A Tribute to Mom

One of Mom's First Quilts - Hand Appliqued

My Mother passed away this evening January 17, 2012. 

Mom was patient and kind.  She made friends easily and made it a priority to cultivate friendships. She nurtured a positive attitude through all of life’s storms and tough choices.  She always tried to do right by her family and friends.  Mom was buoyant and hopeful, always seeing the glass half-full.  She was my friend.

We had lots of fun traveling together, going on quilting retreats and sharing quilting fun.  She would brag about my quilts to her friends – I can hear her say “she’s a real artist”.

Mom learned to sew as a young wife, after moving to California from Louisiana to build a life with Dad.  She was diligent and meticulous with her sewing and she became an excellent traditional quilter.

It was my privilege to help her finish her projects as she got older and quilting became more difficult.

I miss you Mom.  Rest in Peace.  I love you.

The House Quilt Project

One of several things I am grateful for in 2011 is getting involved in The House Quilt Project.   http://thehousequiltproject.blogspot.com/
It has been a joy to make quilts for our returning veterans to express our WELCOME HOME to them in a personal way.  To give them a token of our appreciation for their service to keep our country safe.

Several years ago I read an article in a knitting magazine about a woman and her daughter starting the “Stitches from the Heart” organization.  The group made beanie hats for preemie babies for their trip home from the hospital.  I was drawn to participate because my first child was a preemie born at 7 months and I would have loved to have had a beanie for him to go home in.  It was wonderful to think I could give a gift of a beanie to a new mom and her preemie babe.   The veteran quilts have a similar meaning for me.  Though my husband was stateside in the reserves, he could have been shipped to Viet Nam for any alert.  I think of him coming home and how wonderful it would be for him to receive one of these little gifts – so – I love making the house quilts for our veterans! 

To All Our Veterans, Thank You!

I have included pictures of my recent houses:)

Please follow the link to The House Quilt Project to check out this wonderful project.

Exhibiting at the Showcase Gallery

I am happy to announce that I was recently juried into the Showcase Gallery in Santa Ana.  It is located across from So Coast Plaza.  I am exhibiting three of my portrait pieces with several other artists in the Enigma Show January 11^th – March 2^nd.  If you are in the area please stop by and enjoy the show.