The Gift of Friendship

I am increasingly aware of how lucky I am to be surrounded by high quality friendships.  This is something that has kept me upright during the most difficult times.

Something that I'm realizing in this modern day of computing is that I have friendships that are deep and meaningful with people all over the world that I've never met in person.  One such friend is Flavia, a fellow crafty Mama who lives in Brazil.  We have always felt a connection through our love of fiber arts and the mothering of children with special needs.  But since Bronwyn died, she has been a rock for me.  Yesterday, just as I was feeling a little blue, a special package arrived from her.  It was a bright and sunny pair of fabric prints; one with tea cups, the other with a retro red blossom.  I was immediately reminded of my bond with her and felt that everything was going to be allright. Today it was sunny enough to hang the laundry outside and, of course, the first thing I was inspired to wash was my new fabric.  Doesn't it look wonderful soaking up the breeze? 

I can't wait to start sewing with it (but I must; too many projects in the queue at the moment to start another)!

May this day find your uplifted by your own special friendships.

Teacup fabric designed by Suzy Ultman for Robert Kaufman.  The line is called "Metro Cafe"  Blossom fabric is designed by Alice Kennedy for Timeless Treasures and is called, "Poppy"



Montana Spring Harvest

My husband and I just returned from a trip to Montana, where my husband's family lives.  His beloved Grandmother recently passed away, and we decided to make the trip to be together as a family and support each other.  Death is a transition for more than just the person who has passed. 

I have never been in Montana in the spring, and I was startled by how wintery it still felt.  We were scraping ice off of our car's widshield, and it snowed almost every day that we were there.  Still, the birds knew that it was spring time even if the weather seemed ambiguous.

While we were there, I was able to visit a women's quilting group that my Mother-in-law is a part of. The home that we visited was on a small farm and we were able to bring home a lovely bunch of fresh eggs, including two turkey eggs; proof of spring right there.  Back home now, the season is obvious in the velvet green of our lawns and by the sound of people out and about.  I treasured the time that we were visiting family, but it's good to be back in my familiar landscape!