Saturday, November 28, 2009

Fun Getaway


We have just returned from a trip to Las Vegas and Napa Valley. While Las Vegas is bright, sparkly, and exciting, it is the Napa Valley area that feeds my soul. We went early one morning to the Rutherford Hill Winery where they let you use their picnic tables. We were the only people around. (Go figure. I mean who else would be up at that hour?) As we sat there with steaming coffee watching the sun rise over this scene my heart filled completely with peace and joy. I wish for all of you such a place in time.




When we got to the rental car place at the airport in San Francisco, YC said, "Look for space B11." As I walked down the row, I kept thinking, "Please don't let it be that bright orange car!"
You guessed it. I don't know why it struck me funny, but it did. As it turned out it was a new Camarro and every time we came out of a restaurant or stopped at a gas station, at least two or three people came over to look at the car and talk to us about it. At least we matched the fall colors!




This picture is in honor of my friend Jamie Final who has never steered me wrong on a wine suggestion. This is the Frank Family Vineyard where we had some of the best red wine on the trip. It was absolutely the best port! Thanks Jamie.


I am still trying to get the hang of this blogging thing. I thank you for your patience.







Sunday, November 15, 2009

Festival Feet

When you first go to festival, everyone talks to you about taking care of your feet. "Fashion stops at the knees" is the mantra. There is a good reason for this. You learn early on that if you do not take care of your feet, IQF is not going to be much fun. I thought you might be interested in seeing the feet of some of my friends. Above, Judy Coates Perez, yours truly, and Jamie Fingal survey our group "work in progress."


Leslie Tucker Jenison sets a very good example for taking care of your feet. Hers get special lotion every night.





These are the feet of a true artist, Nina Perez. You might guess that she was the youngest of the group; and, for her, fashion made it a little further than the knees.





Jamie's feet require special care and treatment; but they do a great job of getting her where she wants to be!




Frances Holliday Alford gives her tootsies a breather while working on the group project.







Thursday, November 12, 2009

Flying Time

How in the world did so much time get away from me since International Quilt Festival? It was SO MUCH FUN! I meant to fill all of cyberspace with my experiences and impressions! In self defense, I DID help my 93 year old aunt sell the house where she had lived for 51 years, buy a new condo, move, get settled and hold a two day estate sale.Also, I am new to Blogger, and have been a little afraid to get started. But...throwing caution to the wind, here goes!

Eye of the Quilter
I was thrilled to see my "Spirit of Charleston" picture in the Eye of the Quilter exhibit. I inserted a very opaque image of myself as a little girl into a photo I had taken of an old cemetery in Charleston, S.C. I used this photo as inspiration for a journal quilt; and, hopefully, a short story.

Here is my friend, Frances Alford , with her photo. Francie is my long-time friend; and is totally responsible for introducing me to the wonderful world of the International Quilt Festival and art quilting in general.