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.

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 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!

"The Wedding Quilt" by Jennifer Chiaverini

I just finished listening to “The Wedding Quilt” by Jennifer Chiaverini and narrated by Christina Moore.  Listening to Christina now is like listening to an old friend tell a story.

I was surprised to have the book start out 25 years later as in 2028.  Sarah and Matt’s twins are now grown.  One is working at Elm Creek and the other one is getting married and going to medical school.  Sarah has become a well-known author on the history of quilts and proprietress of Elm Creek.

At first, I was a little disappointed and sad because I knew right away that many of the older quilters like Sylvia and Agnes would not be around for the wedding.  I know it is part of life and it does go fast, but why did the series have to make such a leap?

Then I realized as Sarah started reminiscing that I would still hear all about my favorite quilters.   In Jennifer’s style of storytelling, "The Wedding Quilt" covered the past and the present as family and friends reunited to celebrate at Elm Creek.  I feel like Jennifer was tying up loose ends from past stories.   There’s more than one wedding in this book, but I’m not telling who gets married.

I learned about Sylvia finding more information on her Cousin Elizabeth’s family, and what Bonnie decided to do after she came back from Hawaii.  I caught up with Gwen and Summer along with Diane’s family.  I heard more about the new members - Anne and Maggie.  I even learned more about the Civil War quilters and their Union Hall.  I would have liked to have heard more about Gretchen and her husband along with Andrew.  They are mentioned, but not as much as the others.

Halfway through I began to wonder if this was the last of the Elm Creek series.  It sort of felt like the end since a lot of unfinished stories were being given an ending.   I did some quick research and found that some of the reviewers were making the same comment that this was the last of the series.  I know that Sonoma Rose will be available soon, but that will be more about the past in California and not about the Elm Creek Quilters.

Fear not!  I went to Jennifer’s blog and in her FAQs she answered that very question.  Here’s her answer:

That's not going to be the end of the series, though, is it?!?

Sonoma Rose is the last book of my current contract, but I have a verbal agreement with Dutton for a new three-book deal. At the present time, it looks like a contemporary Elm Creek Quilts novel titled The Giving Quilt will be published in October 2012 as the first book of that contract. I will keep you posted!

At least, we know she plans to publish three more.  I’ve got my fingers crossed for more than three books.

Mr. Cardinal

Jack Frost came for a visit in Patagonia, AZ

THE ALOHA QUILT by Jennifer Chiaverini

I just finished listening to Jennifer Chiaverini’s audio-book “The Aloha Quilt”.  If you love to quilt and you love to read then this is the perfect book for you. This story follows one of the Elm Creek quilters – Bonnie to Hawaii. During her stay, she learns the about Queen Lili’uokalani, the history behind Hawaii and the U.S. and about Hawaiian quilts. The history of Hawaii was quite an eye-opener for me.

I can’t wait for the next one “The Union Quilters” to come out in February. Did I mention that I can’t wait!

Of course, if you really want to start reading Jennifer’s books, you should start at the beginning with the very first one “The Quilter’s Apprentice”.

IF You Plan to READ “The Aloha Quilt” – DO NOT CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK: it is a spoiler. Here’s a link to Mr XStitch’s blog with some quilts and rarely heard about history.

I finished this appliqué while listening to "The Aloha Quilt"