OLD QUILTS & FRIENDS

I was in Colorado Springs last weekend with my friends I've know since childhood.  We had a blast, laughing, shopping and eating chocolate chip cookies.  My friend Connie lives there because of what happened to her husband when we had the draft for Vietnam, his birthday was drawn #1.  He was at Oregon State and quickly wrote to one of our senators for a recommendation to the Air Force Academy.  They loved Colorado Springs so much they decided to live there after 25 years in the Air Force.

This quilt was made by Connie's aunt who was a very frugal woman.  When looking at it up close I noticed the entire formation of the star was pieced differently.  Then she laid it on a white background and appliqued it on.  Gee, we all thought we had a new idea when piecing our quilts randomly and all it took was being frugal and using everything we have.  When I held the quilt up to a window you could see the seeds from the cotton batting.  I love these old kind of quilts, and because it was so big I had to stand and shoot the picture from upstairs.  

Here we are 40 years after graduating from high school.  From left to right, me, Connie, Melinda and Jill.

 Jill modeling glasses....I could always get her to do anything, even be my room mate in college.

This was painted on a canvas cloth and hung behind the cash register in a funky shop in Old Colorado City.  I thought it was marvelous!!!

This was the dressing room....to fun!

We saw repurposed things every where.  This flower was made from newspaper and tissue paper.  I also noticed several women's stores with repurposed clothing.  It was inspiring.

LIFE IS GOOD...

WEDDING RING QUILT

I have made three wedding ring quilts.  One each, for our son and daughter when got married.  But I wanted one too.  I used Aunt Gracie fabric and that beautiful green that goes with it so well.  It is in our "pink room."  See the pink walls and carpet....women stand in line to stay over night in that room.

  Here's a close up.

      I am sharing this with you to tell you about the ministry I have on the farm.....
     My Dad decided to leave our family and divorce my Mom when I was 19 and in college.  It was an excruciatingly painful time for all us left behind.  When I wanted to marry, my Dad told me he would give me $100 if I married in a church or $1,000 if I eloped, because he didn't want to see my Mom again.  I took the $100 and did the best I could with what other money I could scrounge up.  Although it was 37 years ago and the cost to get married was quit a bit different then now, I was able to have the wedding I wanted....in a church.  I bought a dress, fabric & pattern for my bridesmaids, flowers, cake and supplies to make hot fudge sundaes.  A family friend took our pictures and another made our wedding announcement.  I was enormously bless by others. 
      Now I hear of parents writing a check for $20,000 or more for their kids wedding.  What has happened???  I know there are others out there like me who didn't have the funds but can still have a beautiful wedding.
      When we bought our farm, we knew we needed to share it.  So I started a ministry helping young couples get married.  My husband and I decided we could handle three weddings a year, and would help family and friends with their special day.   I encourage the bride and groom to send out invites, get a dress and buy a cake.  Starting life in debt, for a couple hours of celebration, can be daunting for a young couple.   

     We have had a helicopter land and pick up the newly weds, a Dad who borrowed our tractor and put his daughter in the bucket and raise her high enough to throw her bouquet.  Also family members make up funny songs and serenade their bride and groom.  Although they think they are receiving a gift from us, in fact we are the ones who are receiving the blessing.  Oh, the wonderful memories they have given us here on the farm. 

                                      LIFE IS GOOD!
   

4TH OF JULY