Fuel to go

Don't you find that quilt shops give fuel for inspiration? I've kind of avoided quilt shops lately, mostly because I am trying to work down my stash. But every once in a while visiting a quilt shop can lift me up and motivate me to get back to quilting.

Do you breathe in inspiration when you visit a brick and mortar shop?

Let's do some happy quilting this week.

Bread for the Journey

A Change in Plans

When my son married last year, he moved into a condo and of course took some of his furniture. But since awaiting the arrival of baby girl, he asked if we could store a bed, so they could convert the room into a nursery.

And so the bed was set back up in my son's old room. Which I had taken over as my sewing room.

Which also meant that my cutting table and ironing board needed to be relocated.

 I found that the best place to spread out was on the ping pong table :-)

It's also where the ironing board took up residence.

For now, it works!

Happy Quilting!

Bread for the Journey

A Tapestry of Secrets

Secrets. We all have them. Sometimes they are good secrets. Sometimes they are not.

Sarah Loudin Thomas' newest novel "A Tapestry of Secrets" takes a step in both directions. Perla Long Phillips has a secret. One she's held for over 60 years. As she reaches her golden years, she realizes she needs to share her secret rather than taking it to her grave. But an unexpected and unforseen stroke leaves her unable to speak the words she wants to share. Perla's granddaughter, Ella, comes home to take care of Perla, but is also running away from a dark relationship. Can Ella find contentment by returning to her roots and heritage? Ella certainly is put to the test when the community her ancestors founded comes in the cross-hares of a land development, seeking to buy up all Laurel Mountain land.

This story is about family. About two women as they learn to love and make choices that will shape their lives. It's about courage and forgiveness. A lesson we all can benefit from.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. 

 

I guess this says it all!

Ahh, yes!

Happy Quilting!

The Looming Storm - a review

Suspense, danger, espionage.... all that and more in the latest novel by Diane and David Munson.

"The Looming Storm" is a compelling thriller rooted in international danger. Eva Montanna, a federal agent for the ICE, uncovers a threat to her family and the US when her daughter's class trip to Poland becomes a Russian target. Eva, and her partner Griff Topping, later discover Russian spies are sneaking in and out of the US by way of Cuba. All this heats up to a convincing suspense novel. As events escalate, one thing holds them together, even in the face of fear, their unwavering faith in God. The Munsons beautifully share the most complete answer to the questions the world seeks.

David Munson, a former NCIS and DEA Special Agent, and Diane, a former Federal Prosecutor, lend their years of experience as they write books based on their own careers.

If you love suspense thrillers, the Munson's books are for you.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Bread for the Journey

Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You;

Let such as love Your salvation say continually,

"The Lord be magnified!"

But I am poor and needy,

Yet the Lord thinks upon me.

You are my help and deliverer,

Do not delay, O my God.

Psalm 40:16-17

Summer at Mom's

Progress being made on Summer at Mom's.

I love how all these colors blend so well together. Borders are next.

Can I get a Whoop Whoop? 
Finished or Not Friday

Quilts....

that are just for fun!

Happy Quilting!

A little nugget of history

On a recent trip up north, we visited the restored home of Lt. Col. J. Jones, built back in the 1700's.

Lt. Col. Jones was a personal escort to Martha Washington, our first Presidents First Lady, when she visited Pennsylvania.

This home is located in Morgantown, PA. 

It's always interesting to find historical landmarks whenever we travel.

Have a great quilting day!

Quiltaholics

What do you love about quilting?

Ha! I thought so!

Happy Quilting!

Bread for the Journey

Grandma proud!

Five weeks old and this little princess has already stolen our hearts.

 

Of course she did that when she made her appearance :-)

Pinwheel parade

Years ago I received an invitation for a magazine subscription. McCalls Quilting included free patterns as an added bonus.

Although I never subscribed to their magazine, I loved this free pattern and saved it for a rainy day.

Recently I came across some Mayfield fabric that had been hiding in my stash and decided it would be the prefect fabric for Summer at Mom's.

So I started making pinwheels. Lots of pinwheels. When I ran out of the Mayfield fabric I raided other similar fabrics from my stash.

And even then it didn't look like I would have enough. But as I am laying it out I think it will be fine once the white border is added.

My plan has been to make two matching twin size quilts for the guest room. It will be slow going, but I think the plan will work out in the end.

Happy Quilting!

Can I get a Whoop Whoop? 
Finished or Not Friday

The Happiness Dare

Are you a happy person? Would you like to find out if you are?

Jennifer Dukes Lee has written The Happiness Dare, and you can check it out at her blog. There's a happiness assessment you can take online from her post.  And prizes, did I mention prizes? Check it out HERE

Ravioli Bake

Do you ever eat at Olive Garden? One of my favorite meals is Portabella Ravioli. In the past I've posted a copy cat recipe for Pasta Fagioli that I created. This Ravioli Bake is very similar to the Ravioli dish from Olive Garden.

Using pre-made ravioli is a snap. I used the Fire Roasted Mushroom variety, which gave it the same rich flavors of my favorite OG meal.

Ravioli Bake

Baby Spinach, chopped

Portabella mushrooms (lightly sauteed in olive oil)

Italian-blend shredded cheese

Alfredo sauce

Pre-made ravioli (your flavor choice) found in the cheese section of your grocery store (I use two packages for my family)

optional - cooked chicken breast, chopped

Combine spinach, mushrooms and chicken in medium bowl.

Spread about 1/2 cup Alfredo sauce in the bottom of a 2 quart baking dish. Layer ravioli, then spinach mixture, sprinkle with shredded cheese. Repeat with another layer, topping with Alfredo sauce and shredded cheese.

Bake 30 minutes in 350 degree oven.

This was so good! My family raved about it. I'd love to hear if you try it.