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Dear Ricky –

 

Last night at dinner we were reflecting over various aspects of this past year. While it has been an exciting journey – it is safe to say that many emotions were felt through out the year. When ever we hit a “bump” in the road, we would gather via ma bell and work things out. Has it been a smooth ride? If our guests only knew – We can laugh over some of it now, but perhaps the most riveting moment for me, was the morning you had been delivered the news that it would take several HUNDRED thousand dollars to get the site video ready. Apparently our idea was a bit before it’s time technology wise. We had already cashed the Bernina check, hired the crew and had taken subscriptions. You explained the situation plainly and clearly, then ended the sentence with, “we have excellent webmasters – they are working on this and we will be talking to them this afternoon – we are not going to give it another thought this morning – we have work to do”. “YOU SAY WHAT???” Surprised LOL – and our web guys did solve the problem.

 

I also remember standing at the top of the stairs right before the first taping – I am so glad Gregory Case / Photo man caught the moment.

And what about those bears? hmmm – you know revenge is sweet.

 

Anyways, thinking of you, reflecting on last year and planning for next.

 

Alex ;0)

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Gregory Case 

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Here we are the day after Christmas - If you happened to miss the Christmas treat Ricky and Justin prepared for us - DO NOT MISS! (locate a few blogs below) - in the mean time it is boxing day - .......................Getting my needles sharpened for the 2008 quilt - awesome - hand or machine applique, that is the question?

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Story Submitted by: Eugenie

I made the quilt named "African Equator" for an international contest at Aschaffenburg (Germany) that was held during September 28-30, 2007. The theme for the contest was “Colors of Africa”. The ideas behind my design are the following: The colors of Africa are the colors of a continent that is divided in two by the equator. The colors are under the influence of this division. The face of Africa is also divided in two. I am very happy to tell you I won the first place prize with this quilt, a Bernina 440QE! More info about the contest is at: http://www.main-quiltfestival.de/Wettbewerb.79.0.html More pictures of the quilt can be seen here. http://www.xs4all.nl/~mecano/Project-Q/

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              Little Red Hen by Little Golden Book 

Recently while glancing through the "new books" section in the library, I came upon a book that brought back a flood of childhood memories.  I will tell you the name of the book in a bit.  Memories can definitely pull at your heartstrings.  And during this time of the year as we gather with family and friends we sometimes reflect on the times of our youth.

In our family along with favorite decorations, and holiday foods, we also bring out a collection of well loved holiday books that will sit on a table in the family room.  Everyone enjoys re-reading or glancing through them.  Along with German favorites from my childhood there are several books, bound in gold along one edge, familiar to many of you as Little Golden Books.  I can remember countless hours spent reading and re-reading books with titles such as The Little Red Hen, The Poky Little Puppy, and Five Little Firemen.  When our children came along we naturally read them these same favorites, carrying on a tradition that we hope will continue for many years to come.

So, it was only by accident that I was carried back to my childhood reading days when I discovered the book celebrating 65 years of Golden Books.  The title is Golden Legacy:  How Golden Books Won Children's Hearts, Changed Publishing Forever, and Became an American Icon Along the Way.  The coffee table size book, filled with hundreds of book covers, is sure to bring back a flood of childhood memories for many of you.  It also follows the history of just how a small publishing company from Racine, WI, came to influence the reading habits of hundreds of thousands of children around the world. 

How does this relate to quilting?  Well, it really doesn't other than the idea that traditions are kept alive one person at a time.  Quilting is an art form that can be passed on to future generations by sharing.  Maybe you have a young person in your life that would love to spend time learning about a craft you love.  Take time to share your passion and pass it on.

Lilo (TQSWizard)

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When I decided to do the Christmas concert in La Veta, I did not intend to make a recording of it - neither audio nor video. But as it happened, Kat's husband captured a live audio mix of all four shows and Justin, at the last minute, decided to set up a video camera and man it at all the shows. The combination has allowed me to edit it all together just as you saw in "Do You Hear What I Hear?" (see December 19). Since it seems so many people enjoyed that video, I thought it would be fun to give you another one or two songs from the concert - hoping to enhance your holiday spirit.

Then, having finished editing the entire show, I've decided to do something I hope you'll find even better - to post the entire concert! However, in preparation for the posting, there are several things you need to know.

1. It will not be available to purchase on DVD - ever. You can wish, you can hope, but the reality is - it will not happen. There is lots of content that I have permission to use, but not to sell. So please don't ask - please don't whine - just accept the fact now and enjoy it exclusively right here at TQS (plug in your good computer speakers or get headphones).

2. It is a live recording. It is not polished or even professionally produced - even if you think it looks and sounds pretty good. So remember, the whole recording was a last minute decision and if there is something you like - or something you don't like - it was all an accident - even so, I still thought many of would enjoy the opportunity to see it.

3. It is posted on the blog for EVERYONE who is a member to watch. However, it will not have chapters - so, you'll simply have to fast forward or watch the whole thing - and it is 72 minutes long! So, get a cup of nog or cider and kick back. It will be best watched from beginning to end with no interruptions.

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Dear Alex,

I couldn't agree more. One year ago I was trying to develop a site that would be the home for a new quilt show, free from network executives and restrictions - hoping you would join me. The vision was sketchy at best. I've learned so much this year and have sooooo appreciated having you be my personal mentor to keep me from looking like a fool on camera. For me, the most rewarding and unexpected aspect of this endeavor has been the relationships that have been established.

First - you and John. When I look at our overall vision - and wonder how it can work, I'm just so happy that we all (A, R, J and J)bring something to the table. We have been blessed to get along so well and we always work out any challenges by focusing on our goal to do what is best for our community.

Secondly, the relationships with the production team. I would not have predicted that we would have become a family. The thrill of coming together for tapings was the highlight of my year. It was never 'all business' - but rather a gig with lots of fun, with folks that know their stuff - and to think my first inclination was to use only two cameras and do the editing myself -ha! And here, I should not fail to mention Web Guru Bob who has worked tirelessly and faithfully all year.

Finally, I would not have predicted that we would have created a HUGE worldwide family. While I know it was part of the plan - seeing it in action will forever be the most rewarding thing I have ever done. I could not have done it all without you - so thanks for your commitment and support.

Now is a time to reflect and renew - I've reflected here - I'll talk about renewing later. Everyday "It's a New Day!" and now we're coming upon "A New Year" too!

P.S. - Look for my online surprise tomorrow.

 

From Alex  - I Can't WAIT!!!! 

 

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You know my feelings about Johnny (sigh), so when Adair said she was going to go and see his latest flick, I jumped on board (mind you I only go to one movie a year). Surely a musical would be a great way to celebrate the holiday season. Oh my- Not for the faint hearted or those with any level of decorum. Although there was one great line - my face was in my hands for many of the scenes (Adair said the effects were "fake looking" especially the way the blood squirted-eewww- who CARES?!)- Perhaps I should have done my homework. Yell My bad! LOL

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In running through some family pictures I found a Christmas photo of my first trike - unlike Ricky, I was pretty thrilled with the aspect of new wheels, epecially donning my donald duck cap! Note the suitcase -  I still like cool cars, exotic clothing and appreciate a decent suitcase - somethings really never do change! Fun memories of presents - time to share!

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Dear Ricky -

I can't believe our first year birthday is around the corner! If you had told me last Jan. 1st where we would be today, I would have thought perhaps you were smoking something unsavory. Isn't it amazing what the Internet has allowed us to do as an entire community? When I think of the friends we have made, it boggles my mind. Also, I wonder if people know that we have never even met web master Bob face to face? - Simply Amazing! And to think that we are working with Angel (my old boss at HGTV), the crew from Chicago (Harpo) and folks from all over CO (God Bless Lilo) - these are all people who have caught the vision and dream of ours. I never knew what working 150% really meant - but we all do now LOL.

The best part for me? (beside of course getting to know you and Justin on such an incredibly close level) - is the creative freedom we enjoy coupled with the instant communication possible worldwide -

Merry Christmas my friend -

Kiss

 

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OK - not going for sympathy - BUT heads up to your working environment - I have hurt my back appliquing! NO KIDDING - BE SO CAREFUL how you are sitting and positioning your body when quilting. Apparently I didn't .  Hey, at least I am quilting...........Embarassed