Joyce Livingston (Author) & Friends

QUILT BLOCK - Spiced prints!

2006-07-26T08:09:00.000-07:00

Spriced Prints! How's that for the name of a quilt block? Being an author of fiction, with a vivid imagination, I'd probably change it to SPICED PRINCE!

I come today - almost dreading what I am about to say. Doing this blog has been great fun. As you've probably noticed, I haven't tried to teach you some great writing secrets I've learned on my way to the publication of nearly 30 fiction books now......I haven't tried to give you long speels to try to get you to buy my books. Nor have I bored you with a whole lot of other things. I love color. To me, it sets the mood for the day when I jump out of bed in the morning. I must have color surrounding me at all times - for excitement, challenge, and an all over good feeling. That's why I decided to use the colored quilt blocks on my blog, as well as a few of the pics of the Tatouage I'm using in my home, AND the purse cookie jars. I hoped the seeing of those colorful items would set the mood for your day, too!

Well, while this has all been fun, it has been time-consuming too (when I should have been writing *sold* books). SO _ _ _ this blog is going on a *Summertime* hiatus. I hope to have it up and running again in the fall. IF you would like to be notified when I get it started again....email me: joyce@joycelivingston.com or leave a comment here on this blog. Otherwise, I do hope you will check back to see when I do start it again. What will I be putting on that blog? Who knows? I guess you'll have to come and see. I haven't fully decided myself.

It's been great having you visit. Meantime, I do hope you'll come by www.joycelivingston.com. No guest book for you to sign, so you won't have to feel like you need to leave a message. Have a great *what is left of summer*! See you in the fall, probably about the last of Sept.

Much love, and thanks for stopping by,
Joyce Livingston, author

Today's QUILT BLOCK - Mariner's Compass

2006-07-22T07:06:00.000-07:00

AH, one of the most popular block patterns ever! But an absolute Nightmare to create. Points, points, points, plus getting that perfect unpuckered center! A real challenge, sometimes, even for the advanced quilter. But, thanks to someone inventing *paper-piecing* and other simplier techniques, blocks like this one are now more *doable* than they were years ago, probably when this old block was made by someone's loving heart and hands. Try to visualize it in an entire quilt of blocks, or in the colors you like best. What would we ever do without our imagination?

Did I ever mention I try to put at least a mention of a quilt in my women's fiction books, as well as my Heartsong novels? Some of my published books are even centered around quilts, such as Lucy's Quilt (an Historical), The Baby Quilt, and others. Both of the books titles I mention were voted #1 Book of the Year by the Heartsong readers. Everyone loves quilts!

Have a wonderful Saturday (and weekend).
Hope to see you back again soon!

Joyce Livingston, author

Quilt Block Lone Star and Cookie Jars

2006-07-21T08:35:00.000-07:00

Hi, again!
At the left, you will see one of the pics I had hoped to share each day with those who visit my blog. It is a pic of just a few (4 and one half of the 5th if you look closely) of my *purse* cookie jar collection. I had planned to show you one each day, as well as other pics of my condo as I am redecorating it. In the works is a major bathroom renovation which will be happening over the next month or so. BUT - - - so far, only 6 people have emailed me that they are interested in home decorating and would like to see the pics. SOOOOOOO - I have decided not to do it. But - - to give you an idea of what I had in mind, I put up this cookie jar pic. I have found most folks have never heard of these cookie jar purses before, but everyone who comes in my house goes gaga over them. 'Nuff said!

Today's quilt block is Lone Star, a very popular block long ago, as well as now. Isn't it beautiful? It's fairly hard to piece, for a beginner, but if you are careful, it can be done. The results are well worth the effort.

Thanks for stopping by - - - hope you'll stop back soon!
Joyce Livingston, Author

MY amazing MIRACLE! plus Quilt block---

2006-07-18T07:11:00.000-07:00

Isn't this a great block? Not for beginners though. The piecing is fairly complex. But, if you're brave enough to try it, it would look beautiful in just about any color combination. It's called LANCASTER.

Okay - - now for my miracle story!

A little over a week ago, I was rounding the corner, running as usual, ready to go downstairs to check the email on my desk computer. But as I turned the corner, I also reached down to pick up the new bottle of Windex I'd planned to carry down to my furnace room, BUT - - - as I did all of this, something happened that happens probably only 3 or 4 times a year. I SNEEZED!!!!! BIG TIME!!!!!

I couldn't straighten up - at all! That has only happened to me one other time in my life, many years ago, and the circumstances were just about the same. That time, it lasted nearly a week. "Oh, no! I don't have time for this!" I cried out to God. But - I stayed that way inspite of my cry - for 3 days! I had to either be upright on my feet, or lying flat in bed. And getting up or down - was miserable! I even tried tilting my laptop up against my knees when lying down so I could work on my current WIP (work in progress to you non-writers), and that didn't work at all. There isn't much you can do lying down. It was difficult to even read. And standing? That was even worse. Every step I tried to take sent a shiver of pain coursing through my back muscles. BUT-----

FINALLY-----The Lord healed me! How? I was doing nearly the same thing again, but this time in a very slow motion, and painfully. Turning to go down my stairs to check my email, WHEN - - I sneezed again! Big time!

KABOOM! The pain was gone! Immediately! All that was left was the tiniest twinge when I twisted to one side, and that was very slight. I laughed outloud. Only God could have thought to heal with the very thing that had sent me into pain and isolation in the first place. A SNEEZE! Like I said, that has been over a week ago and I'm fine! No pain or aches whatsoever. But I'll tell you one thing - if I ever feel a sneeze coming on - I'm going to stop deadstill in my tracks, face forward, and let her rip! No bending! I don't want to go through that again. Each time I think of what had happened and how I was healed, I have to laugh and look upward, praising God. Does God have a sense of humor or what? I LOVED WHAT HE DID! Don't you?

Thanks for stopping by! And don't forget, if you are interested in seeing the redorating pics of my home, leave me a message on this blog or email me at: www.joycelivingston.com. Otherwise, I won't post them.

Joyce Livingston (who daily praises God for his blessings)

I"M B A C K!!!!!!

2006-07-17T06:36:00.000-07:00

I'm finally back! I'm sorry for not blogging for several weeks but LIFE happened! VBG! You know about that, don't you? We all have LIFE happen and change our schedules. After visiting with my son and his family at our cabin on the lake, I came back home, took one look at the walls I wanted to paint and went for it! I knew if I plowed right back into blogging and my writing committments, I'd never get it done, and those walls were bugging me, to the point of distraction.

In fact, I've had so much fun decorating my condo (been in it for about 7 months or so now), that I'm considering adding pictures of what I've done to this blog. SO . . . . . if you'd be interested in seeing what this eccentric romance writer has done to the first 3 rooms she's redecorated, just leave me a message. I'm doing my home in *slightly Victorian* and I LOVE IT! And I have a number of photographs I've taken of it. I even added a HUGE mosaic marble tile floor to my kitchen. It has such tiny pieces you'll be amazed! And ... I bought it on Ebay!

Okay, now for the old quilt block of today. It's called Navajo tulips, Isn't that a great name? Makes you wonder who thought it up! Love the colors, how about you?

Tomorrow's blog will feature a miracle that happened to me last week! A true miracle from God, and it really shows He has a sense of humor. Do stop by!

Joyce Livingston (who is embarrassed about being gone so long from this blog!)
My women's fiction book, THE WIDOWS' CLUB is still in stores and I have another book out this month, SAN DIEGO! Check it out! Both should be in stores everywhere, as well as a few of my Heartsong novels .

BE BACK IN A COUPLE OF DAYS!

2006-07-03T13:25:00.000-07:00

Sorry, no blogs until probably Thursday, July 6th. All because of my birthday which is Wed, the 5th. I've gone out of town to spend some time with my youngest son and family.....which is another of my birthday presents! My official birthday celebration began last Saturday and is still going on. That's the nice part about having a birthday fall each year so close to a holiday! It goes on and on and on! The pic was taken on a Hawaiian cruise.....love the dress but never get to wear it! Couldn't resist adding the pic!

See you Thursday with another quilt block and another Tatouage!
Have a good and safe 4th!

Joyce Livingston, author

Quilt Block #27 and more Tatouage

2006-06-30T07:06:00.000-07:00

Yes, this is Tatouage. Sorry the pic didn't come out as large or clear as I'd like. This is actually about a 7' tree. Of course you put it up in sections, but what a great addition to a plain wall. And the nice part? You don't have to dust it or clean it like a silk tree. Get tired of it? Paint over it and you'll never know it was there.

Today's old quilt block is KANSAS DUGOUT. A little more difficult to piece but not really that hard, especially if you've learned the newer techniques crafty quilters have come up with. Short cuts, if you will. Great color combination, don't you agree?

I hope you're enjoying the old quilt blocks and the pics of Tatouage I've placed here.

Stop back tomorrow for more additions!

Joyce Livingston, author
Latest book, THE WIDOWS' CLUB in stores now.

QUILT BLOCK #26 & more TATOUAGE

2006-06-29T07:16:00.000-07:00

This old quilt block is called - - can you guess? JOY! Wouldn't this be great in a Christmas Quilt? There are patterns available where you can spell out just about any name you want by piecing pieces together such as the quilt maker did here. Great block? Don't you agree?

This Tatouage pattern is one of my favorites, although I haven't used it on my walls yet. It has several companion pieces, such as corners and straight borders. Of course, you can cut any pattern up and place it in whatever pattern sequence you choose, which gives you the option of being creative. On the arch (you may have seen several days earlier on this blog) you will note that I had cut the roses, leaves, and stems in many different ways to make them look more realistic.

Another quilt block and more Tatouage tomorrow!

Joyce Livingston, author

Tatouage and another Quilt Block

2006-06-28T10:30:00.000-07:00

Today's old quilt block is called *Hovering Hawks*. Great name for it. With a little imagination, you can almost see those hawks!

Since so many expressed interest in the pics of Tatouage I'd done in my own home, I decided to add another pic each day for several days.

These new ones are NOT pictures taken from my home, but other Tatouage possibilities from patterns that are available.

And, NO, I am not selling anything! I have just enjoyed doing Tatouage and like to share a good thing when I see it.

Thanks for stopping by. Tomorrow, I'll post another quilt block and nother Tatouage pattern.

Joyce Livingston, author
My latest book, THE WIDOWS' CLUB, is in stores and available on the Internet now.

Another Quilt BLOCK & another TATOUAGE

2006-06-27T06:59:00.000-07:00

This is HONEYBEE! Good name for it, don't you think? And I love the color combination....could it be because there is a touch of black in it? This wouldn't be a hard block for beginnners, if they look at it as a simple 9-patch with simple rectangles and squares added as a border, then the *petals* appliqued onto the finished block. Note the blanket stitching used to anchor the petals. Neat, huh? Gives it that *made long ago* touch.

Now for the Tatouage I promised I'd add today. I've inserted the picture, then added a brief instruction paragraph for you. It's quite simple to do...just a bit time consuming, and it truly looks like you have painted it yourself. You can even see the brush strokes. But it actually takes very little time when you consider the results. Of course, smaller pieces don't take nearly as long to complete. I seem to gravitate toward the larger ones. Actually, this vase/flower wall isn't completed yet. I plan to add an actual fancy white wood frame around to create a border, to make it look like a real framed painting, then continue the burgandy paint color up to the edge of the frame. That will be the icing on the cake! Then when the small lamp beneath is lit, it will shine up onto the Tataouge.

Okay, here are the instructions:
What is Tatouage?
Tatouage designs are highly detailed dry-rub transfers that can be applied to almost any hard surface. Tatouage can give your décor the look hand-painted borders, murals or trompe d’oeil effects. Carefully place your Tatouage transfer, remove the protective backing and rub on the entire design, using the supplied Tatouage tool. As you rub, you can peel back the paper and watch while the Tatouage design transfers. There is no paint, glue, water or fumes involved with the Tatouage transfer process.

See how simple this is? But the results are fabulous! Whatcha think of it?

Joyce Livingston, author
My latest book, THE WIDOWS' CLUB, a woman's fiction novel is in stores now.

QUILT BLOCK #24 and TATOUAGE

2006-06-26T14:34:00.000-07:00

Here's the block. It is called Greek Cross.

Okay, I had promised I would put a picture of my latest TATOUAGE project on my blog, for those who have no idea what TATOUAGE is! This is it! And I did it myself! Amazing, huh?

I had used Tatouage in our cabin and loved it. So did everyone who saw it. It looks like you have painted it yourself, or had someone in to do it for you. So - - when I moved into my condo - - I could hardly wait to paint the walls with fresh paint so I could a add this arch. I love Victorian-type things, as you'd see if I showed you the rest of my house. Or at least the part I have redecorated since moving in about 5 months ago. Of course, there is more to come but for now, it's back to writing!

If you are interested in TATOUAGE and leave a comment or email me telling me you are, I'll post a second picture tomorrow of the other project I've done with Tatouage. It's a gorgeous bouquet of colorful flowers in a cobalt blue vase - - one of my favorite Tatouage pieces and fairly large. And believe me - if I can do this - anyone can! VBG!

Now about the quilt block. I know - - I missed adding one Sunday, but Sunday was a very busy day, like I'm sure it was for all of you, however, I did manage to put the final touches on that Tatouage arch late Sunday afternoon, so I was all finished! What a feeling to see it finally up on my wall.

Joyce Livingston, author

QUILT BLOCK # 22 Grandma's Favorite

2006-06-23T07:43:00.001-07:00

Well, one of yesterday's blocks was Grandmother's Fan . . . today, this one is Grandma's Favorite. Makes me wonder whose Grandma?

I love this simple block. In fact, I have a piece of the fabric in my fabric stash right now. I didn't notice until this minute, this block is upside down! See the letter C? Each block in that fabric has a different letter. But I'm working against a deadline for a book so don't have time to go into my paint program and flip it! Sorry! Needless to say, the J and the L are cut out of my fabric. I've already used those! I do love the idea of fabric with letters in them that you can incorporate into your quilts to personalize them. What a great idea . . . wonder why more manufacturers don't do it. Of course your remaining fabric looks like a piece of Swiss cheese once you've cut out the ones that fit you or your family. Could be that's the reason why?

Speaking of stashs . . . I seem to harbour way more than fabric. I know computers were supposed to save paper and keep clutter from your office area and home . . . but I seem to keep files on my computer AND print things out. My file cabinets are full! I'll bet I could throw away 90% of that stuff and never miss it. My house is always clean and uncluttered but don't look in my file cabinets or desk drawers. I also hate to throw away depleted ballpoint pens. So many have my author friend's names on them. But what use am I ever going to get from a *spent* pen?

Am I the only one like this? I'll betcha I'm not. I'll bet you're that way too! What do you hoard away that is absolutely useless?

Joyce Livingston, author

QUILT BLOCKS #20 & 21 Goose in the Pond and Grandma's Fan

2006-06-22T08:27:00.000-07:00

HOW ABOUT A DOUBLE WHAMMY TODAY? Two blocks, since I had to miss posting yesterday? For some reason, I lost my Internet connection, and since I was so busy writing, I didn't take the time to call the tech and set it up again. Goose in the pond is a great block but, of the two, I have to admit Grandma's fan is my fav! Several years ago I made a really gorgeous quilt using shades of cream, powder blue and peach together with the powder blue sashes and bindings. I even appliqued a huge powder blue bow on the pillow area. Someday, if I have a chance to get it out and photograph it, I'll post it here. Great blocks, aren't they?

A little off the subject but, in my scripture reading today, I read how Jesus was rejected twice in his early ministry by those in his hometown - thus the scripture (and the words quoted so often by so many) a prophet has no honor in his own country. As an author, I immediately thought about the letters of rejection we often receive, and how we have to suck it up and keep on keeping on, or we'll never reach success.

How about the rejections in your life? How do you handle them? Do they come from your family and close friends? Which rejections hurt you the most? Food for thought.

Joyce Livingston, author

QUILT BLOCK #19 Friendship Star

2006-06-20T08:50:00.000-07:00

Wow! Are these colors ever subtle! Pale, but nice, right? Friendship Star. What a neat name for a block, especially since so many of the early quilts were made by friends - for one another. I've never had a friend like that, have you? If you have, you are indeed blessed. Making a quilt, though enjoyable, is a lot of work. To make it for a friend - well, it's amazing that someone would put that kind of work into something and then give it away. Why? Because friendships can disolve overnight. I think we've all seen incidences of that. And - there goes your precious quilt. BUT, some friendships last a lifetime, so what a tribute to make out of honor for that friendship. Like we so often hear - you can pick your friends, but you can't pick your relatives! So - the moral of this story is - choose your friends wisely so they'll be there for you year after year after year - and you for them!

Have a blessed day and write or email a friend you haven't seen for a long time.

Joyce Livingston, author

QUILT BLOCK #18 Exquisite!

2006-06-19T07:36:00.000-07:00

Yep, that's the name shown for this old block - EXQUISITE - and I'm inclined to agree. I like it! I think it has zing. What a simple block to make. Perfect for beginners, and a great way to use up those tiny odd scraps. Look at the very center of the block and you'll see a lopsided star. See it? Isn't that neat? Look at it by tilting your head to the left and you'll see tiny bow ties. The imagery is what makes so many blocks special.

Speaking of imagery (how's that for a lead-in?), I visited another church last night for their Sunday evening service. The speaker, Diane Bishop's son (the Diane Bishop who does the SISTERS program on inspirational channels on TV and had spoken there herself the night before) talked about imagery using a scripture from Ezekiel. What a powerful message...made me do some real soul-searching. It wasn't exactly a Father's Day message but could certainly apply to fathers as well as the rest of us. He used humor to illustrate his points which really made them memorable.

Did you have a good service at your church yesterday? I love the praise music in the Sunday services. Really reves me up and prepares me for whatever will be *laid* on me the following week. So - bring it on...I'm ready! Isn't the Lord good?

Joyce Livingston, author

QUILT BLOCK #17 Dresden Plate, and Father's Day

2006-06-18T14:28:00.000-07:00

Ah, ha! I think most of us know this old familiar block's name - - Dresden Plate. You can tell the fabrics are old in this one - - maybe made from old dresses or shirts. Even the patterns look *old*. None of my relatives ever pieced or quilted quilts. I'm the first one, and of course I went overboard, like I do with everything I tackle. Whole hog - - that's me! Can you imagine what it must have been like during the depression days, when both money and fabric was hard to come by. I can just see mothers who had no money to spend, cutting up dresses and shirts to make something pretty, as well as useful, for their homes. Many of those old quilts are still around - - and priceless. Ever try to buy on of them at an auction? Amazing how much they go for. Nothing is as *comfort-ing* (pun, intended!) as a quilt.

Well, today is Father's Day. We had a wonderful service for Fathers in both my Sunday school class and the morning worship service. But I admit I shed a few tears as I gazed at the empty place beside me on the pew, where my dear husband should have been. He was the perfect father, because he was a godly father who wanted to do what God wanted him to - as a father. Our children were truly blessed to be able to call him Dad. We miss him so much - on Father's Day - and every other day of the year. How I long to be able to kiss his sweet face and say, "Happy Father's Day, sweetheart."

Joyce Livingston, author

QUILT BLOCK #16 Double T

2006-06-17T09:28:00.000-07:00

Okay, I really like the block but the blandness of the colors turn me off. Is it just me? Or do you like the colors?

Actually, I'm not too keen on anything bland - from eggs to someone who is personalityless (is that word?). I love color! It makes my heart sing to see it.

What color (if any) makes your heart sing? Are you a colorful person? In both your likes and your personality?

Tomorrow is Father's Day. My father passed away well over 20 years ago, so I no longer have him with me. My precious husband passed away 20 months ago, so my children no longer have their father to tell I love you. Father's Day is really hard for me. My husband Don was a wonderful father. A perfect example of what I always thought a father should be. I really, really, really miss him! Sorry for waxing nostalgic but holidays always bring that side of me out - now that he is no longer with me.

Kiss and hug your father (and husband) if he is with you, or at least call him on the phone. If your family doesn't normally tell one another you love them....try it! It'll make you both feel better!

Joyce Livingston, author

QUILT BLOCK #16 Diamond Lily

2006-06-16T08:22:00.000-07:00

Though this block in titled Diamond Lily, I have also seen it as Carolina Lily. I've used this same block in several of my quilts and love it. Its appearance changes so much with each color change, and it is a fairly simple block to construct. Picture it in shades of blue. Ah, that would be so pretty, with maybe a soft grey or white background. Just the thought makes me wish I had time to do quilting like I used to have - - BEFORE I became a published author. But, even if I made a new quilt, where would I store it? My closet shelves are already crammed with the 18 bedsized (mostly king!) quilts I've already made and hand-quilted! But there is nothing like sitting in your easy chair, listening to music or watching TV while your fingers work away rythmically at hand-quilting.

I hope your day is going well. Mine is - - so far. This week, I have actually written 23 new pages of manuscript on my second book in the Widows' series - - this one is THE INVASION OF THE WIDOWS' CLUB. I'm having a blast writing it. I adore these characters - - and I should put the emphasis on the word Characters - - for they have their own quirkiness - - which leads to lots of drama, fun, and adventure. Well - - speaking of my characters - - they are calling my name, shouting for me to come and finish the book! S0....I gotta go!

Thanks for looking in. More quilt blocks yet to come!

Joyce Livingston, author
Latest book, THE WIDOWS' CLUB, a women's fiction novel in stores now.

QUILT BLOCK #15 Devil's Claw

2006-06-15T07:40:00.000-07:00

Love this block - but I am not so sure about the name. Devil's Claw? Surely the maker could have thought of a more charming name for this charming block. Um...let's see...what else could we call it? Got any suggestions? How about Pointed Cross? Or Sandburr? Or - - - my creative mind is coming up blank. Let me hear your suggestions.

I did a strange thing this morning. Read through Chronicles in the Bible - yep - all those geneologies! But it was amazing! I can't believe how interesting it was. I'd only intended to read a chapter - but ended up reading the entire thing! How much do you know about your background? How far back can you trace it? Isn't it astounding that someone would take all that time to record generation after generation after generation? But, by knowing that, we can see the linage of Christ, and how important is was that the bloodline was preserved and recorded. I don't know if you mark your Bible up, but I sure do mine. Each time I read it through, I try to use a different color pen to make my markings. It's always surprising to see what things jump out at me one year that I'd not even noted the year before. Yeah for those who took the time to write and record History for us!

Joyce Livingston, Author

QUILT BLOCK #14 and FLAG DAY!

2006-06-14T07:48:00.000-07:00

Do you know what today is? It's not a holiday, but it is an important day in U.S. history.

It's National Flag Day. On this day back in 1777, the U.S. flag was adopted by the Second Continental Congress. Flag Day was declared in 1916 by President Woodrow Wilson.

Today's block isn't of the traditional red, white, and blue colors I would have liked to use on Flag Day, but it is close. I don't have its name but I like the way the paisley fabric has been used with the plaid and the marbelized background. What fun it is to pull scraps together into something as beautiful as a quilt block.

Enjoy FLAG DAY! Isn't it great to be an American?

Joyce Livingston, author

QUILT BLOCK #13 Bradford's Beauty

2006-06-13T09:09:00.000-07:00

Bradford's Beauty? I like that name. Sounds like a good title for a romance novel, doesn't it? And - I truly love this block. The shape, the form, and the colors! Do you like it?

As women, many of us love to do needlework and craft type things. But many of us also like to do other things that do not fall into those lines. I've become a real tool nut! No not the needles, pins, hoops type tools, but the tool-tools. Hammers, pliers, snippers, levels, stud-finders, saw horses, cordless drill - that type of tools. Where my precious husband (who is now at home with the Lord) used to do all the handyman type things and had his set of tools, I now find I am the *handywoman* and those jobs are now mine. That - or I can spend my savings having someone else do them. My sons and daughters are great about doing things for me - but I find I enjoy doing them myself. I even treated myself recently to the purchase of an electric mitresaw with laser! And a cordless nailer that will shoot 2" nails! I haven't used either of them yet (just got them) but plan to soon. I also plan to build my own workbench in my garage and add a wall of pegboard so I can organize my tools (you know-make them look pretty hanging on the wall!) Sorry, can't help it - I'm still a girly-girl at heart, even if I love power tools and what I can do with them.

Do you like power tools? Come on - tell me I'm not the only one! VBG!

Joyce Livingston, author (who should be writing right now!)

QUILT BLOCK BONUS DAY!!!!!

2006-06-12T15:10:00.000-07:00

OKAY.....life got in the way and prevented me from blogging for the past several days! Sorry about that! To make up for it, I've added 4 quilt blocks to this blog. Enjoy them!

I had asked about doing articles and info on my blog about House Flipping, but since I got only a few responses saying they were interested, I've decided not to do it. Takes too much time if so few are interested. Just wanted those of you to know who were kind enough to express your interest. If you enter: House Flipping in the blog search area at the top of this page - you will be shown several sites. I can't say I was too impressed by them, but they do have a small bit of correct information you might find useful.

Have a great day! In addition to painting the interior of my home this past week and this week, I may not be able to blog regularly. Besides painting....I have a writing deadline to meet so I need to plant my seat in my chair and write! Praise God for contracts and writing deadlines!

Joyce Livingston. author

QUILT BLOCK #8 Arrowroot

2006-06-08T07:08:00.000-07:00

Another great old block! This one is Arrowroot. Don't you love the appliqued leaves and the embrodiered stems? And that blast of yellow in the center - really gives this block the *WOW* factor.

The *WOW* factor. When is the last time you've had a *WOW* factor in your life? Like a quilt block, life is kinda what we make it. If we come to a new day with zest, a smile, an anticipation of what that day may hold, it'll probably be a good day - even if trouble comes your way. It's kind of like taking an early morning walk to get your juices flowing, a chance to let your creative mind work.

Or - do y0u have to drag yourself out of bed, ho-humming your way through the day, expecting the worst to happen.

Which kind of person do you want to be? What would be the *WOW* factor in your life that would turn you on? I have a suggestion. Start the day with scripture reading, even if it is only one small chapter. It'll do wonders for you. Could be that *WOW* factor you've been searching for.

Joyce Livingston, Author
My newest book, THE WIDOWS' CLUB, a women's fiction novel is in stores now.

QUILT BLOCK #7 CRAZY SAMPLER

2006-06-07T06:33:00.000-07:00

Wow! Does this block have color or what? I like the mix - it reminds me of a stained glass window. Though it looks hard to make, I'll bet you could make it really simply by doing the 4-patch center block first, then just start on one side and keep adding patches all around the edge until you get it a bit larger than the size you want - then trim it to the exact size. Sounds like fun, doesn't it? Like a puzzle! What a great way to use up all those small scraps you have been saving. As the title above says, this block is known as CRAZY SAMPLER. Don't know who gave it that name, but it fits. Doesn't it?

Also, don't you like the chainstitch handle on the basket? Those small touches really make this block shine.

Kinda like life, huh? Basically routine - but it is those little unexpected happy things God adds to embellish our daily routine - that make life worth while - and make it shine.

Any good things like that happen to you lately?

Joyce Livingston, author

QUILT BLOCK # 6 and FLIPPING HOUSES!

2006-06-06T06:53:00.000-07:00

Hey! Hello again!

Today's quilt block is Annie's Choice. I don't know who gave it that name, but that's the way I received it. Now these colors I like. No--I love them. But I'm a fan of red, pink, rose, burgundy - you get the idea!
If you were doing it, what colors would you choose?

I never see a quilt block but what I think about its creator. How old were they? How long had they been sewing? Was this their very first quilt block. Did they hand piece it because they couldn't afford a sewing maching? Or because they simply love to handpiece? Was it the only block they ever made? Was it intended to be placed in a quilt but the person never had the time, or was unable to complete an entire quilt? Was it handed down to them by a relative? So many questions fill my mind when I am fortunate enough to find one at a flea market, garage sale, GoodWill, etc.

Do you have any precious single quilt blocks in your posession? Did you make them? Did your mother? An aunt?

On one of the quilts I made - a large one to hang over our sofa - I decided to try a new process (new when I made it, that is) of printing scriptures directly onto the fabric in large, bold print that you could see from a distance across the room. It worked out beautifully, and everyone who sees it comments on it. What a way to have the scriptures before your eyes every day!

I've had several write me and say they are interested in hearing more about *flipping houses*. I'd like to hear from more bloggers about this - so if you're interested - let me know! I don't want to post if there isn't enough interest in it - so - if you want to hear about *flippping* - be sure and leave a comment!

Joyce Livingston, author