Daily Blog

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I am taking a mini-vacation with Justin, my high school friend (Bernie) and his family. We have headed west from La Veta to a destination in Colorado that is one of the most mystical and awe-inspiring national parks in America - Mesa Verde - a UNESCO World Herritage Site. The park features numerous ruins of homes and villages built by the ancient Pueblo people known as the Anasazi. The Anasazi made this stone village their home in the 1200s AD. It is best known for several spectacular cliff dwellings — structures built within caves and under outcroppings in cliffs. We will visit the park tomorrow.

Today our journey took us over the famous Wolf Creek Pass. The photo above was taken at a scenic overlook near the top of the pass. Scenes like this is why I love Colorado!. If you have been to Mesa Verde - share your thoughts. If you have another favorite national park or place to visit (U.S. or abroad) tell us about it.

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Friends visiting for the weekend - off to Mesa Verde Nation Park. However, breakfast first.

It used to be newspapers - now its...

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Most of you know (and some may not know) that I had quadruple heart bypass surgery in April 2000 - at the age of 44. As you might expect, it was a turning point in my life and career. Shortly after that surgery (within 2 months) I had moved away from St. Louis (miss you guys) and found myself in Colorado (love it)! The stress test I took 10 years ago was a horrible experience - actually, beyond horrible. Well, of course it was awful because, as it turned out, I had two 90% blockages, an 80% and a 70%. I hope I never have to re-live that experience.

After ten years I began having worries and concerns that the problem would be creeping up on me again - so it was time to bite the bullet and do the thing I dreaded most - another stress test. Without going into all the details, I'm happy to report that the doc gave me 100%, A+, nothing even minor to be concerned about. So happy dance and celebrate with me. Looks like you'll have my mug around for a few more years.

The quilt above, The Beat Goes On, was made the week following my heart bypass in 2000. Now, I think it's time to make, The Beat Goes On II.

I am thankful that the beat goes on!

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Hey gang, this month the cook-off in The Quilt Life is neck and neck. So everyone on Team Ricky needs to head over to The Quilt Life and vote. Of course, you'll want to vote for my yummy Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce and Cucumber Relish. mmmmmmmm. Team Axel has something like a beany-messy-corny thingy - boorrrring/yawn. Voting ends tomorrow. Are you taking bribes?

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Meet Laurie Tigner (a new quilter making a total career change), Heidi Severson with Olfa, and Sharon Pederson (Miss Rose of Sharon herself, episode 512). Alex and I plant the seeds for a TQS extravaganza and fans stop by to say hello. I always enjoy meeting fans and you never know what they are going to say. Have fun peeking into Spring Market 2010. Welcome to my world.

BTW, for the first clip with Laurie, I was spellbound by HER story and SHE is what quilting is all about - but that's not how she took it - so... you'll see.

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Once a quilter has their mind set on something you can be sure it's going to happen. Such is the case with this delightful market attendee. If you got hurt at a quilt event would you skadoodle on home or fight on with sheer quilttitude!

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As you might expect, part of what makes going to market so great is that it is a huge reunion because so many of the industry professionals are there. In a matter of seconds you can be surrounded by incredible and talented quilt teachers and designers. In this video you'll see some TQS favorites as well as rising star - Sarah Vedeler.

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I'm thrilled to show a sneak peek of my new fabric line from Red Rooster. Take a look. Does this give you any ideas?

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Since I had such a fantastic dinner at Brits Pub on the first night I arrived, I talked Alex and John into going with me so they could experience it too. So, here's a big shout out to all our UK TQS members and friends. If you've ever been to the UK, what do you remember best?

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Ricky and Alex arrive in Minneapolis for Spring Quilt Market. Join them as they take us on behind-the-scenes peek. If you were here, what would you want to see/know about?