Small acts of kindness

    
      A nurse who is in my quilt guild, has taken the lead in encouraging us to make "lovies". These are blankets that are about 18" square and have flannel (pajama  material) on one side. They are relative easy to make. The purpose for these lovies is to put them in Sheriff's cars so that the officers can hand them out to children who are under stress.

      In addition, a contribution of a small toy would be appreciated. So, I went to the local bargain store and bought a couple bags of soft cuddly creatures. The young man, in his early 20's, commented on these soft toys. I explained their purpose. He replied, "been there". I was stunned. I certainly didn't ask for details, but he had needed protection as a young child. I did ask if he was OK. He replied that he was, but I could tell that it still hurt.

    As I left he said, "It's nice to know that someone cares."

     Later, I wish that I had thought to say, "Many care, we just don't always know how to reach out."

     Needless to say, I came home and made some more lovies.

1st place

We had our River City Quilt Show this past weekend and I won a ribbon in the small pieced category. My entry was part of a challenge. We were given two fabrics and had to make a quilt, bag, garment, curtains of whatever one's creative mind could dream up. There were some big quilts and small ones. This quilt was about 28" by 30".

One of the center green yellows and the turquoise were the given fabrics. Well, by the time I had my design and got to the outer edge, the turquoise was too loud. So, I took fabric paint and sponged it on the bright fabric. Hey, there was nothing in the rules that said the process was not allowed.

Figure drawing

After a summer break, figure drawing sessions are again being held on Friday mornings. We start with 2 minutes poses and work up to the longest pose of 35 to 45 minutes. There is sooo much talent in the class. I enjoy seeing the different media that people use from charcoal, to pastels to watercolor. I'm like the kid in the candy store. I want to try everything. However, I seem to settle on pastel pencils for the longer poses.

This was a 35 minute drawing. I am beginning to get some of the concepts and proportions correct and then--I know that I have so much more to conquer. That's OK, it's fun to keep trying.

Watercolor and pumpkin

OK, I have never done a watercolor of someone I'm supposed to recognize. But, I decided to do a monochromatic version of my twin grand babies. There are many flaws, but it is a start and my husband had that special smile when he saw it-so I'm getting there. Gathering the courage and just doing it was a big step.

Earlier I drew the giant pumpkin that was growing in our backyard. Here is a photograph of the carved 92 pound vegetable. We did save some seeds and we'll see what happens next year. Yes, my farmer husband won the contest against his buddy.