Journey into Journey

There was nothing in the manual about heading off for adventure and wonder,
but there should have been!

Life is full of wonder, and I have always been excited about experiencing the unknown and traveling, (even if just around the corner) to find something new that I had not noticed before. This is why 27 years ago that I packed up everything I needed, along with my son and camping gear and headed off for a cross-country journey from Florida to California.

I took a road well traveled then, as it is today -- I headed west on 10. It took me through many new places and though I did not take time for exploration then, I have gone back to spend time in many of those big and small towns I saw while driving.

Today, I am one week out for setting out on another journey. It is exciting to be headed off somewhere new and unknown, but it is a bit more bittersweet this time. There is WAY more stuff that I am taking now that could ever have fit into a '80 Honda Accord. There is so little time and sooo many friends and acquaintances to say farewell to... good thing we have Skype, and phones and planes!

The packing continues, but other things are changing, too!

Be on the lookout for a blue Outlander headed for Kentucky!

Look for the relaunch of my website --- we are really, really close,

and behind that there is a blog relaunching, too!

All, part of the wonder that I have been cooking up for a while.

Stay tuned for updates on all fronts!

~Rose

The Big Trees - Sequoia National Park

My trip to Orange Blossom Quilter gave me the opportunity to go for a back roads wandering into Sequoia National Park/ Kings Canyon. For those who don't know this is one of the few places on earth that is able to have the big... big... really big sequoias. I feel pretty lucky to be able to go wander through these special places, but at this time of the year it is even better. Springtime in the foothills and the lower regions of the parks were full of the softly swaying wildflowers. The color this year on the California Redbuds were incredible. The very showy red-violet was seen everywhere... splattering the wild color amongst all the green all the way up the mountains. The river was running high with the springtime runoff, and all was right with the world. There were definitely opportunities for a raven conversation or two, as well.

Pictures never really convey how great it is to be there... but if they can tempt you to do a bit of wandering on your own they are worth sharing. Enjoy!

Happily Wandering!
~Rose

Morning Coffee

I've been sitting here enjoying my morning coffee and contemplating the day... which will ultimately have me visiting with Orange Blossom Quilt Guild in Visalia, CA. I am enjoying the quiet time, staring down the cat... for it is obvious that I have encroached on her space, and moving between my on-line travels and the wonderful new issue of Fabric Trends Magazine. While it is fun to chat and see everything on-line I do admit to loving the feel of the slick pages and the beautiful color that their springtime issue has. Not to mention the great review of my book that you'll find amongst the pages (92). The fabrics they are showing are luscious, and the quilt patterns are simple enough to show off these beautiful prints while interesting enough to keep you wanting to come back for another look. Even this dyed-in-the wool quilt artist loves a great pattern made up with great fabric... and my favorite from the magazine was the one called Rhapsody in Color, designed and quilted by Roxanne Hepker for Red Rooster Fabrics, though there were a few very close seconds.

I don't know how you spend that bit of quiet time you have. Whether yours comes at the beginning, the middle or the end of the day. It's important to have a bit of time where you can soak in some color, focus your energy and enjoy.

I'm looking forward to my trip later on today. It will take me through the Grapevine here in California, and this time of year that means wildflowers and poppies... some of my favorites. I've also got a little detour planned for that half-a-down day. If the weather holds there may be quite a few new photos to share from my adventures through Kings Canyon. Land of the GIANTS.

Check back later on this week to share the back road fun, and enjoy your bit of quiet time.

In Stitches ~Rose