Yellow flowers 03-14-08

Before the BCQG meeting last evening I wandered around taking pictures. These are cultivated flowers in beds around the school.

This is a sort of bush marigold - they bloom bright gold and then fade.

Here are a couple new blossoms.

Red hot pokers - this is a plant you can divide and replant the clumps until you have a yard full of the darn things.

There is that saying about trouble coming in threes - which I don't believe holds true, usually. But when three inconvenient things happen in one day I start to wonder. Three light bulbs burned out today - weird. They didn't last the same amount of time, I know this because, being a little odd, I always date my light bulbs! And a lot of other things, so that I can satisfy my curiosity about how long things last. The one over the sink lasted 3-1/2 years, somewhat amazing since it is on anytime it is dark - sometimes all night. The one in the floor can-light in the office lasted twenty months and it is only on for four hours every evening. One of two bulbs in the floor lamp in the family room was only installed last summer, the other one has been burning for 22 months. I have a few of those curly 'green' bulbs but they don't give enough light to sew by. However, I did put a little one in the can-light. Those things are supposed to last forever - we'll have to wait and see.

Isn't my life exciting?

FFAC over & BCQG meeting 03-13-08

The FFAC Reverse Auction ended today and Virginia Spiegel is happy with the $8794.00 that was raised for the American Cancer Society. All but one of the pieces sold. I bought Terry Grant's "Judith's Garden" for the Thomas Contemporary Quilt Collection. And Karey Bresenhan bought my "Color Bowls - Two" for her personal collection. Needless to say I am pretty stoked about that! Check out the rest of the quilts and their purchasers at

http://www.virginiaspiegel.com/ReverseAuctionArtwork2008.html

This evening I went to the monthly meeting of Beach Cities Quilters Guild which meets in San Juan Capistrano. Although I am a long time member I don't go very often because it is almost 80 miles round trip. Tonight I went because a quorum was needed and although there are over 500 members, fewer than half are at any one meeting. So, I drove down to visit with friends and to be there for the voting. It is a wonderful group of ladies and they are always doing something interesting. This quilt is the opportunity quilt for the quilt show early in June - just as wonderful as all those of previous years. I will happily sell you a ticket! 1 for $1 or 6 for $5. Put a comment on this post or e-mail me at DELQLTS@aol.com

FFAC Reverse Auction 03-11-08

Just a reminder that the Fiberart For A Cause Reverse Auction is taking place this week. All of the money raised goes directly to the American Cancer Society, a cause I especially support because my husband died of a brain tumor in 1990. This auction is the major annual fundraiser for FFAC, so take a look, you might find some fiber art you love.

http://www.virginiaspiegel.com/ReverseAuctionArtwork2008.html

Decisions, decisions 03-10-08

So far the vote goes to the saggy green garage. But I haven't decided yet - the garage might be too complex for me to work on in a class. I just hope you all don't expect some fabulous creation from this class. I am a terrible student - easily distracted and with a zillion or so things I want to do besides sit in class. And there is the problem of my creative peak coming about 10pm instead of 10am. But I always enjoy being at Asilomar and after several dozen classes with Ruth she knows what to expect from me. I feel that I learn more from her if I follow her around the classroom and watch/listen to her as she helps other students solve their design and fabric selection problems. I know that the class will be in Nautilus, my favorite Asilomar classroom. If the sun is shining we will have fairly good light and a lovely view out the back windows. Eighteen days before it is time to depart - I'm already getting anxious!

Even more design inspiration 03-09-08

Great Blue Heron at Los Alamitos Bay, Long Beach, CA

Another view of sweet gum leaves Placentia, CA

California sea gull - Oceanside, CA

Magnolia blossom Portland, OR

More signs of SPRING 03-08-08

Spring has truly sprung. Not only because the time 'springs forward', but because my mockingbird friend is back. I don't really think it is the same mockingbird that has been been visiting since we moved into this house twenty-two years ago, but this year's bird must surely be related to all those who have gone before. Each year he takes up residence and sets up his territory - one corner of which is my chimney. He sits up there and, I'm positive, sticks his head down and screams his songs down the flue and out the fireplace - I suppose it is like singing in the shower to get great vibrations. I enjoy the songs, to a point. It is the 2am singing that annoys me. Why can't he just go to bed and rest up for the songs he will sing the next day?

The Latin name is melodic - Mimus polyglottos. Sometimes they are referred to as "Mimic-Thrushes" for their habit of making sounds like the things they hear in their vicinity - squeaky gates, whining pumps, whirling weathervanes, cats, and even dogs. They are very brave and will attack crows, ravens and even hawks in the air to chase them away from their nestlings. If only mating season didn't keep them up all night with the urge to sing!