First Trunk Show and Book Signing

OK, so the book has finally come out, and I had the opportunity to go to Chesapeake yesterday to do two Trunk Shows and Book Signings. So...what is it about 'public speaking' that puts the fear of God into everyone, me included? I didn't just have butterflies, there was a marching band in there!!!

But, can I say that it was fun? I mean, what can be better than sharing what you love with other like minded people? There are so many styles of quilting, from traditional to contemporary, so many fabrics, colors and options! And that's part of what makes it so cool! We each put our own stamp, flavor, and personality into our work, and while we might not endeavor to master all styles, we sure seem able to appreciate them!

And, last but HARDLY least, quilters are just a great group of people! I feel so fortunate to have met some of the greatest gals (and guys) through quilting. Take Doris, the owner of A Different Touch; she's just as beautiful on the inside as the outside, and I want to Thank Her for allowing me to come to her shop yesterday. I met some very talented people there, who's Show and Tell both inspired and motivated me. Thanks to All of you for making me feel so welcome!

Gosh I love quilting...and the people who are part of it!

A Look Behind and A Look Ahead

Shoo wee! What a week! Last week I posted about the snow and if I thought I wanted it gone then, well, today, I'm even more sure! Friday and most of Saturday, we had 'near blizzard' conditions and a snow accumulation of about 26-28 inches!

Power went out about 10 Friday night and came back on around 6PM Saturday. No heat, but hey, one good thing about being a quilter...there were plenty of 'blankets' to go around!!!

So that's the "look behind". Ahead, well, the book release is set for Tuesday. I didn't think that day would ever get here, and as you can imagine, I'm pretty excited. All the gals at our Guild meeting on Thursday gave me a beautiful potted plant to say "Congratulations", which threatened to make me cry, but also brought home what a special group quilters are! I am truly glad that my sister dragged me into that quilt shop all those years ago! It's been a Blessing, one I count every day!

Snow, Snow, Go Away!

OK, I've got to admit that I absolutely LOVE the first snowfall. There's something so fresh, pristine and beautiful about all that white, how it falls, silently coating the ground. But, the other side of that coin, is that I never learned how to drive in it, and by gosh, by golly, its darn right COLD!

As beautiful as it is initially, I MUST admit that I long to be warm, to be able to drive without fear of ending up in a ditch, and let's face it, no more unscheduled "snow days" for the kids! I thought a "snow day" would be a God-send; hmmm....what can I do? Maybe I'll sew! But instead, it's managing kids, meals, wet, and warmth! So today, I say, "Come on Spring"! Bring me your gentle breezes, your beautiful flowers and the promise of something good to come!

In the meantime, as I wait for Spring, the weatherman says 1-3 inches tomorrow, and another snow storm this weekend. Well....one can always hope....RIGHT?