Creative Nudge – Little Treasures

After spending a delightful 11 days in New Zealand, including 3 days in Palmerston North at the quilt convention, I'd like to share this whimsical scrappy quilt with all of you. I can't help but smile when I look at this quilt, because this is the main reason most of us got involved in quilting: Fabric!

When I spoke to the 400 quilters who showed up for my presentation last Friday, I started off with "Hello my name is Luana and I'm a Fabriholic". Fortunately I've found a way to make a living from my fabric habit. I buy buy buy lots of gorgeous fabric, and then I share it with my new and old quilter friends around the world. Aren't I lucky?

Yesterday I took Paul's mom to the Punchbowl military cemetery, so she could lay a bouquet of red roses on the grave of her husband of 67 years. We should all be so lucky to have so many years with a beloved partner. It was a very poignant moment, and a reminder that truly, every day is a gift with our loved ones.

This morning I woke up with a view of Waikiki Beach, and tonight I'll be on a Red-eye (overnight) flight back to wintry Colorado. My puppy has grown from 28 lbs to 37 lbs since I've been gone on this trip! Sam has sent in his application for college during my trip, and we are planning his graduation party for May.

My heart is full from my visit to New Zealand. Moving across the landscapes of Lord of the Rings movies wa s an amazing experience. The people I met there (especially the quilters) were so sweet, generous and patient. They were not all walking around with their faces in their devices, which was refreshing. They had time to sit and chat. I like that.

This morning I had my last Hawaii breakfast at Duke's on the beach, and I got to chatting with my server, a tall handsome young man. We talked about Hawaiian music, he mentioned his grandpa was a local musician, I mentioned my son is going to music school, and all of the sudden we were having this intimate conversation about how it was to grow up as Don Ho's grandson! There are little treasures, little precious moments waiting for us everywhere, when we take the time to connect with those around us.

This photo is from the Manawatu Quilt Convention in Palmerston North in New Zealand, and the quilt was made by Catherine Croucher. Thanks for sharing your sense of humor with us Catherine!