Untamed Threads

Family Fun!

2012-01-26T05:56:00.000-08:00

Even though the winter storm seige was fun to watch, it was a little crazy making as we had a little family reunion slated for last weekend.

Despite some squeekers with airline connections, everyone arrived as expected--woo-hoo!--& the great thaw commenced. The Seattle twenty-somethings weren't all here at the same time--kind of like a progressive gathering.

Aren't we a fun bunch?!

I so appreciate everyone making the effort to get here--we had the easy end of the celebration.

Thanks, you guys! It was too brief!

PS Amy posted some great pictures, too--check it out!

Wednesday on Whidbey

2012-01-25T06:45:00.000-08:00

a wonderful sunrise to go with all of those great sunsets recently

Happy New Year--Again!

2012-01-23T06:05:00.000-08:00

Today (or yesterday depending on where you reside!) is Chinese New Year--the Year of the Dragon. It may be 2012 to us, but on the Chinese calendar it's 4709. New Years is twelve days ahead of Spring, when the new 'sign' actually takes affect (as in your birth sign).
This is a water dragon year--and water's color is black, so it's the black dragon year, too. (that's about the sum total of my understanding!).

There's so much mythology & legend around the dragon: the dragon is unpredictable, untouchable & we cannot see the head & tail of the dragon at the same time. Some might translate that to an unpredictable year ahead (can we say: understatement?!).

Anyway--new years wishes!

The "Mushroom Trees" UFO

2012-01-22T18:25:00.000-08:00

Here's a long-term UnFinishedObject that's finally filtered to the top--and then the 'finished' column. *whew*
It's had several stops & starts along the way, & I'm very sorry not to have true 'before' & 'after' pictures. Started out when I was fortunate enough to take a Joan Colvin class many moons ago (sad to say, she passed away in 2007; here's a link to her final book). The class was great--learned a lot--and got a good start on two projects. One--an attempt at Ebey's Landing--ended up getting reduced down & was added as the center picture in Devin's graduation quilt (give you a clue as to how long my UFO's been in limbo?!).

Anyway--the other, bigger item languished--and then went into a box, out of sight when Dev pegged it the 'mushroom trees' picture. (unfortunately, he was right...& I couldn't stop seeing mushrooms when I looked at it!) Honestly forgot all about it when I put together my first list of UFO's so it wasn't even on the radar screen until a couple a years later.
I finally got after it on one of my day-outings to my friend's long arm studio. She's a great art-quilter herself & has done some amazing items with organza & a soldering iron.
Yup--that's right! The plumbing tool turned quilter's friend. The trick for this approach is being with the long arm & all the aforementioned items at the same time. Get the project loaded on the long-arm & then overlay the organza of choice (in this example it's a nice golden orange).

Using cotton (only) thread, stitch all the way around the perimeter of the area you want covered--don't do the final quilting yet. Then, using a very hot soldering iron with a nice pointed tip--work your way around the edge that's just been stitched. (Like in the photo below--& the little bit of 'tree trunk' in the lower left above.)

This picture (above) shows what's left after the first cut. All of the varied golds, yellows & oranges blend together so much more subtly--it's a cool (& fast!) fix.One key thing when using the soldering iron: what ever is being cut away needs to be synthetic & the under pieces & thread need to be cotton.
The next layer--which unfortunately I don't have a photo of--was a nice, rich, purple toule (which is just a very fine net). The color mutes pieces beneath, but not as much as you would think--and adds a wonderful depth. (You can compare the difference between the uncovered areas above & the final view below.)
So the purple cover went over the whole piece--and was then cut away at the border with the background.
Now I can quilt! Lots of fun thread play to add texture & color variations...
The next challenge: how to finish it? There are many Joan Colvin ideas I've used since her class, but one approach that I will not do again: she has you start with the back, with batting on top, right on your working wall. All the top (design) pieces are pin basted so you end up with a very complicated, prickly sandwich ready to quilt. Not a bad concept--but my fatal error was a back & bat that didn't quite measure up. Had to do some Houdini work to make it look planned--which it was not.

click on the pix for a bigger view...

So here's the final product--it measures about 32" x 36". The hanging rod (which needs to be a little shorter) is some great black bamboo from a friend's yard. (They were just gonna toss it on the trash pile!!) In the end, I think this was a UFO worth salvaging...

An Urban Discovery

2012-01-21T06:02:00.000-08:00

We made a day-trip to Seattle over the holiday break, & among other things went to a late afternoon matinee of the new Sherlock Holmes (and yes, I liked it very much! How can you not just love Robert Downing & Jude Law?! I'm thinking a lot about urban camouflage since that movie...)
Anyway I digress--we ended up parking on a little street corner next to a playground with a great sculpture!

you may recognize this one...

I did a little sleuthing after we got home--turns out it was done by the same artist who did Waiting for the Interurban, a famous Seattle landmark. (It's so lovable--it gets dressed up for many occasions...it is in Fremont after all!)

What a treat to find out more about Richard Beyer & contributions he's made around the sound & beyond.

...but not likely this one!

Here's what was written about this sculpture:
the University Playground in Seattle was created after hundreds of small family homes were demolished to create a new freeway in the late 1950's. When asked to produce a sculpture for the park, Beyer decided to memorialize the displaced families. A large female Sasquatch is pushing over a "house" made of 8" beams to resemble a falling down house & still be safe for children at play.
Only in the northwest--a Sasquatch! (I thought it was a gorilla!)
You go girl! And thanks Richard!

Time Out for a Rant...

2012-01-20T06:21:00.000-08:00

This has literally been the 'perfect storm' week.
I've been housebound with four days of snow, Martin Luther King Day was Monday--with school snow days all week following--and it's been the South Carolina lead-up week.
I'm usually a news hound, but I got an even heavier dose this week--including two GOP debates. I've resisted commenting on the shenanigans of the GOP primary (aka 'weeding-out') process but I just gotta make a brief rant.

Monday was filled with lots of historical media coverage as homage to MLK--most of which I love. Our local NPR station replayed most of the Massey guest lectureships he did after winning the Nobel Peace Prize--so poignant & as timely today as they were almost 45 years ago. Interspersed were the on-the-street news interviews during the zenith of the civil-rights movement. Even after witnessing that daily on the nightly news, the vehemence & violence of the hate-speech is truly shocking.
Fast forward to this week in South Carolina. Although more veiled in double-speak language, the blatant racism & prejudice is truly stunning. And it just keeps coming (...and not just from the Newt.).
I really do live in a thin blue sliver of the country I guess. It's been many months of entertainment but it feels like the humor is abating & the true horror is setting in...and the depression.
Recognition of Mitt as one of "the 1% of the 1%" seems to be a surprise to many as he announced he probably pays 'in the 15% range' of income tax--seriously, you're surprised?!
Rick S. (I still can't utter the last name--he will forever-after be the graphic descriptor pasted on him by Dan Savage) has now been 'given' the Iowa 'win' ('draw' still seems a better term...) & by the way: except for the debates, have you seen him out of his lucky-sweater-vest since Iowa?!

The other Rick--always a great source of comic relief--has finally bowed out & together with the Rogue-Girl, her cape flying, has thrown his (light) weight behind the Newt.
The Newt. Wow.
A standing ovation for his comments on 'you shoot your enemy' & taking on Juan Williams for trying to dig deeper & challenge him on his racist remarks. (Juan-the-amazing-conservative-Williams!!).
Who are those South Carolinians?!
What's happening to us?
All four Republican front-runners have signed on to the 'Personhood' campaign. (Yes, that includes Mitt.) You remember, don't you? The initiative in Mississippi in November that even that very red state couldn't even endorse? Really?! better start hoarding those BCP's just in case...
The fear language is staggering. The 501(c)(4) expenditures are staggering. Spending all that money assaulting each other in the GOP run-up has made for some amusement--but as the dollars start skyrocketing, it's turning mean, & you know by the time it starts aiming across the isle in the summer it will become lethal.
I'm of the mind that the majority-voting Supreme Court justices that passed the Citizens United finding--who then mockingly shook their heads at the President when he said 'shame on you'--should be made to watch every ad that will be run by the super-PACs all year long (I have this vision of Clockwork Orange's approach to 'required' movie watching...).

There have been some little, important flakes of positivity falling though, they just get lost in the roar:

This week Wisconsin voters submitted an over-the-top number of petition signatures to get the Recall Scott Walker campaign started, well before their required deadline.
(Run, Scott, Run!)

The ongoing, hilarious Colbert/Stewart satire on super-PACs has finally reached the mainstream, as Colbert makes a bid for the 'President of the United States of South Carolina'--by having voters vote for Herman Cain (as his name is on the ballot & Colbert's is not!).

The unemployment numbers have continued to show a positive upturn--in tiny increments; the aircraft carrier may be turning. Stay tuned...

Bill Moyers is back with his new series; Moyers & Company.

His interview with Hacker & Pierson should be required watching for every single voter before November (that means you, too!) It isn't just the 1% vs the 99%. The 1% income has increased over 250% since the Reagan administration while the 90% income has actually gone down. The elite of the 1% (like Mitt) are now receiving 1 in every 8 dollars of US income. This is not the effect of global financial issues--this is personal. This belongs to us. Financially, we are much more like Egypt & Mexico & much less like Canada. And the Newt wants to make an issue of such a large number of citizens on food stamps now...
Watch it. Please.
And thanks, Bill! Welcome back!
Okay--rant over....for the time being, at least.

Folding Can be Fun!

2012-01-19T06:35:00.000-08:00

I haven't said much about what my round-robin group is doing this year, but thought this month's project was worth a post.
To have a year of 'less stress' we've each picked a 'book of blocks' that travels with a box of fabrics for each person. We make a few blocks for the person & hand it on.
My pal Lynn chose "3 D Folded Blocks" by Baron & Vermeer and once you catch on to the instructions, it's a blast!

The only stitching is around the outer edge of each block. The rest is cutting & folding with a nice hot iron! The blocks can get pretty bulky as there may be up to eight or nine layers (of folded fabric). It'll be fun to see what she does with the pile of blocks that will be heading back to her--she wanted a black & white theme with some brights to add some pizazz!

These were my additions--aren't they cool?
Click on the pix to look closer..

Wednesday on Whidbey

2012-01-18T06:33:00.000-08:00

It's a wonderland alright! (look at those big, fat, juicy flakes!)

Snow Day!

2012-01-17T08:35:00.000-08:00

It's been trying to snow for three days--you know, frizzers flying for awhile; then some hail, then more frizzers. It's been enough to play havoc with Seattle traffic--ice, non-veteran drivers & steep hills are just a bad combination!

But early this morning Mother Nature decided to really get after it--these were the early morning views from my deck. There's quite a bit more on the way...how beautiful!

the Pussy Willows under the snow...

the park lays waiting for the snow angels & snow men--they'll be coming!

Somewhere out there 'in the gray' is Penn Cove...

Wednesday on Whidbey

2012-01-11T06:42:00.000-08:00

sunset from the 'back' of my building on campus

Wednesday on Whidbey

2012-01-03T06:22:00.000-08:00

Oops!! I was so excited to be ready--I posted a day early!

Call it vacation confusion--I start school tomorrow!

One of our local munchkins stopping at our

front step for a taste treat.

She seems 'school-aged', don't ya think?

So it's fitting being how it's the first day of the new quarter today...here we go!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T06:34:00.000-08:00

This is so much more artful than my original idea: the absolutely empty toothpaste tube next to the new unopened tube.
Okay kinda weird I know, but I ask you: how often do you get to start a new tube on New Year's Day?! Huh? How many? 8-) This might be a first for me...

Hugs & misses and may all of your resolutions be realized...

Sisyphus Revisited...

2011-12-31T21:42:00.000-08:00

The other end-of-year recap is in the UFO category--and shall we just say: not as good as the reading list? Or even: why bother?!

Actually, the list is helpful, if for no other reason than keeping track of what's in there? (as in: what's in that box? What is that item on this list? etc...)
When I take into account all of the items that were finished this year, it feels pretty good--but the majority of those were new items. I keep thinking up more to do...and then there was the show in December...and don't forget a variety of samples for the quilt shop.
Simply put: I haven't been avoiding the quilting loft--but I could be guilty of stepping away from the UFO list.
Looking at the list at the end of the year is also helpful in asking:

Do I want to keep this dang thang on the list for another year?!
Is there a way to re-purpose the project into something I want to complete?
Or maybe downsize the project into something nearer completion? (translation: cut your losses & move on...)
Or maybe let go of the 'art' of the project & finish it up as a community quilt?

It is a time of winnowing down for sure--and unfortunately, adding other items that now meet the definition of being 'unfinished'.
So here are the 2011 stats: started with 31 on the list & finished a whopping 5 (16%). Wow. *sigh*
For the 2012 list: 18 current items are moving forward, 2 are being "chopped" & 7 are being "moved". 15 new items are being added. Truly a 'Sisyphus list' of 33 items...
A note about 'moved' items: I always have a group of quilts that are fun & usually faster projects that work well for community quilts or something to grab for a quilting-day-out with my buds. Not really a focus for completion as much as ready to go as needed. So they're really not 'chopped'--just side-lined! 8-)
A note about 'new items: in the 'starting the year with a clean slate' department: 2012 will include a new challenge for myself. I haven't quite defined the 'rules' yet, but I definitely like the learning & creativity that come with a more structured focus. I missed that in 2011. More on that later. But in efforts to help myself out, the almost-monthly challenge of 11 items is going on the UFO list!
(...and no, that's not cheating! I thought up the dog-gone project before 2011 was over--so it's already a 'work-in-progress'! See how easy it is to get behind?!)

Wishing you finished 'lists' of your own in the new year!

Adventures in the Library

2011-12-31T14:39:00.000-08:00

Okay--time for a couple of year-end wrap-up's. One is my list of 'finished' in the book queue. I must think I'm going to see some pattern or have an 'ah ha' moment when I browse back through the stacks. Can't say that happens, but it's fun to look.
Anyway--happy to say the library continues to call my name regularly & I've added over sixty titles to the 'read' list this year with little effort. I hit some of the first half highlights in July, so here's some more.

With my 'commute' time I've continued to enjoy books-on-tape--which is really books-on-disc these days! Helps me feel good about car time & definitely better than late night radio reception in our island world.
Got through 16 this year--including all three of the Girl With the Dragon Tattoo books--before the film frenzy began or I might not have ventured in. I know there are mixed feelings about this trilogy--especially as it pertains to women--but once I got past the beginning (hard), I was immersed. Salander is my hero--such a survivor. (I have mixed feelings about seeing the new movie, despite loving Daniel Craig. There are some things I wonder aren't best left in the mind's eye vs. splattered across the big screen. If you go see it, I welcome any opinions.)

I've continued my fascination with memoir, having logged another 16 this year.
By far the most notable is The Chronology of Water by Lidia Yuknavitch. Not a book for the faint of heart--but it's so well written & a right-between-the-eyes woman's book.
Few books make me want to start at the beginning as soon as I finish the last page...

I devoured eight Colin Cotterill books with only one remaining...*dang!*
I especially liked Killed at the Whim of a Hat. He's just great; that's all there is to it...
Added another 2 delightful Erik Larson books to the 'read' list, Thunderstruck I especially liked.
Sprinkled in a variety of historical novels & history for good measure--plus some just plain fun novels.
One of those was a gift from Nick last Christmas, Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell--really an intriguing read--& discovered recently it will Tom Hank's next big screen event. Not sure how they'll translate it to film but it's got me curious...
Stay tuned! But now I gotta run to the library...

Wednesday on Whidbey

2011-12-28T06:25:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays from our little town park!

Bright & shiny a midst all the darkness!

Show & Tell...

2011-12-27T06:04:00.000-08:00

Here's a guy that's been on the UFO list for way too long!
(...but it's finished--woohoo!)

It started out many years ago as several traditional blocks for some forgotten project. When they went on the design wall at some point, their fish-like qualities became obvious so I had pieced it together with a wonderful mix of water fabrics--and then promptly stashed it away for some other urgent project.

When I drug it out to finish, it seemed pretty boring. I added the wrong-way-Feldman orange fish & an asymmetrical border (of course!) with some fused sea flowers--and then added some interest with the thread design on the long arm. I also added the three dimensional sea grass on the long arm--another technique trial that I will definitely revisit in the future.

In the end I was okay with the mix--and also okay with saving a discarded project. It finished out to a fairly large wall hanging (48" x 31") that unfortunately required Jim to fabricate a special hanging dowel for me! (thanks, Jim!)

Anyway--a woman kept coming back to it at the show & finally bundled it up & took it home with her as a very happy camper! Doesn't get much better than that...

More Show & Tell...

2011-12-26T07:00:00.000-08:00

We needed to have a few 'gifty' kind of items for the show--so I finished up a few more quilted table runners. They're reversible & cheery!

Merry Christmas to All!

2011-12-25T06:27:00.000-08:00

Best wishes from our house to yours!

Richard joined us--what fun!

Show & Tell...again!

2011-12-23T06:39:00.000-08:00

Before the show this month, I spent a couple of days at my friend's long arm studio finishing up some items--this being one of them. I finished the top when I went to retreat in October & it looks pretty sharp after it got quilted (if I do say so myself!). It's done with the same piecing technique that I started using when I made Devin's graduation quilt years ago--and then made a 'left-over' lap quilt a couple of years ago.

The border was done with red thread to add a little more interest (...and also highlight any of my advanced beginner quilting technique errors!). When the border was quilted, I went around the set in red-bordered blocks which makes them really 'pop' as a faux-trapunto look.

The finished piece is about 44" x 60"--an okay size for a cozy lap quilt, or a large wall hanging.

More Show & Tell...

2011-12-22T06:18:00.000-08:00

Here's some more items that were recently finished up. They're all about 9" x 11" little wall hangings--fused, toule over, & embellished with thread. They got little hangers added to them after the photos were taken.

The second set started with a remnant of Marimekko fabric that I scored some time ago & used the design to start the idea moving. They remind me of Dr. Seuss for some reason...

...sorry for my blurry view...

Wednesday on Whidbey

2011-12-21T06:24:00.000-08:00

Solstice greetings--let the days grow longer, yes?!

I thought this photo of a slumbering Mother Whidbey at Ebey's bluff would be a fitting salute to the season's change

(the same bluff from which the beach photo that always resides on the upper right column was taken...)

Show & Tell...

2011-12-20T06:25:00.000-08:00

Here was one of the items that got finished up for the show/sale this month.
It started out with three different shapes that were each cut out three times & then arranged differently. (It was a long-ago exercise from the Art Quilt Workbook by Waterson & Davila that I was working through.)
Much later, I came across the three little pieces & thought I should do something with them--so I made the three panels & embellished them with paint & ink.

Then much after that, I finally got them together, but some purple toule over (more about that in a later post), & did some thread painting.
The piece came out about 29" x 20"--and went on to a happy home during the show...

It's Over...

2011-12-19T14:32:00.000-08:00

The show came & went this weekend--whew!

...my little 'section'...

No complaints, though, about attendance, sales or weather--good time had by all!--and now we're all pooped puppies! 8-)

...the 11 'partners in crime' at the end of a long 2 days...

(It's another month until Christmas, right?!)
I learned a lot & made new friends in the process--as well as reconnected with many 'old' friends!

The chatter about 'next year' has already begun...

A Christmas Present, Finally...

2011-12-15T09:25:00.000-08:00

8 years & 9 months

4,500 US dead
100,000 Iraqi dead
32,000 US injured
A new vocabulary: WMD, Abu Ghgraib, the Green Zone...
50,000 vets that will be unemployed next year

Almost Showtime!

2011-12-14T16:27:00.000-08:00

The three-day count down has begun--let the frenzy begin!

Jim & I had our brief moments of 'fame' on the event website--ha ha! Check it out when you have a minute. I'm trying to take pix of items as they get finished up, so I can share when I have a moment.
Meanwhile--may the force be with us; this is the time we wish we had a 'wife' to cook & clean while we're in our respective workshops! 8-)

Wednesday on Whidbey

2011-12-14T06:24:00.000-08:00

from the bottom of Ebey's bluff facing the Olympics (west)

We've had some surprising--albeit brief!--sun-breaks.

Beautiful, but also translates to uncommonly cold for our neck of

the sound (high 20's).

Those factors have provided some breathtaking sunrises & sunsets.

(We'll just overlook that fact that this photo was taken at

about 4:30pm...*sigh*...we're almost to the Solstice!)

Wednesday on Whidbey

2011-12-07T06:23:00.000-08:00

OMG--Wednesday on Whidbey on Friday!! So sorry...

Smith Farm on Ebey's Prairie--check out
the sun streaks (if you click to make it bigger)

The quarter just ended, the show is next weekend--life is full, but gooood! More later...

Murmuration

2011-12-04T06:43:00.000-08:00

Such a fun word to say!

Recently we were having a minor chat about Starlings--you know: what's the difference (if any) between US & UK variety, the love/hate cycle with them, etc.

So while I was snooping the internet for useless bits of information I happened upon this little gem on Vimeo (but the YouTube version is the one I could embed...).

You may well have already seen this, but if not it's a very fun couple of minutes if you have them to spare! (make your screen full-size 1st tho...)

We've seen much smaller versions on the island while waiting for the ferry--but big enough to get your attention & make you wonder what the heck is going on. Hard to imagine an encounter this large & this close!

Per snooping done since I first saw this, the general response seems to be: can't figure it out, can't model it, speeds exceed 20mph at times, and...'no starlings were harmed in the filming of this video!'

Wednesday on Whidbey

2011-11-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

...on Thursday! Oops!

the lingering fruits of fall...

Sorry--missed last Wednesday completely! Hope a Happy Thanksgiving was had by all. We had several days of great family time, too much great food, & not much time at a computer! The final quarter crunch is under way at school & time is flying.
More soon....

Wednesday on Whidbey

2011-11-16T06:02:00.000-08:00

Reember those cool colors a few weeks ago?
Well here's what comes next!

Wednesday on Whidbey

2011-11-09T06:05:00.000-08:00

the 'beach bums' facing the wind...

Now For Something (almost) Completely Different...

2011-11-03T06:09:00.000-07:00

Jim & I are both participating in a December event:
Made Right on Whidbey (check it out!).
That's a first for us--both together. Jim's done many similar events: show/sales, studio tours, etc. I feel kinda like the little kid that gets asked to sit at the grown-up's table--but it's been a good experience for me (so far...). Makes me stretch...

After the December week-end has come & gone--I'll let you know how it went!

Wednesday on Whidbey

2011-11-02T06:15:00.000-07:00

Isn't birch bark cool?!

Trick or Treat!

2011-10-31T10:22:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!

Just back from retreat--so much fun & got a lot done.

More to share later..

a fun runner for a Halloween birthday girl!

Take Home Delights

2011-10-28T06:05:00.000-07:00

Just had to leave a post for Friday, 'cause it's CSA day!

Well, the CSA season is drawing to a close--but once again, we're fans of the wonderful Friday collections!

It was still a good idea that we split a share with another family--that way we get a variety of goodness every other week. We did much better at using all our bounty--but it was still a challenge. So here is just a tiny sample of last week's take home...

Aren't these purple potatoes a surprise? There's a reason the skin looks so dark...!

Despite my poor focus, you can still appreciate the color of these great bouquets! A salute to fall...

I Can't Wait!

2011-10-27T06:06:00.000-07:00

aaahhhhh.....I have one more class to teach this morning and then...I'm off to my semi-annual Warm Beach retreat with all of the usual suspects!
It's like an addiction! The closer it gets to the departure time, the more anxious & agitated I become!
After all this time, it's still so much fuuuuuuuunn..........

this is the 'pack everything but the kitchen sink' retreat!

The coordinator (bless her soul for doing this for us twice a year) asked my roomie Kate & me I if we might want to change roommates this fall. She did it quite tactfully--albeit a bit awkwardly. Kate & I just looked at each other & burst out laughing! We've become a couple of old crones--what would be do with a different room mate?!

Wednesday on Whidbey

2011-10-26T06:34:00.000-07:00

...gotta love fall colors....

I Can Read...

2011-10-22T06:03:00.000-07:00

Shopping isn't one of my favorite tasks, but I do okay. Pretty good comparison shopper. Usually get a fairly good bang for my buck. Try to get out of my rut, at least sometimes.
One of my least pleasing parts of shopping, though, is getting home & unpacking groceries only to find that I missed a key part of a label.
Am I the only one that happens to?!
I do try to pay attention but a few seconds of letting my mind stray always seems to get me in trouble.
Current case in point as an example:

(the circle on the label is my addition... and sorry
for poor focus; I haven't had my morning cup of Joe...)

Now I'm a pretty good caffeine-fiend (after all, I live in Puget Sound...). We go through our fair share of coffee--and it's usually what ever is on sale; I'm no brand zealot. I just want my warm cup of 'tastes good' in the am. In summary, I'm in the coffee isle fairly frequently.
So am I the last to know that now there's something in between leaded & decaf? Now I have to worry about 'half', too? Criminy!
And what time of day, with what level of distraction, did I miss the centrally located, fairly obvious disclaimer? *sigh* So now I'm mixing in small amounts with the 'real' stuff in the coffee jar until the rouge pound is gone; can you hear me muttering? I'm sure this won't be my last example, but it likely won't be coffee next time...

Who's My Mother?

2011-10-21T06:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I was sitting at my computer lost in thought when that instant adrenaline-surge arrived with an incredible 'bang' behind me.
"What was that?!"
A look out the window revealed this poor visitor--on her feet but clearly dazed. It took a few minutes, but she finally flew off...I'm sure with her little heart going pit-a-pat just like mine!
We've had some interesting little flocks going through lately with the weather change--stripping off the berries, seeds or bugs of choice & then moving on. Hopefully she found her tribe...
Don't know what she is, though, do you? About the size of a big robin, with a great tail.

Wednesday on Whidbey

2011-10-19T06:15:00.000-07:00

a regal topper for one of the great old Victorian ladies

Four...

2011-10-17T06:17:00.000-07:00

Well... Untamed Threads is four years today & counting.

This is post number 300--funny how that worked out to such a tidy number (not a plan, I assure you!). Seems like it should be more, mostly when I think about all of the important things that go by in our lives that I never take time to address. But that's okay... some thoughts are best left unsaid, right?!
There have been 70 Wednesday on Whidbey posts so far--again, funny how that worked out to a tidy, round number. Are you tired of the island, yet?

I've had many visits from the 'usual suspects' & for that I say 'thank you for hanging in there with me'! There are also visitors from locations I can only dream of visiting--'thank you' to you, as well! Unless you're selling some modern day snake-oil, come back anytime... & leave me a comment now & then!
(it's not hard--and any suggestions are always welcome!)

Anyway, thanks for stopping by...lift a glass or sing a song: celebrate the day! It's a good as any other, right?!
(oh, and Snoopy happy-dances are always in order!!)
Cheers! 8-)

23 Skidoo!

2011-10-15T06:17:00.000-07:00

Have the greatest birthday, Dev!

Blow out the candles & may all the wishes come true--

including the ones from the Physics GRE fairy!

Here's to the next 365-day adventure,

Love you! XXOO

Fall Formation

2011-10-13T06:20:00.000-07:00

It's fall (actually that could apply to most of the summer this year!) and the geese are on the move. A lot.
And oddly enough, not always in the same direction.
I think it's because we have sheltered waters both north & south of us. Maybe the girls (& guys, too!) check out all the options before they settle. Or maybe they're just going from party to party, checking out who else has shown up so far.
Can't really say I'm privy to their thoughts--even though I hear them 'chatting' all the time. I love that sound--I never get tired of it, even after all these years of being right below their conversations.
Too bad I'm not proficient at posting sounds along with the picture--you'll just have to use your imagination....

Wednesday on Whidbey

2011-10-12T06:14:00.000-07:00

...mmmm...fall apples.....right outside the back door...mmmm...

The (R) Beauty Pageant

2011-10-11T08:50:00.000-07:00

It's been an interesting month so far... or should we say year?!
I think maybe we need Moody Blues playing in the background: "isn't life strange?"
The 2011 Value Voters Summit was this weekend (...and that's creepy enough!). Among other VVS events, Ron Paul won the straw poll vote. Then today the President of VVS goes on the air stating 'don't put too much stock in the poll outcome' (of his own group!); that it doesn't mean that much. (Excuse me?! Just 'cause you don't like the outcome?)
Straw polling (which really doesn't mean that much in the big picture) has had a variety of surprises so far in this Republican slog-fest. Herman Cain handily won the Republican straw poll vote in Florida the end of September with 37%--more than twice the showing of Perry (15%) & Romney (14%). Oh, oh, oh, & don't overlook Michelle B's 1.5%!! One of my favorite comments after-the-fact came from Larry Wilmore on a John Stewart show: "...it's kind of like a plot for a new porn flick: the pizza man shows up out of the blue and f----s ya!"
Meanwhile good ol' Herman has been caught in several remarkable sound bytes including: "there isn't really a race problem in this country anymore; the playing field's pretty level." But maybe what he meant was regardless of your color--the unemployment issue is a nonstarter--go get a job!

That round of comments surfaced in his disdain of the the Occupy Wall Street events across the country, calling protesters "jealous Americans who play the victim card and want to take somebody else's Cadillac."
I guess that seems tame, compared to Glen Beck's comments (...yes, he's still around on the radio....): "they will come for you & drag you into the streets & kill you...they're Marxist radicals...these guys are worse than Robespierre from the French Revolution...they'll kill everybody." Seriously?!
The possibly gentler versions came from Eric Cantor who is "increasingly concerned" about the "growing mobs" and Mitt Romney's description of 'class warfare' currently under way.
Whichever version du jour, it's very clear the party line now is to marginalize the OWS participants & invoke the fear-factor regarding the teachers and others self-described as the "99%" (vs. the 1% fostering the greed, corruption & corporate power). Although some police, fire, & other public employees have joined in solidarity, they should not be confused with the NYPD officers pepper-spraying and baton bashing people last week.
While Mitt's talking about the class warfare, the Values Voters speaker introducing Rick Perry this weekend said: "Rick Perry's a Christian. He's an evangelical Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ. Mitt Romney's a good moral person, but he's not a Christian. Mormonism is not Christianity. It has always been considered a cult by the mainstream of Christianity." Wow. Might be news to them. (Perry was quick to try distancing himself from the comment, but not too far distant, as this group is a solid core of his base...) That broad cult-brush must also include Huntsman, but he's not a contender they need to worry about right now.
Can you say: "anyone but Mitt?" That phenomenon has fostered other interesting news-bits: reporting that Gov. Christie might still be a contender--even after he resoundingly stated he's staying put in New Jersey, and then of course, Sarah Palin's belated announcement that she will not be running in 2012. That was after she coyly captured one last round of PAC donations based on her letter to followers reporting 'being on the verge of deciding'. It just seems so 'over' & over done: "I believe that at this time I can be more effective in a decisive role to help elect other true public servants to office--from the nation's governors to Congressional seats and the Presidency."
It all makes for fairly great entertainment--except there's a poorly disguised undercurrent that feels very sinister. Certainly desperate. And fear-mongering, in the face of the latest economic stall (can you say, stimulus money has been used up?!).
P.S. Ken Burn's 3-part Prohibition was well worth the time to watch--but then I'm a long-time fan. Always much to learn while being entertained...

Wednesday on Whidbey

2011-10-05T06:13:00.000-07:00

More island yard art...the driveway Orcas

Wednesday on Whidbey

2011-09-28T06:15:00.000-07:00

After all these years, I still pinch myself from time to time:

I really do live in a place where I see this every day

(except, of course, those cloudy, rainy ones...).

Sorry to give yet another look at Mt Baker, but this is my route

home daily with this wondrous view... *sigh*

Holiday Reminders

2011-09-27T06:51:00.000-07:00

We ended up with many sweet reminders of our fun time in PA, including a Mt Gretna t-shirt, a wonderful calendar that includes Bill as one of the featured artists!, great items from the kid's art show & of course Wilbur's chocolates (..and then there's fabric...).
One brief side-trip was to LaCigale, one of only a few businesses in Mt. Gretna. I've long admired the wondrous colors from Provence & it turns out--from this business directly. They sell to an outlet in LaConner, not far from where we live. The delightful family has been immersed for decades in the French connection of color & fiber. Although all of the tablecloths & tapestries were fabulous to touch & admire, I was trying to stay within my travel budget & found some wonderful napkins on sale. They were perfect to make new pillow covers for our window seat in the kitchen.

Don't they look happy? They'll be cheery on those dark winter days that are coming quickly!

When we were in Columbia, Julie made the suggestion (mistake?) of stopping at Burning Bridge Antiques--she just about didn't get us back out again! It's a three level old building stuffed full of second-hand & antique items (there's a full basement...). Among many possible treasures, we soon found the vintage electric candles that prompted our visit initially, a wood plane Jim needed to add to his tool chest & two vintage quilts I just couldn't leave behind. They're 30's or early 40's era with marvelous hand-quilting & a lot of life left in them...

Pennsylvania Holiday - Part IV

2011-09-26T06:41:00.000-07:00

One of the locations we visited prompted the most photos--not sure why, except to say it's lovely & intriguing, too. The Ephrata Cloister was created as a religious colony of sorts by charismatic, German-born Conrad Beissel in 1732 when he broke away from the Anabaptist group he was leading. (It's pronounced 'EFF-ru-tuh'--rather than our Washington state version of 'e-FRATE-uh''.)

It started as a singular, contemplative haven but more & more followers joined him in the celibate community--and many non-celibate families gathered nearby, supporting the community. It was an austere life but also a learned one. Among other things, they were known for the wonderful calligraphy work they produced.

At it's peak there were several hundred people connected to Beissel's community. Several buildings were constructed to house the celibates & also allow for worship gatherings.

The community declined after Beissel died in the late 1700's but continued until the 1930's when the church charter was finally revoked.

The Pennsylvania Commonwealth assumed ownership of the property in the 1940's & surprisingly didn't raze the remaining buildings.

It's now an impressive historic park with a great tour. A fun day with Bill & Julie!

Intent on the tour guide discussion... check out
the sink next to Bill with the drain through the outside wall!

Pennsylvania Holiday - Part III

2011-09-25T06:03:00.000-07:00

Okay--are you tired of the Pennsylvania tour yet?! If you are, might want to skip the next few posts as there's more to tell about!
As with most of the eastern seaboard, there is such a wealth of 'old, cool stuff' compared to our western, newer world. We were staying more local to our Gretna home base & getting the opportunity to see places new to us.

One of those was the Cornwall Ironworks, one of many iron works in the area at the time, but one of the few that survived relatively intact. It started operation in the early 1700's & continued until the late 1800's--with some modifications made to convert to steam. We learned a lot during the tour--including a renewed appreciation for the difficult, hot & often dangerous work.

We also toured the Wright's Ferry Mansion in Columbia, built in 1738 by John Wright, a Quaker taking an entrepreneurial risk of settling early in a remote location with the intent of establishing a ferry crossing at the Susquehanna River. A bold move!
Susanna Wright, his daughter, was the consistent resident & an amazing woman--a friend & contemporary of Ben Franklin--well educated, fluent in several languages, with a great business sense.
The modest mansion by today's terms is wondrously intact & filled with furniture, art & utensils of life from that period. It's such a rich collection of period pieces that a two-volume catalog of the collection has just been published. The home stayed 'in the family' until the 1920's or so--and during the next 30 years before being taken up as a historic location, was changed very little. Definitely worth the tour...

Getting My Kitty Fix

2011-09-24T06:13:00.000-07:00

One of the many great treats at Julie & Bill's was having a week with a cat back in the household! Snape tolerated us--and actually was enticed to play a time or two. He has several key window perches to keep track of the birds, squirrels, chipmunks & feral out-of-state visitors...

Thanks. Snape!

Pennsylvania Holiday - Part II

2011-09-23T06:55:00.000-07:00

What's a tour of central PA without food & fabric? 8-)
So many townships & burroughs have that wonderful look: very old homes with classic porches right up to the sidewalk. We had a meandering day to several nearby quilt shops, two quilt museums, with local food & an earthquake thrown in just for grins!

Walking in Mannheim

...notice the quilt shop just ahead!

No trip to Lancaster is complete without a trip to the Market: in operation since 1730--the oldest in the country in continuous operation. It's such a grand old building & regardless of the day of the week (we were there on a Tuesday...) it's a bustle of activity--and a great place to pick out your favorite lunch!

my picture doesn't let you appreciate the great old wooden ceiling

the Central Market from outside

It's just a brief stroll from the Market courtyard to the Quilt & Textile Museum. It seems fairly 'normal' on the outside but stepping into the building is breathtaking.

It's a grand restored building that was initially a bank. In an effort to make financial ends meet now, the museum rents out areas for events (weddings, etc.) in addition to the main focus of impressive quilt exhibits. Currently showcased: one of the largest collections of vintage Amish quilts, previously owned & collected by the CEO of Espirit clothiers. They nicely drew the parallel of how the simple, traditional patterns & colors influenced designers that looked at those quilts in their offices daily. Definitely worth the time to explore--I think even if you're not a quilter, right Julie? (...or maybe you were just being kind!)

Not far from Lancaster, is Intercourse, PA--the heart of Amish country. (Remember 'Witness"?--town scenes from there. Kinda fitting since we'd been in the Philly train station at the outset!) The Old Country Store is not only a sales location for new Amish quilts, they have a well-known, well-stocked fabric store, with a quilt museum upstairs. The exhibits change but it's always worth the time to see...

Pennsylvania Holiday - Part I

2011-09-22T06:19:00.000-07:00

Okay--it's taken waaaaay too long to get our August vacation photos organized--and sit down for a few quiet moments to write some posts about our Pennsylvania vacation. Sorry 'bout that! So here goes!
One unexpected parentheses on our trip was weather. I think I jinxed it; I'd been talking for weeks about finally getting somewhere with summer heat (which we've sorely lacked this year...) Although it was pleasantly warm, the locals were talking about this 'break' in the heat & enjoying some cooler days with accompanying showers. Those thundershowers accompanied us into Philadelphia--planes getting in, but none allowed out. We were two of many hundreds of travelers getting to stay the night unexpectedly in the terminal, while scrambling for other arrangements.

No point in being in a hurry when you're on the road!

We were luckier than most because we could take an early train out the next morning & not have to wait for a flight to open up. That turned out to be a much better arrangement anyway, as we enjoyed a lovely scenic tour of points west as we aimed at the Lancaster train station & then on to our final destination of Mt Gretna--our magical home port for the week with Julie & Bill.

Mt Gretna is tucked into the woods with a wonderful, colorful past as a long-standing Chautauqua community that thrives today with many of the values & activities and true sense of community intact. What a great place for Julie & Bill--it's perfect! (For more about Chautauqua history & locations go to this site). I remember my dad getting very animated when he described the Chautauqua coming to their little rural Washington community when he was a boy--much later I'm now learning there have been many year-round settings for the same wonderful culture all along! We arrived just in time for the annual Mt Gretna Art Show--a well known, juried show attracting artists from near & far.

Hall of Philosophy, then...

Gretna is charming, refreshing & impossible to describe in a brief post--except maybe to ask: when was the last time you visited a place that has a Hall of Philosophy as one of it's central buildings?!

...and now

With a fairy garden nearby?
Kids (& adults too!) can play, arrange & imagine to their heart's content....

Isn't this the coolest gate? So inviting!

Very old despite the new roof;
holds hundreds of viewers...

With the outdoor tabernacle that is not only wonderful to see but also to experience the variety of events that take place there?! (the New Christy Minstrels performed there while we were in town...)

night time view of the inside, looking up...

So I'm sharing a few photos of this wonderful getaway place--but my meager skills will never do it justice. For a great photo tour through Mt. Gretna by a local artist take a minute to go this site--it's worth it!
Gretna served as a launch spot for many great tourist outings--that in many ways felt like a trip 'home', after having lived nearby long ago.

Julie & Bill were the greatest, most gracious hosts we could have wished for--thanks you guys! I'll be doing more posts about places we went in the next few days.

When I said the weather was a major bracket on our trip, it was no joke. We were there for the earthquake, which caused quite the excitement. Turns out something that can be 'business as usual' in our part of the country is a scary novelty there.
Lucky for us--our return was perfectly timed to avoid the wrath of Irene plus all of the grounded flights she caused. As we headed west we saw many weary travelers that were stranded until the worst was over. Although there was plenty of clean-up, Gretna seems to have come through it okay--although there will be stories to tell for some time to come, I think!
Stay tuned for some additional Pennsylvania posts...

Wednesday on Whidbey

2011-09-21T06:30:00.000-07:00

our 'urban farmer' neighbors grew some rye as a cover crop--it's as tall as I am!

Fall Sample

2011-09-20T09:59:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would share the latest quilt top completed as a sample for the store (it went this weekend & the kits are ready to roll!). It's the same pattern shared previously--super simple & fast! Couldn't decide which 'frame' color I liked best, lime or orange--so included both (good suggestion, Jim!)

Wednesday on Whidbey

2011-09-14T06:08:00.000-07:00

Sunrise over Penn Cove

Wednesday on Whidbey

2011-09-07T06:37:00.000-07:00

Color Me Red & Black

2011-09-06T07:05:00.000-07:00

Belatedly, here's a UFO that was (too) long in the making. Happily, it finally reached it's home this summer--& I thought it would be a good example of how some projects come together.

Quite some time ago I began to gather unique pieces for a red & black project--no special intent; I just liked them. It started with acquiring a Merimekko print I really liked (and on sale! What could be better?!) I've had a forty year love for Merimekko designs & thought they were no longer being produced until I accidentally stumbled across a little shop near Pike Place Market (Seattle) that sells a small but great collection. Turns out they've been produced all along, but US consumers kind of 'lost interest' for them so we went a long time without seeing them much. They didn't ask me! 8-)

When visiting Mike & Lynn's new island condo, which had a mostly white palette with some black & red accents, I got inspired! The red & black would be something to add to their nice big walls as a house warming gift! (Little did I know that they would be long-settled before I was able to hand it over...)

Besides the Merimekko piece, I had acquired three other great red & black bargain pieces --so this is what I started with:

The next step was to audition a wide variety of other pieces that might be good complements or contrasts with these anchor pieces. For me, that part of the process can get pretty carried away: many fabric drawers open, pulling anything that might be a possible cast member. It usually gets pretty wild & messy--but I want to think big, think inclusive, for that part.

Once all of the possibilities I can identify are out 'on the table' (or on the design wall...) I start to look for good combinations--and conversely for sore thumbs that might be great, but not necessarily for this project. The narrowing down starts. The picture below is about half-way along the weeding out process. (I got so caught up in the fun, I forgot to take pix when everything was up!) By the end of this phase, there is a 'for-sure-will-use' pile, a 'might-be-great-to-add' pile, and a 'doubtful-but-don't-put-them-away-yet' pile. Still pretty messy...

Then the 'putting it together' process starts. I tend to draw only one or two quick sketches--I'm not a methodical planner or drafter at the outset. I have a general notion in my mind's eye, but I also like to let the piece shape itself as it progresses--not be really set on what I think it should be. That can be good & bad. The good part is: almost every time, I end up adding elements I would not have thought of beforehand. The bad part is: I can sometimes get hung up on technical aspects; how do I pull off this little idea? (That can turn out to be a good thing, though, as I have to stretch my skill level a little more each time...)

Things start to take shape--first with smaller elements & then tying them into the larger piece.

That very linear (horizontal,vertical) begins to bother me--too much. So the little regimented squares & rectangles become more casually placed & uneven in size.

What started as a worry about being too wide & short later becomes a worry about maybe too tall & square! (this is a big piece--over 50" both ways at the moment) Other worries keep cropping up:
The central piece should be showcased, but not simply framed top & bottom.
The central piece should be cut down, but not too much.
It's awfully red!
It's awfully big!!
On & on... but gotta keep moving. Don't get paralyzed!

Once the piece is together, it's off to the long arm studio. My quilter friend made a great suggestion: use a very lightweight poly bat (not something I prefer for most pieces). It's whisper light-weight but adds so much depth. The non-quilted sections stand out remarkably with a faux trapunto appearance.

Now for the embellishments (beads & some fabricated baubles), then stretched on a wooden frame for canvases, & viola--ready to hang! Finishes out at 48 x 52. Here's a photo in it's new surrounds! (as ever, you can click on the picture for a better view...) It arrived just in time to help tip the scales for a choice of color to paint the wall--& I think was well received. Finishing is bliss...!

Learn vs.Teach

2011-09-01T06:04:00.000-07:00

Realized I haven't given a school update in some time, so here goes. When we last left our protagonist, things were looking rather grim--budget cuts, reductions in force, rescinding tenure... what a difference a few months can make!
Turns out the budget projections were somewhat overstated & hoping for the best while preparing for the worst paid off. By the end of the academic year, I was reinstated full time with tenure restored--so the supplemental job hunt didn't need to happen. (That was a relief!) And in case it's not clear: I'm definitely doing the Snoopy happy dance! I truly enjoy this job & after a full academic cycle, feel like I'm getting the hang of it!

the full-time LPN group: happy, relieved campers!

Summer quarter (not optional--it's required) was shortened due to the budget crunch, although content was not--nor the required clinical hours for students. Suffice it to say: it was a wild ride!
Summer is the final quarter for the two full-time cohorts, so I bid a fond adieu to my first students; a definite growing experience for all of us!

the full-time RN group--minus 4 that couldn't hang around for photos!

They've now launched into the 'real' world--awaiting exams to become licensed professionals in search of jobs. Not the best of economic times to venture forth--but they'll do okay; many will thrive! I will hold them in my heart & my thoughts as this part of the journey ends and the next is just beginning. I wish a solid, caring mentor for each of them in their new work world. I know it made all the difference for me....
The part-timers still face two more quarters--and sadly I had to say goodbye to three students at the end of summer due to grades. *sigh* The survivors are a mighty force, though, and we head off-island for clinicals in the fall. For now there is a brief time out; three weeks off to recharge, regroup, and get ready...
Sleeping in will be involved!

Wednesday on Whidbey

2011-08-31T06:28:00.000-07:00

Some tall ships came to town earlier this month for the festival.

Don't they look grand?

Isn't it amazing I have this view off my back deck?!

Wednesday on Whidbey

2011-08-24T06:54:00.000-07:00

Oops--a day late to just say: please stand by...will be back in a flash!

Taking a fun-filled break in Pennsylvania--with just the right amount of intrigue & drama: overnight delay in the Philly airport due to lightening storms (why is it that you can land but not take off?), watching Irene make her way north, & the most notable earthquake in over 70 years. Meanwhile there are great tourista activities with the best host / tour guide available! (thanks Julie!)
Once we're back in the northwest, I'll share the fab vacation (...is that like making you watch travel slides?!)

Wednesday on Whidbey

2011-08-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

Ebey's Bluff

Wednesday on Whidbey

2011-08-10T06:28:00.000-07:00

When the sun is here, Kennedy Lagoon is about the best...

Today's the Day

2011-08-09T06:20:00.000-07:00

All bet's are off--but here we go!!

Let's see how long it takes to get the votes counted tonight. I'm holding Wisconsin in my heart today, and hoping that today begins the big 'push back' on Scott Walker, Citizens United, the Koch brothers with Americans for Prosperity & incredible dollars being poured into the battle (some projections are in the $40M range & upwards...). This is a test of CU's & AFP's ability to buy the ballot (too bad the war chests won't be exhausted after today!). Look out, Ms. Darling & co... and may the force be with you, Wisconsin!

Meanwhile, the process to sack Scott Walker can't start until January 2012, but the momentum is well under way--hopefully today will help.

Farewell...

2011-08-05T06:13:00.000-07:00

In Memoriam

Cassie

February 2,1998 - August 4, 2011

a puppy to the end--thanks, sweet girl!

Wednesday on Whidbey

2011-08-03T06:28:00.000-07:00

The container ship heading out to sea via the Straits of San de Fuca

Sunset over the Olympics & the San Juans as the ferry pulls into Keystone

It's a Family Thing...

2011-08-02T09:14:00.000-07:00

This last weekend was the annual family gathering at my cousin's in Pt. Ludlow. We were only able to go on Sunday, and despite a very misty, foggy morning, it finally blew clear in the afternoon. Much food, fun, gab, hugs & howls! Always time out for the family photos--at least those that are there at that moment. It's kind of a moving target, as the arrivals & departures go on for days. Karen & daughter Lindsey arrived from Florida early with sweet little Jack--the newest member of the clan at 7 months.

Polly, the matriarch, with the cousins,

the cousins' kids,

the cousins' grand-kids (the point & shoot is very brief for this set!),

...and, of course, the folks who have chosen to be part of this zany crowd!

Kathy is so incredible to host the event--so much work! But we all reap such precious benefit from those hours together--reminiscing & story-telling while making new memories all the while. Doesn't get much better: wonderful water view, renewing close ties & getting the endorphin levels up!

Wednesday on Whidbey

2011-07-27T06:38:00.000-07:00

my Langley play station! (the quilt shop...)

Summer Samples

2011-07-24T09:15:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would take a minute to share the two samples that went to the shop this weekend--along with the patterns.

The table runner was intended to use some left over Shop Hop blocks (the purses). This year's SH fabrics were not my cup of tea--so neither is the runner! 8-) But some folks will like it (and it's finished & kitted up!).

I really like the colors in this quilt top--Morris prints are great, and of course I have to sneak in at least one batik! This pattern is fun, easy, and looks pretty good for the effort I think. Now that the pattern & cut list are worked out, it will do nicely in a variety of fabric selections...

Tasting Summer

2011-07-21T07:39:00.000-07:00

The hint--or tease--of an actual summer continues off and on. It's been torture. Wish there was a way we could have one big exchange system with the mid-west; we'll ship them some drizzle, fog, & coolness--and they can send us some true bright sunny days with heat!
Visitors here, of course, think this is a heavenly break (unless you're here for Race Week sailing in a windless downpour!)--but a steady diet of it is pretty hard to take (at least for us closet sun worshipers...). So let's do summer things anyway--maybe the power of suggestion will make it happen. You know, have the Hawaiian shirt at the ready if the clouds burn off--stuff like that. Our good friends had us down for an indoor barbeque in honor of the summer that almost isn't.

Carol is such an amazing cook. This time she decided homemade graham crackers would be a good addition to s'mores (OMG! They were great!).

Then came the new generation of marshmallows--have you seen those things?! They're so big!

Finally, add dark chocolate for the chocolate bar pieces & use the gas cooktop--wa-la!! The best s'mores yet! (but don't we think that every time we have 'em?)

It feels like summer when you bite into the gooey mix of sugar--just close your eyes! Just need to add campfire stories & you're almost there...

Wednesday on Whidbey

2011-07-20T06:37:00.000-07:00

Chain-saw art seems to be a particularly western form of yard art, probably due to the abundance of conifer trees.

In any case, this is one of the better (less rustic) examples; I pass it frequently on the way to Langley.

He regally stands at the entrance to a private drive--fitting with the ever growing Bald Eagle population...

Round Robin Update - the wayward block returns

2011-07-18T06:35:00.000-07:00

You may (or may not!) remember my block that started the rotation for the most recent Round Robin exchange. Fairly unassuming 8" little fella that left me long ago & had very few 'rules' attached to it.
The primary one: not to be wider than a certain measurement, as I wanted to be able to use it as a hanging in various areas of choice wall real estate. So compared to many that were included in this project mine remained much smaller--and looks the least 'finished' of any in the bunch (currently it's about 27" x 33").

The little traveler just returned home to me last weekend--so we're just getting reacquainted after about 15 months on the road. I'm thrilled! My ten team mates really pulled the stops & let their imagination go--I love that part! There are many embellishments, along with paper-piecing additions, three dimensional items, & Seminole piecing. It has so much potential--so many options--for completion. I can hardly wait! (but I'll have to for a little while at least...got get some other items finished & the quarter complete!)

You can click on the 'Round Robin' label at the bottom of the post to see the rest of the projects in this round--at least at the state they were in when I touched them! Everyone seems quite content with their projects when they returned--although many were shaking their heads at mine, wondering "now what will you do?!". I think it's an honor that they broke out of the box on my behalf--regardless of how uncomfortable they may have been! Stay tuned for 'the rest of the story' later in the year...

Read Any Good Books Lately?

2011-07-17T06:58:00.000-07:00

One of the deals I made with myself when I left the-job-that-ate-my-life was to re-learn to read. Doesn't sound difficult, but pleasure reading had become a true challenge during the siege of graduate school. Then came kids and then a killer job...and reading--for my own enjoyment--fell to the bottom of the list. Reading for work took more time than one often credits, and actually is not a good example of how to read for pleasure.
During my six month hiatus last year I fell headlong into reading--anything, everything, all the time! It was joyful! Once I started back to work I challenged myself to maintain that spark for reading what I want to read--and to nurture that new relationship I'd developed with my library. I also know that I'm abysmally poor at New Year's resolutions--and this felt a lot like one of those. I doubted my abilities...
Happy to say, though: half way through the calendar year I'm fairing well, and almost a full year from starting a new job, I'm managing to find space for both work & pleasure reading. Hooray!
I'm still kinda stuck on memoirs--don't know what that's about but I'm not too concerned. Finding new authors (to me) is always fun--falling down the well of infatuation at the beginning of a new relationship.

So here are my top picks for the first half of the year (although I haven't met one I didn't like yet):

The Company of Liars by Karen Maitland--England in the plague era; characters you learn to truly care about; and surprises that you didn't see coming (not a common occurrence).

The School of Essential Ingredients by Seattle author Erica Bauermeister, a wonderful & touching romp through a cooking class and it's participants.

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Wells. A memoir so fantastical it reads as though it should be fiction. I just heard she has a book based on her grandmother's life; gotta add it to the cue.

Sarah's Key by Titiana de Rosnay - the heart wrenching parallel stories of occupied Paris in the summer of 1942 & the rediscovery of the dark story at the 60th anniversary; seems bleak but can't put it down once you start.

I've also discovered a new author, Colin Cotterill (thanks to my bro!) & have been enjoying spirit filled mysteries in post-war Laos.

What's been your favorite book(s) so far this year?

Please share so I can add it to my list... 8-)

Cat-o-penic

2011-07-16T06:01:00.000-07:00

Okay--I need to preface this by saying that I really miss having a cat around. Since Milo left us over a year ago we've been without--and for me that's a first in my entire life.
I usually try to refrain from passing on 'cute u-tubes' but I just couldn't resist this one posted on one of my favorite blogs, Mudflats. Thanks for posting it, Jeanne, so we could all enjoy!

Got Your Attention Yet?!

2011-07-15T06:13:00.000-07:00

The whole-world-is-watching, Wisconsin.
July 12th: first big hurdle over.
Way to go!

On to August 17th!
Thanks, you guys...

Oh, Pulleeeze!

2011-07-14T23:44:00.000-07:00

Let's see: now that we know that she's no good at huntin'..and her poll numbers keep jumping around,
what's a girl to do?

The cover photo for this Newsweek spread, portrays her as the confident vixen--or is it really just to help her with her new goal of being 'Mericuh's favorite pin-up girl?!

Time better spent might be the Bailey/Morris/Devon volume, Blind Allegiance--for a walk down the other side of the street... (look out, Arizona...)

Wednesday on Whidbey

2011-07-13T05:53:00.000-07:00

One of the oldest churches on the island--isn't she grand?

Round Robin Update - the nearly last installment

2011-07-12T06:56:00.000-07:00

Down to the final lap on the Round Robin projects--finish the last two, and then receive mine back with all of it's additions.

this is the 'before' shot--don't you love
the various embellishments?

This project belongs to my buddy, and often roommate at retreats, Kate. She started with an ethereal photo transfer of a statue she saw in Sedona, when on a very heartfelt get-away with her sisters following the loss of their parents--truly a sentimental piece.
There is only one more person after me, so there have been eight hands on this little gem. You could have called it complete on arrival, couldn't you? (The great red lizard had just been added before I got the project box!)
After much thinking, I added those elements I most loved when I lived in Arizona: the many colors of the sky--with the ravens on the wing--and the melting of the sky into the amazing landscape of so many colors. Of course, I had to go with something a little less linear, so in went the curvy piecing, along with the First American influence of shapes & textiles. (Or at least that was my intention!).
Right up until packing it in the box & sending it along I debated over the blues--pretty risking move, which Kate may not like. Also a bit on the busy side, but the piece holds up well, I think. It's a little over 2 ft. tall now, so will make a lovely wall hanging for Kate's studio. Bye for now, Mr. Wiseman...

The final project for me in this Round Robin journey was Juliann's sea-life homage. It started out with her center block fish--which I love. It's full of color & texture & character. When it first started making the rounds, I wasn't sure where it was going--or if I would like it--but it's really quite fun! There are so many surprises (little & big) included! Don't you love the translucent jellyfish?! I added the left & upper borders--with aquatic colors & the great orange added previously. I came across a piece of undersea print that seemed a perfect addition to the mix. I think Juliann will have a lot of fun finishing this one up--and the size will make a nice wall hanging (about 3' x 4'). It's got some great embellishments & she'll likely add more.

So all of the projects will soon be home to their owners--mine included!

Please Stand By...

2011-07-11T19:19:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the brief drop from sight--and missing last week's Wednesday on Whidbey (maybe you didn't even notice!).

Nothing serious--just chalk it up to 'technical difficulties'... plus an almost honest arrival of summer! (Also throw in the start of a jam-packed eight week summer quarter!)
For a moment of brief entertainment, though, visit a fun list of test pattern 'stuff' at Lists Galore.
Meanwhile, I'll be back at the keyboard tomorrow... and remember, this is only a test!

Wednesday on Whidbey

2011-06-29T06:13:00.000-07:00

(...oops, just about missed Wednesday again! Summer break-itis!)

I've been distracted recently with island yard art. It's everywhere--even when it's not intended to be yard art! Thought it would be fun to share some--and what better place to start than our own side yard! Jim's turning cast offs finally get to be 'displayed' too!

Wednesday on Whidbey

2011-06-22T06:02:00.000-07:00

This is the namesake for my friend's long-arm quilting business, Rumplequiltkin, who greats you at the door.

(Guess you can tell where I've been recently!)

Shop Hop is Coming...

2011-06-21T12:14:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow marks the first day of Western Washington Quilt Shop Hop, so there's been a fair amount of 'getting ready' at the shop in anticipation. The event (and some subsequent staff vacations) nicely coincided with my quarter break so I'll be working a big chunk of time in the next week. I also got some last minute 'samples' made up for the shop. Even though they aren't really my cup of tea, thought I would share. (as ever, apologies for the amateur photography, & click on them for larger view...)

The vintage 'apron ladies' & santas are printed fabric blocks we have available--so the little projects highlight ways to use them. (the hangings are about 12" x 21")

The runners are speedy summer kits. I had three days on the long-arm at my friend's quilt studio last week, so I threw all these in, too--they're so much faster that way! (I actually do like the first two runners...)

When I have the remainder of items bound & finished from my 'quilting days out', I'll share them, too--it was much fun! One way I can tell I'm making progress finishing things is the amount of thread used for quilting. Obviously, the more involved the quilting the more thread gets used, but also the more items...

It doesn't seem like I've done that much until I put my cones away or--for the first time--toss the 'empties'. It takes awhile to use up a 2,000 yard cone of thread--and by the time they're empty you hate to see them go; some of the colors get to be your favorites!

Wednesday on Whidbey

2011-06-17T18:41:00.000-07:00

Whoops--Wednesday on Friday! (Sorry!)

Chalk it up to a week of chaos & the first week of a brief break!

I know I said I was finished with my 'flora' series--but guess I lied!

Just couldn't pass up the Poppies...which are really popping with a tentative run on springlike sun.

(Even though it's within days of official summer...)

Wednesday on Whidbey

2011-06-08T06:46:00.001-07:00

Can't believe this is the 'anniversary post' of Wednesday on Whidbey!
Wow!--a full year of little glimmers into the day-to-day life on my out-of-the-way island. There were a few times I wasn't sure I would make all fifty-two, but I did it! I thought for this post, I would use one of the photos I auditioned for the very first Wednesday on Whidbey, but didn't use: my sweet Cassie (now 13 this year...) basking in some surprise June sun (that would not be this year!).

So whadya think? Keep going?!
Knowing that I promised myself a weekly commitment has certainly allowed me to look more closely at my world & revel in the little vignettes that seem to be everywhere. (I think any kind of consistent practice is a hidden gift. For more on that, visit Make Something 365. Although that's a daily practice, there are similarities.) As far as I can tell, I've only been late once.
I certainly have identified more options for weeks to come--things pop up everywhere once you start noticing. The limitation is always being in the right place at the right time for sun, rain, time of day, traffic, etc. And of course, my on-again, off-again camera skills are always a limitation...
Any feedback would be helpful & appreciated.
And thanks for joining me for this '52'--it's been fun!

Wednesday on Whidbey

2011-06-01T06:46:00.000-07:00

Thought I would end my recent 'series' of floral appreciation

with the most prevalent species--perhaps the one that should
be named the island flower... *sigh*

Wednesday on Whidbey

2011-05-25T05:40:00.000-07:00

Guess I'm kinda stuck in a 'flora' mode, aren't I?!

The colors have just been so lovely, though, & everywhere you turn!

This little gem is in front of the shop

where I go for my monthly haircut...

A Picture Paints a Thousand Words...

2011-05-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

One of the things about being an 'artist-wanna-be' is the opportunity to be blown away by the creativity of others regularly. I think the 'wanna-be' part leaves you more vulnerable. Does that happen to you?
Sometimes when that happens, you say to yourself; "wow, what a brilliant idea--how come I never thought of that?!" (It's so obvious, now that you've shown me!)
Sometimes it's, "wow, I really like that concept, but I would do it differently"--and occasionally I do use the idea for a 'creative step' to something completely different.
Many times, though, it's "wow, what a brilliant idea--and applied so well; I could never come close to that!" In those cases, most often the concept is so creative, it is truly unique; it stands alone.

That was certainly the reaction to seeing Ohio artist, John Sokol and his word portraits ('sketching' the person in their own words). Wow! (and maybe because he chose some of my favorites to depict...)

I must also give credit to the Amusing Planet site which took me to the word portraits in the first place--and so many other wonderful wanderings over the months.
Thank you to both!

Wednesday on Whidbey

2011-05-18T05:39:00.000-07:00

The lilacs are here! Yum!! Such a smell...

The May Workday

2011-05-17T09:06:00.000-07:00

One of the time distractions in recent weeks was gearing up for the third annual Hearts & Hammers workday--which was May 7th. It rained unbelievably that day! Despite the odds, though, twenty-one projects were completed by 99 hardy volunteers (except for the painting & sealing parts that had to be done a few days later, once the sky cleared briefly!). It's a very heartfelt, sometimes comic, and humbling experience.

When all the soggy volunteers--and what home-owners were able to come--gathered for a wonderful meal at the end of the day, & each project captain reported on their activities of the day, everyone's heartstrings were tugged a little--or a lot! The close & personal experiences of the 'helpers' & the 'helpees' is so touching. That mix of tears & laughter is a wonderful feeling!
Now it's time for well deserved R&R until the first Saturday of May next year!
Way to go!

After breakfast--before the mud!
(click for a little better view)

There Are No Calories in Looking...

2011-05-13T13:31:00.000-07:00

Late at night when watching Stewart, Colbert, Ferguson, et al (and I'm not already sewing or crashed on the couch, unplanned, with drool sliding out...) I'm usually on the computer catching up with emails, bills, etc. It's part of the multi-tasking mindset (...must not have idle hands!).
About twice a month I take a quick cruise through the Blogs of Note list; it's fun, insightful, & who knew all the possibilities?! (I'm feeling more like Margaret & Helen all the time--and less app'd, bookfaced, & tweeted every day!! But I digress.)

Anyway, Sweet Adventures of Sugarbell deserves a comment--if for no other reason than the eye candy of the most amazing cookies I've seen in awhile (really, you can do that?!).

And, by the way, I'm so envious of bloggers that have the greatest photographs of the most amazing things! They're not out of focus, or with a yellow... or red or green....haze included. Foodies & great photography especially seem to go hand in hand. *sigh*
I digress again, sorry.
Sugarbell is also kind enough to share recipes & tips in case you might ever want to venture into the land of royal icing yourself. She makes it look so easy, but obviously an art form... albeit, short lived (except for the photos!)
Thanks!

Wednesday on Whidbey

2011-05-11T06:38:00.000-07:00

here come the new crop of Horsetails--ancient, unrelenting,
hardy members of the Puget Sound family.
(...they're a distant cousin to the fern, and reproduce
via the spores in the long conical 'blossom'...)
They have many herbal, medicinal uses as well as practical
applications (polishing wood & making dyes),
but I like their spunky rebuttal of 'intelligent design' in favor of evolution.

Family Fun

2011-05-10T09:35:00.000-07:00

We made a day-trip-escape to Seattle last week to celebrate Nick's 27th birthday (really?!) & have an oh-so-brief, but fun, afternoon together. Once again we took the light rail down & back--which makes for a stress free & full day, all the while missing the commute & $4/gallon gas!

Turns out, the trick to not getting poured on all day is to carry an umbrella everywhere (something Puget Sounders are loathe to do...) & never have to open it! 8-) Who knew?

Isn't this mural great? It's painted on a particle board temporary wall, so it won't be around long, but the colors are just wonderful! (this is just a small corner of a huge painting...) It's near the famous little hole-in-the-wall, Salumi Restaurant, that's been on the 'gotta do' list for years. We started our progressive lunch there--being amazed at the variety of handcrafted salami. Yum!!
Jim & I also had an early morning walk-through of the amazing exhibit of the Seattle Metals Guild at the Convention Center (they have such great free art exhibits there). This exhibit runs to July--go check it out if you're in the neighborhood.
Happy Birthday, Nick!

Bowling Again...

2011-05-07T06:33:00.000-07:00

Stolen moments amidst the wild spring of clinical shifts to help a friend with a Relay for Life fundraiser...

these are the same bowls, reversed.

Wednesday on Whidbey

2011-05-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

Impressive afternoon spring clouds--on a rare day the blue sky is visible!
Remember when you would try to decide what the fluff looked like?

Wednesday on Whidbey

2011-04-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

It really has been a lovely spring, if you can ignore

some record rains & grey days...

Wednesday on Whidbey

2011-04-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

It was time to get the 'kids in the park' out of their winter duds

& into thoughts of spring!

Wednesday on Whidbey

2011-04-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

Wednesday on Whidbey

2011-04-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

Learn vs.Teach

2011-04-02T10:38:00.000-07:00

(as ever, skip the school musings unless you're really interested!)

Wow--the quarter turn-around can be a little dizzying sometimes! A quarter is over in a blink, the one week break can be just a big sigh, & then we're off again! Spring quarter, by the looks of it, will be the busiest of the year; summer quarter will be calmer--and I still feel as though my juggling act is barely holding together! All eighteen of my winter quarter advisees made it through last quarter--although a couple had me holding my breath briefly. (Sometimes I wonder how I would fair if I had only two exams & a paper balancing my future on the outcome!)

Although we knew that the school budget was going to pass through a knothole soon with the new state budget in progress, I think many/most of us were still somewhat unprepared for how it would all play out. A nearly five million dollar deficit for the budget year beginning July 1 is a grim obstacle. (At this moment, I'll refrain from my rant on the state of important issues like education & health care in the current national tempest--in a teapot! Not my country's finest hour...) During these many months, as I've pinched myself regularly to be sure I'm not just dreaming up this great job, I've had a feeling of waiting for 'the other shoe to drop'--and it did, finally, during finals week, as administrators went through gauntlet days meeting with staff--including me.
Good news is: I will still have a job in the fall (many will not). Bad news is: all tenure track processes will be shelved as of June, with no future expectation of being dusted off & brought back to life. That translates to year-to-year contracts with no guarantees. Although I'm still among the standing, the other bad news is I will be considered a 75% faculty as of September (both in hours & pay)--which means auxiliary job hunting is likely. There is a possibility that I can 'moonlight' some additional hours during the next academic year, but doubtful it will be enough. Dang! Turns out it did feel too good to be true! It's pretty hard to get much of a pity-party going, though, when many folks I know are out altogether, and most of them have been there much longer than my neophyte-self. (Schools don't really need art teachers & librarians, right?!)

So, for now, I'm pulling my Scarlett O'Hara & deciding to think about it tomorrow, as life is fairly busy today! I'll be alternating weeks of two 8-hour shifts & four 8-hour shifts at two different hospitals with two different groups.
Throw in a few classes, stir with weekly clinical packets to be reviewed, & sprinkle with some papers & presentations, and you've got a tossed salad of 'never a dull moment'! I am not complaining though; far from it! I love the clinical hours, even though there are moments of sweating bullets, biting your tongue, sitting on your hands, etc.--and, as ever, questioning who really is teaching whom! Every day...

Wednesday on Whidbey

2011-03-30T06:02:00.000-07:00

...aah, the daff's are here...