The Mess I'm In

I had a few hours before some minor surgery today, so trying to keep away from eating and drinking I found myself removed to the farthest corner of the house -- the studio. Main goal was to clear a path to the outer walls and prep to paint. This will take some great effort to turn into a workable, let alone nice, space.
 

Garden Tour

Yesterday's cherry on top was a stroll in the Upper Monroe Garden Walk and Ann's garden. Like the luck we all need at a deadline, her plants obeyed the call and flowered right on time for the event. Lots of beauty, unusual plants, and stone sculptures all on a little city plot.  
 

Hot Talk in Naples

What a lovely group who came to hear my impromptu talk about the quilts on view at the Cleveland House today. We talked about everything, and best part was that a special guest could make out the sewn script on the 5th grade bicentenial quilt. Really fun, even on this hot day. Repeat talk August 29 at 1pm!
 

Noontime Garden

Those who have followed me in these posts know I had a wonderful mature garden at my last house. This townhouse has both full southern exposure and a north facing courtyard. Midday brings the most delightful spotted sunlight as it is directly overhead. These warm days finds me lunching there.
 

Charming Quilt Show

Today I had a chance to see the exhibit that will be on view this summer at The Cleveland House Museum in Naples, New York. It was a fact finding mission for my talk this Saturday at 1 pm. Along with facts, I found charm. The detail is from a fifth grade class bicentennial project, now 50 years old.

 

A New Kitchen

I've got an 'assemble-it-yourself" kitchen landing today in my garage. There will be a party Friday to assemble it, and then I'll live amongst the cabinets till mid August when it is installed. It's all part of making this needy home come up to standards. Yes, two palletts. 
 

Nearly Home

This exhuberant piece traveled about with the SAQA NY/NY exhibition "By Contrast" and I had a good time as part of the explaining crew when it was nearby. The SAQA group will organize another; they are good at finding wonderful venues. I'll be happy to have it home, and maybe find a matching plaid shirt.
 

Wonder Team

It was time to reassemble the long arm. Keep in mind that the bed is 12' wide. The wonderful duo from Delightful Quilting and Sewing, Ron and Joyce, spent the afternoon getting this machine in shape for it's new space. I'm so grateful to find this two who answered my call of 'help' and came to put it right.
 

A Distance Away

The call for entries is on for Quilt National. I've earned a spot a few times, most recently for this piece (detail of "In the Weeds" shown here) and I may enter again. I woul have to find one that was not exhibited or broadcast publically. That's what will take time. The hunt.
 

The Fourth for Reflecting

In a new house, with a new view, a new walk, and a day to reflect on that point on the map of this country I'm in. This Fourth seems very different, not worthy of celebrating independence when so many rights are gone and more are in danger of loss. So, this walk in my new country in my new country. 
 

My Kitchen View

I've a red japanese maple tree outside my courtyard at my new house. It's not looking healthy, but it may recover. Lots of thoughts go out to hang on that tree, and I'd hate to loose it.