Page Proofs Here

Ok, So this was pretty exciting! The "page proofs" from Martingale arrived as promised. Upon opening the package and leafing through them, I was so struck...almost made me cry! It's surreal, to say the least, to see your hard work, in color, in what will soon be a book! I suppose it made it "real" for me, in a way it hasn't been before!
I owe such a huge THANK YOU! to my husband, Vince. Without his belief, love and support, this would never have happened! It's funny how one person can see things in you that you can't see in yourself. It makes me hope that somehow, some way, I can similiarly inspire someone else, that maybe I see something they can't, that I inspire them to "try"! After all, it worked for me!

What a Week

Hi All!

What a week it's been. Vince and I celebrated our 24th anniversary. Don't laugh, we went to Denny's for breakfast! Had to work that day, so we couldn't go out to dinner, so we opted for breakfast! We got a few laughs out of it as we were sitting in the booth eating our eggs!

But, later in the week he sure surprised me. Bought me a new car! It's a beaut, and I love it. And truly, I was so surprised! We're not the "big present" kind of people, we just never could do that kind of thing. But the kids are growing, yikes, scary thought that! Wayne 18, Shannah 16 this summer, and Travis 14 this summer. So the need for another vehicle is certainly there.

Anyhow, guess my message is...Life is good. Am married to the greatest guy, would marry him again in a heartbeat, kids are wonderful (well, most of the time...they are kids afterall!), am sewing and having fun, and am Blessed with the best of friends! Life IS good, and I can't wait to see what happens each new day!

First Edit

Received first edit of book on Friday! Have to give it up to my editors, Laurie Baker and Sheila Ryan! They sure know what they're doing! I have to go through everything and return, then in August I get the first page proofs. The way I understand it...that's when it really starts looking like a book.
In the meantime, have almost finished the revised Bears Paw with Claws, utilizing a newly designed template. Can't wait to get it done and post pics as it is truly amazing! Visions of prairie points are dancing in my head. So, guess I best get going, lots to get done this week. Amen!

Calgon! Take Me Away!!!!!

Ever want to have one of those experiences? The commercial, seems to promise that Calgon will transport you to a better place, one free of stress, immersed in relaxation! While I enjoy a good bath, I've never been 'truly transported'. And I've tried all the extras...candlelight, soft, easy music. If nothing else, I suppose I come out clean!
Quilting however, has that ability to 'take me away'! Some good music, a few 'loose threads', some fabric 'to die for', and I'm lost! Yes, truly taken away, losing all sense of time, forgetful of all that needs to be done! You know...things like cleaning, eating, etc. In my own little world, I eagerly anticipate the next, new creation! I can't wait to see the fruits of my labor; hmmm, is it labor when you're doing something you love?
Today, I vow to have more "Calgon, take me away" moments (or days). It's obviously good for my soul!!!!! And, unlike anything else, it truly does "transport me"!

Revived, Refreshed, Rejuvenated...Almost

Well, back from Retreat, and have to say that I had the most wonderful time, tired as I was! What an absolutely great group of woman! You never know how well everyone will get along, but this was probably the most cohesive group I've had the pleasure to sew with and get to know! If you were there, Thank You!

It's always inspiring to go on a Retreat...not only do you have the opportunity to get alot done, but because of the diversity of each person there, you get the chance to see other projects. For me, they seem to always give me new ideas, you know, visions of sugar plums, woops! quilts! dancing in my head!

I thought with all the stress (yes, doing the book did cause a wee bit of stress) that I probably wouldn't even want to see a sewing machine for quite some time. Yet, when I got home, all I wanted to do was sew! And I still feel that way. I have a million things to do, clean, cook, put the Christmas stuff away, and I just want to hurry up and 'get er done' so I can once again immerse myself in a new project! Ironic, isn't it?

Well, with that said, I have re-vamped my prairie point technique, so am posting a pic of the Bear's Paw with Claws block that will be used in a new quilt. I think it looks cool. Let me know your thoughts! The small pink triangles are the prairie points, and they'll really "pop" once they're quilted. Cool, huh?

IN THE MAIL!!!!!

Hi You All!
Well, I'm very happy to report that all 11 quilts, manuscript, sample blocks, etc, etc is IN THE MAIL! I am absolutely exhausted, wasn't sure I'd get it done, but have somehow managed to prevail. Not without alot of blood, sweat and TEARS!!!
Now, I'm leaving to go on a quilting retreat. Ironic, huh? But, should hopefully, come back revived, refreshed and rejuvenated.
Big Thanks to all for sticking with me! Especially my kids and husband who had to put up with me! Will chat more later...after retreat! Have a great week!!!
Karen

Prophetic Post?

OK, talk about when the going gets tough...maybe I'm a prophet! I'll tell you, I took this week off in order to finish everything up. I figured I'd be less stressed without the burden of work, and be able to finish in a leisurely manner.
What I didn't count on was spending most of my Monday and Tuesday at the Doctor's, then in the hospital with a raging case of food poisoning! I have NEVER, ever been so sick or in so much pain! If you've never had it, Amen! I wouldn't wish it on anyone!!!
So here it is, Thursday. I have a follow-up Doctor's appointment, then hopefully I'm off and running. What was going to be a 'leisurely', non stressful week of finishing touches has become a race against time! I wonder, why is it that something ALWAYS happens when you're up against the clock? So, as I said in my last post, when the going gets tough...well, I better get going!!!
I WILL get this done, with bucket by my side if I have to! Wish me luck, I surely could use it!

Almost There!

One and a half weeks to go until all needs to be submitted. To say that I've been working at a frantic pace would probably be the understatement of the year!!!! Seems I eat, live, breathe, sleep (rarely) this project.
My thumb has holes in it from pushing the needle during the hand sewing of the bindings, and I swear I have permanent knots of muscle tension in my neck, shoulders and back! Yet, somehow, I imagine when all is said and done, that it'll be worth it.
One thing for sure, I couldn't have done this without the encouragement and help of my friends and family. For instance, (can't believe I'm going to admit this) but we still have all our Christmas decorations up. And no one seems to care! They all know I have the deadline, so they know it'll get done when it gets done. Worst case scenario, we can always hang Easter eggs on it!
And I've been Blessed with friends that not only listen (for the umpteenth time), but also encourage and help! One thing this whole evolution has proven, that when the going gets tough, the tough get going, or they rely on family and friends to help them! Thanks everyone!!!!!

Making Progress

Well, I'm happy to report that I am, at last, feeling like I've made some progress. Yeah!! In the last couple of weeks, I've gotten 2 more quilts pieced, 3 quilted, and all but 2 of my "sample" blocks made! At night (sometimes as early as 3 AM) I've been working on the bindings and writing of instructions! All this while working, and of course, doing all the myriad tasks a Mom and wife must do! Whew!!!
This has been an amazing journey. While I'm excited about having a book published, there are days when I am also terrified! I'm not sure if I can explain it, but, it's like laying bare a piece of you, to be judged by other people! Here I've put my heart and soul into something, but what if no one likes it?
I suppose it's just a gamble you take. and you know what? It's OK. I have learned that I can do more than I ever thought possible, I am TRULY blessed with the love and support of my family and friends, and that I can, somehow, enjoy the process! Whether a success or not, I'm proud of the work I've done, and glad I 'rolled the dice'. If nothing else, I have several beautiful new quilts to enjoy for years and years to come!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year Everyone! I hope all of you had a great holiday, as did I. It's surprising how quickly it came...and went! Seems like the kids just got out of school for their break, and today they returned!
As I sit here, writing this, getting ready to go down to my sewing room, I can't help but hope that I manage my time a little better this year! Appears as though I'm constantly rushing to and fro, with sometimes little to show for all my efforts! And, I have quite a lot to do this year...especially these next couple of months!
I still have 2 quilts to make, 6 to quilt, and all the sample blocks to make for the book. And all of this HAS to be sent out by the 1st of March! YIKES!!!!! Of course, I still get to be a wife, play Mom, cook, clean, ferry, etc, and, oh yes, work!
Somehow, I know it'll all get done, hopefully without me losing my mind! Guess that's where the 'time management' comes in! So, will keep you all posted on my progress...that is, if I can find the time!