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Dear Alex,

Like you, I have been reflecting on this past year and how we experienced our fair share of ups, and thankfully, only a few downs. I agree, the scariest moment was when we learned that the cost of delivering the videos on the web would be more than twice our entire production budget - and this was happening in mid-March, just days before we were to launch the first show. I'm so thankful that new technology popped up that helped us with that issue. It was this new technology that enabled everyone to jump forward, back, pause, etc without waiting for an hour-long show to download. It was costly, but at least we didn't sink the ship before it launched.

From the beginning we wanted to show quilting as a lifestyle. There was no precedence for this in other quilting programs, so it was risky. We wanted the videos to be educational and contain techniques and projects, but also we wanted to allow our community to get to know us - provide a way for us to know them - for them to know each other - and for them to gain insight into the lives of the 'celebrity quilters' that we featured on the show. The concept was met with mixed emotions from our members at first, but it wasn't long before everyone seemed to enjoy the personal touch not only on the shows, but on the website as well.

The other big surprise for me was simply the evolution of the site. At first, it was all about our new "show" - but now I feel like the website has become the main attraction and the shows are the cherry on top. That's pretty cool!

We continue to openly share our personal lives - putting it all out there for our members to see. Again, risky! However, just read the following recent quotes and I think you'll agree that we are on the right track:

"Though we have never met in person, you feel like a good friend..."

"it has helped get me through a difficult holiday and helped me to remember some of my childhood Christmas memories." (regarding posting the Christmas Concert)

"I have renewed my membership for the next two series and I look forward to learning more and more about quilting and finding more new friends, and it's all possible because of the work you two have done for all us."

And then there was this precious comment from JaneGaySahr:

"Dear Ricky, ... I'm an old 64, widow, waking up Christmas morn in an empty house, turning on my computer to reach out and see if anyone sent emaiils today, and there you were offering this warm and friendly concert of Christmas cheer... I truly don't feel so lonely with your music filling my home... I had lain in bed a long time not wanting to get up in my empty house Christmas morning . . . and then love reached out and filled me. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU ! ! !

These sorts of comments confirm that we are on the right track and that the our plans for the future (hint hint) will be worthwhile for quilters worldwide who will actively participate. I am committed to continuing to serving quilters worldwide in as many ways as I can. And so Alex, it's onward and upward as we march into the new year and celebrate our first birthday. In the meantime, tell me what's up your sleeves?