Babies Abound

Hunewill Ranch
Bridgeport, CA
June 2, 2012

DH took this picture as we arrived at the Hunewill Ranch for our 25th wedding anniversary celebration. It could not have been a more appropriate sight. The babies are absolutely adorable, as you can see. The mares are so protective of their little ones. It's very sweet to see. We had to be very quiet to get even one picture. As quickly as DH snapped the picture, they were gone, off with hooves kicking and legs flying. 


There are about 145 horses at the ranch. I don't think there is an ugly one in the herd. I found my favorite, a magnificent Pinto (brown and white), with the most regal bearing I've ever seen in a horse. 


We were able to watch the horses being moved from one pasture to another. It was 6:00 a.m. when this took place. First you see a huge cloud of dust, then you hear the sound of thundering (literally) hooves, then the horses appear, running at an amazing pace, being rounded up by a little 6-year old girl on a horse that's nearly twice her size. The girl's name is Aspen and she's the granddaughter of the current owners of the ranch. This child must have been born on a horse. She is so confident, with no fear whatsoever. Ah, to have have her childhood. Oh well, "If wishes were horses, we'd all ride for free!" as the expression goes. 



I had never been on the eastern slope of the Sierras, which is where the Hunewill is located. It's quite barren, especially the parts we went through in Nevada. You actually leave California, go into Nevada (through Minden/Gardnerville) and come back into California to get to the ranch. It's about a 4-hour drive. I must say that Minden is a very clean little town. Larger than I thought it was and with a small town 'feel' despite the presence of two casinos on the main drag (US 395). 



The ranch is definitely a working cattle ranch. The accommodations are quite spartan That said, you don't go for luxury. It's not a dude ranch. Some guests were there with a group of 15 people, so it's apparent this is a great family reunion venue. Some people came from Naples, Florida. Now that's really a long haul.



I'd love to get my clogging buddy, Linda P., to get up (or is it down?) here and do some decorating. She could really fix the rooms up so they'd be really cute and cozy, probably on a dime.


The staff is wonderful. Very caring, attentive and helpful. And, you can even find coffee at 5:30 a.m. I suspect this is for the wranglers who must start their day at a very early hour. 



Must fly. Onward into equine-land! 


Little Red Riding Hood (aka, Karen)

"Trust the Process" & Getting Serious About Riding Gear

My Tuscan Happy Village
All elements glued & ready
to go to the long-arm quilter.

My Tuscan Happy Village
The Beginning

There's an old expression in strategic planning: "Trust the process." 


Never was that more true than when I decided to make a Happy Villages quilt. This truly remarkable - and often unbelievable - technique was created by Karen Eckmeier. 


When I first acquired the Happy Villages book, I couldn't believe I could end up with something that would look like a Tuscan village. 


Karen walks you through her technique step-by-step in one of the best quilting books I have laid hands on. She takes all of the guess work out of this dazzling, creative and truly amazing way of putting myriad fabric pieces together (in a somewhat haphazard manner) to create something extraordinary.


I was inspired by the area where we live to create my Tuscan village. In addition, memories of a wonderful trip to Rome years ago also fired my creative juices. As you can see from the picture on the right, I even added my own miniature of St. Peter's, complete with cross on top. 


As I worked through this technique, I relied on Karen's book every step of the way. During the first phase, she assures you that at one particular point, what you have done thus far will not look anything like a village. She was absolutely right; I kept eyeing my fabric 'mess' thinking that I must doing something wrong. As I progressed through the various phases, I saw my village gradually - but surely - come to life before my eyes. When I was finished, I stepped back, looked at my creation and smiled. "It really is a village!" I murmured to myself, not without a sense of genuine satisfaction and pleasure. 


Wrangled with the question of whether to quilt this piece myself or take it to a long-arm quilter. As this technique requires adding a layer of tulle over the entire top, then top-stitching around every piece, I decided to leave this to the professionals. When we return from our 25th wedding anniversary trip to the Hunewill Ranch outside of Bridgeport, CA, I will take my sweet little scene to the quilter. I can hardly wait to see it when it is quilted and ready for hanging in our family room! 


It's been difficult to finish this because my migraines are still vexing me. I've worked on it in between bouts of headaches. I found the process of making this top very relaxing. I'd sit in my quilting 'studio' (more my former home office, less a studio) and surrounded by all manner and size (some really small) of fabric, quietly lay down each piece, evaluating what should go where and how best to create what my mind's eye had envisioned. I couldn't be happier with the outcome. I highly recommend this technique to anyone who enjoys making art quilts. 


Speaking of art quilts, I have lost interest in making traditional quilts at this point in my quilting 'career.' Art quilts are the direction in which I am going and will stay. I love, love, love the freedom, challenge and unabashed creativity involved in making one. Next up on my quilting agenda is a landscape quilt depicting some of the spectacular scenery we will see when we are at the Ranch. I'm very excited about this piece. Hope to get some great shots (on and off the horses) on our wonderful trip. We are renewing our vows whilst we are down there, so this is a big trip for us. Praying for good health and few migraines, especially on Tuesday when we have our vow renewal celebration after the trail ride and breakfast cookout. 


Finally, I must be getting very serious about riding! I am going to look at a used Klimke Miller Dressage saddle. My instructor had me try hers during a lesson. That was it! No going back now. It was like the difference between being in rental ice skates and custom boots. OMG! I felt so secure and comfy in this saddle. I can't justify spending hundreds of dollars on a saddle at this point in my riding experience, but I keep telling myself that I can avoid all those pesky saddle sores (to which I am still prone after a year of riding) if I have a really good saddle. Rationalization Alert! Anyway, here's a pic of the saddle. It's very beautiful, as saddles go; gorgeous black leather and nicely styled, not that looks matter, mind you! What really sold me was the security of the seat and how well it fit my body. 


That noted, onward into art quilts, riding, and a fabulous vacation with DH to celebrate something wonderful - 25 years of marriage that we refer to as "Every moment a moment of bliss!" I am so blessed to have the most magnificent man in the world as my husband. How did I get so lucky????

Tulip block

Here is another applique block for the vineyard theme quilt. Took a bit of time to get the positioning correct, but I think it is a very pretty design. Will look lovely with the other blocks, both pieced and applique. 


Onward in quilting land,

The Cutest Blog on the Block

My friend and clogging colleague, Linda Primmer, from Life and Linda is giving my blog a total make-over. As you can see, Ms. Linda is already at work! Stay tuned for more changes and a snazzy new contemporary style. Thank you, Linda, for all this work. I am so appreciative. 


See you tomorrow at clogging practice!

Inspired again!

Fusible applique
for vineyard theme quilt

It's fascinating to me how one small activity can jump-start my quilting. Let me explain.


After the Christmas quilting 'crunch,' I was feeling rather down about quilting. Have no idea why as I had completed a tedious top that had many small pieces and certainly tried my patience. That noted, that quilt turned out to be beautiful. 


Happened to be rumbling around in the closet of my sewing room and found a BOM from Country Quilting Center in Elk Grove, CA that I hadn't finished in 2010 when I was taking the class. Decided that one of my 'changes of behaviors' for 2012 was to finish every top languishing somewhere in our home. 


I am very drawn to applique and when I pulled this UFO out, I saw that the next blocks were raw edge applique. "Yay!" I exclaimed. Right up my alley, as I really like the instant gratification of applique. 


Plunged right in, finishing two pieced blocks and this applique block, one of four. There are a total of 10 blocks, I think.


Have to decide whether to machine or hand applique these blocks. May hand applique because of the small size of the grapes. Don't think I can do this on the machine. 


Happy with the way this block turned out! Can't wait to tackle the next one. I will finish this stunning top in the next month - that's what I've promised myself.


Onward, back into quilting with joy and enthusiasm! 

Beautiful Boy

Boris (aka "Bo Bo")
Christmas 2011
Painted by Helyn Raymond

I wanted to end the year - or begin a new one - by posting the magnificent portrait that one of my skating companions, Helyn Raymond, did of our wonderful Samoyed, Boris, who we lovingly call "Bo Bo."


Before Christmas 2010, I had asked Helyn to paint our 14 year old Collie, Merlin because I knew we would not have him much longer. He went to The Rainbow Bridge in March 2011. Sadly, Helyn was not able to do that so I had another artist paint Merlin in oils. 


Helyn approached me just before Christmas and asked about painting Boris. Bingo! I finally had the perfect gift for DH, who is impossible to shop for. He himself admits that he has everything he could possibly want. 


Sent Helyn some photos of Bo Bo. She picked the perfect shot, as well as the one I wanted her to use, but didn't indicate because I wanted her to select the best one for a painting. 


When Helyn delivered the finished product, I was completely, utterly awe-struck. She captured the very essence and soul of our little line backer (as we lovingly call him because of his build and the way he, walks, resembling Bill Sykes's dog in the musical, Oliver!). 


We have paintings of our previous pups, Winston, Henry and Merlin. Two are oils and one is watercolor. While every painting is absolutely gorgeous, I have a particular fondness for the water colors and - truth be told - an overwhelming fondness for Boris's portrait. Helyn managed to get the color of his eyes perfect as well as that unique Sammie look that makes you just want to throw your arms around him in a massive hug.


We wrapped up the year by becoming a registered therapy team with Therapy Dogs, Inc. We are now visiting hospitals and other health care/residential facilities for seniors. I am so proud of the way Boris has taken to his 'job' as a therapy dog. He is wonderful in the hospital, being exceptionally well-behaved. He delights patients, visitors, and staff wherever he goes. 


We know Boris was sent by Merlin to heal our hearts after we lost our special boy last March. Not only has Boris helped us deal with our profound grief resulting from a life without Merlin, he has shown us that life goes on and you can open your heart and love another doggie. Bless you, Merlin, for being so wise, loving and compassion. We miss you desperately, but know you are waiting for us at The Rainbow Bridge. 

Merlin Lancelot
At The Rainbow Bridge
by Linda Primmer, Auburn, CA 

O'Brien Christmas Original

As promised, here are pictures of my third Christmas quilt - a small wall hanging. It was fun to make this because it was an 'original' design and took on a life of its own once I started. 

The design began with one flower blossom, not even a poinsettia. I had purchased some very cheap applique shapes at Tuesday Morning (won't make this mistake again!). I liked the shape of the flower and thought it looked a little like a poinsettia, so I started making more of them in the Christmas red fabric. 

I used a large plate to make the round shape for the wreath. Found the reindeer as part of a Santa/reindeer/sleigh pattern and liked the position and the striking contrast of colors. Found the leaves, inner blossoms and stars online, so that made the job really easy. Sent it off for quilting and was stunned at the expense, so as I noted in my previous post, I must learn to free motion quilt. 

After the piece was quilted, I embellished it with green iron-on crystals for the center of the flowers, the red collar and horn "ornaments" for the reindeer. I had found some snowflake buttons which I used for the center of the stars, then added a gold crystal on top of the button. 

It is very simple, but DH really likes it, which makes me happy, of course!

I was, however, very disappointed, that the fabric frayed so much when it was quilted. I learned my lesson about using a stabilizer when doing applique. Won't make this mistake again! 

I'm starting on a whimsical art quilt depicting our neighborhood. I'm excited to see how it turns out. 

Onward into my sewing room and . . . 

"Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!"

Christmas Quilting

Despite some marginally chaotic activity this year, I did manage to produce three Christmas theme quilt tops. 

The top picture is an adorable quilt I saw in a magazine and just had to make it. Because the center is just one large panel, it was easy to make fairly quickly. The holly leaves at the corners are applique with red buttons for the berries. Really sweet. I liked the silhouette images as well as the red, black and white color way. Different for a Christmas theme.


The second quilt (below left) is a Thimbleberries "Holiday Stars" pattern. I've blogged about this one before so I won't repeat everything again, but will note that there were what seemed to be millions of small pieces comprising the blocks. 


The time taken making this was well worth the effort. This may be the first top I have made where practically every seam matches, points are precise and strips that are supposed to be vertical or horizontal are straight. This is amazing given the complexity of the top. I took my time; I started working on it in late September. The picture does not do this quilt justice. The colors are very rich and beautiful. This is the best quilt I've made since I began this hobby in September 2008. At the risk of boasting, I am quite proud of it. 


The last top I made is an O'Brien original. I will post a picture later, when I have the proper lighting. It's just a little wall hanging, but I did develop the idea, find images online for the templates and did the embellishing with crystals and buttons. I spent entirely too much money having this one quilted and won't do this again.


I am completely committed to learn how to do free motion quilting so I can quilt some of these smaller tops I make. Given the economy and what's going on here at O'Brien Manor (with DH's health situation), I need to economize wherever I can. Between these three Christmas quilts, I spent about $300 having them quilted. Yikes, that's a lot of money!!! I am taking an online free motion quilting workshop which I hope will help me learn this skill.


I have a couple of quilting goals for 2012 besides learning how to free motion quilt. I want to continue to direct my time to making art quilts. I would also like to learn how to do foundation piecing, something I've not done yet. There is a great project I found in a magazine that I'm going to tackle to learn this.


In early 2012, my friend, Mary, and I are launching our business, Paws4Purpose. I will be blogging more about this as we get closer to our "go live" date. Hoping to eek out some $$$ from this little effort, but mostly it's about helping protect pets. The picture below is of Mary (right) with Breezy and me with our adorable, wonderful BoBo (aka 'Boris'). I love this picture because of the way Boris is looking at Breezy. It's so, so cute.

Wishing you, Dear Readers, a wonderful, love-filled Christmas and New Year. 

Onward The O'Brien family goes into 2012 with hope, optimism and faith. 

Four legged friends

My dear friend and riding buddy, Mary, and I are some of the subjects of an article that will appear in Sacramento Magazine in February (the issue hits the stands on January 20th). 


This week we had the photo shoot. Of course, Mary and I wanted to make certain that the animals were the main focus of the pictures. 


Mary convinced the photographer that the venue for the photos should be The Knicker Knob Stable in Loomis, where Mary and I ride every Monday. As you can see, it makes a very nice backdrop. 


Despite the fact that my pant leg is riding up ("Oh no!"), I think this picture is adorable. Boris, our 4-year old Samoyed rescue pup, has his big smile on. This is so sweet. Breezy is a 28-year old lesson horse at the stable. I won my very first horse show blue ribbon on Breezy. She has a special place in my heart.


DH came along as our animal handler. I'm so glad he was there because this was the first time Boris had been around horses. He (Boris, not DH) was very excited about the entire event. He was yipping and barking, letting everyone know he was there and ready for "Lights, camera, action!" He is such a good dog and is incapable of taking a bad picture (unlike me :-(


Breezy is Ms. Mellow. Having a new dog around, being photographed, being hauled on a lead didn't phase her one bit. She just went with the flow of things. Kelly, the stable manager and our riding instructor, gave Breezy a bath minutes before the pictures were taken. Breezy was soft as a bunny, as Mary said, and she was right. Don't think I've ever felt a horse's coat that soft. 


Figuring out what to wear was a big decision. I settled on the fleece horse theme jacket I recently made. It was the first piece of clothing I have made since high school Home Ec class. What an ordeal! That said, it turned out cute and I think it looks good in the picture.


Took a riding lesson yesterday afternoon in the beautiful fall weather. It was the perfect way to start the Thanksgiving weekend. DH is home for four days ("Yay!), so he'll be able to get lots of rest and relaxation. I'm in charge of making Thanksgiving dinner. This is one scary thought! We might end up at the local casino if things go south in the kitchen for me. I'm committed to proving to DH that I can cook despite my many catastrophes in the kitchen.


Onward into the cooking fray, with fear, trepidation and a good sense of humor.