Don't you love those times when you enter into a conversation with someone you don't know and come away with information that is an absolute gem. My lunch conversation yesterday was one such little bubble of time. Said gals Mother died a week earlier... In her 90's she was ready to "Go" She died in her sleep sitting on the settee. I commented.."That's surely the way to go". "Yes" was the answer. "She had her curlers in and was well prepared" Seems Mum had had a scare a few weeks earlier... In fact she actually had a heart attack, but took the time to put on her good clothes, her lippy, did her hair and walked the 2 miles to the hospital in 90 deg heat... and then was disappointed she didn't pass away. The faces of the rest of the gals at the table were a classic... how I wish I had a video camera... however my people watching skills held me in good stead. Mother finally succumbed to the call and laid down on the settee and passed away last week... not before she had laid out the most exclusive underwear and clothes to make her final farewell presentation in....
Seems Mother was a collector... how about 2000+ Styrofoam take out containers, all washed and saved for future use... As the conversationalist recounted the method of disposal of her Mothers possessions I winced, imagining the wonderful fabric she must have stashed and made a mental note to begin organizing my stash, my quilts... put down the ideas in my head and store them...!!!!!
Next adventure was a visit to a sewing machine business. Dear friend Lori is in the market for a new machine for quilting... so I wanted to show her the Janome 6500. The gal at the shop began her speal... I sat quietly and had to sit on my hands to prevent them from flexing due to impatience... There were sideways looks and a little nudging and the gal did really well in her demonstration, but was dismayed when I casually asked if I could "have a go" my friends smiled as I took off in a world of my own, quilting, stippling, appliqueing. She nearly had heart failure when I explained I didn't drop the feed dogs.... Joan explained that I did a bit of quilting and had been published... "Oh yes, I remember the name" said the gal.... I could tell by her face that she had no idea (or should have) as to whom this smart allec gal dressed in frog green and red glasses was who had taken over her machine...
Yes, Lori is impressed by the machine, but we can get it cheaper... however it was an interesting experience.... A small bubble of time...
"Opportunities always look bigger going than coming."
2005/07/31
2005/07/30
Drama in the backyard.
The town of Long Prairie is a small rural retreat. 3000 residents make this a unique mid western town. Rolling fields of golden wheat and tall corn stalks fringe the houses…yesterday we passed a property just down the road owned by Amish folk. It was late evening and the sun was low in the sky. The houses and barn are bright red and completely surrounded by tall green cornfields. The scenery is spectacular. A feast for the eyes, I’m living in a documentary.
I’m sitting in the Gazebo this morning, the sun is already high and yellow and each morning Joan and I watch a small squirrel that has a physical disability…. We feel very protective of him…He has difficulty with his balance and as he sits and nibbles the sunflower seeds… he suddenly falls over and lays on the ground…not missing a beat or dropping the seeds he holds in his hands… At first we were horrified at seeing his problem, but after weeks of watching him we feel he copes quite well. Suddenly a huge hawk swooped down from the trees right before our eyes… his talons just missing our little friend as he scampered under the outdoor chairs and away from certain death.
Today is a day for finishing projects, talking to students and a quick ride into town…
I am experimenting with very fine hand dyed wool for use in needle punch embroidery… I have a project to complete for a student, samples to finish for class and computer projects to complete…
But one can’t be certain as to what will happen during the day…..
“The 50-50-90 rule: Anytime you have a 50-50 chance of getting something right, there's a 90% probability you'll get it wrong.”
I’m sitting in the Gazebo this morning, the sun is already high and yellow and each morning Joan and I watch a small squirrel that has a physical disability…. We feel very protective of him…He has difficulty with his balance and as he sits and nibbles the sunflower seeds… he suddenly falls over and lays on the ground…not missing a beat or dropping the seeds he holds in his hands… At first we were horrified at seeing his problem, but after weeks of watching him we feel he copes quite well. Suddenly a huge hawk swooped down from the trees right before our eyes… his talons just missing our little friend as he scampered under the outdoor chairs and away from certain death.
Today is a day for finishing projects, talking to students and a quick ride into town…
I am experimenting with very fine hand dyed wool for use in needle punch embroidery… I have a project to complete for a student, samples to finish for class and computer projects to complete…
But one can’t be certain as to what will happen during the day…..
“The 50-50-90 rule: Anytime you have a 50-50 chance of getting something right, there's a 90% probability you'll get it wrong.”
2005/07/28
Plane travel
I've just spent the past hour checking my flights.... Did you know you can organize your own seat, and print out a boarding pass..? You can upgrade and almost cook a meal for the flight on the internet. I actually lost a flight, so a little conversation through email re-confirmed my e-ticket.
I had an interesting trip home from Arizona on Sunday. The plane was late out of Flagstaff because it was overloaded... So they took four people off (poor things) and left half an hour late. That meant a little juggling... I had to sprint to catch my next flight in Phoenix.... the computer bag clutched in my hand whizzed along the carpet and my red sneakers really came in handy... I caught the plane as it was boarding.... then of course you hope like hell that the luggage has kept up with you... but there is was in MN. Once again... I had just half an hour from landing to catch my shuttle... so this time I ran with 130 LB of luggage behind me... Needless to say the dislocated finger is now a little worse for wear and has to be strapped....but I caught the shuttle. I must say I slept a lot on the trip. Heat, overwork and altitude all took it's toll.
I got out of Flagstaff just in time... They shut the Uni because 80 folk came down with the Norovirus... !!!!Goodness me.. I just seem to be a little ahead of the interesting stuff, needless to say 2000 folk left the Uni campus in a hurry and we quilters were at the head of the queues.
We converted Joans house into a mini retreat over the past few days... It was super... 5 gals shared lots of chat and laughter... and after the UPS man delivered a wonderful contract yesterday, the margaritas and wine flowed freely.!!!!!!
In the evening I was guest at Little Falls and we shared a fantastic pot luck dinner, a visual and musical presentation and with a little encouragement, some of the delights of a Traveling Quilter.
Today was a business day and I also got to visit several quilt shops in Brainerd... and flapped the cheque book a little.
Life is sure interesting...
"If you look like your passport picture, you probably need the trip."
I had an interesting trip home from Arizona on Sunday. The plane was late out of Flagstaff because it was overloaded... So they took four people off (poor things) and left half an hour late. That meant a little juggling... I had to sprint to catch my next flight in Phoenix.... the computer bag clutched in my hand whizzed along the carpet and my red sneakers really came in handy... I caught the plane as it was boarding.... then of course you hope like hell that the luggage has kept up with you... but there is was in MN. Once again... I had just half an hour from landing to catch my shuttle... so this time I ran with 130 LB of luggage behind me... Needless to say the dislocated finger is now a little worse for wear and has to be strapped....but I caught the shuttle. I must say I slept a lot on the trip. Heat, overwork and altitude all took it's toll.
I got out of Flagstaff just in time... They shut the Uni because 80 folk came down with the Norovirus... !!!!Goodness me.. I just seem to be a little ahead of the interesting stuff, needless to say 2000 folk left the Uni campus in a hurry and we quilters were at the head of the queues.
We converted Joans house into a mini retreat over the past few days... It was super... 5 gals shared lots of chat and laughter... and after the UPS man delivered a wonderful contract yesterday, the margaritas and wine flowed freely.!!!!!!
In the evening I was guest at Little Falls and we shared a fantastic pot luck dinner, a visual and musical presentation and with a little encouragement, some of the delights of a Traveling Quilter.
Today was a business day and I also got to visit several quilt shops in Brainerd... and flapped the cheque book a little.
Life is sure interesting...
"If you look like your passport picture, you probably need the trip."
2005/07/23
What's it like to be a traveling Quilter?
I carry 120 lb of luggage in two cases and a carry on. I can piggy back the 20lb case on one of the large 50 lb ones and effectively walk with 3 bags at the same time..
The 20 lb carry on, contains a digital projector, a large camera... Numerous cords, a computer and the mouse etc. Add to that my GPS for the car and speakers and essential papers.
One large bag has clothes and work paraphernalia.. and the other is purely work. I ship, patterns, books and pens....
I need to keep the batteries charged on the camera's, phone and Ipod.. so all that stuff comes too...
I can't even begin to explain the weeks of preparation that goes into a tour.... I won't even go into organizing the fare, contracts etc...!!!!
Class papers and supplies need to be prepared a week or so in advance... Clothes organised carefully and co-ordinated...And there is rarely time to shop so you need all your personal items on hand.
Health is important.. You just can't get ill on a tour.. So I take lots of vitamins and get plenty of exercise. An average day ends late and begins early. For instance, tomorrow I will get up around 5.00 and make sure I have everything ready for my class. I spend an hour or so listening to my favorite music on the ipod or the computer as I go over the the days class. I catch up on the news from home, talk to the family and attend business mail.
Breakfast is often a non event for me as long as I have coffee, but here at the University we mix it with the Bagpipers, the returning students and the numerous camps occurring during the holidays.....
Class begins at 9.00 but I usually check the room I'm teaching in around 6.30/7.00
The students generally arrive around 8.00. I begin formal teaching at 9.00 but inevitably the class begins with the first students arrival.
The class we're doing is intense and the students are eager so it will be an early start.
The day goes so quickly... I always wish for more time... but class ends around 5.00 and I have to repack to catch an earlyflight at 7.00 am Sunday morning.. It will probably be a late night due to the farewell dinner and lingering conversations with fellow Teachers.
There are inevitable adventures during plane travel...Tomorrow I catch a small prop plane to Phoenix, then one from Phoenix to Minneapolis, next a 3 hour shuttle to Long Prairie...
It's been one hectic week and very exciting... but what a way to go....
"Not one shred of evidence supports the notion that life is serious."
The 20 lb carry on, contains a digital projector, a large camera... Numerous cords, a computer and the mouse etc. Add to that my GPS for the car and speakers and essential papers.
One large bag has clothes and work paraphernalia.. and the other is purely work. I ship, patterns, books and pens....
I need to keep the batteries charged on the camera's, phone and Ipod.. so all that stuff comes too...
I can't even begin to explain the weeks of preparation that goes into a tour.... I won't even go into organizing the fare, contracts etc...!!!!
Class papers and supplies need to be prepared a week or so in advance... Clothes organised carefully and co-ordinated...And there is rarely time to shop so you need all your personal items on hand.
Health is important.. You just can't get ill on a tour.. So I take lots of vitamins and get plenty of exercise. An average day ends late and begins early. For instance, tomorrow I will get up around 5.00 and make sure I have everything ready for my class. I spend an hour or so listening to my favorite music on the ipod or the computer as I go over the the days class. I catch up on the news from home, talk to the family and attend business mail.
Breakfast is often a non event for me as long as I have coffee, but here at the University we mix it with the Bagpipers, the returning students and the numerous camps occurring during the holidays.....
Class begins at 9.00 but I usually check the room I'm teaching in around 6.30/7.00
The students generally arrive around 8.00. I begin formal teaching at 9.00 but inevitably the class begins with the first students arrival.
The class we're doing is intense and the students are eager so it will be an early start.
The day goes so quickly... I always wish for more time... but class ends around 5.00 and I have to repack to catch an earlyflight at 7.00 am Sunday morning.. It will probably be a late night due to the farewell dinner and lingering conversations with fellow Teachers.
There are inevitable adventures during plane travel...Tomorrow I catch a small prop plane to Phoenix, then one from Phoenix to Minneapolis, next a 3 hour shuttle to Long Prairie...
It's been one hectic week and very exciting... but what a way to go....
"Not one shred of evidence supports the notion that life is serious."
2005/07/21
No more tattoos!!!!
I have a two day break and my dear friends Lisa and Karla traveled through 3 states for us to spend time together here in Flagstaff.
Three gals, in high pressure jobs... and it takes very little to entertain us, we value our time together...and we have a ball. It's an incredible logistic feat to get together at least once a year...
Last year we had our eyes tattooed in El Paso Texas and it was a legitimate quilting expedition. As each one of us had our eyes beautified... The rest of us sat around quilting and annoying the technician with comedic banter...
So how do we better that...? Well I'm going to admit to having a piercing...!!!!!
Lisa had a makeover by cutting her hair real short and we spent two hilarious hours in the beauty department of the department store, Dillards as Karla had a beauty treatment. She discovered that she actually had lips !!!!!
By the end of the time, we had made lots of new friends who wanted to be part of our "Ya Ya Sisterhood" act... "You're so lucky to have friends like that" several of the assistants said... they left their posts and joined in the fun....
So we all bought ankle bracelets and walked out of the Mall at 5.00 laughing after spending the entire day there with cheap entertainment.
We have another day today to explore... goodness knows what will eventuate today....
"If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you've never tried
before."
Three gals, in high pressure jobs... and it takes very little to entertain us, we value our time together...and we have a ball. It's an incredible logistic feat to get together at least once a year...
Last year we had our eyes tattooed in El Paso Texas and it was a legitimate quilting expedition. As each one of us had our eyes beautified... The rest of us sat around quilting and annoying the technician with comedic banter...
So how do we better that...? Well I'm going to admit to having a piercing...!!!!!
Lisa had a makeover by cutting her hair real short and we spent two hilarious hours in the beauty department of the department store, Dillards as Karla had a beauty treatment. She discovered that she actually had lips !!!!!
By the end of the time, we had made lots of new friends who wanted to be part of our "Ya Ya Sisterhood" act... "You're so lucky to have friends like that" several of the assistants said... they left their posts and joined in the fun....
So we all bought ankle bracelets and walked out of the Mall at 5.00 laughing after spending the entire day there with cheap entertainment.
We have another day today to explore... goodness knows what will eventuate today....
"If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you've never tried
before."
Flagstaff Arizona
Flagstaff in mid summer is delightful. It's hot during the day and cool in the evening. It's situated at a level of 7000 ft above sea level in a valley surrounded by huge mountains and I noticed small amounts of snow present. There are many stories surrounding the manner in which Flagstaff got its name. Perhaps the most commonly heard story refers to a lofty pine stripped of its branches and used to hang an American flag with rawhide strings for a Fourth of July celebration. The flagstaff became a symbol for the valley and could be spotted miles away. It was said that those journeying west were told to travel straight west, until you come to a flagstaff where you will find a good place to camp.
The famous Lowell Observatory was built in 1894. Dr. Percival Lowell chose Flagstaff for its great visibility. This proved to be correct when the planet Pluto was discovered at the observatory in 1930.
The Arizona Teachers College began in 1899, becoming Northern Arizona University in 1966.During the 1920's, Route 66 was built and passed right through town.
Quilt Camp in the Pines is held at NAU and we are joined by Scottish band retreats, young athletes, scientists and of course 100's of quilters....
The famous Lowell Observatory was built in 1894. Dr. Percival Lowell chose Flagstaff for its great visibility. This proved to be correct when the planet Pluto was discovered at the observatory in 1930.
The Arizona Teachers College began in 1899, becoming Northern Arizona University in 1966.During the 1920's, Route 66 was built and passed right through town.
Quilt Camp in the Pines is held at NAU and we are joined by Scottish band retreats, young athletes, scientists and of course 100's of quilters....
2005/07/19
My adventure with super Glue.
Yesterday I had one of those days... and in the shower that night one of my newly attended finger nails, just dropped off... Darn it. So at lunch time I raced down to Target and purchased some super glue amongst other essentials.
It wasn't until the evening when I was about to go out with my students for tea, that I decided to stick the nail back on... they were waiting for me in the lobby... OK, I still have time to attend the nail... Whoops no scissors to open the glue with.... So God gave us teeth.. but he didn't figure the glue would end up sticking my lip to my teeth.... All I could do was laugh.. I envisaged teaching and lecturing in a most unfortunate way...
After 5 mins of prying.. I freed the lip.. and continued to visit my friends with no untoward effects..
The temperature is still very high and the classroom like a furnace yesterday... I had to do a two day class in one day... I can tell you, at dinner they served me a Margarita in a large coke glass and it sure went down well.
It wasn't until the evening when I was about to go out with my students for tea, that I decided to stick the nail back on... they were waiting for me in the lobby... OK, I still have time to attend the nail... Whoops no scissors to open the glue with.... So God gave us teeth.. but he didn't figure the glue would end up sticking my lip to my teeth.... All I could do was laugh.. I envisaged teaching and lecturing in a most unfortunate way...
After 5 mins of prying.. I freed the lip.. and continued to visit my friends with no untoward effects..
The temperature is still very high and the classroom like a furnace yesterday... I had to do a two day class in one day... I can tell you, at dinner they served me a Margarita in a large coke glass and it sure went down well.
2005/07/18
Arizona
It was 119 deg in phoenix yesterday. As I walked onto the tarmac to get on the puddle jumper that was to fly me to Flagstaff, I almost baked. The heat shimmered up from the tarmac enveloping all who ventured out there.
I'm teaching at Quilt Camp in the Pines, my second year teaching and third visit... It's and interesting experience.
I left Long Prairie at 7.00 am, but the eyes and brain had been on the go since 4.30...
I have to take a shuttle ride to the airport which got me there at 9.45,and then of course there are the long lines to get your boarding pass and security.
MN airport is huge and you need to take a skytrain to get from place to place.
It's a 3 1/2 hour trip to Phoenix and it was cool and comfortable on the plane. I worked on my research which often triggers my fellow passengers interest, I have the priviledge of sharing my excitement with others...
Phoenix was the first opportunity I had to eat for the day. I had a 3 hour wait and in one respect, I relished the opportunity to stretch my legs, people watch and do a little work. There is an unwritten law in airports, I'll call it the "Computer Junkies Juxtaposition" You need to find an empty seat next to a power outage. I refuse to sit on the floor like some others. I have a method of propping my carry on baggage with the back pack on top and then the computer... It's quite comfortable really.
As I mentioned the plane was one of those little puddle jumpers.... My seat was 9E... A man of huge proportions sidled down the aisle and settled in one of he 5 seats along the back of the plane..Then two more men of equal proportions sat the other side of me and a gal in the window seat... 5 of us at the back of the plane. Folk I had 8" of space to sit in... These poor fellows looked like the cousins of Harry Potters relatives... The plane pitched and rolled the entire way... One guy in the corner was absolutely green. Wedged in as we were, I was sure anxious at what he may do. It was unbelievably hot. I was soaked, the perspiration dripping down my face and even off my nose... This is the glamorous life of a Traveling Quilt Teacher.
I arrived at the University, 10 mins before the Teachers dinner, no time to shower and I must say, it was an interesting meal.
The pressure didn't end there as I had to attend a "Meet the Teacher"... and the deadline was abandoned when I couldn't unlock my case with my clothes in.... an innovation with a paper clip did the job and once again I arrived at the venue exhausted... I sure slept well that night...
I'm teaching at Quilt Camp in the Pines, my second year teaching and third visit... It's and interesting experience.
I left Long Prairie at 7.00 am, but the eyes and brain had been on the go since 4.30...
I have to take a shuttle ride to the airport which got me there at 9.45,and then of course there are the long lines to get your boarding pass and security.
MN airport is huge and you need to take a skytrain to get from place to place.
It's a 3 1/2 hour trip to Phoenix and it was cool and comfortable on the plane. I worked on my research which often triggers my fellow passengers interest, I have the priviledge of sharing my excitement with others...
Phoenix was the first opportunity I had to eat for the day. I had a 3 hour wait and in one respect, I relished the opportunity to stretch my legs, people watch and do a little work. There is an unwritten law in airports, I'll call it the "Computer Junkies Juxtaposition" You need to find an empty seat next to a power outage. I refuse to sit on the floor like some others. I have a method of propping my carry on baggage with the back pack on top and then the computer... It's quite comfortable really.
As I mentioned the plane was one of those little puddle jumpers.... My seat was 9E... A man of huge proportions sidled down the aisle and settled in one of he 5 seats along the back of the plane..Then two more men of equal proportions sat the other side of me and a gal in the window seat... 5 of us at the back of the plane. Folk I had 8" of space to sit in... These poor fellows looked like the cousins of Harry Potters relatives... The plane pitched and rolled the entire way... One guy in the corner was absolutely green. Wedged in as we were, I was sure anxious at what he may do. It was unbelievably hot. I was soaked, the perspiration dripping down my face and even off my nose... This is the glamorous life of a Traveling Quilt Teacher.
I arrived at the University, 10 mins before the Teachers dinner, no time to shower and I must say, it was an interesting meal.
The pressure didn't end there as I had to attend a "Meet the Teacher"... and the deadline was abandoned when I couldn't unlock my case with my clothes in.... an innovation with a paper clip did the job and once again I arrived at the venue exhausted... I sure slept well that night...
2005/07/16
Wood Tick Theatre
There is a huge dance party going on… it’s called Moon dance and I imagine it’s a little like a small Woodstock. It's held out in a field just out of Walker Minnesota. We sat eating ice cream and became observers to the huge stream of traffic winding through the town… some 20 mainliners are performing over 3 days. People camp in the fields and there were all manner of mobile homes, Harleys and cars loaded with tents on the move.
We opted for a different form of entertainment, the local Wood Tick Theatre. It seems to me it was almost as popular as Moon Dance… well not quite but in comparison… but I thought it was.
Wood Tick is a small theatre that stands alone flanked by a field where students practice their gardening skills and the local service station. In fact, at half time many of the guests filed through the garden to view the upside down tomato plant and the potatoes growing in tyres…both experiments created a lit of interest and looked extremely healthy… it’s a great project. I guess there are around 7 buildings in the town, although I didn’t examine it thoroughly.
This is the 14th year of Wood Tick. There are about 8 performances per week. Most of the players are local and they seem to have a wonderful following. They played country music, gospel, a little comedy and some of my Fathers favorite oldies… young folk danced in the aisles and everyone visited with their seated neighbors… this is the way it should be folk. We left the theatre at 10.00 pm and joined the line of well wishers to the performers. What a great experience and I count myself lucky that I had the opportunity to attend….
“Of all the moments we gather in our lives, those we cherish most are the moments shared.”
We opted for a different form of entertainment, the local Wood Tick Theatre. It seems to me it was almost as popular as Moon Dance… well not quite but in comparison… but I thought it was.
Wood Tick is a small theatre that stands alone flanked by a field where students practice their gardening skills and the local service station. In fact, at half time many of the guests filed through the garden to view the upside down tomato plant and the potatoes growing in tyres…both experiments created a lit of interest and looked extremely healthy… it’s a great project. I guess there are around 7 buildings in the town, although I didn’t examine it thoroughly.
This is the 14th year of Wood Tick. There are about 8 performances per week. Most of the players are local and they seem to have a wonderful following. They played country music, gospel, a little comedy and some of my Fathers favorite oldies… young folk danced in the aisles and everyone visited with their seated neighbors… this is the way it should be folk. We left the theatre at 10.00 pm and joined the line of well wishers to the performers. What a great experience and I count myself lucky that I had the opportunity to attend….
“Of all the moments we gather in our lives, those we cherish most are the moments shared.”
Old quilts
Spider Lake is host to the town of Nevis. It’s one of 10,000 lakes in Minnesota. I sat on the dock and dipped my feet in the cool clear water. To my surprise a number of small sun fish came and nibbled my feet. I couldn’t believe it. What an experience..
There are many loons resident at the lake and their plaintive cries echo across the lake. I was reminded of one of my favorite movies “on Golden pond” A huge crane surprised me as it skimmed the water like a memorial fly past… just feet from the end of the dock. The morning was spent with more experimental dyeing and then we took off for the town of Walker. We had an appointment with a gal at 1.00 pm at the local church. She wanted some advice on quilts. Out of a plastic bag she produced 16 vintage quilt tops. Each one more interesting than the next. We laid them on tables and I was able to go from one to another. The history of the quilts is known but not released… made by a teacher in the 1930’s they were a study in fabric history. Shirts, feed sacks, cheap plain fabric and all pieced by hand with the exception of one that had been sewn crazy style to a foundation. The woman that has them in her possession just wants to sell them. She washed them and now the seams have become frayed and worn.
My overwhelming feeling was that the quilts needed to be kept as a collection. They are a poignant reminder of this woman’s life in the 30’s. I was struck by the precision of the piecing and yet she had used a variety of fabrics… her design concepts were wonderful and extremely well executed. Questions came into my head…. Did she come home from school in the evening and make a certain amount of blocks… why were they never used, or sandwiched or made into full quilts. Did she have the assistance of her two maiden daughters… examining the stitching I thin she probably did.
We talked at length with the gal who now has them in her possession… I urged her to have them professionally valued and expressed that the quilts were worth more as a collection. It appears that there are no living relatives to tell the story or share the beauty of the quilts….It’s a sad reminder of the need to document our quilts as we make them.
What will happen to them, I don’t know. I imagine the story would make a wonderful book with the patterns and history entwined…..
“Our memories like our dreams are ours alone and tell our story”
There are many loons resident at the lake and their plaintive cries echo across the lake. I was reminded of one of my favorite movies “on Golden pond” A huge crane surprised me as it skimmed the water like a memorial fly past… just feet from the end of the dock. The morning was spent with more experimental dyeing and then we took off for the town of Walker. We had an appointment with a gal at 1.00 pm at the local church. She wanted some advice on quilts. Out of a plastic bag she produced 16 vintage quilt tops. Each one more interesting than the next. We laid them on tables and I was able to go from one to another. The history of the quilts is known but not released… made by a teacher in the 1930’s they were a study in fabric history. Shirts, feed sacks, cheap plain fabric and all pieced by hand with the exception of one that had been sewn crazy style to a foundation. The woman that has them in her possession just wants to sell them. She washed them and now the seams have become frayed and worn.
My overwhelming feeling was that the quilts needed to be kept as a collection. They are a poignant reminder of this woman’s life in the 30’s. I was struck by the precision of the piecing and yet she had used a variety of fabrics… her design concepts were wonderful and extremely well executed. Questions came into my head…. Did she come home from school in the evening and make a certain amount of blocks… why were they never used, or sandwiched or made into full quilts. Did she have the assistance of her two maiden daughters… examining the stitching I thin she probably did.
We talked at length with the gal who now has them in her possession… I urged her to have them professionally valued and expressed that the quilts were worth more as a collection. It appears that there are no living relatives to tell the story or share the beauty of the quilts….It’s a sad reminder of the need to document our quilts as we make them.
What will happen to them, I don’t know. I imagine the story would make a wonderful book with the patterns and history entwined…..
“Our memories like our dreams are ours alone and tell our story”
The old Hippies
We planned our dyeing trip with great enthusiasm. Our mode of transport to our destination was a 20+ year old camper van. The temperature has been in the 90’s for the past week so we packed early and with a head full of instructions from the male member of the house we took off on our adventure. This trip has been one of those “one day we will take off in the camper” ideas… just 10 years in the discussion.
I felt like and old hippie in a V dub…. But we were in luxury. Our camper has a loo, a bed over the drivers’ seat, another down the back and my bike hanging precariously off hooks near the spare tyre. The seats are plush brown velvet, because they spin around and serve as lounge chairs when you reach your destination. We stoked up the country music, but the engine noise overrode it.. so we just talked loudly. Dear friend Joan drove with expertise and aplomb. Half an hour into the trip, the phone rang urgently with more instructions on safe driving and parking preparations.
The quilt shop in Park Rapids was our first stop… The town is interesting in summer, a mixture of out of state tourists and local farmers. My bargain from the thrift shop was $3 worth of embroidery scissors… (About 18 pairs). Before you wonder… yes I do need them. !!!!! They will come in handy some day. Lunch of wild rice soup (a specialty of the area) and a scone and we were underway once again.
Dorset was our next stop and I unpacked my bike and rode the rest of the way to Nevis. The gals drove and set up our workshop in friend Lori’s shed.
Many of the old railroads have been converted to National bike trails and the one I rode on measures some 100 miles. No I didn’t ride that far!!!! Eek but it was a wonderful experience… I rode past lakes confettied with water lilies in flower. Fields of summer wildflowers and dozens of birdhouses busy with new families. The trees are so different here, ash, pine and maple. Everything is unbelievably green. I’m absolutely certain the entire trail is up hill, the leg muscles are sure telling me so. The afternoon was spent experimenting with dyes…Our works of were laid in the sun reminding me of an Indian laundry. (They always dried their clothes on the road or nearby bushes..) We continued into the evening and finished the night with late night ice creams in the nearby town. I didn’t sleep in the camper. The temperature was extremely high so I opted for a bed downstairs and a good night’s sleep.
“Life’s simplest joys often bring the sweetest pleasures”
I felt like and old hippie in a V dub…. But we were in luxury. Our camper has a loo, a bed over the drivers’ seat, another down the back and my bike hanging precariously off hooks near the spare tyre. The seats are plush brown velvet, because they spin around and serve as lounge chairs when you reach your destination. We stoked up the country music, but the engine noise overrode it.. so we just talked loudly. Dear friend Joan drove with expertise and aplomb. Half an hour into the trip, the phone rang urgently with more instructions on safe driving and parking preparations.
The quilt shop in Park Rapids was our first stop… The town is interesting in summer, a mixture of out of state tourists and local farmers. My bargain from the thrift shop was $3 worth of embroidery scissors… (About 18 pairs). Before you wonder… yes I do need them. !!!!! They will come in handy some day. Lunch of wild rice soup (a specialty of the area) and a scone and we were underway once again.
Dorset was our next stop and I unpacked my bike and rode the rest of the way to Nevis. The gals drove and set up our workshop in friend Lori’s shed.
Many of the old railroads have been converted to National bike trails and the one I rode on measures some 100 miles. No I didn’t ride that far!!!! Eek but it was a wonderful experience… I rode past lakes confettied with water lilies in flower. Fields of summer wildflowers and dozens of birdhouses busy with new families. The trees are so different here, ash, pine and maple. Everything is unbelievably green. I’m absolutely certain the entire trail is up hill, the leg muscles are sure telling me so. The afternoon was spent experimenting with dyes…Our works of were laid in the sun reminding me of an Indian laundry. (They always dried their clothes on the road or nearby bushes..) We continued into the evening and finished the night with late night ice creams in the nearby town. I didn’t sleep in the camper. The temperature was extremely high so I opted for a bed downstairs and a good night’s sleep.
“Life’s simplest joys often bring the sweetest pleasures”
2005/07/11
How strange life is.
How strange this life is. It's mid summer with very long days and temperatures in the 90's. I am thousands of miles away from home. Despite the frivolity of the blogs I miss home and my family desperately. They write, call and tell me it's pretty darn cold and wet and the winter is progressing with short days and grey weather.
There is beauty and peace all around me in my environment here in the USA. As I look at the beautiful scenery out the window, the TV is showing the current Hurricane Alert in Miami and the Southern States. The graphic scenes portrayed are in contrast to my environment. My friend just emailed me from Alabama and said they are bracing for the worst. I love her sense of humor, she's shaving her legs and washing her hair... at least she states "I'll be well groomed if I have to fight my way out of here"
I spent the day visiting the most beautiful gardens...most of them fronting lakes and as it's mid summer everything looks breathtaking.
Light filters through yellow green leaves and the manicured lawns just just scream "work".....eek.
Standard fare in this temperature are salads and icecream and I must admit to becoming a connoisseur of pecan maple delight. Shorts and T'shirts are the go and bike riding fills the day.
No I haven't stopped working. I now have time to complete some patterns and projects for publication....
I've been working on the research part of my BIG project which is becoming all consuming.
We're off to a chicken dinner by the lake this evening, fine fare and visits with friends as the sun goes down on an interesting day.
"Be glad of life because it gives you the chance to love, to work, to play, and to look up at the stars."
Henry Van Dyke
There is beauty and peace all around me in my environment here in the USA. As I look at the beautiful scenery out the window, the TV is showing the current Hurricane Alert in Miami and the Southern States. The graphic scenes portrayed are in contrast to my environment. My friend just emailed me from Alabama and said they are bracing for the worst. I love her sense of humor, she's shaving her legs and washing her hair... at least she states "I'll be well groomed if I have to fight my way out of here"
I spent the day visiting the most beautiful gardens...most of them fronting lakes and as it's mid summer everything looks breathtaking.
Light filters through yellow green leaves and the manicured lawns just just scream "work".....eek.
Standard fare in this temperature are salads and icecream and I must admit to becoming a connoisseur of pecan maple delight. Shorts and T'shirts are the go and bike riding fills the day.
No I haven't stopped working. I now have time to complete some patterns and projects for publication....
I've been working on the research part of my BIG project which is becoming all consuming.
We're off to a chicken dinner by the lake this evening, fine fare and visits with friends as the sun goes down on an interesting day.
"Be glad of life because it gives you the chance to love, to work, to play, and to look up at the stars."
Henry Van Dyke
2005/07/09
2005/07/08
Friendship
"No soul is desolate as long as there is a human being for whom it can feel trust and reverence." - George Eliot
I'm thankful for my friends... sitting on the swinging chair this morning at my friends house... we drank iced diet coke, changed the world with our conversation and laughed at each others jokes. We paid homage to those who lost their lives and were so terribly injured in the bombings in London today. Our ages span several decades which result in many years of shared experiences.
A brief suggestion and we shut the shop... jumped in the car and whipped into town for illicit pizza and there was no one present to be judgmental or count the cost.... how sweet it is...
An hour was spent visiting with the shop owner and wonderful conversation.... small country town and honest. The evening ended once again with friends at an open air concert in the park. Peace and serenity... phone calls from wonderful friends and my Husband.
I'm thankful for my friends... sitting on the swinging chair this morning at my friends house... we drank iced diet coke, changed the world with our conversation and laughed at each others jokes. We paid homage to those who lost their lives and were so terribly injured in the bombings in London today. Our ages span several decades which result in many years of shared experiences.
A brief suggestion and we shut the shop... jumped in the car and whipped into town for illicit pizza and there was no one present to be judgmental or count the cost.... how sweet it is...
An hour was spent visiting with the shop owner and wonderful conversation.... small country town and honest. The evening ended once again with friends at an open air concert in the park. Peace and serenity... phone calls from wonderful friends and my Husband.
2005/07/06
The 4 H show.
As promised I have decided to share my experiences of the four day 4H show in Winamac. We sauntered down in the early evening, just 1/2 a mile from our house. As we approached the sounds got louder. Voices, music, animals and children's laughter.....Dress was casual and country style. The kids look so cute in their country shirts, jeans and boots....Everyone is sporting a tan, some more than others I might add.... Hats and sunscreen are not high on the agenda here.... There is dust rising in the sunset and the smell of fast food mixed with those of the penned animals...4H is about young people. Children of all ages are visible and appear to be working at various tasks. We sat by one arena and enjoyed a pork burger washed down with diet coke.... one might say a little callous as the hogs are being groomed for their performances in the ring... and are highly prized. I believe they are then sold for their body parts later in the week......eek....We watched fascinated as 2 men coifed, dusted, sprayed and trimmed their prize cow. The hogs were covered in baby oil to make them shine under the lights...Families shared conversation, food and laughter. A local dignitary was dunked by throwing a ball at the dunking machine and the Princess and the Queen of the festival were announced. The Queen received an orange Mustang to drive around town for a week......!!!! Not too shabby I reckon.There wasn't a carnival with rides as such.... everyone just seemed happy to just be there.....We checked the prize produce, the tractors lined up for the tractor pull. We visited the rabbits, and sheep and later in the week there are to be horse antics....Late in the evening there were fireworks and folk line the streets of the town sitting in family groups to watch the performance... the smell of powder and BBQ is heavy in the air. Anyone can let of fireworks... and we were surrounded by a cacophony of sound.4th of July, performance and a celebration of a nation.... and we were able to be part of it....FANTASTIC
2005/07/05
4th July.
This is small town USA and I am priviledged to experience just 10 days in this short capsule of time. In the past few days we have experienced eating at a drive in restaurant straight out of the 60's... Root beer floats and hot dogs.... OOOOh, they were so good. Culturally we visited the Indianapolis Art Museum then drove round the track of the Indy 500 race track. Each day brings small experiences that are gems in the space of a day....
like visiting Burger King in lets say a "rougher side of town".... You sure wouldn't argue with the gal behind the counter. Her hair was white and semi mohawk and, then again, I think she was a gal, but it was difficult to tell. I was fascinated by the tattoos....Another gal came in, thin, sad and in need of a set of dentures... she wasn't happy with meal she received the other day and wanted a replacement....!!! Heavens!!! They kindly gave her another meal.. I was impressed. Then another assistant behind the counter called out my name.... but I couldn't understand her because she needed help in the denture department too.
We've visited a great Quilt shop
(Quilters harvest) set in an old church amongst the cornfields... as you look out the windows you see blue sky and green corn in each direction. They had a wonderful collection of reproduction fabrics amongst others... The ceilings are high are wonderful hosts to the quilts hanging high on the walls, companions to the stained glass windows...I was embarrassed as the owners had met and visited with me at a show several years ago. I didn't remember them, but they forgave me. The special for the day, 20 fat quarters for $20.
It's 4th of July today but the celebrations began yesterday. First we attended Church and sang patriotic songs for the nation. It was a lovely service, the members friendly and very giving. The afternoon was spent shopping, sight seeing and visiting the above quilt shop.... Then visits with friends and dinner at the local 4H show, the description of which will take and entire blog...
The day finished sitting on the swing chair by the lake and watching an hour or so of fireworks as the sun went down.... Just amazing....
"A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words."
like visiting Burger King in lets say a "rougher side of town".... You sure wouldn't argue with the gal behind the counter. Her hair was white and semi mohawk and, then again, I think she was a gal, but it was difficult to tell. I was fascinated by the tattoos....Another gal came in, thin, sad and in need of a set of dentures... she wasn't happy with meal she received the other day and wanted a replacement....!!! Heavens!!! They kindly gave her another meal.. I was impressed. Then another assistant behind the counter called out my name.... but I couldn't understand her because she needed help in the denture department too.
We've visited a great Quilt shop
(Quilters harvest) set in an old church amongst the cornfields... as you look out the windows you see blue sky and green corn in each direction. They had a wonderful collection of reproduction fabrics amongst others... The ceilings are high are wonderful hosts to the quilts hanging high on the walls, companions to the stained glass windows...I was embarrassed as the owners had met and visited with me at a show several years ago. I didn't remember them, but they forgave me. The special for the day, 20 fat quarters for $20.
It's 4th of July today but the celebrations began yesterday. First we attended Church and sang patriotic songs for the nation. It was a lovely service, the members friendly and very giving. The afternoon was spent shopping, sight seeing and visiting the above quilt shop.... Then visits with friends and dinner at the local 4H show, the description of which will take and entire blog...
The day finished sitting on the swing chair by the lake and watching an hour or so of fireworks as the sun went down.... Just amazing....
"A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words."
2005/07/02
The Chicago Art Institute
We woke to storms, dark clouds and thunder.... the clean cut face of the TV presenter told us that we were to stay indoors until 8.00 am... however, we had an agenda and the weather just didn't fit... Today was our day to visit Chicago some 2.5 hours from Winamac. I had the job of driving... Glen, a gent of distinguished age was to be our guide and directed me with confidence and aplomb. It's was a wonderful experience. Heaven, to me is to visit an Art Gallery. I try to visit them wherever I travel... and this gallery is second to none... This is my second visit. I will return.
We walked the corridors and joined such artists as Gauguin, Monet, Seraut, Turner and others too numerous to mention. My greatest joy was to view an entire gallery of Dutch Masters... Some of these paintings I have admired since I was 10 years old. (yes I was a nerd as a child, I'm making up for it now)
The Art Institute of Chicago, founded in 1879 as both a museum and school. It opened on its present site in 1893. Built on rubble from the 1871 Chicago fire. The collection now encompasses more than 5,000 years of human expression from cultures around the world.
My enjoyment increased when I was able to purchase a book that will assist me with my next project... I was like a kid in a candy shop.... The excitement was shared by my friend Glen who has taken to my project with keen anticipation. The temperature hovered around 101, the streets were bustling and the sounds of the city exciting...By 3.00 we were feeling a little hungry and a short walk down the street took us to the Berghoff Restaurant where they serve the best German food in Chicago.
The restaurant's founder, Herman Joseph Berghoff, an immigrant to America in 1870 from Dortmund, Germany, began brewing Berghoff Beer in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1887 as a family enterprise with his three brothers, Henry, Hubert and Gustav. A promoter by nature known for his sparkling blue eyes and determination, Herman dreamed of expanding the market for his beer beyond Indiana. The Chicago World's Fair of 1893 proved to be a perfect introduction when he sold the beer to fair-goers on the now-famous Midway.
Inspired by the wide public acclaim the beer received at the fair, Herman opened the Berghoff Cafe in 1898 to showcase his celebrated Dortmunder-style beer. Originally located at the corner of State and Adams streets, one door down from its present location, the bar sold beer for a nickel and offered sandwiches for free.
Our meal wasn't free, but delicious... and the ambiance of the paneled and painted interior added to the meal. I think it's the best coffee I have had in the USA. Maybe it was the formality of the waiters, or was it the mellow light thrown by the old gas lamps....
We walked the corridors and joined such artists as Gauguin, Monet, Seraut, Turner and others too numerous to mention. My greatest joy was to view an entire gallery of Dutch Masters... Some of these paintings I have admired since I was 10 years old. (yes I was a nerd as a child, I'm making up for it now)
The Art Institute of Chicago, founded in 1879 as both a museum and school. It opened on its present site in 1893. Built on rubble from the 1871 Chicago fire. The collection now encompasses more than 5,000 years of human expression from cultures around the world.
My enjoyment increased when I was able to purchase a book that will assist me with my next project... I was like a kid in a candy shop.... The excitement was shared by my friend Glen who has taken to my project with keen anticipation. The temperature hovered around 101, the streets were bustling and the sounds of the city exciting...By 3.00 we were feeling a little hungry and a short walk down the street took us to the Berghoff Restaurant where they serve the best German food in Chicago.
The restaurant's founder, Herman Joseph Berghoff, an immigrant to America in 1870 from Dortmund, Germany, began brewing Berghoff Beer in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1887 as a family enterprise with his three brothers, Henry, Hubert and Gustav. A promoter by nature known for his sparkling blue eyes and determination, Herman dreamed of expanding the market for his beer beyond Indiana. The Chicago World's Fair of 1893 proved to be a perfect introduction when he sold the beer to fair-goers on the now-famous Midway.
Inspired by the wide public acclaim the beer received at the fair, Herman opened the Berghoff Cafe in 1898 to showcase his celebrated Dortmunder-style beer. Originally located at the corner of State and Adams streets, one door down from its present location, the bar sold beer for a nickel and offered sandwiches for free.
Our meal wasn't free, but delicious... and the ambiance of the paneled and painted interior added to the meal. I think it's the best coffee I have had in the USA. Maybe it was the formality of the waiters, or was it the mellow light thrown by the old gas lamps....
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