Oh the joys of a backyard pool!

June 27, 2008 in Home

About 13-14 years ago, I thought it would be such a great idea to have a pool in the backyard – WHAT was I thinking? I guess I do vaguely remember what I was thinking when I dig deep – “happy kids splashing in clear blue water and me sipping ice tea poolside.”

And really the first ten years were pretty good – but an older pool is kind of like a middle aged woman – “it’s always something – and if it’s not one thing, it’s two!” I just realized my pool may be in menopause. – but it’s giving me the mood swings!

I’m trying to get ready for summer guests and parties and they now have expectations for Mumm Resort...a heated, clear, clean pool and lots of refreshments. If it wasn’t for elusive leaks, breaking in a new “pool boy,” enormous heating bills (I like it at 92 degrees) and if I wasn’t completely inept as managing my PH levels – I’d be floating on a cloud (or even better, an air mattress).

We’re set for a 90+degree weekend and the “girls” are coming over from Seattle. After a month of trying to solve my “pool issues” - hopefully the christening of the pool season will convince me once again that it is all worth it. Ask me again after our first round of Gin & tonic!

Permalink | Email this | Comments (1)

Cuttin' into the Stash

June 17, 2008 in Crafts, Creativity, Quilting

It's always fun to see what our network of quilters and crafters from around the world are up to. Here's another fun project and story. Heather from Australia designs projects for an Australian magazine called "Patchwork & Stitching." She said it's sometimes hard for her to cut into the fabrics in her beloved stash, but in this case it was definitely worth it. One of our collections (or "range" as they call it in Australia) from the past (Lavender Tea Garden) was inspiration for Heather to come up with this absolutely darling creation. This design was such a winner that it was chosen to be featured on the cover of the magazine. Heather dreams that one day that she would be able to have a book of her own designs published. Based on this example, I can see that she has the talent for it! I still remember having that same dream and many other dreams that have actually come true for me. Heather, and anyone else out there with dreams ~with a dream, desire and drive - you can make it happen!   

Permalink | Email this | Comments (2)

Bee-hold the BEE!

June 9, 2008 in Creativity, Quotes

Even though she is lovingly featured so often in my art, she is also often scorned when she appears in my backyard. While trying to have a little family barbeque we often find ourselves swatting and sometimes even swearing when a bee buzzes into our personal space (or onto our sizzling piece of steak). Kris (and quote author St. John Chrysostom) reminds us this month that all creatures (even those bee-loved and bee-hated almost simultaneously) have a special purpose. “The bee is more honored than other animals; not because she labors, but because she labors for others.” I say, “Let it (her) Bee.”

Permalink | Email this | Comments (4)

Quilts at Work!

June 4, 2008 in Creativity, Friendship, Quilting

WOW! Here's a great story about how our 2007 BOM design helped raise funds (and a lot of funds, I might add!) to help improve the lives of many young children. Jane, one of our quilters from Brazil shared the following story about how a Quilt made a difference for so many. 

Jane works as a volunteer at a Day Care Center that cares for needy children with many poor families. In this rural community many of the children have a hard time attending school; and the Center tries to make sure kids won't be used as farm hands. The Center provides a safe place for young children to stay while their families are working. They provide a number of services including education, meals, dental and medical care plus other activities such as sports, music and handcrafts for 400 children. Jane teaches English and crafts there and helps organize bazaars and other fund raising events.

Just three short months ago Jane contacted us about permission to raffle a quilt based on our 2007 BOM project "Garden Sampler." She just let us know that the raffle was conducted last Saturday, and that the profit from it was about R$ 5,800 - or two thousand nine hundred dollars! Jane is naturally thrilled to put her quilt to such great use and help out so many kids. She plans to stitch projects to be raffled at least twice a year.

Jane provided photos of some of the girls in the sewing room. She said they are all absolutely in love with patchwork and we are all very glad to be offering them the chance to learn and produce beautiful things. Their piecing abilities is quite impressive!

This is such a wonderful, inspirational story about how one person and one quilt can bring service to so many. Thank you Jane for sharing this with us.

Permalink | Email this | Comments (3)