Sharing

Today, give a stranger one of your smiles. It might be the only sunshine he sees all day.

 ~Quoted in P.S. I Love You, compiled by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

OK.  So I lied.  On Friday I said I wouldn't have a post today.  I won't be sharing anything I made but will share something I found.  Something I hope you will enjoy.  We had a decent trip south with only a few areas of hairy driving in the downpours, not being able to see, people without lights on, and thinking it's not necessary to slow down.  But that's driving in the big city.  Our trip home today should be nicer.  The sun is shining and the air is clear.

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

National Sleeping Day

February 28th is Public Sleeping Day.  Public Sleeping Day is an opportunity to sleep in public. I can think of a whole lot of places to sleep in the public eye. And, today is the day to do it. You can sleep on a park bench. You can doze on a blanket on the beach. Some people may opt to sleep on the job. They do so at their own risk. Have you ever caught twenty winks on a bus or subway traveling to or from work? Sure, we all have.
Wherever you choose to sleep today, I hope it is peaceful and restful.

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WHY I QUILT

My friend, Gene Black, shared this Bonnie Hunter video on his blog on Friday.  I immediately thought that I have to share it with you too!  I really need to share this with my mother as you will see from my recent phone conversation with her.  Mom - "What are you doing?".  Me - "Sewing".  Mom - "What are you sewing now?".  Me - "A quilt".  Mom - "Don't you have enough quilts?".  Me - "NO! You can never have too many quilts!" 

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TODAY'S GOAL

I plan to The Wool Lady in Temecula and then have an uneventful drive home.

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GIVEAWAYS

Confessions of a Fabric is having a Whoop-Whoop giveaway! And what a giveaway it is!! You could win two charm packs AND 13 fat quarters AND 4 one-yard cuts of fabric AND brand new, still-in-the-plastic copy of Quiltmaker magazine! Sarah will select a winner on Thursday, March 3rd.

Rsislandcrafts is having a CSN giveaway!  You could win a $40 gift certificate to spend at the online store.  Robin will keep this open until Marc 5th at noon EST.

Leona's Quilting Adventure is having a sponsored giveaway.  You could win eight cuts of beautiful Journeys fabric designed by Kathy Davis and a copy of Kathy's new book Scatter Joy. This giveaway will end on Sunday, March 6, at midnight EST.

Quilty Giveaways is having a Little Louise Quilts giveaway!  You could win one PDF pattern from Jude's etsy shop.  This giveaway will remain open until Friday, March 3, at midnight.

Cut to Pieces is having a Sherbet Pips giveaway.  You could win a jelly roll of Sherbet Pips!  This giveaway ends Wednesday, March 2nd.

It's time for the Hawthorne Threads weekly giveaway.  This week they are giving away a layer cake of Wanna Be A Cowboy 2.  The winner will be announced Wednesday, March 2nd.

Lucky Duck Dreams is having a giveaway.  You could be the luckky winner of the book Quilt Fiesta.  The winner will be announced on Friday, March 4th.

Holly Knot Finger Lakes Art is also giving you the opportunity to win a copy of Quilt Fiesta.  The winner for this giveaway will be announce on Thursday, March 3rd.

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FINAL THOUGHT

Traveling is always fun but it is so nice to return home, especially home to your own bed.  Getting away from the grind of everyday and doing something out of the norm can restore the body and the mind.  Away from the chores and obligations that always seem to fill any spare time you have is a nice change.  Anything you leave behind will still be there when you return but to be able to shut them out for just a couple of days enables you start your week with a new outlook.  Everybody deserves a day of rest and relaxation occasionally.

A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in.
 ~Robert Orben

May you Monday be marvelous!

Surprises To Disappointments

You must have long-range goals to keep you from being frustrated by short-range failures.

~Charles C. Noble

Do you ever feel that you haven't accomplished much even though you spent most of the day working on one thing?  That happened to me yesterday.  Granted, I did a little wash and some paperwork but the rest of the day was spent on one project.  I didn't get anywhere near as far as I thought I should.  How frustrating!  I thought I would have finished but I probably have at least another half day worth of work to reach the "done" stage.  I feel disappointed, like I let time slip by.  Does this ever happen to you?

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

Polar Bears

Sunday is National Polar Bear Day.  It is also my sister's birthday- meh.  How much do you know about our furry white friends?  Did you know.......

* Some female polar bears deviate from the one room den.  They build dens with multiple rooms and even a ventilation system in the roof.

* Polar bear babies weigh a little more than a pound when they are born

* Polar bears tend to overheat more than to be cold.

* Polar Bears do not hibernate.  Female polar bears will den with their young.  All polar bears may den for a short time to avoid bad weather.

* A polar bear's fur is not white!!  It is hollow.  The fur reflects light.  The hollow fur also traps the suns heat to help keep the polar bear warm.

* No other four footed animal can swim as fast as a polar bear.

* A polar bear's feet are webbed.

*They can live from 25-30 years long. The oldest polar bear that ever lived was 41 years old.

* They have a great sense of smell, they can smell food from km/ miles away

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SURPRISE

Yesterday's mail brought a surprise.  Well, part of it was expected but the extras were a surprise.

At the beginning of the month, Nancy emailed me to let me know that she had won a giveaway of the traveling book, The Aloha Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini.  Nancy does not have a blog to continue the book giveaway.  Much to my surprise, Nancy selected me to receive the book when she had finished reading it.  And it arrived today with several other little goodies.  Nancy generously included a a table runner pattern, a table topper pattern (I'm gonna make that watermelon table topper up for my mom), a pocket guide of Embroidery, two beautiful fat quarters and a panel of quilt labels!  So far there have been five readers of this book and it has already traveled from California, to America Samoa, to Iowa, to Utah, and now back to California.  In a couple of weeks, I will hold a giveaway to send this book back on its way.  As this is one of my very favorite authors, it just might not take me that long.  Keep your eyes open for the giveaway.  Thank you so very much, Nancy!!

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ANSWERS PROVIDED

A big thank you to KQ Sue and Quitzyx for providing me with USA websites where I could purchase A Gardener's Journal.  My friends in blogland always come through for me!  If you would like to purchase this book you can find it at Pumpkinvine Corner or Treasured Threads.  I have ordered the book and can't wait to get it.  Thank you so much ladies!!

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LITTLE ACCOMPLISHED

I feel as though I did not get much accomplished yesterday.

I cut out the applique pieces and ironed them onto the backing.  I did get all of the blanket stitching finished.  I wanted to get it sandwiched and quilted too.  No such luck.  Oh, by the way, this is a 12 inch block that will be my larger mini quilt for the month of March and will go on a metal hanger near my front door.  Maybe Tuesday.

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TODAY'S GOAL

About all I will have time for today is to cut out some hexagons for my swap partners hexie flowers.  We are taking off early for destinations south for the weekend.

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GIVEAWAY

Only one new one today.......

Toadusew Creative Concepts is having a Why We Love Stripes giveaway.  They are giving away 3 1 yard cuts of some beautiful stripe fabric and a copy of Quilted Decor.  The winner will be randomly picked on Wednesday, March 9th.

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FINAL THOUGHT

We are leaving town.  Not for long but for a few days to visit the BIL and SIL.  We haven't been to their house in over 18 months.  I'm hoping the weather will be kind to us in our travels.  I hate traveling the L.A. freeways as it is but add some rain to the mix and it can be a horrific nightmare (at least for me).  They say we might get snow at home - figures since I won't be there to see it.  We are looking forward to some just plain old relaxation and enjoying time just visiting.  No running to see the sites or shopping marathons.  Just some good ol' family time.  And because of this, you won't see a post from me until Tuesday.  I couldn't even prep a post for Monday for self posting because I just don't have any more to show :(  I'm sort of disappointed in myself.  Guess I just have to face the fact that I'm really not wonder woman after all. 

Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.

~Seneca

Enjoy Friday and your weekend, too!

Chips on the Mug & Cake, Too

Hunger: One of the few cravings that cannot be appeased with another solution.
~Irwin Van Grove

Yesterday I had a salt craving attack.  The more salt the better.  However, I did not give into it.  Partly because there was nothing that sounded remotely salty enough to fill this craving.  There were no potato chips in my house, no pretzels, and no saltines (with good reason).  What should I do when there is nothing salty in my house?  I could go dump some salt into my hand and give that a lick....yuck.  I could go to the store but I really don't like being on the roads in my power chair.  Maybe I should have cooked something nice and salty at lunch...but the DH brought home chili cheese fries and that did the trick!  What do you do when you have a salt craving or is your craving only for chocolate?

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

Tortilla Chips

February 24, 2011 is National Tortilla Chip Day.

There are many reasons why people love tortilla chips including their crunch, taste, and versatility. Tortilla chips can be made out of white, blue, red, or yellow corn. They are commonly served as a snack or appetizer alongside salsa, sour cream, chili, or guacamole. They are also an extremely popular dish when served as nachos!
Tortilla chips were invented by Rebecca Webb Carranza in Los Angeles during the 1940's. She came up with the idea to use all of the misshaped tortillas that came out of an automated tortilla machine rather than throw them in the trash. The rejected tortillas were cut into triangles, fried, and sold for a dime a bag by the El Zarape Tortilla Factory. They soon became immensely popular throughout the country. In 1994, Carranza received the Golden Tortilla Award for her contribution to the Mexican food industry.
To celebrate National Tortilla Chip Day, buy a bag of your favorite tortilla chips or try baking your own. Then enjoy with some salsa or dip for a tasty snack!

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MUG RUG SWAP

Yesterday's mail brought me two wonderful mug rugs from my swap partner in the Quilting Gallery Mug Rug Swap.

These beautiful mug rugs were made for me by Mary Green.  The top one is a selvage strip mug rug with the most gorgeous purple fabric that was also used as the backing.  The bottom one remind me of spring with its bright, cheery colors.  On the back is some of the cutest cow fabric I have ever seen.  Mary also included a great little note pad.  You can visit Mary's blog, Mare's Nest, to see her other great creations.  Thank you, Mary!! 

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LAYER CAKE QAL

Yesterday I made block #9 in the Layer Cake Quilt Along. 

This block is called U Pick and was designed by Jovita's Patchwork.  Once you had assembled the primary 9 blocks, there were 4 possible layouts to choose from - unless you were Gene Black who came up with a 5th layout!  I continued using the Sweet and Sour by Connecting Threads.  This was a fairly easy block.  Most of the time it takes me longer to decide what colors to use than it does to make them - lol!  Only three more blocks and our QAL will be over.

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ANOTHER MARCH MINI QUILT

Yesterday I prepped the fabric for my next mini quilt. 

This one will be 12" square - twice the size of the one I shared with you yesterday.  The pattern I'm using is by The Wooden Bear Quilt Designs called It's Spring Again. 

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FED EX DELIVERY

Fed Ex made a delivery to my house the other night.  If you might remember, I won two CSN giveaways last month.  This is what I bought with the first gift card......

6 storage units.  They are actually for scrap booking but as we all know they do quite well for quilting storage too.  These are not the sturdiest units that I have come across but when they didn't cost me anything I probably shouldn't complain.  And guess what?  They have already been put to use and are nearly full.  I'm not sure if I will order more of these with my other gift certificate but maybe.

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HELP, PLEASE

I'm looking for this book...

Does anybody know an online store in the USA where I could purchase this book?  When I did a search, all of the stores were in Australia.  I would appreciate your help in locating a copy.


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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I will work on the It's Spring Again mini quilt.  If time allows, I just might work on my wool table runner too.

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GIVEAWAYS

The Adhotaeiloa Family is having a CSN giveaway!  You could win a $70 gift certificate to spend any way you would like at the CSN online store.  This giveaway ends March 22nd at 10 pm MST.

The Fair Gardener Quilts Too is having her first giveaway!  Gail is giving away 6 - 1/2 yard cuts of some very pretty fabric.  This giveaway ends February 28th.

Shannon, over at Nunu's Quilt World, is having her first giveaway too!  She is celebrating her 100th post by giving away the Traveling Stash.  This is a box that you could win chock full of all sorts of things.  You get to pick what you want to keep out of the box, add more to the box, have a giveaway of your own and then send it on its way.  Shannon will pick a winner Saturday night.

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FINAL THOUGHT

We are going to get hit with winter one more time this weekend - well, starting tomorrow.  The weather forecasters are predicting a high of 45 degrees on Saturday with an outside chance of a sprinkling of snow.  It has been over 12 years since we last saw snow here in our neck of the woods.  At that time we had around three inches of the white stuff and it shut the city down until almost noon.  I actually had a snow day from work.  It was awesome.  I remember waking up thinking I had overslept because it was so light outside.  No, it was snowing.  I went outside and couldn't believe how quiet it was.  Nothing was making a noise until the tree branches started cracking under the weight of the snow.  Don't laugh, our central California trees are used to having nothing heavier on them than leaves and/or birds.  It was a magical morning.  Even us adults felt like kids again.  So I say, let it snow.....let us feel young again and enjoy the beauty of winter one last time this year.

Where does the white go when the snow melts?
~Author Unknown

Thank you for stopping by - you made my Thursday happy!

It's An Animal Day!

Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.
~Mark Twain

How old am I?  Let me think.  Today I don't feel as old as I actually am.  If I don't look in the mirror I can actually believe that I am 15 years younger than I really am.  Take away the mirrors and I may never age.  Yesterday I felt every bit of my age.  Parts hurt, the mind was a bit slow and I just felt old.  Why is it our body has to age but our mind doesn't want to?  Why can't we just pick an age and stay there?  I don't want to be in my teens or twenties again - heaven forbid!  But the 40's would be nice.  I liked myself in the 40's.  Life wasn't necessarily easier but I moved with a lot more ease and it didn't take so long to bounce back from lack of sleep.  Youth is wasted on the young!

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

Dog Biscuits

February 23 is International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day, one of many odd holidays set aside (ok, often overlooked) for dogs and their owners.  Dog biscuits have possibly been around since at least Roman times, though they were far from the kind of dog treats we pamper our furry friends with today. The earliest dog biscuits were actually very old, hard, stale bread. Back then "bad bread" was considered "dog's bread."  By the 19th century hunters would give sporting dogs hard barley meal biscuits for energy on a hunt. Grain-only biscuits were slowly upgraded to include vegetables, meat and bone meal. These were homemade and, of course, did not come in any fun shapes or flavors.  Dog biscuits were once classified in the same category as soap! Delicious! 

So, how do you celebrate International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day? There are probably as many ways as there are treats. Give your dog an old favorite or try something innovative and new. Teach a new trick. Or just enjoy watching your dog's body going on full alert in anticipation when you open the treat package! Yep, this is about the easiest holiday there is to celebrate!

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ONE FLOWER WEDNESDAY

Today is also One Flower Wednesday.

Today's flower is really much brighter than the picture shows.  Since I have already made a couple of hexie flowers with dogs, I thought it was only fair to make one with a cat.  He does have an awfully cute smile on his face :)

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LITTLE BLUE BIRD

Yesterday I was able to bind both of the little blue bird 6" mini quilts.

For some reason I made this binding wider than I normally do.  I think this happened because I used an old left over binding that was already pre-cut and I didn't think to measure it until it was already sewn on.  Lately I have been cutting my bindings 2" wide, especially for small items like this.  This one measured out at 2 1/4" when I measured one of the scraps.  It's amazing how much that little 1/8" can add to the width on one side of the fold.

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GARDEN FANCIES

Yesterday I was also able to work some on my Garden Fancies wool table runner.

I have the stems stitched on both ends and some of the leaves stitched on this end.  The stems were supposed to be stitched in a pearl cotton - one that could not be found in my town.  I didn't want to wait to order some so I just used 4 strands of DMC floss.  It looks okay but probably would have looked even better with the pearl cotton.  Just a few more leaves on this side and all on the other side.  Slowly but surely.

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ADVICE FOR A FRIEND

My new friend, Deborah, is looking for some advice on a quilt she has been working on for a number of years. 

She has added a narrow black border but wants to add another border with color.  If you will go to blog, Deborah's Test Blog, and give her your suggestions, she and I would greatly appreciate it.  Thanks!

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TODAY'S GOAL

The next Layer Cake QAL block was released yesterday - I am going to make it today!

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GIVEAWAYS

Insights From SewCalGal is having a book giveaway.  You could win a personally signed copy of Amy Ellis' new book "Modern Basics".  The winner will be randomly selected on Sunday, February 27th.

Creative Chicks is having a 500th post (can you imagine 500 posts?) giveaway.  They are giving away 8 fat quarters of Vintage Sheets.  The winner will be announced on Friday, February 25th.

Sew Happy.Me is having a fabric giveaway.  They are giving away a bundle of fat quarters from Doll Babies by Henry Glass.  But hurry as this giveaway ends tonight at midnight!

Hilachas is celebrating her birthday with a giveaway.  She is giving away 9 fat quarters from Connecting Threads, an Olfa 45 mm refill blade, and a spool of 100% Egyptian Cotton Thread.  This giveaway ends March 8, at midnight.

Jaybird Quilts is having a sponsored giveaway.  The Fabric Quarter is going to give away a half yard bundle of Magnolia Lane from Michael Miller with a few companion fabrics... totaling 7 half yards of fabric!  This giveaway ends Thursday, February 24, at 10 pm EST.

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FINAL THOUGHT

I'm the first to admit that my dogs are spoiled rotten.  They each have their special food and favorite treats.  They sleep with us at night and have their own beds - one in the kitchen and one in the sewing room - both piled high with blankets and afghans.  After all, I don't want them to get the least bit cold.  They sit in our laps when we watch TV or sleep on the couch while we eat our dinner.  I remember when the only time you took your dog to the vets was if he was sick or needed a shot to be licensed.  Now they go for their yearly check up and if they are over four years old, they get their annual teeth cleaning too.  Our dogs are definitely part of our family - they are our "babies".  I would feel lost without them.  Nothing else gives unconditional love like a dog.  Those big brown eyes and wagging tail; who could resist.  I just know that when I die I want to come back as a dog in the life of luxury.

I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive.
~Gilda Radner


May you spend your Wednesday wisely!!

Winner!

I would like to thank all of you who entered my THINK SPRING GIVEAWAY.  It was so much fun reading all of the answers.  Music choices ranged all of the way from jazz to classical to blue grass to modern.  I don't think there was a music genre left out.  I know, I know, skip with the niceities and just tell you the winner.  With the help of random.org a winner was chosen........

#27

highpitchedbarking said...

"I like all types of music but recently I've been listening to 2010's top songs on Pandora.

LOVE those fabrics. Thanks for the chance to win. "

Congratulations!! 

I will be attempting to contact highpitchedbarking to get their snail mail address.  If I do not hear from them within 72 hours, I will draw another winner.

Once again, thank you so very much for leaving comments!!

First Time FMQ

People who snore always fall asleep first.
 ~Author Unknown

Do you have a snoring sleep partner?  I did last night.  So what do you do?  He is already on his side so turning him won't help.  You don't want to wake him up because he really needs his sleep.  Put my pillow over my head but then I can't breath and my neck gets a cramp in it from lack of support.  Get up and go into another room?  No, can't sleep well in a chair and I would have to move my quilting storage area to sleep on another bed.  Usually my DH is not a snorer, well, not a loud snorer.  But last night was the exception.  I asked him how he slept and he said "Pretty good!".  Figures.  And to top it off, one of the pups was smacking his lips in his sleep (yes, we sleep with our dogs!).  Oh well, who needs sleep?  Me?  Not last night, anyway.

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

World Thinking Day

Each year on February 22, World Thinking Day, girls participate in activities, games, and projects with global themes to honor their sister Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in other countries.  The theme for World Thinking Day 2011 is girls worldwide say "empowering girls will change our world."  World Thinking Day not only gives girls a chance to celebrate international friendships, but is also a reminder that Girl Scouts of the USA is part of a global community—one of nearly 150 countries with Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. Thinking Day was first created in 1926 at the fourth Girl Guide/Girl Scout International Conference held at Girl Scouts of the USA's Camp Edith Macy (now called Edith Macy Conference Center). Conference attendees decided that there should be a special day for Girl Scouts and Girl Guides from around the world to "think" of each other and give thanks and appreciation to their "sister" Girl Scouts. The delegates chose February 22 as the date for Thinking Day because it was the mutual birthday of Lord Baden-Powell, founder of the Boy Scout movement, and his wife, Olave, who served as World Chief Guide.

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PROJECT LINUS

Over the weekend I was able to complete another afghan for our local chapter of Project Linus.

This is really a very vibrant red, the picture makes it a tad dull.  I have started a new one and it is bright orange!  Remember, these are for children - so think bright and happy colors.

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TEENY TINY QUILT

Yesterday I started my 6" mini quilt for the month of March.  I found this pattern in my EQ5 applique library.

Fairly simple but I thought it fit the arrival of birds for March and the beginning of trees budding and bearing fruit.  I actually made two of these - one for myself and one for a gift.  I also decided to try my hand a free motion quilting.  Since you can't really see what I did here take a look........

My stitches are not even and my design needs a lot of work but I am satisfied with my first real attempt at fmq. First I outlined the applique pieces.  Then I was trying to make a branch with leaf motif to fit with the applique design.  Parts I like and parts I don't.  I have a long way to go and I know I will look back on this in the future and think "OMG!  How could I put something like this out for others to see?"  And I probably should have used a blue thread instead of white but I was afraid the tension wouldn't be right and would show through to the white fabric on the front.  Suggestions (and criticism) are always welcome.  Now I need to bind it and add a hanging sleeve.

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NOTHING ELSE

I have nothing else to show you today.  I spent a couple of hours preparing packages for mailing yesterday.  It always amazes me at how long that process can take.  And I don't understand why you can only make two transactions in a row on the USPS site with a credit/debit card.  Oh well.  Now I have to wait to receive a couple of forms in the mail to be able to mail out one of the packages.

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I would like to bind the mini quilts from yesterday.  And, if time allows, work on my wool table runner.

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GIVEAWAYS

1 Choice 4 Quilting is having a Sunkissed giveaway!  You could be one of two winners of 4 yards of Moda Sunkissed by Sweetwater just by entering Shawna's giveaway.  This giveaway ends Monday, February 28, at 10 pm EST.

Happy Cottage Quilter is having a giveaway. You could win either 3 1/2 yards of fabric or The Square in a Square Technique Ruler, Instruction book, "Special Delivery" pattern book, and some always useful tools.  This giveaway ends Sunday, February 27.

13 Woodhouse Road is having Week #7 giveaway.  You could win one of two great books.  This giveaway ends ? (sorry, no date given).

Michele, over at Quilting Tutorials, is having a giveaway.  She is giving away a Flexible Dritz LED Light.  To enter you have to help her name her new mug rug pattern.  All entries must be received by midnight on March 15th.

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FINAL THOUGHT

Do you ever get a craving?  No, I"m not pregnant!!! (Way passed that, can't happen!)  As I sit here, chocolate keeps invading my thoughts.  Now it's something salty - Lays Regular Potato Chips!  Hmmmm - maybe some fruit - we had some awesome raspberries the other night - but those are all gone.  No, I know!!!  Popcorn!  Buttery, salty, bad for you popcorn.  Guess what?  None in the pantry.  And who wants to eat popcorn first thing in the morning.  After all, I've not had breakfast yet.  I guess Multi-Grain Cheerios and a glass of orange juice will have to do......or maybe an omelet or breakfast burrito.  I think I'm hungry!

One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating. 
~Luciano Pavarotti

Tuesday is yours for the taking!

Presidents' Day..Did You Know?

George Washington is the only president who didn't blame the previous administration for his troubles.
~Author Unknown


It's Presidents' Day.  A day off from school, maybe work.  A day that you can't send mail or deal with any type of government body (unless it's an emergency, of course).  Surprisingly our local state college is open for classes, our bus system is running on full schedule, and our garbage is collected as normal.  My neighborhood is quiet today.  We live across the street from a grade school that has no off street parking so it is normally crowded with cars from teachers and school employees.  The bus runs part of their route down our street and deliveries to the school office are made at curbside.  Luckily, we only have the classroom side so we don't have the constant sound of children on the playground.  Today it is quiet, ample parking abounds and no heavy vehicles idling outside.  What a difference a holiday can make!

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

Presidents Washington and Lincoln
This being the Presidents' Day I thought it might be interesting to share a few not so well known facts about our two most famous presidents:

Washington
*He suffered from malaria, smallpox, pleurisy, and dysentery, all before he was 30.
*When the capital was moved from New York to Philadelphia, Washington, who had been disappointed in the food that he had been eating as President, brought his black slave Hercules from Mount Vernon to serve as cook.
*On his way back from the famous expedition to the French Fort le Boeuf, he fell off his raft in an icy river and nearly drowned.
*Washington was notorious in his parish church for his refusal to kneel at any of the customary moments in the Episcopal service.

Lincoln
*Lincoln was never associated with any organized church, and as a young man in New Salem he had a reputation as an outspoken nonbeliever.
*Lincoln was the only President ever to obtain a patent. In 1849 he invented a complicated device for lifting ships over dangerous shoals by means of "buoyant air chambers."
*Lincoln was the 1st major leader in our history to favor extending the vote to women.
*After the death of his son Willie, Lincoln was persuaded by his wife to participate in several seances held in the White House.

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FINALLY FINISHED

Friday I finally finished my mini quilt.  I started this little quilt mid October (I think) and finished the top about 10 days later.

This is now hanging in my bathroom.  The colors are perfect for this room.  With the blue walls I quite often accent with red.  This is where it will remain until another is made to replace it.  It can also double as a table topper for a table in my living room.

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A GIFT

Friday's mail brought me a squishy envelope that I was not expecting.

 

My friend, Toni, sent me this wonderful appliqued kitchen towel as a Valentine's Day surprise gift!  Isn't it adorable!  Makes me hungry every time I look at it!  You can visit Toni's great blog at the Quilting Pirate .  Thank you so very much, Toni!!

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A SWAP BLOCK RECEIVED

Saturday's mail brought me another squishy envelope.  This one contained a block from my Block Swap Adventure swap partner for February.

This block was made by Munaiba.  The colors are perfect - I requested red, white, and blue.  The sewing is wonderful and the fabrics are fantastic.  You can visit Munaiba at her blog, Sewjournal.  Thank you, Munaiba.

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I will work on my super mini quilt - a little 6" quilt that I'm trying to change every month.  Have to get ready for March!

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GIVEAWAYS

Christmas Quilting Block Swaps Australia is having a Christmas giveaway.  Crafty Pugs is giving away 3 Christmas related magazines.  You do not have to be a swap member to enter.  This giveaway will end on Sunday, February 27, at 5:00pm ACDST (so that's February 26 for us in the USA).

Vignette in Stitches is having a giveaway.  Perri is giving away a copy of Leanne's 'Stitcher's Keeper' pattern.  This ends Wednesday, February 23, at 6 am QLD time.

The Confused Quilter is having a Little Used Book Giveaway.  Staci is giving away 7 slightly used books that are still in good condition.  This giveaway will end on Friday, February, 25th.

Confessions of a Fabric Addict is having a giveaway.  You could be a winner of a wonderful Chasing Cottons pattern.  This giveaway will remain open until Saturday, February 26, at 5:00 pm CST.

This is the last day to enter my THINK SPRING GIVEAWAY!!   You must enter by tonight at 11:59 pm PST.  Good Luck!

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FINAL THOUGHT

Part of my weekend ended up different that I had planned.  We made a trip south to take our granddoggie home to my DD and SIL.  They had to make a whirlwind trip to Tucson, AZ to pick up SIL's Dad and bring him back to near their home.  They made the round trip in 27 hours.  Exhausting for them as most of the return trip was made through hard rain showers.  We had gladly accepted the job of doggie sitting and thought we would save them the trip up to retrieve Samson.  We left here with misty, overcast skies.  Saw beautiful snow scenes but dry roads going over the mountains into southern California.  DD prepared BBQ hamburgers for lunch upon our arrival and the weather was perfect for a early spring day - sunny and warm.  We returned to mostly cloudy and cooler temps.  No sewing but did some crocheting.  Sometimes an unexpected trip is nice for a day's diversion.

Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.
~Seneca

May your Monday be marvelous!!

THINK SPRING GIVEAWAY REMINDER

 

I just wanted to remind you today and tomorrow are the last days to enter my THINK SPRING GIVEAWAY. 

 This fabric line is called Cute As A Button by Ro Gregg for Northcott Studio. The far left piece is a 2 yard cut of fabric. The other 6 pieces are 1/2 yard cuts each. That is a total of 5 yards of fabric. If you like geraniums then you will love this fabric. Now doesn't that look like spring to you?

How can you win this fabric? Well let me tell you....

Just click HERE to enter.

DO NOT LEAVE A COMMENT ON THIS PAGE TO ENTER!!!!  IT WILL NOT COUNT!!!!



A Day Well Spent

Opportunity is often difficult to recognize; we usually expect it to beckon us with beepers and billboards.

~William Arthur Ward

I didn't complete my goal yesterday.  Life got in the way.  I had a wonderful visit with my daughter as she dropped off our 'granddog' so that we could doggy sit for a few days while they take care of family matters.  While she was here she was able to join me in going out to lunch with friends.  My DH was able to join us too so there was even some father/daughter time involved.  Then my wonderful DD took me to the LQS where they were having a 50% off all fabric and patterns sale (more on that later).  Actually, I did manage to get a little bit done before her arrival.  I do not consider this a wasted day, just a day with different opportunities.

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

I was popping around cyberspace the other day and ran across some facts of little use.  Some I thought were fun and others hard to believe - you decide......

*The average driving/car-bus riding person spends about 3 months of their life at a red light.

*Peanuts are one of the ingredients in dynamite.

*There are more chickens than people in the world.

*On a Canadian two dollar bill, the flag flying over the Parliament Building is an American flag.
I have since learned since posting that the $2 Canadian bill is no longer produced.  It has been replaced with the 'toonie'.  Guess I should have done more research

*An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain.

*The characters Bert and Ernie on Sesame Street were named after Bert the cop and Ernie the taxi driver in Frank Capra's "Its A Wonderful Life."

*Mr. Rogers is an ordained minister.

*In England, the Speaker of the House is not allowed to speak.

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BARN DOOR SWAP

Yesterday I assembled two more blocks for the Barn Door Swap for March.  This time they are 12.5" blocks.  My partner does not have a blog so I had no way to contact her and don't know if she had any preferences (none were listed).

It's a little hard to see but the block on the left has little tiny red apples on the navy blue.  I thought these two blocks covered both the traditional and the more modern version of the Hole In The Barn Door block.  I hope my swap partner will like her blocks.

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I WON AGAIN

I have been on a winning streak lately that I'm sure will break since I mentioned it here.  Yesterday I received  my winnings from Connecting Threads.

I won this Freemotion Quilting book and spool of Essential Pro thread in natural.  I won this by simply following Connecting Thread on Facebook.  How lucky am I?

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WHAT A DEAL!!

As I mentioned above, I went shopping at our LQS yesterday.  Every piece of fabric was 50% off if you bought a yard or more.  How could I pass that up?  Well, I couldn't.  I walked out of there spending just under my self imposed limit so I was very proud of myself.  I had 29 cents left to spend - lol!

I had noticed that my stash of bright reds was sorely lacking so I picked up a yard of each of those.  And you can never have enough white on white - bought two yards of each of those.  And the green little print was just too cute to pass up.

Brights!  This floral fabric by Keri Schneider for Blank Quilting paired up perfectly with the turquoise by Heidi Pridemore & The Whimsical Workshop for Blank Quilting.

And I couldn't resist this line of Cosmopolitan designed for Exclusively Quilters

There were a couple more coordinated pieces of Hab-i-tat by Michele D'Amore for Benartex that I had to pass up but I loved these three pieces together.

And finally these fun and whimsical pieces of Frolic by Wendy Slotboom for In the Beginning fabrics.  Aren't the little animals just too cute?

So, as you can see, I was all over the board in my fabric selection.  The most I paid was $5.25 a yard and that was only for one or two pieces.  I have no idea what I will be creating with these one yard cuts but they certainly give me lots of options.  It was a fun afternoon!

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I WILL finish hand stitching the binding on my mini quilt. 

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GIVEAWAYS

Nutmeg Nanny is having a CSN giveaway!  This time you could win a $75 gift certificate to that great online store!  This giveaway will end on Sunday, February 20, and she will announce the winner on Monday.

Passages to the Past if also having a CSN giveaway!  How would you like to win a $100 gift certificate?  Then you better enter quickly because this giveaway ends on February 22nd.

Hawthorne Treads is having their weekly giveaway.  This week you could win a fat quarter bundle of Nature Walk.  The winner will be announced on Wednesday, February 23rd.

Stitched In Color is having a book giveaway.  You could be the winner of Quilting Line + Color just for leaving a comment.  A winner will be drawn on Sunday, February 27th.

The Project Girl is having a giveaway to celebrate the release of her first fabric line.  She is giving away up to 4 fat quarter bundles of Quite Contrary from Riley Blake.  This giveaway will end Friday, February 25, at 12 pm PST.

The Fresh Cut Blog is having a Cutting Edge giveaway!  But before you enter the giveaway, make sure to read Kari's review on why this new ruler is so great.  You could be the happy winner of one of the rulers or a quilt kit.  This giveaway ends Monday, February 21, at 9 pm MST.

If you are looking for another CSN giveaway, then you must visit An Island Life.  This giveaway is for a $75 gift certificate.  You must enter this giveaway before midnight on March 3rd.

Have you entered?   THINK SPRING GIVEAWAY!

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FINAL THOUGHT

The long weekend is but a few hours away.  We have a major storm coming in and fortunately will not be on the road traveling anywhere.  We will be dog sitting as mention before but that is easy as Samson (a corgi) is a sweetheart and loves being with our two pups.  The only time I would like to ship them all off is when they decide to bark in the house - the sound just sort of bounces off the walls and hardwood floors.  The DH is actually working 1/2 day on Monday as his shop will be working the full day.  He likes to be around in case there are any questions that might arise.  So, life will be pretty much normal for us over this holiday weekend.  Will you be traveling or have big plans for this Presidents' Day weekend?

There is little chance that meteorologists can solve the mysteries of weather until they gain an understanding of the mutual attraction of rain and weekends.
 ~Arnot Sheppard

Have a fantastic Friday and weekend!

Hints and Hoppies

If you woke up breathing, congratulations! You have another chance.
 ~Andrea Boydston

Yeah!  I woke up breathing again this morning.  Definitely off to a good start.  Breath in.....breath out......breath in.....oooooh, now I'm light headed - lol!  Breathing is something most of us take for granted.  We do it all of the time without having to think about it.  Only when we are winded from over exertion do we stop and think about the act of breathing.  When we are sick and our nose is plugged or we are plagued by a coughing attack we once again wonder about that next breath.  Aren't we lucky to be able to breath at will, no thought to the process, it just happens.  Okay, everybody inhale - hold it, hold it, hold it - exhale.  Now you are ready to start the day!

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

I couldn't stick to just one topic to fact you with today.  I found a bunch of unusual uses for household products.  You may never look at things in your kitchen in quite the same way ever again.

1. Pam cooking spray will dry your nails

2. Cool Whip will condition your hair in 15 minutes.

3. Elmer's Glue -- paint on your face, allow it to dry, peel off and see the dead skin and blackheads.

4. Shiny Hair - rinse in brewed Lipton Tea.

5. Burn your tongue? Put sugar on it!

6. Arthritis? WD-40 Spray and rub in; kills insect sting pain, too.

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MORE BUNNIES

Yesterday I completed the applique blocks for the Quilted Table swap.  Remember yesterday I shared the pink bunny with you, well today I will share the other two.....

Here is Mr. Purple Bunny.  I like the textured look of his fur.

And here is Mr. Blue Bunny.  He looks rather springy with his rosebud fur.

I also made two more carrot blocks but they look just like the ones I made yesterday.

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ANOTHER WIN

I have been very lucky lately!  Last week I received an email from Colleen informing me that I had won her giveaway.  It arrived today.....

Look at all that pretty pink and red fabric!  The Egyptian print is quite bold yet very detailed.  I'm not sure exactly what I will create with it yet but I'm sure something will happen with it.  Thank you so very much, Colleen, for the wonderful fabrics!  You can visit Colleen over at her blog, Lucky Duck Dreams.

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ALMOST FINISHED

Yesterday I was able to sandwich and quilt my mini quilt.

It's hard to see the quilting but it is just a very simple stitch-in-the-ditch.  I even was able to attach the binding and hanging sleeve.  I'm not going to show you the top until it is completed and hanging.

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I plan to hand stitch the binding on the quilt above.  If I have the time, I might select the fabric for my March 12 inch quilt for my metal display stand.

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GIVEAWAYS

Amy's Creative Side is having a giveaway.  She is giving away a pile of Calypso Swing fat quarters.  Amy will select a winner on Monday, February 21st.

Julie K Quilts is having a giveaway, too!  She is giving away two great quilting books.  Julie will draw two winners on Saturday, February 19th.

Peaceful Piecer is celebrating her birthday with her first giveaway.  Anna is giving away a Bernatex fat eighth set in violets,the new issue of Love of Quilting magazine and a set of Moda Learn to Sew Lace.  She will draw a winner on Sunday, February 20, at 9:00 pm EST.

The Artists' House is having a Valentine's Day giveaway.  You could win 15 fat quarters and 2 patterns from Needle Craft Patterns.  There will be a second drawing for 2 patterns only.  The lucky winner will be announced on Monday, February 21st.

Primitive Quilts and Projects is having a Take Your Pick giveaway.  You could win a pattern of your choice.  If you do enter, please mention that I was the one who sent you over. This giveaway will end Monday, February 21st.

THINK SPRING GIVEAWAY is still open.  If you would like to win 5 yards of fabric that will definitely have you thinking spring then you will want to go HERE to enter!

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FINAL THOUGHT

There are just so many different crafts out there.  My favorites are quilting (of course), counted cross stitch, embroidery, and crochet.  I currently do not have a counted cross stitch project but have many patterns just waiting for me.  I have always wanted to learn to make leaded glass windows but the thought of working with all of that glass is just a little bit scary.  I have tried knitting and even made a few sweaters but always seemed to lose count or drop a stitch.  I used to sew clothes for my girls when they were growing up but once they reached high school they no longer wished for those handmade items. I also did my fair share of needlepoint.  Even as a child I was into crafts - wood burning projects, looms (with those stretchy bands) to make potholders, tiled ashtrays and painted flower pots.  Oh, and don't forget the macrame craze - I did a lot of that too!  But I think the textile crafts have won as I have been doing those since I was about 8.  Do you multi craft or is quilting your one and only love?

I keep my end tables full of needlework and quilting so I don't have to dust them.
 ~Author Unknown

Today is Thursday - may yours be full of wonderful thoughts!