A Stellar Day!

Yesterday I did something that I have wanted to do for DECADES- I grabbed a few like minded friends and we set off for an adventure down the road; to learn Chrismon making! The results of three hours of tedious work are shown here. This is the "New Gold Star" (the five pointed star announces the birth of Christ), a prophecy from the Old Testament told that "there shall come a star  out of Jacob, a scepter shall rise out of Israel"  -Numbers 24:17

⭐

Now that we have a church building of our own, and will have a Chrismon tree to decorate, my mind is already racing forward to Chrismons and how to make them, so off we went. I went with much unbridled zeal for this task and was completely and totally overwhelmed once I entered the space where the class was to be held. The sheer number of Chrismons displayed, along with the varying degrees of difficulty for construction, boggled my mind. Even my over-the-top level of enthusiasm for was no match for the skill required to twist and pull the beading wires into a recognizable shape while reading a pattern that may have even confused me more!  There was time to browse and shop after the class concluded but my brain was too tired at that point to concentrate. I couldn't imagine what I might want to do next and knew that I needed time to rest and think. If you know me, you understand that I don't easily admit defeat; it's going to take much more than a misshapen, less than perfect star to discourage me from sticking with this, I'll keep at it for as long as it takes to build confidence and get it right. It really was truly satisfying to hold that New Gold Star, wonky or not, in my hand and imagine it shining brightly on a Chrismon tree in our sanctuary.

This snapshot reveals a stressed look that was 100% authentic!

Since I've been home I've developed a plan. I've dedicated a box with compartments to a someday bead collection, started a notebook and drawn up a shopping list and a plan of attack. This experience clearly reminds me of the very first time that I ever shopped at Mary Jo's Cloth Store in the late 80's. I went with a neighbor and was so overwhelmed being in a fabric store the size of a large discount department store that I couldn't decide what to buy and came home empty-handed!

Mary Jo's, back in the day.

Suffice it to say that I never came away from this fabric lover's mecca without anything ever again, the next time, and every. single. time. after that, too many to count (think: semi-annual pilgrimages), I always returned home fully stocked and knew what I needed ahead of time before I ventured out. I always had an attack plan! Sadly, after Mary Jo passed away in 2017, the doors closed for good; two years later.

With that experience as a guide, I knew exactly what to do after I returned home yesterday; develop a plan!

😉

 I'm definitely going back.

I'm in big trouble. 

Customer Service!

We've only recently returned from yet another epic road trip-- this one was loaded with adventures and firsts for me; but that's another post for another day.  Today I want to focus on customer service; you know, that concept that we all want to experience on the positive end but usually don't respond to unless it is negative. Sadly, there are many too many bad customer service experiences anymore!  This is a different story, it's all good; this story is what the definition of excellent customer service is all about. While we were away I shopped for fabric for Gregory's Quilt* at each and every quilt shop along the way (there were many!). On the 17th of August we found ourselves driving across Kansas and stopped in Hays at Quilt Cottage Co. Here I found two pieces of fabric to add to my collection for this project (the plaid pictured in the large triangles of those shaded 4-patch blocks, and the dark green triangles of those flying geese-to-be units). When we returned home a week ago I began cutting out the quilt and piecing all the sub-units for the main blocks. Somehow, I mis-cut over half of the large triangles for those shaded 4-patches, instead I had erroneously cut up that pretty plaid fabric into the smaller triangles needed for the flying geese! (Who, ME???) I wasn't in a total panic; not yet. I kept thinking that maybe I had enough and that I had caught my mistake in the nick of time. That did not prove to be the case. I recalled being in that shop where the fabric was purchased and remembered being asked at the time if I wanted to register my email address with them, just in case I needed to contact them for more fabric after I returned home. Of course, I declined; no, that never happens to me! (ARRGGH!) When the seriousness of my error became apparent, the day before yesterday, I was left with no identifying characteristics of this fabric (I had cut off and discarded the selvages the week before, they were long gone!) other than a photo. I also had the business card from the shop. I Facebook messaged the photo to the shop and called them on the phone (dialing was difficult with my fingers crossed!) at the same time, hoping against hope that they still had some. Kari, one of the owners, answered. As I described my situation she simultaneously looked up the photograph and asked if I had registered my email address with them. "No", I replied, "I didn't see the need at the time"; we both laughed. She was quickly and efficiently able to locate the fabric there in their shop, and find my purchase too, through their electronic inventory system. She cheerfully told me that she would be happy to cut the yardage that day and get it in the mail as soon as she could. I was grateful and relieved (plus, I ordered a little bit more than in needed, just in case!), I assured Kari that she had just saved my life! A few minutes later she FB messaged me to let me know that it was already being mailed. Wow! Just WOW!! Is that the epitome of customer service or what? Isn't this what every Quilt Shop, every store, every business, should strive for? Yes, of course it is! And to that end-- from now on, whenever I encounter EXCELLENT customer service I am going to publicize it. I will make it a point to let the business know and all of my friends too. Top-notch service deserves all the recognition that it can get. Join me. Where have you received service that is above-and-beyond? Let's promote those positive experiences!

*So, back to Gregory's Quilt. I blogged about it here back in February. At that time I was planning to make it totally scrappy with blues, greens and tans. As time wore on I realized that I couldn't cobble together enough scraps to make this look at all planned or cohesive. I recognized the fact that even for someone as addicted to scraps, and in love with multi-fabric quilts, as I am; there came a point where it was okay to give myself permission to go shopping (away from my bins) for what I needed (plus, there will be left-overs, which means-- MORE SCRAPS!).

Now, all of the blocks will look like they do in this layout; with natural-colored linen sashing between the blocks and blue cornerstones. This will be his bed quilt. 

Because this quilt, his Picture Play quilt that has been on his bed for the past five years, is growing threadbare and wearing out. It is currently undergoing binding replacement at Chez Goddneedle. You can see the new fabric for the binding folded over the top in this photo. Nothing, not one thing, gives this quiltmaker more joy than knowing that a quilt is well-worn and well-loved.💗

It's why I quilt.

Life is Good!

...Miles To Go Before I Sleep...*

We've been on an adventure!  Back in April, on his 90th birthday, my Dad told us that one thing he had always wanted to do was cross the Chesapeake Bay via the Tunnel-Bridge. We decided then and there that this needed to happen!  Plans were made, routes were mapped out and the car was packed; it was time to make memories. We drove to New Hampshire to get my Mom and Dad and then we were off on a five-day adventure. We made many stops along the way, ate some great meals and spent a few nights before we got down to Virginia Beach. Bright and early the next day we headed for the Bridge-Tunnel!

My Dad's face says it all. I believe he enjoyed every minute of the experience!

Safe and sound on the opposite side of the bay! Just like that we were headed back up north again.

Once back at their home we celebrated Father's Day together; here Mr. Goodneedle and Hannes are enjoying some time together (along with the rest of us!) over a rip-roaring game of Cribbage. 

My mother celebrated a special birthday while we were back home with them too. 

Sadly, all good adventures must come to an end.  All too soon it was time to say good-bye and to leave for our return trip to NC.  Along the way we visited with Mr. Goodneedle's family in the Boston area for a few days and, this time, it was all about a bucket-list item for yours truly. I have always wanted to visit the JFK Presidential Library and Museum, we were lucky enough to squeeze that in.  

Located right on Boston Harbor the building has spectacular views.

We took the highlights tour which was informative and transportive (back to the 60's) at the same time. As anyone does, who lived through the events of those days, I remember exactly where I was when I heard the unbelievable report that our president had been assassinated. I was standing in the front driveway of our elementary school waiting for the afternoon bus to take me home. I was ten years old. I believe that this was the first time I had ever even heard the word "assassination" or even knew what it meant. Sadly, it became an all too familiar word from that moment on. 

A stop at the Ladies Room as we exited the Library held one more highlight. 

 I thought this was one of the coolest sinks ever! Have you ever seen one of these sinks before?

Lots of time as a passenger in the car allowed for the hand embroidery on these fifteen-year-old blocks to be completed. (Sarah Sporrer for Indygo Junction - "By Wisdom A House Is Built") I only lack two blocks now of having all twelve finished. I may be naming this one: "All In Good Time". 

That's all for now. Since we returned we've been busy running here and there; but that's another post for another day! Thanks for stopping by. I have two questions for you: what is something on your "must do" list; and where were you (when the world as we knew it changed forever) on November 22, 1963? 

Life is Good!

* Today's post title is excerpted from my favorite poem, "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening", 

by Robert Frost. It was written in 1922 and published in 1923 in his New Hampshire volume. 

MidAtlantic Memories

MAQF  Williamsburg, VA  2000

I've been going up to MidAtlantic Quilt Festival for a long time, somewhere in the vicinity of twenty years; always with friends and always making memories. Back when I started going up it was held in Williamsburg, VA; it moved to Hampton in 2005. Back in those earlier days I traveled with these two: Quiltkeemosabe in the center and Maredda, on the right. We met in the summer of 1992. I was teaching a class at a local quilt shop and these two ladies signed up, they were both brand-new in town and were wanting to connect with the quilting community. The three of us became fast friends from that very day. We were always up for an adventure, that never changed. I moved away in January of 1995, to Puerto Rico. I still remember the day that the moving van arrived, sitting on a bed amidst boxes piled high, with Maredda; she assured me that I would make new friends. I wasn't so sure. I moved once again, in July of 1996, from Puerto Rico to Geneva, Switzerland. Through it all Maredda sent notes and cards and photos, so did Quiltkeemosabe, even at foreign postal rates. Eventually, Quiltkeemosabe moved away too. The two of us vowed to move back one day. Maredda remained and continued to be faithful with prolific correspondence. During this time of being scattered, one from another, the three of us launched a Round Robin challenge with other local quilters from "back home".  Again, my friends were loyal; keeping me as a part of the group despite exorbitant postal rates at each "round". We had a grand unveiling party and social gathering at Maredda's home in May of 1997. What fun we had that evening, as always.

Maredda with her Round Robin quilt top at the "unveiling" event. 

Each time that I managed a "home leave" the three of us got together again. Sometimes our adventures were attending a quilt show, or maybe a fabric shopping excursion or sharing a meal; but there was always MidAtlantic Quilt Festival in February. The last time the three of us went together was in 2003. After that, things changed; Maredda's husband had retired and they had purchased a large recreational vehicle together to winter in Texas on the gulf coast. I had returned "back home" by that time and we built our home and were settled. Quiltkeemosabe had moved again but wasn't too far away, she moved back, for good, in 2005; but the three amigas were no longer bonded as we had been before. Sadly, Maredda was leaving us-- by inches. Her memory was fading fast, Alzheimer's was claiming her, although we didn't quite understand what was happening at the time.

One day, maybe ten years ago, I found a fat envelope in my mailbox containing many cards and letters that I had sent to her when we lived far away. She had kept them, and mailed them back to me (or someone did). Rather than viewing this as a rejection of our friendship Quiltkeemosabe was quick to point out to me that letting go of things that she was trying so desperately to remember, or keep organized, was necessary for her tortured mind. Since then I have read through and through these letters and cards, I am thankful that she returned them, they serve as a precious journal of those long-ago days for me now. 

This photo was taken in the fall of 2004, Hannes was just a tiny puppy! I had stopped by a local rec-center where I knew Maredda quilted with friends on Wednesday mornings to show her our newest family member. We had a wonderful visit that morning but things were changing, despite how hard we tried to pretend that they weren't.

I think of Maredda every day. Each time that I look at the window and beyond. At the window in our eating area because there hangs one of these monthly quilt minis that she made for me many years ago. This is such a fitting gift and lovely reminder as she always decorated her home seasonally. I think of her when I look beyond the window, too; as there stands the birdbath that she hauled out to our home construction site in early 2001 after witnessing birds bathing there in a rain-filled rut left by a tractor tire. We immediately placed that birdbath and filled it, long before our house had roof or walls. It stands in the side yard to this day, providing a bathing and drinking respite for our fine feathered friends and reminding me of a long ago kindness bestowed by a loving friend. 

MidAtlantic Quilt Festival 2018 ~ I am the shortest one standing, Quiltkeemosabe on far right. 

Fast forward to yet another MidAtlantic Quilt festival, this one; just a few weeks ago. This photo was taken on the very day that Maredda passed away; although we didn't learn this very sad fact until days after we had returned. Naturally, my heart broke but I was thankful that her suffering was over at long last. She had already been gone from us now for a long time, but we will never forget her and all the fun that we had together. Maredda was right after all: I did acquire new friends. Hold on to them tightly, make memories while you can; life changes with twists and turns you might never expect but your memories will be your treasures forever! ❤

Life is Good!

Which Came First?

Which came first, the chicken or the egg? As you well know we can go around and around on this one and not come up with an answer that everyone can agree on. One thing that we can agree on, though, is that my life has become a lot easier since the arrival of the Instant Pot at Chez Goodneedle. Our son and daughter-in-law have had one for quite some time. I heard all the great success stories of their wonderful, healthy meals prepared in a fraction of the time. Who couldn't use more time? I was intrigued but not convinced that I needed one. After all, it was an electric pressure cooker! I had never used a pressure cooker. My childhood memories of a pressure cooker were of a mysterious cast-metal locked bomb pot with a bobbing, sputtering valve on the top, sitting on the stove's front burner on Sundays; ours always contained a pot roast. I recall my mother warning us to "stay back" when the pressure was released as if this whole procedure was dangerous to the point of being life-threatening. Because of that healthy fear, I was never interested in pursuing the art of pressure cooking as an adult. I felt lucky to have survived those weekly threats. Then our daughter requested one for Christmas. Soon after she began extolling the virtues of Instant Pot cooking and I saw her dedicated Pinterest board grow with pinned recipes. She would happily report about her yogurt making and the delicious soups and meals she was turning out in the limited amount of time she has after work, to the raves of her family. Okay, I did some research. Maybe this would be something that could earn its space in our kitchen. I remember that same back-and-forth in my mind that I went through before we ever got our first microwave. Did we need this? Could we get along without one? Hadn't life been okay in our Instant Pot-free home up until now? I also remember that a week after getting that first microwave I couldn't imagine life without one! Our Instant Pot arrived last week. So, which came first, the chicken or the egg? The chicken. I cooked a whole one for dinner, start to finish, in 45 minutes; it was moist, flavorful and delicious! Next came hard boiled eggs. In the pressure cooker they were done in the same amount of time as if I had done them on the stove top-- but, the difference is, these peeled perfectly! Never again will I have a mutilated egg. And then, on Saturday afternoon, I whipped up a positively wonderful homemade Tomato Basil Parmesan soup to enjoy on a rainy, cold evening; employing both the pot's saute and pressure cooking functions, leaving only one pot to clean up afterward. Score! Stay tuned, the Instant Pot adventure continues, my own Pinterest recipe board is growing every day.

Life is Good!

 

"It Will Be Virtually Dust-free"

This is the state of our home currently. We've been through similar situations twice last year; first there was the "flood" and later, last summer, there was the interior house painting. I believe I have reached my limit, from a living-in-chaos standpoint. This is worse than, or at least as bad as, moving (the single thing that I detest the most in the whole wide world). Groan. So, why have the contents of three bedrooms and two baths all been emptied into the family room?

We're having some of the floors in our home refinished! 😣

 And so it goes. This is being done because of that afore-mentioned flooding. Almost a year ago, when the hot water came streaming from our finished second-story media room through the recessed lighting in the master bedroom and adjoining spaces, enough landed on the floors to cause the oak boards to cup and warp. We have been patiently waiting for a sufficiently long-enough drying period that they can be refinished without fear of them cupping back in the opposite direction. The time is now. The best benefit (I'm seaching for the silver lining here!) of all this are the new flush-mount oak floor-vent covers. 

Nice, huh? 

This almost makes all the pain of sleeping on a mattress on the floor in my sewing room worth it. My sense of adventure is seriously being tested, it is a scavenger hunt right now to find what I need, somewhere in that BIG PILE, just to get dressed and ready for the day.  The first finish coat was applied today. Friday and Saturday will each see an additional coat. Then it all needs to dry. Sometime next week the rooms can be reloaded. Not everything is going back in either; closets harboring unused and forgotten items will be neatly reorganized, some trips to the dump and to charitable organizations are already being planned. Now, that makes me happy! It will all be worth it. I remember when the floor guy came out after the flood, all those many months ago; he told us that there was nothing to worry about, they could take care of all the damage that had been done. Then he spoke the five words that I wanted to believe, with all my heart and mind: "it will be virtually dust-free". Suffice it to say his idea of virtual reality and mine are worlds galaxies apart. It's okay. I have some really good dusting tools! 

Life is Good!

Stay tuned for a quilty post tomorrow... it's about time, right?

Girls Weekend - Plus One

One week ago we made a weekend trip to the Other Banks with our daughter and our oldest granddaughter. Lucy Ann referred to our time together as "girls weekend with Paw Paw". We had a memorable two days. The purpose of the trip was for Mr. Goodneedle and our daughter to experience hang gliding from the dunes at Jockey's Ridge State Park; this was my husband's Christmas gift from her and her family. Unfortunately, this was also the Y-Guides Spring Outing weekend for our son-in-law and Mason; we missed them, but, undaunted by their plans the four of us pressed on for an adventure.
These two were scheduled for a Saturday morning flying lesson, which left Friday evening for exploring and walking along the boardwalk in Duck at sunset. As you can plainly see, it was a sweet and relaxing time.

It was a good thing that we were well rested because we had to hurry through breakfast on Saturday morning so that we had time for this local treat before flying!

Here he is-- gone with the wind!  My husband had the time of his life, as did our daughter. 

Lucy Ann did too, she spent the waiting time productively: shopping(!) and perfecting her cartwheel. All too soon it was time to head home once again. I was sad that it all went by so quickly but, even one week later, I am warmed still by the memories of sweet smiles and giggles, hearty laughter, the thrill of a shared adventure, delicious meals and one incredible sunset!

Life is Good!

 

EPIC Road Trip- Installment #1

~Oklahoma and points west~

I have a lot to report and will endeavor to keep this moving along in a fast-paced and entertaining manner.  In the afternoon of our second day on the road we arrived in Stillwater, OK at the ranch home of our dear friends and former NC neighbors. God blessed us with neighbors for ten years ('85-'95) who became best friends, it simply doesn't get better than that; I will eternally be grateful. Janis and I hit it off from the beginning- we not only were walking companions and prayer partners but, as mothers, we raised our children together in homes side by side where each one was equally as comfortable as if they were siblings. Our daughters were maids/matrons of honor in each others' weddings. Our bond is one that is firmly forged.

Our first stop after arriving in Stillwater was at the iconic "Eskimo Joe's" restaurant for a late lunch and some souvenir T-shirt shopping. Janis(R) and I(L) picked right up where we left off after our last visit  several years ago and, believe it, continued to talk and catch up until 2:30 AM the next morning!

End of the Trail ~ James Earle Fraser, sculptor, 1915

We were off the the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City the next morning. Knowing little to virtually nothing about cowboys or western art, this trip was enlightening and extremely informative. Our friends and former neighbors were more than happy to immerse us in their native Oklahoma world of western culture and lifestyle. 

After the Ride ~ Glenna Goodacre, 1998

I was taken with this bronze sculpture of President Reagan there, the amazing irony of this is yet to be revealed in only a few days! Stay tuned~

We were fortunate to have timed our visit to coincide with the annual "Prix de West";  a prestigious invitational art exhibit of western paintings and sculpture held annually.  Here Janis and I are touring the "Prix de West" show at the National Cowboy Museum.

While visiting Oklahoma City we went to the memorial site of the first act of terrorism on American soil from April 19, 1995. This is now sacred, holy ground; set aside for quiet thoughts and reflection.

The Gates of Time flank either end of the reflecting pool, the entrance portal to the memorial is the 9:02 gate. The East Gate (above) bears the marking 9:01, representing the innocence of the city before the attack. The second, the 9:03 or West Gate, stands for the moment Oklahoma City was changed forever and commemorates the hope that came from the horror in the moments and days that followed the bombing. The water which occupies what was formerly  N.W. Fifth St. flows gently to soothe wounds and calm hearts.

This is the Survivor Tree, a 90+ year old American Elm that bore witness to the violence of that day and now stands as a profound symbol of human resilience.  The surrounding wall bears the inscription: "The spirit of this city and this nation will not be defeated, our deeply rooted faith sustains us."  If you find yourself in the OKC area take the time to stop and visit, you won't be sorry.

Bright and early the next morning we bid our friends a fond farewell and headed out. I was lucky to stop at two quilt shops this day. Sooner Quilts in Guthrie, OK was a precious shop; well stocked, with a friendly and knowledgeable staff, I was able to find a few treasures here to bring back home.

Oklahoma Quiltworks in Oklahoma City was much the same, the inventory and personality of the shop and personnel were incredible, this shop was well worth the short drive out of our route for the day.  I came away excited and energized to complete some projects at home after scoring some terrific backing fabrics at an excellent price from their sale room!

All that shopping made us me hungry! Our friends had mentioned a local burger chain to us, Braum's. We made a quick detour for lunch there. Known for their locally raised beef, vegetables and dairy; our lunch of burgers and milkshakes was delicious and memorable. From this point westward the landscape began to change dramatically. As we transitioned from OK into the panhandle of Texas, the vegetation thinned and distant mesas appeared on the horizon. "Rest Stops" along the interstate became "Picnic Stops" (translates to: "no facilities"), this can make for some desperate driving! "Welcome Centers" became our new destination and the one in New Mexico late that afternoon was a welcome stop indeed! We spent the night in Albuquerque and were off a new adventure the next morning!

Canyon de Chelly (da- SHAY) is located in the northeast corner of Arizona; it offers some spectacular scenery! We covered the south rim of the canyon and taking in the scenic overlooks, each one interesting, rugged and varied.

Of all the stops, this one: Spider Rock, stood out as the highlight. This is Navajo Nation; native women were selling handmade jewelry here at each stop from their cars. We left Canyon de Chelly and traveled north and west to Kayenta, AZ and rte. # 163 through Monument Valley. To be there, among these massive red sandstone "monuments" is truly a spiritual experience.

The scale of these buttes in Monument Valley can be imagined by the perspective of the cars.

We left Monument Valley and headed toward Cedar City, UT; our destination for the next three nights.  Driving straight west along the AZ/UT border we passed through the beautiful Glen Canyon Recreation Area and saw the dam which forms Lake Powell and then on to Kanab. 

Crossing on the very scenic (and steep) Rte #14, we reached altitudes of 9,900 feet greeted by Aspen and Spruce; a yet ever-changing landscape once again.

I'll leave you in Cedar City for now. This is a good stopping point before moving on to some National and State parks. To keep this from getting boring I will give you some free informational facts along the way, that way your time spent reading won't be in vain (hopefully the photos make up for it!). A treat along the journey for me is Snapple tea. The bonus with each bottle is the fun fact inside the lid. Allow me share two for now:  "President Chester A. Arthur owned 80 pairs of pants, he changed them several times each day."  and this one- "A group of 11 or more cows is a FLINK."  There you go. Don't you feel smarter already?

Life is Good!

The next installment of this EPIC road trip will cover several days' journey 

and the sights and stops along the way from UT to Stevenson Ranch, CA.