Do We Have A Winner?

Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky.
~Rabindranath Tagore

Spring just doesn't know what to do for us yet.  Shall she bring sunshine and flowers or cool weather and showers?  Yesterday morning was full of unexpected clouds.  A cool breeze blew but the birds were still singing.  As the afternoon passed, so did the clouds.  More blue than gray, more sun than shade.  I have daffodils, dutch iris, gerbera daisies, and tulips all blooming in my yard.  The blue of the scrub jay and the yellow of the gold finch are constant sources of color in my yard too.  And green! Lots and lots of green!  New green leaves, growing grass and weeds.  I just love to look out my window in Spring.


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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

National Look UP At The Sky Day

Look up at the sky today. Gah! Not directly into the sun. Are you okay? Yeah you'll be seeing those spots for a few minutes. Anyway, next time look up and admire the clouds. Hey, that one looks like a rabbit! Whoops, sorry, didn't mean to make you look again. You know what, just wait until tonight and check out the stars. Much safer.
This is rather fitting since the space shuttle, Columbia was successfully launched on April 12, 1981, the 20th anniversary of the first human spaceflight, and returned on April 14, 1981, after orbiting the Earth 36 times, landing on the dry lake bed runway at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Columbia then undertook three further research missions to test its technical characteristics and performance. 

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WINNER

I suppose you would like to know who the won the $25.00 gift certificate to Fat Quarter Shop for my 200th Post Celebration Giveaway.  Well, first I want to fill you in on some facts.  There were 13 countries heard from:  USA, UK, Canada, France, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Croatia, Australia, Singapore, Israel, South Korea, New Zealand, and Russia.  Here are the tallies for our states:  Alabama - 2, Arizona - 4, Arkansas - 2, California - 10, Colorado - 1, Connecticut - 1, Florida - 11, Georgia - 5, Idaho - 4, Illinois - 1, Indiana - 6, Iowa - 2, Kentucky - 3, Louisiana - 1, Maine - 3, Massachusetts - 1, Maryland - 2, Michigan - 2, Missouri - 3, Nebraska - 2, Nevada - 1, New Hampshire - 1, New Jersey - 3, New York - 4, North Carolina - 10, North Dakota - 1, Ohio - 3, Oklahoma - 2, Oregon - 3, Pennsylvania - 6, Rhode Island - 1, South Carolina - 2, South Dakota - 2, Tennessee - 4, Texas - 12, Utah - 7, Virginia - 3, Washington - 1, Wisconsin - 3.  As you can see, the comments were left by people far and wide.  There were, unfortunately, also 9 No Reply bloggers.  That makes me rather sad because I would have loved to have been able to make a response back to them.  I had so much fun reading where you were all from.  Thank you again for playing along and for taking the time to read my blog!  OKAY!  So much for the facts that interested only me.  With the help of random.org, the winner of the $25.00 gift certificate is.........

#9
Mommarock said...

Congrats from TX! You do an amazing job on your blog.. someday I'll get better at mine.. I'm just not very organized.. I yap a little when I get a chance LOL.

I have already sent out an email to the lucky winner.

Thank you all again for playing along in my giveaway. 
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SASHINGS

Yesterday morning was spent cutting and assembling the sashing for my Layer Cake quilt.

I am not following the pattern that was given by Moose On The Porch Quilts but am trying something a little different.  We will see how it looks when I start adding the blocks to the sashing.

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AFTERNOON OF LABOR

In the afternoon I spent two hours wrestling the blue and brown quilt. 

This quilt measure in excess of 60" X 72" and weighs a ton!  Now I know why I have been putting off quilting this for so long.  However, I definitely want this quilt done before Easter weekend so I can give to DD#2 when she comes up to visit.  This will probably be the last quilt I quilt myself.  All future quilts will be going out to a long arm quilter.  Does anybody have recommendations to send my way for long arm quilting?  I just can't muscle that much fabric and batting around anymore.

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USE FOR A HOOK

We figured out a use for at least one of those hooks that have been setting idly by on the desk waiting for me to remember what they were to be used for......

DH put the hook up behind the spare bedroom door so I can hang my cutting mats.  So nice not to have them laying on the bed or hanging on the closet door always in the way.  Thank you, honey!

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I will make a hexagon flower so I will be prepared for Wednesday.  I will also put in at least two more hours on the brown and blue quilt!

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GIVEAWAYS

Sew Cal Gal is having a giveaway.  You could win a kit to make a darling wall hanging and $25 gift certificate to AccuQuilt.  This giveaway ends Sunday, April 17, at midnight PST.

Alderwood Quilts is having an April giveaway.  You could win a First Choice Boxers pattern (adult sizes small to XXL) as well as your choice of conversation fabric to make a pair.  The winner will be announced on May 1st.

Quilted Journeys is celebrating her one year anniversary with a giveaway.  You could win a wonderful fat quarter bundle of 5 beautiful fabrics.  This giveaway ends Friday, April 15, at 6:00 pm EST.

Bluebird's Wing is having a big giveaway.  There are 8 great possible prizes to win.  This giveaway runs through Sunday, April 17.

Cotton Blossom Farms is having a giveaway.  She is giving away a 12 fat quarter bundle of Michael Miller's Gypsy Bandana by Pillow and Maxfield.  This giveaway ends Friday, April 15, at midnight EST.

Ardea's Nest is having a giveaway.  You could win 4 1/2 cuts of some beautiful fabric.  She has also provided a wonderful tutorial.  Melissa will draw the winner on Saturday, April 16.
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FINAL THOUGHT

I love to read.  I am currently reading the third book by Emilie Richards, Lover's Knot.  This is the best of the series so far.  I wasn't horribly impressed with her first two books so I wasn't in any hurry to continue the series.  But, pleasantly, this is a much better read.  When I worked out of the house, my co-workers would always make fun of me when I would spend my lunch hour reading.  I don't go anywhere without a book.  Books can open up the mind, take us to far away places and distant times.  I have always loved to read and have to set a time limit for myself when reading in bed or I would likely read until the sun came up.  Reading has been a passion of mine since I was young.  I read to the girls growing up and love reading to my grandsons.  Do you like to read?  If you do, what are you currently reading?

Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.
 ~Charles W. Eliot


May your Tuesday be totally tantalizing!

Credit the Sausage

Credit buying is much like being drunk. The buzz happens immediately and gives you a lift.... The hangover comes the day after.
 ~Joyce Brothers

Frustration.  That is what I'm feeling.  Frustration with myself.  First, I'm frustrated with myself because I can't seem to put a stop to spending.  No, I haven't broken my "no fabric for a month" promise.  I have been good about that.  But I have been buying sewing tools, patterns, books, magazine subscriptions; all things I really don't need.  Well, I really did need the 12" square ruler.  I can't believe I've gone this long without it.  Okay, back to frustration and spending.  I keep telling myself "just this one last purchase" and that lasts until..... So, I think I have come up with a solution.  I'm collecting my credit cards, wrapping them all up in a rubber band and handing them to my DH with the following instructions:  Do NOT give me any of my credit cards unless I can come up with an extremely good reason as to why I need to buy a certain item.  And, why can't I wait until I can afford to use my debit card (same as paying cash, you know) to buy said item.  So, there.  It has been decided and has been executed. 
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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

Credit Cards

Many consider credit cards and their use as a recent trend that took place during the late 20th century, but the truth is that credit cards have been around longer than most people think. Unless you have been living under a rock or amidst the Amazon rain forest for the past hundred years without any access to modern civilization, we all know what credit cards are used for. A credit card is method of selling and buying goods without having to deal with cash.  According to researchers, credit cards have been around since the 1920's in the United States when individual firms such as oil companies and hotel chains began issuing them to customers. However, some say that credit card use began as far back as the 1890's in Europe. Researchers also say that credit cards back in those days were not made of plastic but most probably from metal coins, metal plates, celluloid, metal, fiber or paper.  In 1946, John Biggins of the Flatbush National Bank of Brooklyn in New York invented the first bank credit card. Biggins invented the "Charge-it" program between bank customers and local merchants where merchants deposited sales slips in the bank after which the bank billed the customer.  In 1958, American Express issued their first credit card and the Bank of America issued Visa later in 1958. By the early 1960's, companies offered credit cards to traveling salesman and promoted them as time saving device and a few years down the road, credit cards became a huge sensation. 

Don't get me wrong, I think the credit card is a wonderful thing.  I just need to be away from mine for awhile. 

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BLOCK FINISHED

Friday I finished the first block of the Secrets of Life wall hanging. 

 The embroidery was easy to do, just a plain backstitch.  I'm starting to get a handle on the machine embroidery.  I wonder why it took me so long to give this technique a try?

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SOMETHING OTHER THAN CRAFTS

Since I wasn't very productive on Friday, well, at least there was nothing more to photograph, I would like to share a recipe I tried last week.  It's easy (which are the best kind) and tasty too (even better!).

ITALIAN SAUSAGE, PEPPERS, AND ONIONS

Ingredients

6 (4 ounce) links sweet Italian sausage

2 tablespoons butter

1 yellow onion, sliced

1/2 red onion, sliced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 large red bell peppers, sliced

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 cup white wine

I forgot to include the sausage in the photo, but believe me they were there - lol!

Directions

1.  Place the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, and brown on all sides. Remove from skillet and slice.

2.  Melt butter in the skillet. Stir in the yellow onion, red onion, and garlic, and cook 2 to 3 minutes. Mix in the bell pepper. Season with basil and oregano. Stir in the white wine. Combine to cook and stir until peppers and onions are tender.

3.  Return sausage slices to skillet with the vegetables. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15 minutes, or until sausage is heated through.

Voila!  Excellent!!

Personal Notes:

* The recipe called for 1 red and 1 green bell pepper.  I find green bell peppers bitter so used to red.

* Reheats well

* The recipe suggests fro extra kick to try using half sweet sausage and half hot sausage - I think I might try that next time around.

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TODAY'S GOAL

Well, Friday I didn't get the sashing a border cut out for my Layer Cake quilt.  I forgot I hadn't washed the fabric.  So today's goal will be the same as Friday's...to cut out the sashing and borders.  Maybe I can even start the assembly process.

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GIVEAWAYS

McCalls Quilting is having a giveaway.  You could win a fabulous fat quarter pack from Moda’s Authentic collection.  Just leave a comment on the FB page between now and May 31st.

Leona's Quilting Adventure is having a giveaway.  You could win a copy of Dream Landscapes by Rose Hughes, a package of Steam a Seam 2, one copy each of Harriet Hargrave's Pocket Guides to Choosing Batting and Caring for Fabric and Quilts, and a Beautiful Fat Roll of 20, 5" X 42" Strips of Flutter Fabric by Windham Fabrics.  This giveaway ends Friday, April 22, at midnight EST.

Jo's Country Junction is having a giveaway.  You could win a Lapel Stick.  Three winners will be selected on Tuesday, April 12.

Two Hippos is having a giveaway.  You could win some Marimekko fabric remnants.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, April 13, around 6:00 pm.

Want It, Need It, Quilt is having an April giveaway.  You could win 12 FQ's of Gypsy by Westminister Fabrics.  This giveaway will run until the end of April.

Craftbuds is having a giveaway.  You could win three yards of custom made bias tape made with Happy Dots in Apricot fabric from Amy Butler’s Midwest Modern Line.  This giveaway ends Thursday, April 14, at midnight EST.

There are only a few hours left to be able to enter my 200th Post Celebration Giveaway.  If you haven't enter  to win the $25.00 gift certificate to Fat Quarter Shop then you better do it NOW!!

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FINAL THOUGHT

We all have final thoughts throughout the day.  A final thought might be at the end of a meal.  "Was that a recipe worth repeating?"  We have final thoughts when we complete a project.  "Am I happy with the outcome?"  And others that you may not think of as final thoughts....."I'm sure glad I found that"....."Man, am I ever tired after that shopping trip"......"The dogs are finally washed"....."I really enjoyed that book";  just to give a few examples.  And, of course, our final thought of the day as we lay our head down upon our pillows. "Today was a great day".  Is there a better final thought than that?

No matter where you go or what you do, you live your entire life within the confines of your head.
~Terry Josephson


May your Monday be merry and marvelous!

Have You Entered?

Have you entered my 200th Post Celebration Giveaway?  You have just a few short days to enter to win a $25 gift certificate to the Fat Quarter Shop.  DO NOT ENTER HERE!  You must go to the original post to enter - click on the link above.

Have a wonderful weekend!!

A Variety Of Blocks

Poor, dear, silly Spring, preparing her annual surprise!

 ~Wallace Stevens

Brrrr!  I'm freezing!  For a week now I have been quite comfortable in a short sleeve t-shirt and jeans.  Sometimes with my hoodie on but usually not zipped up.  I usually discard it by early afternoon.  Not so yesterday or today!  The high temp has dropped a good 20 degrees, the clouds have moved in along with a chilling wind and even a few showers.  I feel like we have gone back to February!  I'm back in my corduroy shirt with my hoodie on, zipped up all the way with my hood up, too!  This time the forecasters got it right - they said it would cool down drastically.  I know this sounds like complaining but it's not.  I will take all of the cold days ol' Mother Nature wants to throw our way.  Soon enough we will be sweltering in the heat of summer with only our memories to remind us of this wonderful cold.

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

Q-Tips

Upon observing his wife applying wads of cotton to toothpicks, Leo Gerstenzang, the original founder of the Q-tips^® Company, conceived the idea of manufacturing a ready-to-use cotton swab. He found the Leo Gerstenzang Infant Novelty Co., a firm which marketed baby care accessories.  The product was originally called Baby Gays and in 1926, the labels were changed to read Q-tips^® Baby Gays. Later the name Baby Gays was discarded and Q-tips^® became the identifying mark for cotton swabs. The Q in Q-tips^® stands for quality and the word tips describes the cotton swab at the end of the stick. In the 1950's Q-tips^® were recognized by Hollywood glamour and partner with America's top Hollywood makeup artist, Ern Westmore, to create the "Lesson in Loveliness with Q-tips^®" booklet. The most common use for cotton swabs is to clean or scratch the ear canal and/or to remove earwax but this is not a medically recommended method for removing earwax. Cotton swabs are also commonly used for applying and removing makeup, as well as for household uses such as cleaning and arts and crafts.

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MY LATEST SQUISHY

Yesterday I received a squishy from Doris, my April swap partner for Quilting Block Swaps Australia.

This beautiful block came all the way from Australia and will be a wonderful addition to the previous blocks I have received.  I love the fabric with it's tiny little flowers and Doris' sewing is perfect.  Thank you so very much, Doris!

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ANOTHER WIN :P

I seem to have been on a winning streak last month :)  Yesterday I received....

This great book.  I was lucky enough to win the giveaway that Alderwood Quilts hosted in March.  There are some great patterns in the book and will be a great resource for a quick project.  Thank you, Sue!

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ON TO PLAN B

Yesterday I didn't get to start putting together my Layer Cake quilt.  The instructions didn't get posted so I went to plan B.  I started another project....

This is the first block for Secrets Of Life by Art To Heart.  I made the block larger than the end product just in case there was any shrinkage from the applique and/or stitching.  I still have to blanket stitch the flower head and all parts of the house but so far I am enjoying the process. 

I also continued working on my Baltimore block......

Sorry for the dark picture, but with the clouds having moved in I had to rely on artificial light.  Obviously I didn't take the photo in the best location.  I still need to work on perfecting my points as evident by the leaf points.  I have been using a glue stick to help hold the seam allowances in place and so far that seems to work well.

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I will finish the blanket stitch on the block I started yesterday.  If the Layer Cake layout is released I will cut out the sashing and border so I'm prepared for Monday.

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GIVEAWAYS

Hawthorne Threads is having their weekly giveaway.  You could win a complete Carolyn Gavin Spring Street fat quarter bundle.  The winner will be selected Wednesday, April 6.

The Curious Quilter is having a giveaway.  You could win either a set of 80 five-inch squares, or choose a set of 500 two-inch squares.  This giveaway ends Saturday, April 16, at 11:59 pm CDT.

Don't Look Now is having a giveaway.  You could win one of three beautiful patterns.  This giveaway will end April 14.

You still have a chance to enter my 200th Post Celebration Giveaway!  Wouldn't you like to win a $25 gift certificate to Fat Quarter Shop?

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FINAL THOUGHT

Yesterday evening my DH donated blood.  Well, not really.  He actually was a  Apheresis platelet donor. Platelet transfusions are traditionally given to those undergoing chemotherapy for leukemia, multiple myeloma, bone marrow transplant, radiation treatment, organ transplant or surgeries such as cardiopulmonary bypass.  This process takes about two hours.  I am quite proud of him for doing this.  While he is donating he gets to be in the VIP area where he can watch TV and the nurses give him extra attention.  Unfortunately they do not want my blood.  There are too many unanswered questions about ALS and they don't want to take the risk of possibly passing on the disease.  I don't blame them.  But I'm fully behind my DH.  I hope his platelets are able to help someone who truly needs them.  More donors are always needed as platelets

Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something.

~Author Unknown

Friday is here - make it fun and fabulous!!

A Place For My Pins

Where you find quality, you will find a craftsman, not a quality-control expert. 
~Robert Brault

I had started this post off with a different beginning.  One I didn't like very much.  It was rather bitchy.  I don't think I was in a good mood when I wrote it.  But I'm better now and thought I better start again.  Now the trouble.....I can't think of a single thing to begin with.  The brain is empty and the thoughts just aren't there.  There are no AHA moments or what ifs, just a big old void.  Maybe there are too many thoughts running through and none of them feel like stopping to say "here's an idea".  So instead of boring you further I will just say "Good Morning!  I hope you have a wonderful day planned!"

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

No Housework Day is celebrated each April 7. Many poor souls don't even know that they don't have to do any housework that day. So if you were one of them, here are some steps to help you enjoy this great holiday as provided by eHow:
1. Add the day to your calendar. Highlight the entire box surrounding April 7. Then add it to the calendar of everyone in your household. Email notices about the day to friends and family. Mention it in your blog or website. The key to enjoying this day is to broadcast it.
2. Make it official. Post a "cease and desist" order on the refrigerator door, right out front where everyone can see it. Stop working in the house on April 7. Don't wash a single dish, scrub a tile, scour a pan or take out the trash. Be prepared to hold your ground.
3. Leave the house. Plan a day of enjoying your favorite activities. Go for a hike, eat out, go shopping, take in a film, join your friends for celebratory cocktails or do anything else that takes you far from the scene of the grime.
4. Leave the chores to others. Let your spouse and children clean the dishes, scrub the kitchen, mop up the bathroom, vacuum the floors, dust the bookshelves and wash the windows. When they're done, they'll appreciate the job you do, which is another point of the holiday.
5. Buy an extra air sanitizer. Cover any stench from No Housecleaning Day with Lysol, Yankee Candles, or any other favorite smelling odor besides the rotting trash from your day off. Enjoy yourself.

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QAL BLOCK

Yesterday I made the final block in the Layer Cake QAL that has been brought to us by Moose On The Porch Quilts.

This block was created by Joan Lucchese, also known as Cali Quilter. and is simply known as Block 12.  I didn't have a lot of fabric options left as some of my fabric scraps were much to small to use for this block.  Good thing we are at the end.  Starting tomorrow Konda will post layout instructions so we can start putting our quilts together.

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MY FIRST PIN CUSHION

For the rest of the day I made my very first pin cushion.  Yes, I know, I'm late in joining the growing trend of pin cushions, but I just had to find the right pattern that really made me want to create one.

This is called Posey Pin Cushion and is a pattern from Bird Brain Designs.  I added the little dragonfly button as a little extra.  I filled the outer edges of the base with cotton balls because I didn't have any fiberfill stuffing or wool fleece.  Then I filled the main part of the body with crushed walnut shells.  Oh, and if you can't tell from the picture, then entire pin cushion is made out of wool.

Here's a top view with a few pins added.  Now you can see the french knot center of the flower.  This was fun to make and fairly quick to put together.  Now I'm ready to make more in different colors and shapes!

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I think I will start working on a new wall hanging that I've been eager to start.  Either that or start putting together the Layer Cake quilt.  That would probably be a better idea.

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GIVEAWAYS

Raggedy Station is having a giveaway to celebrate the opening of their new store.  Tess is giving away a fat quarter bundle of 12 beautiful black and white fabric.  This giveaway ends Friday, April 8.

Scrappy n' Happy is celebrating her 100th post with a giveaway.  Jess is giving away 5 fat quarters of Melly and Me and a beautiful mug rug that she has made.  She will draw a winner on Sunday, April 10.

Chasing Cottons is having a major giveaway.  There are several items you could win from several different sponsors.  This giveaway ends Monday, April 11.

Samelia's Mum is having a giveaway.  You could win your very own copy of Handy Mandy's Motorcycle Adventure.  This giveaway ends Sunday, April 10.

Canton Village Quilt Works is having a giveaway.  They are giving away a 1 year subscription to Quilt Magazine, The Twister Template, and Lil' Twister.  This giveaway ends Monday, April 11, at midnight.

Sew Inspired is having giveaway #5 to celebrate her 5th year in blogland.  She is giving away two fat quarter sets of Luna II fabric from Maywood Studios.  This giveaway ends Friday, April 8.

Hyacinth Quilt Designs is having a giveaway.  You could win one of her 3 books along with 3 fat quarters.  This giveaway ends Monday, April 11.

1 Choice 4 Quilting is having a giveaway.  Shawna is giving away 2 fat quarter bundles of Donna Dewberry Happy Flowers and some super cute little goodies she picked up at a quilt show last week. This giveaway ends Sunday, April 10, at 10:00 pm EST.

Fabric Seeds is having a Welcome Giveaway to celebrate the opening of her new store.  Sarah is giving away at least one charm pack of Chrysalis.  This giveaway ends Friday, April 15.

We Love Quilting is having an April giveaway.  You could win a big box full of surprises.  I guess this lasts through the month of April.

Enter my 200th Post Celebration Giveaway to win a $25 gift certificate to Fat Quarter Shop.  This giveaway ends Monday, April 11, at 8:00 pm PST.

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FINAL THOUGHT

Have you ever searched for something that you know you have somewhere in the house.  You couldn't have possibly thrown it away!  It has to be here somewhere!!  That's how I was when I went looking for my pinking shears.  Now, keep in mind, I probably haven't used these shears since my days of making clothing which was eons ago.  But who would throw or give away something like that?  It's one of those things you hang onto because you know that someday you just might need them.  I looked high, I looked low.  I looked under things and on top of things.  I looked inside boxes, drawers, and under beds.  Nope, no pinking shears.  So off to do some online shopping.  I finally found a pair of Gingher pinking shears for a super good price on Ebay on Sunday.  Great!  They should be here by the end of the week.  I can't make my pin cushion until I have a pair.  Guess what I found this morning?  You guessed it!  My Fiskar pinking shears!!!  In a drawer just to the left of my sewing machine where I keep all of the other important and useful sewing tools and appliances that I might need.  Guess it won't hurt to have two pairs - lol!

If you wonder where your child left his roller skates, try walking around the house in the dark.
~Leopold Fechtner

Today is your Thursday to enjoy - and remember, NO HOUSEWORK!

Birdies and Buttons

Never say, "oops." Always say, "Ah, interesting."
~Author Unknown

Over a week ago my DH asked me where he should hang the hooks.  Me - "What hooks?"  DH - "These hooks.  We have two packages of them right here."  Sure enough, there on the desk were two sets of white hooks.  I told him I didn't know what he was talking about.  He got that puzzled look on his face.  DH - "But we bought them for you to hang something up."  Me - "Hang what up?"  DH - "I don't know.  You said you needed them".  Well, for the life of me I couldn't remember what I wanted to hang up.  We don't even have enough wall space in the sewing room or spare room to hang anything, especially nothing the size that would require two, good sized hooks.  DH - "Well, I guess we will leave them here for now.  Maybe you'll remember what we bought them for."  And there they sit - in the middle of the desk - waiting to be put to good use.  It may be years before I remember what I wanted to hang up on the wall.  Perhaps that would be a good place for my memory - lol!  Ah, interesting!

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

Do you think the English language is easy?  Yes?  Here are a few sentences to make you think otherwise.....

1. The bandage was wound around the wound.

2. The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.

3.  He could lead if he would get the lead out.

4. The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.

5.  Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.

6.  The buck does funny things when the does are present.

Let's face it - English is a crazy language. There is no egg in eggplant nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple. English muffins weren't invented in England or French fries in France . Sweetmeats are candies while sweetbreads, which aren't sweet, are meat. We take English for granted. But if we explore its paradoxes, we find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig.
OK!  I give up.  I have more but I will save them for a later date.  Just thought I would give you some food for thought.

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ONE FLOWER WEDNESDAY

Today is Wednesday, and in keeping with tradition, it is also One Flower Wednesday. 

This is my Spring flower of flowers.  The fabric almost grabbed my hand as I was sorting through scraps trying to decide what to make yesterday.  The colors are so bright I just couldn't pass it up.  If you would like to see more hexie flowers out there in blogland, skip on over to Journey of a Quilter, where Karen so graciously hosts our gathering every week.

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I WON BUTTONS

Last month I won a giveaway being held by Barb over at Bejeweled Quilts.  And the squishy envelope arrived in today's mail.....

Aren't they the cutest little birdie buttons?  The buttons come from buttonmad, a company that gives employment to women in South Africa.  These buttons are hand made and I just love them.  They are going to make some great embellishments on some blocks I have in mind.  Barb also included a beautiful fat quarter that she says is a "little piece of Samoa".  Makes me feel as though I should be on some exotic island, drifting away........  Thank you so very much, Barb!

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BIRDIE STITCHES

Over the weekend I finished up the fourth Birdie Stitches BOM. 

On the first of the month, Little Miss Shabby released this block for us to make.  I think it is so cute with the eggs hanging in the tree and from the birdie's tail.  I continued with the Dream On line but this time chose only pieces that had a lattice work in the print.  I think it makes the block look very springy a lot like spring.  Now I can hardly wait until next month to see what LMS will design for us.

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BALTIMORE

Yesterday I cut out the pieces for the third Baltimore Basics block.

The first pieces are pinned and ready for me to start stitching.  Looking at the picture I am befuddled by the circle and cross on the background fabric.  It's not something on the fabric so it must have been something I set the square on.  Weird!

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TODAY'S GOAL

I knew yesterday was Tuesday, but I was sure we had another week before the last Layer Cake QAL block was to be released.  But, surprise, it's out!  So I will be making that my main priority for the day.

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GIVEAWAYS

Sew Fabulous Quilt Shop is having an April giveaway.  You could win a Montego Batiks fat quarter bundle.  This giveaway ends Saturday, April 30.

The Noble Wife is having a I Love Applique giveaway.  You could win 3 free patterns from her website and a pile of other goodies (retail value $45.00).  You must comment by midnight on Sunday, April 10.

The Quilting Pirate is having a Manic Monday giveaway.  Toni is giving away The Hobo Bag  pattern by Indigo Junction and ~20 5" novelty charm squares.  This giveaway ends Monday, April 11.

Margaret's Hope Chest is having 1000th Quilt, 4 Year Anniversary Giveaway.  You could be one of four winners of four fat quarters, Twin Size Hobbs Heirloom Cotton Batting, Thread-the Essential Thread Set in Neutrals or Colors from Connecting Threads, pins, One roll of Heat Press, and a copy of 'In a Twinkle' book by Kay Mackenzie.  The winners will be announced on April 29th.

Quilt n Queen is having a sponsored giveaway.  You could win 2 Sherbet Pips charm packs.  This giveaway ends Monday, April 11.

Have you entered to win the $25.00 gift certificate from Fat Quarter Shop?  If not, then you need to enter my 200th Post Celebration Giveaway!

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FINAL THOUGHT

Sirens.  More sirens.  That's the trouble with living near major thoroughfares.  We are three blocks off of one main street and about 5 from another.  Most of the time I don't even hear them any more.  That is unless Jack, the black lab next door, decides to sing along with them.  He has such a pitiful howl.  He sounds like the perpetual teenager that is in the voice transition phase of his life.  So funny to hear.  I do wish at times I lived where there was silence.  No car noises, no voices of people walking down the street, no car alarms accidentally going off - nothing but the sweet sound of birds singing and my two pups snoring (well, really only Weasley).  Noise overload is something I can do without.  If ever someone wanted to torture me, obnoxious noise would be the way to do it.  Ah, for some piece and quiet and just the hum of my sewing machine.  One can dream!

Silence is more musical than any song.
~Christina Rossetti

Make your Wednesday wonderful!

Blocks And Squishies!

About the only time losing is more fun than winning is when you're fighting temptation.
~Tom Wilson

Whew! I had a busy day yesterday.  It felt good to be productive.  Three blocks made, scraps put away, and 5 packages ready for mailing.  I like when my Monday starts like that.  It's definitely a good way to start the week.  Now I almost feel as though I can coast through the rest of the week.  Not really, but almost.  My mind keeps going to my WIPs and to projects I want to start.  The two projects I want to start are there, just waiting - one even has the fabric all picked out.  The fabric does need washing but otherwise it's ready to go.  Can I start another one?  Will I continue working on the ones I currently have sitting in piles around the room?  Only time will tell........

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

Frog

April is National Frog Month, whether you like those little green creatures of not, every April is set to celebrate their existence. There are a lot of people out there that do not like frogs, but then there are those people in the world that love these slimy little frogs. What is the difference between a frog and a toad? Well surprisingly toads actually are frogs. Frogs have two bulging eyes, strong, long, webbed hind feet that have been adapted for leaping and swimming. They have smooth or slimy skin, frogs like environments that are moister. Frogs also tend to lay their eggs in clusters. Toads have stubby bodies, short hind legs that are for walking instead of hopping. They have dry, warty skin, and prefer places that are drier. Toads also have poison glands behind their eyes, and they tend to lay their eggs in long chains. Frogs can be found on every continent except Antarctica. They are referred to as the “true frogs” because of their generalized body form and their life history. On a frog, its eyes and nose are located on the top of its head so it can breathe and see when most of its body is under water. People who study frogs are called herpetologists. Frogs can only see in black and white. Frogs can lay up to 4,000 eggs in one sitting. Frogs can also change the color of their skin to blend into their surroundings better. Tree frogs have adapted to their environment by developing disks or suction pads on the toes of their feet to help them climb into the tree canopy.

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SQUISHY ENVELOPES

Yesterday I received two squishy envelopes in the mail.  One was for a swap and the other from a win.

Sharon, of Quilting With A Marmalade Cat, sent me this fun package for the Table Topper Swap that I was in through Quilted Table. 

Inside those packages was this beautiful table topper that Sharon made for me. I just love the colors and the fabrics she used are gorgeous as is the quilting.  She also included a happy little Easter card, charm squares of some wonderful fabrics, a tin of vanilla wafers and a beautiful floral fat quarter.  Thank you so much, Sharon.  I love it all!!

The other squishy envelope was......

These two great pieces of fabric.  I won these a couple of weeks ago from Cara over at The Official Mark Cesarik Fabric Fansite.  These are one yard cuts of Calypso Swing fabric.  Aren't they beautiful?  I'm not sure what I will be making with them yet but the possibilities are endless.  Thanks, Cara!

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SPRING IS FLYING IN

This weekend my thistle feeder was full of gold finches.  Some were on the feeder, some were on top of the feeder, some were waiting for their turn in the tree and others were looking for seed in the scrub jays peanut dish.  The males are definitely coming into the vibrant yellow mating colors.  They are so much fun to watch.

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BLOCKS MADE

Yesterday I made a swap block and two Bee blocks.....

This block was made as a surprise for someone in the Block Swap Adventure group.  The recipient doesn't even know I made it but she didn't get a February block from her partner and I felt bad about that, being the hostess and all.  She likes bright autumn colors.  Can you believe I made another mosaic block?  It went a little better this time and I love the bright colors with the black sashing. 

Next I made a Bee block for one of the hostesses in Let's Bee Together.....

I really liked the fabric Melinda sent for us to work with.  However, I wasn't pleased with the block I decided to make with the pretty fabrics :(  The block is called Woven Ribbons.  I think I really should have had four different fabrics to work with.  I have offered to make Melinda another block if she doesn't like this one.

Next I made a block for the February hostess of Bee In Oz.....

No, I'm not way behind on making this block.  Shruti  had sent out all of the envelopes at the end of January but none of us received them.  Shruti finally discovered that they had never left her post office in India because they had gotten wet and the fountain pen addresses had all smeared or disappeared completely.  Luckily, the fabric was protected by plastic and she was able to retrieve the envelopes.  She was finally

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MY INQUIRING MIND

I have noticed a couple of bloggers who are doing the 'quilting as you go method. Have you ever made a quilt this way? Did you find it easy or hard? Would you strongly suggest making a quilt this way? What tutorial or book do you recommend for this kind of assembly? My inquiring mind wants to know. Thanks!!

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TODAY'S GOAL'

Since tomorrow is Wednesday, I really need to make a hexie flower.  And, then if I have time, maybe I will start the third Baltimore Album block.

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GIVEAWAYS

KoolBeenz is having a giveaway.  You could be one of NINE lucky winners to win a Hullabaloo jelly roll.  This giveaway ends Friday, April 8 at midnight.

Jaybird Quilts is having a sponsored giveaway.  The sponsor, Fabric Shoppe, is giving away  a 1/2 yard bundle of Ty Pennington Impressions in the Ice/Persimmion colors and a Robert Kaufman Half to Have It Radiance bundle in Oceanic a Silk, Cotton blend. This giveaway ends Thursday, April 7, at midnight EST.

The Other Side Of Me is having an April Showers Fabric Giveaway.  You could win 3 fat quarters of Twinkle Little Star or 3 half yard cuts of Cowboys & Cowgirls.  This giveaway ends Sunday, April 10.

Happy Cottage Quilter is having a giveaway.   You could win a free year of "Ole Frog Eyes", a computer program design wall.  This giveaway ends Friday, April 8.

Did you enter my 200th Post Giveaway?  Would you like to try to win a $25 gift certificate to Fat Quarter Shop?  Then what are you waiting for?!?

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FINAL THOUGHT
I love watching and listening to the birds outside my window.  The little tweets, chirps, trills, and peeps; all communicating and claiming their territories.  I do not like hearing the call of the red tail hawk or the sparrow hawk.  When they are around that usually means my bird feeders will be devoid of life.  The little birds fear for the lives and rightfully so.  After a few days they return, once the hawks have moved on to better hunting grounds.  The little birds flit and swoosh by.  Joined by the hummingbirds getting nectar at my feeders.  Even the clumsy doves that visit my yard are fun to watch.  Can you believe they actually scare the scrub jays out of the peanut dish?  Hopefully soon I will see an oriole or a flicker.  So many pass through for just a short visit before continuing their travels north for the summer.  Do you have many birds in your neighborhood?

A bird does not sing because it has an answer.  It sings because it has a song. 
~Chinese Proverb

May your Tuesday be full of thread!

200th Post Celebration Giveaway

A blog is a message in a bottle, both in purpose and likely readership.

 ~Robert Brault

Today is my 200th post!  I never would have thought I would make it this far.  Thanks to my DD#1, I started blogging back in August.  At the time I thought "I'll give this a try and maybe post something once a week or so".  But then I found out that this blogging thing is really lots of  fun, which really surprised me.  My DD#2 had given me beautiful leather journals to record my thoughts and I was terrible at that.  Blogging is something different.  It's some place to connect with others of like minds; to share thoughts and ideas; to learn and discover.  But I think the best thing about blogging is friendship.  I have made so many wonderful friends since my venture into blogging that I would never have had a chance to meet.  New friends from my own state of California, many from all over the USA, and even several from all around the world!  Your friendships are precious to me.  Thank you for letting me share a little of my world with you and for sharing your life and creations with me!!! 

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

The first telephone

The first commercial telephone used by Alexander Graham Bell was based on his patent of January 1877. The telephone consisted of a single transmitter/receiver placed within a rectangular wooden box. One would speak into the opening in the box and then listen through the same opening. This telephone had essentially the same design as the patent drawing except for the shape. The the patent drawing had a round shape rather than squared.  Two or more of these box phones were connected in series on a line with a ground return.

On April 4, 1878 the first telephone was installed in Madison by Richard Johnson. It connected his home, the Johnson Starch Factory and the J. M. & I Railroad depot. It was a convenience for him and, by all accounts, a source of amusement for his family, especially his young daughter who took every opportunity to sing to people on the other end of the line. In 1881 citizens of the town considered the merits of contracting for the formation of a telephone exchange in Madison with the Central Telephone Company. The company required the assurance of thirty subscribers which were quickly signed up. In early March of that year a shipment of poles, wire, cross-arms and insulators arrived by rail. A foreman and a gang of five men completed the installation in seven short weeks.

Isn't amazing how the phone has evolved in just over a little over 137 years?

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!!!GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

Would you like to help me celebrate my 200th post?  Do you think I should have a giveaway?  I DO!

How would you like to win........

A $25.00 gift certificate to Fat Quarter Shop!!!!!!!

I'm not going to make you jump through hoops to enter.  You don't have to be a follower but if you like what you see, maybe you would like to be one.  I'm going to give you two ways to enter:

1.  Leave me a comment telling me what State you live in.  If you don't live in the USA then tell me what country you live in.

2.  Blog about this giveaway and provide a link back to your blog where you have posted about it. (I will check)

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

 

This giveaway is open to everyone, no matter where you live (even if you live on a planet far, far away).  Please make sure that I have some way to reach  you.  If you have a no-reply blogger, make sure to include your email in your comment.  IF I CAN'T CONTACT YOU - YOU CAN'T WIN!!  I will do my best to respond to each comment left, but if it becomes too overwhelming, don't worry that you haven't heard from me.

This giveaway will end Monday, April 11, at 8:00 pm PST.  I will announce the winner on Tuesday, April 12.

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BIRDIE BOM

Friday I was happy to see that the Birdie Stitches BOM provided and designed by Little Miss Shabby was posted.  This month's design is adorable.  I immediately traced it onto my fabric.....

I used a new pen to do the tracing.  I recently had read a couple of reviews about this pen that disappears with heat so I just had to give it a try....

The picture isn't very good but the pen is called Frixion and is put out by Pilot.  It is available in 6 colors.  Besides disappearing with heat, it also can be removed with friction.  I then continued onto the next step of attaching the border of 2 1/2" squares and pressing the seams to one side.  Not even thinking about the pen...

Guess what?  It does disappear with heat. LOL!  It didn't even occur to me (obviously) when I had to press the seam allowances that I might just make contact with the ink.  It was one of the AHA moments, or possibly a DUH moment.  No problem, I just put the block back on the light box with the design underneath and traced over the parts that had disappeared.  I understand that the ink will reappear in cold temperatures ( below 10 C or 14 F) but I don't think I will have worry about that here.  I have also read that it will not reappear if it has been removed with the heat of an iron.  You can also remove the ink with a blow drier if you do not want to put an iron to your fabric.  Now onto stitching!

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BLOCK FROM AUSTRALIA

Friday I received my swap block from Leanne in Australia.  She was my swap partner in the Quilting Block Swaps Australia for March....

I just love the bright green fabric Leanne used to make this star block!  She included a nice note in the wonderful quilt related note card.  Leanne did a lovely job with the sewing too!  Thank you so very much, Leanne!

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I will make another Bee block.  This time one for Let's Bee Together that I received the fabric for on Friday.

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GIVEAWAYS
(and it's a long list!)

Write Here is having a giveaway to continue with the Traveling Stash.  This giveaway was originally started by Kelly at Cotton Charm Quilts.  Now Anne has removed what she wanted to keep and has added items from her own stash like some 1/2 yard cuts of fabric, some fat quarters, a darling pin cushion she made, and several other items.  This giveaway ends Friday, April 8 at noon CST.

Handcrafted by Mary Ann Miller is having a giveaway.  You could win a $50 gift certificate to her store.  This giveaway ends Friday, April 8, at 10:00 pm EST.

Hoodies and Flip Flops is having her first giveaway.  Jennifer is giving away two charm packs of Fresh Flowers by Deb Strain for Moda.  This giveaway ends on her birthday, Thursday, March 7.

The Jolly Jabber is having a giveaway.  You could win a Pom Pom de Paris pattern and fat quarter bundle.  This giveaway ends Thursday, April. 7.

Happy Cottage Quilter is having a giveaway.  You could win a package of Lapel Stick.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, April 5.

Applique Addict is having a giveaway to celebrate reaching 100 followers.  Marjorie is giving away 12 five inch batik squares to 9 lucky winners.  This giveaway ends Thursday, April 7.

Blushing Rose is having an Easter giveaway.  Marydon is giving away an Easter basket filled with lovely gifts and 'pinks'.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, April 5.

I Have A Notion is having a book giveaway.  You could win a copy of Pennies From Heaven (a book I would really like to have).  This giveaway ends Wednesday, April 6.

Inch Worm Fabrics is having an April giveaway.  You could win a fat quarter of each of the 5 new Riley Blake prints.  This giveaway ends Friday, April 15.

Mad About Patchwork is having a giveaway for spring.  You could win batik strips of solid fat quarters in pretty shades of spring.  This ends Thursday, April 7, at 10:00 pm.

The Intrepid Thread is having a giveaway.  You could win two charm packs of Happier.  Not sure when this one ends.

Val Laird is having a giveaway to celebrate 300 followers.  Val is giving away a threadcatcher, pincushion, needlecase, scissor pillow and sewing pouch is a little pack of 30 charm squares from the Garden Party range.  This giveaway ends Saturday, April 9, at midnight Aussie time (it's also her birthday!)
Bryn Alexandra Interiors is having a giveaway.  You could be the grand prize winner and win 5 stacks of 5 one yard pieces of Waverly Modern Essentials fabrics, or one of five winners to win 5 one yard pieces.  This giveaway ends Sunday, April 10, at midnight.

Pieced on Earth is having a giveaway.  You could win five fat quarters of Love Birds.  The winner will be chosen on Thursday, April 7.

Quilty Giveaways is having a sponsored giveaway.  You could win a PDF patterns offered by Pear Quilts or from Little Louise Quilts.  This giveaway ends Saturday, April 9.

Crooked Seams is having her first giveaway.  Megan is giving away a 12 Days of Christmas charm pack and a Spring Meadow jelly roll.  The giveaway ends Tuesday, April 5 at 9:00 pm EST.

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FINAL THOUGHT

Gosh.  What to write about......I've had many thoughts going through my little pea brain lately.  I came to the realization just this week that I'm over half way through my life.  Weird thought, right?  I look at the obits in the local paper and see the ages of people who have passed and the average is around 80.  Then I think, well, that gives me 25 years.  But that's not enough time to get everything done that I want to make!  Then I think back to where I was 25 years ago and it seems like a very long time ago.  My girls were little and it was a time of learning and exploring life.  Over those 25 years so much has happened and I have changed over the years.  I really have to quit dwelling on how much time is left because you just really don't know.  So onto creating, living, and loving.  On with life!

With the past, I have nothing to do; nor with the future. I live now.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

It's Monday and a brand new week - enjoy every little bit of it!!