This week has had some tough moments and my heart goes out to all those hurting, physically and emotionally, after the marathon in Boston. My first thought was of our CPA who does the tax work for Mark's fused glass business. Joanna has qualified the last several years to run. One of the newspaper articles stated that the bombs were scheduled to go off about four hours after the start, to cause the most devastation. Our local newspaper listed the times of all the runners from here in the valley, and Joanna's time was listed at 4:00:23. Fortunately, by the time I read that, her husband had emailed that she was okay.
So it almost seems frivolous to write about something random, after something so intentional. But maybe "random" can be a good thing.
We decided to make a little area in the front of our house where we can sit and relax in the evenings.
Before:
After (it still looks a little blah--it definitely needs some big flowerpots), but we have already spent some enjoyable time sitting out here:
Last week we attended Charlotte's school open house. We are so proud of this little girl--so smart, kind, and, yes, totally cute.
This is what Grandpa was doing with the boys while we looked at Charlotte's school work. I'm thankful that all three just love books.
A couple of nights later we got to spend the evening with them--ice cream and books--it doesn't get much better.
Heading to a store near you:
This issue has lots of great projects. If you
haven't seen this
specialty magazine yet, you really need to check it
out (I think it's available this coming Tuesday). It's published by Interweave Press who also
publishes Quilting Arts.
Here's what they have to say about this issue:
"
Featuring contemporary projects of every type, Modern Patchwork is
chock-full of fabulous gift ideas, a variety of quilt designs, exciting
home-décor projects, items to enhance your cooking and dining
experiences, plus totes and bags of all sorts! The quilts range from
beginner to intermediate level, and include all types of piecing and
patchwork. Clear step-by step instructions are provided for each
project, with clear illustrations and step-by-step photography."
The exciting thing is that I submitted a pillow, it was accepted for publication and it is in this magazine!! Here it is in all its selvage-y goodness, although interestingly, the magazine people used the British spelling--selvedge. But who cares? I'm so excited to have it published! All of the selvages are flower-related (if you click on the photo you should be able to see them more clearly).
This was the first time I did a zipper closure for a pillow.
But that's not all!
My excitement kept building when I saw that the pillow was pictured in the Table of Contents (upper right corner).
I had quickly paged through the magazine, and so I didn't notice this until later when I read the letter from the editor:
This has encouraged me to think about submitting other projects, maybe even a quilt. The hardest part is waiting to see if it is accepted, and then waiting (for
months) before you are able to share it with anyone!
Bonus: Anne Deister (
SpringLeaf Studios), one of the Mid-Century Modern bee members, is on the COVER!! She made that very cool room divider/wall hanging out of circles.
I'll end with this. Certain family members (and you know who you are) probably wonder why I keep starting new projects when they
are patiently waiting for their quilt to be completed have given up even asking me...
Your turn.