Sunday, December 9, 2012

Winter of The Lion, The Quilt, and The Snowmen (Patagonia, AZ)

The Saga of Our Mountain Lion Continues
We have not seen our lion since Thanksgiving, but on 4 December, two lions together were spotted at Patagonia Lake State Park 6 miles south of us.  The creek on the preserve dumps into that lake with ranches in between. It is unknown if these 2 cats were siblings, mother and offspring, or mates.  Hmm, maybe ours went for a visit.
I'd Enjoy it a Lot More Without You Here
Apparently in other areas of the nation a few cats are also near humanity.
 On 6 December at 5:15 pm, a lion was in the backyard of a house 1 mile north of us on the outer edge of Patagonia.  The caller's wife saw the lion checking out their rabbits.  She banged on the window and the lion left.  So, now we are wondering - are there two or three full-grown mountain lions living here.

The hills are dry, so the deer, javelina, lions, and other critters are staying near the water source and food supply.  I have a feeling there will be more sightings before we leave here.
Motion sensor activated wildlife camera shot across the creek, 
about 100 - 150 yards from the motor home.  
The Giving Quilt: An Elm Creek Quilts Novel | [Jennifer Chiaverini]The Giving Quilt: An Elm Creek Quilts by Jennifer Chiaverini
When I finished this book, I felt sad and depressed.  I did not get my usual warm-fuzzy feeling from listening to each newcomer's life story sprinkled with moments of quilting.  I feel like Jennifer has lost her quilting muse.  Instead of quilting, I got Jennifer's views on our bad economy, uninformed government/taxpayers, and misguided social values.  I agree with some of her opinions, but that is not why I bought this book.

According to part of the description from Amazon:  featuring not only well-loved characters but also intriguing newcomers, The Giving Quilt will remind us all: Giving from the heart blesses the giver as much as the recipient, and while giving may not always be easy, it is always worthwhile.

I thought there would be at least one quilter sharing a Project Linus experience as a donor or as a founder for their region or even as a receiver.  Instead, each quilter mulled over their own problems - a little too lengthy at times.  What about the problems of the "giving quilt" receivers?  Where were their stories?   Am I wrong to think a child battling a life-threatening illness has bigger problems than a woman in a guild battling a member's bad attitude and short funding the guild?

I bought this book to enjoy some special moments with quilters and making quilts for children in need.  I was very disappointed.  My suggestion is that you read some of the reviews - good and bad before you decide to buy " The Giving Quilt".

On the Cutting Board
While listening to "The Giving Quilt", I have been keeping myself busy with different quilt projects.  My latest quilt project has been layered and pinned.  I will sew this one on the machine.  I am hoping to have a couple of quilts ready for Project Linus by the time I leave here.
I recently discovered that the Project Linus website has a list of drop-off locations as well as contact and chapter information.  I found several drop-off locations in Tucson.
This is a mini quilt or wall hanging by Nancy Halvorsen.  I just love her designs!  This is one of those projects that I hate to finish because I am enjoying the process as well as the outcome.  I think I am going to add some fringe to the scarfs....and maybe a little puff ball to the end of the pink hat.  Oh!  and hand-stitch quilting!  That'll take a little more time.
I wonder what it is about making snowmen that I find so enchanting.  I know I don't like being in the snow to make a real snowman.  Brrr!
Happy Quilting!

11 comments:

  1. Gosh I just can't imagine having lions outside the back door! I love your new quilt - you are so clever! I've just completed a baby quilt made from the customer's son's baby clothes. I'm pleased with the results and my partner Chris says he wants me to make him one from his old checked shirts and old jeans! I never thought I'd see the day when he asked me to make a quilt for him!! I have just subscribed by email to your blog (as well as google)so I don't miss any of your posts. Maggie xx

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  2. I LOVE the little snowmen and all the hand work you can see. You can definitely tell that your heart is in your work. I am sure the recipients of your quilts from Project Linus can feel the love emanating from your quilts!!

    I found you via The Etsy Blogging Buddies Team! Please feel free to check out my blog. http://jsbarts.blogspot.com/2012/12/sunday-musings.html

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  3. Snowmen are always happy and jolly. I've never seen one upset or mad. Love your snowman project.

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  4. Those mountain lions are certainly beautiful creatures, but I'm sure people find them unsettling. Your quilting work is just lovely. Fringe and puff balls sound perfect. A new follower from the Meet and Greet Blog Hop. I hope that you will follow my blog as well.

    Anne Marie
    moanasuniquedesigns.blogspot.com/

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  5. You lead such an adventure filled life. Lions, snowmen, etc:) When a book fails you, a snowman helps out doesn't it. I will make sure to look up the project Linus.

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    1. That's great, Rachel. Project Linus can always use another blanket or quilt.
      True! A snowman always makes me smile.

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  6. oh my gosh...a real lion! my kids would be the stars in their school if they saw what you saw....wow.
    my daughter is a quilter...she ran a quilt exhibit in college...such beautiful creations!!
    I am your newest follower..pls follow back if you can.

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    1. Thanks Momto8Blog for following my blog!
      We have better photos of the lion in previous posts. My husband got some excellent close-ups of the lion sitting across the creek from him. You can count his whiskers!

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  7. I'm' going to go look for the other lion post. That is crazy!!

    You're right, snowmen are delightful to look at on fabric...and through the window. ;)

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  8. I can't believe that mountain lion is still creeping around! Eeeeek! You're so right about Nancy's designs. That mini quilt is so cute!!!
    ~Kim
    http://2justByou.blogspot.com

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  9. Your pinned quilt looks like it is going to be a beauty.

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