Friends, Solitude and Friday's Work

I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude. We are for the most part more lonely when we go abroad among men than when we stay in our chambers.

 ~Henry David Thoreau

I think that many would consider me an oddity.  The strange duck out.  I have read many bloggers' excitement of attending a sewing retreat or a quilting camp.  I am happy for them!  But me, I would rather sit alone with my sewing machine, with perhaps some music playing while a sew away the time.  I like the quiet and the calmness of being by myself when creating.  I think part of it is always feeling like I would be judged (even though nobody really would - hopefully) or that someone would  always be quick to criticize if I should attend one of these functions.  I don't even attend classes at the LQS either.  I learn everything from fellow bloggers, books, or classes online but mostly from trial and error.  So, those of you who enjoy it - go forth and have fun.  Bring it back to your blogs and I will enjoy everything you share with me.  But don't think I'm strange - I'm happy where I'm at.

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PHOTO OF THE DAY

Coming down the tram

This picture was taken coming down the tram in the Sandia Mountains in New Mexico last June.  There was an amazing amount of green along with the white of the granite.  The Sandia Tramway is the longest tramway in the world.  A trip on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway transports you above deep canyons and breathtaking terrain a distance of 2.7 miles.  Your vantage point from the observation deck atop 10,378 foot Sandia Peak in the Cibola National Forest affords an 11,000 square-mile panoramic view of the Rio Grande Valley and the Land of Enchantment. It is located on the eastern edge of Albuquerque in the Sandia Foothills.

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FRIDAY'S WORK

Friday I cut out several hexagons for my Grandmother's Flower Garden quilt.

 

Three different sets for flower petals (the center of the flower is hidden beneath the stack) and lots of white stepping stone hexies too. 

In the afternoon, I was able to get my little owl stitched for the Mug Rug Swap with the Quilting Gallery.  Obviously I didn't pull out the iron and ironing board before I took its picture. 

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If you have been thinking about joining the Mug Rug Swap being hosted by Quilting Gallery, don't delay much longer.  Registration closes Tuesday!  So far there are 134 participants from 21 different countries.

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TODAY'S GOAL

I would like to complete the mug rug that I started last week.  I have the fabric selected but still have to decide exactly what to do on the right hand side.  Hopefully I will be showing you the completed mug rug tomorrow.

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GIVEAWAYS

I have now reached my goal of 400+ followers!!!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!!  I feel so honored to have that many followers with so many of you leaving me comments on a daily basis!  That means another giveaway is in the works.  I haven't decided exactly what it will be.  Just make sure to check back later in the week to see what it will be and how you can enter.  I can hardly wait - how about you?

Ryan Walsh over at I'm Just A Guy Who Quilts is have a sponsored giveaway by Fat Quarter Shop.  You can enter to win a fat quarter bundle of Sunkissed by Sweetwater for Moda.  Ryan will draw the winner on Friday, January 21st.

Lucy & Norman is having a Dream On Giveaway!  But please don't enter because I would really like to win this one.  However, if you must, you could win TWO jelly rolls, FOUR YARDS of the beautiful patchwork cheater print for the backing and a half yard of the stripe in orange for a binding.  Megan will select the winner Thursday, January 20th.

Would you like the opportunity to win some Clip Art for Quilters?  Then jump on over to Quilts and Thoughts to enter by January 31st.

Little Ladybug's Creations is having their first giveaway.  You could win a honeybun of Clementine by Me and My Sister Designs for Moda.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, January 19th.

The Vegetarian Hunter is celebrating her 31+ followers with a giveaway.  So far Carolyn is giving away four beautiful fat quarters with more to added.  This giveaway ends January 24th.

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FINAL THOUGHT

Even though you now know that I'm pretty much a loner, that doesn't mean I don't have friends.  I have a few very special friends with my very best friend being my dear hubby.  And here in blogland, I feel as though I have lots and lots of friends.  Friends that are ready to listen, to share, and celebrate the good times as well as the bad.  I think our friendship is unique.  I now have friends around the world instead of just around the corner.  I cry with you, I laugh with you, and I appreciate everything you share with me.  You are my friends!!

Friendship isn't a big thing - it's a million little things.
~Author Unknown

Monday can be marvelous - make it your day!!

Shout Your Thanks!

  Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we're here for something else besides ourselves.
~Eric Sevareid

'Tis the season when we happily think of others.  Trying to figure out what gift would be perfect for someone.  Hoping that all will be happy in the coming new year.  I try also to remember those less fortunate by increasing my monthly donations to the local homeless center.  And always remembering those that are serving our country both here at home and those overseas.  Project Linus is always in my thoughts and I try to figure ways to also increase my donations to them.  This year when going through the carpet cleaning out/replacing I found a mess of yarn I will be donating that I know will be made into afghans by others that work faster than I do.  Hopefully this will help ease the pain of some child in turmoil.  By the way, I hope you all had a very wonderful, full stomach Thanksgiving!!

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PHOTO OF THE DAY

This is Samson, my DD's corgi when he was a puppy.

Samson is such a smart dog!  Cardigan Welsh Corgi's are known as the Corgi with the tail, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is the older of the two Corgi breeds. Like the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, the Cardigan is low set with moderately heavy bone and a deep chest. Originally used as a drover and farm dog, the breed is small and powerful, capable of great speed and endurance. The Cardigan can adapt to country life or city apartments, but need some form of daily exercise. As a companion dog, they love to be with their people and are loyal, affectionate and even-tempered. I love my little granddoggy!

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Over the Thanksgiving weekend, I was not able to get to my sewing machine for any creativity.  I did have the wonderful opportunity chore of some washing that needed to be done and could not be ignored (*sigh*).  I didn't want to do multiple loads but there was everything from colored items to white things that needed washing.  I threw caution to the wind and decided to wash them all together and added a SHOUT Color Catcher.  I had used these when washing new fabric but usually those were at least similar in colorways.

Here is what I ended up with.................

On the right is an unused sheet of the SHOUT Color Catcher all white and pretty.  The one on the left is what I pulled out of the washer after my mixed load.  WOW!  I was amazed how much color was taken in by that one little sheet.  Everything that was in the washer came out true to its original color.  The whites weren't tan and the orange wasn't brown!  I knew that these color catchers were supposed to do exactly this, but who would have thought that they could actually do precisely what they were advertised to do.  Now, I'm not being paid by SHOUT to endorse their product but I can't help but proclaim their effectiveness.  This is a truly independent review of my very own results.  If you have been considering trying these color catcher sheets, I highly recommend the SHOUT Color Catcher brand!!

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Recently I mentioned Rice Pilaf as a possible side dish for one of my recipes.  I had a request from Julie, of Joe Tulip Quilts, to post my recipe for Rice Pilaf. My recipe was given to my mother by an Armenian friend about 45 years ago. Now your rice pilaf may be different, but her friend assured her that this was the authentic way to make true rice pilaf.

Rice Pilaf

Ingredients

1 small can Swanson chicken broth

1/2 can of water

2 beef bouillon cubes

1 cube butter (no substitutions of margarine or fake butter)

1 cup Uncle Ben's Rice

1 cup vermicelli

Directions

1.  In a small sauce pan, bring chicken broth, water, and bullion cubes to a boil.  While doing this, melt the butter in a fry pan.  At the same time, measure out your rice and break up the needed amount of vermicelli.

2.  When the butter is lightly browned (very bubbly), add the rice and vermicelli and stir until all is coated.  Then add the boiling broth mixture to the fry pan - DO NOT stir the rice and vermicelli after the broth is added the the fry pan.

3.  Cover the fry pan and cook for 30 minutes in a 350 degree oven.  If you need to let it set because the rest of the dinner is not ready, just turn off the oven and the pilaf will hold nicely.

Personal Notes:

1.  I usually add a little more vermicelli than 1 cup.  I just add broken vermicelli until the glass two cup measurer is full (as pictured)

2.  Reheats well. 

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Your response to my two new blogs has been so much better than I anticipated!! 

The membership for Let's Bee Together was quickly filled. However, do not despair!!  I have decided to start a second group, known as Group B so you can still join in the fun of a virtual quilting bee. If you would like to check out a Bee that will be starting in January 2011, then click on the link here or on the button on the right sidebar. This Bee is open to all skill levels and is also open to international participants.








Block Swap Adventure currently has 16 international members.  Would you like to be involved in a new block swap group?  We are there to have fun and meet fellow quilters.  Check out or join in the fun here or by clicking on the button on the right sidebar.  The more the merrier!!  All skill levels welcome and is open internationally.





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GIVEAWAYS

With the Thanksgiving holiday and all of the preparation and family visits, I have gotten sorely behind in finding giveaways.  Here are few that I have found.  If you would like me to post about a giveaway you are hosting, please email me with the info.

Samelia's Mum is have a 100th Post Giveaway.  She is giving away  a "Flower Girls Bag" pattern by Bronwyn Hayes of Red Brolly.  She's also throwing in a couple of fat quarters with the pattern.  For a second giveaway there are 3 Christmas fat quarters available.  Winners will be drawn on Sunday, December 5th. 

Blue Bird Quilts is having a Christmas Giveaway.  She is giving away one Lilac Hill Charm Pack and one Mystery Gift will be added if Bluebird Quilts - Patterns reaches 50 or more followers.  You must enter by December 6th.

Rebecca over at Merry Made Quilts is have a 100th Post Giveaway!  She is giving away 9 fat quarters (2.25 yards) in a fun sunset colorstory.  She doesn't say when this giveaway will end.

Leona, blogger of Leona's Quilting Adventure is having a special kind of giveaway.  She would like to honor your birthday!  If you become one of her special followers and email her your birthday, she will send you "Happy Birthday across blogland, and know that you are Remembered" gift.  Leona is a very special person to me.  Check out her posting for the very special event.

Don't forget about my own Big Giveaway.  Thimbleberries 2006 BOM Kit is involved.  This giveaway must be entered by Friday, December 10th.

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FINAL THOUGHT

My blogging friends continue to surprise me!  I never dreamed that you would respond so quickly to my two new blogs and with such enthusiasm.  I am truly blessed to have such a such a wonderful bunch of followers.  I don't know what I have done to deserve you all.  Thank you seems like a small way to express my gratitude to you but I hope it will suffice.  I hope you will continue to enjoy my blogging ramblings and to express yourself freely by leaving me your comments.  I do read each and every one and try my best to respond.  Bless you my readers and thank you for making my life ever so much better!  May your coming Christmas season be filled with happiness, sweetness, and joyful blessings!

Friends are kisses blown to us by angels.
~Author Unknown

Have a marvelous Monday!! I'm off to start some sewing :)

Thank You For Being My Friend and A Little Giveaway!

Strangers are just friends waiting to happen. 
                                                ~Rod McKuen, Looking for a Friend 


I would like to thank each and every one of you in blogland that has become a follower of my blog.  I try to keep up with every one of your postings daily (if you have a blog) but some times I get a few days behind, but you are never be forgotten!  As a thank you I am hosting another giveaway.  Below you will find out what it is and how to enter.


Photo of the Day:

Clover in my backyard

Clover, or trefoil, is a genus of about 300 species of plants in the leguminous pea family Fabaceae.  Clovers are a valuable survival food, as they are high in protein,  widespread, and abundant. They are not easy to digest raw, but this can be easily fixed by juicing them or boiling them for 5–10 minutes. Dried flower heads and seedpods can also be ground up into a nutritious flour and mixed with other foods. Dried flower heads can also be steeped in hot water for a healthy, tasty tea.  I think I'll just leave mine in the backyard, thank you very much.

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Yesterday was actually productive for a change.  I started assembling the Paganini I'm working on (pictures will come later).  I did complete two more of the Cheryl's Sew Along Blocks from So Many Quilts, So Little Time.   The third block in the series is called Paddle Wheel.  Here is my version:

Paddle Wheel

The fourth block is called Crosses and Losses - here is my block for that one

Crosses and Losses

If you would like to see the first two blocks, click here.   Cheryl gives excellent instruction and provides great pictures to help you through each block.  I just found out that posted block 5 yesterday so I'm still not caught up.

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This weekend we went shopping at Costco, where I purchased a clam shell of Fuji Apples (so delicious!).  Thanks to a recent post by Stash Manicure (there was an excellent post about using plastic packaging for storage - check it out here), once I emptied out the apples, I kept thinking that there must be some way to use the clam shell.  Then I came up with an idea

Here it is opened up with all of the four patch blocks for my Chubby Stars Quilt.  They kept falling on the floor or sliding off the table to the back where I couldn't reach them without the aid of a long handled grabber, and this keeps them in place.

And here it is closed keeping every block in its place and dust free, too!

Just an idea that bounced around in my head and actually came out as something beneficial.  Maybe this will give you an idea too.

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Oh my goodness, I almost forgot!!  It's One Flower Wednesday!  I did manage to create one more Hexie Flower this weekend for my Flower Garden Quilt.  No fussy cuts this time, just more bright colors.

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Now for my 'Thank You' giveaway.  I am giving away a set of 8 Sun Porch Prints Two by Four Corners Designs for Nathan Fabrics.  Each piece is 1/2 yard for a total of 4 yards of fabric!

You will have 4 chances to enter/win these wonderful fabrics

1.  Leave me a comment on what you would do with this fabric should you win.

2.  Leave me another comment telling me what you are currently working on (and leave a link to your blog if you would like to show me)

3.  Leave me another separate comment letting me know if you are a follower (or not).  You do not have to be a follower to enter a comment.

4.  Blog about this giveaway and leave me a separate comment letting me know you did with a link to your blog (and I will check)

Remember, each entry must be left as a separate comment.  You may enter a maximum of 4 times.  The winner will be selected by random.org.  This giveaway will close on Monday, September 27, 2010 at 6:00 p.m PST and the winner will be announced on Tuesday.

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Final Thoughts

Friends are such a precious commodity.  Throughout your life you will keep friends, drift away from friends, make new friends. However, a true friend will remain with you forever, even if only in your thoughts.  We are lucky to have had at least one best friend in a life time, but are richer for being able to call many our friends.  So, to you my friends, thank you for becoming my friend - I enjoy each and every one of you and  hope you will consider me as your friend too.  Have a wonderful Wednesday!!