Sewing Heaven

Since we landed in Asheville a mere 4 weeks ago I've been in sewing heaven. For years, and I mean years, I've wanted to learn to sew garments. I know what you're thinking. Everybody wants to sew clothes since Project Runway hit the airwaves! It's true!! Here in Asheville there is actually a fabulous garment fabric store called Waechter's. They have yummy silks, wools, brocades, batik rayons and silks, corduroy. They have it all!! I am going to the shop every Friday for what is called "sit and sew." This is a brand new activity at the shop and is a well kept secret, so far. I've been the only one there for the last two Fridays so I get one-on-one with Elaine, a wonderful seamstress, teacher, and quilter too!


So far I've made a Gore Skirt with 6 godets (aren't you impressed that I even know these terms?!!) out of silk noil, a full length robe to wrap myself in after a shower, made out of a luscious knit (my first project on a knit) and this Friday I am embarking on a lined Parisienne Flapper Coat circa 1930's designed by "Decades of Style." I'm using a Persian Lamb fabric with silk for the lining. Could you just die?!! Oh, I also whipped up a set of lined curtains in silk dupiani for the living room. Since I'm a seamstress now, I NEEDED a serger, of course. So off I went to the shops in town that sell these scary little, yet powerful machines to see which one to get. After much angst, I am happy to be say I am the proud owner of a Bernina 800DL, 4 thread serger. It actually arrives the end of this week. What is great when buying a Bernina product is the support from the local shop. I went to Asheville Cotton Co., the Asheville quilt shop extraordinaire, and Robin, the owner, hooked me up. I'm getting all the serger mastery classes a girl could ever ask for, for FREE!!


I've included a picture of my skirt, and also of the Persian Lamb I am going to make the coat from. If only you could feel the fabric. On the retreat front, things are happening there too. Our first Energy Retreat with Sharon Schamber is next month, so I'll be off to Payson for 4 days. My new website design is up and I love the blue chick logo Laura Jane from ChickenScratchStudio designed for me. Check it out! www.silverrainmgt.com

Until next time, Amy

We're in Asheville

We did it! After nearly 40 years in Florida we have moved to the mountains of Western North Carolina. This is a picture of our new home!!

It's been completely crazy for the last several weeks, hence my lack of blog updates. Moving from one side of town to the other, which we did only a short 10 months ago, was a piece of cake, compared to moving out of state. There's a science to packing for a long move, but science wasn't my strong subject in school! Jay can't find the remote to the TV and my special box with towels, sheets, and other essential "must haves" for the first night in our new home ended up in the basement behind 40 other boxes in the basement. YES!! We have a basement. I've never had a basement. Well, not a real basement. In Florida, we have garages that are lovingly called "Florida Basements" because cars never make it in the garage, just all the stuff we have no room for anywhere in the house lands there. Now we not only have a garage, but a basement too!

I've also been busy putting together lots of retreats for Sharon Schamber, Gina Perkes, and Terry White. Sharon and Gina live only a mile from each other so we decided to have a series of retreats in Payson, AZ in late Feb-early March 2010, May 2010, and Sept 2010. Jay and I , and Toby, of course, can't wait to be in Payson,, working with Sharon in her brand new studio for her retreats, as well as with Gina, in her retreat location. I've got specific dates on my website so check it out. www.silverrainmgt.com

And, speaking of websites, I've been working with an incredible graphic designer, Laura Jane. She's put together a new look for Silver Rain. I can't wait till it's up and running- hopefully in the next week or so. So please check back soon. And check out Laura Jane's other work at: www.chickenscratchstudio.com She is so talented!!

Until next time,

Amy

Quilting Retreat with Sharon Schamber Redeux

I promised everyone that I'd post more pictures from Sharon Schamber's Art Quilt Design and Construction Retreat. Without further adieu, here they are.








In my last post I told you how Sharon Schamber not only changed the way I will quilt forever, but also changed my life. That is an understatement! Welcome to the new and exciting and zany world of quilting retreat management and business agency. Jay and I have launched our new business, "Silver Rain" which encompasses custom retreat design and delivery as well as business agency services. We've been working around the clock and have loved every minute of it.

Sharon is returning next week for a second Art Quilt Design and Construction Retreat. We are hosting 9 quilters for a 5-day intensive retreat with Sharon at the helm. Kathy R and Natalie C loved the first retreat so much, they are coming back for the second retreat!! These ladies have some incredible design goals and it will be amazing to watch them during the week as their art comes to life. We expanded the retreat this time around and added some after dinner time with Sharon plus additional independent work time.

To top it all off, Jay and I (and Toby too) will be managing 3 retreats for Sharon in her Payson, AZ studio in late Feb and early March 2010!!

If that isn't enough, we are privileged that Terry White, a gifted thread painting and embellishment quilt artist and teacher, has given us the green light to create some unique 5-day retreats for her!

I've been taking a stab at designing a website for Silver Rain. So far, I've only managed to put some text into a canned template. But, it's a start! Now if I could only figure out how to...

Until next time,

Amy

Design & Construction Retreat with Sharon Schamber

Top left: Nat's original with her piece on right. Center- My piece. I was working on shading around the eyes, and Bottom: wide angle shot of our work space.


It's been a while, again, since my last post. This past month I've been busy putting the finishing touches organizing our 5-day design and construction retreat with Sharon Schamber. I am so lucky to have had this opportunity to spend a week with Sharon. She has changed my life forever. Not only will my quilting be forever changed, but more importantly, I have changed how I see the world around me. I can't quite put it into words, at least, not yet. Suffice it to say that life at the Harry home will never be the same again.

The retreat was a new concept that Sharon and I put together after we met at a guild sponsored class in Lakeland, FL last November. We were talking about how I'd love to come to one of those Quilting in the Pines or Desert type event that she teaches at. Sharon suggested instead, that she'd come to me, if I could get a small group together. That way we'd only have to cover Sharon's travel and lodging, etc instead of paying for a group of 7 to fly to her. Well, that's all it took for me to be off and running. I called her husband, Gene, Thanksgiving Week 2008 to beg a block of Sharon's time and he told me he had Sharon booked well into 2010. Then the following week Gene called and offered a week in August 2009 that opened due to a cancellation. I couldn't believe how lucky I was!!

My friend Kathy and I handpicked 5 girls to participate with us in this adventure. Sharon gave me cart blanche to design the retreat around any theme or technique we wanted to learn. It became a 5-day intensive retreat on design and construction of an art quilt.

The first morning of the retreat, each girl presented her drawing as a basis for an art quilt they wanted to make, but didn't know quite how to execute. The first step was for each of us to talk with Sharon, one on one, about our vision for the quilt. What was so amazing to me, was that Sharon saw things in each project, that none of us saw. After initial discussion, Sharon got us working on our master copies. She worked her magic on each of us, and by the end of the 5th day, seven gorgeous art quilts were coming to life. Now, I am making it sound so easy, but believe me, it was anything but. It was intense and completely mind blowing. But worth every second. No one wanted the week to end.

It was incredible how Sharon was able to move around the work room from one project to the next and know EXACTLY where each one of us was, what challenge we had, how to help us, and guide us. More incredible, actually, since each project required different techniques.

Evyonne drew a "gaudy fish" and, with Sharon's knowledge of movement and color, Evyonne redesigned her water and used piecelique to create unbelievable background for her fish. She also put patchwork inside some of the waves using piecelique- something none of us would have thought to do. Evyonne used Shiva paintstiks to add dimension to her fish, and did some amazing thread play too.

Barb sketched out an orchid scene and was off and running using piecelique, applique, micron pigma pens, Shiva paintstiks, and thread play too. It was great when she let out a happy squeal after seeing how easy and fast it was to make elegant and flowing stems using piecelique.

Natalie recreated a stone sculpture of a woman using only shades of gray fabric and black and white shiva paintstiks. It looked so much like the real sculpture that when Sharon sent a picture of Nat's quilt to Gene, he called and asked why we sent him a picture of the sculpture, not the quilt!! Natalie will NEVER look at anything the same way again. She has learned to read shades and light and everything with dimension. WOW!!

Sharon loved the 5-day retreat concept and doing art quilting. so much so, that I am going to organize more 5 to 6-day retreats for her. So, for those of you that want a life-changing week with Sharon, give me a call, or email me. I will get Sharon to your hometown for an experience of a lifetime!

As the girls finish their art quilts, I will post pictures for everyone to enjoy.
Until next time,

Amy

to dye for

I finally mixed dyes and prepared fabric for painting and dyeing. It was a lot of fun playing chemist. I used Melanie Testa's new book, "Inspired to Quilt" for various recipes needed to get fabric and dye ready to create art. I love her book because it gives step by step directions for exact measurements of all the stuff you need to do this. There are many steps! First I mixed the pro print paste, since it has to sit for at least 1 hour before you use it. Dyes are the consistency of water which makes it very hard to paint with so you need to thicken the dyes by mixing them with the print paste mixture. While the thickener was setting up, I made a batch of soda ash, urea, and water to soak my pfd- prepared for dyeing fabric. The fabric has to be prepped to accept the dyes by first soaking for 30 minutes then drip drying. Finally, I mixed up dye concentrates of 5 colors with fiber reactive dye powder, urea, and water. This is how Jay and I spent our 19th wedding anniversary!! What fun.

I'm a MAC

Well, I finally did it! I became a MAC. I am sooooooo happy. It didn't take me long to get comfortable on the platform and the experience is second to none. Why did I wait so long?

I've been busy getting the house ready for Sharon Schamber's visit in August. She is staying with me for 7 days to teach me and 6 friends quilting design construction and implementation. Sharon is one of only 24 "master quilters" in the world. And best of all, she is humble and generous and excited to teach. In preparation, I've made a queen size quilt for the bed she'll be sleeping in and I've begun on a second queen size bed quilt for the other guest room as well. All my quilts, except for the 2 on the sofas in the family room, hang on the walls. What kind of quilter would I be if there weren't quilts on the beds?!

I just finished an alocasia leaf wall quilt as part of my leaf series. I've got the monstera you all saw last month sitting on the fireplace mantel. I still have a banana leaf to do, then it will be a real series, with 3 pieces.

I still have to mat and frame the water color paintings I did in class last month. I really enjoyed myself and found the experience very relaxing. It was a good launching point for me to start painting with textile paints and dyes on fabric. Jay has come up with some very cool design ideals which I will trace onto PFD- prepared for dyeing- fabric, paint, then quilt. It's great that he is so supportive of my quilting addiction.

This Saturday, July 4th, is our wedding anniversary. We're starting our day at the beach to watch the sunrise with mimosas in hand. Then in the evening, we'll watch fireworks on the docks in downtown Stuart with some friends. The city always puts on a fantastic display.

Until next time- which I promise won't be too far off.

Amy

I'm a Painter too

I've been buried in old issues of Quilting Arts Magazine Judie was kind enough to share with me. It is amazing how creative and uninhibited quilt artists are. Since I have a hard time finding commercial fabrics that inspire me, I decided I am going to paint my own canvas, if you will. I purchased some PFD (prepared for dying) fabric and textile paints and all the assorted goodies that a painter needs and I am embarking on designing my own fabric. I even got some Tjaunting tools to draw with batik wax- way cool stuff. After painting and dying, I will draw with my thread to add dimension and detail.



I think it was Judy Coates Perez' blog that pushed me over the edge to bite the bullet and plunge into painting on fabric. Her work is incredible. You can check her out at www.judyperez.blogspot.com

I'm also studying color theory with her. We are doing an online interactive 6 week class using Setacolor transparent paints on watercolor paper to make our own color wheels, combinations, etc. It starts next week, and I can't wait.


And if you know me, you know I usually don't do anything half way, so to get a shot of self confidence before putting paint to fabric (which can get expensive) , I've spent the last 2 Wednesday nights at a watercolor painting class, where I am just about done with my very first watercolor picture. It's called "View from a Window" and depicts a set of shutters open with a view towards the water, where a sailboat sits, with the mountains in the background. I am doing a second watercolor of the Jupiter lighthouse next- Jay doesn't know about this project, since I want to give him the painting for his birthday in July....so don't tell!


I'm happy to report that while my hip is still on injured reserve I am back on my bike and up to 7 miles in the morning time. Gotta love it!


Until next time,



Amy

domestic diva

It's been some time since my last post. I really don't know where the time has gone. When I worked I couldn't imagine how I'd fill my days. Now that I'm not working, there isn't enough time in a day to get done all the things I want to accomplish. Time seems to be rushing by.

This post is called domestic diva. I guess I've become one of those...I can actually cook. I've been chastised for years that I can't cook, but I've discovered I can. I even made a chutney with pineapple, dried cherries, almonds, and various other goodies that I put on chicken. Jay went wild- he couldn't believe I made it. I am, however, a utilitarian cook for the most part. I put a well balanced meal on the table (well, sofa- since we sit on the sofa to eat as I hate sitting at the table) every week night for dinner. Mark taught me how he makes salad dressing and I make my own, fresh, every night. It's got flax seed oil, organic apple cider vinegar, organic soy sauce, lemon juice, olive oil, agave nectar, cayenne pepper, ginger, and garlic. If that doesn't qualify me for domestic diva status, I don't know what would.

I had a slow week with my quilting as Rachel was home for 10 days visiting in between semesters. Since I couldn't get any uninterrupted quilting time, I decided my sewing room needed some color. Our new home is currently "beige" on "beige" on "beige." I am NOT a beige person. So I pulled out Jay's 8 ft ladder and painted the room, one wall at a time. It took me 3 days to complete (I did 2 walls in one day). I love it. Two walls are a lime green and the other two are a soft lavender.

Rachel left on Mother's Day morning and I've been back in my sewing room quilting away. Toby's face is just about done. I need one more white fabric to complete his chest then I get to start thread painting. I just taught myself thread painting. I found a book with progressive lessons and off I went. I've done lessons 1-3 and can say without hesitation that thread painting rocks!

I'm excited that I get to spend the day with Kathy tomorrow. We've formed a Thursday quilt artist group and will work with various mediums doing lots of experimenting. Natalie and Judie are also in our group. I can't wait to show everyone the stuff we work on.

I've put up a few pictures of my thread painting lesson pieces and an updated Toby face. I also finished a lone star quilt that I free motion quilted with wild feathers and I made a monstera leaf quilt using invisible machine applique as the technique. CLICK on any picture to see the details. Hope you all like them.

Until next time,

Amy

Portrait of Toby

I've been busy in my sewing room the past week and haven't been back to blog. As I mentioned last time, I wanted to let everyone see my progress as I put together a quilt of Toby. I've been trying to learn how do some simple editing in Adobe Photoshop Elements with the pictures my official photog takes of my work (Jay). I can do some basic editing, but it's going to be a slow and painful learning curve for me. I just can't plant myself in front of the computer long enough to sink my teeth into the program for a whole day.

I took some headshots of Toby and manipulated the photo into black and white layers. I then projected the picture using the overhead projector onto the wall and traced the main layers. From there I labeled everything and assigned fabric selections to various layers. I am still working on getting my colors right and putting together the basic shape. Here are some pictures of the tracing, the transparency I made to trace the piece, a real picture of Toby, and the beginning of the fabric. Hope you enjoy it.

-Amy

Live in the Moment

Jay is always reading boating magazines, going to boat shows, and talking about how we are going to outfit our trawler. We don't actually HAVE a trawler; we have a cruiser. But a trawler is his wish boat. I listen and add my 2 cents and sometimes really believe we will have a trawler some day. He's even figured out a way to fit all my quilting stuff on a trawler; sewing machine, cutting table, pressing station, etc. Yesterday Jay left me a short article to read that was written by a Kady Krogen sales guy (Jay would love a Kady Krogen trawler). The article really hit home and I wanted to share parts of it with you. For me, I AM, finally, living the quote and gist of his article. Maybe some of you want to do the same, but are still waiting for "some day" to come. At the very least, it's something to think about.

The author, Greg Sapp, wrote about a quote his dad, John, put at the end of his emails. Here it is: "Remember, somewhere right now, someone with less money than you is having more fun." Very true and for me, timely. Since closing my business last month, instead of dwelling on the fact that we have very little income stream, I am waking happy, with tons of ideas of what I want to quilt, how to express myself through my art, and feeling positive. Don't get me wrong. I appreciate the value of money. Jay and I have had lots of ups and downs in the money department. We were very poor while I was in grad school, then had and saved some money while I taught and ran an accounting practice. Then we lost the money in the tech bubble bust of 2002. Then we built the portfolio back up again when my recruiting practice took off, and once again, like most of us, lost another bunch in the current financial crisis. A veritable roller coaster ride. Right now we're at the bottom of the ride, but I can feel the excitement building about where the ride is going to take us next. Not exactly sure of the destination, but I can feel it, nonetheless. A great parallel here, is that boaters know that it's not the destination of the cruise that is important and exciting, but the journey itself.

Both Jay's dad and my dad passed away on the young side, each was in his early 70's. Both men waited most of their adult lives to do what they wanted to do until retirement. And neither one got to live their dreams. Don't wait till you're old enough to afford your dreams or believe you finally have the time to live them. Find the time now, while you have it within your reach . As Greg Sapp said in his article, there are many quotes to pick from along the lines of "You can't take it with you" and Time waits for no one" because the point is obvious. And as Greg says, "Please don't leave your family with a fat portfolio and a skinny photo album."

Until next time...

P.S. The picture above is my "Seaside Cottages" Quilt made in 2008. I am working on a larger and more detailed quilt similarly themed for entry in a large Florida quilt show later in 2009.

In Good Company

If you run into someone that says this recession hasn't affected them, laugh out loud! This economy sucks. There isn't anyone that isn't feeling the pinch in one form or another. But since we're all in the same boat, it kind of makes it less painful, don't you think? After all, misery loves company and desperation is the mother of invention. OK, so at this point you're probably wondering what direction this post is taking, right? Well, believe it or not, I am thoroughly enjoying the recession. Let me count the ways...
(that's Jay - no shirt, and me, in the yellow-on our boat celebrating Jay's 50th birthday with an overnight raft-up with our boating friends).

1. The concept of "Keeping up with The Jones" is vanishing before my eyes. Everyone I know is slowing down their consumption. Instead, people are bragging about how little they have and how well they are living on less. It's like a badge of honor to find cool and innovative ways to not be a "Jonesy." Downsizing is cool. People are trading in the big fancy cars for efficient small cars that they can keep "forever." Yeah, we did this too- gave up the Lexus lease and paid cash (no more car payments!) for a Subaru Outback station wagon. Of course, we did have ulterior motives for choosing the Subaru. Rachel said she wouldn't be caught dead in it.


2. I don't have to dress up to go anywhere and I mean anywhere anymore. I'm very basic. Give me a t-shirt, clamdiggers, and boat shoes and I'm good to go.
   
3. Life, for me at least, is simpler and more grounded (yeah, I am starting to sound like the new Sun Trust Bank commercials...). We're going back to basics. My new girlfriend, Georgia, had her 45th birthday party last Saturday night. I only recently met Georgia as well as most of the party goers, since we just moved to the new neighborhood. As a new member of the unemployed club, I was perplexed as to an appropriate gift to bring. Not really into the standby bottle of wine gift or spending $30-50 on some thing, I decided to make her a gift instead of buying something. Yes, I made her a gift; french purse, aka wallet. But why am I telling you this? Because when I was talking to Jenny (the Love Garden Jenny) at the party, I told her I made Georgia's gift and you'll never guess what Jenny replied. Jenny and Mike MADE Georgia's gift too. WOW!


4. I'm biking a lot more. I'm without a car most days. Yes, we are a 2-car household, but Rachel has the second car , a used Honda CR-V, with her up at school, leaving me without wheels, well, 4 wheels anyway. I biked over the Hutchinson Island bridge to the bank and to Publix. And Tuesday I biked to the quilt shop, an 8-mile round trip. I couldn't miss out on the big St Patty's Day sale.
   
5. We're getting a tax refund check for the first time in 11 years!


6. I am back in the classroom teaching. Some of you don't know that, as a PhD in accounting, I spent 9 years teaching at the university level. Well, after an 11 year sabbatical, I am once again teaching intermediate financial accounting at our local university in the fall. I can't wait! A whole new batch of students get to experience "Scary Harry teaches accounting."
   
   
7. I finally have time to make enough stuff to launch my own Etsy site. http://www.etsy.com/ is a great place to "buy and sell all things handmade." I will have my own "store" up and running, hopefully, in the next 2-3 weeks. More to come on that front.


8. People, in general, are much kinder to each other these days. I had the car today and did my "big" weekly food shopping only to find a completely flat to the rim, rear tire when I left the store with a full cart of groceries. A big burly guy named Lee jumped out of his truck and offered to change my tire for me. So, there I stood, with my grocery cart, watching this very nice guy get all greasy doing a good deed for me. I shook his hand and told him how much I appreciated his help and all he said was "when you can, do something for the next guy that needs your help."


9. I am taking time to sit and read a good book.


10. Blockbuster rents movies for only $2 now!! Perks of the recession and Netflix.


11. I am working on my first quilt that will be entered in a quilt show. I am taking pictures as I go, so I will be able to share the journey with you.


12. As I mentioned before, we recently moved across town. We downsized, if you will. Jay and I talked and talked about whether we should give up the house or the boat. We have a 34 ft Searay Sundancer named "Take Two." We concluded that the boat is our floating vacation home and we'd rather give up the big house than our boat. Even when the weather is bad we can escape down below and rock the boat ( you know what I mean).

Well, I'm off to work on my quilt.

Till next time-

Fresh Veggies on the Cheap

In keeping with my journey towards becoming a raw foodist, I am trying to find ways to put fresh, organic veggies into my diet. While I cannot grow raw nuts, since I have no clue how to do that (but I have the feeling Mark will teach me how), I can buy or grow (check out my green peppers) local veggies in my never ending quest for good stuff on the cheap.

Some of us are lucky. We have incredible supermarkets (Wegman's for example- yes I am jealous we don't have one here in Stuart or anywhere in Florida) offering the very best in fresh produce available. As a matter of fact, whenever Jay and I visit family in Northern Virginia, our first trip is to Wegman's. Unfortunately here in Florida everything is shipped out of state, so we Floridians are left with the ugliest produce imaginable that has been picked too soon and trucked across the country on a cold truck in a semi frozen state. And to top it off, not only do we have poor quality and selection, but high prices. UGH.

There are options, however.

Most cities and towns have at least one local farmer's market. Typically these places are open air stands piled high with colorful and fresh veggies and fruits that were picked locally that same morning. Here in tiny Stuart there are several such markets: Barbours and Roarabecks are the 2 biggest. Barbours is, by far, the superior market, with not only more variety, but cheaper prices too. For you locals, Barbours is on Indian River Drive about a mile south of Jensen Beach Blvd. Remember to bring cash, since that's all they accept. I spend no more than 25 cents on the dollar compared to the supermarket and always walk away smiling like I've won a prize! Weird, but true. And these days, why spend more money on stuff than necessary, especially when you can get better stuff for less.

Another option is to grow your own veggie garden. Now don't go rolling your eyes quite yet. I'm not suggesting you dig up your grass, turn soil, or start composting. I'm talking about a veggie garden in pots. You don't need much space. Janet and Gino, my sister and brother in law, live in a second floor apartment home, and don't have a yard. What they do have is a small screened in patio where Gino grows tons of veggies, successfully. Not only are they saving money because they are motivated to eat what they grow, but Gino's having fun!

There are lots of advantages to a pot garden over a garden planted in the yard. First, it's portable, which for us was a big plus as we moved across town a few months back. I started my veggie garden in October and we moved in December. I threw the pots in the truck and brought them to the new house along with all the other stuff we continue to move from house to house to house. Ahhh, but I digress as that's another post all together. Back to the garden... Second, if the weather surprises you, just bring the pots inside for the night. Third, if you find the veggies aren't happy where you've parked the pots, move them to another spot. That's pretty hard to do if everything is planted in the ground. Lastly, pots can be placed away from critters that may want to eat them. We had bunnies at the old house. While adorable to watch scampering around your yard, they aren't so cute when they eat your garden.

But I think the real beauty of a pot garden is that any pot will do. Don't give Home Depot or Lowe's your money for plastic pots. I asked the bakery at the supermarket to keep the 5 and 10 gallon tubs of frosting they toss when empty. The bakery ladies were so nice. They took my name and number and called me when they had collected a bunch. FREE POTS!! We had some tin buckets in the garage we had previously used for beer and ice- those work too. Just remember you have to punch some holes in the bottom of all your buckets for drainage.

You will be surprised how many people have started veggie gardens recently. Tell your friends about your garden. I promise you there are more people than you can imagine trying it. You may even be able to swap stuff with each other.

If you think you may actually try this idea, call your local Home Depot or Lowe's. I know I just told you not to give them your money. But my Home Depot offered several FREE seminars on growing a veggie garden at home and in pots. And everyone that attended the seminar was given a ticket to exchange for a free starter veggie of their choice. I chose a strawberry plant. And Home Depot has racks and racks of seeds, both organic and non organic as well as starter plants for those of you a bit impatient. Talk to the garden guys. They know their stuff and are happy to help you.


On the other hand, some of you may decide to adorn your yard with artistic pots- you know the kind I'm talking about. Those gorgeous ceramic pots that come in all shapes and sizes and colors. Fill them with your veggies and create your own veggie art!! Our friends, Mike and Jenny, own "The Love Garden" http://www.lovegarden.us/ in downtown Stuart. Sitting in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of Stuart (well, those of you that know Stuart know that is a bit of an exaggeration) is a magical garden that Mike and Jenny have created with winding paths dotted with beautiful garden art. And soon you will find some of my art quilts there too!!

Anyway, pot gardening is not an all or none idea. Grow stuff that is easy and buy stuff you can't grow.

And please send me information on YOUR local farmer's markets- where are they located? What is best about them?

Until next time...

Well, this is my very first post to blue dog talk. You may be wondering why I've called my blog blue dog talk. Good question, with a silly answer. We share our lives with Toby, a 4 year old blue merle australian shepherd. We've had lots of dogs, but none like Toby. He is the dog with a thousand expressions. You'd think he really does talk. And he does really smile- yes, smile, from ear to ear whenever we walk in the door. And his coloring is way cool- merled black, white, grey, with one blue eye and one brown eye. I think Rachel may be a bit jealous that I didn't name the blog after her, but "rachel" just doesn't have the same catchy ring as blue dog talk. So there you have it.

blue dog talk is about life. It's about friends, politics, smart energy, food, boating, quilting, living in the US, likes and dislikes, lists and lists of cool stuff related to whatever it is that I'm blogging about, advice on all sorts of stuff, and just plain fun.

I am struggling with changing to a raw foods lifestyle and I'll be blogging about my journey. I'll have lists of great places to find raw foods, vegan foods, local farmers markets, how to cook- or not cook- to be healthy and fit without draining the old pocketbook. I have plenty of help on this subject as our daughter, Rachel, is in love with a great guy named Mark. Mark and his brother Alex, are raw food guys. Actually, Alex IS the raw guru. You can check him out at http://www.rawguru.com/ And the boys also have a sprouts business at http://www.sproutliving.com/ The problem with going raw is that I really, really enjoy a hot cooked meal. A bit of a dilemma, wouldn't you say? But I've been on a few very cool sites that have yummy recipes, so I am going to start S-L-O-W-L-Y and work myself into it. Naturally Jay is going to have to be on board, since now that I am unemployed, for the first time in our 19 years of married life, I am the head chef. Also, I just got $20 of boneless chicken breast for FREE at the local produce market when they had a buy 1 get 1 free sale. So I think I'll wait till the chicken runs out before going raw...