All summer, my lantana has just sort of piddled along with a puny little blossom popping up every now and then. I guess it just didn't like the horribly hot weather. But now that the temps are down about ten degrees, it is really putting on a show.
This morning I finished the center bear block for the baby quilt I'm working on. (See below.)
The remainder of the top will be scrappy 5" squares. I'm using blue prints and yellow prints for the squares. I hope to have it finished and to the quilter's by the end of next week. The baby that it is intended for was born a couple of months ago. I don't want him to outgrow it before I get it to him.
This afternoon was the monthly meeting of my book club. Today we discussed The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls.
It's the true story of Rose Mary and Rex Walls, who should be the poster people for dysfunctional parents, and their four children. The lackadaisical way that the Walls go about "caring for" their children will make you angry and sick. But the strength and almost stoic attititudes with which these kids come through their nightmarish childhoods to become productive adults will amaze you. I liked this book. It put me in mind of other, even better, books like Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt and The Dollmaker by Harriett Arnow, although neither of these books can boast awful parents to the degree that the Walls were awful.
The video at the link below features Jeannette Walls telling a little about her childhood.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/mpd/permalink/m233QKFTE79AHO
Watching this video, I'm struck by the fact that Walls sounds as if she's describing the life of any ordinary child growing up with ordinary, although a little eccentric, parents. Believe me, this book and the lives of these children were anything but ordinary.
I'm linking to Beverly's Pink Saturday. All you Pinkaholics, be sure to visit some of the blogs listed on Beverly's blog.
I'm very tired and achey tonight. I'm sure it's the fibro. The last couple of times I took the doggies out, it was really a push to make it. For the rest of the evening, they'll have to make do with their small fenced back yard. Sorry, guys. That's the way it crumbles sometimes--cookiewise. Happy Weekend, everyone.
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On 09/11/2010, Ruth said ...
Hi Susan,
Hope Saturday finds you feeling livlier.
I started reading "The Glass Castle " but gave up on it as it made me so upset and angry. Mavbe I'll give it another go.
Love the begiining of your Bear quilt, look forward to seeing the nest step.
Hope you enjoy your weekend.
Ruth
On 09/11/2010, Barbara Anne said ...
Your lantana bush is certainly making up for lost time! It is glorious and wildly pink, just in time for Pink Saturday. Will be visiting the blogs soon.
Your little bear is so very cute! Will he have appliqued or embroidered facial features? I like your idea of scrappy borders. The more colors, the happier, IMHO!
I hope your fibro meds and rest make this flare-up go away quickly. I know how annoying and unpleasant it is.
Hugs!
On 09/11/2010, Kai said ...
I know that book & have looked through, but not bought it. I think perhaps I should. I had to (sort of) smile about that video. Years ago Good Housekeeping magazine asked for "YOUR BEST CHRISTMAS MEMORY" & I submitted mine. Susan, to ME, it WAS a happy memory because it was the point where - despite living in that House of Horrors - I learned to love Christmas. But the editor wrote back, saying that while my account was beautifully written, everyone in the office was in tears, and she didn't think it qualified as a happy memory. LOL! I can SEE how they thought that but I still contend it WAS my best Christmas memory! I guess everything is relative, huh? On a different note, I think your flowers are gorgeous; a veritable explosion of pink beauty! And your bear is sooooo cute! Don't stress yourself or your body until you REALLY feel like doing things! Just relax & enjoy! LOVE YOU!!!
On 09/11/2010, AnnieO said ...
Cute, cute Teddy Bear. Glad to know you have been sewing--the baby will never know he didn't get the quilt at birth, LOL!
Sorry to hear your fibro is flaring, but I'm sure you know that exercise is essential, even though you have to push. Take care!
On 09/11/2010, Debby Messner said ...
I love the pattern, of course, I love Teddy Bears. So cute.
On 09/11/2010, Thelma said ...
I'm so happy your back in your sewing room, did it make you feel better? I'm ready for a new monster block, but LOVE your teddy block.
On 09/11/2010, jeanne said ...
Hello Susan, your lantana is so pretty in pink. I don't do so well in hot weather either. HA! I'm happy it is blooming so nice just for you.
The teddy bear quilt square is adorable. Good for you. I have quilt projects to do but it will probably wait for winter when everything slows down here in the mountains.
Have a happy weekend.
Hugs, jeanne
On 09/11/2010, Mariel said ...
Your flowers are so beautiful!
Just wanted to say that I have read the Glass Castle and her second book Half Broken Horse (I think that's the title, anyway) I have read other excerpts Janette has wrote about her childhood, especially about her father, and find it appalling and amazing that she defends him as some sort of intelligent man when in essence he was truly a drunken monster! It does anger you and her attitude about him is ridiculous! Hope I'm not sounding too harsh but the things he and her mother put those kids through is just unspeakable!
On 09/13/2010, Molly Nelson said ...
I absolutely LOVED The Glass Castle, as well as Angela's Ashes. I just might need to read The Dollmaker now. I'm a quilter but I really enjoy your book reviews. Great blog.
On 10/01/2010, Arab Girls said ...
I love the pattern, of course, I love Teddy Bears. So cute.
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