Under the Pines in Romance

Where is your peaceful spot? Where do you go in your mind, or memory, for that quiet moment of relaxation? Do you go the ocean? The mountains? Is it snowing? Or, are you in a field of wildflowers?  I ask because I truly want to know.  I want to know what you find peaceful?

Close your eyes, okay, just figuratively close them or you won't be able to read this. Imagine a dirt road, it is a hot July afternoon, but there is a slight breeze.  You are sitting a blanket in the grass under some tall pines and you can hear them and only them as the breeze blows the needles.  For the pines block out all noise and it is very cool, almost chilly.  That is my peaceful spot.  It is the spot I go to when I close my eyes and try to block the world out.  I take deep breaths and close my eyes to block out the world, so that I can find peace.

The spot exists in my childhood memories of being at Grandma Hazel's house.  There were pine trees in her front yard where my cousin and I would have picnics.  We would have a blanket, lemonade, and sandwiches on the hot July days when I visited.  And, those are the memories that bring me comfort in times of despair.

Where is your peaceful spot?

Confetti in process

2" Squares Hand-Pieced Confetti Quilt

My Great-Grandmother was a quilter and my mom is to this day, so quilts have always been part of my life.  Many family members of mine are quilters.  To me quilts have always told a story of family stages.  My mom is a gatherer/re-purpose quilter.  I can look at her quilts and see my clothing from childhood and dresses or shirts that were worn by members of the family.

My first major piece that I have started is a Confetti Quilt.  I saw one online and thought it would be beautiful hand-pieced, so that is my goal.  I will eventually hand-quilt it, also.  Periodically, I plan on posting pictures of it here, so that I can be held accountable. I did cheat on part of it; I bought the squares off of Ebay.  *shhhhh* please don't get onto me for that little indiscretion. So, if you would ask me about my progress, I would appreciate it.

If you knew how many quilts that I have in some stage of completion, you would understand.  Just an idea of how many I have...there's the Patriotic Quilt, the TWO Sunbonnet Sues, the nine-patch, the sunflower quilt, the...well, you get the idea. 

Grandma Hazel was not a quilter, but sewed mostly out of need.  She patched Grandpa's overalls and shirts as needed.  She sometimes made clothing, too.  I am proud to own her singer sewing cabinet and her sewing chair; they mean so much to me.

Do you quilt? How many do you have ISSOC(In Some Stage of Completion)?

Reflecting Hazel Ferne

An effort to honor one of the greatest influences in my life.  I learned by her hands, I followed in her steps, and I worshiped with her.  She was born on December 29, 1914 into a life of hardship, adventure, and brought love that passes all understanding to those that knew her.  Her legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  I pray that someday someone will be able to say, She did it Hazel's way.