1000 Quilt Inspirations Book

I just got word that this new book, 1000 Quilt Inspirations by Sandra Sider, is now available.  Three of my pieces are included so I am excited to see the book!  If you go on Amazon there is a little video on one of the reviews that shows someone leafing through it.   It is also available through Barnes & Noble or from the publisher at qbookshop.com

It looks like a lovely picture book with lots of inspiration for all types of quilts. 

This the first time I have had my work published in a book.  The pieces I submitted were all small pieces created for the Studio Art Quilt Associates on-line fundraising auction held every year in the early Fall.  My pieces have always sold and I hope the recipients have enjoyed them.  I made them all especially for the auction so they are 12x12.

I am getting excited as well for another new opportunity for me.  I will be attending my first Studio Art Quilt Associates Conference in Portland at the end of April and am looking forward to meet many of the artists I admire and interact with on-line through the SAQA email list.  I was lucky enough to obtain a Montana Arts Council Grant that will pay for half of my costs for the trip.  The last two days I am there I will be visiting with my good childhood friend, Michelle, who lives in Vancouver just across the river from Portland.  It is has been a long time since I have had a vacation and I love travelling by myself.  I'm flying, which I also love, and staying in the conference hotel.  Portland here I come!

Happy Birthday, Mom

Today, April 8, would have been my mom's birthday.  She died almost a year ago in June and I miss her.  I have finally stopped mourning her loss every day, but on a day like today I mourn anew.  

When my mom was a child her birthday cake was usually the day old Easter cake from a bakery.  When I was growing up I don't remember ever having a store bought cake.  She made me my favorite cola cake or carrot cake, depending on which I asked for that year after much agonizing over the choice.  They were both always wonderful, although rarely perfect.  I never felt they were lesser because of that.  They were always the perfect birthday cake for me.  Made by my mom.  For me.  Thanks, mom. 

My mom never felt she fit in or that people held her in any kind of esteem.  We tried to convince her otherwise over the years but her childhood of neglect and inner struggles just wouldn't let her believe it.    She didn't want us to have a funeral service for her so we didn't, but I think it would have been a packed house.  She was a quiet, unassuming, approachable, friendly, completely accepting and honest person and I admire and hope to emulate all those qualities I saw in her.  She taught me to be thoughtful and kind to others.  She helped us to enjoy and celebrate holidays so that one day my siblings and I would share that joy with our own kids and families.  She taught me to see the beauty and value in the natural world, both forest and garden. She loved growing things and always had beautiful flowers in her yard.  They weren't always the most tailored and tidy flower gardens, but they were much loved and she took care of them so they thrived and bloomed for her.  

That is what she did for me.  Cared for me so that I have thrived and am blooming.  She was perfect to me.  She was my mom.

Happy Birthday, Mom.  I hope you have found peace for your soul.  It is what I always wished for you in life.