When it comes to pure joy, there's little that surpasses my memories of our dog Maiya's unfettered delight when engaged in a game of chase with a tennis ball. She was a study in concentration, foregoing all distractions, as her body quivered in anticipation of the moment we let the ball fly and she hurled her body after it. In that moment, she embodied the purest expression of joy.
Gardening has been a joy of mine for many years. Springtime in my yard is announced first by Snow Drop flowers with Crocus and Daffodils soon following. But, it is the Irises that put on such a show! Over a dozen varieties bloom in stages, surprising and delighting me for weeks. My favorites are the blues, I have several varieties and they are all beautiful.
My dear friend and mentor Yvonne Porcella signature palette was bright colors with a black & white accent. The quilt world lost this treasure to ovarian cancer in 2016. Her memory continues to bring me joy and I love incorporating her palette in my series of mock cathedral window quilts.
A wedding and a puppy, what could be more joyous?
My daily art practice is to post a flower photo that I have taken on Instagram and Facebook. I've heard from many friends and family members that this is the first thing that greats them on their feed and makes them start their day on a positive note. This is my way of sharing joy.
Contemporary quilting is my passion, my joy. My hope is that this quilt will bring you joy or make you smile - that you will feel the joy that has been awakened in me through my creative expression.
As I held the cloth and worked on my stitching, I thought of the time shared with the talented H'mong women in the area around Sapa who work so hard to preserve their ethnic culture and support their families and communities. And I remembered the friendships I made with my fellow travelers. These memories are my "Story of Joy" as I celebrate the community of women brought together by a love of all things textile.
On May 2, 2019, we drove to Baltimore because our daughter Sarah was in labor. At 12:30 am, Nic texted that they were at the hospital, Sarah was 10cm dilated, and they could see his head. We were 50-60 minutes away. I texted him our ETA, prayed for a safe delivery and a healthy baby, sure that I was going to arrive after he did. We arrived at 1:20 with no further word from Nic. I hadn't missed it. I went into the delivery room for the most remarkable eight minutes of my life. I watched my baby give birth to her baby. She was so determined for me to be there that she waited to push. I can't even put into words my amazement that she actively waited for me to get there. Such love, pure joy.
While there are isolated instances of joy that are rare and memorable, I chose to focus on the ordinary stories of joy experienced in everyday life. We include things in our lives perhaps without realizing how important they can be in creating our happiness and well-being. The bunnies on this quilt depict some of those stories that contribute to my joy. Included are a spirituality and sense of peace, family and friends, the playfulness of grandchildren, quilts/sewing, good books, music, travel, and the beauty of flowers/nature. I've chosen the kimono shape because I enjoy the Asian aesthetic and have used the kimono in a series of works, and the flowing river image because life's moments of joy are changing and flowing all the time.
This quilt is the result of a "round robin" activity eight members of the Fairfax Quilters Unlimited Embellishment Bee participated in. Each month a different member added something to my fabric. I am delighted by the result, but am also so joyful for having all these wonderful women in my life.
Thank you, Miki Willa, Linda Moore, Elly Dyson, Trudi Sommerfield, Ann Douglas, Louise Sutara, Katherine Niemann, and Bobbie Dewees!
Yes, "God made a dog," and it is Islay (Scottish pronounced "eye la") -- our most amazing 4-pound Poodle. Yes, "God made a special dog for me!" Surely Islay, the 3-year-old silver toy Poodle with the white nose was created for me. In but a moment she transforms from relaxing beside you into total active energy. Her favorite game is "Retrieve the Toy” - she loses herself in the game and so do you.
I was born with RLS and over the years it has continually worsened. Somehow Islay seems to know when I most need her. She comes with her bright eyes shining, her tail wagging furiously - literally filled with Joy - as if to say, "We can be happy together."
I used brilliant colors to represent a joyous celebration of life - family, friends and the times we get together to reconnect. Some of the happiest times in my life are the annual beach gatherings with our four children and their families.
The modified log cabin style design was originally made in a 40" x 40" format based on the embroidered, embellished work of Liz Quizgard.
