Everything, Everywhere, All in One Month

Paul's mom, Krissy passed away on Sunday, February 5, 2024.  

Picture from Paul's graduation in 2007

We went to Georgia for her memorial service. It was a solemn occasion but I could not be sad for long since I was being enveloped in so many hugs from all the relatives and cousins, some I had never met before and some I think I had met once that Christmas.

Lots of Hugs

Paul kept it together and he looked so handsome. 

Love you so much!

Paul spoke at the service mentioning how his mom was a rebel and rarely followed rules. Krissy was feisty and resourceful. Although she did not finish school, she was smart enough to read a library book on accounting and apply for a job. That she lied on her application was but a small technicality. Taking care of two boys as a single and working mom, she did not have a lot of options.

At the church

We drove home and settled into our routines, making sure that we check on Paul's dad more often than ever before. Paul is doing fine, I think.

I was scheduled to present at the Waterford Quilt Guild on Valentine's Day. In the frenzy of preparation (trying to compress 11 years of quilting journey into one 90-minute presentation), I realized that I did not get a card for Paul. 

Me: Did you get me a card for Valentine's Day?
Paul: I will.
Me: But you don't have it yet?
Paul: Correct.
Me: Is it acceptable if we don't exchange cards this year?
Paul (suspiciously): Why?

I told him the truth. 

Paul: I will accept that you don't have a card.
Me: PHEW!!!
Paul: But you can write me a Haiku.
Me: A Haiku?
Paul: Yes.
Me: I can do that.

Across seventeen Valentines

My cold heart and my cold feet

Warmed by your loving touch

Then it was Quiltcon time. I was (still am) frantically working on two quilts for publication and I considered canceling this trip but I had already paid for hotel accommodations in Raleigh and convinced myself that it would be a welcome break with friends and loads of inspiration. 

Quiltcon 2024 in Raleigh

Mari and I drove together. I met Leah and saw Emily. We got together for dinner on Friday evening. We three Island Batik ambassadors chatted about forthcoming projects, ideas and fabrics.

With Leah and Emily

On Saturday morning, we met Jennifer and posed with our ByAnnie bags. ByAnnie is an industry partner with Island Batik and we love her patterns.

Jennifer and Emily

We love our ByAnnie Bags

I saw Vasudha (forgot to take pictures) and chatted about design and deadlines.  Yes, I took several quilt pictures but you can find most of them on Instagram, winners and rejects and everything in between. I did not have a finished quilt, so there wasn't a photoshoot. But Raleigh offers some picturesque backdrops that would be ideal for quilty pictures.

The Capital in Raleigh

The Acorn

Somewhere in the middle of it all, I managed to complete my RSC blocks for February, thanks to receiving some reds from Connie. Although I have a lot of Island Batik reds, I needed just a few more to make eight blocks.

Island Batik reds

Connie sent some :-)

Making Hexies

I will be sharing with Angela's Linky Party, this Saturday.  We will be in March by then!!!  Holy Cow and Thank Goodness!

Red Blocks for RSC February

And four more

I hope I can catch my breath in March. Two new quilt patterns are coming. Yes, there will be giveaways too, so watch this space.

On March 6, 2024, I will be releasing a new pattern - Rainbow Parade, along with a mini blog hop. My dear quilter friends, Cathy, Bonnie, Frederique and Diptee, generously tested the pattern and will be sharing their versions. 

How do I stay sane
Through deadlines, trips, blocks and more
Miracle truly

I hope you will forgive me my Haiku phase, or blame it on Paul. 

I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties. See full list on the sidebar.