SAVE THE DRAMA FOR THIS MAMA

As much as I'd like to believe it just ain't so, the fact is I do tend to tour the various emergency rooms on my travel schedule.  I broke my arm in NYC and got a concussion on the concrete stairs down to the Marta in Atlanta.   I'm more fun than a barrel of pidgeon toed monkeys.  Yet with all the historionics Jennifer still wanted to come to Quilt Market with me in SLC.  Glutten for punishment!

I decided to do something I've never done before Market and treat myself to a microdermabrasion.  Kinda like spring cleaning.  All  I researched  said there was no down time, my skin will be refreshed, yada.... I had it done on Monday and we left for Salt Lake City on Wednesday.  Everything looked great.  However, on the flight my face started itching and swelling.   

A sidenote: When we left Indianapolis it was 91 outside.  Our flight was delayed to the point all the passengers thought we missed our connections in Denver.  Rough ride, bad weather, then the pilot says we can't land because of a snowstorm.  Seriously???  Itch, itch.  We didn't get into SLC until 3:30 a.m. (5:30 a.m. to this Mid-westerner).  

   I kept popping Benedryl the next day for set-up, Schoolhouse and a later event.  By the first day of Market red raw welts spread to my neck and into my hairline.  My eyes were so swollen there were creases across my nose.  Anything, even water felt like I was pouring acid on my skin.  My roomies (Jona, Daria and Jennifer) had to look at this in the morning.  Needless to say, first day at Market was spent in the emergency care.  Lived on steroids and Benedryl the rest of the show.  I spent probably 2 hours trying to apply layers of makeup and concealer.  Then I was afraid I'd scratch it off.  As the swelling started going down my skin started peeling.  Like isn't that why I wanted the microdermabrasion in the first place???  I was self-conscious meeting so many people for the first time.   Tried sunglasses but I thought they just made me look like a pretentious blind lady.  Oh, and the kicker?  Now that I'm back home my face is better. 

Outside of my usual drama, seeing everyone was so wonderful.  This is the best group of people.  I mean it.  We sincerely care for each other.  I honestly felt like Kermit and Miss Piggy running towards each other in a field of flowers when I saw some of you. 

Now that I'm home I'm chained back to the hamster wheel.  I did decide I couldn't post again until I updated my blog header.  The header reflects some of my artwork and how it's turned into products.  Still way behind on getting the websites updated and a plethora of other must do's. 

 

So while others are posting all the beautiful new fabrics and booths, I wanted to try a different approach.

Here's the deal: We ARE moving to San Diego.  The 9 month roller coaster has finally stopped.  So now on top of everything else we are rushing to get the house ready to put on the market.  I love my house, love my neighbors, community, friends and family, so this is bittersweet.  However, I also dearly love my husband and I had this scripture engraved on the inside of his wedding band: 

Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Ruth 1:16

Doesn't sound like a very liberated woman, does it?  He adopted my kids and became the best father they could have ever had.  Tim has been my biggest fan, best friend  and business partner.  He's always got my back.  I am proud of him and am ready to move into this next phase of our lives together.  Okay, honestly?  Moving to San Diego for a job is like saying you are becoming a missionary in Hawaii.  No sympathy there.  We are looking to simplify so we'll be having the first yard sale this weekend. 

I am still planning some giveaways, but realized since there's another huge giveaway going on elsewhere right now, I'm going to wait until that event is over.  Plus, I need to go quick price some yard sale items.  Stay tuned.





MORE BOTANIKA



Kathy Miller took the first two shots of my Botanika fabrics in a grouping and I'm so thankful for that.  I barely got to see them all together before I shipped them off to Quilt Market.  I leave in two days and I'm running around like a deer in headlights.  But not too busy to give you another glimpse of my new pride and joys. 



Botanika in Meadow Colorway



Pastille Colorway



 I took a couple quick shots of the lattice so I could stroke the photo and remember how much I love how it turned out.

Mod Lattice

And here's a closer look at the Garden Border flowers.  Sorry about the odd angle, but you get the idea, right?



Garden Border in Meadow Colorway



For those of you that will be at Quilt Market, my booth is #425.  Please come and say hello.

My Schoolhouse will be  in Room 255B   3:10 - 3:40.  Expect to have fun and a possible giveaway!

BOTANIKA IS HERE!

Move over Princess Catherine!  My brand spankin new fabric collection, called Botanika, includes some royal birds.  I began this collection a year ago when I was inspired by a trip to San Diego.  I spent time at the beautiful Balboa Gardens, walked by incredible cottages in La Jolla and soaked up the beauty of it all.  Even the birds seemed happier to be living in such a glorious place.  So I began sketching and painting what I gathered in photographs and my imagination. 

As of yesterday I only had 8 of the fabrics, but by some sort of miracle (and Christine) I came back from an all day photo shoot to the rest of my fabrics.  I hadn't been to the bathroom or eaten all day, but I began running outside to try and get some outdoor photos while it was still light enough.  I also received 3 pillows from a couple of the fabrics (Susan, they are gorgeous!)so I was snapping up a storm while doing the potty dance.

Now I've been trying to put something together to show you, but I am having a heck of a time here.  And I'm supposed to be packing for Quilt Market.  Please forgive me if my debut is not perfect.  I'll fix it later, but just had to share.  What do you think?

 Why is this Meadow colorway stretched and fuzzy?  I reloaded it five times , resaved it, yelled at it.  Hmm.

pillow front

pillow back

I have so much to share with you.  I went through quite a low time after the holidays were over.  I also have been buried in work, but I'm feeling much better now.  Being creative has been a lifesaver.  You all have also been wonderful and when I get back from Quilt Market I'm going to make it up to you!  How about some giveaways?

Now off to pack!