trying to be "virtuous" (ie: adopt a healthier lifestyle), here is a helpful website that has great links, personal stories, exercise and food tips etc. This is free, and different people have used different approaches, but there is a lot of common sense here, and did I mention it is FREE? Check it out:

http://skinnydaily.com/

From the website:
There are eight Skinny Daily Post habits, skills we work on all the time here. They are:
Skill 1: Committing to Change Forever
Skill 2: Writing Things Down
Skill 3: Planning to Fail
Skill 4: Talking to Yourself
Skill 5: Making Time
Skill 6: Moving Daily
Skill 7: Eating Well
Skill 8: Getting Help

Just had to share that. I have been exercising lots and feeling better, except for the looming dental work which I won't bore you with. I'm doing well on my eating plan, too, which for me is WW rather than SBD, except that I tweak it to eliminate white flour and minimize sugar. I don't let the sugar go completely though, I still have the occasional WW dessert and I eat fresh fruit every day. My best eating strategy so far has been to cook at least one interesting vegetable dish at dinner time and fill at least half my plate with that. This is in addition to a huge salad, which I also try to keep interesting by adding a large variety of colorful chopped vegetables and greens.

I gave a lot of thought to Gabrielle's "regrets" topic and decided not post at length, but like most of her recent posts it gave me good food for thought. Make sure you tell the people you love how you feel about them.

Love from Australia, Beauty from Kuwait

Yesterday was a fine, fun gathering of friends and stitching that was very soothing to the spirit. Our wonderful hostess had a "virtue friendly" salad, sushi, and fruit. I am not adventurous when it comes to sushi, but these were delicious. Alas, I am too ignorant to tell you how they were made, but I loved everything, including the wasabi. I managed not to have any of the beautiful desserts or lovely croissants. Whew!

My sweet friend and SIL Diane sent me a package all the way from Australia. I almost had a heart attack when I saw how much she paid to mail it. I got one of her signature hand made cards, and she used a silly photo of us together in New Zealand, taken last year. I was also gifted with fabric, a cute koala, and some fabulously good smelling things.

We both like to learn about flowers and plants when we travel, and we spent some time touring wonderful gardens and taking photos together. Our husbands were remarkably indulgent about this, getting impatient only when we kept making them stop for roadside botanical pictures. We were utterly enchanted by someone's yard full of pink ladies and snapped endless photos of it. In hindsight, I think we were lucky not to be arrested. Remembering this, it was especially appropriate for Diane to send me flower splashed fabric, as well as a tea towel with pictures and names of Australian wildflowers on it. So, to some it might be tourist kitsch, but I am delighted with each and every bit. Brilliant!

I really hope everyone has been over to Jenny Bowker's blog recently enough to see the photos of the Kuwait Quilt show. It's the June 4th entry, so scroll down a bit (it's there, keep scrolling. ) I find each and every entry facinating, things about suqs and farms and diplomatic parties. It seems almost like a novel. The quilts left me breathless, though, so go see them. She did a great job presenting them . Click on each to see a larger picture.

Yard work

Yard work

Yesterday I spent some frustrating time in my studio, then gave it up and went outside to help with yard work. DH took down lots of stuff that looks like this. Every year, we have to make sure that none of this gets out of control before it gets too hot. There is extreme fire danger in Southern California every summer, and this year we had so much rain that everything is pretty overgrown. The big fires in 2003 came within a mile of us, and that was absolutely terrifying. I knew several people who lost their homes. So, we keep at it. We do an awful lot of work on our little acre. The best thing about yesterday's yard work was that we planted another tree, an Asian Pear. These are delicious, so I will be very happy if it does well.

I got back into my room in the evening and had some fun working on something traditional and less challenging. It was very soothing. I think I am about ready to start a thoroughly planned project, one where you love the sketch in advance, work out all the colors, and number all the pieces and... all of that. I don't usually prefer to work that way, but it is less likely to end in a mess. For all my brave talk about "all work is useful and look what we learn", it is still very disappointing to crash and burn, artistically speaking.

Today, I am going to spend the day with my quilting buddies, sewing and talking and laughing and oh, trying really hard not to eat. I am packing carrots. NO kidding, I will probably have to resist my favorite food group, chocolate. One of my lovely friends always says "oh, but you can't quilt without chocolate." Wish me luck.

This thing again

This is where I stopped. It still has no stitching since I haven't decided if I want to keep going with it. It will live on my design wall for a while. Sometimes you just have to call it a day.

Twenty days of Virtue

I like the title of this best I think. It has so much more flair than "almost three week diet". If you haven't seen it yet, go on over to Red Shoe Ramblings and read about it. As of today, you will also see her absolutely AMAZING self portrait that she did in JUST ONE DAY.

Before I get side-tracked on talking about all the amazing ART in this ring, I want to talk a little more about losing weight/ getting healthy. I like this twenty day thing because it doesn't seem as daunting as what I really need, which is a year of really hard work followed by a completely changed life style that never lets me lapse back into evil eating ways. In my lifetime I have TWICE lost and gained 100 pounds, and I am not talking about the gain 20, lose 20 cycle. No, I mean I actually spent months on end working hard and eating little and losing 100 pounds. It seems impossible to believe that I would actually let myself gain the weight back, but there are two reasons. I love food (remember my fabulous chef husband who likes to cook for me), and I hate exercise. My favorite things to do (when not eating) are making art, sewing, and reading. Not exactly athletic endeavors, at least not the way I do them. So where am I now? About half way into my THIRD cycle of losing/gaining weight, which means that I have about 50 pounds to lose. SO, thanks to Deb R for inspiring me to get back on track.

I was watching Oprah (yes, that's one of my guilty pleasures) and saw her interview with Kirstie Alley on her weight loss struggles. Kirstie said that she turned her living room into a gym. Seriously, ALL the workout machines, the whole nine yards. Um, well I don't have the budget to do that, but The GOOD part of this idea is that I dragged my eliptical machine into the living room, and I had my son help me set up another TV in there WITH an old VCR from the closet. Then I dragged out my dusty collection of exercise videos AND I found my stretchy band. (We actually use this room on rare occasions, usually spending much more time together in the family room or out on the deck.) So, I have been exercising, striving for 40-60 minutes a day. This is harder than you think, but I am determined.

I know some of you have succeeded fabulously in losing weight and getting in shape, and some of you are struggling like me. Anyone else want to blog about it? I can use all the help I can get.

Side yard 

Geraniums and friends 

Ornamental grasses 

In the yard 

More bouganvilla 

Bouganvilla 

Our little fish pond

We have a tiny fish pond built into our deck, and it is restful to watch the fish when we sit outside at the end of a workday. I love these long spring and summer days with plenty of hours of daylight left at the end of the day.

Getting the pond going took a little work. We lost one batch of fish because we didn't have the water plants well enough established, and racoons ate another batch. We used heavy cinder blocks in the bottom of the pond to give the fish a place to hide from predators. It took us a while to get the pond to be a proper little eco-system, but all the plants and fish are thriving now. There is always some concern about mosquito breeding due to the West Nile virus, but the county gave us a free mosquito eating fish. I would hate to have to drain our little pond, so hopefully the mosquito eater will do his job.

Aside from being just another little bit to share with you, one day I plan to do a "fish pond" quilt. I like to use things from my yard and garden as inspiration, partly because it is a favorite and peaceful place, and partly because it is so easy to go on outside and take some digital pictures.

The green/red/branch/ blossom thing I am working on now takes its inspiration from the bouganvilla plants. We have planted several of those over the years. You will see them pretty much everywhere in Southern California, and sometimes in more colors than the most common magenta. The project is looking much better, but I want to get farther along in the process before sharing again. Thanks so much for your input. I did laugh when Mel said she didn't like black, gosh who would have guessed that (wink). I didn't get rid of it altogether because I am liking the drama, but red is taking a much greater role.

Hope you enjoy your visit to my little corner of the world.

Project Update

After 


Here is one new version of the no-contrast piece. I still may add more, but I think I like it less busy like this, and of course the contrast is better. If I pick this one, then I will need to do something really interesting with the quilting in all that empty black space. Or not. It is a work in progress, and I am thinking of changing the shape to non-square and perhaps adding some different colors. It is a work in progress....

Remember this?

Before 

Blog Quizzes

You Were Actually Born Under:

Your most comfortable inside your head - and often daydream the day away. You have an artistic temperament that makes you seem creative to some, eccentric to others. You avoid conflict at all costs, and you have a difficult time with relationships. Attractive and with good manners, you tend to shine in social situations. You are most compatible with a Pig or Rabbit.

You Should Have Been Born Under:

No worries, you're not really pig-like in your personality. (Though you have been known to have a healthy appetite!) You are highly intelligent - forever studying and gaining knowledge. You have a heart of gold and you are appreciated by many. You are most compatible with a Rabbit or Goat.

What Year Were You Born Under?

Funny Blog Things

Your Birthdate: June 10

Your birth on the 10th day of the month adds a tone of independence and extra energy to your life. The number 1 energy suggest more executive ability and leadership qualities than you path may have indicated. A birthday on the 10th of any month gives greater will power and self-confidence, and very often a rather original approach. This 1 energy may diminish your ability and desire to handle details, preferring instead to paint with a broad brush. You are sensitive, but your feeling stay somewhat repressed. You have a compelling manner that can be dominating in many situations.

What'>http://www.blogthings.com/whatdoesyourbirthdatemeanquiz/">What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Today's project

Today's project

This is what I worked on today. The background is pieced from hand painted and hand dyed fabric. The forground shapes are mostly cut from hand painted fabrics, but I used some brown and dark green texture from the store bought stash. To me, this is not "popping", and I thought of introducing more yellow shapes, or taking a cue from Sonji and cutting it apart and assembling with other colors. Specifically, I thought of cutting it into squares and rectangles of different sizes and framing them with contrasting fabric. We'll see what develops. Comments welcome.

The Christening

DS gets a smile from Baby Bryce.

Finally, we are fast enough with the camera to catch a smile from the man of the hour.

First off, a heartfelt thanks to those of you who sent birthday wishes or posted comments to my blog. I am just so pleased I don't know what to do. I tried to send some emails, but for some reason had trouble with that yesterday. I really do appreciate it when you visit and let me know about it. I love having on-line friends!

Saturday morning started out great. I actually slept in, and when I got up, DH was fixing me a fabulous breakfast. (I am riding this birthday train for a month, if I can.) We relaxed and did a little work around the house, then went off to church for Sat. night service followed by the christening of our great-nephew. Following that was another LARGE family gathering, highlighted by lots of baby squeezing and more good food. This baby is quite a chunky armful and looks to me a lot older than his age of three months, but that might be because he took his time getting here.

Sunday morning a goodly number of us put the restaurant staff of "Country Comfort" to the test by meeting for breakfast and lingering over coffee. They were gracious and brought the right food to the right people, and it was still hot. Not an easy thing to serve a tasty breakfast to a couple dozen people who have taken over half your restaurant. Kudos to them for a job well done.

Home from brunch now and really, ready for a nap, but no, we have to give our dogs haircuts and baths. I know there are folks who are better at this and do it for a living, but DH has this funny idea that we will do it better and more gently. He spoils our dogs shamelessly. Maybe after these chores, I will get into my studio. Happily, I have the holiday tomorrow, so I am sure to get there before the weekend is over.

DS takes a break. 

DH gives baby Bryce a hug. He doesn't look that enthusiastic, but he took it all in stride... 

The man of the hour with his new quilt. 

At the christening with my handsome son. This is my entirely objective opinion, of course.  

Fabulous Fifty

It started out innocently enough. My SIL Barb called earlier this week and invited us over for a Friday night gathering at her house. My neice Kelly and her husband are in town visiting with their children, including a new baby, and I was anxious to see them. Even though there will be a christening and party on Saturday, its not that unusual for all of us to gather more than once when out of town family comes to visit. These large family gatherings are usually "potluck" style, so I asked DH what we were supposed to bring. "Drinks". "Where are they?" I asked, knowing he had already been to the store. "Oh, I took them by earlier." Well, that seemed a little strange to me, because why not just take them when we go there?, but I didn't say anything. As we got to their neighborhood and came closer to their house, I noticed the parked cars. LOTS of parked cars, LOTS and LOTS of parked cars. One of the neighbors must be having a party, too. Wait...isn't that my friend Lisa's car? Why would she be here....I had hardly formed this thought when I saw my little nephew bouncing around outside. He greeted us, then dashed inside. We came up the driveway and through the front door....SURPRISE!!!!!!

My 50th birthday is not until June 10th, so I wasn't really expecting this. The place was overflowing with most of the family and my closest friends (quilting buddies, naturally) and I was just blown away. In our family, we "do" decade birthdays, so I was expecting something, but they really and truly surprised me by doing it early. The miracle is that no one leaked it. My husband is the worst one about keeping a secret, and he always hints around until I guess. (This is when I am NOT asking.) Let's just say I have never been surprised at Christmas. When I opened all my lovely cards and gifts, I ended up with a PILE of gift certificates to...Rosie's Calico Cupboard (the largest fabric shop in the San Diego area), a gift certificate to the Cozy Quilt Shop (small shop in my neighborhood), and a $50 gift certificate for Starbucks......do my friends know me or what?

Earlier this week I was feeling sad about turning 50, and a little blue because none of my original family is still alive to celebrate it with me. My youngest brother died back in 1983 when he was just 18. When he was born I gave away all my baby dolls because I had a real baby to play with. It broke my heart when he died, and I named my son after him. In 1993, my mom died from heart disease. She was a dear friend, as well as a parent, and she is the one who taught me how to love. In the intervening ten years she had survived a heart transplant with grace, courage and determination, but she struggled after her kidneys began to shut down. When her surgical port for dialysis failed for the last time, she said "enough" and refused to have another operation. She was 59. Last year, in January 2004, my dad and my other brother died within 10 days of each other. My brother was just a few days short of his 45th birthday. I won't go into all the details, but the short version is that alcoholism and diabetes killed them both. It still feels strange to be the last living member of my original family.

But...God is good. I have had the same wonderful husband for 29 years, and he is just the best. My son has grown up to be handsome, smart, and kind. I married into a very large and very loving family. We have shared holidays, weekend outings, weddings, births, funerals....so, so many things. And, I have friends. Wonderful friends. Friends with whom I can laugh until my face hurts, or until the tears run down my cheeks. I am truly, truly blessed, and on this birthday, I am surrounded by love.

Something Fishy

Closeup of Minkee backing and quilted fish.

I made this fish quilt for my newest great-nephew Bryce. My neice and her husband are in town this weekend, and the christening will be tomorrow. I look forward to seeing this little guy. His big sister will be two in November, so his parents are very busy people.
You might wonder about why I chose the fish theme for a baby...His parents are very into tropical fish. They have a huge tank in their home and invest a lot of time and money into it. When I first started out to make it, I had more elaborate ideas in mind, but I think this will work and they will like it. It is sturdy and soft and ready to be drooled on, dragged around etc.

Fish quilt I made for my great nephew. It is backed with blue Minkee. Soft!

A word about Minkee...I found it very hard to quilt on my small sewing machine. I was not able to do some of the free motion work I had in mind, so I settled for curving "wave lines" and some echo quilting. If I had it to do again, I might go see my friend with the longarm.

Some handpainted fabric. I used Saran Wrap and scrunching to create the texture.
This has nothing to do with the fish quilt, I just thought I'd show you something to do with art.
I am happy with this because I am learning (slowly) how to control at least some of what happens.

Fusing Fun

Something to Brighten the Kitchen

Last Saturday I had a little "fusing party" with my quilting friend Barbara. She is new to the concept, but open to the idea of using fusible to expand creatively. We both bought Laura's book while we were in Paducah, and I have the new Fons and Porter magazine with Mrs. Mel's fine article. If you haven't seen it yet, check out this magazine. It also has a nice article on quilt artist Frieda Anderson.

We both had a nice collection of bright fabrics, and I scored a good price on a bolt of Wonder Under fusible and we were good to go. I had been using a different product on my other fused projects. The advantage of the other (Steam A Seam 2) is that you can temporarily "stick" pieces up on a design wall and move them around. The advantage of Wonder Under is the nice crisp edge and what seems to be a tighter bond. To make a long story short, we had a marvellous time, and I converted another long time traditional quilter to the fun of fusing. The little piece above is NOT really art (too derivative) but it will brighten my kitchen this summer.
I'm thinking of using that bright sunflower fabric for a border. Not very serious and a lot of FUN!