A Journey Through the Last Third of My Life.

Tulip block

2012-01-16T17:24:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-16T14:19:00.000-08:00

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!

2012-01-16T08:01:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-05T08:06:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-19T15:33:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-18T17:40:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-24T06:48:00.000-08:00

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.

Second Therapy Dog Observation

2011-11-12T10:48:00.000-08:00

Boris and His Daddy
Therapy Dog Observation #2
11-11-11

On Friday, Veteran's Day, DH decided to go with Boris and me for our second Therapy Dogs, Inc. observation visit. I snapped this picture of them sharing a quiet moment before we entered the assisted living facility we visited.

The set-up for this observation was great and, frankly, better than in an acute care hospital. The residents were brought to a central location, so we knew if they were there, it was because they liked dogs. In the hospital, you never know if the patients like dogs, have just gotten bad news or much of anything else. It's difficult to enter a patient's room under these circumstances.

We knew that the dozen or more residents were definitely animal lovers. They adored Boris and loved seeing all the dogs (there were a total of four, but none as spectacular as our boy!). We spent 90 minutes visiting. All the credit goes to BoBo (our nickname for Boris) who was as-good-as-gold and made a lasting impression on the people who met him.

Boris is great with people and other dogs. Each dog was very well-behaved, but I think Boris - all pride aside - was the very best at making contact with the residents; the need for interactions with humans is an integral part of the Samoyed breed.

The most touching visit was with a 91-year old veteran of WW II. He is a highly intelligent, articulate and social person. When I asked if he was a veteran and then thanked him for his service to our country when he replied on the positive, he broke down and cried, telling me how the government keeps making the same mistakes over and over and asking how many more people will have to die before we stop this. It was difficult for me to keep my cool as I wanted to break down and cry myself. I put my arm around him, let him talk and compose himself. I asked him if we could come back and visit him. He said, "I'd really like that." Then I told my friend, Maddie, who goes to Mass at this facility every Saturday, that she needed to sit next to him at Mass because he needs some extra care right now.

It was wonderful having DH with us. Boris was very happy his Dad came along! When I was talking with the veteran, DH came over to take Boris then started circulating and talking with the elderly people. It was very heartwarming to see him do this. I was so proud of both of my "boys" for the joy and comfort they brought to these residents.

Once again, Boris passed with flying colors. One more observed visit next Wednesday to Mercy San Juan Hospital, then we will be an official Therapy Dogs, Inc. team!

Onward with gratitude to every veteran and active military person for our freedom. We will never forget their sacrifices.

Mostly Boris and Then Some

2011-11-09T06:02:00.000-08:00

Boris in his new raincoat getting
ready for a walk with his Daddy.

Henry and me at Mercy Folsom
Hospital getting ready to visit
patients on Christmas Day 2004.
Check out his big red holiday bow.

Within seconds of meeting Boris (we mostly just call him BoBo), the 4-year old spectacular Sammie we rescued from San Francisco Samoyed Rescue in May 2011, we knew he would make an exceptional therapy dog. Having been involved in animal assisted therapy with our previous Samoyed, Henry (see picture on the right), we know the qualities necessary for a dog to provide that special kind of canine comfort to people desperately in need of it - those in the hospital, in nursing homes, in hospice, in rehabilitation centers. The most important qualities include being well-mannered, enjoying human contact and basic obedience skills. But in our opinion, there are others that increase the likelihood of a pooch being successful in this role. These include a strong people-orientation, that uncanny canine insight, calmness and trust. Boris has it all and a lot more, as did our beloved Henry, who we lost in 2005.

We gave Boris ample time to settle into our home before deciding to pursue registration with Therapy Dogs Inc. (www.therapydogs.com). While there is no formal training required, there is a process of assessment, which includes evaluation by a TDI tester and three observed facility visits.

Boris had his first assessment on November 5th at Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento; as we expected, he passed with flying colors! We have two other visits scheduled by the end of November. Upon successful completion, Boris will be a registered therapy dog and able to make pet visitations to any facility that would like him to share that special Sammie joy and love with patients and/or clients.

Boris had some practice at pet therapy even before the formal assessment with TDI began. DH experienced an unexpected health crisis in August which resulted in a medical leave of absence from work. During this time, whenever DH would take a nap, Boris would climb up on the bed and watch him until he was sure his Dad was asleep. Then - and only then - would Boris go to sleep, not leaving his Dad's side until nap time was over.

Not every Samoyed may be suited for animal assisted therapy, but our previous experience with Henry and now Boris has demonstrated that the core characteristics of this wonderful breed make them strong pet therapy candidates.

Christmas Quilt 2011

On the quilting front, here is my Thimbleberries "Holiday Stars" quilt. This top took forever to complete, but I am very pleased with the way it turned out. One question however: Why do they call a gathering of Thimbleberries quilters "a club"? Given the number of tiny pieces of fabric in one of these tops, it should be called a support group!

Here is a picture of my completed horse-theme jacket. This is the first piece of clothing I have made since I was in Home Ec in high school. What a challenge this was! That said, after having to let out seams because it was too small (despite selecting what I thought was the right pattern size), it's a cute top that will be great for winter rides, whether in the arena or on the trail.

Don't think making clothes is my "thing" but I'm happy with the outcome of this sewing adventure, regardless of the problems with it. Lord forbid anyone who really knows how to sew looks at the inside of this jacket. What a mess!

Onward into the holiday season with great gratitude.

What's Wrong With This Picture?

2011-10-16T13:37:00.000-07:00

What we were supposed to paint

My painting
Unfinished 10/2011

I have proven to myself that as an oil painter, I'd make a great house painter.

After taking drawing and oil painting classes, I came to the tragic - but true - realization that I cannot paint.

I have proof-positive, to wit:

1. I was the only student in the class who did not finish the painting. Everyone else left with a completed 'masterpiece.' I spent too much time getting the pitcher and bowl to look the way I wanted because I didn't like the one in the original picture.

2. The instructor asked all the other participants what they were going to do to continue painting now that we had finished the class. She assiduously avoided me when she made her rounds! I'm sure she was thinking, "Don't make eye contact!"

3. My picture bears no resemblance to what we were to paint, except that the subjects are similar in nature. I broke out of the mold, painting what I wanted, not merely reproducing what was required. Oops! That wasn't the assignment. Oh well.

In my defense, the vase and flower are not finished at all, I still was working on my pitcher and bowl and hadn't even started any detail work.

You don't know if you don't go and try something, right? I'll stick to quilting and not spend money getting the supplies to finish my painting. I don't have the heart to trash it, so I'll store it in my sewing room closet as a reminder not to try this hobby again. Even DH - after seeing my painting - suggested that I stick to my other activities. The cruelest cut of all! :-(

Onward, but not in oil painting land!

Just Horsing Around

2011-10-04T10:35:00.000-07:00

My very first horse show
ribbons

My friend and riding buddy, Mary
and me at the stable on the
day of the show

My second place in Novice Trail,
with ChaCha, a great horse

What a day at my first-ever horse show and after only riding for five months.

At the ripe old age of . . . er, let's just say "getting closer to Medicare" . . . I participated in a schooling horse show at The Knicker Knob Stable in Loomis, CA where I ride and take lessons. Who would have thought even a year ago that I would be taking home three ribbons for the day, let alone be on a horse? Will wonders never cease. Apparently not!

It was a great day, full of jittery nerves (the positive variety) of excitement, some surprises (the horse I usually ride, Jessie, had a back problem and was pulled from the show), fabulous support from DH and my good friend and riding partner, Mary, and loads of terrific people who were there for their kids or themselves.

The lead-up to the show was not good, with DH's health issues still worrying me and my being sick on the Saturday before the event. That noted, I woke up on Sunday knowing I was strong enough to ride. I had absolutely no expectations of what would happen never having been in any horse show in my life. In many ways, this was a very good situation; without expectations, I didn't fret about where I would end up in my classes when the dust settled (literally). I just got up on the horse and did what our instructor - the fabulous and oh-so-sweet Kelly Williams - had trained us to do.

First up was the Pleasure Class. The objective: The rider needs to make it look like she could ride this horse all day long, that she'd just love that, that she'd never want to get off the horse, etc., etc. This requires big smiles (I'm not good at this part in any sport), good posture, relaxed gait, and the ability to exude what fun it is to ride. When the announcer started with 5th place, working her way down and I hadn't heard my number called, I thought, "Don't worry. Equitation is next. You should do better in that class." Then I heard "And first place goes to 289." I nearly fell off the horse.

My placement was truly a shock because at the very last minute, the horse I usually ride was pulled from the show due to a back injury. I was literally plopped on Breezy, a lesson horse equal to me in age, I think, who I had never ridden. I thought I had done really poorly in the class, because getting Breezy to move out was any other than, well, a breeze.

When I realized that I'd gotten first place and turned to pick up my blue ribbon and leave, I saw DH and Mary standing there, all smiles, clapping and shouting, "Way to go, Karen!" I was stunned and very happy. In addition, a friend of mine from the skating rink who used to ride had made a somewhat surprise visit to the show. She was very happy for me, telling me I did a great job and holding my crop and other riding accouterments while I dismounted. I know she used to ride in shows when she was a young adult (even broke her arm as a result of doing jumping when she was 20). It was nice to have someone else there who knew about the class I was riding in.

Equitation was next. I thought I would do pretty well. The class, which was 18 & over, was not large (6 or 7 riders). I made two fatal errors right out of the proverbial gate: passing on the wrong side of another rider and not maintaining adequate space between the horses. I haven't seen the judges' comments yet, so I don't know what else I did, but I came in 3rd. I admit this was a disappointment, but Mary told me I looked more tense than during the Pleasure class so I am certain that has something to do with my placement.

Last was Novice Trail. This class was essentially 10 riders of all ages, but basically all at a relatively beginners level. The course consists of obstacles you and the horse maneuver at a certain pace (a walk, a trot). I don't understand the judging criteria, but I know I really enjoy this class. It's fun, challenging and provides more variety than just going around the arena. As I waited for the results, I had no idea how I had done. I figured probably 4th or 5th. Again, I was stunned and very happy that I came in 2nd.

The only pall on the day was that Mary did not participate. There were not enough horses once Jessie could not be ridden. Mary wanted people (children) who had parents or a spouse (like DH) there to be able to participate in the show. She is such a wonderful person to think of others that way, but I was quite disappointed she did not ride. We've been taking lessons together since May; Mary was very ready for the show. But, we vowed that next year we will both be in more events, as well as help the stable get more organized for the show (things were a bit chaotic, but it didn't ruin the fun).

My lesson is later this week. Kelly, my instructor, told me she is going to put me on "H," a beautiful American Paint who is for a more intermediate rider. My heart is already pounding with excitement!

Onward we go with a "Whoa, Nelly!" or in this case, "Whoa, H!" on our lips!

Show day before leaving for the stable.
New pants and black riding boots because
"It's not how you ride but
how you look when you ride that matters!"

Wanted: Artistic Talent

2011-09-24T15:06:00.000-07:00

Still Life
September 2011

Let's get something straight right from the start. I have not posted this picture because I think it represents any degree of decent or even marginal art. For me, this blog is an online journal, so I like to capture things I've done, whether good, bad, wretched and everything in between.

This is the finished product from my first of two drawing classes. We started the still life last weekend. I had to complete it from memory as I hadn't taken a picture of it in class. DH found a persimmon picture on the Web so I knew what one looked like. In case you are wondering, the persimmon is the squat, nearly unidentifiable fruit on the far right, next to the gourd that DH says looks like an eggplant. He could be right!

Today we drew sketches of landscapes and a portrait. I managed to limp through the landscape unscathed, but when it came to the portrait, the proverbial artistic wheels came off.

The instructor had selected a lovely picture of Jackie Kennedy (a beautiful head shot) for us to sketch. After struggling for what seemed like forever, I produced what looks more like some alien creature than Jackie. OMG, the poor woman is turning over in her grave at what I drew. It was absolutely horrid, in every way. In fact, I refused to post it because anyone reading this would probably die from laughter and I don't want to be sued for "Death by hysterics."

All right, a portrait artist I am not and I have no desire to be one. My friend, Mary, who is in the class, and I agreed that we want to get to the painting class so we can stop drawing; in fact, drawing was merely a means to an end (starting the two session oil painting class). Thank goodness for me that we'll be working on still life in the painting class!

Onward in art land, humbled and with apologies to Jackie O, one of my idols, along with Audrey Hepburn.

Grape Expectations

2011-09-21T15:41:00.000-07:00

I made this quilt for our contractor and his wife, who completed the extensive outdoor project to extend our living space by some 1,000 square feet in the front of our home and making the space in our back yard much more usable.

In our development, every home has a mini-vineyard, so I wanted to make something that would reflect that element of our environment.

This beautiful grape-theme batik fabric really made this design pop. You will have to click on the photo to see the grape motif, but it is just magnificent in design and colors. Rich, lush and stunning.

Rick and his wife, Deanne, were very grateful for the gift.It is always so much more fun making quilts for other people than for oneself.

After promising I would never make another Thimbleberries quilt, I am now tackling a Christmas quilt. After cutting out 600 pieces, I realized that was only about 30% of the total pieces required for the top! Yes, there are hundreds of very small pieces! I'm doubtful that it will be completed this Christmas, but there is always next year.

Onward in quilt land!

The "Perspiring" Artist

2011-09-21T15:27:00.000-07:00

Pitcher sketch
September 2011

This picture is the first thing I've drawn in a class since I was in summer school, between my freshman and sophomore years in high school. I was too math-phobic to take a required math class, so I opted for an art class. I can't even remember what we drew, but I do recall it was some sort of still life.

Imagine me breaking out in a cold sweat when my friend Mary and I attended the first of two beginner art classes, in anticipation of taking an oil painting class. Mary figured we'd likely need to draw something to paint. Isn't that just like a lawyer (which she is) to think so analytically?

While my sketch resembles a pitcher of some shape, it hardly reflects the object we were supposed to draw. Fortunately, there are other students in the class with the same general lack of innate artistic talent as I possess. On the other hand, there are others who can genuinely call themselves "artists."

The class was fun and the instructor is excellent. I enjoyed the relaxation factor of the class; seems like no one is taking themselves too seriously. Mary and I sit next to each other and giggle over our respective efforts, so that makes things quite humorous and entertaining.

I tried finishing up our other drawing (a still life with three elements) and ended up with a dismay outcome. My persimmon looks like a cow patty and the gourd, as DH pointed out, looks like an eggplant. Now I know where the expression, "Back to the drawing board!" originates.

Onward with pencil and sketch pad in hand.

Of Halloween, Horse Shows and Half-Chaps

2011-09-08T16:59:00.000-07:00

Halloween Quilt
Completed September 2011

Close Up of One of the Blocks

I had never made a quilt from charm squares (5" pre-cut squares) so I went searching for some to make our Halloween quilt. I was glad to find a Halloween theme Moda Charm Pack on e-Bay, at a pretty good price. Then, of course, I had to find a pattern which wasn't too difficult.

When I received the fabric, I wasn't sure I liked the squares. I did alter the pattern to accommodate the directional squares and didn't rotate some of the squares as the original pattern suggested. But I now love the high contrast and entire look of the top.

I hadn't made a pieced border before, so it was fun to make one. It took some real planning to make sure I had enough variety in the rectangles. I'm pleased with the way the border turned out. Off to the long arm quilter tomorrow.

Now for things horse-related. I didn't think at the advanced age of - er, well let's just leave it at "over 60" - that I would be in a horse show. In fact, if you asked me two months ago, I would have said "Never!" But leave it to our instructor, Kelly, to ask Mary (my riding buddy) and me to participate in the schooling show at the Knicker Knob Stable in October. I have no idea what one does in a horse show like this, never having been in one. I do know that it involves judges watching you and providing feedback. "Oh, great!" My very favorite thing. I'm sure I will like receiving judges' comments as much as I do in ice skating. But, Mary and I are committed to supporting "The Knob" (as we call the stable) and so we agreed to just "man up" and do it.

Being in a horse show means you've got to look good, right? So, I went online and found some half-chaps that, of course, I absolutely must have. They were only $29.00, so I'm sure they are not going to be great, but I am hoping they will help with the raw spot that I have on the inside of my right knee from riding. Kelly suggested I get these as "That's what English riders wear" so I took her advice, always wanting to look appropriate while riding. Between my outfit and the horse, maybe the judges won't look at my riding acumen!

Life has been up-and-down for us the last month and we are now adjusting to a "new normal" as the result of a very unexpected health condition that DH was just diagnosed with. But, we are trying to get back to some degree of normalcy and predictability, as much as possible, that is. We had a great appointment with an expert at Stanford Medical Center and came home feeling more optimist and positive than we did before going there.

Onward through life we go.

Gratitude at Its Purest, Most Simple Form

2011-09-08T12:02:00.000-07:00

As some of you know, our next door neighbor's youngest son, Michael, died in a terrible drowning accident about three months ago. This was a tragedy of such magnitude that it was hard to even comprehend that such a thing could happen. Two months after Michael's death, the family - including their remaining son, Gregory - went to Greece to visit their family.

During that time, I made a Spiderman quilt for Gregory. I really wanted to make something that would be just for him and might bring him a little joy.

The family recently returned home, so I had the opportunity to give the quilt to Gregory. As I was in bed with a wretched migraine, he brought this thank you note (see picture) over and asked DH to give it to me.

I cried when I read it. What an example of sweet gratitude expressed in a simple, touching way. I particularly love the "Have no fear!!! Spiderman is here!!!" part.

Sometimes when you make a quilt, something remarkable comes back to you. For me, this is what occurred with the Spiderman quilt. The design wasn't anything complicated, but it was fun and apparently perfect for a Spiderman-loving 6-year old. I hope this quilt brings Gregory and his family some comfort and peace.

Onward in life, as difficult and tragic as it can be at times.

At the Fair

2011-08-14T11:24:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of Traveling Shoes, the clogging team I dance with, at the Nevada County Fair when we performed there on Saturday, August 13.

What a spectacular venue for dancing. The fairgrounds are beautiful. The fair activities were abundant. My friend, Mary, was the perfect "Clogging Mom" - she carried the easel/poster and even put rhinestones on our skirts, at the last minute.

Our performance was great fun and I enjoyed being there with the

other team members. The audience enjoyed our dancing, which is what it's really all about.

Even my college roommate who lives in Nevada City watched us. She and a friend were at the Homeward Bound Golden Retriever booth, as they are actively involved in that organization. It was great to see her at the event.

After our performance, Mary and I spent the remainder of the day at the fair. We watched a fabulous exhibition (including some jumping) by the Gold Mines Pony Club, a program with dogs herding sheep (being a human Mom to a Collie, this was very interesting; this is what our DeeDee was born to do; too bad we can't keep sheep at home!), ate a huge frosty ice cream cone, went for a ferris wheel ride and listened to blues music. It was a really enjoyable day.

Here is a short video of me as the announcer for Traveling Shoes. Note to self: need a voice coach to get rid of that Minnie Mouse voice.

Back to clogging class the first week in September. I'm looking forward to learning some new steps and dances.

Clogging onward!

Magical Mornings

2011-08-13T07:02:00.000-07:00

There is something very special about early mornings at the rink that reminds me just how much I enjoy skating. Yesterday was just such an experience. I'd like to write that I had some extraordinary skating break-through. Not so. In fact, it was the ordinary nature of the day that was special.

I'm a 'ritual' person and they don't get much better than waking up when it's still dark, grabbing a cup of coffee, getting ready, pouring another 'cuppa' for the drive to the rink and arriving well before the madness, chaos and commercialism of the place truly begins.

I am working on Silver Moves in the Field, which means nothing to non-skaters, I know. Forgive me. Now I've been working on these for two years, but really not in earnest. I decided that I really need to improve my edges so my free dancing is better. After all, in skating, everything begins - and ends - with moves. Yesterday it was primarily the first set of required three turns. OMG, these are hard, but Coach J was pleased that I could do them in both directions with what she referred as to "comfort." She clearly didn't hear my heart nearly leaping out of my chest. But, Coach was holding my hand, too. No way am I able to do these on my own yet. I have strict orders from her that I am not allowed to practice these alone, but I did sneak in a couple of turns when she wasn't looking.

Moves, as an activity, is about the precision of this sport. There is no fudging them, like in free skating. You either do them correctly or you are likely "arse" down on the ice. That's why I enjoy them so much; the structure, the intellectual challenge, the need for exactness, the sound of the blade cutting into the ice all appeal to me. There isn't the need for speed (at least for the three turns) so it's a great activity for us "adult onset skaters"(as my best skating buddy Janet refers to those of us who took up this sport later in life). Speaking of Ms. J, every time I work on Silver Moves I think of her testing these so perfectly and Coach J being so proud of her, as was I. Her test inspires me to continue working on these.

Then it was on to Free Dance 6. This tango program is so cool! Coach Chris is doing a fantastic job of putting the program together. He keeps assuring me I will be able to test it before year end. Given that only about 30 seconds of the required 2 minutes 30 seconds is done at this point, that seems a stretch, but I trust him. The opening elements are just fantastic; very sexy and fun for a "mature" lady to do. I have that inner self screaming to release another side of me. When I work on this program I am completely absorbed in the elements. There isn't time to think, "What would happen if . . ." - there is only trying to be that tango dancer that Coach C claims I'm supposed to emulate.

Finally, the dreaded Ten Fox. Two pretty good patterns in "attack" mode. Then the wheels came off when I balked at the outside Mohawk. "Oh darn!" as Coach J says when I botch something in a lesson. I have got to get out of my head when I do this dance!

Had some quality time to chat with J about various topics. Another treat of being at the rink early!

All-in-all, a good day at the rink.

Skating onward.

Back in the Saddle - English that is - again.

2011-08-03T17:08:00.000-07:00

I hadn't been in an English saddle since I was 9. That's a very long time, in case you are wondering. A very, very, very long time.

As my goal is to ultimately do dressage, I made the decision on my way to the stable Monday that I would try riding English. Kelly, my riding instructor, was very supportive of my idea.

Forgetting just how many parts there are to an English saddle, I was a little intimidated when I was tacking up Jessie. Once in the arena, I recalled how comfortable riding English is and decided that I will ride this way from now on. We didn't do much on Monday, which was good because this hip injury I sustained was still problematic. We mostly walked, with me just getting the feel of the saddle again.

Kelly gave me many tips and some of them came back just like I had never been away from English riding. Had a great time and was pleased that I had no pain on Tuesday morning. Was wondering if this could be due to the shift from Western to English. That quickly changed after clogging practice on Tuesday. The repetitive movement of clogging is not good for this hip.

One of the horses at the stable, GQ, has a terrible allergy to flies. He had fly larvae in his eyes and on his nose. This condition was giving him tremendous problems. I watched Kelly, who is the stable's resident "para-vet," remove them, flush the wounds with wormer and apply other medicines. She was amazing. GQ was such a brave boy when Kelly was doing all of this. Most horses would have flipped themselves over, but GQ stood there, pulling his head away occasionally, but for the most part, letting her take care of him.

I love GQ. He was abused by not only his first owner, but also by a second. He is a lesson horse. I am going to ask Kelly if I can start riding GQ. He is a very sweet horse. I feel so sorry for him, but he has a very good home at the Knicker Knob Stable.

Onward, back in the English saddle again!

Cantering like Crazy

2011-07-18T15:22:00.000-07:00

Jessie and me after cantering

I'd like to brag that I can canter like the young woman in this YouTube video - http://youtu.be/gOxrlfthclM - but today, I did spend the better part of my lesson in the canter, a gait between a trot and a gallop.

I was back riding Jessie today. What a wonderful horse! He is so responsive that it takes little to no effort to put him into a canter.

The four or five times we managed the gait properly, I was letting out shrieks for having accomplished this. My friend, Mary, who also takes lessons on Monday, thought I was screaming because I was terrified I was going to fall off. Not so. It was a wonderful gait to ride and I was having the time of my life. These were shrieks of joy!

If you want to see someone cantering who knows what they are doing, check out the video. "It's a beautiful thing," as the expression goes.

Onward in a canter.

Back to my skating 'roots'

2011-07-13T17:32:00.000-07:00

Coach Chris and me
Opening pose for FD5 program
December 2010

I've been skating for a fairly long while now. I started because I dreamed of being an ice dancer. My journey has taken me in many skating directions - ice dancing, pairs, freestyle, synchro, and free dance. What a range of disciplines in this sport!

Sometimes I need to be away from something to realize how much it means to me. That's how it has been for me with ice dancing. It fell off my skating radar screen, while I concentrated on doing Free Dance (which is a form of ice dancing) and Free Style skating.

After working on the European and American Waltz dances recently, I realized that there is nothing that trumps traditional ice dancing for me. I know that my pathway has been circular; I'm back to why I started skating. It feels absolutely spectacular to be in the arms of a partner (who knows what he is doing!) and dance. Yes, the waltzes have had a profound effect on me and my choice to stick with dancing exclusively for the rest of my skating 'career.' But, there are other dances, like the Paso Doble, which are at the opposite end of the dancing spectrum from a waltz, that feel as great - but different - than a waltz. So I know it's not just a 'waltz high' that lead me to this decision.

I still want to test as high as I am able in Free Dance because I love the combination of ice dancing and free style elements that make up a Free Dance program. The Tango music we are using for FD6 is fantastic and so sexy to dance to. I love the Argentine Tango dance pattern that's a requirement for this level.

It feels so good to truly look forward to skating again, to be excited about going to the rink, to know that there's an attainable goal. Mostly, it just feels 'fantabulous' to make the dream I had so many years ago front-and-center again.

Onward, ice dancing my way through life.

"Lord, Give Me Wisdom, Strength and Appreciation"

2011-06-30T14:16:00.000-07:00

I am relying on God's wisdom to help us through a difficult time.

Our next door neighbor's 3-year old son drowned in the family swimming pool three weeks ago. Going to the burial and service required every ounce of courage we had. We didn't know what to say to these grieving, devastated parents. Knowing we can no longer look out the window and see little Michael playing in the driveway ever again has been nearly impossible to comprehend. We are trying to find the 'right' way to memorialize Michael, but it is hard to know what to do.

When I feel like life has gotten away from me or things happen that I do not understand - like my friend, Susan, losing her 13-year old daughter to cancer and Michael being lost in a drowning accident - I turn to quilting. This activity requires me to focus and gives me time for reflection. I can create something that may provide some comfort, no matter how small, to people who need it now. I am making a Spiderman quilt for Gregory, our neighbor's remaining son, who is 6, and a lovely batik quilt for Michael's parents.

I feel especially appreciative of my own family and friends right now. When faced with the reality that life can change forever in a matter of minutes, I want to put my proverbial "wagons in a circle." I want to be close to home and make sure that everything is as it should be.

With our major exterior construction project, house painting, and other things going on, it's been hard to find quality quiet time with our doggies. Our latest rescue, Boris, a 4-year old Samoyed (pictured here) has helped bring joy into our lives every day. He has an abundance of sparkle and is so much fun to be around. DH walks Boris in the morning and really enjoys his time with him. These little things are helping us soldier through a painful time.

I went skating today mostly to see my best skating buddy and dear friend, Janet, and to get some exercise. I needed to stretch my legs and feel the cold of the rink as I took a breath. Everything felt so clean there. I didn't have a lesson, just skated by myself. I had a pleasurable time; it felt good to feel something positive today.

I have more appreciation than I could ever express for DH. He continues to astound and amaze me at the depth of his sensitivity, compassion, and extraordinary strength, even during this most profoundly sad time. At Michael's burial, he offered to stay to make certain that everything was done properly. While Michael's father said it wasn't necessary, I was so proud of DH for offering; it was such a reflection of the immense heart he has.

In closing, "Thank you, God, for the blessings you have bestowed upon me, for which I am grateful beyond expression. Give me the wisdom, please, to know how to bring some solace to Michael's parents. Help me never let a day go by when I don't show DH the appreciation he deserves for saving this little bird with a broken wing and making a life with her that she never imagined could be."

Onward with Your Grace.

Coco Jambo

2011-04-30T10:19:00.000-07:00

In class this week, we learned a dance that I am so hoping we are going to add to the repertoire for Traveling Shoes, our performance clogging team. When doing this dance, you cannot feel anything but happy, happy, happy. I love the Caribbean rhythm. The steps are cute, different and fit the music perfectly. Give this song a listen (clink on the link below) and you'll be guaranteed a happy day!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bY-oMCmrvPM&feature=related

This week, I made a sales call for Traveling Shoes by dropping in to the Loomis (CA) Chamber of Commerce office. I asked how we could be considered for entertainment at the annual Eggplant Festival, which is being held in Loomis this year on October 1. I was given the contact information I needed. Also learned about Community Day on June 12 in Loomis. My task for next week is to follow-up on these leads. There are many events that are 'ripe for the picking' for our team, I believe.

We are also being considered for an invitational golf tournament at Lake of the Pines on June 28. There would be about 100 women in attendance. Would be really fun to perform there. While we are not a "shoe-in" (no pun intended), I think we've got a good shot at being selected.

I'm going to a clogging class in Sacramento next week with a woman I met in clogging class. She is a delight and dances with AfterShock, a performance clogging team based in Sacramento. Judy invited me to tag along with her and two other ladies to go to their class on Thursday night. Looking forward to seeing the teaching style of other clogging instructors. I love my instructor, Kathy Kaplan - who is awesome beyond words - but it's always good to see and hear how others many teach clogging.

I'm having a ball with my clogging activities. So glad I took up this form of dance!

Clog on!

"Keep Your Butt on the Horse!"

2011-04-18T08:05:00.000-07:00

When you're young and you fall off a horse, you may break something. When you're my age, you splatter. ~Roy Rogers

Today is my second riding lesson. My friend Mary is going to come with me and have her own lesson. Should be fun having her along; Mary's game for most anything and looks every bit an equestrian. She also grew up around horses and had to tell me about her aunt (who owned a racetrack) who had her eye kicked out by a horse. Ah, "Thanks, Mary!" I could have gone a lifetime without hearing that!

That said, whenever I go ice skating, DH always tells me, "Keep your feet on the ice, your butt off the ice, then call with a full report." Now when I am going for a riding lesson, he puts his clasped hands up to his mouth and yells (as though he is the riding instructor), "Keep your butt on the horse!" I wish I could describe this well enough in words because it is quite hysterical the way he does it.

Yesterday, we purchased a riding helmet. I got a very English-looking black, velvet-like helmet. Quite pretty, although it completely flattens my hair. It took an hour to figure out how to put the thing on and properly adjust the straps. This horse equipment is complicated! While I was there, I purchased some riding gloves (must have these, of course) with black horses on them. Very cool looking. This is all in keeping with "It's not how you ride but how you look when you ride that really matters."

We spent some time talking with a vet who happened to be at the store giving vaccinations to dogs about the topic of falling off a horse. I asked him pointblank, "Does everybody who rides fall off?" You can imagine his response - "Yes!" And why is it the minute you start talking with someone who rides and they know you are a beginner, they immediately feel compelled to tell you about falling off the horse? Yikes, I thought I could avoid this experience. I suppose it is only a matter of time. But as Roy Rogers said (see quote above) maybe I will just splatter!

I hope Mary decides she to continue taking riding lessons. It would be great fun to have a buddy along for the ride (no pun intended).

Before my lesson today, I must decide about Western vs. English. I'm so drawn to English and dressage, but I looked at the dressage wear yesterday at the riding supply store. The jackets start at $300.00 and go up from there. And that's just the beginning. Then there is the issue of owning a horse (so you can bond which I guess is really important for dressage) which is not going to happen. The vet told us that the best way to ride a lot is find a friend who owns a horse but doesn't ride often and wants to have it exercised. Bingo. I'm on the prowl for one of those friends.

Onward into equestrian land. I am planning on keeping my butt on the horse today!

Who Knew?

2011-04-13T09:29:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to report I survived my first riding lesson since I was eight years old.

I showed up on Monday, 4/11, with new black breeches and cool new riding boots. I felt every bit the rider. Tracking down Kelly, my instructor, was pretty easy as she was talking with people (adults, thank goodness!) who had the lesson before mine.

DH insisted I bring a carrot for Buckley, the pot belly pig who is the stable's mascot. He (the pig, not the husband) appreciated the morning feast and promptly fell asleep, snout in the ground. Wish I could drop off to sleep that fast.

Kelly escorted me into the barn where there was a very handsome brown horse eating oats. Introductions ensued. "Karen, this is Jessy. He is a 22-year old Arabian who has been a lesson horse for 2 years now. He is very sweet and gentle." Me: "Hi, Jessy. You certainly are a magnificent creature. And you are going to be nice to me, right?" Jessy: No response (after all, he was eating his breakfast). Me: "Ah, you're a man of few words. I understand. I'm married to one like that."

Next stop was the tack room. Kelly started pulling out all manner of equipment. My heart was racing. I don't remember all this stuff (or what to do with it), but when I was 8, I showed up on Saturday mornings and the horse was ready to ride. Anyway, I groomed Jessy, including cleaning his feet. Interesting note: Jessy had no shoes. Kelly explained that Arabians have very good feet, so many of them don't need shoes. Makes the picking much easier too. I liked grooming him; a good bonding experience.

Then time to put on the saddle pad. Well, that was pretty easy. The saddle was next. Who knew a saddle had so many parts (see picture above)? Not me, I rode English as a kid; the English saddle isn't nearly as complicated as a Western. My head was swimming trying to recall what was what. We finally got Jessy groomed and saddled up and went off to the arena.

I managed to mount Jessy without making a total fool of myself. Kelly stood in the center of the arena and in a very reassuring, calm voice, called out instructions to me. I seemed to understand what she was telling me to do. Jessy was very responsive. It's true that once you've been on a horse, you don't forget the feeling. The minute I swung my right leg over the saddle, it came back to me - feeling the horse breathing, the slope of the back, the warmth of his mane, the excitement of feeling like you're on top of the world. Toward the end of the lesson, Kelly suggested that we (Jessy and I) do some trotting. I didn't recall how to post, but her instruction - "Up on one, down on two" - was perfect; in no time I was posting up a storm.

Just as we were getting ready to leave the arena, I saw the precursor (it's called an "aura) to a migraine and cursed the migraine devils for sending me one at this moment. We managed to get back to the barn and Jessy pastured again. Despite this unexpected end, the lesson was so much fun, I can hardly wait until next Monday for another lesson.

I am so very blessed to have a DH who is letting me live out my childhood fantasies. He will never know - because I will never be able to adequately communicate to him - how much this means to me.

Onward into horse land. I've come up with an expression for my renewed interest in riding: "Go by horse or go home!"

Saddle Up!

2011-04-10T15:33:00.000-07:00

I thought this morning DH and I were going out to gather information about riding lessons from the two stables by our home.

About 30 minutes after we left the house, we had gone to one stable (the one where I thought I'd likely wind up taking lessons), had met Kelly, the riding instructor who works with "most of the ladies," as she phrased it, and scheduled my first riding lesson for tomorrow, which happens to be our 24th wedding anniversary.

Of course, one cannot go riding without the proper attire. Well, of course not! Next stop was The Boot Barn in Rocklin. I have to say that a month ago I probably would never have envisioned myself shopping at this store. We found some cute riding boots at a great sale price. But wait, what about the riding breeches? Off we went to a riding supply store in our little town of Loomis. Twenty minutes later, we emerged with a very chic pair of black Kerritts (this is what Kelly was wearing, we happened to notice). They are quite cute and flatter the figure. They are NOT jodhpurs, but are more like skating pants, flared a little at the bottom so you can wear them inside or outside your boots. Alright, the wardrobe is taken care of. Check that off the list.

Kelly is as nice as can be. I explained my riding history. She asked if I felt confident around horses or was I more timid. I responded, "Well, when I was 8 I was pretty confident, but since I'm well past that now, I'd say. . .er. . .TIMID!" She seemed to understand completely. I'm sure I'm not the first mature woman who wanted to take riding lessons later in life. DH and I really liked Kelly the minute we met her (DH probably because she is young and beautiful).

I like the stable's teaching approach. They teach you from the ground up, meaning, you get your horse from the pasture, you groom him or her, you get the horse saddled up, etc., etc. They assume that most students will some day want their own horse so they want people to learn how to do these things themselves. Smart idea.

Tomorrow at 11:00 am I'll be at the Knicker Knob Stables in Loomis launching a new adventure in my life. All of this is complements of DH, who has given me the lessons, the boots, the breeches and the emotional support as an anniversary gift. Isn't that too sweet and amazing for words? He is the best husband in the world.

Onward we go, in keeping with my motto about most things - "It doesn't matter how you ride, it's how you look when you ride that really counts!" More to follow after tomorrow's lesson.

Another Dream Come True?

2011-04-07T08:36:00.000-07:00

When I was about 8 years old, I decided I wanted to take riding lessons. Of course, doesn't every little girl fall in love with horses at that age?

My wonderful mother (no girl could have asked for a better Mom) took me to the riding supply store and bought me beautiful, shiny black riding boots. I loved those boots. We could ill-afford them at the time, I'm sure, but Mother knew how much I wanted to ride. I am sure she pinched her pennies for months so I could get those boots and riding lessons.

I can't remember when or why I stopped those lessons, but I remember - as if it were yesterday - going to the stable, the smell of the manure, the beautiful creatures with the large heads and big eyes. And I remember Opera Gloves, the name of the horse that the stable owner had. She was a spectacular horse, pitch black with white gloves. I will never forget that horse.

Years later, I became the recipient of a 2 year-old thoroughbred called French Dish. French wasn't broken, so there was no riding involved, but I recall so well going to the stables on Skyline Blvd. in Oakland, mucking out the stall, walking French around the arena. When the relationship that brought French into my life ended, so did my relationship with the horse. I got the friends; he got the horse.

So now - at age 63 - I am considering embarking on another journey - learning to ride again.

Why now? The line from a beautiful song from "Wicked" says, "People come into your life for a reason," and so it was yesterday. I rang up a former classmate from my doctoral program to find out if she knew the health status of another classmate of ours. After we talked about our mutual friend, the chat turned to "So, what have you been doing?" Sherrie told me she had returned to riding (now, she is a serious equestrian; she is jumping horses!) about a year ago, after becoming an empty-nester.

We talked for some time about her riding experiences. As she spoke, my horse experiences came flooding back to me. Sherrie said, "Why don't you look into riding?" in response to my mentioning how much I love horses. I told her about my back injury from ice skating, that DH said "No horseback riding!", that Dear Doctor (DD) said, "I'd rather you skate than horseback ride," and that I didn't think that an old gal like me could learn to ride. Sherrie dismissed the entire idea and told me to check into it.

Mind you, this is all too easy. We have not one, but two stables within a mile of our home! Of course, I immediately pop on to the Web to find out about riding lessons at these stables. Imagine my surprise to learn that they are less expensive than ice skating lessons - and that includes the horse! "Whoa, Nellie!" I thought, "How can that be?" Well, "Shut my mouth!" They are far less expensive than skating lessons.

Last night, I slyly I broached the subject with DH using my typical approach; to wit, "Did you know that riding lessons are much less expensive than skating lessons?" Silence. Then I got what I call "the look." Translation: Anything that costs less than skating, gets me out of the skating environment, and gets me into something else would make DH happy. He tolerates my skating activities so well, but deep down, he'd really like me to stop skating, I know that. Add to that, that he loves horses too. I definitely got his attention.

As I write this post, I am musing about this. If I ride, I can't skate. It's a simple case of economics. While riding lessons do cost far less, one cannot do everything one wants; one must be reasonable after all. But, having said that, I am taking the first step. Tomorrow (maybe even today if I have time), I am going to both the stables by our house to check them out. This is very exciting and scary too.

Onward into equitation land. That's a horse on you - or rather, me!

"All Shook Up"

2011-03-31T07:53:00.000-07:00

I am having fun clogging with the members of Traveling Shoes.

Here is a link to a number they did last year to Elvis (who else, of course?) singing "All Shook Up." Isn't this the cutest program? http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=b8nIj8Y0Yc0#at=56

Note to self: Must, must, must practice more at home!

Am attending a clogging workshop this Saturday sponsored by AfterShock, a clogging performance team in Sacramento. Met two of their members at clogging class on Tuesday. Very nice women who encouraged me to go to every clogging workshop within driving distance. They said that's what they did when they first started clogging.

Today, I go to the beginner's clogging class, then stay for part of the intermediate class. Have a medical procedure tomorrow so have to come home early to start prepping for it. Wish this event was an April Fool's trick, but not so. If it saves me from health issues down the road, it's important to do. Oddly enough, my college roommate is having the same procedure tomorrow. What are the chances of that happening? We are going to send positive energy to each other!

Embrace These Sentiments Today and Always

2011-03-28T10:07:00.000-07:00

I posted this so I will always have a reference point when I start to stray from my core beliefs. I hope the words are helpful to you, Dear Readers.

"May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us."

Merlin Waiting at The Rainbow Bridge

2011-03-21T09:32:00.000-07:00

One of the women on the clogging performance team I joined created this picture of Merlin at The Rainbow Bridge.

An amazing aspect of kindness is that it is often completely unexpected. This beautiful memory is an example of just that.

I have only known Linda for a very short time. Among other things, she is a fabulous clogger, but her compassion, caring and sensitivity are what I will always appreciate more than anything.

Just when you think your heart is broken beyond repair, something happens that helps you know that you will go on, that life will get better and that people genuinely care. Through Merlin's passing, we have been reminded of this by the actions and words of so many people, Linda being one of them.

John Dunne wrote, "No man is an island." When we feel most alone and isolated, we find ourselves surrounded by others who prop us up, help us out, and mend our injured hearts and souls. This is one of the miracles of friendship.

To everyone (especially Janet, Maddie, Linda, Drs. Bittacker and Spann) who has been there for Ken and me during this difficult time - and who will, I know, continue to be present in our lives - bless you for reaching out to us. You will never know how much it means to us.

Onward, in the comfort of family, friends and, of course, our beautiful girl, DeeDee, (see picture below), without whom our house would not be a home.

Loving Merlin, Losing Merlin

2011-03-20T08:59:00.000-07:00

Merlin Lancelot O'Brien
Went to The Rainbow Bridge March 15, 2011
He was our hero.

This week, we said good-bye to our magnificent Collie boy, Merlin. Right now, it feels like the pain will never end. A friend told me that when you release a dog from his suffering, you take the pain away from him and put it on yourself.

Merlin came to us from NorCal Collie Rescue, nearly one year to the day after we had rescued DeeDee (in background) now an 8-year old female. We had been contacted by NorCal asking us to meet Merlin. It was just before Christmas 2006.

The home were he was being fostered had many other animals, including many dogs. Merlin looked so sad, his head down, his coat suffering from a very poor grooming. He walked slowly amid what seemed like chaos. He wasn't overly friendly, maybe more shell-shocked than anything else as he had just arrived at the foster home. I'm sure he was a little tentative about the one-horned goat and miniature horse.

For Ken, it was love at first sight. After some discussions with the foster Mom, we agreed to adopt Merlin. I suggested that we wait a week before we brought him home, until after Christmas, then come and get him. Ken said, "I think we should take him now." And we did. Three days later I fractured my back ice skating and spent two months immobilized, with minimal activity. The irony of the situation is that if we hadn't taken Merlin that day, it's likely we would not have had the honor of being his human parents.

This week, we made the heartrending decision that it was time to put Merlin to sleep. If you have never gone through this experience with a pet, it's difficult to communicate what it is like. Would that we could all avoid having to make this decision for our beloved pets, but in the end, we must know - as one of Merlin's vets told us - that we gave Merlin another kind of gift, the gift of freedom from pain and suffering.

Loving Merlin was so easy. He needed much, due to health issues, but never asked for anything. Losing him was excruciatingly painful, as it continues to be. I've never had a dog (and I have had many) who had a world of wisdom, along with a world of sorrow, in his eyes. I miss those eyes more than I can express. This kind of pain goes down to the bone. Only time will heal us, along with the love and support of our family and friends.

Ken wanted to let the people at NorCal Collie Rescue know about Merlin's passing. He wrote an amazing tribute. There are no more beautiful words about Merlin than those Ken wrote. While reading his communique makes me cry, I am so proud to have a husband who feels so deeply about his dogs. Here is Ken's letter:

"As you recall, Merlin had some problems with his hips and legs and over the years those issues got worse. But with exercise, sun shine, rest, good food, medications and love we were able to control his discomfort. Karen took him and DeeDee out for walks in our beautiful neighborhood every day that the weather cooperated and Merlin couldn't wait. Sadly, in the last few months, his hip and other pains became such that he couldn't lie down anywhere except in the big soft bed we got for him. He also began showing some signs of confusion. As his two regular vets both told us, he was an elderly gentleman, and they each estimated his age at between 13 and 15 years.
The last few months were very tough for him. He couldn't get up without effort, paced a tremendous amount of the time he was awake, and was in obvious distress. He also would have terrible incidents where he stumbled and couldn't get up or walk. Despite those troubles, he smiled every time he saw us, walked right over to us when we were drinking our coffee or reading the paper, and firmly pushed his nose against our hands to tell us "Hey, it's time to love me and rub me!"
This past Tuesday he woke us at midnight with a terribly painful sound. He was on the floor and couldn't get up and we had to help him with a sling around his tummy. I won't go into details because the pain is still too fresh in our hearts. But we knew it was time to end his suffering.
We took him to his vet of all these years who cried as much as we did as we took the step of stopping his pain and ending his suffering. She made an amazing statement. You will both recall that before we got DeeDee, we have had Samoyeds. Our last Sammie was a "once in a lifetime dog" named Henry. Our vet is the one who described him that way. Well, as she was crying and preparing to end Merlin's suffering, she said that Merlin had had "some very big shoes to fill," referring to Henry, and said that she was amazed at what he (Merlin) had been able to do to heal our hearts. Then he was no longer suffering and he went to the Rainbow Bridge where we know he's running free of pain and where we know he'll be waiting for us to join him.
Karen told me something last night that I didn't know. A few years ago she started calling Merlin by a longer, richer name: Merlin Lancelot O'Brien. I thought it was very sweet but didn't know why she picked the Lancelot name, although of course Merlin was exceedingly handsome. She told me last night that she named him that because, as Lancelot had done with Lady Guinevere, Merlin had "won her heart" wholly, deeply and completely.
As a present to me, Karen recently had an artist do an oil paint portrait of Merlin based on a photo I took. The photo is attached and you can plainly see Merlin's love, strength of heart and intelligence in the picture. We are taking the portrait out today to have a frame made for it and I'll send along a photo of it when it joins the portrait of Henry that we have, and also the painting of our first Sammie, Winston.
Well there isn't much else to say other than to thank you for the love you gave to him and for bringing him into our lives.
I'll close just be adding that I can also truly say of Merlin that he too was a "once in a lifetime dog."

We thank God for giving us the privilege of loving Merlin. In his life, he taught us much about living with dignity, grave and courage. Go with God, Merlin, and be at peace.

A UFO in the Making

2011-02-27T09:18:00.000-08:00

Any quilter who tells you they have never met a quilt they didn't like is simply not being truthful. And so unfolds the story of a top that DH dubbed "Mayan Madness" (shown above).

I am a 'victim' of quilting photography as a marketing ploy (as a former marketing executive, I can't believe I am writing this). I saw a picture of this quilt in a magazine and loved the colors. I even consulted with DH, who agreed that the fabric was indeed colorful and that he liked it. "Eureka!" I exclaimed, immediately purchasing it online.

I am not now - nor have I ever been - a Laurel Busch fan. (Sidebar, I am a huge Laura Bush fan!). I think all her designs pretty much look the same. So why or why would I buy a "same dog, different fleas" Laurel Busch quilt kit? Clearly, I was under the influence of Big Quilting (as in Big Pharma, Big Government, Big Whatever). I could probably find some law firm who is scouring the country looking for victims of Big Quilting who want to be part of a class action law suit. Hummmm, I've been married to a lawyer far too long, but I digress.

Kit arrived. I liked the fabric. Correction. I liked the colors. I didn't like the rather strange looking Mayan Sun God/Goddess, but thought I could look beyond that. I set to work on the top, frequently looking at that the sun/moon/star images and getting a little freaked out by them. Not really, but it adds to the story :)

This morning I added one side border (the checkerboard part on the far right) to see if it would deflect from the rest of the top. Ah, no. In fact, it only makes things worse. By this time, DH had wandered downstairs, entering my quilting lair. "What are you doing?" he inquired. I explained, he left seeking a caffeine jolt, and I continued, all the while thinking, "What to do, what to do?"

Here were my options:

Finish the dang thing.
Fold it up and banish it to the back of my quilting closet.
Threw it in the trash and pour coffee grounds on it so it can't be retrieved.
Give it to a quilter who might like it and actually finish it.
Stop obsessing about it for today.

I choose an Options 2 & 5 combo, with a strong likelihood toward Option 3. But, I'm a big believer in "Time between the stimulus and response," so taking any drastic action, such as this option requires, would be out of character for me. I folded the top, put it in the nice big purple project bag that my long-arm quilter, Jenine Brothers, gives to her customers and stowed it away in the closet. I may look at it again in the near future, but right now, I can't even think about it.

Fortunately, I have some gorgeous fabric soon to arrive from Hancock's of Paducah that I love - truly love. It is perfect for our home. I can also work on a BOM from Country Sewing Center in Elk Grove, CA and I have my art gallery applique to pursue, so is certainly no lack of projects for me.

As for DH, he is busy putting my new cutting table together, bless his heart. What a sweet, wonderful guy he is. BTW, he didn't like the top either!

Onward we go in quilt land, without Mayan Sun/Moon/Star Gods/Goddess along for the ride (thank goodness!).

Disclaimer: While some of this story is serious - like not liking this top and ceasing to invest any more time in it - most of it is posted in jest. I don't really believe there is a Big Quilting (Big Pharma, yes; Big Quilting, no) nor do I feel victimized by quilting magazine photography. But what would the story be without some histrionics added for flair?

One Thing Different

2011-02-24T08:39:00.000-08:00

For years, I've lived with this "What if it isn't perfect?" approach to things in life. As I've posted before, "Perfection is the enemy of the good" particularly when perfection stops you from exploring aspects of something you'd like to do. And so it is with applique.

I've made one quilt with four hand-appliqued blocks. It was a nice top, nothing terrifically special, but I soldiered through and finished it. I presented it to a friend for Christmas who was over-the-moon about it. Funny how we see things through such different lenses.

I've spent considerable time in the last week scouring the Web for art work to build my own applique design. My dear friend, Lori, suggested that I use these little Renoir reproductions (printed on fabric) to make an art gallery scene. Love the idea, but this is APPLIQUE! "Run away, run away!" that little voice in my head screams.

Deciding that the "one thing different" principle has a nice resting place with this situation, I took the first step: I made the pattern! Won't go into details of exactly how I did this (does tracing from royalty-free artwork sound familiar?). The pattern looks silly right now, but I have sworn to myself I will try this, even if it takes me a year to finish it.

This morning over coffee and staring at my pattern, I decided - on my own, BTW - that I would need to use the cutaway method for the larger pieces. How did I know to do that? Read it somewhere in the past and it stuck, I guess. Funny how the brain stores this information for the future and then delivers it in your lap when you need it. I like that, Ms. Brain. Thanks much!

I laughed at my crude attempt, but this is the creative process in action. I know the lettering on the awning is way too large, but that's a minor point. What matters is that I did "one thing different" and didn't let perfection stand in the way of creativity. That's huge!

Now for clogging news. I've been invited - or recruited - to join a clogging team. Check out www.traveling-shoes.com to see these women in action. I'm so excited about joining them. I had to miss my first practice :( with them as I needed an "emergency" root canal, which is now 50% complete. Still more to go in two weeks. I was very disappointed to miss dancing with them. They are wonderful cloggers. I will have to step up my garage practice to learn new steps.

I'm off to clogging today! Yay!

As for skating, my new Klingbeil boots (yes, this is a second pair, after my SP-Teri's didn't work out for me) are heavenly. Best pair I have had as long as I've been skating. Wore them two hours the first day I put them on. That's amazing!

Focusing on my Free Dance 6 program with Coach Chris. Yesterday, we were doing back three's - with my leg wrapped around one of his - in waltz position. First time, I told him, "No way can I do this!" One of the things I love about Coach C is he doesn't let me off the hook. By the third try, I was getting the hang of it. This is a very tango like element, which it needs to be as the program is to tango music. The program is definitely forcing me to get out of my skating comfort zone. It is difficult and well beyond where I have been skating. I figure it's a year in the making, but as my dearest skating buddy/friend, Janet, says "There's no rush." Only Father Time tapping me on the shoulder, leering and noting, "Hello, Missy. Coming up on another birthday next month!" I have set a goal to have this program tested by December 2011. That's reasonable.

Clog, skate and quilt on!

Winter Quilt

2011-02-07T08:30:00.000-08:00

At the rink with my latest quilt top

I screwed up my courage and tackled an "Advanced" pattern, a top entitled White Birches.

Things were going pretty well until I got to the flange (not shown here, it is a small border between larger borders, which is only attached on one side).

Managed to attach the top and bottom pieces with no trouble whatsoever. I was on a roll - or so I thought. Ran into some major problems putting on the side borders. I spent hours trying to solve the problem. My rule of thumb: When one is crying over a quilt, it's time to stop! And so I did.

Off I went to my long-arm quilter and friend, Jenine Brothers, owner of The Meandering Needle. Jenine is a Master Quilter so I was embarrassed to ask her for help. Of course she was just as kind and helpful as always. We mused over the pattern instructions and decided to attach the flange differently than the instructions indicated. Problem solved! Brilliant Jenine to the rescue - again!

This top would never have been finished were it not for the skill and talent of one of my skating friends, Karen, who is in the picture above on the far left (I'm the one in the blue jacket, BTW). Karen was kind enough to fuse and machine applique the three red cardinals. I know how to hand applique which produces a "folk art" look. I didn't want that for this top, so I asked Karen if she would help. She graciously agreed. Here is a close-up of her lovely handiwork. Isn't he adorable?

The challenging part of making this top was getting the tree trunks and branches properly aligned. The process for this wasn't easy, but I'm pleased with the outcome. White Birches is at Jenine's waiting to be quilted with a leaf pattern using white thread.

I am on to the next shiny quilting object, a Laurel Burch top, Celestial Dreams. Very different style for me, but I love the bright colors and high contrast. Also working on an online BOM from Delaware Quilts. I'm using red, black and white Asian fabrics, which are really striking. Just downloaded the February block on Friday and worked on it yesterday.

Finally - and not about quilting - I've decided to join a clogging team, provided they will have me. It's based in Sacramento, CA. I'm excited about practicing with them in March. I know their skill level is well beyond mine, but I want to push myself to learn more difficult dances. Clogging is definitely a team form of dance; part of the joy is hearing the sound of multiple shoes hitting the floor. The more shoes, the better! Also going to a clogging convention next weekend in Modesto, CA. There are workshops offered, which I am planning on attending. I will only go for one day (Saturday), but know I am going to learn tons and meet great cloggers!

Quilt and clog on!

Tip for An Amazing Read

2011-02-03T08:24:00.000-08:00

I am taking a side-trip from my usual blog fare to include a review of Shantaram, a book that my Dear Readers may be interested in delving into. It's now on my Top Ten list. So, here is my review as posted on Goodreads:

Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a big, magnificent, astounding book. I wonder why many people have not heard of it. Roberts paints a picture of India and the region that leaves the reader virtually breathless by its description. This story would make a great movie, but this is one of a handful of books I've read that could not be translated adequately to the screen. One must read it to appreciate the wonder and beauty of it all. I wait for the sequel with huge anticipation.

If you are looking for a book to consume you, Shantaram is it. Warning: This book is not an "easy" read; there is a lot of violence and Roberts' description of Indian prisons is quite graphic. That noted, this is a book about redemption, salvation and ultimately about love. I gritted my teeth and plowed through the unpleasant parts, knowing they are an important part of this autobiographical novel.

Something Wonderful!

2011-01-13T16:35:00.000-08:00

Today was a near magical day in my clogging class.

Think two hours of non-stop (except for very short water breaks) dancing, working on three different dances, but one that has won my heart.

To "Two Girls from Galax" (sounds very Irish to me), this number is a formation dance (like Riverdance) with dancers moving in different directions, moving from rows into circles, splitting into separate circles, then coming back together again into one with a number of other elements thrown in for good measure.

A great time was had by all including - I must point out - the 80-85 year old ladies who stayed the entire time, clogging their feet off. They are absolutely extraordinary and so humble about their amazing ability and stamina.

A friend recently asked me what makes the clogging experience so unique for me beyond the obvious (it's a great form of dancing). Without having to think even a second, I said, "It's the people!" I thought more about this and realized that the reason the dancers are so great is very simple: there is a complete absence of ego in class. This is evident in three ways:

1. No one is looking at anyone else to see what they are doing. Everyone is focused on their own dancing. And we are all smiling during the entire class.

2. The more experienced cloggers are the first to welcome the newer cloggers to the group. They are welcoming, supportive, and so kind. No advice is offered, but if you ask a question, they are happy to help without being preachy or demeaning. They simply love clogging and want new cloggers to share that love too.

3. There is lots and lots of laughter. We laugh when we make mistakes, there is great hoopla when someone learns something new, we are able to congratulate ourselves as a group when we do a dance and get it right.

After 120 minutes of flat-out fun, I left class feeling like I had learned something new, fun, and pretty darn fancy! As I was leaving, one of the older (she's 81), excellent dancers said to me, "You are doing so well." I was on Cloud Nine as I walked out of class. For the first time, I feel I can call myself a clogger! Yipee!

You can use this link to hear the music Two Girls from Galax.
http://new.music.yahoo.com/nashville-mandolin-ensemble/tracks/two-girls-from-galax--30708908

Clog on!

New Project for A New Year

2011-01-08T14:13:00.000-08:00

One of the things I like best about quilting is the endless resources one can find online. I spend quite a bit of time scouring the Web for fabric, patterns, tips, answers to vexing questions, and more. I am rarely disappointed with my efforts.

Recently, I stumbled upon an online BOM project offered by Delaware Quilts (www.DelawareQuilts.com). Each month, the store will post a different free block pattern, for a total of twelve 12" blocks at the end of the year. The end product will be a sampler quilt, with many different block designs.

I had some beautiful Asian fabric in my stash for about two years. "Eureka!" I exclaimed, when I realized that this would make a spectacular quilt when it is completed.

Here is a picture of my completed January block. It's a very simple four-patch variation, but the black and red fabrics are so rich it makes the block just gorgeous.

I ended up with a block slightly larger than the 12 1/2" so for the first time since I started quilting, I actually had to trim a block down, instead of bemoaning that it was 1/4" too small. Yay! I am one happy quilting girl.

It's a perfect quilting day - 37 degrees outside, fire going, doggies and DH napping, and I in my sewing room quilting to my heart's content.

Back to work on our Winter quilt, "White Birches." Will post pictures of the blocks when they begin to look like something.

Onward.

First Quilt Top of 2011

2011-01-02T07:04:00.000-08:00

Here is (along with DeeDee) my first completed top for the new year. The pattern is called "Homeward Bound."

I wasn't too keen on the fabric (a Moda jelly roll) that I bought online. I was disappointed when I received it because the colors are too "blah" for my taste and I don't much like the florals.

I decided to use the black and peach for high contrast and think it looks alright. This isn't something I would make for myself, but it's for a friend's guest bedroom where it will work nicely.

DH loves his dog quilt (with the Sammies and Collies and now included in the Gallery on the right). He wanted to hang it in the living room right away, so that's where it is displayed. It means so much to me that he knows what a true labor of love it was to make.

I purchased some very small (2x3) Renoir pictures printed on fabric. With the help of my quilter and friend, Jenine, and her husband, we came up with a design for a nice size wall hanging. I am really looking forward to starting this. I have high hopes for it!

Onward we go!

Bring on 2011

2011-01-01T12:18:00.000-08:00

I am ready, willing and able to tackle this new year. And, somewhat happy to have 2010 behind. Not a great year for our family and many friends. That said, we survived and had excellent opportunities for new learning and expansive experiences. Isn't that what life is about?

I am so ready to return to clogging on January 4th. We've had a two week hiatus in class for the holiday season. I've really missed my clogging companions, the dance steps and exercise. Can't wait to slip back into my shoes and "Clog on!"

Started a new quilt with a Renoir theme, as well as working on a large winter quilt ("White Birches") and a couple of other UFOs that I've promised myself I will complete in 2011. My sewing room closet is a little messy right now, so tomorrow I will tackle cleaning and getting it organized for maximum efficiency.

Skating is still very much a part of my life (see the new picture of SkatingKaren on the right). Hope to pass FD 6 by June 2011, so much work is ahead.

With this posted, I will sign off and get sewing!

Onward into the New Year with optimism, hope and confidence.

Holiday Update

2010-12-13T08:38:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for a Wonderful 2011.

Where has the time gone? Can it really be only a matter of days until Christmas 2010? And, finally, "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus."

I'm almost done with Christmas shopping, though I have a few more gifts to go. Typical behavior on my part, however.

Been quilting up a storm. The most important top is a Christmas gift for DH that memorializes the dogs we've had in our married life - Samoyeds and Collies. I absolutely love this quilt and cannot wait until he opens this gift. I believe he will really be touched by it. As I was working on it, I thought of Winston, our first magnificent Sammie, then Henry - our "once-in-a-lifetime-dog" as our vet called him, DeeDee, our beautiful Collie girl with the most fabulous looks ever, and then our dear, sweet older gentleman, Merlin, who touches our hearts every day when we look into those sad, wise eyes and wonder how anyone could not have wanted him. These four-legged creatures teach us every day the meaning of this season - love so pure and unconditional that there are few words that describe its beautiful and profound meaning in our lives.

Amid the holiday rush is our annual cookie exchange and exhibition this Friday, 12/17. I will be skating my Free Dance 5 program with Coach Chris. I have come to enjoy this skating discipline so much; I wish I had discovered it long ago. The program is set to music from "Legends of the Fall" thanks to my best skating buddy and amazing friend, Janet.

Janet gave me "Legends" for a solo program. At the time, I never imagined I would be skating to it in the arms of a 27 year old, Hollywood good-looks, extraordinarily talented ice dance coach. Were it not for Coaches Chris and Jayne this would never have come to pass. Can't wait to get back on the ice and skate this program, maybe for the last time. I'm working on Free Dance 6 to "Does Your Mother Know?" from Mama Mia. Quite a change from beautiful and lilting to near hysteria in a musical beat. Coach Chris is really excited about working on this program; I'm really nervous!

Merlin has been ill for quite some time with an e-coli urinary tract infection. His stupid human parents didn't "get" the concept that dogs just don't bark in a high-pitched, shrill sound and awake at 3:00 and 4:00 am without a reason. It took peeing on the Persian carpet and general mayhem for us (and the vet, I must add) to finally realize that something was seriously wrong (besides just being an elderly dog) with our sweet boy. Two days after being on antibiotics, he was an new dog! But, two days after his last dose, he was nearly back to his previous condition, so he is back on another round. We are hopeful this will knock out the infection once-and-for-all.

Today is a quiet stay at home day, spent quilting and being with the doggies. I bought an adorable green velvet color with reindeer bells on it for Merlin. He looks so precious with it on. We went out yesterday and he proudly wore it, jingling away letting the world know that he is our "official" Christmas doggie. We didn't see anyone on our walk, so I'm hoping today we will. I know he wants to show off his new collar.

As the poem goes, "Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!"

One Happy Clogging Girl

2010-10-28T17:29:00.000-07:00

Having missed Tuesday's clogging class as a result of migraine miasma, I was anxious to take my new beautiful clogging shoes and dance today.

What a terrific day to clog. Weather beautiful, class filled - but not packed - and feet encased in beautiful black leather shoes with fabulous double taps. What more could a girl ask for? Well, let's not get started on that.

After practicing steps, we did a really cute dance. I got through the entire pattern without one mistake! When we were done, I threw my arms up in the air and let out a "whoop" of sorts, catching the attention of our fantastic instructor, Kathy Kaplan, who came over and gave me a big hug. Then, others in the class gave me a round of sprinkled applause. Remember, I'm the only beginner in this class, so the other ladies (and one gentleman) have to put up with me not knowing what they do. They are so supportive, patient, and fun.

The huge difference between clogging and ice skating (besides the obvious - no ice involved) is that there is absolutely no pressure, no competition, no stolen looks to see who is doing what. I love the tons of laughter and the ladies who continue to introduce themselves and tell me how fast I've caught on. Bless their hearts. They are so welcoming and friendly.

The second dance we did wasn't so easy. For the most part, I kept up, but there was one section that I just couldn't get the hang of. During the break, this sweet woman (who is 85) motioned me to join the front line. I felt like I had somehow arrived (I usually dance at the back or in the middle line). Maybe I went from total beginner to "confident beginner" (as we say in quilting).

I stayed a few minutes to watch the intermediate class. Wow! The dance these ladies did was quite fast and included adorable steps from the Charleston and Lindy. It was so cool. I know someday I'll be able to do these dances and really look forward to joining the intermediate ranks.

I have some friends who want to come clogging with me; one used to ice skate but gave it up to go back to work to "launch" her daughter's college education. She is not working now and loves to dance. I spoke with our instructor today and she said they should wait until January when the new class starts. I'm really hoping some of these people take the class.

Just read on the Web that clogging burns 400 calories an/hour, so it is great exercise. Doubt that is how many I am burning, but who cares when you are having so much fun. :)

Tomorrow is a skating day. Working on a program for our annual holiday cookie exchange exhibition at the rink. Don't know if I'll be ready to perform, but it's fun to work on.

Clog, quilt and skate on!

Applique Quilt & Las Vegas

2010-10-20T07:57:00.000-07:00

I finally finished the Country Sewing Center Block-of-the-Month top that I've been working on for what seems like a lifetime.

There are only four applique blocks - at each corner - because I ran out of time. This is a gift, so I need to get it to the long arm quilter's studio by November 1 to have it in time for Christmas.

The design called for all the blocks to be appliqued. I adjusted the pattern once I determined I wasn't going to complete all nine using this method. While the top isn't as pretty as the original design I really like the contrasting colors and feminine look. The French feel of the Moda fabric is lovely. I think the pattern was something like "A Breath of Avignon," but don't go looking for it using that name.

I did the applique by hand, which took longer than I anticipated, and truly enjoyed the process. I know machine applique goes faster, but the in-and-out of the needle that goes with hand applique was very relaxing for me. The first block looks a little "primitive" but by the fourth block, my technique had improved significantly. This project turned out to not only be a good learning project, but opened up a whole world of possibilities to add to my quilting activities.

I signed up for the fall BOM at the Country Sewing Center, which also features applique blocks. This time I will finish the top completing all the blocks using applique.

As for the ISI Adult Championship in Las Vegas, the experience was great fun. I skated "clean" which was my objective. As the field for my category was small, I was lucky enough to come in first and brought home a blue ribbon to prove it. Had a great time with my friend Maddie, with whom I shared a room. We saw "The Lion King" and "Phantom of the Opera" and both were fantastic and very over-sized, over-the-top, overly expensive, typical Las Vegas experiences! Glad we went even though I had seen Phantom before in Vegas. Worth the price of going again just to see Maddie's look of total wonderment and joy. Tickets to shows: Too costly. Seeing Maddie's enjoyment: Priceless.

So, my competing days are over, over, over. BTW, my friend Maddie took first place in both her events, despite the fact that she is turning 69 next week. She was radiant on the ice; the skating director at the event rink even told her that he gave her 12s for each event (the maximum being 6). She loves to perform, is very talented, and it really shows in her skating.

My three other skating buddies also did extremely well in their events, so many blue ribbons and points were accrued by Skatetown in Roseville. I was proud to represent the rink. In addition, I made some skating friends from across the country, which was an added benefit to attending the competition.

I was very happy to leave Las Vegas and come home to the peace and quiet of our country setting. And, while I am writing about "country" while I was walking the dogs early yesterday morning, we spotted a bobcat in our development. He was about 20 yards away from us. Pretty darn amazing. From now on, I am waiting until it is completely light before taking the doggies out. They absolutely froze even before I saw the bobcat; they obviously knew something was amiss!

Back on the ice later today. Had a great time clogging yesterday. Learned two dances, so we are now beyond only learning steps. Still completely entranced by this dance form, but still don't have my shoes :(

Clogging onward.

This Is It!

2010-10-03T09:33:00.000-07:00

All the practice, the time, the concerns - and did I mention $$$? - come to fruition next Saturday, October 9, at 10:10 am in Las Vegas. Two minutes on the ice, that's it. In preparation for this skating event, I found this quote that I will print and keep with me, next to a beautiful one provided by my best skating buddy, Janet. Truly hope this will help as I practice on Friday at the event rink and perform my program on Saturday.

"Think big and your deeds will grow. Think that you can, and you will. It's all in the state of mind. If you think you're out classed, you are. You've got to think high to rise. You've got to be sure of yourself before you can ever win a prize. Life's battle doesn't always go to the stronger or faster man; but sooner or later, the man who wins is the fellow who thinks he can." Author unknown

I am so grateful to Dear Husband who has put up with my fears, complaining, funded this expensive hobby, and been a stand-up guy while doing all the cooking, too! What more could a girl ask for?

I am skating to "Home," music from The Wiz. It's a beautiful song with an equally lovely message: "When I think of home, I think of a place where's there's love overflowing." So true for me.

My friend, Madeleine, and I leave on Thursday mid-day, to give us plenty of time to get to Las Vegas and settled in before others arrive. Friday night, four of us are taking Coach Jayne out to dinner at The Venetian as a "thank you" for everything she has done to help us prepare for this competition. She is THE best. Should be a really great evening. Sunday night (after all the hysteria of the event is over), Maddie and I are going to dinner and then to see "Phantom of the Opera" at The Venetian. Really looking forward to that. I've seen it already in Vegas and it's absolutely incredible.

I so appreciate all the support I have gotten from my skating friends (especially Janet) who have been in the thick of this with me from the moment I said "Yes" to Madeleine's idea that we participate in this competition. What would I do without you, J?

Onward with confidence, optimism and excitement!

Witches in Stitches and Something Silly

2010-09-23T08:22:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I make a quilt just because I can. So it was with this whimsical Halloween top. My friend and long arm quilter, Jenine Brothers of The Meandering Needle in Rocklin, California, found the focus fabric (the stylish witches on broomsticks) and I had to do something with it. This pattern is called "Simple Simon" and lives up to its name. I whipped it out in very little time. The only complaint was some degree of boredom that started after making the second or third row.

This is a great example of the importance of contrast, one of the most critical lessons I have learned in quilting. Really like how the black makes everything around it just 'pop' as they say on the television interior design programs.

I'm looking forward to having this up for Halloween. It will replace "Sunday in the Park" which is in our living room now. Between Halloween and Christmas I have a new top that is elegant and very Italian looking. Excited about having it as a design element in our home.

Now for the really silly part. I took one of the dumb quizzes on Facebook, this one entitled "What kind of historical woman are you?" Here is the result/summary:

Princess Diana
Your greatest strength is communication. Your elegant style and warm character make you appealing to all. Your goal is peace and your weapon is charm.

Go figure! Who would have thought I'd be like Princess Di?????? Dear Husband will get a kick out of this as he thought she was a superficial, vapid, attention-seeking twit. I, on the other hand, thought she was beautiful and charming. I cried buckets watching her funeral on the telly. Poor DH, married to a wanna-be Princess Diana. Now the truth is out.

Off to clogging class today. My shoes are scheduled to be delivered tomorrow. Then I will feel like an 'official' clogger. A new student joined the class so I am no longer the only beginner. Thank goodness!

Clog on!

All Fun, No Fear

2010-09-09T08:33:00.000-07:00

As some Dear Readers may note, my blog title now includes the word "clogging."

Never one to let grass grow under my feet - and also planning for that inevitable day when ice skating is no longer an option for me - this week I started clogging lessons in Auburn, a lovely little town (for those who do not know) in the California foothills beyond Sacramento.

The first lesson was an absolute BLAST! Silly me for thinking there wouldn't be enough students to make up the class. Ha! Not only were there enough, there were nearly too many. I was the only beginning clogger. Some of the ladies (there were more than 25) have been clogging together for 20 years. They don't perform or compete; they are there to have fun, for the exercise, and companionship. How refreshing!

It was absolutely wonderful to hear the sound of taps on the wooden floor. I caught on fairly fast. All the ladies were so nice to me. They introduced themselves, told me I'd pick clogging up fast since I had taken tap, and how glad they were to have a new face in the class. The ages ranged from, I would estimate, 35 - 90 (yes, as in 90 years old).

I stayed and watched the intermediate class which follows my class and the women were extraordinary! I was so impressed. The class used to be free through Placer County, but due to the budget crisis, they now have to charge. It amounts to $1.63 per lesson (for 45 minutes) if you buy a coupon book. Can you believe that?

I also got a free pair of tap shoes. There was a pair (practically new) that someone had donated to the class. Bloch, size 8. Perfect for me. I will eventually buy clogging shoes (they are different than tap shoes), but for now the tap shoes are fine, the instructor told me. I had just given away my old tap shoes a couple of weeks ago. Oh darn.

Today I attend my second lesson. I am very excited and looking forward to it. Unlike ice skating, there is no fear in clogging, just pure fun. Cool.

Onward into clogging land.

Good Week for Quilt Tops And Forging Ahead

2010-08-25T17:09:00.000-07:00

Despite this only being Wednesday, this has been a productive week for completing some projects that were time-bound.

This picture is a wall hanging I finished today for the Sacramento SPCA's big fund raiser - Reigning Cats and Dogs - that is held in October. It is not a large piece, but a dog fancier may take to it and bid on it during the auction portion of the event. I am delivering this to my quilter tomorrow, so there won't be problems with getting it to the SPCA in time for the event.

I also finished the t-shirt quilt I made for my friend's daughter. That top is quite large and is nearly reversible. It turned out to be very sweet, whimsical, and unique. I am so hoping that the young lady for whom it was made will cherish it. It was created from t-shirts given to her and her classmates when they went on field trips during her elementary school years.

Finally, I am over the ice dance test "retry" experience of last Saturday and am now focusing on some serious practice to prepare for the ice skating competition in Las Vegas in October! It won't be long now.

Onward.

Some Days are Diamonds, Some Days are Dust

2010-08-22T07:55:00.000-07:00

I had one very dusty day yesterday. I did not (again) pass my Ten Fox test. I had a good, relaxed warm up, but got nervous when it was time to dance in front of the three-judge panel.

After warm-up, I saw my freestyle coach sitting in the stands. I asked her if she saw my warm-up, she replied, "Yes." That was it; just "Yes." I knew at that moment what she thought - "No way is she going to pass this test." I asked her what she thought. Her response was "I don't know. It's the Mohawk; it's a problem." I NEVER should have had this conversation with her right before the test. Lesson learned: Don't ask a question if you can't handle the answer. Ah duh!

One judge passed me, the other two, including his wife, gave me the big "Retry." I'm not surprised. I knew the minute I got off the ice that I had not passed the test.

Here's what I got from the test:

I skated *clean*, meaning no falls or major mistakes, like missing steps, falling out of pattern, etc.
I certainly got judges' feedback (read BIG criticism) that I wanted. To wit: "No expression," "Edges too shallow," "Walking steps, not running." Oddly, no comments about the outside Mohawk and drop three-turns, although as my friend Janet said, "It was probably the whole picture that they were looking at" (or something like that.)
I did get to dance with a drop-dead stunning *fab* ice dancer, great human being and friend in Coach Chris. He was amazing yesterday. So supportive, stayed with me the entire time from when he arrived until I got the results, tried to keep me calm. Coach C, you get very high marks for being there for me!
I did get to listen to "Slow Boat to China" for the last time. I will never use this music again for anything.
I know what I need to work on, but don't know if I will ever be able to accomplish what the judges are looking for. I will never ice dance like a 40 year-old. Just isn't going to happen, I fear.

Here's what I didn't get from the test:

Being able to recognize that not passing is not a metaphor for my life. Going to have to work on this one. I'm feeling pretty down right now about this result. So much hard work (not to mention money) for a less than positive outcome is hard to accept.

I am spending the day at home licking my wounds from yet another "Retry" and working on a quilt for a silent auction for Sacramento SPCA's big fundraiser in October.

Onward through life.

A Long Haul

2010-08-21T09:59:00.000-07:00

Today is the culmination of what seems like a very long, arduous journey to retry an ice dance that I had tested two years ago.

After receiving an "Invitation to Retry" the Ten Fox when I tested in San Jose so long ago, I've been working toward taking USFS up on that offer.

As the expression goes, "Be careful what you ask for!" when you do things like submit an application to re-test thinking to yourself, "The Club will not be able to find three dance judges in August in the Sacramento area who want to spend a Saturday afternoon watching, among others, a mature, adult ice dancer try once more to pass a Bronze level dance. Come on - certainly these folks have others things to do during the dog days of summer, like watching their zucchini grow or watching paint dry."

Apparently that is not the case because at about 2:30 today I will take the ice, with some shred of pride that I am even testing this dance again, knowing that at least I will be dancing with a drop-dead stunning young man who is a *fab* ice dancer and great human being/friend. Sidebar: Thank you, Coach Chris, for getting me to this point. You've been THE best about all of the travails associated with getting to test day.

What do I want from this test? Not in this order, here's the long answer (there is no short one, I'm afraid):

I want 2 of 3 (although 3 would be totally-over-the-top cool) judges to mark the "Pass" box so I can put this dance behind me.
I'd like Coach Chris (and Coach Jayne) to be proud of the job I do.
I don't care about overs, but I do care about getting feedback (read 'criticism') to improve my dance skills.
I never want to hear "Slow Boat to China" again (and I picked that song "Why?").
I want to skate a clean dance, put out the best performance I can, and leave the ice with my head held high.
I want to accept that if I get another "Retry," it doesn't mean that I'm not a great wife, good dog Mom, loyal friend, and/or decent quilter. In short, not passing this test is not a metaphor for my life; it is a point-in-time event over which I have little control given the highly subjective nature of judging (maybe the judges will hate having to listen to "Slow Boat to China" and mark me down because of that - who knows? could happen!)

That's it in a nutshell. So, onward through a day that, like any other day, is 24 hours, during which less than two minutes will be spent taking this test. Nameste.

Work-in-Progress

2010-08-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

I am not a fan of quilts with millions of small pieces; in fact, I manage to avoid them at all cost, but when it was time to decide on a Christmas quilt for our living room, I plunged into the fray, purchased a Thimbleberries pattern (top photo) and am now firmly ensconced in this sweet Village Patchwork design.

Yesterday I constructed the first row (bottom photo). I've been working on this top for what seems like an eternity. You can't really tell from the picture, but there are probably 30-40 pieces - maybe more - in each house and star block.

I started on the tree blocks and have made 17 of the needed 60 branch pieces to construct these. That translates into 60-1 1/2 inch x 4 1/2 inch rectangles and 120-1 1/2 inch squares. I have half of the sections (30) either sewn or pinned and ready to sew. This afternoon, I will work on the other half.

This top isn't so difficult to make as it is tedious and unforgiving. You can't squeak by making small mistakes the way you can when working with large pieces. I've re-made a number of block sections, but the work paid off when I made the first row and everything fit together perfectly. "Whoopee!" she cried.

I am also working on a t-shirt quilt for a dear friend's daughter. Today, I go to my long arm quilter's home for the second of private lessons in how to make one of these tops. We are designing it together and it is quite an enjoyable experience. I have all the interfacing fused to the back of the t-shirts, so today we'll probably get out the design wall and put up the pieces to see what we have. The creative process in action!

Tomorrow I have a dance lesson with Coach Chris. Only one more lesson left (after tomorrow) before I test the Ten Fox on August 21. Passing this test is a roll-of-the-dice. Given what has happened to my best skating buddy with her last two dance tests (completely unfair judging) I am going into this test with a good deal of trepidation. But testing with a Hollywood good looks, Gold-level ice dancer helps a lot!

Onward in quilt land.

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

2010-08-02T08:48:00.000-07:00

Merlin, 11.5 years old

DeeDee, 8 years old

These pictures are too adorable not to post.

The left *pic* is our "old gentleman" curled up in his doughnut bed, enjoying every moment of his nap. I think this bed is really too small for him (he is a big boy at 65 pounds), but he seems to think it is just fine for him.

By way of contrast, DeeDee is showing her most ignoble pose as she snoozes away in one of her favorite places, up against the wall. We refer to this as her "upside-down-pretzel-dog" position. I think she has her best REM periods in this position.

You gotta love dogs, right?

Expenses:

Photos by Dear Husband, our resident pet photographer: One Skinny Cow Ice Cream Bar.
Adorable doggies: Priceless.

I'm Still Here

2010-07-20T08:36:00.000-07:00

I have not been a very faithful blogger lately due to other pressing matters requiring my attention. Here is an update on what's happening at our end of the pond:

1. The Big Kitchen Dig at O'Brien Manor is over. Thank goodness! Dear Husband could not be happier. He did a fantastic job designing the space. Taking down the elevated breakfast bar was a fantastic idea; it really opened up the room tremendously (see picture above). Everything is so beautiful and functional too.

2. Quilting continues. I now have a number of projects going at the same time. After teaching myself how to hand applique by watching a YouTube video, I am so enjoying spending time with my needle and thread tacking down the pieces I applique via fusible web (love this method). I am working on a quilt top (it will be called "Seasons of Sicily") for a class, am making a t-shirt quilt for a friend's daughter, and am hard at work on a Christmas quilt for our living room. Then there is the dog-theme quilt I am making for the SPCA benefit in October.

3. Toying with learning to make jewelry. I am dabbling in jewelry making, with the ultimate objective to make vintage-style jewelry for gifts. Just getting started with this so it is too soon to tell whether I will like this hobby and stick with it, as I have quilting.

4. The "skate" goes on. Still preparing for the October competition and working on Free Dance 5 test. I am not skating nearly as much as I 'should' but life gets in the way and the schedules for ice time at the rink have been changed numerous time due to summer camps for kids. That said, I had a good run through of my "Fallen Embers" (Bronze Open) program last week. Coach even looked happy with it and that's saying something!

5. Doggies are hot. While it is true that our dogs are primarily indoor pups, they like to go outside and also have to. It's too darn hot for Collies right now. We got DeeDee an adorable little summer cut (not shaved; just trimmed her skirt, tummy and feathers) so she is no longer dragging in entire rose bushes when she comes in from the backyard. She seems to be happy with her new "do" and we think she looks cute as can be. Definitely planning on leaving her this way. Our old boy, Merlin, is hanging in, but continues to slow down. Can't write about that now. Just makes me too sad. We love them both very much and are honored to give them their forever home.

6. Migraines are . . . well, still migraines. I've been to the UCSF Headache Clinic and will be starting a new treatment regimen there on August 19th. After a few weeks relative peace, I'm back in a bad patch getting four major migraines in the last 9 days. Such a drag!

Onward with hope, optimism and a wish that the heat would end soon. But then again, I say this every summer, so what else is new?

The Big Kitchen Dig

2010-07-04T07:09:00.000-07:00

Things are moving along with the kitchen remodel! We now have the granite slabs on the counter tops, the new sink and fixtures and the appliances installed (but not all functional). Woo-hoo!

Dear Husband did a fab job of picking out the granite. The fireplace (left in background) is still in progress. The fascia (granite) has been affixed, but not the mantel, which will perhaps be done next week.

Still left to be completed is the back splash, lighting, plumbing and clean-up (ugh!). There is not one drawer or cabinet that isn't filled with some building material. Then, there is the matter of putting everything back in its proper place.

All things being equal - which of course they rarely are - we should be done by the end of next week. Could this be true? Dear Husband says this process has been more painful for him than the master bath suite remodel. No way, DH! Nine weeks sharing a small bathroom was torture for me. O.K., that's a little dramatic, I admit it.

Congrats to DH for being the designer extraordinaire. I didn't renew my interior design license after the disaster with the first attempt to "upgrade" the master bath that resulted in the major remodel in that room. I'll stick to something I can actually do marginally well - like quilting.

"Grilling" is the word for this July 4th. DH's famous veggie potato salad, BBQ chicken, grilled veggies and perhaps some homemade cobbler for the finishing touch. 2,000 calories on a plate.

Happy July 4th, Dear Readers.

Onward, happy to be almost finished with the kitchen dig.

Thought for the Day and A Little More

2010-07-02T05:50:00.000-07:00

“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy. They are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”

—Marcel Proust

After visiting my little veggie patch this morning - as I do each morning - I stumbled on this quote. What a simple and beautiful thought to hold as we cherish this day we've been given. Just wanted to share it with Dear Readers in the hope it will make you smile.

Off to skate today and practice the footwork that Coach C conjured up to torture me. I'm certain I will, by the end of two hours, feel much more comfortable with it than I did on Wednesday.

Big Dig in the kitchen is moving along nicely. Think we will actually have some parts of the kitchen back and in usable condition by this holiday weekend. It's getting a bit old using the laundry room as a place to prepare food, feed the dogs, wash clothes, etc., etc. Don't think it's very hygienic either. :(

Going to do some hand applique for a bit while I have morning coffee and spend some quiet time with the doggies, who having had their breakfast at 5:00 am are peacefully sleeping. Not so probably for the neighbors they woke with their barking when I let them out after eating. Oops!

Happy 4th to one and all. At O'Brien Manor, we treasure our freedom and honor the lives lost and changed in the protection of it.

Humbling At Best, Public Humiliation at Worst (And It's A Long One)

2010-07-01T15:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was one of those days when I came face-to-face with reality. Not a pleasant experience, if one is in the "Perhaps-I'm-getting-a-little-better-at-this-ice-skating-stuff" mode. Let me explain.

I went to a rink 65 miles away from my home to have a 'marathon' lesson with Coach Chris. The objective was to finish setting my ISI Free Dance 5 program so I can attempt to test (read "Pass") this level to compete with Coach C in Las Vegas.

The drive was nice, listening to Beethoven all the way down, with my venti soy decaf sugar-free vanilla latte. I made great time and had a little extra to visit the Ross for Less store at the Vacaville outlets.

The rink makes me appreciate even more my home rink, Skatetown in Roseville, CA. The Vacaville venue is this strange, rather other-worldly combo that looks like it doesn't know what it wants to be. Is it an ice rink, a gymnastic facility, or huge cave for general sitting around activity? Weird. I always feel a little strange going to another rink; one doesn't know the "local secret rules" - like how you can play your music on the overhead speakers, who gets to do what, which coaches you want to avoid, etc., etc. It's all part of this sport called figure skating.

I won't go into my lengthy list of complaints I instantly voiced to Coach C, such as "This ice is wavy," "It's too hot in here," etc., etc. Of course, these were all distractions to avoid the getting-down-to-business part. He might not have recognized my ability to delay the inevitable, for which I was paying. Go figure! I was excited, but a tad nervous too. After all, he is an exceptional skater (and did I mention, as you can see from the pic above, his Hollywood good looks?) and I the lowly "mature adult skater" (yuck, I hate thinking of myself in those terms). But, Coach is always very gracious to me and so we launched in.

First item of business that sprung from Coach's mouth: "I changed the beginning." I'm thinking, "O.K., I'm fine with that." Then he asks, "Can you do toe steps?" I'm now nearly quaking, as he has chosen one of about ten things in skating that I really don't like; anything having to do with toe picks scare the living jelly beans out of me. But, like the big faker I am, I say, "Sure." He demonstrates, I copy. The result: BIG SPLAT and we aren't even a minute into the 120 minute lesson. First big hit to my pride. I was so humiliated that I wanted the ice monster to appear and drag me to his lair and take me away from all this. Coach inquires, "Are you alright?" I'm thinking, "Wait, if all my body parts of still attached, I must be alright." Up I stand, brush off the ice, and onward we go. I'm musing to myself, "This poor young man, he has 119 more minutes to put up with. Boy, he doesn't make nearly enough money!"

We move on to the dance spin, which we agree is stupid. It's 3 revolutions in a camel position, then 3 in arabesque position. Coach thought this would be the most difficult part of the program. Surprise! We hadn't gotten to the footwork yet. Alright, now it's about 37 seconds into the required two minutes. I'm wondering whether they serve adult beverages in this rink; a Cosmo sounded like a great idea at this point, even though I haven't had even one ounce of hard liquor since I was in college. No kidding. My wonderful friend Mary - my Cosmo expert and sophisticate extraordinaire who takes me to Neiman Marcus to drink champagne while trying on furs, which she knows all about - would have encouraged me to "make it a double." I'm musing, "Still haven't broken anything. Good sign!"

We peregrinated through much of the program. I took a very ungraceful fall on a change edge spiral (give me credit, Coach; you did make a left turn without telling me), but again, nothing more than my pride is suffering at this point. However, mind you, we were still on a public session, which was sparsely populated anyway. I really enjoyed what Coach had done with the dance lifts. He is a brilliant choreographer with a real sense for how things should flow. I'm really liking what he has included.

We get off the ice for the cut, before the 1:30 FS session. I must mention that I was happy to find a lack of pre-teen/teen skaters staring at me like, "Oh, are you pulling your daughter's skate bag? How nice of you." I always want to yell, "I am not the skating Mom. I'm the skater!" By-and-large, most of the skaters just ignored me, although the hero worship for Coach C was evident and even greater than at Skatetown. I'm sure some of those girls thought, "Oh poor Coach Chris having to skate with that older woman." Unlike my home rink, the "eye rolling" was minimal, even when I accidentally cut off a teen skater who was probably going to execute a triple salchow, double loop - or something else incredibly impressive. She just veered the other way.

Then it was truly time to walk the figurative plank; it was time to focus on footwork. How to describe this? Oh, I know, "The wheels totally came off." Not only could I not remember anything, I could not get into my head directions, elements, or how to do things (like a twizzle), which I had just shown him. The footwork is cool, but hard for me right now. Rather, I should note that parts of it are difficult. But, I like this aspect because it is challenging, a growth-opportunity, and terrifying - all wrapped up in 11 steps. Doesn't seem like much to some, I know, but it's Mount Everest to me.

At one point, when we had worked for 15 minutes on maybe 5 steps, Coach put his hands over his eyes. I skated over to him and said, "Oh God, please don't do that." He looked so incredibly frustrated. He most likely wanted to flee the jurisdiction - or at least find a way to get far from me. Being a very kind, caring person, he asked if I was tired. I was beyond tired, I had moved into the next galaxy of exhaustion. My mind was mush, I was starving, and I was embarrassed. Public humiliation is not my favorite experience. Here I was at Coach's home rink, among his colleagues and students and I'm skating something akin to a first year skater. Ugh!

I drove home with a blazing headache, but thinking that this is a beautiful program, to the theme from "Legends of the Fall" complements of my best skating buddy. The program is set, so now it's practice, practice, practice to get ready to test in a month, maybe six weeks if we're lucky. I don't know if I can do this, but I am certainly going to try. I love Free Dance skating and do feel rejuvenated in my skating pursuing this discipline.

Anything that's new for me is always difficult. As I explained to Coach C, "You will have to show and or tell me something a thousand times, but once I 'get' it, I will take it to my grave." This is how I learn.

Despite all this humor, self-deprecating, wry content, it was a wonderful two hours spent with a fabulous ice dance coach. I'm on a new path and the journey will be an interesting, challenging one. Now, if anyone has any patience they'd like to sell me, money is no object!

Onward we go!

Sunday in the Park

2010-06-26T14:08:00.000-07:00

It was with some measure of pride that Dear Husband and I hung my most recently completed quilt, "Sunday in the Park." This is the most difficult top I have made. As some readers may recall, this fabric reflects my favorite painting by George Seurat.

While I did the piecing which required learning new techniques, it was quilted by my friend and long arm quilter, Jenine Brothers, owner of The Meandering Needle. As always, she did a masterful job, adding so much to the beauty of this piece.

This quilt will be displayed in our living room (as shown on the left) until the fall, when it will be replaced by another top, Florence Regal. In the meantime, we can enjoy the fantastic design, colors, and the feeling that the fabric depicts - a beautiful summer day in Paris.

There is not much I take credit for, but I am quite happy with the way this top turned out. It represents my best quilting effort yet. Of course, while I can always find some "flaws" (which I refuse to point out to any Dear Readers), all-in-all, it looks nice to me. And - most important - Dear Husband likes it. A real compliment!

Shown below is a close-up of a section of one block. This fabric is magnificent in every way imaginable. Summer has arrived in Loomis, CA, not only in fact (it will be close to 100 degrees today), but in the scenes of this lovely representation of a spectacular painting.

As you can see from the picture, our Collie, DeeDee, is also happy to have a new quilt above one of her favorite places to nap - the living room sofa. It's good to be a doggie in our home.

Onward to quilt land with a sense of accomplishment.

A New Neighbor

2010-06-21T07:16:00.000-07:00

One of the wonderful benefits of living in the country is sights like this. Meet our new neighbor - a baby donkey who is about a month old. He is so adorable. As you can tell, he is enjoying the shade and being with his Mama. Whenever I drive to the grocery store in Loomis, I pass the field where these donkeys reside, so it's a treat to see them. Sometimes they are off grazing and out of sight, but frequently they are right at the fence by the road, as they are in this great picture, taken by Dear Husband.

Donkeys certainly don't get any cuter than this guy. What is really adorable about him is that his head and ears are very large in proportion to the rest of his body. He has some growing to do to "even" things out, but this makes him even more precious. He also has black spots, just like Mom.

I can't help but get a big smile on my face when I see him. Ah, country living at its finest! We are taking great pleasure in watching him grow. When one of us sees him, we almost always call the other person and say, "Hey, guess who I just saw? The baby donkey!"

Onward in animal land. Hee-haw!

Inspiration on the Ice

2010-06-18T08:58:00.000-07:00

At long last! I am finally, finally, finally truly and absolutely inspired to get my "bum" out on the ice to do something completely and utterly fun - and without any fear involved. This surge of enthusiasm is the result of my lesson Thursday with Coach J.

I went to the rink knowing that I would be skating on a "half sheet, no music allowed" freestyle. There is a kids' skating camp all week, so the FS sessions have been scarce. Oh, what an ice elitist I've become!

Coach J and I plunged into ISI Free Dance. We worked through all the elements through FD5, at which point Coach announced there isn't anything in these levels that I cannot do. So-o-o-o-o, we set the goal of testing through Free Dance 5 by July 15. The kicker is that we need Coach Chris to test Free Dance 5 with me, which comprises skating a 2 minute FD program, which includes all the FD5 elements. Music is picked ("Adagio in G Minor") so that's one thing that is done.

I will test the individual elements of each of the first four levels with Coach J. It is NOT necessary to skate these in the context of a program, just to demonstrate to the judge (our Skating Director) that one has competence in these. I felt as though I could have probably done that yesterday, but the Skating Director was teaching so we couldn't interrupt her. Besides which, you have to test all the levels on the same day or else you actually have to skate a program for each of the levels. "No thank you!"

Coach J and I had a wonderful, inspiring time checking each element off the list, with high-5s all around for all the things I could do without batting an eye. She was very happy with my ability to pick up the required footwork sequences quite quickly.

My dress for the FD5 program should arrive this weekend. Can't wait to see it. I am SO excited about this program. I feel that skating Free Dance is the second best thing I've done in skating, after skating pairs. There is a lot of work to do between now and July 15 with Coach Chris, who is going to have to set the Free Dance 5 program and we'll have to nail it in testing. That gives me three weeks to learn the program and gain competence enough to pass the test. Lots of work, but the good kind.

Also worked on my jump sequence for Bronze Open program. Now a half-lutz, r-inside three, toe tap, salchow, toe loop. Finally got the entrance and exit down. Coach was happy with progress on this too. This program is coming along really well.

Coach J and I had a great time working on the Free Dance elements. I could tell she enjoyed it nearly as much as I did. It was a real partnership activity. There is simply nothing like skating with a partner to inspire one to improve and work hard.

Onward with optimism and inspiration!

Simple Pleasures and Setting the Record Straight

2010-06-07T08:26:00.000-07:00

It really is the simple things in life that often bring great joy. Thus is the case with my little veggie and herb garden. No one who knows me would ever think that I would grow anything other than a flower bed here and there. But, this year, I decided to dive into planting tomatoes and some herbs for Dear Husband (aka Chef Ken) to use in his cooking.

I bought all the starter plants at our local Raley's store in Loomis, CA. They were quite small when I purchased them a little over six weeks ago. As you can see (I hope) in the top picture, I have - with great pride - actually grown a plant that is now starting to bear fruit (or in this instance, tomatoes). This is the first tomato I have ever grown! Imagine my glee when I walked out one morning to spy these tiny green circles on the plants. I was so happy! Such a simple thing, but this speaks to the pure joy we find in something so small from nature.

Yesterday, I transplanted the tomatoes from their original pots (which were too small) to these larger pots. They survived the adventure and this morning look even better than before. We (well, maybe just I) are very excited about having fresh tomatoes for salads and pastas. Now, how do I tell when they are ripe? Note to self: Must Google this and find out before picking.

Now, a quick note on skating. First of all, I am thrilled to report that Coach Chris and I agreed that I would work on a Free Dance program for the ISI Adult competition in Vegas. We will be skating to "Adagio in G Minor." I will be in a beautiful robin's egg blue, floaty dress, perfect for the music. Now I must test up through ISI Free Dance 5 and have two months in which to accomplish this feat. Yikes!

Finally, let's set the record straight about my attempts at an axel. On Friday, because Coach J had, without realizing it, thrown down the challenge a few weeks ago by telling me that some people just aren't ever going to do an axel (read: "Karen, you are never going to do an axel"), I announced to her that I had obtained the harness and we were going to work on an axel. At first, she balked at this idea, but after doing some waltz jumps and loops, I all but demanded that we start to work on my axel. Let's get something clear: I did not execute an axel. . . what I did was to jump off two feet, try a 360 degree rotation in the air, and come down on two feet. None of this went very well, but at least I got the feeling of the rotation. So, that is "All the news that's fit to print" on the axel. No one should be impressed by this effort. I doubt that I will ever actually execute one (Coach J says it is very, very rare for anyone over 50 to do so), but at least I proved my point to Coach.

Onward to the dentist. Ugh.

Serves Me Right

2010-06-02T06:03:00.001-07:00

Never again will I publicly participate in self-congratulatory comments! After posting my great success with the Florence Regal top, I decided it was time to switch gears and work on a BOM quilt for a while. Supposed to have nearly seven blocks completed; I have three completed. Oops!

This one block (shown here) took me three hours to complete. It was near torture. Problem being that I first had to deconstruct another block I had already done (incorrectly, I must add) to use the frame pieces for the new block. Then - having not worked on applique for a while - I had to re-read the directions for fusible web applique.

After this prep, I was ready to sew. At last! It took what seemed like forever to make the block (before the applique was applied). I ripped out seams because I was really unhappy with the bulk of some of the joining seams (BTW, I still am unhappy about these, even after trying every which way to resolve the problem).

Finally, the block complete, I was going to applique. Ms. Perfectionist here had to take over an hour just placing the pieces of the flower on the block. Also had to confer with Dear Husband to get his opinion before I fused the design. OMG, I am so neurotic about these things.

So, you can see the picture - and remember, this is before sewing around the applique, which I have yet to even try on any of my blocks.

Note to self: Quilting is supposed to be fun, not finding a cure for world hunger (although that would certainly be nice to do, wouldn't it?). Must relax, breathe, and enjoy.

Onward, without any pats on the back.

Florence Regal Quilt Top

2010-05-31T17:27:00.001-07:00

It is a shame that I am a poor photographer using Dear Husband's iPhone (or any other picture taking device, truth-be-told). If I weren't completely lacking in necessary skill, one could actually grasp the true beauty of this quilt's design and the absolutely fabulous colors in the fabric.

All of this aside, I am posting these two pictures of this magnificent top. The image on the top is a close-up of the medallion blocks, with the sashing on either side of the center; the one below is the first four (of a total of eight) rows (two sashing rows and two block rows).

Now for the self-congratulatory part of this post - something I rarely, if ever, do. I'm truly my own worst critic in everything I do. I can certainly tell that I have made good progress in my cutting and piecing skills. There hasn't been one seam that hasn't fit as it should. The opposing seams are actually opposing, in contrast to having to re-press a seam to make the seams oppose. The cornerstone pieces measure exactly 4 1/2 inches, as they are supposed to. I did have to correct two tips that were a millimeter off, but that I would have always known were there even though no one else could tell, but even this effort produced a positive outcome.

Lesson learned again: Taking my time when I work on quilt tops is so important. I have to keep reminding myself to slow down, take my time, and enjoy the process.

We start another "Big Dig" at our house when our contractor starts remodeling our kitchen. Ugh! Another 6 weeks of chaos. I hope the dogs aren't too put out by this. Remodeling the master bath was pretty easy on them because it was upstairs. They live nearly completely down stairs, so we will have to figure out how to keep them happy and not totally upset with the change in their routine. Like us, they are creatures of habit. But, they are also incredibly adaptable, so I am certain everything will work out just fine.

Onward feeling good about my skills as a quilter.

Paws-itively Exhausting

2010-05-31T13:45:00.001-07:00

Here is my quilting assistant - asleep on the job! DeeDee, our 8 year old Collie, loves being in my sewing room when I'm quilting. Today, I am working on my Florence Regal top. As you can see, DeeDee decided it was break time! She clearly finds all this quilting activity too tiring. Isn't she just too adorable for words?

This top is coming along very well. The picture shows the row with the large medallions. Later today, I will finished sewing four rows together and will post another picture (sans DeeDee), so Dear Readers can get an idea of the concept. It is a very beautiful design, the fabric is rich and does so remind me of Florence. Perfect for our Tuscan-style home.

Skating news! I am going to start working on testing ISI Free Dance in the hopes of competing with Coach Chris in Las Vegas in October at the Free Dance 4 (or maybe 5) level. Free Dance combines the thrills and creativity of pairs with the beauty and structure of ice dancing - without the risk of pairs skating. I am looking forward to getting started with Coach Chris this Friday during my dance lesson. I will have to test each level up to 4 or 5 before August 1st, but am confident I can do this with no problem. Assuming I pass at least through Level 4, we can be working simultaneously on our Free Dance competition program.

Here, then, is the line up for me for Adult ISI in Las Vegas:

1. Bronze Open (free skate program set and going quite well)
2. Ice dance with Coach Chris (Bronze-level dance; this is tentative still as Coach C and I have not finalized)
3. Ensemble (with 7 other skaters)
4. Free Dance with Coach Chris

Lots to work on. Loads of fun and challenges. Onward with enthusiasm and optimism in quilting and skating!

Latest Quilting Projects

2010-05-18T19:21:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers (quilters and all others):

Sometimes one falls in love with a pattern and/or fabric because you are literally drawn into it. So it is with one of three quilting projects I am now working on, but the one that - I must note - is absolutely my favorite. As "they" say in Hollywood, here's the back story on this one . . .

I now think ahead (to the best of my ability) when planning my quilt art for our home. Because "Sunday in the Park" (the fabulous representation of the famous George Seurat painting) is soon to hang in our living room for the summer months, I wanted to have something ready to replace it the very moment we've said "So long!" to 100+ temperatures here in the Sacramento Valley.

I found this fabric online and knew I had to have it for a quilt for autumn. I spent an arm-and-a-leg (apologies to Dear Husband, my banker) on the Timeless Treasures fabric (Florence Regal). Alright, it wasn't really an arm-and-a-leg . . . only an arm. The fabric arrived last week, but having been in the throws of three migraines (yuck!), it went immediately into my stash for storage. That and the fact that I was terrified to cut into this gorgeous material.

Over the last two days, I screwed up my courage, got out the pattern (free online from RJR Fabrics) and slowly and carefully began cutting. The black center sections (the picture above shows) were cut individually (there are 12 of these). This afternoon, I started sewing! Here is the first of 12 - 12 1/2" blocks. It is made with four half-square triangles (the cream and gold fabric), sewed to the center square, then trimmed to size.

The pattern directions are excellent, although not really detailed. These are easy to follow and the pattern is repetitive across the horizontal plane. The sashing, two borders and great cornerstones really add to the beauty of the design. This is going to be an absolutely show-stopper of a quilt. I can't wait for Jenine, owner of The Meandering Needle, long-arm quilter, and friend to get her hands on this one. I know I'll use some kind of scroll design for the quilting.

I am thrilled at how beautiful this block turned out and excited about working on the quilt top. And, Dear Husband really likes it. This is quite important as he subsidizes my quilting habit and never complains about the expense. What a great guy.

The other big project in the works is the applique Block-of-the-Month done in French country fabrics. This is going to be a birthday present for a friend. I've enjoyed the applique work, but it is tedious and painstakingly slow. Doesn't exactly fulfill my need for instant gratification, but I like the end product.

I didn't skate last week (and even missed ensemble practice on Friday) due to headaches. Went to the rink today for an hour, but plan to skate on Thursday for two hours and then on Friday morning. And while I'm on the subject, I finally have a confirmed appointment at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center Headache Clinic. I have to wait until July, but hey, I've waited over 5 months already, so what's another few months and more migraines? Dear Husband has got the drill down when one strikes and is the best caregiver I could ask for. I don't know what I would do without him during these cluster periods.

Onward in quilting, skating, and other important matters. Isn't life a pip?

Something to Celebrate

2010-05-06T08:59:00.001-07:00

We have a new addition to our family. No, it's not a grandchild or new dog. It's my new sewing table. Probably won't get too many Dear Readers as happy as I am, but they are likely not quilters and/or seamstresses.

I bought this table online from JoAnn.com. Originally listed at $229.00 (I would not have paid this much for the unit, that's for certain), I purchased it for $114.00. With tax and shipping, a total of $135.00. It arrived quickly. Dear Husband - bless his heart - spent about 5 hours putting it together (something I could not have accomplished). He was meticulous in his work, as I know he wanted it done very well. So sweet of him.

Here is a picture of it in my sewing room. At last, I have a place to cut out fabric, eliminating the need to use the kitchen counter when DH (our household's executive chef) is preparing meals. The top is also large enough to provide a place for fabric when I'm working on a large quilt top. What an improvement over the narrow sofa table I was using.

Like new parents, I feel as though we've welcomed a new member into our family. DeeDee is really checking it out. I'm sure she will figure out a way to sleep under/around it.

Onward, with a great new quilting tool. I'm so thrilled! Off to skate.

The Moral of the Story and Other Matters

2010-04-19T17:14:00.000-07:00

Here I sit on my bed with my laptop and one leg folded up and one (the right) extended with an ice pack resting on my knee. This position can only suggest one thing - skating injury. Well, injury is really too dramatic a word to use, but it does suggest how I came to find myself here.

As I can't skate this Tuesday due to a dental appointment, I had my lesson with Coach Jayne today instead. This also gave our newly formed ensemble group the opportunity to practice as a number of us were going to be at the rink today. The session was crowded for a Monday and my lesson started out with work on the change foot spin. Coach really is pushing me on this FS3 element. That went fine; some progress with Coach feeling confident I will get this down before test time in August. Then, we moved on to the dance step sequence, with the ever-dreaded outside Mohawk. Clicked blades twice, but stayed upright.

Then, I made the mistake of telling Coach how I had this dream last night that I executed a PERFECT waltz/loop/loop jump combo. This was my first mistake. Her response: "Want to try one?" "Of course," I boldly replied, knowing I had not done this in over 5 years probably, well before my skating accident. Thus emerged my second mistake - trying this jump at all. We didn't even move over to the boards, just stayed on open ice. The first attempt I bailed completely! Smart move. Second time I nailed one. Amazing and purely accidental, I'm certain. Coach said, "And again," in that understated way that leaves no room for "Not really." Third time around the first loop after the waltz jump was good, but then the wheels came off and down I went, right on the little bone that protrudes slightly to the right (or left) of one's kneecap. Went down in a blaze of something far from glory and got the wind knocked right out of me.

After Coach had ascertained that nothing was broken and there were just a few minutes left in my lesson, I suggested that it was time for me to meet with my ensemble partners and press on with that practice. This was the ONLY way I was going to be able to get away from executing any other jumps, I feared. I am very happy that nothing is broken and I can ice it tonight, feeling quite certain that tomorrow I will be back to normal.

The moral of this story: Dreams don't always come true. Isn't that ever the truth!

I have switched music for my FS3 technical competition program to "Fallen Embers" by Enya. My BSB and cherished friend had this music cut for her own use. She decided not to use it and gave it to me. It is absolutely spectacular music; soft, lilting, sad but very meaningful, with the most beautiful lyrics. I decided to use this music for competition as a tribute to her. She saw me skate the program for the first time last Friday. It is VERY rough now as it was the first time I had tried it with this music, but I hope she understood how much it means to me to be using this piece.

One of my dear skating buddies was at the rink today. She had her 4th place medal for her Light Entertainment program at Adult Nationals. She competed in a field of eight Masters-level skaters. Mind you, this is - as the name indicates - a national competition. She was still all aglow over her experience at the competition and you could tell she was very proud (as she should be) of her results.

Our ensemble group had our first "official" practice with Jill Shipstad Thomas last Friday. She arrived with the music she cut for us - Tango! She did a *fab* job and everyone in the group loves it. As always, Jill was a joy to work with. We perhaps got through less than 20 seconds of the music during Friday's session. We all need to develop that sharp, crisp Tango movement. This is going to take some very hard work indeed. We are 8 skaters strong which puts us in the "Production Number" category for ISI competition. This means if we want to compete in that category, we have to keep more than 7 skaters and add one more minute to the music to put it at 4 minutes. That is a LONG, LONG time for adult skaters. Come to think of it, that's a long time for anyone to skate! We'll have to see what happens but for right now we are going to leave our music at 3 minutes and assume we'll still be in the "Ensemble" category due to attrition. Last year we lost one of our skaters to a broken knee cap and another skater had to step in to take her place.

Today, there were 5 ensemble members at our casual (without Jill or any coach) practice. I am very glad we did this, even with members missing because we were able to identify problem areas and develop solutions on our own. This is very important to keep coaching fees manageable. I think we did a fairly decent job of remembering what Jill had taught us on Friday. Hopefully, we can arrange for Jill to return on April 30 to work with us again. It will likely take a good two months to have the program set.

I've not really felt much like quilting lately, even though I have a number of projects that need attention. I did go to a quilt show with my good buddy Lori last weekend. It was absolutely amazing to see the endless array of creativity. I was so impressed at the infinite possibilities involved in this craft. I bought a pattern for a small autumn door hanging. The center medallion is embroidery embellished. I am nearly 2/3 of the way finished with the needlework which is astounding as I have not done embroidery in over 15 years. Had to brush up on my technique, but the cute little squirrel painting the "Welcome" sign is looking very sweet; I think the little guy is winning even Dear Husband's heart. I spent two hours last night listening to my Anne Perry novel and doing my needlework. What a productive luxury that was.

I promised myself that this week for certain I would add the first border to "Sunday in the Park." No matter what, I am going to accomplish this, as there are 5 borders (I may only add 3) and I want to have this up in time for summer. Then, I must work on the baby quilt and the applique blocks for the BOM I am doing with a quilting friend. So many projects, not enough time.

Onward through life!

"Sunday in the Park" Progress

2010-04-05T09:18:00.001-07:00

Easter Sunday. A wonderful day for peaceful reflection and the meditative state I get into when I am quilting. And so it was yesterday as I worked diligently and pleasantly on "Sunday in the Park."

I made considerable progress on the piece, as one can see from the picture. It is coming along really well, although I have some concerns about squaring it up when it is time to cut the sides, top and bottom. Think I will have to visit my friend Jenine - a master quilter - when that times comes.

A quiet, lovely day was spent with Dear Husband reading, doggies sleeping, and me enjoying the soothing sound of a sewing machine and pieces actually fitting together as they should. No frustration (o.k., maybe some with one part of the sashing that did not fit as well as I'd like), just happiness at my ability to create art for our home.

Onward with joy.

Quilting with a Purpose & "Thank You" Thangles

2010-04-04T09:04:00.000-07:00

I finally feel as though I have a genuine purpose for my current quilting activities. My dear, dear friend Mary's son and daughter-in-law, who live in Hong Kong, had a baby girl last week. Time to return my sewing machine, which has been slowly gathering a bit of dust. It's nice to have a reason to quilt, other than making a top for our home (not that that activity is not enjoyable, mind you). Here is a picture of the beginning of the baby quilt. I love the subtle Asian theme to this fabric. The colors are really wonderful together.

Dear Husband has been inquiring about the status of "Sunday in the Park." As today is Easter Sunday, it is an ideal time to work on this piece as spring has finally arrived in California (despite our grey weather today, blossoms are everywhere, including on our rose bushes).

Now for one of the greatest inventions of all time - Thangles! You quilters will know what I am talking about. Why didn't someone tell me about these sooner? What a fantastic way to whip out a ton of perfect squares without having to make HST the "old fashion way." Thank you to the creator of Thangles for making this process so much easier, more precise and actually fun!

I am home today, quietly appreciating the meaning of this day. I am taking the time for reflection and peace, apart from the frantic activity that I find so often surrounds me as I travel through my life.

Onward in peace, pray, and gratitude.

Finally Learned How to Sew Curves

2010-03-21T21:06:00.000-07:00

After quilting for over a year (more like a year and a half), I finally took a class to learn how to sew curves. This picture is of the quilt top I made in the class. The design is by Judy Cisneros, who taught the class. She is an excellent instructor and I enjoyed finally being able to sew something other than straight seams. At long last! Seems as though I should have learned this a while ago.

The theme of the quilt is olive oil, which may seem strange to some, but our development recently started pressing oil from the olives off our own trees. I wanted to make something to honor this accomplishment, as well as have some wall art for our kitchen area. As Dear Husband is the chef in our home, I thought he might like this fabric. You can see the detail of the center panel but clicking on the picture. I really like the colors, as they are ideal for our home.

This top was actually quite challenging to make. I am not altogether pleased with the outcome, but once it is quilted, I do think it will be very attractive. I learned so much making it also. It look me a long while to complete this. I kept putting off the final touches because of my general displeasure with the lack of perfection of the piece. Finally - today - I decided to sew the very last seam so I can take it to be quilted. I am happy it is now off my list of UFOs.

Onward!

The Wait is Nearly Over

2010-03-21T15:34:00.000-07:00

Last night, I started watching again the first three seasons in great anticipation of Season 4, which begins April 11 (which also happens to be our 23rd wedding anniversary).

Whilst I must comment that all the really interesting wives have been "disposed" of one way or the other, at least we have Catherine Howard - toying with, then betraying Henry - to captivate us.

Onward into English history (or some facsimile thereof). Here is a link to this season's trailer:

http://tudorswiki.sho.com/page/TRAILER+for+season+4+of+the+Tudors

Quick Note

2010-03-18T07:44:00.000-07:00

Dear Husband pointed out this morning that I hadn't blogged for a while. Yes, he is right about this. So, in the interest of anyone who actually reads my blog, here is a very quick update on what's up, not in order of priority:

1. My niece: Has been without a seizure for one month! This is a record. She's now on a new medication that appears to be having a positive effect. She continues to attend her college classes and is having a ball making new friends at Sierra College.

2. Skating: Have two new programs I am working on. FS3 Dramatic and Technical. Love the music for both. Just set the program for "Crying," the Roy Orbison and K.D. Lang duet. These are for competition at Adult ISI in October in Las Vegas. So much fun working on these. Our ladies' ensemble will also compete with a program to Tango music. Should be great.

3. Quilting: Hit a major plateau. Made two tops that I am not happy with. Like skating, I am forcing myself into new territory and what comes with that is something less than perfection, so I have gotten discouraged. But, I will be back at it this weekend, working on "Sunday in the Park."

4. The Big Dig: Is done! Yes, we now have a beautiful new master bathroom suite. Two months of dust, dirt, strangers in the house, upset dogs (actually, they did really well given the circumstances), and people arriving in the morning whilst I was still in my Scottie dog PJ's was no fun, but the outcome is well worth it.

5. Migraines: Let's not go there. Suffice it to say that they are firing right-and-left. I am waiting for my appointment at the UCSF Headache Clinic, but it is not until June. Government medicine at its finest. A portend of things to come perhaps?

6. Volunteer activities: I continue to volunteer one day a week at the animal-assisted therapy program at Catholic Healthcare West/Mercy. In fact, I had better sign off now and get moving because today is my day to go there.

Onward we go!

Week's Summary

2010-02-27T14:21:00.000-08:00

First, let's clarify the picture. While it may look to all the world that this is a fall, it was actually a practice run for my 2009 ISI World's dramatic program. We had decided I was going to "die" on the ice at the end of the program (this, by the way, is now not permitted in the ISU, I believe - not that I will ever have to worry about that!). But, one of the women I skate with told me, "Enough of dying on the ice already. Let's not do that again." She's right. It didn't work in the program in competition, but I like this picture because it looks like Coach J has beaten me into the ice - NOT!

Fast forward to present week. I continued to wrestle with these migraines for the last ten days. I am locked in mortal battle with them. Last weekend, I decided not to let them get the better of me, so I got up after having one in the morning on Saturday, did some minor things around the house, then got another one that night. So much for my theory that I could just power through them. Isn't going to happen. Taking my meds and going to bed is still the only way to manage them.

That said, I did manage to have lessons with Coach J and Coach C this week. Lesson with Coach J was spent working on FS3 program. I am finally getting a nice, long entry edge into my salchow (this has only taken 11 years :( ) and am able to properly hold the exit edge of the three-turn before the jump. Whoopee! Probably doesn't seem like much to most, but it's a big deal to me. Coach J was excited to see that I am getting the feeling of the proper position on the back spin and it is now a requirement for me to bring the left leg across on the change foot (the back spin portion). No negotiation about it. My BSB tells me this position actually is more stabilizing for the spin; as she has mastered the backspin, she knows from experience.

Lesson with Coach C was nothing less than hysterical. I really let my guard down when I have lessons with Chris. I think we spent a third of the lesson just laughing and sharing stories about our lives. He is very kind and patient with me. At one point at the very end of my lesson, I suggested he look at my change-edge spiral. His comment: "Nice spiral, but what is that you are doing with your hands? You look like you have paws!" Then he did this great imitation of my hands in their "paw position." It wasn't all fun and games, however. We worked on the Ten Fox (still and again and again) and decided to test the dance at the spring test session, which my BSB tells me is in May. We're going for it no matter what! We worked on the monster outside Mohawk in the dance and I really felt what it is supposed to be like. Whoa! Very different than the way I've been doing it.

I did manage to get some quilting done, but nothing worthy of bragging rights. I'm having some real problems with this Crystal Star I'm working on for a class I'm taking. Had a good class through the Roseville Guild and learned to sew curves. Now this is big news. I was going to post a picture of the quilt top that uses the technique I learned in class, but it just doesn't photograph well.

The weather here is dreary, raining and not good for my head. Spring, where are you? I want it to be here for more than a week at a time. Have enjoyed the Olympics, particularly watching JoAnnie Rochette's programs after the horrible loss of her mother to a heart attack in the Olympic Village. Canada can certainly be proud of this young lady. To pull oneself together to skate the way she did is simply amazing.

The Big Dig at our house is nearly over. The bathroom re-model is all but over; just the painting now, which is projected to be done by Tuesday of next week. The room truly looks spectacular and, in the end, was worth all the dust, dirt, noise, strangers in the house, etc., etc. I'm very glad it is done!

Onward we go!

Stop Reading Here If You Don't Already Know Who Snagged the Gold!

2010-02-19T07:19:00.000-08:00

I didn't get to watch the men's free skate live so I went online immediately this morning to find out who won. I was thrilled to see the results - Team USA snags another Gold with Evan Lysacek's performance.

Good for Evan for taking the "high road" and not doing a quad. Leave that to Plushy! Eight triples though is nothing to sneeze at. He played his cards perfectly, from all accounts. I can't wait to see his skate later today.

On another skating note, I am picking up my Klingbeils from the cobbler today. I'm excited to see them looking brand new again, as they have been re-dyed. Also decided to keep my SP-Teri boots as a back-up pair, so will get them from Coach today.

Here is the one of the media summaries of our Gold medalist's performance. Go Evan!

Feb 18, 2010

Vancouver (AFP) - Reigning world champion Evan Lysacek gave the United States their first Olympic men's figure skating title in 22 years with a risk-free performance on Thursday.

Defending champion Yevgeny Plushenko of Russia had to settle for silver with Daisuke Takahashi giving Japan their first ever Olympic men's podium finish taking bronze after the free skate final.

Lysacek, 24, finished just 1.31 points ahead of three-time world champion Plushenko whose shaky landing on several jumps ended his gold-medal challenge.

"That's my best free programme this season," said Lysacek. "I've been waiting for a clean free skate all season."

"I tried not to get too excited after each jump. I wanted to pump my fist every time."

Lysacek becomes the first American to win the title since Brian Boitano at the 1988 Calgary Games, and breaks an 18-year Russian domination in the event.

Takahashi finished over ten points behind the winner after falling on his opening quadruple jump.

Plushenko, 27, had led the short programme but with less than 0.60 points separating him from Lysacek and Takahashi it was a virtual tie going into the free skate final.

Lysacek threw down the challenge with a flawless performance to Sheherazade.

The 24-year-old did not include a quadruple jump, perferring eight triples including an opening triple-triple combination and two axels.

He scored 167.37 for the free skate and 257.67 overall.

Now for the Men (Olympic News)

2010-02-17T05:59:00.000-08:00

If you didn't watch the men's short programs, you really missed something. Plushenko was brilliant, in a kind of "take no prisoners" way. I did enjoy watching his program and believe he deserves his standing after the short program yesterday. Below is some of the official news from the media:

VANCOUVER - If there were any question about who rules over men's figure skating at the Olympic Games, that debate was answered Tuesday night within 15 seconds of Evgeny Plushenko's short program.

The Russian effortlessly nailed a perfect quad toe loop-triple toe loop combination at the start of his short program, laying down the athletic standard for those who would come much later. That quad would be the difference between first and second place again, as Plushenko led Evan Lysacek - Mr. Triple Jump - by .55 points going into Thursday's free skate.

Plushenko's quad was soaring, his spins more than good enough, his footwork acceptable. After a triple axel, he even threw in a fancy kick for transitional purposes, hoping to quiet his critics a bit. All done, he kissed an imaginary sword and returned it to the scabbard.

"I'm going to take any result I get," insisted Plushenko, who earned a 90.85 for his short program. "I have a history. I already have gold and silver. I won Europeans. I skated not a bad season."

Plushenko, 27, may deny it, but he is out to make significant history here. He won a silver medal in Salt Lake, a gold in Turin and is now trying to become the first back-to-back Olympic men's champion since Dick Button in 1952 and 1956. You wouldn't know it, but Plushenko insisted yesterday he was jittery and aching before his routine.

Shen, Zhao claim China's first figure skating gold

2010-02-16T07:28:00.000-08:00

In case you haven't been watching the Olympic figure skating - or have been living under a rock - here is news you can use at the water cooler today . . .

Vancouver (AFP) - Shen Xue and Zhao Hongbo gave China their first ever Olympic figure skating title when they won gold in the pairs event in Vancouver on Monday.

The husband-and-wife team led a Chinese 1-2 ahead of teammates Pang Qing and Tong Jian with Germany's reigning two-time world champions Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy taking bronze after the free skating final.

Shen, 31, and Zhao, 36, had returned after retiring for two years in their bid to claim gold after winning bronze at the past two Olympics.

But they faced a tense wait to see if they had secured the title following a stunning free skate by Pang and Tong to the music Impossible Dream giving which gave them a new world record mark of 141.81 in the free skate.

Pang and Tong, the 2006 world champions, surged from fourth after the short programme with an overall 213.31.

Shen and Zhao scored second highest in the free skate after errors in their routine to Adagio in G Minor by Tomaso Albinoni but it was enough to secure victory with 139.91 and 216.57 overall for a new world record score.

The Germans dropped to third after Szolkowy fell on a double axel in their routine to the soundtrack Out of Africa, giving them 134.64 for the programme and 210.60 overall.

Chef Ken's Valentine Surprise

2010-02-15T07:06:00.000-08:00

I had the distinct pleasure of visiting the premier gourmet restaurant in our area - Chef Ken's, located in Loomis, CA. This full-time litigator has turned part-time chef and has made a great start at a brilliant third-life stage career. This exclusive, quaint little venue is not to be missed. Don't expect to snag a reservation anytime soon as seating is limited to two.

Chef Ken's memorable Valentine's dish (pictured here) was nothing less than a masterpiece. The succulent chicken, with a reduction sauce made with mushrooms, shallots, red wine, and fine herbs, was moist, tender and delicious. The perfect addition to the main attraction was rice pilaf, notable for its nutty, yet subtle, flavor.

To finish off the plate, fresh green beans were blanched, then sauteed with shallots, onions, garlic, and mushrooms. Perfecto!

A memorable meal and a beautiful card too. How lucky can a girl get? Dear Husband (aka Chef Ken) never disappoints.

Art-in-Progress, A Confession and Other Matters

2010-02-13T17:00:00.000-08:00

Someone sent me a post asking, "Why aren't you blogging?" Strange thing is I have no idea who this person is. That said, I realized I hadn't posted for a while, so here is a little update.

The picture shown here is my latest project - Sunday in the Park - in progress. Here you can see what a mess my sewing room is when I am down on the floor with my design wall putting a top together. This one is tricky; I have to really pay attention to what I am doing. Because I am recovering today from a migraine that struck yesterday minutes after I skated for only 45 minutes, I needed to be in a quiet place with no stress. Retreating into my sewing room is just what the doctor ordered. I sat on the floor, sipping tea, and put the quilt together. I am about 60% done with this part of the process, but as you may be able to see, I've run out of room on the wall as the quilt has two more entire rows on the right side and bottom to piece. So far this top is coming together well, although I won't know that for certain until I begin sewing it.

I had a wonderful day early in the week doing my volunteer work at the Source-of-Unconditional Love (S.O.U.L.) animal assisted therapy program at Catholic Healthcare West/Mercy Hospitals. I attended a hospice volunteer meeting for two hours in the morning, then went to a safety fair where S.O.U.L. volunteers and their therapy dogs were in attendance. The employees at the building love seeing the S.O.U.L. dog teams and learning about the program. I spent the rest of the day on administrative activities, like writing an article about the program for the volunteers' newsletter. I feel as though I am making a contribution to keeping this wonderful dog therapy program growing and assisting with the hospice volunteer work.

Now for the confession. This always gets attention, right? After trying to adjust to my new SP-Teri boots (and I truly have tried and thought I was making progress), I have officially thrown in the towel. This is a long story that would bore most non-skaters and even some of my skating friends also. The fact of the matter is that the SP-Teri boot is not cut for my very high-arched foot. There isn't enough material at the height of my arch on the top of the foot, so the sides of the boot do not come together well. It is a struggle even getting them laced, which takes at least 20 minutes. While they are comfortable, they are not doing my skating any good. On top of that, the left blade is a problem (I knew that from skating on these blades). This has been confirmed by an expert who knows about these things. He took one look at them and pronounced that blade "mis-mounted." I knew it, I knew it! I now must decide what to do with my new boots and blades. Because they are custom-made for me, selling them on eBay could be a problem. I will never recoup what I spent on the boots and blades, either. Big sigh. But, I have told Dear Husband who has been nothing short of a saint about this.

As I will return to my old Klingbeil boots. I took them to the cobbler (no one uses this term any more, but I love it) to have Sno Seal applied and to be re-dyed. Then I will send them back to Klingbeil (on the East Coast) to have the tongue and inner foam replaced. All together, this will be less than $150.00; a pittance compared to what I spent on my SP-Teri boots and blades. Finally, I will have the blades sharpened. Fortunately, these boots have not broken down; in fact, they don't even have one crease in the leather. And, at the end of the day, the model just fits my foot much better.

Now that my sights are set on passing FS3 (ISI) and Bronze Freestyle (USFSA) this year, I have selected new music and Coach J and I have set the program to "Gabriel's Oboe" from the movie "The Mission." I have always wanted to skate to this beautiful piece and am so glad I now have the chance. Things do work out in the end. Now I am looking for a dress that will fit this spectacular music.

I trust, Dear Readers, that you will be watching ice skating on the Olympics and rooting for our teams. We have an impressive line-up in our male and ice dance teams. I am interested to see what happens with our ladies and pairs teams. We've got our work cut off for us on those fronts.

Onward!

"Aha! Perfect Points" and The Real Thing

2010-01-31T06:25:00.001-08:00

It is nothing short of a travesty to place a picture of the original "Sunday in the Park" painting (George Seurat) with a section of the quilt I am making with fabric inspired by this masterpiece, but I am hopeful doing so makes a point. If you haven't seen this amazing work of art at The Art Institute of Chicago, it takes one's breath away - well, it certainly did mine.

I am currently working on the side and corner setting pieces. The one shown here (right) is a side section. Note to self: Yes, Karen, you can produce perfect points and here is the evidence! I am so buoyed by my progress in quilting. Whilst this little piece may seem simple to many Dear Readers, it marks a major step for me. My Master Quilter friends won't be impressed, but for once I don't care one wit. The pattern is categorized as "Intermediate/Advanced" but my friend, Lori, scoffed at this. I agree with her. Perhaps Advanced Beginning/Intermediate, but certainly not advanced. Nonetheless, there are a number of techniques used in this top that I haven't done before, so I consider it a great learning experience.

So far, the piece is coming along swimmingly. But, I know that when I start adding sashing and the five borders, things are going to start to get more complicated. I will find out just how well I have squared my blocks (which I am doing one-by-one), how well I have sewn the ever-coveted scant 1/4" seam, and if I have maintained the integrity of the fabric despite the use of "evil steam" (considered so by some quilters, a Godsend by others - "Go figure!").

I love working on this quilt. The fabric is very peaceful and, now in the depths of winter in California, it brings to mind that spring is only just around the corner. I can almost feel the warmth of the sun depicted in the painting on my back whilst I sew away.

Now, if you look at the far left of the painting, you will see the sailboats on the lake. The section of the quilt top I have included reproduces this part of the original in the fabric. Lovely, isn't it?

Off to the health club to work on one of my 2010 goals. Onward!

My 2010 Vision

2010-01-30T13:44:00.000-08:00

Photograph from the back of our home by Kenneth R. O'Brien. All rights reserved 2010.

On the eve of February 1, I decided to memorialize my vision and goals for this year. It's taken me a bit of time to sift through them (and talk with Dear Husband about them) until I could fully embrace each one. Now that I have completed the visioning process, I feel comfortable posting most, but not all of them (as some are quite personal/private and not included here). I have put these into categories for organization purposes.

1. Health & Fitness
- Work out at the health club three days a week, including attending group classes once a week (e.g., Zumba, Yoga)
- Skate as a form of exercise two days a week for at least 90 minutes each session
- Reduce migraine headaches to no more than 4 per month

2. Figure Skating and Ice Dancing
- Test and pass Ten Fox no later than end of April
- Test and pass one Pre-Silver dance by year's end
- Pass Free Style 3 (ISI)
- Create new artistic/dramatic FS3 program
- Pass Bronze FS (USFS; this is a stretch goal only)
- Compete with Coach Chris at ProAm in Vacaville in April (optional goal; but certainly would be fun)
- Attempt to make a skating dress
- Never forget who I am skating for; it's all about "me" and that's just fine. Don't let anyone belittle my skating efforts. Most importantly, have fun.

3. Quilting
- Make a king-size quilt for our master bedroom
- Learn to applique
- Learn to sew circles and curves

4. Creative Writing
- Conduct research for historical suspense romance
- Write first 100 pages of book
- Attend writer's conference in Sacramento in late summer

5. Personal Growth
- Get "out of my own way"; to wit, reduce substantially negativity, pessimism, lack of confidence
- Expand volunteerism with Mercy/Catholic Healthcare West
- Screw up my courage to get a cute, stylish and easy-to-maintain hairstyle (this probably translates into 'shorter' than my old fallback bob style (this isn't about vanity; this is about being willing to change).
- Reach out more to friends who need help and who I could support in some way
- Re-start (including consistent practice) my voice/piano/music appreciation class

My vision for 2010 is realistic, yet challenging in many ways. I had better stop blogging and start working on these immediately. Onward to QuiltLand today.