Pompera

When I finally got back to riding in September, there was a new horse at the barn--Pompera.  When I went into her stall the first time, I was so surprised--she's a Morgan!  Eighteen years old--and I'm smitten.

I've been riding her pretty steadily since that first encounter.  And I make sure to groom her whenever I'm there, even if I'm not riding.  

And guess what!?!?  I am cantering!  Just in the last couple weeks.  It's amazing and scary all rolled into one!  Remember I didn't say I was good at it yet--just that I am doing it!

So that's the horsey news update.  On the quilting front, I pieced a small top, didn't like how it turned out, ripped off a row and still didn't like it and then took it back to the original squares.  I've documented the progression/regression and when I finally decide what to do (it's up on the design wall now, in pieces), I'll share.

Blissful hugs,
Sharon

P.S.  I am listening to Trouble in Mind by Jeffery Deaver and just finished The 7th Month by Lisa Gardner.

Sunset

It's hard to believe, but these are actually color pictures!  Taken from the ferry across Lake Champlain looking back at the New York side.

It's amazing what is right around us if we take the time to look.

Blissful hugs,
Sharon

P.S.  I am listening to An Acceptable Sacrifice by Jeffery Deaver and just finished Say Goodbye by Lisa Gardner.

Check Out These Flimsies!

My students are just the best!  These flimsies are from classes that finished in June.  And the tops are finished in October!  The class was Monthly Bliss Doubled, the perfect mix of hand piecing and needleturn applique all in one quilt!

First up is Debbie C. from Auburn.  Even more stunning in person, Debbie's choice of fabrics was so effective; check out that beautiful border.

Emily R. of Horseheads, did the same blocks in Civil War fabrics.  What a different look and feel; soft, serene--much like Emily herself!

And Terri H.  This is a rare sighting of that smiling face in its entirety!  Usually she's imitating Kilroy!  Doesn't this look like a breath of spring time?  

All three ladies did an excellent job!  I am so proud.  Thank you all for sharing your quilt tops with us.

Blissful hugs,
Sharon

The Buts Have It

Or is that "butts"?

Who you lookin' at?

These opportunities presented themselves and were too good to pass up!  As I was waiting to board the ferry at Essex Junction to cross Lake Champlain, the mallard was "tails up" every few seconds!  It's fascinating to see them stay upside down using their feet as tiny oars.

Then, as the ferry was leaving the dock, the seagull was on a post, posing with what I think was attitude!  But check out the sharp angles against the curves--an interesting contrast.

And while at the University of Vermont Morgan Farm, these three weanlings formed up with no prompting!

Hope these made you smile!  

More on the trip and what I've been up to in the next few posts.  But for now, the butts have it!

Blissful hugs,

Sharon

A Season of Change

October 1.  2014 is going by in a rush.  Fall is one of my favorite times of year--the golden cast to the light, the changing colors of the leaves, the crispness in the air.  Usually a time of not mowing the lawn and not yet shoveling snow.  This year, we are still mowing the lawn!  But not yet, thank goodness, shoveling!

It's been a day of finishing a multitude of little things--a bit of sewing, ironing, a bit of paperwork, time spent on the phone with friends.  An auspicious start to October.  How was yours?

Blissful fall hugs,
Sharon