Savor Each Moment

I can't help but be somewhat subdued tonight after hearing the news about actress Natasha Richardson, who died after a fall while taking a beginner skiing lesson. I hope they know that tons of people give them their love and thoughts of hope. This is the kind of story that just makes your heart break for the entire family. I admit that death, in its many forms, seems to make me cry easily these days, whether I see it in a program I'm watching, or just hear about someone who died. Being with my mother when she passed away gives me a picture of each person keeping their bedside vigil, hoping their loved one will survive, or waiting for them to be out of their pain. I supposed the numbness of my mom's death in June is wearing away, replaced by a sadness that pops up when I least expect it. Life is so short, and you really do have to savor every moment.

I am still working on gathering photos for my website page titled "Photos."It's not an easy process and I guess that's a good thing - it means I have lots of photos I think are good. I think I might go out this weekend and take some new city pictures if the weather is nice. Blue skies are coming to Pittsburgh - today was a gorgeous day.

I was on the Quilting Friends site today and they asked about our favorite tools. Mine is my Martelli Ergo 2000 Rotary Cutter and the Martelli Quilter's Edition Mat, called a Round-a-bout. The round-a-bout is so cool. It has a spinning base so when you need to trim, you just turn the mat, not your block. The ergonomic cutter is wonderful for your hand. I never use my old one anymore.

Carpe Diem.

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Top o' the Mornin' to You!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day to all of you! I'm sitting here working on the computer, listening to my various Irish CD's and tapes today - from the Chieftains and Bagpipe music to a tape called "Kiss Me I'm Irish," that has one of my favorite songs, The Murphy Bed. Some of these Irish songs are hilarious. It's got all the classics - It's a Great Day for the Irish, When Irish Eyes are Smiling, and McNamara's Band. It also has Maureen O'Hara, the actress, singing several songs. I used to drive the boys crazy in the car making them listen to this tape about a week before St. Patrick's Day. It was great fun! I have to admit though, her rendition of Danny Boy is the best.

So, this week I've been reactivating my account at Facebook. There's also a Quilting Site similar to Facebook called Quilting Friends. I'm pretty new to both, so I'm having some growing pains. I didn't know it was possible to be socially awkward online - like when you look yourself up and it says "Mary Jane has no friends." How depressing. And then there's that point where you find someone you know and you reach that moment of decision. Should I "friend" them or not? Do I really want them to know I was here? Do I want them as a friend? Or do I want them to know what I am doing? Hmmm, it's all quite a dilemma.

I signed up last week on several quilting blog sites and this week found a new one. You can find it at QuiltQua.com. It's got blogs, show and tell, links, articles, and lots of other great stuff. There are loads of wonderful pictures too. You have to take the link just to find out what Qua means.

I'm also busy trying to link my photos to a new website I've found so folks can see them and order them. Please check back in the next week or so, I hope to have the link up by then. I have so many beautiful photos and am anxious to share them.

Until we meet again....(the bagpiping is getting to me)

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