Small Miracles

The beautiful columbine opened this morning. This particular flower is the Colorado state flower and one of my husband's signature tie-dye designs. It's glorious blue petals speak so much of the nature of this state. A large and delicate flower head nods to and fro in howling winds and hail. It survives because of it's unique nature. It can bend under the stress without being broken. Flexibility lends it strength. My property at Mountainjoy is literally carpeted with this wondrous native survivor. The columbines remind me to be more like them in my own life. They also teach me to be thankful for small miracles. I can't even begin to count my blessings over the last few years - there have been too many. I have been blessed with an incredibly loving, understanding, and supportive web of friends and family. This group of people and my own flexible columbine strength have seen me through a number of hail storms. The words "thankful" and "grateful" just fall short. i just have to tell the world that I am just so happy to be today and it is thanks to the people who love me. Thank you for all the miracles, both big and small. They are what makes the world go round. Happy Father's Day !!

Iris & Hummingbirds

Here are some photos from Mountainjoy this past week. Our native iris, Iris missouriensis, opened up. The many feet of snow all winter did no damage to the brown seed pods still standing upright. These flowers show us that delicate beauty can grow in harsh environments. The little humming bird has been spending the last few days perched on the bike wire. It is up on our porch and out of the rain. He is such a cute little ruby red-throat, just hanging on the sheltered porch and getting a sip from the feeder on occasion.

This has been a design week for me in my quilt world. I am working on some pantographs and a quilt for a friend's wedding. Not much has gotten done honestly. I have been choosing to spend time with my friends as they are faced with making difficult health decisions. Work is exceedingly important to me and yet so is friendship. Friendship is winning this week.

The Purple Practice Piece

This weeks quilt was a lesson in re-learning what to quilt on my husband's stars/flowers. I always try to follow the lines. Well, in tie-dye, things flow and the lines are not that clear. I had to remember to do my own thing and just go for it. My quilt lines add too and enhance his designs, creating something more than either of us could do alone. My husband has always said that my quilting turns his 'pop art' into 'fine art'. I love great collaborations!

The wildflowers have begun making their appearances this past week. The long awaited nice season is finally here! I will be sharing photos of my favorites as the bloom.

Now for my preaching of the week: Be so very thankful for your health and your friends. You never know when something could go terribly wrong. I have a dear friend that was hospitalized this week. It just made me realize (once again) how precious life, friendship, and love truly is. No matter how busy we think we are, there is always time for friends. Why not reach out to some of your friends today and tell them how they enrich your life.