Proud to be a Canadian...

I've been working on a red and white wallhanging off and on for a few weeks; I mentioned it a while back. Several of you have been asking how it's coming along. I was not going to share any pics until it was totally finished, but here it is today- the top is done and ready to be layered and quilted. My goal is to have it done and hanging by July 1st.

I'm not all that fond of red, but I must admit, I do enjoy working with red and white. Guess I'm developing a liking for two color quilts (those of you who really know me, know that BLUE and white is more "me"...) Anyway, I saw a similar wallhanging in a show in Ottawa more than 10 years ago, and at the time purchased a little "kit" of pre-cut 2 1/2" red squares. I've been meaning to make it for years, but it's one of those things that just got pushed further and further down the "to do" list.

Since I've been the New Brunswick regional rep for the Canadian Quilters Association for 2 years now, and with all my teaching, I have accumulated quite a few Guild and Show pins. A while back I was thinking that I should have something to display them on, since they no longer all fit on my Guild nametag. I remembered the red squares and decided I would try to do a simplified version of the CQA/ACC logo... so here it is! I drew it out on graph paper and figured out my piecing sequence for putting it together. Those of you who are CQA/ACC members will notice a square of the CQA 25th anniversary fabric (red maple leaf on a black background) in the upper left corner of the maple leaf. I used 50 different reds. I have croppped away some of the white border in this photo; I haven't decided how wide I want it, so left it a little extra wide until I decide how I'm going to quilt it... Hopefully I'll have it quilted and bound for Canada Day, and you will see it again then...

Piece,

Linda

"Things turn out best for the people who make the best out of the way things turn out." ~ Art Linkletter

Ahhhh summer!!

Well it seems that summer is finally here. It arrived officially several days ago, but today's humidity tells me it really IS here. We've had days and days of rain, and now when the sun comes out, you can almost see the waves of steamy moisture rising... Everything is green and lush, flowers are blooming, the mosquitoes are voracious, yes - it's summer!! Yeah! It's been a long time coming...

I am finally seeing an end to the "Gardening: to be done" jobs. After all this rain, I now have my bedding plants in the ground, my 50 Glad bulbs planted and the last few new perennials put in. It's amazing what a difference several days of rain makes; several plants have grown a good foot in the last week.

As you can see, my very orange poppies are blooming - I hate orange but these sure add a punch of bright color don't they! Also in bloom is the Jacob's Ladder (Polemonium), the Cranesbill (also known as perennial geranium), my Chives, and the Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla)is almost in full bloom. My hostas are growing like crazy, the largest one is past my waist height! People ask me every year what I fertilize them with, and I'm sure they don't believe me when I tell them "Nothing... I don't even water them, it's just what Mother Nature provides.." I guess they just like the spot they're in...

Another sign of summer for me is a stack of good books waiting to be read.. I just finished Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. What a great book- I highly recommend it if you like a "page-turner"... I could hardly put it down. It's set in the 30's in the USA - the story of a young man who joins a traveling circus. I won't tell you any more - other than to say it's a worthwhile read. I can't wait to get into my fifth Diana Gabaldon book, A Breath of Snow and Ashes. Also on my list are The Cellist of Sarajevo, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, and possibly Pillars of the Earth. After so enjoying Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill, I'd like to read another by him too- has anyone read Any Known Blood? I'm always open to suggestions for good summer reading - feel free to pass on the titles of any books you've really enjoyed...

What are your "sure signs of summer"? Going for ice cream? A day at the beach? Summer trips? A morning or evening walk in the sun? Going to bed with the windows wide open, and waking to the sound of the birds?

We all have our favorite things about each season.... I just really enjoy HAVING each season - after living on the north end of Vancouver Island for a year, where it rains daily from mid September till mid June - I sure do appreciate the change of the seasons, and what each one brings...

Piece,

Linda

"Summer afternoon - summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language". ~ Henry James

Poppies, poppies....

What a week! Prom, Graduation and now Father's Day.... and a week of rain ahead... Maybe I'll get some sewing done this week. Sure won't be doing much gardening! The weeds will still be waiting for me, once the rain is done... sadly..

The excitement is gradually dying down after Laura's big week. When all is said and done, I guess the tassel was worth the hassle, as they say... She started back to work at Kings Landing today, and Mark returns to work tomorrow after being off for a full 4 weeks. He is feeling better, but I'm not sure how he'll make out going right back to a full 8 hour day of work...we'll see if he has the stamina yet... I expect he'll find he has to gradually work up to a full day. I suspect he'll come home bushed tomorrow...

I have been working away on a red and white quilting project.. it is nearly done so you'll be seeing a pic soon. I hope to finish piecing the top tonight, just have borders left to go; then I'll have to make some decisions on how to quilt it... Stay tuned ...

My poppies have been blooming for over a week now; last night's rain beat off many petals, but there are still a few buds yet to open. My favorite one is this shrimp colored one called Princess Victoria Louise. I also have several which are a very bright orange -not my favorite color, but I tolerate them! I plant annual poppies each year too - Shirley poppies (the Flanders Fields type) plus several other varieties - some single, some are double and frilly - they don't bloom till later in the summer. Since I don't have much news after a rainy dreary few days, I thought you might just like to enjoy some beautiful blooms.

Piece,

Linda

"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul". ~John Muir

Graduation Day..such a proud day for all parents...

Yesterday was quite a day! Laura's Graduation Day! We are so proud of the fine young lady she has become. I don't know where the years have gone, and how she can possibly be finished with High School. I must admit, as she walked across that big stage last night, I did have a little lump in my throat. I did well with holding back the tears though, surprising myself! I wish my parents could have been alive to see her too - they would be so very proud of their only grand-daughter. I see a lot of both of them in her...Yesterday would have been their 67th Wedding Anniversary.

Last night's ceremony was the 224th graduation from FHS - the oldest high school in Canada. As they flipped their tassles to the right side of their Mortar Boards (or "helmets" as they call them) after all had received their Diplomas, the Principal remarked that it was probably one of the largest "tassle turns" in Canada... over 400 graduates.

In my day, they presented every award and scholarship on stage, and it took forever. Now they present them in the Grad Assembly during the last week of school, and just announce them on Grad night as each graduate receives their Diploma- a much better idea. Laura had an impressive "list" read behind her name: "Laura Kelly Hubbard, Black Kat Scholar, Academic Large Black F, Small Black F, Secretary of 2009 Grad Class, Editor of The Graduate, recipient of Epsilon Y's Men's Club Scholarship, recipient of Brian Goodine Memorial Award for outstanding Leadership and Extracurricular Involvement, and recipient of FHS Yearbook Award and Medal for Leadership in production of The Graduate." Whew!! My heart did a big pitty-pat as she walked across the stage.... I guess all the hours of nagging, proof-reading essays, keeping on top of tests and assignments, driving to and from, and all the rest was well worth it. My parents philosophy on raising kids was "keep them so busy they don't have time to get into trouble"... It seemed to work on me, so I applied the same principle - and it worked on my two as well!! We are SO grateful that both our children have gotten through school with no major problems or difficulties, and have developed a good work ethic, working hard to achieve their goals. What more could a parent ask for?

Graduation always seems to be a time to reflect back, not only on good memories of one's own school days but also on achievements in one's own life. I am so grateful for what I have, especially my family. I have been so blessed to have such a wonderful husband and children. It seems that graduation is an opportunity to pass on wisdom and advice to the younger generation. On the many Grad cards I've written in the last few years, to my own children and many of their friends, I have always given the same advice that was given to me by a wise friend, upon graduation from University: Live your life with no regrets. Do your best to make wise decisions and choices, and once made, stick to them. If it turns out to have been a poor choice, learn from it so you don't make the same mistake twice. Take advantage of all life has to offer - travel, make new friends wherever you go, try new things. Then when you are older you can look back and say "I did it all, I have no regrets", rather than "I wish I had done this"...or "I wish I had taken that opportunity"..... This verse from a Graduation card sums it up nicely:

Be proud on this day

for the things you’ve accomplished

the way you have grown,

and the goals you have met.

Look now to the future

and face it with courage

and don’t waste a minute

of life on regret.

For the future you’ll have

will be just what you’ll make it-

be true to yourself

as you follow your star,

For you have the power

if you choose to use it

to reach any dream,

so remember- reach far!

Peace,

Linda

"...and the young will dream new dreams, new dreams of courage for the age to come."

Prom Night in New York City...

Well, as I said last night, we survived Prom Night 2009... It's funny how different this whole process is, with a daughter, as opposed to a son... I guess maybe it's a night that girls dream of for years, whereas the guys - not so much. The fact that Laura is on the Grad Class Executive has meant that she has been involved with all the planning of the Prom, right from the start - the theme, the decorations, ticket design, food, etc.- on top of "what style of dress will I wear" and "how will I want my hair" - also very important decisions in a young lady's life!! So it seems that Prom discussions have been ongoing forever - deliberations over the best theme (they went with "New York City"), what to do for decorations, how to "create" a Central Park area outside the Delta Ballroom - all on a tight budget of course. I must say they did a super job. Looks like Laura and Emily are still "cookin' up plans"....

Some of the Art students did a fabulous job on a two dimensional Lady Liberty which greeted them by the main door as they walked the red carpet to the entrance. Inside, in the Foyer outside the Ballroom, were painted Manhattan skyline silhouettes, plywood "cutouts" of the Empire State Bldg. and other Manhattan landmark buildings, all painted black and outlined with white mini lights, many silver stars hanging from the ceiling (kudos to the Moms who spent hours up ladders hangin' all those stars!!), street signs for Broadway, 5th Avenue, Madison Avenue, etc., posters advertising Broadway plays, and a "Central Park" area for photos, thanks to the kind generosity of Scott's Nursery who "loaned" us 18 potted trees and flowering shrubs. (Thanks to big brother Leigh for pickup and delivery of same trees and shrubs!) These were all lit with white mini lights and looked fabulous! The Grads had to pass through a huge balloon arch, made of brightly colored balloons, to represent the bright lights of Times Square. The Ballroom was decorated with more silver stars, street signs, and bouquets of helium balloons and "Grad 2009" table confetti on each table. All in all a lot of work for a few short hours, but very satisfying when you hear how much they enjoyed it and that all the comments were very favorable! They even had a "Grafitti Wall" for all the Grads to sign and write comments on - I guess it was very popular... So - a memorable night in a certain young lady's life, for sure.

I thought Laura looked elegant in her beautiful gown. Her hair was classy and not "overdone". The back of her gown was beautiful with all the beading on the straps, and the small gathering detail on lower back. Although in some of these pictures the dress looks more blue, it was actually a deep rich purple. (You can click on each photo for a larger view.)

For the girls it's all about the dress.. for the guys it's what kind of vehicle are we going to arrive in? I swear the Delta driveway looks like Academy Awards Night with the parade of vehicles and the crowd gathered to watch... Each year it seems they try to "outdo" what was done last year, vehicle-wise. This year the range ran from the usual sports cars and convertibles, Escalades and Hummers, to golf carts and Hearses!! There were horse-drawn carts, busses and an ambulance. The Valedictorian was in a speedboat pulled behind a car! Laura and Jared were thrilled to have Uncle Leigh drive them in his candy-apple red Corvette. Of course Jared was unsuccessful in convincing Leigh to let HIM drive... Laura and Leigh have always shared a special "bond"... I know it was important to Laura to have Uncle Leigh drive her on Prom Night .. And with that top off, we're sooo glad it didn't rain... The weather improved through the day and it turned out to be a perfect evening, not too hot... just right!

Here in this last photo is Miss Laura, Secretary of Grad Class 2009, and Mr. Brad, President of Grad Class 2009. These two did the bulk of the work. Well done you two!! Can you tell I'm a very proud Mama???

Love you Laura. You're the sparkle in my eyes, the twinkle in my toes and the kiss on my heart. Oh how I will miss you next year...

Piece,

Linda

The world is an incredible unfulfilled tapestry, and only you can fulfill the tiny space that is yours....

What a Night!! Prom 2009

Well I survived the day! There were a few times there when I wasn't sure if I would... I'm too tired tonight to tell you all about it, but suffice it to say overall, things went well.... the decorating, the rushing to hair and makeup appointments, etc. We survived and here are a few pics to prove it!! I thought Laura looked sweet..of course I am a little biased.... Here she is with her Prom date Jared Here are all the gang who came for pics...
Here are Laura and Jared...handsome couple.. The twins Laura babysits came to see her "pretty dress".. here is Laura with Abby and Sophie The ride in my brother Leigh's Vette was a highlight of the evening.... A night to remember... I'll post a few more Prom pics tomorrow...

Piece,

Linda

"On with the dance! let joy be unconfined;

No sleep till morn, when Youth and Pleasure meet

To chase the glowing hours with flying feet." ~ Lord Byron

Way too Busy....

It's been a crazy weekend...I haven't stopped all weekend, but I did accomplish a lot. Got more gardening jobs finished, many plants into the ground, some housecleaning and laundry and other boring stuff done, more done on my current sewing project... Mark had an out of town friend visit for the weekend, and Laura the Graduate is almost ready for Prom! Because she is on Grad Class Executive, she has been very busy with Prom preparations... This time tomorrow night, it will be all over..Thank the Lord! (Did I SAY that??) We both have to be down at the Delta Ballroom at 9 a.m. tomorrow to start decorating.. I am so tired NOW... don't know how I'm going to get through tomorrow.. (I am currently drinking a stiff drink in hopes it will knock me out so I'll sleep better tonight...)
Being on this Committee has been a "life learning experience" for dear daughter - she has learned about the "do-ers"and those who do nothing but complain. Laura has worked hard and done far more than her share of the work, while several of the others have done almost nothing...very frustrating .... just like "real life". Laura is a do-er and has certainly stepped up to the plate.. I am so proud of her. I think she'll be just as glad as I will when tomorrow is over.. We're both worn out. So.. no pics today, but hopefully tomorrow night, I'll have a few Prom pics to share with you. There are 10 couples coming here tomorrow for pics before Prom, we're just praying the predicted rain is over by then...
Stay tuned....
Piece,
Linda
A daughter is... a joy bringer, a heart warmer, a memory maker. A daughter is Love...

Rain, rain, go away...

Okay, we've had enough rain now, it can stop anytime, thanks. Everything has had a good watering.... time for some more sunshine. Prom night is only 3 nights away...we're looking for the return of sunny skies... :)

The good thing about several rainy days in a row is that it gives me some studio time. I snatched a few hours this afternoon again...felt good. I'm not sure my sewing machine recognizes me... it's been too long.... Here are some of the "units" for my current project- anyone want to venture a guess what I'm making??? Stay tuned...

Since I don't have much to show you today, I thought I would share another recipe. This is another of my favourite things to do with that wonderful fresh spring rhubarb: muffins! This is a very moist recipe; at my house they rarely last 24 hours, but if you think they'll last longer at your house, they likely should be stored in the refrigerator. They are yummy served warm, with a glass of cold milk...

Rhubarb Almond Muffins

1 1/4 cups all purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

1/4 cup white sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 large egg

1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup oil

1 tsp. almond extract

1 1/2 cups chopped rhubarb

1/2 cup slivered almonds

Chop stalks of rhubarb finely. (I choose the thin stalks when I'm making these muffins- then the pieces aren't too big) Combine dry ingds. in mixing bowl. In a smaller bowl, beat egg, then add milk, oil and almond extract, stirring well. Pour egg mixture over dry ingds. and stir just till all is moistened. Fold in chopped rhubarb and slivered almonds. Spoon into prepared muffin pan. If desired, sprinkle tops with white sugar. Bake at 375F until tops are lightly browned - about 18-20 minutes. Let cool a few minutes in pan before removing to cooling rack. Yummmmmy!

Piece,

Linda

"Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all". ~ Dale Carnegie

Wet Wednesday...

Really don't have much to tell you today...it was sort of a lazy day. I spent some time in my studio this afternoon cutting... I'll share with you in a few days what I'm up to .. it's red and white and sort of tied to July 1st.

It was too wet to work outside, although I did enjoy a walk through my garden- I love looking at the plants after a rain.. it's interesting the way water droplets will lay on some plants, and run right off of others.. So I thought maybe you would like to take a walk through my (wet) garden today.....

I love the way the water droplets stay on the leaves of this Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla)... they almost look like diamonds.

My Oriental poppies are just starting to bloom- this one called Princess Victoria Louise, is my favourite; it is a lovely shrimp color, with large deep burgundy blotches at the base of the petals. This is the first bud to split open - it will probably be fully open tomorrow. Although I dislike orange, these ones add such a bright dash of color to my garden, I could not bear to pull them out.. The rain has done a number on them, beating them down..... The petals are papery thin- almost like tissue paper.

I love Hostas..they are such beautiful plants, and right now they look so lush and healthy - no signs of any insect damage (yet). Maybe the slugs have seen my THREE boxes of Slug Bait sitting in the garage, just waiting to be called into action...

Piece,

Linda

"The rain to the wind said,

'You push and I'll pelt.'

They so smote the garden bed

That the flowers actually knelt,

And lay lodged--though not dead.

I know how the flowers felt." ~ Robert Frost

Purples in my Garden...

Today was cool with a breeze blowing. What's up with all this wind we're having? I got my seeds planted today; that was about all the "gardening" that took place... I did make one discovery that frustrated me... I decided to "unpot" the Gloriosa lily tubers I had planted, to put them in a larger heavier pot, after reading on the Internet how they can grow to 6 feet or more, and they need a heavy (terracotta) pot so they are not top heavy. When I carefully brushed away the soil, I found that they had started to mold... I was NOT happy. So, I removed the tubers, gently scrubbed off the mold with a little soapy water and my mushroom brush, and now they are sitting on my kitchen counter to dry well. Tomorrow I will dust them with Bulb Dust before I re-pot them. If anyone has any better ideas of how I should proceed, please let me know!! I returned to the Co-op Farm and Garden Supply Store and bought 2 more packages of them. There are 2 tubers per package. Of the four new ones I got, I'd say only one looks healthy. The other three appear quite dried and wizened up. So - I may not have any luck at all this year. But I'm going to give it a good try... If I have no success, next winter I'll seek them out online and see if I can order them direct from a supplier and maybe they'll be in better shape... This company has a guarantee on the package -

I hope I don't have to see if they'll stand behind it...

Above are a few pics of my Japanese Iris which is just starting to bloom. A few weeks ago I told you about trying to coax them to bloom, after years of seeing foliage only. Well it seems whatever I did, combined with a few applications of fertilizer has worked!! There are lots of buds on all three clumps so I'm happy!!

Also in bloom right now are my giant Alliums. These are relatives of the onion family, and look sort of like giant chive blossoms. They range from 3-4 feet tall... They are always the very first plant to push through the soil in the spring. When I remove the heavy mulch of leaves that I cover all my beds with, they are always pushing up under the heavy wet leaves. Persistence!!

Piece,

Linda

"Like a big mountain, a small garden stimulates, restores, and delights us, just as it poses challenges, promotes mastery, provides exercise and relieves monotony."~ The Power of Place, Winifred Gallagher

Glory Glory Gloriosa!!

How nice to have a sunny weekend without any major commitments. I whittled down my "To Do" list of gardening jobs. I moved some perennials, attended a plant sale and bought a few more (one can NEVER have too many plants...), got some bedding plants put in today, finished all my pots and containers, planted my Gladiolas in flats, etc. Tomorrow I will plant some seeds for Nigella, Cornflowers and several varieties of Poppies, and then the jobs will be almost done!! (I'm never totally done...)
This past week I found some tubers for Gloriosa Lilies - I'm always on the lookout for different things for my garden and lilies are a favourite. So I was thrilled to find these - let's hope I have luck getting them to bloom. They are a climbing lily, native to South Africa, and are also known as Glory Lily, Climbing Lily or Flame Lily. As you can see from the photo here, (taken from the Internet) the blooms are unusual and exotic looking - the wavy-edged petals are reflexed back and are red, lined with yellow. The green stamens are very prominent and spread outward. I hope I have success with them. I also picked up several Australian plants this year - "Kangaroo Paw" and "Joey". Once they settle in and put on some more blooms, I'll show you some pics....
Tomorrow I'll post a pic of my beautiful deep purple Japanese Iris which is finally blooming like it should- it seems to have been sulking for a number of years... I guess it's finally happy.... and that makes me happy...

Piece,
Linda

"Gardening is about enjoying the smell of things growing in the soil, getting dirty without feeling guilty, and generally taking the time to soak up a little peace and serenity". ~Lindley Karstens

Goodbye Albert Street School

Tonight was a blast, performing in the Green and Gold Review at my old Juniour High School. It is being replaced (finally!!) with a brand new school - long overdue. But of course now that the old building's days are numbered, everyone is nostalgic. Tonight was a variety show featuring current students, present and former staff, and many alumni. The Principal, Peter Steeves, has been a close friend of mine since we were in Grade 4 or 5 - we don't need to say how many long years ago THAT was, but it's more than a few!! Peter and I have been in a number of "musical adventures" together over the years, but probably the most enjoyable and memorable was singing in "Four by Four".
This was a group of friends (most of us had been in "Glee Club" and Musical Productions at FHS) who formed a four part harmony group to sing and perform for fun. It lasted through most of the 70's.... yes we are talking a while back... We were all in university and/or starting our careers. There were 16 of us- 4 soprano, 4 alto, 4 tenor and 4 bass... hence the name Four by Four. We had a pianist, and for a while a percussionist as well. We did some of our own musical arrangements, and our own choreography (such as it was... not too fancy!)..we had a lot of fun and got to sing at some pretty impressive engagements. We travelled around the Maritimes and even represented New Brunswick at the World's Fair in Spokane Washington in 1974! That trip required a lot of fund-raising, but oh what fun we had. Other memorable performances included singing on one of the first nationally televised Lottery draw shows (filmed in Quebec City), and taking part in a provincial Talent Show that was held in Dorchester Penitentiary!! Talk about a "captive audience"!! Our opening number was a medley from the Musical "Oliver", which started with "Consider yourself at home, consider yourself part of the family..." Hmmm perhaps NOT the best choice... Even worse- later on we sang "Born Free"... WHAT were we thinking?? Well I guess we weren't thinking... we look back now and laugh...
Anyway, the group faded as marriage and young families interfered with practice and travel, and the group folded. The majority of us turned out to be teachers, some in the Music field, and most of us stayed in, or have now returned to "Freddy Beach" ... AND ..most of us had attended Albert Street School. So when the school was looking for acts for this Variety Show, Peter asked us if we would consider a "reunion" for a performance. Every one of us who still are in town said Yes! The only No's were from those who now live too far away. So, we held a few practices and quickly pulled together two of our old numbers, and re-wrote the words to "Those Were the Days" to reflect our younger years at Albert St. What a hoot! We had sooo much fun...and the audience actually gave us thunderous applause! I wonder if there were any big talent scouts in the crowd?? We might be on a roll... Maybe Simon Cowell will be calling...

Piece,
Linda

"After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music." ~ Aldous Huxley

Why didn't I pay more attention in Math class?

All of you quilters who follow my Blog are likely wondering when I'm going to stop talking about gardening and get back to quilting! Well the sad truth is I do more gardening than quilting through the summer, although I do hope to accomplish more this summer than I usually do... we'll see how that goes!! What's that saying...."The best laid plans of mice and men..."

Although I did accomplish some gardening tasks today, I want to tell you about the wonderful lecture I attended tonight. It was in conjunction with a MITACS conference going on at UNB. (Thats Mathematics of Information Technology and Complex Systems) Award-winning quilter Gerda De Vries, who is a Math Professor at U. of Alberta is in town and gave a wonderful talk on Math and Quilts, titled "Making Mathematics with Needle and Thread: Quilts as Mathematical Objects". I must admit, I have never been a lover of Math, and I was worried that this talk might be way over my head. But it was most enjoyable. Although there were lots of mathematical terms, none of them in my usual vocabulary, I could certainly appreciate the beauty of her designs and the perfection of her work. She is obviously a quilter who cares a great deal about accuracy and technical perfection. You can visit her website here to view some of her many award-winning quilts. Those of you who have been CQA/ACC members for a while will no doubt remember "Fibrations" which was the cover quilt for the 2002 NJS Catalogue. Gerda is also a regular supporter of CQA's Trend-Tex Challenge.

Although I can't define "fractal" or "algorithmic design", there were lots of math terms that I could identify in relation to quilts (I impressed myself!!): tesselation, symmetry, Sudoku, spirals, the Golden Ratio... why I even knew what the Fibonacci Sequence is!!! There was even a little humour- a quilt called Apple Pi, using the Pi symbol - you know 3.14159..... I LOVE humour in quilts! I think there may even have been some inspiraton there for a future project with the Fusion group...

So, all in all, a very enjoyable hour. Too bad the timing had not been different; Gerda would have made a wonderful speaker for our Guild... I have included two of Gerda's photos of her quilts with this post- aren't they amazing? The top one is called "Cyclic Permutations" and the bottom one is "Bubb'Illusion II". If you ever have a chance to meet Gerda, attend one of her lectures or view her quilts, be sure to take advantage. You will not regret it. My quote below is from her lecture, although I have heard it elsewhere... Thanks Gerda for a wonderful hour...

Piece,

Linda

"Life is what happens when you are planning other things".