Virtual Christmas

Christmas had a twist this year! I was able to share it with my son, daughter-in-law and grandson "virtually" via my laptop computer and Skype.

Skype is a program that has the capability of serving as a telephone (though the definition of phone has changed over the years) and as a video chat. I installed it on my DDIL's laptop and we've been using it since August to have family chats. It allows me to be a presence in my grandson's life between visits.

For Christmas Eve the laptops were at the ready. My DDIL set hers to give me a view of the tree and all the presents. I had the joy of watching them open their presents and they saw me open mine. From time to time their cat walked through the scene and I had to hold up "So-gent" for my grandson to see.

Other than not being able to actually reach out and touch, this was amazingly like sitting in a chair in their living room watching my grandson zoom around with delight as he opened his presents.

And I was thrilled when my son gave his wife a progressive gift. That was something I used to do ... have him follow clues or open items in sequence until the actual gift was received. For my DDIL the gift started with a babysitting certificate and ended with almost front row tickets for the Nutcracker! Seeing that was one of her family traditions and I'm delighted my son is continuing it for them.

Christmas is a blending of traditions that grow as the years pass. I know now that when I can't be with my loved ones "in person" I can be there virtually.

May you and yours have a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year. Whatever holidays you celebrate this season we share good will toward all.

-- Joanna

The Best Things....

When sending a new acquaintance a link to my blog I realized it has been a very long time (too long!) since I have written. I really didn't intend to leave this as a downer with the thought of being unemployed.

The day after writing the previous post I received a call offering me a seasonal position at my employer. I turned in my badge August 1 and had three weeks of unpaid "vacation" before entering training for my new job. I used part of that time to go to Colorado and spend a week with my dear son, daughter-in-law and grandson. For the first time, I took Sargeant with me. He has turned out to be a terrific traveler!

My new job is a combination of what I did in the past as well as learning new things. There are things I miss, such as my former 4-10 schedule with Friday, Saturday and Sunday off. There are things I really, really like, such as interesting work and a paycheck. I'm also learning tax preparation. No matter how bad the economy, we're going to have to pay taxes!

I've taught a few classes and worked on a few projects. I've rekindled my interest in doing really good photography. My cashing out a a few shares of company stock (sell or lose them) at a market high gave me the funds to buy a Canon G10. Egotistic person that I am, I believe I purchased the first one sold in Tucson. I like firsts!

My delight this Thanksgiving was to drive to Colorado, again with Sargeant. That's my favorite holiday because it is the time to give thanks. I have so very much to be grateful for! Among my blessings is my grandson. You can see how we enjoyed sharing a laugh in the photo.

Driving home was quite an adventure and one I would have happily avoided. However, I know that it isn't the easy things that are remembered. So I shall always remember this as finding the "good weather" report turning into 8+ inches of white and fluffy. I thought I was being smart leaving at 5:30 am to drive home. It took 3 hours to get past Colorado Springs! And 18 hours total to get home. Despite that I was at work my regular time the next morning. It's been years since I've driven in snow. I'd just as soon avoid it, but I'm glad I haven't forgotten how to drive in it.

There's Nothing Like a Retreat!

That's my friend and retreat roommate on the right. Lynda and I are taking a break from quilting to enjoy a prickly pear cactus margarita at the Tanque Verde Guest Ranch. If you click on the link you'll see photos of the ranch and, much to my surprise, the room we had! I also went on a Sunday morning breakfast ride into the beautiful Rincon Mountains. What a great time! I hadn't been on a horse for almost 15 years but quickly remembered how to ride.

Later this week I'll be posting photos from the retreat to a Webshots album. For the time being I'm focused on finishing my projects for the Fast Friday Challenge. The link has a photo and the story of the challenge.

At the retreat I regained the creative spark that has been missing for more than a month.

The company where I have worked for the past 5 1/2 years has experienced a reduction in force of 7%. I am one of the hundreds of employees impacted. I turn in my badge on Friday. So this week contains both sadness and joy.

-- Joanna

Preparing for the Retreat

One more day of work and then a day of vacation to prepare for Camp Wanamakaquilta, the annual retreat held by The Quilters Market at the Tanque Verde Guest Ranch.

The Ranch is a true Tucson treasure. It is one of the few remaining dude ranches where one there were hundreds. It has had many accolades and is considered a top vacation destination.

One of the many blessings of living in Tucson is that we do have some wonderful resorts. During the summer, when temperatures remain firmly in the low 100s and the monsoon rains bring welcome respite, the resorts are a bargain. It's hard to understand why most people don't take advantage of the ridiculously low (comparatively speaking) rates. But "shhhhh!" that means we can enjoy the good life without being overrun by too many tourists.

The Ranch is known for fun and food. Last year I gained five pounds! This year, well, let's just say I'm prepared to start dieting on Monday!

For the retreat we have the huge ballroom all to ourselves to set up machines and all equipment needed to quilt, quilt, quilt! It's a grand time to share with old friends and to make new friends. This is the second year and almost everyone who was at the Retreat last year is here again this year. Indeed, the Retreat proved so popular a second section was added and held last year. At least one of my friends made plans to attend both sessions!

Last year I barely knew my roommate. We made a quick decision to room together while talking at a Girls Night Out. We discovered we have much in common and have become fast friends since then. I'm going to write a blog entry just about here as she's also become a teacher at Quilters Market.

I'll be taking many more photos this year. In the meantime, enjoy some of the Ranch photos I took last year.



Tanque Verde Resort

Teacher's Reward

There's a reward in teaching that I didn't fully realize until my students started coming back to show me how they'd applied their learnings.

Pictured above is Michelle, one of the students in my fabric bowl class two weeks ago. Michelle expresses her creativity in a number of ways. I've admired her crocheting. She is not a quilter. She's not even much of a sewer. Her machine is an older Pfaff that her mother gave her. For making fabric bowls it is more than sufficient.

This week, Michelle walked into my office holding the bowl you see above. The blue isn't the traditional quilter's cotton fabric most students use. Instead it is a scrub suit top given to her by my boss. It looks great and is a superb way to "repurpose" fabric.

Michelle asked for a critical review of the project. I went ahead and nitpicked it. All in all, she did a fabulous job with this, her second bowl.

I am thrilled with her. I love it when my students take what I've taught them and then go out and experiment and grow on their own. It's a wonderful reward for me. Thanks to Michelle for giving me permission to include this photo on my blog.

-- Joanna

The Eye of the Beholder

I belong to a wonderful group of quilt artists who participate in the Fast Friday Fabric Challenge. The last Friday of the month we are presented a challenge. Similar to many challenges with a twist: we have just one week to finish the challenge! We have to think out of the box and we have to work fast.

It was the working fast that tripped me up last month. I lacked inspiration for most of the week then got into a creative frenzy. The challenge was to take or a quilt and then deconstruct it. I had a small project that I had done for another group and disliked it so much it almost went in the trash. Instead, I took my cutter and had great fun cutting it apart. The reconstruction was a series of "what if?" What if I did a loose weave? What if I experimented with different threads? What if I added an inside border?

Lots of fun and I rushed to get it finished. Problem is, I rushed too much and made a horrible mistake. One that couldn't be corrected. No way. No how. What to do? I decided to go ahead and finish the quilt. Could someone see the mistake? Doubtful. Could someone feel the mistake? Possibly. Do tell ...when was the last time you saw someone go into a home and take art off the wall?

As I usually do, I took the quilt into my office to be admired. All artists like to get ego-stroking and I can rely on my co-workers to give me appropriate stroking. No one said "hey, I see a mistake!"

Now that you have admired, it's time for me to confess what I will use forever as a "teaching moment" with my students. I had dutifully spent a few minutes practicing my free mothing quilting. Being rushed I wasn't quite as careful as usual. I didn't realize I had very neatly quilted a section of my practice piece to my top! Ouch!

I cut as much away as I could then fused on a back and applied a binding.

Now you know the secret. Can you see it?

-- Joanna

Do Not Disturb!

It's Saturday and I'm having a lazy day. With the temperature outside at 103 degrees at noon the energy level is pretty low. Here in Tucson we claim it's a dry heat but when the temperature gets over 105 the inclination is to simply relax. There's something magical about 105 degrees. Below that, we cope. Above that we are sluggards.

Our daily blessing is the morning. As hot as it was yesterday and as hot as it will be today, the early morning is cool, often 30-40 degrees cooler than midday temperatures. That's when we are active. Thus it was that I woke my usual time (5:00 am), relaxed a bit, then put on Sargeant's harness and headed to Udall Park for a walk. We usually go there for concerts and the dog park. This morning the objective was a bit of dog park for Sargeant and a mile plus walk for both of us. I've decided to rededicate myself to losing more weight (a visit to the doctor and getting some elevated lab results is an incentive!) so weekend mornings are being dedicated to walks.

We did a tour of the walking path then headed to the dog park. Sargeant ran around for a few minutes then we headed out to explore the park. I've decided I really don't enjoy walking along a formal walking path. I'd much prefer to wander. So this likely won't be a regular destination, especially with gas prices as high as they are today. This morning it was $35 to fill my little Hyundai's tank!

Once home I watered the garden and caught up with email and the Saturday morning quilting programs. Inspiration to get my muse going! First, however, I have to unpack my machine. Yesterday I taught a photo postcard class and, naturally, forgot to take photos of how I was geared up with my Tutto machine case, Laurel Burch bag with all the supplies and, for this class only, laptop computer and printer.

Clicked on the studio light and there was Sargeant, sound asleep, at least until the light came on, in one of his favorite sleeping spots. He looked up as I quietly retreated and I hoped he wouldn't move until I grabbed the camera. For those not familiar with Miniature Pinscher dogs, they are often called "alarm" or "security" dogs. Small they may be (but not Sargeant, he's a trim 18 pounds for his over-sized 14" height) but loud, alert and territorial. Let someone try to come to the back gate or front door and he'll make you think he's a 200 pound terrior!

After our morning walk all Sargeant wants to do is nap. The studio is dark and cool and the best sleeping spot is on top of my cutting/ironing center. That's the surface I forgot to cover yesterday when I dashed out for class. Before I can wake my muse I need to remove the dog and cat hair!

That's a small inconvenience for the companionship provided by Sargeant TopGun and Miz Paws.

When I finish this blog entry I can go to the studio and not feel guilty shooing him away. He's sound asleep on the bed now, head resting on my pillow. It's definitely a good day to be a dog!

-- Joanna

Lessons from the Death of Tim Russert

Some people simply aren't meant to die. They're icons, with us for decades. We expect them to keep on keeping on. When a icon dies, there's always shock. Especially when the icon is someone younger.Boomers are the generation that's going to live to 90.

Tim Russert died at age 58 of heart disease. Like many of us he was overweight and under exercised. He loved life and when life offered up good food he ate it. When life didn't offer good food he did like most of us and went to junk food tables and snack machines. Stress eating, many of us call it, though we deny we are stressed.

Politics makes strange bedfellows and so does journalism. I've been involved with both. Both are incestuous. On one hand there is the competition to be first, to be the best. On the other is the understanding that the only people who truly understand your work and life are those who experience the same frustrations and triumphs. Your best friends can be your most intense competitors.

On his death Tim Russert wasn't lauded only by his compatriots at NBC. Every news network, broadcast and cable, devoted huge chunks of time to reporting his life, his passions and his accomplishments, the greatest of which was his love for his family. There was even mention of him during Sunday's NASCAR race. He'd never gotten to the Saturday night races at Richmond "because he had to work on Sundays".

I remember the whiteboard with "Florida! Florida! Florida!" written on it. More than that I remember his exuberance. He had a fire in his belly for the things he loved and politics was dearly loved.

Most of all his love was for his family. His son Luke said on the Today Show, "There was always a lot of love from him. We would always hug. There’s not a day that goes by that I have not known my father loves me. For that, I’m eternally grateful.”

Lessons Tim Russert left for us:

-- Love your family, show them you love them and tell them you love them.

-- Be passionate about your life. Have a fire in your belly to do the best and be the best.

-- Resoect your health and care for it. Don't fail your body for it will give you the life you want.

Godspeed, Tim Russert. Thank you for your passion and your lessons in life.

-- Joanna

8210 Photos

This is the last photo taken with my Nikon 7900. I bought this almost three years ago as my "Grandma" gift to myself. My grandson was my excuse to upgrade to a top of the line compact digital camera. At the time, and perhaps even today, the Nikon 7900 was an exceptional camera. I carried it with me everywhere.

See the rock in front of the fountain? I was in the Mill Avenue area of Tempe, Arizona, with my son, doing touristy things. We came across this beautiful fountain in the middle of an office complex. Unseen in this photo are the very large jackrabbit sculptures that surround the fountain.

Here in the desert any water is welcome and a fountain is especially welcome. I took this photo then my son told me to stand in front of the foundtain so he could take a photo with his camera phone.

I had my Nikon in my right hand, lens extended, while he photographed me. I told him to change positions so I could take his photo. Not realizing I had moved behind the rock, the one in the front right of the photo, I stepped forward and fell flat. Quick as a wink I was on the ground and trying to telll my son I was OK while trying to decide how un-OK I really was.

My Nikon, extended before me, broke my fall. Fortunately the Tempe Fire Department was next to this complex and my son insisted on taking me there. The EMTs checked me out and bandaged the large patch of "rock rash" on my leg. I wasn't as worried about myself as my camera. It is destroyed. My son says if the camera hadn't slid, and the lens hadn't been forced back into the camera, I might have broken my arm.

We had a great time in Tempe. I'l try to embed the slideshow of my photos.




Visit to Tempe

Ruled by a Cat!

If I spent as much time in my studio as Miz Paws and Sargeant TopGun did I'd be the ruler of my studio! Instead they have it almost all to themselves. It's their portal to the outside world and, for Miz Paws, her favorite sleeping spot.

When I enter the studio Sargeant knows to curl up on a bed on the floor. Miz Paws, however, claims my ironing/cutting table as her own. Before I can do anything I have to take a scrubber and clean off the top. Fine kitty fur gets mixed with occasional dog hairs. Not what I want decorating my quilts!

I have a constant game that I have to play with Miz Paws. If she is on the table I do a "scat, cat!" She quickly, sometimes, obliges and goes straight to my chair. If I'm piecing then cutting it's a constant move from one area to another. Much of the time I give up and simply iron or cut around her. She doesn't seem to mind if rulers, fusible and fabric gets toss (or sometimes placed gently) on top of her.

I fondly refer to her as my Quilt Cat and primary assistant. I like knowing I'm in good compay. It seems most quilters have at least one Quilt Cat!

Does your Quilt Cat take over your studio?

-- Joanna

A Different Birthday Quilt

My grandson celebrated his third birthday this week. What memories! Babies need quilts, right? So I spent time during my daughter-in-law's pregnancy making baby gifts. One of them was a quilt made of Laurel Burch fabrics. (Little did I know that nowadays babies don't sleep under quilts or with any bedding. Too dangerous. Who would have known?)

This year I decided it was time to make use of some of the scraps. The featured speaker at the Tucson Quilters Guild was Bethany Reynolds. While she is best known as the originator of the Stack-n-Whack® method, my eye was caught by her pattern for a rucksack pattern. The smallest was preschool; ideal for Lukas.

The pattern is well-done, with a pocket on the inside (adult size) and three pockets on the outside. I made several modifications. Rather than cutting the lining in one piece, I cut it from two and then joined the two sections. Rather than making the flap close with a button and buttonhole, I used Velcro. Easier for little fingers.

I'm now thinking about making the adult size for me. Just have to decide on the fabric to use!

Bethany Reynolds website is http://www.bethanyreynolds.com/ She teaches at QuiltUniversity.com. While I have taken many courses there, I've missed taking one from her. After hearing her speak at the Guild I'm sure she's a great teacher.

Spring Cleaning

After several years of heavy use (and of Sargeant and Miz Paws using it as their favorite snoozing spot) it was time to replace the canvas top of my cutting and pressing center.

Rather than the heavy canvas I had used on my original cover, I chose to use a heavier cotton that has a sewing theme. I removed the staples and tossed the canvas. The Insul-Brite padding looked like new. No need to replace.

A few minutes with the staple gun and I had my new cover! I'm not sure it will hold up as well as the canvas but it's a nice change.

I've also learned that when I am fusing to put a piece of muslin on the surface. "Oops!" happen no matter how careful one is with fusing and the muslin saves the cover and saves time.

Now it's time to start on spring cleaning the stash that overfloweth!

A Knock on the Nose

Sargeant is about to be ousted from his comfy spot on my bed. Pretty normal situation to rearrange my companimals. Right now, Miz Paws is curled up next to me and Sargeant is on the other side of the wooden table in this photo. It's a move of about three feet for him. The wooden implement is a bed table I brilliantly bought myself this Christmas as a gift for my new laptop. (Sargent just moved. He's now behind me, on top of the pillow, where he can look out the window. Of course, it's impossible to take a photo! If I did it would show bi-level companimals!)

Back to my story ... although it's large and bulky, the thought of having a bed table seemed brilliant at the time. It's a wonderful table. I'm using it right now. It's sturdily made with magazine holders on each side. As a special feature, the top of the table can be tilted for book reading.

That tilt is the problem ... it's now securely (I hope!) taped shut.

The table usually resides on the hope chest at the end of my bed. On Saturday when I went to pick it up I didn't realize the top could swing free. It not only swung free, it hit me with quite a blow on my glasses. Neither my glasses nor my nose broke but the result was instant pain, abrasion, and glasses knocked out of kilter. I've been on pain pills ever since but my face is still inflamed and my eyes are dreadfully puffy.

I'm home from work today and heading to my eye doctor's office in a few hours to see if I can get my glasses put back into shape. I'm grateful they did their job -- my eyes were protected from what could have been a worse injury.

Vanishing Tucson

I belong to the Yahoo Group "Vanishing Tucson". It's an interesting mix of people who have lived here a long time, newcomers, old-timers, and travelers. There are memories shared of places long gone and alerts about places about to be lost. Various members of the group are photographers and enjoy preserving Tucson photographically.

Yesterday we were able to go to Magic Carpet Golf to photo-document what may become a parking lot instead of an enchanting, crumbling place of memories to be made.

As a quilt artist I was interested in the textures and colors. My contribution to the photographic history is in this Webshots album:

http://travel.webshots.com/album/562280166NkBhXA

I would very much like to see some of the structures moved to a park where children and adults alike can continue to enjoy them.

Choices

I'm revisiting a creativity course I first took a year ago. At that time I was wondering what direction my life might take in retirement.

While I could take Social Security now, I have no desire to do so. I want to continue working at my good job for another two to five years, maybe even longer. I'm not one to sit in a rocking chair and watch my remaining decades pass. What would keep me active, involved, and continuing to love life?

The answer, prompted by the course, was to become a teacher. Today, the teaching is quilting and mentoring Junior Achievement students. I've discovered I love teaching. It energizes me and I learn so very much from my students.

I express my creativity in fabric, beads and fiber. I'm a writer. I'm a photographer. Combining these talents is something I love to do!

The gate is in a garbage alley near my home. It represents choices ... life is a series of gates that we can choose to open or not. Outside the gate is the now of today. Beyond the gate is the now of tomorrow. The choice is mine. I can stay as I am, or I can add new adventures.

I hope you enjoy my gate photo as much as I do!

-- Joanna