Let's call him Clay, although that is not his real name. He was intimidating when I first met him. And remained so for some time.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwp778SFGUyZ_4xKDYVqq2OXaG1OhID_vd3N1qjDSTb56lkZBlB1kCjaJOrI2d8ZqhZji9uaWZPlmvl1Qpgqh3c6GXQ9nLewK1yb51Sb8szp5_CegmXwcCm093eTk4XVgOPYmRGgdvWn39/s640/IMG_8300.jpg) |
Finished!!! |
Clay was gruff in his manner, rarely smiled and was blunt to not just me, but everyone. He just had no time for niceties. By and by, I realized that he is an excellent manager, razor-sharp, no-nonsense, very knowledgeable about the project and extremely supportive of his team.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BFKODHhCiBVPqu9BEVAUDs2E-JySExpZAlhI-ElGMUTwYctA7eerojnEjtt9xNuaUrEFj_z3wVyngSQ_QUCaAknd3nbkvHjOsK9pBs6r-IrsSwLQchziyKDzrz_oZf8IPAZfLb4NbjEd/s640/IMG_8220.jpg) |
Kaffe Fabrics |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWOLIKxX26UmP0xOpopuuTy-IvCBpc_BdWTL69SS2LSk_EU2tPBkdseVIOfoHL426jYoIPkF2O1xkVC7YresmAMOGucsLr93Za0iOYTYFqtPm0Y04rdeyH41a_uSl8DFpIPbFS7c3EkLY/s640/IMG_8233.jpg) |
Folded Squares for Snowballing |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYz66V_uDx6rqOARjhu-qy6PEh0iayvbTWhWVYvTnRBOxKtzCeKl8rM0n3vq8XlZlU6tju9oV89lN6Ri0aUN22TPAQbs5-w5a3uN_spizR9HuogOxzZS0SI9t6x_5coZzYcY7gVsBM2-sz/s640/IMG_8242.jpg) |
Purple & Green |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4oqFGj_PKS4dXbxT2WKQqAkw0ESDnk8ZRwzv2rr_rRGiUN2Xvawl0u8MrBjEHWhcSJeMCBjqdT_gu3GDRgtu1SGBNkspzV8pPABAkS_LSVjZEAdNxI_2_YndH2DS8Xc3vAd8qePLMtH_/s640/IMG_8254.jpg) |
Backing Fabric |
As a new employee, I had my fair share of challenges. One time, as I was trying to understand the history of the project, I sought one of the managers' permission to attend a particular meeting. The manager extended the invitation to me. I attended, listening in rapt attention.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFl-38CfkeugqGP_6yP0EP4qwRWcKWXBstpjrxWqZs56WiubXU_tupv_qunDR-J4u3i77gunTVIgGWJBAEVoX-KM0uIWWMouIJPWZjAmpuy09CBrlrzcemdsTygXLxFLkIFZ5u7Xk5Ir5/s640/IMG_8255.jpg) |
Basting |
There were several other senior team members in that meeting. One of them sent an email to Clay, asking what was I doing at that meeting. Clay's response was - Trying to do her job.
In short, Clay defended me and told this person to let me be.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLmytMFrkVGawMYjS_YeQedvSkz2BO2hAIppDFDeLAtgtH33LUbRjakyb_tbegu_II7uKYOHDMFB0sm8IaGcuegUBPD0YitvQgnwk-TC4Gtp0CeUh3QwIJ3TZPmR_drErfHg7nt-RcMaK/s640/IMG_8280.jpg) |
Quilting in Process |
Clay's favorite color is purple.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxj9M7c4iEyJhvJ3OPmHl010ulkADJRlFr3fjvdfLs97yiAu_4JQqDEkNnRrLe1hAT8w_ZyCblRVYePPrlW00_G3wP5tzNC8kqy0U46j4_jSS1yH3fzege06tECBstSUAxKUNnX-W9pW9n/s640/IMG_8292.jpg) |
Reddish Purple Binding |
One day, as he signed my timesheet with his signature purple pen, I asked him. Do you have more of those purple pens?
He opened his drawer to show me three boxes containing a dozen pens each.
I thought you are going to retire soon. Why do you need so many of them?
We both laughed!!!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhORpTeS5jlgKI2RZdumineOrhyphenhyphen68HCYYgXWNTxMMszdnAQpm_90K7dSg5yli1cLLAAGof1XAchYfs7Kq2KSFEUEjMmI_70CkQnVdo5dGM8RTZMhk3yNE6xVVKY_205DWr0yflWw2DIrpqn/s640/IMG_8293.jpg) |
Almost there |
One day, I asked him if he would join me for lunch.
He declined, mentioning that he was on a diet.
Few weeks later, I asked him - How's the diet working out?
Not good, he responded.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxdV6teYv9yuk98LlujC_xAFMe3F1VTr9reaGGu2y9x7MGmk-KB2QW29XeE6rkggER4ppRvehGMqMfJFQuxVSK803mCKEPYHmLl5WiAByCrHZX2byMis_zVucGIB_HE5OHW_e5lZnaWWM/s640/IMG_8294.jpg) |
Labelled |
Cookies are his shortcoming, I believe.
Me: I saved you a cookie
Clay: Just one? I can't eat just one.
We both laughed.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-Jpg7MEqiP_WsqA7QOSP2nSt_hqK9KhSNui-q-d4PwA47TfJ59fF41GYea5lYQ5yLQzb5V-DK4rMG3T1jN9nAlS_Bdr6QlgRjqjaDVtgsow1VaUapvqdYFukAHCCxPyrYdhzyb7mhjRi/s640/IMG_8295.jpg) |
Finished Size - 76" by 98" |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDLPn6opVzwvSStvT5k6f1b7aIYlstWE9enZCFuclaQIBO-PIMDOXw-Sh9pzupqY2S5hLuyfeTwHinLgcGwHZenBfquMtYSsDuo4o-8HMb_LXi65ls6MVqxbw6VY32dLhp4guIN7e8Fz7/s640/IMG_8329.jpg) |
In my yard |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtVz6pUbiwZ5Fbh-Rbi7x0zlsO7P2Q37Q1EEY8JN0ID-VWWtW3gZELQx40AQwLZ4ZfAQpk0iqpt64qKxqJUgQkoWh8zlTWabFq6ZCqR9qnlsjXIISelJuw8R63Y7l5VXFC89KZY2X6msd/s640/IMG_8308.jpg) |
I see stars |
Me: I just ate one and I will eat the second one, if you decline.
Clay: Do you want to?
Me: No, I made them and I saved this for you.
Clay: You did. Well, then I will have to get it.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbUD2Vjuye3CH-H_pu9HxW6nr3Q3ZaAfzX1hktKAgFPF0frD5sEIlBBAMEPYKtc7keU8YQOo_koWUZkVww7nu4DoTDRCuGB3A7ErANg6w3FQs1SktVDAXSg1Q_NFMKuSmTD4-l8yZ3OcWM/s640/IMG_8315.jpg) |
Loving the colors |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpdaLY-BNoC5SI1DrRM0w5TEsrq-pZHeUYtumvCgde6VrscTmjkkNXQrfaJ9SqjgEJ4_blUMpJg63Z8gPdJpoWTMRe-TQy9T7k0Kl4RKlDFnCUfud7bGs8Q9Zorfxn-nNPDQU2t347geE/s640/IMG_8320.jpg) |
Colorful!!! |
He has been threatening to retire for over two years now. I knew I had to make him a quilt.
The next part (choosing the color) was easy - Purple, of course!!!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXKo_9N5PIskxz1ECC7b1C0dOKVVMP-7uP8DQVKbsekMcN1OPJQ44_vxuGS06pEBcvjTqZRshykUVOX4BahLD8d_SDUPAORcsVP9YBNV8CJZFcPe54sggOY0HsgWPMXAETmA22eCWV62g/s640/IMG_8317.jpg) |
Ready for Picnic? |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiupi-lrpd_t-JKKqTWYTsPYXMxVVeeN46n1_J5owjExnUbqaIf_EbqCA-4v3BwB9q0sQJgWkS96y5wGMxtc1o5kxMxTvXbbtdITPPs0sQ8R6AZ3UPnuIo6_qXENatqm00T2xQpCzKXKifl/s640/IMG_8321.jpg) |
All rolled up |
I don't think Clay is aware of my blog or my interest in quilting. So I feel safe sharing this with you.
Also sharing with
One Monthly Goal and all my favorite linky parties.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV0jA5-GQGeKI_f8BIliVwmVDGmTFQZpKVLz6UXwFF1eo3Ixxo8SlINlBXQpMQI42rCZgn-H4sUgVyR0hU3bLDmFYegRBNddFJGGWKrjMxeNQSTdJoNffxYyD1mIW4oa_j1cAfr5fv7vp_/s640/IMG_8301.jpg) |
Respectfully Yours |
This is my tenth quilt of the year and the second queen-sized one.
What have you been up to? I'd love to know, as usual.