Summary: This episode is dedicated to Valerie Lamont. ~*~ ~*~ I decided not to do a play by play of QuiltCon, because it's old news now, isn't it? I did touch on some highlights, and I sure I will continue to do that over the next couple episodes. At the end of this episode, there is a small tribute to my friend, Valerie. It's not a quality recording, but it is from my heart. Here are the finished quilts I talked about. I did not pick the best time of day to photograph these, but there it is. Cheese Slices is a gift for the guidance counselor of our school. She is amazing and works tirelessly. These were the magenta stars from the En Provence Mystery Quilt from Bonnie Hunter. I added the scrappy star sashing, and I like the effect. I may use this sashing idea again. It's easy to do with a little organisation. It's sashing with cornerstones, basically. Each long sashing strip gets some wonky points, sometimes on both ends. I used my design wall to lay all this out. This is the purple and green portions of En Provence. It came out pretty great. This will be for an amazing teacher who has taught both of my kids. I have one more to make and then no more teacher quilts until I have grandchildren. Times, they are a changing. I also finished my Round Robin, finally! Well, except for the label, which I will be sewing to the back the next time there is anything worth watching on tv. AND.... here's my glorious book haul! I only found one Anita Brookner title this year. Last year I had three or four. I'm also especially excited about Judy Blume, Joyce Carol Oates, and Anne Lamott. This stack should keep me occupied at least until next year's book sale. The book I reviewed this episode is- My Sunshine Away by M.O. Walsh I wish I could give this book ten stars. I loved it so much. There are some uncomfortable passages that deal with sexual assault, and some with icky teen lust, but the overall story is one of love and compassion and family. I can't express how much I loved this book. It's set in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and the passages about the misconceptions about the place resonated with me. We don't ride gators or paddle to a school in a pirogue. And not all Louisiana cities are like New Orleans. It's a rich story that left me feeling great at the end.
