Happy New Year!

Happy New Year All!

Been awhile since I posted; I suppose that's why those New Years Resolutions come in so handy! Along with all the other life stlyle changes I need to make, posting regularly and connecting with other quilters is one that's at the top of the list!
So...what's new??? Still working full time, still a wife and mother (Thank God!) and anxiously awaiting the release of the book in February! Just before Christmas, Martingale sent me an advance copy of the book and a really gorgeous floral arrangement. You know, it all seems like a dream, that is until you hold it in your hand!
That's when the hope and the fear truly sets in! Hope that the book does well, and fear that it won't! With that said, I can at least say that my husband and kids are proud....and that's the BEST feeling of all! They presented me with a framed copy of the cover on Christmas, and YES! I admit, I cried like a baby! They had written an inscription that reads as follows:

If you can believe it, you can achieve it. You're living proof that dreams really do come true. We're extremely proud of you Mom!

Now, well.., thru all the blood, sweat and tears, I realize I'd do it all again, just to know I made my family proud!
Karen

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