November 16, 2010

I'm Positively Giddy...

Yesterday, I finished the tote and then bound the Nantucket quilt. Two major projects finished! I'll share the quilt tomorrow, but for today, I have to share how positively giddy I was last night at the Guild meeting.

When I got up yesterday, I was determined to finish assembling the Sweet 16 Challenge piece for our Disconnected Piecers Quilt Guild meeting. I got into the studio early and completed it before lunch time.

For all of you who guessed that the song was "House of the Rising Sun", you're right! It made the Top 100 list in 1970, and although there were other songs I could have chosen (the processional for our wedding was "The Long and Winding Road" - also a hit in 1970), there is a special story behind this song. I also figured I could do something more visual with this one, which also helped me decide.
My father's younger brother, Larry, was only five years older than I, and although he was my uncle, it always seemed like he was my older brother. It always seemed weird to call him "Uncle", as we were so close in age. He was in a band when I was 16. He had an electric keyboard and drums set up in my grandparent's basement, and he played guitar.

When we went to visit one weekend all those years ago, he, my brother and I headed for the basement. I played keyboard and my brother played drums. Larry showed me the chords for "The House of the Rising Sun" and said that I should just play the chords and repeat them...then repeat them again...until the song is over. I'd do alright for a while, but then, I'd lose my concentration and we'd have to start over. He was so patient with me. I still hear Larry's voice saying, "Come on, Dee! You can do it!"

Larry passed away when he was 52 years old (8 years ago). To this day, I can still hear his voice. When I went down the list and saw that this song was in the Top 100 for 1970, I knew I'd be doing my challenge piece based on this song with such happy memories attached to it. This is my loving tribute to him.
Why am I giddy, you ask? Out of sixteen entries at the Guild meeting last night, my tote was chosen by the members to receive a Third Place ribbon! All entries were anonymous, as were the votes for Member's Choices. With all the gorgeous interpretations, I was shocked that I won at all. Truth be told, I didn't even know they were going to judge the pieces. I only thought it would be fun trying to figure out the titles for each of the entries.In case you're interested, the other songs were: Twilight Time (wall hanging), Hummingbird (pillow), Swing on A Star (hanging), Three Coins In A Fountain (wall hanging), Red Red Wine (wall hanging), Tears Of A Clown (wall hanging), Heard It Through The Grapevine (wall hanging), Deep Purple (wall hanging), MacArthur Park (a windowpane wall hanging), Our House (wall hanging), Spooky (wall hanging), Yellow Submarine (wall hanging), I Saw Her Standing There (wall hanging), my House of the Rising Sun (tote), Brown-Eyed Girl (wall hanging), and Tan Shoes and Pink Shoelaces (wall hanging).

THEN, there was a contest to see how many song titles you could guess from the entries. I won a prize bag for having the third most correct answers! My prizes were a Bali batiks jelly pack (worth over $30!!), another cut of batik fabric, a box of pins, a tape measure and a quilt pattern book. My entire prize package had to have been worth at least $65! Thank you to Nora and Kathy of Sandy's Quilt Shop for donating the prizes.

AND, they also had a raffle last night. As we walked in the door, we signed our names to the attendance book and were handed a raffle ticket. I won a fat quarter pack of baby-themed flannels!

So, I guess yesterday was my lucky day, and I didn't see it coming at all. (Darn! I should have bought a lottery ticket!)

Tomorrow, I'll share the finished Nantucket quilt, and if I'm really ambitious, you'll see the finished Lavender Dreams quilt, too! (Kathy told me at the meeting last night that it was ready to pick up.)

Kessie is feeling much better. She's even wagging her tail! Fez is being really sedate, considering that he could be a real pest if he wanted to. We're all really grateful that he's behaving and giving Kes time to heal. I'm sure he'll tell you all about it on Friday!

19 comments:

  1. Yippee for you Sweetie! That was your lucky day. Your tote is beautiful and the story even sweeter. I loved that song growing up and the long and winding road was a favorite too. I bet it was beautiful at your wedding.

    Thanks again for sharing so many sweet comments with me and praying for me. My heart is so full. I hope your baby is feeling much better. Doesn't it warm your heart to see that tail going again?

    Sweet dreams Hon'

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  2. Just lovely Donna....and you should have played the lottery you lukcy lady

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  3. I'm glad the Kessie is feeling better-
    Congratulations on so many wonderful things - finishing, awards ......
    You are so blessed !!!!!
    Have a great day :)

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  4. Dee, that is awesome!!! I love tote bag, your work is gorgeous, no wonder they loved it. What a wonderful story sewn with love into a keepsake piece, that is so like you!!! Happy to hear Kes is feeling better and Fez is behaving himself...good puppies!!!
    Hugs,
    Mags

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  5. Congratulations Donna! You had a wonderful time at your Guild!! That is great about the 3rd place ribbon! Good for you-you work is absolutely wonderful! I love the tote you made!

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  6. Hi Donna
    Congrats on all your great prizes. I think Kessie gave you the greatest gift of all. There is something about a taily-wag!

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  7. I love the colors and nice quilting. I am glad you won, always a feel good feeling..Have a bountiful Thanksgiving.
    Maggey

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  8. You lucky girl. I loved reading the story behind the tote!
    Have a great day.
    Jane

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  9. So glad to hear about Kes, I was interested in the rest but I kept thinking waht about Kes????? The tote bag was a great interpretation of the song and I am surprised you did not win 1st place! What a great inspiration for the piece and a touching story.
    You are one lucky duck that is for sure! Good looks and good luck!
    Can't be beat!
    Debbie

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  10. What a beautiful blog post. Love the tote bag and the story behind it. I don't know how you acomplish so much..you are a wonderwoman!! Can't wait to read tomorrow's post!!

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  11. Your beautiful quilted tote is a lovely trubute to honor your brother (and his patience).
    So happy Kes is feeling better and what patience Fezzik is showing until play time again.
    Happy happy to all...

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  12. Congratulations! Well-deserved, my friend. I love the story behind your creation.

    And I'm so glad to hear about Kes' recovery!

    xo
    Claudia

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  13. Donna, congratulations on the triple win! I'm a bit behind in my visits so I scrolled down to catch up. The tote is gorgeous, but the story behind its inspiration is equally as beautiful. You are a special lady!
    It was fun to see you with your sisters. I only have one sister, and she is the best. I feel so blessed to have her in my life.
    Happy Day! ~ Sarah

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  14. LOVE your tote and the great story behind it :)
    My sisters oldest son is 6 years younger than me... it is odd for them to call me aunt. I remember going to kindergarten and sharing the great news, "I'm an aunt! I'm an aunt!" My friends did not agree that I was a bug of any kind... (giggle)
    LOVE all that you do... big hugs to your sweet pup~
    Hugs to you, too!
    Michelle

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  15. Congratulations pretty lady. I'm so happy you got all those goodies, and I know you'll have something made out of them soon. Your tote is beautiful, but I just didn't get the song. I didn't particularly enjoy that song when I was younger, but I do now.

    Hugs,
    Meri

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  16. Congratulations on your wins! Your tote bag is great. My first guess was House of the Rising Sun also. My son is learning to play the guitar and he plays that all the time. It must be a good one to learn on!

    Glad to hear Kes is better. It's so hard to see our animals feel bad.

    Kathy

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  17. What a wonderful tribute and a beautiful bag!Congratulations girlfriend! You should be giddy! I would be too!
    xx, shell

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  18. Congrats to you! The tote is lovely - and what wonderful inspiration behind it. :) Glad to hear Kes is feeling better...sweet baby. Little Fez knows she's not well - hes looking out for her. At least, I think so. :) Theresa

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  19. Congrats and thanks for the great story. I love hearing stories about my dad. :)

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Thank you so much for leaving a comment today. I'm using new settings on my comments so that I'll be able to respond to your messages to me. Be sure to come back to see my replies!

Blessings, Donna