Isn't it interesting how consistent we can be, in terms of our taste level, and what images and colors we are drawn to?
After I got back from my Polar Bear trip, it hit me like a ton of bricks that our puppy resembles a polar bear cub! Even her cream color is the same as the polar bears.
If you have been creating for a long period of time (making quilts, painting, taking photos, etc.) you will often see patterns when you look back across your body of work. This is how an artist's style develops. It is great when this style unfolds on its own, so there is no conscious messing with the development of one's style. Then your style can be recreated effortlessly, because it is a pure and true expression of your subconscious creative vision.
Today I learned that my old friend Gaea died last week. She was an amazing woman. 20 years ago she had a heart transplant. Then she got the urge to start swimming. She just couldn't help herself, even though she was not a swimmer before the transplant. She went on to win gold medals in the Transplant Games – the Olympics for transplant recipients. Finally, she met the family of the heart donor. It had come from a 16 year old boy – who had been a champion swimmer on his high school swim team. His parents came to cheer on my friend when she raced…and to cheer on their son's heart. Gaea felt so blessed when she finally understood her urge to swim. What a gift.
As Thanksgiving approaches, we all tend to think about being thankful. The more losses and challenges we've experienced in life, the more likely we are to be truly thankful for what we *do* have in life. My friend Gaea was grateful for the extra 20 years that were brought by the donor heart, so she could see her daughter grown, married, and with babes of her own. I am thankful that I knew this amazing woman.
Yesterday we sent out 10 memorial quilts to Newtown, CT. They each had 26 blocks – one beautiful block for each of the people lost in the SandyHook Elementary shooting almost one year ago. The quilts were made by extraordinary groups of quilters, who were touched by this tragedy, and wanted to send their love. Our Sandy Hook contact will deliver the quilts to be distributed to the families and community affected by this event. They will hopefully hang in public and private places, and remind the community to remember each of those lost. The quilts were sent by several groups – an HGTV Quilt Board, a 3rd grade class, and 5 of the 10 quilts sent by quilters in Racine, Wisconsin. Many thanks to all of you who labored on this healing effort.
I have posted several videos from the Houston Quilt Festival, and a couple from Quilting Arts TV. Enjoy!
Wishing you a warm Thanksgiving with friends and family,
Luana
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Taking a moment to express my thanks for all you do in exposing us to the quilt shows in other States and countries. It’s so inspirational to see the wonderful work that others do in far flung locations. That you contribute so much of your precious time to taking and uploading your photos is much appreciated.