i'm scottish

My mother used to pack me an entirely green lunch on St. Patrick's Day.  I loved this. Even as a senior in high school.  I was never too cool for my mom's lunches. For me, comfort always trumps cool.  That's why you may see me running errands in yoga pants and purple Crocs.  So uncool, I know. But, meh, whatever.  I blend. I live in a surf town. I once saw swimsuits under Easter dresses at church. True story. 

My mom also cooked corned beef and cabbage on St. Patty's.  This I didn't love so much.  Who was the Irish bloke that decided that turning a roast into a salt lick was a good idea? Riddle me that.

And now it seems the Sugar Daddy is leaving me for a few days. And on St. Patty's! Not that it matters all that much. St. Patty's I mean.  Alas, I am Scottish. I don't make green lunches or corned beef.  I don't drink beer or go around kissing any greasy old stone.

 I do pinch bums though.

My mother is French Canadian but she fully embraces the Irish and anyone else who wants to start a holiday.  If you are wondering, I could also claim to be half French Canadian, but I've always associated more with my Scottish roots.  I feel like a Scott.  Which is my dad's first name for the record.

Not that I spend that much time thinking about all this anyway.  I mean really. This is America. We are pretty much all mutts, except Andre the Greek. He's purebred. Not to be confused with noble.

So I'm on my own with this pack of heathen children.  Don't expect me to get out of my yoga pants all weekend. Or brush my hair.

We aren't sure about Frankie's ancestral heritage but he does believe in kissing stones. I'm supportive of this decision as long as there isn't bird poop on the rock.

piece by piece

From the manner in which a woman draws her thread at every stitch of her needlework, any other woman can surmise her thoughts. ~Honore de Balzac

What is it about quilts that so completely and utterly fascinates me? The concept itself seems a little silly. Cut fabric apart just to sew it back together again. Hummm.

After some consideration I've come to the conclusion that it all comes down to tradition. I'm a bit of a tradition junkie and quilts are just about as American as it comes. There is some small business about people quilting as early as the 15th century, but it wasn't the patchwork we all know and love. Quilts were an integral part of the Civil war and the Underground Railroad and their popularity has never died.

I've tried my hand at quilting several times with mixed results. I'm not giving up though. I have some great fabric and a few ideas that have been clanking around in my head. Maybe the cold weather will nag at me just enough to do something about it.

Until then, I give you Monaleisa.

First and foremost, Leisa Wuthrich is an artist and an art teacher. For her, the magic of quilting is in the colors and design of the textiles. Leisa's eye for bold block color really sucks me in. I like to think of her work more as abstract fine art than traditional quilting. Although, you wouldn't have to ask me twice to cuddle up in one of her pieces. I simply love I idea of being wrapped up in art!

Leisa is also a contributor to Camp Creek Press which promotes learning through art. Check it out.

Okay, now for the good stuff (a-hem, the free stuff)!!! Leisa is graciously giving away this funky mini quilt! To be in the drawing, just leave a comment. The winner will be announced Monday morning.

Until then,

take it easy.