Traveling Quilts and a pile of small stones

Thanks for all your comments while I was gone.  I enjoyed every one.

I have been reading all of your posts and looks like

all of you have really been busy creating

and savoring the day. 

It's always good to go for a little trip like I just did,

and I loved having my sister visit here afterwards,

but it's always good to get back to my little routine.

Last weekend I visited Bandera where the

Texas Dept. of Agriculture Quilts exhibition took place.

My sister Lanette organized the very successful event.

Thank you Lanette, and to all involved.

Here I am below, (my turtle block is down on the right)

This 2010 Texas Wildlife: Adventure Awaits quilt

highlights Texas' abundant wildlife resources and activities. 

I met some new and seasoned quilters of all ages.  Some had questions

and some even had some great quilt stories to tell me. 

I want to share a few of my favorite quilts of the exhibit.

This is the 2002 Texas Blooming Floral quilt.  This quilt celebrates the skill of our state's quilters within the 24 floral plants identified as specifically suited to the Tx. environment by Texas A&M University's Agriculture Program.  Spring, summer, fall, or winter, whatever the season, lush and verdant Tx. blooms and greenery always beautify our lives.

The 2008 Toast a Rising Star quilt highlighted the state's burgeoning wine and grape-growing industry, focusing on all elements of Texas wine...from the legendary history of wine in our state to the ideally suited grape growing regions.  The back of this quilt had all the Texas wine labels scanned and printed onto the backing fabric to add even more interest.

The 2006 Legendary Ranches of Texas quilt spotlighted the state's long-standing tradition of ranching, focusing on all elements of ranching, from famous Texas ranches to livestock to the history of ranching families that settled the state.  It pays homage to Texas ranching pioneers and the traditions that still exist as part of our proud ranching heritage.

Every quilt in the collection is beautiful and unique. 

The first quilt was unveiled at the state fair in 1997.

Each winning quilt is on display at the state fair for a time

and then travels around the state 

as part of their permanent collection and natural fiber exhibition.

***

I've been busy writing my small stones.

A River of Stones...

for info on this project,

 click on the logo in my sidebar.

Here is my "pile" of 5 small stones

that will catch me up for the month...

***

The dampness chills me

as the whispy tendrils of fog

seep in

Then a welcoming and gentle

Zepher-like breeze

limits its presence

***

A fragile wildflower

grows from a split

in the silver-gray stone

its roots thriving happily

***

Ground soaking rain of late

set the siler gray ceniza abloom

with diminutive rose-purple flowers

saying thank you

***

The queen palm spreads its fronds

creating a lacy and delicate shade

bestowing the harsh landscape below

with a bit of enchantment.

***

Morning light and shadows

becoming whimsically elongated

then leisurely withdraws

the enchantment of reflection

as the day progresses

***

I will post soon about all the happenings

of late...more Conner quilts, tea cup swap pics,

and more.

In the meantime I'll be reading your recent posts and will....

:)

Savor the Day!

Yvonne