Will You Contribute?

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.
~Roger Caras

I'm have completed the wash created over the weekend.  Two loads of towels had to be done - the ones we used and the ones used on the dogs' feet and bellies every time they went outside.  I can't hardly get them to go outside when it's raining at home but up in Santa Cruz they were happy little explorers even with the rain pelting them.  Following their noses - probably chasing the scent of skunk, opossum, or raccoon - smells they don't come across at home.  Once their curiosity was satisfied, in they'd come, muddy feet and all.  Tails wagging and smiles on their faces as if to say "The yard is safe again and all because of me".  "Aren't you glad I'm here to protect you?"  All dried and happy to be warm only to repeat the entire process an hour or two later.  Me ruled by my dogs?  Never!  Well, yes, all of the time and very willingly- lol!

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

Our Weasley as a puppy.

National Puppy Day is a special day, recognized on March 23rd annually, to celebrate the magic and unconditional love that puppies bring to our lives. But more importantly, it's a day to help save orphaned puppies across the globe and educate the public about the horrors of puppy mills, as well as further the mission for a nation of puppy-free pet stores.
National Puppy Day was founded in 2006 by Pet Lifestyle Expert, Animal Behaviorist and Author, Colleen Paige, who is also the founder of National Dog Day and National Cat Day. This holiday, as well as others, are part of Colleen Paige's Animal Miracle Foundation & Network, a non-profit organization which offers financial assistance and educational programs ranging from pet cancer to fire safety and travel safety for kids and pets alike. AMF also hosts many wonderful holiday festivals and trade shows throughout each year and brings local shelter pets to these events hoping to find them a forever home.

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QUILT BLOCKS FOR CANCER

I am a little late to the game but I have decided to answer Colleen's request for Quilt Blocks For Cancer.  Colleen, of Lucky Duck Dreams, is a a five year Stage 4 uterine cancer survivor.  She has a desire to give back to those who suffer since she was cured.   Two years ago Colleen started Team Lucky Duck to participate in Kernersville, NC Relay for Life event.  This year she is unable to participate due to a family event but would still like to raise money.  Colleen is asking you, her (and my) blog friends to send quilt blocks to her so she can assemble them together to make a quilt to raffle off. The quilt block can be a memorial, in honor of, or just a celebration of life.   Yesterday I made a block....

I memory of both my father, Thurman, and mother-in-law, Mildred, who lost their lives to colon cancer.  Colleen suggested making the block in the color that goes with a certain cancer and the color for colon cancer is dark blue.  Mildred lost her battle with cancer 10 years ago and flowers were a reminder of something she loved.  My father lost his battle with cancer 33 years ago and the green reminded me of his eyes and his love of all things green. 

Won't you help Colleen by creating a block for this wonderful cause?  She needs to have the blocks by the end of the month (sorry for the short notice - my fault not Colleen's).  Just click on over to Lucky Duck Dreams for all of the important information.

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WEDNESDAY'S FLOWER

Today is Wednesday, so of course that means it is One Flower Wednesday.   One our trip home yesterday, in between the bumps and curves of the road I managed to make one hexagon flower.....

I'm not really excited about this flower but I must have thought it would look okay when I cut out the fabric.  Maybe I was tired or the lighting was bad but I'm really under enthused about this particular hexie flower.  It will make a good filler in my GFG quilt - maybe in a lost corner or along the outside edge somewhere, or maybe even on the back.

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TODAY'S GOAL

The 11th Layer Cake QAL block was released yesterday so that is my goal for today.

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GIVEAWAYS

Rocknquilts is having a 100th Post giveaway.  You could be the winner of four beautiful fat quarters and the very special Tribute to QN Founder Bonnie Leman issue of Quilters Newsletter from Feb./March 2011.  This giveaway ends Sunday, March 27, at 9:00 pm CST.

Creative Home Expressions is having a giveaway.  You could win a $50 gift certificate to fabric.com!  This giveaway ends Friday, March 25, at 11:00 pm EST.

Charming Chatter is the new owner of the Traveling Stash Box.  Kelly added so much new stuff that she now has TWO Traveling Stash Boxes to giveaway.  The new winners will be announced on Monday, March 28.

Sunshower Quilts is having a GO! Baby giveaway.  You could win a GO! Baby Accuquilt cutter and 3 dies.  This winner will be selected on Friday, March 25.

Red Pepper Quilts is having a giveaway. You could win a bundle of Sarah Fielke's new fabric collection - From Little Things.  This giveaway ends Thursday, March 24, at noon AEDT.

Little Miss Shabby is having a giveaway!  She is giving away a fun little Sherbet Pips & other fabrics charm pack.  This giveaway ends Thursday evening with the winner announced on Friday.

I'm Just A Guy Who Quilts is having a sponsored giveaway.  Ryan is giving away four bundles of Animal Party Too.  Winners will be drawn on Friday, March 25.

Hint:  I'm coming up on my 200th post so look for a giveaway that I will be having on March 28.

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FINAL THOUGHT

Roller coasters.  Lots of fun if you like the world to turn upside down or to spin quickly by.  I have only been on one of those mind blowing, treacherous rides in my life.  But, like many of you, I am riding the roller coaster of Spring.  This weekend we had wicked winds - winds that snapped my patio umbrella's wooden pole in half and moved two heavy patio chairs about four feet sideways.  And rain - more than an inch which is huge for Bakersfield (our normal is under 6" for the entire season).  And snow - the local mountains received 60" from one storm - something unheard of for around here.  Yesterday - calm and beauty.  Blue skies, birds singing, trees sprouting leaves and warmer temps.  Then Mother Nature will hit us again today.  More rain, more cool temps and gray skies.  It's hard to believe that we are in the latter part of March.

Weather is a great metaphor for life - sometimes it's good, sometimes it's bad, and there's nothing much you can do about it but carry an umbrella.
~Terri Guillemets

Work your Wednesday into something wonderful!