Looking Good Kurt, Looking Good!

Kurt Busch starts 9th at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Sunday. What an awesome qualifying lap - on the second one no less. Way to go Kurt Busch! You are the man and I can't wait to see you race on Sunday. GO KURT GO!!!

Springtime in Florida

One of the first pictures I took of my dad with my own camera, a Kodak Instamatic that someone gave me He's on the left with his brother Jerry sitting on his Vespa scooter - his introduction to the motorcycle.
. (1979).

I have tons a great memories of Florida in the springtime. I spent every available free time I could taking my kids down from North Carolina to see my dad and the beach. My dad lived in an apartment for awhile and then he bought a small one bedroom house with a nice yard filled with orange trees in the back yard.
We would usually leave early in the morning and get there around 5-6 in the evening and my dad would be waiting for us. A lot of the times, he would be out in the driveway with his motorcycle cleaning it or polishing the chrome or something. We'd pull up, he'd have hugs and kisses for us and he would always ask how the traffic was at different points on the route. He drove the same way up to us every chance he could as well. In some ways, it was like he was just up the road (about 700miles) but we still saw each other often - maybe even more than families who live in the same town.
I remember a particular trip on Memorial weekend when we came down to paint my dad's house. We only had five days so we just planned to paint, go to the beach and just hang out with my dad and brother. My dad had been sick and had a liver transplant the year before. He was recovering very well and it was so exciting to see him getting back to his old self.
The kids were about 8 & 9 and they were able to help with the trim and we had a great time. My brother Tony and Brad did all the high stuff and I helped with the detail and getting their buckets filled. I took pictures too.
We finished in 3 days and we went to a park in downtown St.Pete near the harbor. We watched Jim skateboard and the kids climbed trees and we had a nice time. The air was soft and breezy, the sky was clear and blue, and the air smelled of lilac and saltwater. It was a lazy long spring afternoon and it was as close to perfect as one can get on this earth.

My dad with the kids.

He didn't know I was shooting him.

We went to the beach the next day, got quick tans, ate out and slept in. What I remember the most about the trip was how easy it was to be there. My dad was doing so well and my brother had gotten a great job. My husband was home from an overseas deployment, the kids were happy and healthy, and I had finished school. We drove home that Tuesday and I remember driving away and feeling like all was right in the world. It was.

My family - Brad, Tony, my dad Jim, Rachel & Jimmy.

Hanging out with my favorite boy

Today was a good day - I got up early (Brad snores) and had a nice cup of coffee. I did some sewing and some blogging and waited for Rachel to bring Brian over before she went to work. He was laughing at me as soon as I picked him up. What a sweet little boy - I sing this song, Rockin' Robin, made popular by the Jackson 5, he loves it!!!

I start humming the chorus and he turns to look at me and immediately smiles and his eyes get real wide and he just is smiling and laughing. He can be crying or fussy but I just start humming and he changes his disposition. He likes singing and music and although I don't sing all that well, it doesn't matter to him. Maybe that's why he laughs.
Brian is 4 1/2 months old and he's getting taller and bigger everyday. He's so inquisitive and is so ready to crawl, if he could just figure out how to rise up and stay. It's so cool watching him try to do it. He's amazing.
Well Rachel got off work at 1pm and we got ready to go to the pediatrician for Brian's check up and shots. His doctor is so nice, he looks like Santa and you can tell he just loves kids. So we stripped the baby, weighed him, measured him and the doctor examined him and said he looks great! Growing like a weed. Then the nurse came in and broke the mellow mood with the tray full of shots. He was not thrilled and Rockin' Robin was not doing it for him. But he eventually calmed down and nursed.
Got home after a couple of errands and Rachel and Brian went to their apartment. My heart feels like it's cracking a little bit everyday. I love them both so much and even though I know I will be leaving one way or the other, I am not so positive that I will make it without them.
Unfortunately, choices are hard regardless and it's just another example of why babies shouldn't have babies - because their mothers aren't ready!

Seven and a Half Patch Wonder

Seven and a Half Patch Wonder

OK, here it is. My first quilt. I know what you're thinking - that looks like a nine patch, NOT BAD!!! Well, actually, it isn't considering I had literally just learned how to sew and had inherited a ton of fabrics, yard goods, and notions (terms I had yet learned) from the preacher's wife. But if you were to measure each of the patches you might reconsider that nine patch notion.

See, I bought a sewing machine for my husband for Christmas 2002 because he kept harping how we needed one in the house for repairs and costume design and I kept replying I don't know how to sew; to which he shot back, I do and I can teach you!! He didn't teach me. Well, the sewing machine sat in the basement for 6 months.

I belonged to a women's group at church and there were a lot of ladies who were seamstresses and quilters with a lot of time and varying degrees of patience. One of my friends, Cathy offered to show me how to make something with my husband's sewing machine. Our first project was a pair of pajama pants and with boring you with the details, hers were great and mine, well thank God she was there to fix them. So she suggested that I learn how to make patchwork quilts first because they were "easier" and they would be a good way to practice sewing straight lines and cutting. Then when I felt more confident we could try some pjs.

The fabrics, with the exception of the border, binding, and back, are all from the preacher's wife's stash. Even the batting was from the goody bin. So I made this nine patch top and when it was time to put a border on it, my friend Cathy took me to the quilt store where I proceeded to sit down in the aisle and sketch every quilt on display. She must have secretly thought I was a bit off, but she didn't say a word. Finally, I found the orange fabric and Cathy helped me figure out what I needed to buy.

While I was standing there waiting to get my fabric cut, I noticed a beautiful blue batik crazy quilt hanging on a cabinet. It had a label and it said, Fat Quarter Frenzy and it listed dates and times for classes. The teacher was Sarah Raffuse and I asked the lady cutting my fabric about the quilt and the teacher. She told me that Sarah worked in the store but that it was her day off. I fell in love with quilting that day! I told Cathy I wanted to make that and she promised to show me how once I learned quarter-inch seam allowances. I paid for my fabric, Cathy bought hers and away we went.

I worked on the quilt that whole weekend and I wanted to tie the blanket with this really cool shoestring that was lime green with metal strands woven in it. I I took some batting that was in THE stash and I layered the quilt and pinned it. I took the biggest tapestry needle I had (I am a crocheter) and I threaded those ties through those layers. My fingers felt like they had been tied into knots.

Closeup of the ties.

When I finished, I made a binding and decided that wonder under would be a great help to keep my binding in place while I sewed it. So I lined my binding with it and ironed it according to the directions. I quickly noticed these puckers in my borders and back and I could not iron them out.

I called Cathy because I thought, how can this be happening. I explained to her all that I had done and she asked me if I still had the packaging for the batting, I told her yes and she asked me to read the label and see if the word "fusible" was on it. It was. I had fused my quilt layers together. YIKES!

We talked about some options, but I decided to stick with my original plan and I finished the binding. We won't even discuss mitered corners. Did you notice the black button on the top right hand side? My solution to that quandary. Because there's only one button (it was a bear to sew on), this quilt could be considered a UFO - but I call it a wonder!

Onward to Kentucky

OK, this is not my favorite subject but I guess I need to get it out and no one in my life really wants to here it. Not that they wouldn't listen, I just don't want to bore them - so I will bore whoever is reading this.
I am an Army wife and my husband and I have served for over 24 years. We have been stationed here in Alaska almost six years now and in 62 days we'll be leaving to go to Ft. Knox, Kentucky. Now, I am a Florida gal and my husband hails originally from Minnesota and we have had some wonderful times here in Alaska but for the most part, we are ready to move. At least we seemed to be until my daughter had our grandson, Brian. I know what you're thinking, every child grows up and moves on - except, we're the ones moving. It's so strange to realize that she will stay here.
Now I am a rational woman, I have lived all of my adult life away from my family roots, so I know what it's like to be in love and want to start your own life. But I didn't have a baby when I started out so I only had to worry about myself.
We have talked to her about moving with us and without drudging up all the gory details, she is basically torn between staying here to be with her baby's father and going with us so she can go back to school. He won't go and she is scared. So there you have it. Love sucks sometimes, especially when it interferes with sound, rational decision making. I feel for her though, because I really do understand her predicament and I wish I had a better solution for her.
So at this stage I am just trying to make the best of a not so good situation. I have nine weeks to spend with her and Brian and to pack up my household.
We read a lot about what the soldiers sacrifice - families sacrifice a lot too.

Wilma and Fred

On April 1, 2004, I was sitting having a cup of coffee and had just sent my kids on the bus to school. It was a clear, bright sunny day and the temperature was just above zero. I live in Alaska - no joke. Anywho, I had just glanced out the kitchen window and discovered that a moose was crossing the street behind my house and coming towards my neighbor's yard. I got excited and grabbed my camera and proceeded to shoot several frames (before I went digital) from my deck in my jammies and socks. He got bored and walked away.

I began my housework and went to take the trash out to the dumpster (across the parking area) and as I turned around to walk back to my house, there he was!!! No farther than about 6 feet away - just chomping on the tree in my neighbor's front yard. He just looked amused at my apparent state of shock. But he just kept eating. I couldn't breath and I was was frozen (both figuratively and literally - I hadn't bothered to put shoes on over my socks - just a quick jaunt right?) and I just ran into the house and threw on some clothes and went to my camera gear. I quickly inventoried my film, my lenses and both bodies.

My husband was surely fascinated to see me running around scrounging every last roll of film. I found a total of thirteen rolls; most 24 exposures, and a few 36 exposures. I threw everything into my truck, refilled my cup of coffee and grabbed my cell phone and an extra pack of batteries (just in case). I drove out of the garage and the moose was nowhere to be found. My heart sunk. I drove around one side of my block, nothing. I started to come back home when my hubby called and said the moose was on the other side and there was another moose with him. My heart started racing!!! I quickly drove over to the other side and there they were!!!! I hit the mother load!!! They were about 15 feet away and gorgeous!!!

I love moose! I think they are such awesome creatures and while a lot of people say they are simple, I think they are perfect! They live by instinct and they nurture their young and they are simply fabulous!!!

I began to shoot them, at first just a few at a time. It was so cold and I was dealing with fog on the lens. But I just watched them to see what they were going to do. They didn't seem to mind me sitting there at first; they just foraged and walked around. Then they decided to check out the other side of the block and I followed. Watching them was fascinating, it was obvious when they were communicating with each other and when one wanted to move, the other followed. So did I.

I spent that whole morning and early afternoon watching them and shooting them from my truck (through the moon roof, money well-spent) and across my hood. A couple of times I ventured close to them, took a few frames and then got scared to death! One of the best days I have ever had here in Alaska.

You can see more here - http://flickr.com/photos/nikongirlsphotoshop/

Kurt Busch is the greatest NASCAR driver!

OK, sure, I admit to being bias up front. But facts are facts. He simply is the greatest driver on the track today. He is a champion and he is one of the most professional drivers out there. He's self-effacing and he's confident and no matter what anyone of you out there says, HE'S THE BEST!

My first UFO

I just want to be honest and direct about my quilting life and what better way than to confess about my unfinished offerings. I have a few, just like most of you out there. You see, I start every quilt with a fresh outlook, passion and motivation. Whether I choose a pattern from a book or I design one myself, I give it my most and I head into the project wholehearted in my endeavor.
Sometimes, I will work on a couple of projects at the same time and this has helped me to stay focused and motivated. But, there have been those quilts that have stumped me, frustrated me, confused me and yes, even bored me. That is usually when they end up in the unfinished offerings pile.
I want to tell you about my first offering, it is a simple four patch done with pastels and white on white fabrics. I actually designed the layout in excel (my first foray into electronic quilting) and I proceeded to make the quilt. All was well throughout the block making process. Then I decided to put a sawtooth border on it. Nice idea, sure looked good on the computer. One problem, well actually several, but the most important being that I was inexperienced and had not yet heard that golden rule of quilting, MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE.
You guessed it, some of my teeth had no chomp. they didn't match up at the corners. So I initially ripped out the corners and attempted to "make them fit". Obviously, inexperience reared its not so pretty head and bit me in the ass. Bad idea.
Oh, I took the quilt around to all my seasoned quilter friends and they smiled and chuckled and gave me lots of hugs and then told me about the golden rule - MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE. They all had some great ideas, most of which were too time consuming for me to try and figure out. See, I am a maverick that way, very self-taught, and I am sure the quilt teachers out there are thanking their lucky stars that they haven't had me too often in their classes. (More about my favorite teachers in another post.)
Anywho, I was already on to the next project in my mind and could not be held back by this little snafu. Five years later, she still sits patiently waiting for me to complete her. She pokes her little pastels out from under piles and reminds me that she is still around.




So here she is - my first unfinished offering.

Cabin Fever

I quit my job as a swim instructor this week and I have been having a cabin fever type feeling about quilting. I have an enormous stash in my basement and in my sewing room and I have been going through UFOs (unfinished offerings) and sorting through all the "kits" I put together with wonderful patterns that I thought would be fun to make. Of course, time has gotten away from me with the series of events from this past year and half of the "kits" are not together with their patterns (or books). SO much for organization!
Anywho, I am moving to Kentucky from Alaska (after 6 years here) in 9 weeks. I obviously have a lot to do just with packing and purging, but I can't seem to fold up my fabric tent just yet. It's crazy I know, practicality should win over and I should get my butt in gear; but, the muse is calling and she is determined to get some creative juices flowing.
I have been working on a BOM with my great, awesome friend Lori, my wonderful Sarah and my beautiful daughter Rachel and some new friends across the country and world. Well, it is going extremely well, almost too well! I have been quite prolific in my sewing and am ahead on my blocks. <-----AHEAD! We are only finishing the second block. See, this all started when my friend Lori and I were together after the birth of my grandson and awaiting the birth of hers. I was confessing to her all the doubts and disappointments I had experienced over the past few years and Lori, being the upbeat, positive woman that she is, said we need to do something about this slump you're in. Hence, the LL Super Sampler BOM was born. Then it quickly spread among our friends and now we have our own website. http://kellygillis.wordpress.com/.
Anywho, don't know where all that came from, but I am struggling with wanting to sew all day and night and getting my household packed. Funny, that my cabin fever isn't tring to push me out of the cabin.

My grandson - Brian Christian Larrabee

Well, I know I should have done this sooner and I apologize that it took me this long. Brian is here! He arrived on October 19, 2007. Oh, I know what you're thinking, lazy!! I think it everyday! Well, I will attempt to make up for my slacking by showing you a few of my favorite photos of him. He is the most wonderful human being in the world and brings me so much joy! I love him so very much and I want to share him with you.

One day old -
Going home -

My first photoshoot with Brian

I am a photographer

I am a professional photographer. I enjoy capturing that ONE image that makes you go...wait a minute! Or what a great smile!!! I use my camera to communicate, illustrate, record, capture, express and to remember. While I shoot a variety of subjects, my favorite is the human face. I believe the human face is the most interesting subject to look at and I never get tired of looking.

Some of my favorite faces:
my son Jim, my daughter Rachel,
and my friend Sarah Raffuse's baby girl, Audrey Marie!