THIS COULD BE THE START OF SOMETHING GOOD

Quilt Market is right around the corner now, so I spent the weekend sewing. I am on a patchwork kick these days. Works nicely since I want to show as many of my new fabrics as possible in a small space. This way I get to play with them all at once! I'm getting pretty excited. I know not all the fabricnistas will be there in Pittsburgh, but I'm so looking forward to seeing many of you again. Let me know if you're going.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

My birthday was this last Friday. It was a wonderful day. The new fabrics were here, God stopped the rain just for me, the sun was shining, and I was surrounded by friends and family.
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Most of you do not know much about my life. That's probably good. But the older I get, the more I realize I'm not as alone as I thought in having a crazy, sad childhood. See, I was passed among different family members, foster homes and ultimately became a ward of the state while I was in high school. I was clearly unwanted, unloved and unloveable. My birthday was not celebrated. In fact, I did not know my actual birth date until I was an adult and got a copy of my birth certificate. April 17. Not the 15th or 13th as I thought.

So you can imagine how tickled I am if I get so much as a birthday card. One of my dearest friends, Lisa, makes a card EVERY year, and I anticipate and cherish each one, especially because she hand delivers them. I feel so loved. My husband takes me to dinner and always has an incredible bouquet of flowers waiting at the table when we arrive. I notice that people are curious and look to see who the special person might be that finally arrives. I feel so very blessed. Here's a close-up of one beautiful rose in the large arrangement waiting for me.

I went from unloved and homeless to one happy gal. My faith has brought me a long way from those sad childhood days. I have learned to love, be loved, be a mom, wife, friend and the most awesome Mimi (grandma). That is a miracle, don't you think? That's why I'm so freakin blessed!

I got this "birthday card" from Anthropologie. I thought it was so creative...I had to show you.

Isn't it adorable? I somehow want to contact the Anthro people and personally thank them for their creativity.

So to all of you, thanks so much for your kudos. You keep me going! Hugs and kisses.

EVERYONE, MEET SUMMER SOIREE

You like? This is between a sneak peek and a casual introduction. Don't know a word for that.

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We received the fabrics yesterday afternoon, except for 2 additional patternns that are coming soon (I hope). It's been a whirlwind ever since. But, even amidst the hubub I just had to stop and at least let you see what I've been up to.

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Drop me a note and tell me what you think. Okay, gotta sew.

I SEE A PEDICURE IN MY NEAR FUTURE

Guess who did a little shopping? My birthday is this week, so I treated myself. Remember those 2 vintage necklaces I picked up awhile back? I think I spent $7 for both. Didn't really have anything that matched...until now! Orange you loving those shoes? Green with envy? Hope to wear them at Quilt Market, but I can tell you now, I'll be in pain. I have never been able to wear heels, and love them. At Fall Quilt Market I had these awesome heels that I was determined to wear (I'm 5'1" and feel more like 4'8" next to Amy Butler and Heather Bailey). Instead of looking hot, I staggered around in pain, leaning on anyone that stood close enough. Towards the end of the 2.0 party I yanked them off and wandered around bare footed. I'm just warning you. I will wear them and I will whine. Let me know if you don't like people leaning on you.

Nothing is going as planned today. Camera battery was dead. Trying to send an email to a fellow designer and no matter what I try she isn't getting them. My stat counter has not been working for days and took me hours to figure out the problem, so had to re-install that. All these mechanical things annoy me. It's a love-hate relationship. I hate the problems, but I do love to play on the computer and see what everyone is up to when I have time....and even when I don't really have the time.

So what did I do? I joined Twitter!!! Yes, way! I had never even been on Twitter, but last week was catching up on my blog favs and Heather was telling us she joined Twitter. I know Patty is a huge fan, so I got curious. Went poking around. Next thing I know, I am a legalized Twit. Basically got nothing much done all weekend. If you're interested come join me on Twitter. Check out my sidebar. But beware, it's definately addicting, and a time waster. On the good side, as a self employed person, I don't have regular contact with the outside world. Don't have that problem now! It's a great way to find out what other's are up to, what they're working on in a quick way. Are any of you Twittering? Let me hear from you.

Hey, look what I found on my Flights of Fancy Flickr group? Another handbag made by Simone of Gardenhouse using a bit of my Garden Trellis fabric. She always uses the most awesome brooches and vintage ribbon.

And look at this Orange dress! A combination of Sandi's Farmer's Market and another of my Garden Trellis colorways...orange, of course. Wonderful Spring color.

My second line of fabrics should be here this week. I can't wait!!! It will become busier than busy once they arrive, but I promise some sneak peeks.

NEEDLES UP: QUILTING GIVEAWAY

Hey, I just had to pass the news along. The Backporch Quilters are going to give away a free quilting service! That's huge to someone like me! I started this awhile back and now I have the push needed to get it done, wouldn't you say? Go over to The Backporch Quilters and check it out.