A Celebration of Quilting Inspirations.
Wander through my garden, say hi to the birds and critters and join me for a cup of tea as we talk about tips and new techniques to try. Let's chat about what inspires you!
www.ladybugscabin.com
I almost didn't post today as I've had quite a lot going on in my world the past few weeks that has left me looking for a moment to take a breath and rest.
I can sometimes find myself buried under the weight of things I feel I should have finished already, or meeting deadlines for my business. But in thinking about the first day of spring I remembered a quote about being buried that has risen a number of times through-out history and literature and it got me curious as to the origin.
As it turns out sources point to a Greek poet (Christianopoulos) who first wrote: "What didn't you do to bury me...but you forgot that I was a seed".
This image has been useful for those fighting for social change, for fighting our own demons or in my mind today...feeling buried under a massive 'to do' list. What if I'm not buried...what if I'm just planted and ready to start growing to meet all these tasks that need doing?
So I'll keep fortifing my roots and trust that my head will break the surface and feel that sunlight soon enough.
This little art quilt was made a number of years ago, as I played with a theme of using a song title to create a small work. I was listening to an album by Norah Jones at the time and thought "Above Ground" was a good title to play with some different textures and techniques.
My Saturday share is late coming today for a couple reasons...and all of them good.
I started my day with teaching the 2nd half of a team-teach class with Karen Straight. Today we made little tree hollows for the cute felted raccoons we made last week. I love getting people excited and as addicted to playing with thread, texture and color so it was wonderful way to start my day! Working with Karen is a joy and getting to help this great little piece she created was so much.
Next up I did a little recording for some fun new toys and tools that I've been playing with and I'm so looking forward to sharing them with you.
A nice call with my Mom followed--one of the highlights of my each and every day. She and my Dad are fully vaccinated now and Bob and I are one our way...so SOON we'll be able to go and actually safely visit. I can. not. wait.
Then it was time to enjoy some of this beautiful sunshine we have here today. As a bit of lark I told Bob we should use this funny little toy bat and plastic ball and go play in the now clear from snow areas in the field. It's funny, because for the life of me I am not talented in any form of 'sport ball'....but I think I know what the fix is...I need to play with the toy version! I hit the ball, I caught the ball and even managed a few straight pitches to Bob. Maybe we need to form a Ladybug's Cabin leage! Bob was particularly fond of my hatchet chop form in hitting some of the pitches. What can I say? I'm unique at everything I do. :)
After our game had wound down...well ok _I_ had wound down....I had a customer stop by to get some supplies for a little demo I'm doing for an online meeting in a few weeks. She happened to be in the area having got to see the Fiber show in Bigfork at BACC. (which I've been working on for a while now and is finally OPEN!) I hope that if you are nearby you'll go and check it out...and if you're not close enough to come see it, I'll be posting a virtual tour of the show soon.
This evening is home made calzones and some fun Brittish comedy shows...or pretending to watch some fun Brittish shows while doze on the sofa....so yeah.....a solid good day.
Paint Metal and Mud, 8 1st Street East, Kalispell MT
As you may have heard the art gallery made up of local artists that I'm a part of in Kalispell had to find a new location recently. We had been in the Kalispell Grand Hotel since the creation of the co-op, but with new owners taking over the hotel, we were given 30 days notice to vacate at the end of January.
With some luck we were able to find a space just on the other side of Main street where we could shift our work to, even if it isn't a traditional gallery space and the rent being double what we had been paying. As a number of artists decided not to make the move, we also juried in quite a few new member artists to join at the new location.
Moving can be chaotic and challenging, and we're still feeling out our new space, but I was so heartened by the new energy and willingness by these new artists to jump in and offer their technical talents as much as their artistic ones. It was a good reminder of what can be accomplished with many hands and hearts.
And now, as we re-open to the public again, I hope to feel the same support from our extended community. Keep us in mind when you need that special greeting card, a gift to celebrate the beauty that our area has to offer, or in treating yourself to something beautiful in your own home.
