Status update....

Now that my house is beautiful again and things are back where they are supposed to be, my spirits are up! While rearranging and reconfiguring my sewing studio, I started getting really excited about all of the future projects stacked up in my head. In fact, I got so excited that when I happened on some good deals, I went a little crazy. It was much fun and has filled me with a new sense of inspiration. I'll have to post some pictures soon, but I've been working on a bunch of little side projects that have been a wonderful distraction. I've gotten away from blogging like I should, but I'm trying to ajust to this new habit. One problem is that when I finally devote some time to sitting down at the computer my mind goes blank. All of the great blogging ideas I have just seem to have disappeared or seem silly.

On a different front (and maybe more interesting that hearing about a fabric allocation road trip), I'm reading my Dad's favorite book. It's called The Wanderer and is by Sterling Hayden. Very interesting so far. Sterling Hayden was an actor in many things, but the most memorable for me was when he played a dirty cop and gets shot by Al Pacino in the original Godfather movie. It's sometimes hard to picture the man behind that character as he was more of a character in real life than the movies could every portray. As I process this read I'll probably make random comments...

Spring has arrived!

I have beautiful blooms in my yard and the bradford pear has huge white flowers EVERYWHERE! Having my house back together as well as having the weather turn are making this a great spring to enjoy! It couldn't be better. Hope everyone else is enjoying the turn of the seasons.... I have plenty to write about and will check back in very soon!

Recent Wine Dinner

I had a wonderful experience recently that I just have to share. I, along with my friends were able to share an intimate wine dinner experience with one of the most talented wine growers in the history of California's wine history. Gregory Graziano of the famed Graziano Family of Wines ate and drank with my friends and I after the Cincinnati Wine Festival. It was a wonderful time and I can't speak enough of Gregory. He was a wonderful host, an eloquent speaker and just all around fun to listen to. He has a passion for wine unlike any other I've ever met in recent history. If you ever have the chance to hang out with THE winemaker, enjoy!

Forward Progress!!!

New flooring is going in! Here are some pictures of the progress. We are starting into Day 2! The bathroom that flooded now has a new floor and new toilet. My medallion is here and the foundation is down so I'm able to start visualizing it. Lastly, the deep dark rich hard wood in my studio is also progressing. Here are some pictures. Let me know what you think!

Peaceful Day

It's gloomy out, but I have been working by a very nice fire. It's cozy in here, but I'm hoping it's one of the last fires of the season as I'm seeing bulbs already peeking out of the ground. Even some of the succulents out front are popping up. Spring is really on its way and that fills me with smiles! Hope everyone is enjoying a peaceful and happy weekend!

I actually made my first official Etsy sale this weekend and couldn't be more tickled! The best part is that it's someone new to me in another state. I was sort of hoping it wouldn't be someone I knew because then I can't assume it's a friend supporting my new endeavor and not a "real" customer. Though I'd love for people I know to support the shop, it's nice to know that a stranger also likes something I made. That's the best compliment in the world. I just hope it's loved as much upon receipt as well!

Mariner's Compass/Compass Rose

I know it's been a while, but things are moving right along with replacing all of the damage. Weirdest and yet neatest thing happened yesterday. I was in a flooring store where the prices were right and the selection was great. As I was talking to one of the owners, I realized that there was a tile mosaic sitting on the shelf next to me. It was really interesting and beautiful. I asked about it and was told it was one of only two left in the shop. I turned around to look at the other one to find one of the most gorgeous things I've ever seen. (Picture below!)  My Dad could navigate by the stars and was a fantastic yachtsman. I have a love for all things genuinely nautical and this is one of my favorite symbols. It comforts me that I will someday know the path to finding my Dad.

Not only does the mariner's compass remind me of my Dad, it's my favorite quilt block.You will probably see this symbol in my work from time to time. It's a pattern I love and will always return to for comfort.

This particular mosaic piece will be in my front foyer here in a few days and I just can't wait!

Small Town Shop Closing

I came from a big city in a warm place. I've had to adjust to seasons among so many other cultural changes. You have this preconceived notion that coming from a big city to a small town, there couldn't be surprises once a person gets their bearings. The truth is that no statement could be more false. The joy of a smaller place is the exciting wonders you find in the crevices that don't meet the naked eye. These are the secrets of a small town. Point and case:

I've lived in the same smallish town for over a decade now. The beauty of this place is bar-none and the winter isn't near as harsh as Canada. There is a historic downtown which warms my soul. In this particular piece of town there are several antique stores. My younger eyes were more focused on the cafes, bookstores and restaurants than the antique shops. Then, I fell in love with quilting and learned a local secret. There was this wonderful antique store with a fabric shop in the back. Quilt guild members get a discount. This was a new found heaven. When you live in a small town, options for fabric are limited. Then you might get lucky and find a godsend in a woman with great taste in fabric and a love for sewing. Best part is that she not only has great taste in fabric; she has a $3 table!!!!!!

A sad day is approaching this small town. Our very special fabric lady with great taste has decided to retire. She looks very young and spry, so the announcement was a shock to all and I keep asking her where the fountain of youth is to no avail.... Needless to say, my friends and I are very worried about where we will go to get advice, take a break from work in our own personal peaceful place and we will so miss the woman who has filled our minds with creative ideas and our hearts with joy.

Thank you Wilma for everything. We will seek your opinion whenever you allow us, I'm sure!