The Waiting Game

Last Wednesday, I took a spill on the 8-step Mohawk pattern in Silver Moves. Neither Coach J or I could figure out what happened, but it was a pretty darn hard fall. I got up, however, and continued to skate, feeling sore, but otherwise alright.

Friday I went to the rink for my dance lesson with Coach C. I was putting on my skates and suddenly got this piercing sharp pain in my left hip. I thought, "Well, that was weird." I started putting on my skates and the pain continued and grew worse. My best skating buddy came off the ice to say "Hi" and I told her about the pain. We discussed some of the possibilities of what it might be. I felt better after speaking with her and even had my dance lesson. But, instead of skating for my planned two hours, I got off the ice after my dance lesson and sat in the stands baby sitting one of my skating friend's 3-month old baby, William, so she could skate without worry. It was a great treat for me to hold him for an entire hour. He is such a sweet baby and he was so warm. My maternal instincts - which are usually well hidden - really emerged.

When I left the rink for home, the pain was still there. I took an Aleve and went to nap as soon as I arrived home. Dear Husband is on vacation, so it was a little difficult to "hide" this injury from him. Upon arising, the pain was still present and had gotten worse, making it very difficult to walk with wincing. During the night, every time I turned over, the pain was really sharp and it kept me awake most of the night.

I got up this morning hoping that this was just a passing thing. No such luck. So, DH and I spent the morning at an urgent care center (why do these things happen when your doctor's office is closed?). The good news is that nothing is broken - like my hip. Yes! Very good news indeed. I have to have x-rays done on Monday before we leave for our mountain vacation. The doc said no skating for a week. Well, I couldn't skate if I wanted to, because of the pain. I may be stubborn beyond belief, but I am not stupid. I will follow doctor's order.

As we left the facility, DH turned to me and said, "You now have had two doctors tell you what a risky sport skating is for a person like you. What are you waiting for, a second opinion?" Everyone wants to be a comedian.

So now it's a waiting game to find out what the problem is. I am praying it's nothing serious.

Free at Last

Yesterday, Dear Husband came home a bit early from work. He noticed I was looking somewhat wan and suggested I take a nap. Great idea. As I settled into my slumber, something occurred to me that I hadn't even considered before. To wit: I don't have to use "Tom the Turkey" in my quilt if I don't want to. Newsflash! The Cabin Fever BOM requires that you make the block, not that you necessarily use it. So, I've decided that because this quilt is for a friend who also skates that I will use another block from the book we are using for the BOM. This block is of an ice skate. By doing this, it will really personalize the quilt.

Now this seems like nothing to some of my Dear Readers, I know. But to me, it was huge. I'm a real "should" kind of girl - you know, you "should do this" or you "shouldn't do that." Comes from being a people-pleaser I suppose. But, in this case, I have thrown the "should" aside and decided to follow my own quilting heart in this matter.

To Kathy S at Cabin Fever if you happen to read this post: I did what you suggested about top stitching with monofilament thread. It worked great on Tom's tail feathers, but the section is just not square enough to use in the block. I really like the other three sections and want to use them, however. So, although I may be breaking some secret BOM rule, I am definitely going to make another section from the quilt to insert where Tom should go in the block. An act of quilting civil disobedience, of sorts. Hope I'm not thrown out of the BOM program. I just can't cotton to making Tom again for a third time.

Skating today. Will see my best skating buddy. YAY!

Onward we go!

Thrashed by a Turkey and Skating Miscellany

Just when I thought it was safe to go back to quilting, I've been thwarted by the "Tom the Turkey" block for the Cabin Fever BOM. I spent most of Saturday re-doing the whole block, as I could not get the cheater corners to make Tom's tail feathers to flip back properly to make a square. I had exactly the same problem the first time I made this part of the block.

I used fabric from my stash for the replacement block. I tried everything, including taking the block to an expert quilter who didn't know how to solve the problem. I searched the Web for an answer. No luck. This morning (Sunday) the first thing I did after feeding the doggies at 5:08 was to pick up Tom again and try to figure out what had gone wrong. No luck.

I am done obsessing with this problem and will go to Cabin Fever tomorrow or Tuesday when Kathy S is working and pray that she will be able to assist me. All the other sections of the BOM are done, so I am anxious to complete this one, so I can attend the next BOM session and obtain the September block fabric. Wonder was is in store for me next month.

Last night we had a celebration exhibition event at the skating rink for winning the Worlds trophy. Our ensemble group (see picture above; I'm the last skater in the line) performed our program. When I was leaving, two women stopped me and commented on how lovely the program was. I know audiences at these types of events like seeing adult skaters perform. And, the program is lovely. One, who is the mother of our rink's best young skater (she is at FS9 - one more level to go and she will join a handful of skaters in the country who achieve this level, which requires double jumps in BOTH directions), who said, "Don't tell anyone, but it was my favorite program so far." I am certain this meant aside from her daughter's programs, which are amazing. This young lady is such a talented, dedicated skater and smiles the entire time she performs. She truly looks like she is loving every moment on the ice!

I watched one of my skating buddies do her European Waltz. Lovely. She skated to "Time in a Bottle" by Jim Croce and dedicated it to her husband, who was in the audience. Unfortunately, he didn't hear the dedication, but I am sure he got the message. She is a beautiful ice dancer and has achieved so much in her dancing. It was a real treat to watch her.

Today is going to be a lazy Sunday. No quilts to work on, breakfast outside with Dear Husband, pay some bills, walk the doggies and just take it easy. Sounds like a perfect day in the neighborhood. Looking forward to my dance lesson this week with Coach C, too.

The Last Worlds Picture and That's a Promise!

This is the only picture of my technical program at Worlds that I liked. My friend and roommate in San Jose for the competition insisted I purchase it for Dear Husband, which I did in 8x10". Sweet man actually took it to his office. Must be kind of creepy to have his wife looking ever so beatific in his penumbra all day.

I must say, however, that the dress looks lovely as I was doing a small spin at the beginning of the program. I do like the way it flows. Very pretty.

Today's Skate

I finally found my entire collection of ice dance CDs! I was ecstatic as I thought I had lost them. There were only three of us on the FS session today, so I asked Coach and her student if I could put on dance music. I did and danced my way around the rink. Didn't matter if it was the Argentine Tango music; I just did the Fiesta Tango. I did as many dances as I could solo, which is very unlike me. As I've told Coach C, not doing the dances solo is my act of civil disobedience when it comes to ice dancing. He gets a kick out of this. As Coach Jayne says, "I know you only want to partner, but I also know you will practice the dances on your own when the spirit moves you." Yes, she is right and that was the case today. Did every dance I could remember the steps to, starting with the Dutch Waltz and even giving the 14-Step a try, to the march music, on my own. Yikes! This was a true challenge. No where near being able to do this.

Also worked on Silver Moves, primarily on the 3-turns. OMG, some of these are incredibly hard. I can't imagine I will ever be able to do these on my own, but that's what I thought about Bronze Moves and I passed them. But the "step up" from Bronze to Silver Moves is significant. I enjoy the 3-turns although they scare the heck out of me. Coach J said I am, under no circumstances, to work on the back 3's on my own. Just too dangerous right now. I will take her advice. I tried one when she wasn't looking and understand why she banned these from my solo practice!

That's it for now. I hear the gobble of Tom the Turkey calling me. Onward to quilting.

Only God Can Make A Tree - Apparently Not Me

Well, here is the second of the sections for Cabin Fever's BOM. As one can tell, it's certainly not the trees that God puts on this earth! But, it's done. This piece took me 5 hours. Yes, that's 300 minutes, if my math is right. And still it's not 'perfect.' I lost one of the points on the tree branch, but didn't want to remake this section or even that little piece.

I did - however - do a darn good job on the piece of the ground that was only 7/8", if I do say so myself! Is this something like progress? Better not get too full of myself about this.

Today, I am cutting out Tom the Turkey and the Farmhouse sections and will work on these. I am leaving "Tom" until last, as I know he is going to be one tough bird to tackle.

Told Dear Husband that I wanted a new sewing table for Christmas. I have big plans to convert my office into a sewing room. Yesterday, I took a very big step in this direction. I took every business book I had (there were many) out of my bookcase and am taking them to our local library. I purged hard copy files of business related matters. This activity was so freeing, it was unbelievable. I have completed my transformation from business exec to busy retiree. Oh, what a feeling!

Onward to the cutting matt.

It All Comes Back to Me Now

I have finally completed one of the four sections of Cabin Fever's BOM. Now I remember why I don't like piecey quilts! A few facts to explain my position on this important quilting matter.

1. Cutting out the section took about an hour. Yes, I am slow and deliberate when it comes to cutting activities, but "Geez!" - that seems like a long time.
2. I ripped out more seams making this 6 1/2 (with seam allowances) inch section than I have making any other quilt top to date. This is NOT an exaggeration either. At one point, I thought I would just bag this one and start again, but persevered to its completion.
3. My section measured 6 3/4' when finished. I have absolutely no idea why, despite my obsessive measuring. Against my better judgment, I trimmed it to 6 1/2 inches. Probably should not have done this, but it is too late now.
4. This little section took me two hours to make, including the popular seam-ripping activity. Ugh.
5. It's sure 'ain't' perfect. My purist quilting friends will see this immediately. Maybe I can fool someone who doesn't know about quilt-making, but not the experts.
6. I will likely go back and remake this section, but will attempt (and I do mean 'attempt') to construct the other three sections to torture myself more.
7. There is a reason I like big, bold contemporary quilts, with large blocks that come together quickly. By-and-large, you don't encounter the kind of problems I have with this project.
8. None of this is the fault of Cabin Fever, that's for sure. I'm just out of my league on this one.

Onward we go in quilt-land.

'Fab' Fabric Find

Sometimes it pays to cruise around eBay looking for great bargains on quilting fabric. And so it was when I started looking for celestial fabric for the piece DH has asked me to make. Couldn't find any that I really liked and didn't want to spend $15/yd on fabric either. I went to eBay on a lark and bid on another fabric, but lost the bid. DH says no one does bidding; I have to learn to be an auction sniper, he tells me.

As luck (or lack thereof, when it came to the auction) would have it, the seller was offering this fabric, which is exactly what I wanted. I procured 1.5 yards of it (100% quilting fabric, brand new, never washed) for under $9.00, including shipping. Now let's hope the quality is good. My experiences purchasing fabric online have not always been positive, but I sure hope this one is because I just adore this print.

Off to work on a section of a block for the Cabin Fever/BOM. It took me nearly two hours to cut out two block sections. Can you imagine 7/8'' pieces of fabric? That's smaller than a postage stamp. Yikes! I took Kathy S's advice and sprayed the fabric with loads of starch before cutting it, which did the trick. Now for the hard part - putting the section together.

A skating friend who is also doing the same BOM said she worked on the "Tom the Turkey" section. I asked her if it was hard. She said it was 'slow going,' but not hard. Patience will be required for this section, clearly. Wish me luck. I am going to need it.

As a sidebar, had a great time skating today and working solely on Silver Moves. Hard, but fun and rewarding. Coach seemed pretty pleased that I had gotten the hang of the three-turns as quickly as I did, even though she was holding my hand for most of them. These are by far the most difficult three-turns I've ever done. It will be years before I test my Silver Moves, that's a certainty. The 8-step Mohawk pattern is coming along slowly, but I am making some good progress.

Finally, BIG congrats to my best skating buddy who I saw land a great huge loop and terrific Lutz. Good for you, J. I am so proud of you!

What I Learned From Skating That Applies To Life

I am feeling quite reflective this morning for no apparent reason. So-o-o-o-o, I wanted to capture somewhere insights about skating that I don't want to forget. These are - not in order of importance - the following:

1. Goals matter. Anyone who tells you otherwise is nuts. I set my goal of going to Worlds and pursued it with something akin to laser-like precision. It was important to me to prove something to myself and I did. Goal achieved. Check that off the task list.

2. There's a BIG "I" in ice skating. One had better have the internal resources to realize that when you step out on the ice in competition, it's only you on the line. Translation: Self-reliance is of the utmost importance. Others can help you (and I've had so many who have helped me throughout my life), but at the end-of-the-day, you must develop the skills to make things happen or solve problems on your own.

3. Having a support system is critical. The things I have accomplished in my skating (as minimal as they may be) are the direct result of the polar opposite of #2 (above). I could not have gone to Worlds, or learned a change-edge spiral, or come back from injury, without people around me who were, in so many ways, with me each glide of the way. At the top of the list is DH, who 'allowed' me to return to skating, despite the danger it presents. Coach J has been my teacher, cheerleader, friend, parent. My skating buddies, especially one (you know who you are, J) have encouraged me beyond words. Having this kind of support system in life allows for those moments when your personal internal resources check-out momentarily or - frankly - you are just on overload or really don't know how to handle a situation. Cherish these relationships and treat them like the precious jewels they are.

4. Don't take yourself too seriously.At Worlds, there were parents (and skaters) who actually believe that their child is going to the Olympics. P-L-E-E-E-Z-E! While there were some great skaters there, I doubt that anyone skating ISI is really bound for stardom. I could be wrong, but I don't think so. Having the appropriate perspective about skating is critical for me. I oft times take this sport way too seriously and that takes the fun out of it. Humor and appropriate perspective are key for an enjoyable, fulfilling life.

5. Relish the time you have on this planet.We are here for a brief time. Enjoy those golden moments - like stepping on the ice and knowing you can fly - and put them in your memory book. One day when I can't skate, I will look back and be so grateful that I could.

That said, I'm off to walk our doggies in our beautiful neighborhood. I am blessed in ways beyond imagination.

Finished, BOM, and New Quilt Projects

I am happy to report that I finally finished the quilt I made for our homeowner's Crush party on September 18. Just in the nick of time, as it takes a month at the quilter's shop, so I will deliver it just under the wire. I hope that someone buys it during the silent auction part of the event. I will actually attend this year (haven't in the past, although Dear Husband usually goes) if only to see the response to the quilt.

The theme of this quilt is olives (hard to see unless you enlarge the picture by clicking on it) because we have a multitude of olive trees - along with our vineyards - in our development. I think I have now reached my saturation point by making quilts that reflect where we live. Onward to other interesting projects.

The BOM at Cabin Fever on Saturday was fun. Dear Kathy Sanchez, the instructor for this BOM series, was so sweet; she gave me a beautiful quilting book as a congratulatory gift for my accomplishments at Worlds and quilting. Kathy, if you are reading this, "Thanks so much!" I have already consumed the book and used it for reference purposes.

The block this month is going to be challenging. I am enjoying working on these blocks, though. I do feel as though I am learning from the process. However, I think this month's block, which has four separate sections with some very small pieces, is going to test my ability.

Had a wonderful breakfast with my friend Lori, the expert quilter. She delivered the fabric for the block exchange in which I am participating. Yesterday, I actually had the courage to look at the material and instructions. EEK! I have to make a total of 34 blocks, 17 each of two different blocks. I have already broken out in a cold sweat over this project. The blocks are not that difficult (I don't think) and I have made the patterns before, but it's intimidating knowing you are making these for other very advanced quilters to put in their quilts. I will do the best I can and call on Lori for help if I need it, which I am sure I will.

Dear Husband has asked me to make a quilt for our family room. We are both tired of the Hills of Tuscany now. In fact, I don't even like this quilt any longer and really want to replace it. He suggested a celestial theme, with dark blue, gold - strong contrasting colors. What a brilliant idea. I love the concept and have seen the exact fabric I am going to use for it. I will try a new pattern also that will really show off the details of the fabric. Am anxious to get started on this, but have two more quilts lined up - and don' forget the 34 blocks for the block exchange!

After a dental appointment today :(, have a coffee date with my best skating buddy. I am so anxious to see her and spend some time with her. I am going to try NOT to monopolize the conversation talking about Worlds. Plan to get back to skating this week. Looking forward to being back on the ice and working on Silver Moves, which my buddy has mastered and likely ready to test, I bet.

Onward we go through life!

Quilting Again and Loving It

While I didn't spend as much time yesterday as I wanted quilting, I did work on one piece that I need to complete this weekend. It's turning out to be quite lovely, though nothing I would make for my home.

This morning, it's time for the Cabin Fever Block-of-the-Month session, so we get another block to work on. I was happy with the way "Barney the Bear" (last block) turned out, but I know this month's is going to be more difficult.

Big bonus to going is to get to see my quilting friend from a company where I used to work. Looking forward to spending some time after the session catching up with her. I am taking some fabric to show her and get advice. I am making a quilt for a friend's daughter who loves horses. I purchased some darling horse-theme fabric, but cannot figure out how to fussy-cut the fabric - or, for that matter, what type of pattern to use for this piece. Need much expert advice, which my friend will be able to provide.

Am taking one of the quilts I completed in a class taught by the woman who is doing the BOM sessions. Will 'show-and-tell' for other participants. I am getting brave now!

House Manager today for Cinderella and then home for a big nap. I am still tired from Worlds!

Skatetown: ISI 2009 Worlds Champions

Here it is! The trophy that my home rink, Skatetown in Roseville, was awarded for winning the 2009 ISI Worlds Championship. It really is quite spectacular. This is a big win for a rink that hasn't been considered one for training purposes. I hope this changes the perception people have. It's a wonderful facility, with two sheets of ice and it is kept in great condition. We are fortunate to have a facility like this in our area. I feel honored to have been a part of helping the rink in its efforts to bring home this bit of bling!

The One You Wait For

It took 11 years to get this picture, but it was well worth the wait. A simple jump that looks far more impressive in a photograph than I am certain it was to the audience. Just goes to show what the term "action shot" really means. I look like a 'real' ice skater. If I never set another blade on the ice, I will always have this picture to remind me that I achieved my goal at Worlds.

Decided to follow in the footsteps of my best skating buddy and focus on Silver Moves. These are very challenging and require endless repetition and precision. They are also a wonderful way to improve one's edges. Mine need a huge amount of work. Moves also do wonders for one's ice dancing.

Right now, I have no desire to do freestyle skating, but I am sure this is because I burned myself out preparing two programs for Worlds. Maybe in time I will feel differently.

Am spending the day finishing up a quilt for a silent auction and picking up another one from the quilter. Quiet day at home with the doggies. Just what the doctor ordered to decompress from Worlds.

Reflections On and Results from 2009 ISI Worlds

Worlds is over. I am so happy to be back home with Dear Husband and doggies! Here are the highlights of the week for me:

1. Skatetown, my home rink, brought home the Worlds trophy by a 300-point margin. We had so many skaters taking lst place in multiple events, I would have been shocked if we hadn't won.

2. Our ensemble group of ladies (above left), The Golden Girls, came in second in our category. Given that one of our members broke her kneecap just before the competition and another skater stepped in, we did a very nice job on our program. I'm proud that we finished second.

3. I got to ice dance with a fab partner, coach, and friend, Coach Chris. Check out our picture on the right. Don't we look so color-coordinated and happy. I had a fantastic time, even though I didn't place well; but that wasn't the point. Now, as Coach C says, on to "Project Ten Fox." I have got to pass this test and move to Pre-Silver.

4. I took home a Silver and Gold in my solo programs. I wish I had skated faster and more aggressively, but I proved to myself that I could get out there and compete by myself after my 2006 accident.

5. Being around thousands of children, coaches, judges, parents, spectators, vendors, etc., was challenging, but it's part of the experience of Worlds.

6. Watched some fantastic skaters at the FS 7,8,9 levels, many from our own rink. These young skaters are awesome and fearless. Some beautiful programs were skated exceptionally well.

7. Being with friends from the rink was nice. We supported each other - even when we were competing against one another - which made things less stressful.

8. Don't know how Coach Jayne managed the week, with all the skaters she had to put on the ice. It was extraordinary, to say the least. Didn't see much of her, but when I did, she was very kind and supportive.

9. I am glad it's over! Now I can skate for fun - and intend to.

10. No one could have asked for a better husband than mine. He didn't complain about anything - not the cost, the time spent in San Jose, my stress level. I could not have done this without him.

That's it for now. More to follow when I have caught up on my sleep, have more energy and a sharper mind.