Thankful Tuesday- Lynn Kunz and Vivian Helena

Lynn Kunz won my Memories of Kyrgyzstan ATC blog giveaway and sent me this wonderful fiber postcard as a thank you. I was touched by her kindness.  Thank you Lynn. I promise to pass your kindness along.

I got a few emails asking if my journal covers were reusable (removable). Yes! For me, that was the point. Vivian Helena shared with me some photographs of her beautiful journals which were made like postcards then applied to the journal with white glue. She promises to post them to her blog soon. Now I need to work on expanding my journals. Thanks Vivian!

The quilt world is full of wonderful, giving people. I love my community!

Thankful Tuesday--Janice Paine Dawes

Janice Paine Dawes is the co-leader of the group Arts in the Cards. I love her sense of humor and that she is a straight shoot. She says what she means and means what she says. I find it refreshing. The story of a quilt made by Janice as a commission (reproduction of an antique quilt) is also in my soon to be published book Quilts in the Attic.  It was a joy to work with her. So thank you Janice for being a part of my life.

From Kristin

Kristin kindly sent me a photograph of my Day of the Dead mask hanging in her home.  Doesn't it look like it belongs there? Kristin shares,  "Freezing outside, but warm here now especially with such a beautiful, perfect new piece of artwork on the wall. I have hung it adjacent to the prosperity chickens from India, the wedding basket from China, my sage and other native materials for smudging, the eagle feather given to me when I retired, the Tibetan bell and bowl, the little Buddha and other small pieces, all atop a lacquered bookcase that holds my "Selvedge"  magazines and knitting books. A little glimpse on the chair on the left of my Jacob's coat knit wool shawl that I wear as I write my Morning Pages each day.

Thank you so much for sending me such a perfect addition to my little sitting room here in my Montana bungalow!

Always now I will think of you when I am in that wonderful little room!" And I will think of Kristin often. I love when pieces of my artwork end up exactly where they belong.

 I can remember a time when giving away a piece of my artwork was so difficult. In part, it was because so much of me was put into the work and I think I was not confident enough to believe I could make something more. I wasn't even sure how or if my blog giveaways would be embraced.

I love Robert Collier's quote, "You cannot hold on to anything good. You must be continually giving--and getting. You cannot hold on to your seed. You must sow it--and reap anew. You cannot hold on to riches. You must use them and get other riches in return." With this mask I've gained a new friend!

Do you find it difficult or easy to give away something that you have made?

The Amazing Marie Z Johansen

When the call went out that the Arts in the Cards group was looking for new members, I decided to throw my hat in the ring (remember feeling the fear and doing it anyway). Being a new member in an established group is never easy. I will admit that it was a little intimidating in the beginning especially when another new member quit shortly after joining. However, the little jewels (ATCs are only 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches) are perfect for experimenting and I love our monthly themes. Each round seems to get better!

I was hoping to find a group that would not only support my efforts to be more creative but inspire me. It is just what the group has done. There is one member, Marie Z Johansen, who definitely makes me want to push on my comfort zone and put a little extra into my work. She is amazing. The back of her ATCs are works of art too. Lately she's been sending them in envelopes that she embosses herself! I love her style. She is caring and giving as well as being incredibly talented. I am happy to be a part of her world and truly wished she lived closer.

Everyone Needs a Barbara

Everyone needs a friend like the one I have with Barbara Wester. I love when we get together to play which is never often enough. She is an attorney for the EPA and a mother of two sons (both in high school). I've never been good at receiving and Barbara's enormous generous spirit is helping me overcome this. One of the things that I love about playing with her is that what is mine is hers and what is hers is mine. We don't keep track. We just support one another in every way that we can. I love to watch her free flowing way of creating and while our work is different, we feed each other well. Speaking of feeding, Barbara is also a great cook! Her lunches feed me body and soul. Our play dates are always different. One time we might play with paper and the next time quilt. Sometimes we work on the same things and other times our own projects. We always try to have our Christmas gifts done early and never seem to succeed. "There is always next year!" She also knows me (good and bad) and loves me! We all need a Barbara in our lives and I count her as a true blessing!