A Little Bit Of Everything

Safety isn't expensive, its priceless.

~Author Unknown

Oh my, it's Tuesday!  I'm going to be off on my days all week - lol!  My weekend started off a little differently than I had thought it would.  When I headed into the kitchen Friday morning to fix breakfast, I was greeted by a strong smell of natural gas - well, the additive that they put in natural gas so you can smell it.  I hunted down where the smell was coming from and decided it was near the water heater.  DH turned off the gas and we opened all of the windows to air out the house.  Called a plumber who then discovered 5 leaks - three outside and two under the house.  Five hours later and some replaced pipes and fittings and the problem was fixed.  Later that evening we noticed a PG&E (Pacific Gas & Electric) service truck next door.  We decided to talk to the tech and asked him if there had been a spike in gas pressure in the neighborhood.  Nope - apparently someone had doubled the amount of the odor agent (can't remember the name) to the gas causing lots of people to call about gas leaks.  We were smelling the odor just from our water heater running!  Come to find out by reading the Saturday morning paper, there had been over 700 calls placed to PG&E from people concerned about gas leaks - calls had also been made to the fire department.  PG&E apologized for not notifying the public of this error and the results it caused.  Downside to this - we will be receiving a bill from our plumber for 5 hours of labor and parts.  Upside - we no longer have any leaks and shouldn't again for a very long time. 

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

Birthday Candles

Today is my DH's birthday!  Happy birthday, honey!!!  This made me wonder why we put candles on birthday cakes.  Many people make a wish before they blow out the candles on their cake. It is believed that if you blow out all of your candles in one breath, your birthday wish will come true. In some cultures it is bad luck to blow out the candles until after the evening meal is eaten.  Most historians agree that the custom of placing lighted candles on cakes started in ancient Greece. The Greeks made honey cakes that were round like the full moon and place them on the altar of their Moon Goddess, Artemis. They placed a candle in the middle of the cake, which made it appear to glow like the moon.  Germans are credited with the widespread celebration of children's yearly birthdays, which they called "Kinderfests." In 1799, Goethe referred to the practice of using very small candles equal to the child's age to light a cake. Many of the common birthday symbols originated in Germany, such as parties, cakes and blowing out candles.  The lighting of candles and altar fires as a symbol of reverence toward God is part of both pagan and Christian beliefs. The smoke from the flames is believed to take wishes up to heaven. In ancient times people prayed over open fires because they believed the smoke would take their wishes up to God. From this belief the practice of making a wish and blowing out candles developed.  Whatever the reason, we better have a fire extinguisher handy for all the candles that should be on my DH's cake this year :)

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QOV QUILT TOP

On Friday, I did get a bit of sewing in despite the gas issue.....

This quilt top was made for Quilts of Valor that will be donated through my quilt guild.  The guild provided the fabric and pattern and all I had to do was sew it together - all the pieces were already cut out.  The finished size is supposed to be 56" X 72" but this one will end up one inch shorter.  One of the blue borders was cut 1/2" narrower than it was supposed to be so I just made the adjustment.  My wonderful quilt holder (my DH) had to stand on a step stool to keep it from hitting the ground.  What looks like a mistake in the bottom blue border really isn't - the wind kept blowing it against DH's feet - lol!  I will be turning it in at the next quilt guild where someone else will take it and quilt it - someone with a long arm machine.

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AWARDS

Over the last month I have received 3 awards from my blogging friends.  I have really not ignored these awards as much as put them on the back burner. 

I would like to thank Amy from Harriet Homemaker Strikes Again for the Stylish Blogger Award.

And I would like to thank both Freda of The Adventures of the Empress of the Universe (don't you just love that title?) and Toni of The Quilting Pirate for the Versatile Blogger award.

Both of these awards require me to tell you seven things about myself that you may not already know......

1.  I have been married to my high school sweetheart and soul mate for almost 36 years.

2.  I absolutely hate all bugs that fly and have sticky feet (except butterflies) - I can make a real fool out of myself if one flies near me and heaven forbid if one lands on me

3.  I have the same cereal every morning - 7 days a week - Multi Grain Cheerios with just a tiny splash of milk.  Makes the start of my day easy with no decisions

4.  I started smoking when I was 13 and finally gave up the nasty habit when I was 31.  Every once in a great while the idea of having a smoke sounds good until I remember how much cigarettes cost today - OMG!

5.  I am very interested in weather and probably should have been a meteorologist

6.  I wish we could move away from California.  It's not the place I remember growing up in and it is very expensive to live here.

7.  I am very much an introvert and am very happy to spend the day by myself.  It was a huge leap to attend the guild meeting by myself.

There you have it - seven little facts about me.  Now I'm supposed to pass these awards out to 6 other bloggers,  but I will be doing this by email.  From past experience, I have found that not all bloggers like being singled out for these awards.   Thank you all once again for the special kindness you have shown me by passing on these awards to me.

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BEAUTIFUL FAT QUARTERS

Friday's mail brought my winnings from KoolBeenz giveaway #7 and the Fabric Shoppe.....

The envelope contained a 7 piece Fat Quarter bundle set of Ty Pennington's Impressions.  Isn't this pretty fabric?  And it's so much prettier in real life!  Thank you so very much, April!!

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I will work on at least one hexie flower for One Flower Wednesday!

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GIVEAWAYS

Canton Village Quilt Works is having a giveaway.  You could win one of two autographed copies of Threading the Needle by Marie Bostwick.  Hurry, this giveaway ends tonight, Tuesday, May 31, at 10:00 EDT.

I'm Just A Guy Who Quilts is having a sponsored giveaway.  You could win a fat quarter bundle of 8 Sew Cherry by Lori Holt in red and aqua.  Ryan will draw a winner tomorrow, Wednesday, June 1.

Hawthorne Threads is having their weekly giveaway.  This week you could win a Saffron Craig Magical Lands half yard bundle.  A winner will be selected on Wednesday, June 1.

KoolBeenz is having giveaway #11.  April is giving away 30 Custom Fabric Labels from Jennifer's Jewels.  This giveaway ends Friday, June 3, at midnight.

Eclectic Quilter is celebrating reaching 100 followers.  Marj is giving away two filled Knick-Knack sacks.  Two winners will be selected on Monday, June 6.

Intrepid Thread is having a giveaway.  She is giving away a fat quarter pack of  Lola's Posies - you get to choose the colorway you like best.  This giveaway ends Monday, June 6.
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FINAL THOUGHT

Another month has come and gone.  May - the fifth month of the year.  The month named for the Greek goddess Maia.  The month of emeralds and Lily Of The Valley.  We made it through numerous birthdays, Mother's Day, a couple more TIA's (mini strokes) with my mother, a gas scare and many beautiful spring days.  I attended my first guild meeting last month - a big step for me.  I'm ready to be done with the month and to move onto June.  June will bring a visit from DD#1 and her family - I get to spend time with my grandsons!!  June will also bring our anniversary, GS#2 second birthday, and Father's Day.  I'm hoping for no surprises and stress free days.  Summer will definitely be here with the heat increasing daily.  I'm ready for summer - how about you?

The summer night is like a perfection of thought.
~Wallace Stevens

Birthday Celebration Winner!

What fun My Birthday Celebration Giveaway was!  Thank you all for your kind birthday wishes and for taking the time to enter my giveaway.  There were a few interesting things I learned from the comments left.....

1.  I have readers ranging in age from 18 to 72

2.  The majority of the readers are in their mid 40's to mid 60's

3.  Of my readers, there were more born in February than any other month

4.  The least amount were born in June

I know, don't bore you with the details.  One a sad note - in this giveaway there were over 30 people who were eliminated from the giveaway because they were No Reply Bloggers :(  Please, check  your settings to see how your account is set up.

Okay, now for the winner.  With the help of random.org, the winning number was....

Sandie ~call me crazy said...

"Happy birthday! I no longer celebrate birthdays~ I celebrate anniversaries of my 36th birthday every November. :-) Thanks for the fun! "

Congratulations to Sandie!!  I will be sending Sandie an email so that I can get her snail mail info.

And, once again, thank you for helping me celebrate my birthday!!  You all made it very special :D

Happy Memorial Day!

Listen, watch, and give thanks!

A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.

~Joseph Campbell

Have You Entered?

I just wanted to give you a quick reminder that there's only a couple days left to enter My Birthday Celebration Giveaway! 

Here's what you could win.....

8 one half yard cuts of a fabric line called Jasmine by Pamela Mostek for Clothworks.  That's a total of 4 yards of fabric. 

If you haven't already entered,  go HERE or click on the link above and follow the directions on that posting.  DO NO ENTER ON THIS POSTING.

Buzzzzzzzz

For love of country they accepted death...
~James A. Garfield

WOW!  I can't believe it's already Friday.  How did that happen?  Another week just flew by.  And aren't we lucky to have a three day weekend.  Let us not forget why so many of us have Monday off from work.  It is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service to our nation.  There will be parades and services to honor our fallen service men and woman who gave their lives so that we can live free.  At our house, we will proudly fly our flag in honor of those who gave their lives and observe a moment of silence.  We will also gather with friends and enjoy a BBQ to mark this holiday.  How will  you celebrate Memorial Day?

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

Knock On Wood

Have you ever used a saying and wondered where, how or why it originated?  That happened to me yesterday when I was leaving a comment - "Knock on wood, that has not happened to me yet".  I became curious and this is what I found.  There are several theories about the origin of this very common practice. One goes back to the child's game of `tag.' In one version of this game the child who is able to touch a tree, thereby touching wood, is free from capture.  Another notion is that `knocking on wood' goes far back into ancient times, when spirits were thought to live in trees. So should danger threaten, simply rap on the trunk of a tree and summon up the aid of the good spirit within.  There is an Irish belief that you `knock on wood' to let the leprechauns know that you are thanking them for a bit of good luck.  A Jewish version says it originated during the Spanish Inquisition under Torquemada during the 1490s. During that time Jews were in flight and since temples and synagogues were built of wood, they evolved a code to use in knocking on doors to gain admission. Since this resulted in lives being saved, it became commonplace to `knock on wood' for good luck.  Do you have another theory how 'knock on wood' came about?

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MONTHLY MINI QUILT

Yesterday I spent most of the day working on my monthly mini quilt for June.

I probably should have used slightly brighter fabrics for the U and the N but it is what it is.  It's done and I didn't have to cram to get it made before the first.  I actually finished 6 days ahead this time.  The stinger and antenna are hand embroidered with DMC #310.  This mini quilt is from Count On It by Nancy Halvorsen. I'm not real wild about this design but it will do for this year.

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DARLING FAT QUARTER

A squishy was waiting for me in yesterday's mail.....

My friend, Barbara, of Cat Patches, sent me the adorable fat quarter.  I don't know what I like more - the bright colors or the little paw prints scattered around.  How about both!  I see some awesome hexie flowers being made with this.  Thank you so very much, Barbara!

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WATCH DOG

Just had to share a picture of Snickerdoodle......

Several times a day, Snickerdoodle worms her way behind the little table in our entry and stands up on her hind feet.  From this vantage point she is able to check out what's happening in "her world".

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I will start working on the Quilts Of Valor quilt top - rather fitting given the coming holiday.

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GIVEAWAYS

Leanne's House is having a giveaway.  Leanne is giving away 10 copies of Vignette, Issue 3.  The winners will be drawn on Monday, May 30.

The Drawing Board is having a giveaway.  You could win a copy of Table Talk.  A winner will be drawn on Tuesday, May 31.

Tales At Wayne Manor is having a giveaway.  You could win a whole box of fabric.  The winner will be picked on Wednesday, June 1.

Sew How's This is celebrating their 100th post with a giveaway.  You could win something from Gooseberry Patch, 4 fat quarters from Sewing Studio, 2 new craft patterns, 3 new purse patterns, and 100 all cotton, 4x4 inch quilt squares.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, May 31, at midnight EST.

Chatterbox Quilts is having a giveaway.  Kim is giving away 3 of her Chatterbox Quilts patterns.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, May 31, at 6:00 MST.

Have you helped me celebrate my birthday?  You still can by entering My Birthday Celebration Giveaway.  Hurry, this ends Monday, May 30, at 7:00 pm.

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FINAL THOUGHT

I have been enjoying the last two days of cooler weather with one more expected today.  But I'm also getting so I dread these days as I know that it will mean another cold front will be hurling itself across the country.  It could mean another cold front/warm weather clash with horrible outcomes.  I hope that it will just wear itself out before any more terrible storms develop.  I think our countries midsection has had enough punishment to last them a lifetime.  I will accept the summer heat if it means that Mother Nature will quit unleashing her wrath in the form of tornadoes.  Be safe everyone! 
I will be taking Monday off from blogging to spend the day with my DH.  See you all on Tuesday!

The brave die never, though they sleep in dust:
Their courage nerves a thousand living men.
~Minot J. Savage

Without Further Rambling.......

Thank you for all the wonderful comments you left during this giveaway.  I'm still making my through them and will eventually respond to each and every one.  Also a thank you and welcome to all of the new followers - I hope you continue to enjoy what you see here.  I hope you all had as much fun blog hopping as I did during Sew, Mama, Sew's May Giveaway. 

Without further delay and with the help of random.org a winner has been selected:

sunny said...

"I'm so glad you enjoyed the guild meeting! My favorite flowers are 'sunny'flowers! What an awesome pincushion. "  May 23, 2011 5:31 PM

Congratulations Sunny!  You are the winner of the wool sunflower pin cushion.  I have sent you an email and will be mailing out the pin cushion tomorrow (Friday).

Thank you all again for your participation!!! 

Those Three Little Words....

Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.
~ Anthony J. D'Angelo

Have you ever had a little ditty or theme stuck in you thoughts?  Thanks to my DD#1 and one of her blogs from last week I have had the same three words stuck on repeat.  She was talking about her first sewing experience in decades years - a little reusable bag.  She had used a plastic shopping bag as the pattern and as she cut out the fabric, the bag shifted causing one handle to be wider than the other.  She referred to the smaller handle as "its special fin".  Well, as I'm sure many of you know, that is a reference to Nemo in the movie, Finding Nemo.  What do I think of when anything is mentioned about that movie?  I think of Dory saying "Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming........".  And those three little words having been stuck swimming through my thoughts on and off for several days!  Thanks, Megan!!  LOL!  It could be something worse, I'm sure :D

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

High In The Sky

Almost a year ago, Jonathan Trappe, of Raleigh, North Carolina, went on a trip across the English Channel.  His mode of transportation was anything but normal.  Trappe was strapped into a chair and suspended from a cluster of helium-filled balloons.  He left Kent, England at 5:00 AM, and four hours later began to cut away the balloons and float back to earth, landing in a cabbage field in France.  In addition to the balloons and a chair, his equipment list included an aircraft transponder, oxygen system, aircraft radios, emergency locator beacon, in-flight satellite tracking and a radio tracker.  "It was an exceptional, quiet, peaceful experience" he says of the trip.  "It's about dreams and enjoying an adventure".  Trappe said a number of safety precautions were in place before he set off.  What a way to travel and fulfilling your dreams!

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A BEE BLOCK

Yesterday I worked on and finished a block for one of the June hostesses of Let's Bee Together....

Carolyn sent out an assortment of fabrics to make a block of our own selection.  I didn't even bother looking up a pattern this time and just started making HST.  I think this ended up to be a rather pleasing block.  Carolyn also said we had to stitch our name or initials and our state somewhere on the block.....

I elected to stitch my name.  I used two strands of DMC floss #934 and backstitched the letters.  I should have used a tiny stitch instead of a french knot for the dot above the i's as I think they turned out a bit large.  I hope Carolyn likes this block.

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SPRING HAS SPRUNG

I did get some work done on my June mini quilt but will probably show that you tomorrow.  Instead I thought I would share a couple of photos from my yard......

This is one of the hydrangeas in my side yard.  It's just starting to show its color but I love how it's going to be a multi color bloom.

And this bright pink is my all time favorite.

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I hope to finish my June mini quilt.

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GIVEAWAYS

Country Fragrance is celebrating her one year in blogland with a giveaway.  Not sure exactly what Sharm is giving away but she says there will be 5 winners.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, May 31.

The Plaid Scotty is having a giveaway.  Kaelin is giving away a DS Quilts bundle, a Sherbet Pips FQ bundle, and a Bright Hopes Pencil Case.  This giveaway will end Monday, May 30, at midnight.

Crafty Sewing & Quilting is having a giveaway.  Marcia is giving away two $20.00 off certificates for her Machine Quilting Services on a Lap Size Quilt or larger.  The winners will be drawn on Wednesday, June 1, at 6:00 pm.

Pink Pincushion is having a giveaway.  You could win a copy of Scrap-Basket Sensations.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, June 1.

Quilty Pleasures (Quilt Maker Blog) is having a giveaway.  You could win an assortment of Sulk threads.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, May 31, at midnight.

You can still enter my giveaway, My Birthday Celebration Giveaway!  Here's your chance to win eight 1/2 yard cuts of some very pretty material.  This giveaway ends Monday, May 30, at 7:00 pm.

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FINAL THOUGHT

 Other than those three little words swimming through my mind, I keep thinking about those folks being affected by all of those nasty tornadoes.  There has been so much death and destruction this year caused by Mother Nature.  Looking at the pictures on the news and seeing the total ruin of so many lives is just beyond my imagination.  My heart goes out to everybody who has lost family members and friends and to those who have lost everything but their lives.  I hope you will join me and take a few moments throughout your day to send up a prayer or two for those who are suffering - it's the least I can do.

I believe in prayer. It's the best way we have to draw strength from heaven.
~Josephine Baker

No Orange Thread?

A handful of patience is worth more than a bushel of brains.
 ~Dutch Proverb

By the end of the afternoon yesterday, I had a numb brain, a sore butt, and blurry eyes.  I spent almost the entire day staring at the computer.  All I wanted to do was shut my eyes, lay my head down on the keyboard and go to sleep.  Nothing was making any sense any more.  First thing in the morning, I had to spend about an hour making up birthday invitations to send out to our grandsons' joint birthday party happening next month.  Then I spent about 3 hours working on emails to send out swap partner information for Block Swap Adventure that are going out this morning.  During lunch I spent a little time reading blogs and leaving a few comments.  After lunch I pulled myself away from that hypnotizing screen to stitch up a hexie flower and watch one tv show.  The rest of the afternoon was spent responding to comments in just one of the giveaways - and I'm only half way through - UGH!!  So now you can see why I was blurry, burned out, and foggy.  Hopefully I can get back to sewing today!

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

National Duckling Month

While National Duckling Month is actually referring to "duck" as a food source, I prefer to center on the idea of the cute little fluffy creature you see swimming around in ponds.  Did you know:

* Ducks' feet have no nerves or blood vessels. This means ducks never feel the cold, even if they swim in icy cold water.

* Ducks can live from 2-12 years, depending on the species.

* A male duck is called a drake, a female is called a duck. Babies are called ducklings.
* All of the Peking ducks in the United States are descendants from three ducks and one drake imported to Long Island, New York in 1873.
* A duck has three eyelids.
* A duck's quack has no echo.
* Some ducks and geese can fly as much as 332 miles a day!
* A duck waddles instead of walking because of its webbed feet.

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WEDNESDAY = FLOWER

Today is One Flower Wednesday.  So in keeping with tradition, well at least my tradition, I created.....

...a sporty little hexagon flower.  This one made me think of my grandsons.  When I went to sew the petals together, I discovered that I do not have any orange thread - not a single spool.  Not even in polyester!  Guess I will have to remedy that when I place my next order of fabric.  If you would like to see more hexagon flowers, just click on the link above or on the button on my right side bar.

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SQUISHIES

Over the weekend I received two squishy envelopes.  The first one was from Beena.....

....this beautiful hand painted square!  A while back, Beena was having a giveaway, but sadly, I didn't win.  However, she so generously sent everyone who entered her giveaway a personal piece of art!   Beena makes beautiful art on fabric.  You can visit her blog, The Blog Of A Thousand Faces, and see some more of her fantastic art.  Thank you, Beena!!

I also received these two fantastic blocks from Mary of Mariliz's Musings.  Mary was my swap partner in the Block Swap Adventure.  My only request was red, white, and blue or any combination there of.  I just love the blocks that Mary decided to make and the colors are so true.  Thank you so very much for the beautiful blocks, Mary!

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I have a BEE block to make and maybe I will start on my June mini quilt.

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 GIVEAWAYS

FabricWorm is having their weekly giveaway.  This week Tula Pink Prince Charming, Honey Bundle in Fat Quarters.  This giveaway will end Monday, May 30, at 8:30 pm PST.

KoolBenz is having Giveaway #10.  April is destashing and giving away lots of fabric.  This giveaway ends Friday, June 10, at midnight EST.

Sew...It's Midnight Mama is having a giveaway.  Jennifer is giving away a fat quarter bundle of Picnic & Fairgrounds.  The winner will be announced on Friday, May 27.

Only one more day to enter to win my sunflower pin cushion in the May Day Giveaway Is HERE!  This ends Thursday, May 26 at 7:00 am.

And then you can still enter to win 8 1/2 yard cuts of beautiful fabric in My Birthday Celebration Giveaway!  This giveaway ends Monday, May 30, at 7:00 pm.

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FINAL THOUGHT

Friends are such a precious commodity.  They help us in times of stress, they join us in celebration, and encourage us when we need just that little push or reassurance.  You have all been here for me recently.  YOU have given me the confidence to join my local quilt guild.  YOU joined me in my birthday celebration sending me so many wishes and happy thoughts.  YOU are guiding me through my option of entering a quilt show.  YOU are always giving me a kind word, a pat on the back and happiness when you leave a comment.  YOU have added sunshine and laughter to each and every one of my days.  I can't express what YOU mean to me.  Thank you for being my friend :D

A good friend is a connection to life - a tie to the past, a road to the future, the key to sanity in a totally insane world.
~Lois Wyse

Slowly The Snail Escapes....

Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Has anybody else had the dilemma of trying to decide between sewing and blog hopping?  With all of the giveaways currently going on at Sew, Mama, Sew's May Giveaway (see link below under GIVEAWAYS)  it's hard to stay away from the computer.  It would be different if the giveaways lasted a week, but most of them are only open for the next couple of days.  I've only had time to look at a handful of those participating.  Each blog is offering such wonderful prizes!  Maybe tomorrow I can squeeze a few more in.  Maybe next year they could extend the length of the giveaway.  Have you been hopping about?

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

National Escargot Day

May 24 is considered National Escargot Day.  Escargot is a tasty appetizer made from cooked snails that has been consumed by humans for centuries.Escargot can be considered a healthy food because snails are high in protein and very low in fat. The ones that are edible have a lot of magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, Vitamin B1, Vitamin E and many essential amino acids.  However, not all species of snails are edible and the taste of the snails vary among species.
To cook escargot, the snails are removed from their shells, gutted, and cooked with garlic butter. Once cooked, they are then poured back into the shells to be served. Did you know that the French consume 40,000 metric tons of snails annually? If you've never tried escargot, National Escargot Day is a great reason to give them a try! Of NOT!

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GIFTS

Yesterday's mail brought a couple of belated birthday gifts.  I like it when my birthday manages to encompass more than one day :)

My friend, Mary (Needled Mom), sent me this absolutely gorgeous fabric postcard.  I have never attempted thread painting and her flower is just amazing!  Thank you, Mary!

My friend, Annie (Adventures In Oz) sent me five fantastic batik fat quarters, some darling Post It notes, and a oh-so-cute magnetic note pad!  I have the project already picked out for the batiks for later in the year and you can never have enough sticky notes or note pads.  Thank you so very much, Annie!!

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A LITTLE MORE DESIGNER

In between blog hopping I did manage to get some sewing in......

I finished the bottom two rows including all of the sashing of the 2010 Designer Mystery BOM.  Now I just have to make the borders and it will be time to get it to the long arm quilter :)

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LOST POST

I guess I'm never going to get back my post from May 12.....lost in the Blogger malfunction of the year.  And since I use this blog as a sort of scrapbook/journal I need to re-post the picture of my finished quilt once again.....

Just in case you don't know, this is my finished quilt from the Layer Cake QAL hosted by Moose On The Porch.  It was quilted by Joanne Lendaro of Insanely Cheap Quilting and she did a beautiful job.  Sorry, I won't bore you with this one again!

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TODAY'S GOAL

Since tomorrow is One Flower Wednesday, I think I should probably get a hexie flower made :)

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GIVEAWAYS

The Intrepid Thread is having Market Giveaway #5.  This time you could win two fat quarter bundles:  either Prince Charming or Kumari Garden Holiday.  This giveaway ends Sunday, May 28. 

Stitch Your Soul is having a giveaway.  You could win 6 fat quarters of hand dyed cottons all cold water resist dyed by myself, 5 fat quarters of some fab spotty cottons, hand dyed blue cotton with block printed butterflies and hearts in blue and metallic green, some of her stash of vintage buttons, and 9 x 12" butterfly patchwork blocks made by Alice, herself.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, May 31.

KoolBeenz is having giveaway #9.  April is giving away a Dilly Dally charm pack by moda.  This giveaway ends Friday, May 27, at midnight.

Adventures in Oz is having her Mystery Monday giveaway.  You could win 5 fat quarters in your choice of color.  The winner will be announced Monday, May 30.

Mariliz's Musings is having a giveaway.  You could win 5 beautiful fat quarters from Mary's stash.  This giveaway ends Monday, May 30, at 8:00 pm.

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts is having a giveaway.  You could win a yard of Kona Cotton, color your choice and Five Balls of Finca Thread, colors also your choice!  The winner will be announced on Thursday, May 26.

Cottonwood Lane Primitives is having a giveaway.  You could win a Maggie Bononomi design penny rug.  The giveaway will happen when Roberta reaches 100 followers.

The Intrepid Thread is having a final Market giveaway.  You could win a fat eighth pack of Ruby.  This giveaway ends Monday, May 30, at midnight.

Sew, Mama, Sew is having her Giveaway Day May 2011.  There are 3 categories with oodles of blogs participating - each having their own giveaway.

Do you like pin cushions?  I'm giving away a sunflower pincushion in conjunction with the May Day giveaway.  You can find the giveaway at GIVEAWAY DAY IS HERE!  This giveaway ends on Thursday, May 26, at 7:00 am PST.

Do you like fabric?  You could win 8 one half yards cuts of coordinated fabric at My Birthday Giveaway Celebration.   This giveaway ends Monday, May 30, at 7:00 pm PST.

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FINAL THOUGHT

I have been thinking about entering a quilt in the local quilt show this coming January.  I'm just not sure if I meet the grade.  It's a quilt that I haven't even started yet.  Those of you who have entered quilts, what are some helpful hints you can pass on to me - and others thinking of making the same leap?  How do you decide which quilt(s) you might enter in a competition?  I'm really nervous about this.  And this isn't the same kind of nervous as attending the guild meeting.  I've never had my quilt work judged.  I have had counted cross stitch judged and won Best In Show two years running at the local county fair.  But for some reason this just has set my nerves on edge.  Maybe I should make the quilt and then decide.  I'm looking for any advice you experienced quilt show exhibitors care to share!

Learn all you can from the mistakes of others. You won't have time to make them all yourself.

 ~Alfred Sheinwold

Giveaway Day Is Here!

Weekends don't count unless you spend them doing something completely pointless.

 ~Bill Watterson

Thank you all for your birthday wishes and greetings!  They made my birthday wonderful!!

Whew! What a busy weekend!  Saturday started with our normal Farmer's Market run where we picked up so many wonderful new summer squashes, fruits, other veggies.  Next it was a mad dash to get my Mother's birthday present.  Nothing like putting it off until the last minute!  Our DD#2 and SIL and grandpup arrived and then it was out to lunch.  Then we spent a fun afternoon at the local fairgrounds enjoying the flavors, sights and sounds of the annual barbecue cook-off competition.  Makes my mouth water just thinking about it.  Home in time to do a little straightening before family and friends arrive to help celebrate my Mother's 83rd birthday.  Sunday was a little more layed back with only our DD#2, SIL, and grandpup.  We even managed to squeeze in a little bit of Wii.  It's quiet now this morning.  The pups are pooped after so much activity and the neighborhood has yet to awaken.  I am ready for a brand new week!

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

Lucky Penny Day

This Holiday is set aside for people around the world to appreciate the good luck of the penny. So today make it a point to look on the ground everywhere that you go and see if you can find a lucky penny. They seem to magically show up everywhere. Finding a penny is sometimes considered lucky and gives rise to the saying, "Find a penny, pick it up, and all the day: you'll have good luck."  Here are a few little bits of info on the penny that you may not know:

* From 1857 to 1864 pennies were made of 88 percent copper and 12 percent nickel.

* Until 1843 pennies were composed of copper that was mined in England.

* Lincoln’s image first graced the penny in 1909. Prior thereto, the penny had images ranging from Indian heads and Eagles to the “flowing hair braids” of the late 1700s.

* Today’s pennies have 4 different versions of the reverse-side image, including Lincoln’s boyhood cabin home and the Union Shield.

* Even though zinc has certain toxic properties, coins remain the most-ingested accidental object in American households. (Dogs and parrots are particularly susceptible to zinc poisoning from swallowed pennies.)

* If you stacked up 1,056,000 pennies, the stack would be a mile high.

* In 2008, a double-struck penny from 1969 – essentially a minting error – sold for over $126,000 at auction.

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2011 MAY GIVEAWAY DAY

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED 

Today is the day to participate in the Sew, Mama, Sew's Giveaway Day. I am only one of bunches of participants.  For this giveaway I have made something special.....

This sunflower pin cushion is made of wool and measures 5 1/2" across.  It is stuffed with crushed walnut shells and lavender. 

If you would like to enter my giveaway, just leave a comment telling me what your favorite flower is.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED

RULES:

* 1 entry per person

* If you are a no-reply blogger, you must include your email address in your comment.

* If I can't contact you, you can not win!

* This giveaway is open to everyone. And, yes, that means I will ship internationally.

* If you are selected as the winner, you must respond to my email within two days. If you don't, I will draw another winner.

* This giveaway ends Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 7:00 a.m. PST

* The winner will be announced by noon on May 26.

I will do my best to respond to comments left but I'm currently running another giveaway and am being overwhelmed by comments.  Thank you for understanding.

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MY BIRTHDAY GIFT

For my birthday my sweet DH gave me a new Nikon Coolpix L24. 

I had been wanting one for Christmas when my daughter had received hers as a gift.  I spent a little time on Friday playing with it to see what it could do.  It takes some of the best close-up pictures ever.....

Remember on Friday when I was disturbed that you could see how the flower bud tip was folded on the Baltimore block?  Well, look!  You can see the folds AND the tiny basting stitches.  And the picture of the pin cushion in the giveaway?  I took that picture using my new camera too.  Isn't it nice a clear?  I'm so happy with my new little toy.  I hope to be bringing you better pictures and finer close-ups than ever before :)

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RECEIVED MY WINNINGS

Last week I received a box containing what I had won from Marcia's Crafty Sewing & Quilting.....

Aren't they gorgeous.  I was able to select any item valued up to $18 from Dye Candy.  I selected these 18 Fat 16th yard pieces of hand dyed fabrics.  I just love the colors and already have the quilt pattern picked out that I will be using them for.  Chris also included.....

8 darling Quilt Block Magnets.  These can replace some of the ugly magnets on my refrigerator.  Thank you, Marcia for having the giveaway and thank you, Chris for all of the beautiful fabric and cute magnets!!

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TODAY'S GOAL

Since I did absolutely no sewing on Friday I think it's time to get back to needle and thread.  Today I will continue assembling the Designer Mystery BOM quilt top.

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GIVEAWAYS

13 Woodhouse Road is having FQS Bella Parade Weekly Giveaway #3.  You could win a Bella Parade Fat Quarter Bundle.  Shruti will draw a winner on Wednesday, May 25.

The Intrepid Thread is having Market Giveaway Day 4.  You could win a charm pack of A Little Hoo's In The Forest. This giveaway ends Friday, May 27, at midnight.

Craizee Corners is having a 100 follower giveaway.  Once Sharon reaches 50 followers, she will give away a charm pack to 2 lucky followers and when she reaches 100 followers I will giveaway a charm pack to 3 lucky followers.  So only time and followers will determine when this giveaway ends.

Not a lot of new giveaways were listed but don't forget to check out all of those participating in the Sew, Mama, Sew May Giveaway Day.

And if you missed it on Friday, don't forget to enter My Birthday Celebration Giveaway where you could win 4 yards of beautiful fabric.  This giveaway ends Monday, May 30, at 7:00 pm.

Hawthorne Threads is having their weekly giveaway.  You could win a Dena Fishbein Kumari Garden Holiday fat quarter bundle.  Winner will be selected on Wednesday, May 25. 

Easily Distracted Debbie is ready to send the Traveling Stash on its way.  Debbie has added some great new items to the box.  This giveaway ends Friday, May 27.
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FINAL THOUGHT

AKA
(for today only)
GUILD MEETING REPORT

Well! I went to the local guild meeting Thursday evening. I took a deep breath and passed through the doors with my DH by my side. Don't be alarmed.....once inside I gave him a kiss goodbye and sent him on his way. The lady, Isabel, at the check-in desk was very welcoming and told me a little about the guild. There are over 100 members in this guild. I rolled over to the raffle table for something to do and bought some raffle tickets - nothing there I really wanted but thought I should show my support. Right before the start of the meeting, a couple of members came over to say hi and introduce themselves. One even made a point of sitting with me. The turn out was rather small as several members were on vacation and there were a lot of graduations going on in town.  The guild actually holds two meetings every third Thursday (one afternoon and one evening) to accommodate the membership.  Anyway, after the normal opening ceremony, one of the members, Sally Shuppert, had a trunk show and shared her glorious quilts with us (sadly, I didn't have my camera with me).  Then it was time for membership show and tell where more beautiful quilts were shared.  I have to admit - you all were right and thank you for encouraging me to go to this meeting.  I am proud to say that I am now a new member of The Cotton Patch Quilters of Bakersfield!  I am already participating by having taken home a kit to make a quilt for QOV.  Plus I will be making at least one little 32"X32" quilt for Loving Hands - quilts made for the neonatal unit of a local hospital.  So much for not wanting to start another new project :D

Why not go out on a limb? Isn't that where the fruit is?
~Frank Scully