I will not be defeated!

I'll share the story of the long lost connection in a minute, first I have to explain what new path I've gone down. As you know, I have a love/hate relationship with technology. I have no issues with technology working or not working at the moment (knock on wood). My problem is understanding various file formats and how they work and do different things in various graphic programs. 

In one instance, a vector file is required, while a raster file is needed somewhere else. Do you understand those terms and what they are all about? And what is a vector file? What is an .svg, a pdf, a jpg, a png, etc. It's all very confusing, and I missed a critical paragraph in the Reference Guide. I skimmed over that "boring" part, but when push came to shove, I had to go back and read it much more carefully!

All of this is because I'm trying to understand the BEST way to deal with some graphic files. It's all about machine embroidery applique. Thanks to a patient software guru, I am slowly learning the concept. I had some time this morning to experiment, but I'm not quite there. However, I think I understand now. Or perhaps I know just enough to be dangerous. Which is dangerous! 

I have some free time this morning, so I will continue my education. But I love puzzles, and this one is big! But I will save so much time when I get it figured out! And it's all about marrying one technology to another, which was on my radar. 

Phew! I might need a nap after all that strenuous thinking. 

Now, let's hear the story! When I started quilting MANY years ago, there were no Facebook groups, but somehow, I connected with an online group called Canadian QuiltSwappers. It was an email-only group, and I remember very "fondly" the sound of the modem connecting to the internet so I could check for any updates in the group. 

Our fearless leader, Judith, from Winnipeg, was instrumental in running a successful group exchange. I think she has since passed. Anyway, she started a group quilt project involving ten ladies across Canada, and I signed up! I was terrified that my work wouldn't be good enough! Looking back on it now, I think I outdid myself with my blocks. 

We all started with a 12" block, and the other ladies were to each add a round. The final two people were to add top and bottom rows only so it would not become a giant square. The rounds were 4" finished. 

Oh my -- I even made a book about it! It contains details of all the blocks and all the quilts. I think I might add some more pictures of this tomorrow. 

My hostage quilt book

I'll have to take a picture of the entire quilt, as I didn't have a chance yesterday. But you can see the quilt on this page above. Wait -- if you want to see the quilt on my wall and read more about it, here's a link to a story on my blog from 2012!!!

Anyway -- when I was doing a presentation the other day, I noticed the names on the Zoom call. Oh my --- I recognize that name, and when I asked, it was, in fact, one of the ladies in the group! Jean was the first person I sent my quilt to. We had a nice little reunion. And she's still quilting after all these years! As am I. 

Here are some of the pictures I snapped from my book. Here I am with my block circa 1999. God- I look like a child in that photo. What's with the haircut? 

Me and my first block

Here is Jean working on the first round of my quilt. 

The first round being added to my quilt

This is Jean's quilt and the row I added for her - the ribbon at the bottom of the photo. Since I was the last person to work on her quilt, I only had to add a border to the top and bottom. No need to work on corners! 

Jean's quilt

Gosh -- I even went so far as to make EXTRA blocks for my book to show what I made for each person! What a crazy nut I was. I also think I had much more time on my hands, even though M was about 3 then. 

The row I made for Jean's quilt

What wonderful memories that brought back. I'll post more about this project in another post. But it is fondly called the Hostage Quilt, and you have to go back and read that other blog post to find out why. It almost never came home! 

I saw that my Yogi tea was on sale at a shop near the pet food store, so I stopped in and bought some. I spotted some new flavors. I love the promise on this one. 

New (to me) flavor of Yogi tea

It helps to TEMPORARILY support mental sharpness. What does that mean? Is it laden with caffeine? I didn't read the ingredients. 

And the wise words of wisdom? I love this one. 

That is so true. I think that is why so many people struggle. If you learn to live and enjoy what you have, there's no need to want anything else! This morning, the radio hosts talked about a sports figure who could have but did not, negotiate a much higher salary. Why do they need so much money? They don't need it. Is it status? Or is it ego? "I got more money than you!" Is it validation? If people push for more money, they will get it. Why? All it does is cause ticket prices to increase - someone has to pay for those high salaries. 


I got a chuckle yesterday while I was doing my presentation. I glanced up to spot Miss Murphy sleeping on my samples! There is a perfect mat just two feet away from her, but NO, my samples were more enticing! 

MOM - these samples are much more comfy than the mat

My Dad sent a note last night telling me that my first boyfriend has passed! I thought he was the love of my life, and as much as I liked him and his family, I'm glad it didn't work out. Not because he has passed, but it wouldn't have allowed me much room to explore. I was perfectly happy to stay close to where I grew up, but when I was close to finishing high school, I suddenly needed to get away from home and start exploring. Why? I'm blaming our then Prime Minister (Pierre Elliott Trudeau). I'll call him my savior! And that's a story for another time. 

On that note, I'm out of here. Another busy day with presentations and trying to figure out those darn file extensions. All I need is a clue, and then I'm off. I've got the clue; now I need to get the knowledge to make it work. And I will! 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!