2015

2014 was one of the worst years of my life... I experienced an asthma meltdown that hospitalized me for a week, a heart attack that hospitalized me for another week, and two serious falls... one of which gave me a minor concussion, the mother of all black eyes, and an enormous hematoma that still hasn't gone away completely; the other fall wrecked my right knee less than a week after I was told I needed a left knee replacement... that knee is now functioning only thanks to cortisone injections.

Most heartbreaking, we lost two of our beloved cats, Alessandro to congestive heart failure, and Cecilia to cancer. Both babies were sick for several months before they passed, and required extensive nursing care, which we happily gave them and were thankful for our past experiences that enabled us to make them comfortable in their last days.

Thankfully, the year wasn't all bad. We added a new cat, Janis, to our family, and she quickly became what I can only describe as a soulmate to me... we've bonded like I have with none other of the 50 cats who have shared my life, and it's a totally awesome and beautiful thing, which lightens and enlightens my days.

The town in which I live is experiencing a renaissance in the arts... artists are moving here by the dozens, seeking affordable housing and a lively and growing art community. A new art center and gallery opened this year and has become a booming center of artistic activity in the once moribund downtown area. Another gallery also opened this year and is presenting a fine array of both visual and performing artists. New shops, eateries, and a coffee house have recently opened, and the once crumbling hulk of the old Masonic Temple, has been transformed into studio apartments and lofts for artists, and features it's own gallery and studio work spaces for the residents.

In spite of my health issues, I've found myself swept up in the excitement of New-ness and Change, and have done some major work this year in between my down times. I sold a large work at Open Studios in November, and have started working on a new series of smaller pieces. As 2015 begins, I'm looking forward to eradicating the bad stuff and memories of the past year, and am anticipating a year of renewed creativity and productivity, and the joy and excitement that accompanies them. 

More Kaffe...

If some Kaffe is good, then more Kaffe is better. Right? I was trying very hard to convince myself to take it slow, and not run out and start buying his fabric just because it's out there. Well, last week, those intentions went out the window. When I was at the Pacific International Quilt Festival a couple of months ago, I bought his new book, Quilts in Morocco...

I've always been fascinated by Morocco - I love Moroccan food, Moroccan architecture, Moroccan fabric, clothing and jewelry. I never got the opportunity to travel there, and, at this point in my life, I doubt I ever will, but I read about Morocco and look at pictures on the web, cook as much Moroccan food as my agreeable husband will tolerate, and now, thanks to Mr. Kaffe, I can make Moroccan quilts!

My favorite color is red, and when I saw Kaffe's quilt, called "Cayenne," in this book, I knew I had to make it.

Of course, that meant taking total leave of my good intentions, and blowing my mind and wallet on the selection of fabrics he used to create the quilt pictured in the book.

So, there you have it... this will be the main project I'll be working on when I go on my long anticipated retreat at Walker Creek Ranch in next month.

Kaffe...

Here's something to bring joy and color to a dreary day... a big bundle of Kaffe Fassett fat quarters arrived in my mailbox today! I've been avoiding buying Kaffe's fabrics for years; not because I don't like them, but because there are SO many of them. While I can live without the pastels, I'm totally in love with nearly all of the brights, and could run myself into serious penury trying to get them all into my stash. This fat quarter bundle will, I think (I hope), satisfy, for now, my lust and longing to shift into uncontrolled stash building. I have no immediate plan for these, and I herewith resolve to relax and enjoy looking at and fondling them for a few weeks until I get some other projects done. Perhaps February will be the month I launch the Kaffe "Voyage of Discovery."

Rainy Day

It's been pouring all day long, and I've been hunkered down in my studio playing with a small art quilt. I've been doing some "primative" embroidery and enjoying myself to the max. It's slow going because I've never done much hand work, but now that I've gotten started on it, I'm lovin' it!

Back To The Blog

I stopped blogging about a year ago, after rather enjoying the process for several years. Perhaps, somewhere in my sub-conscious mind (which I strongly believe totally controls my life), I knew 2014 was going to be a difficult year. It was, indeed, but I survived it. As the year comes to an end, I'm gathering my wits, reawakening my creativity, and beginning to feel a sense of spirit returning to my broken body and soul. I feel ready to "be out there" again, so here I am.