When I boarded a plane in 2001 headed for Saudi Arabia, I had no idea what the next number of years would bring my way.

And never did I dream that it would include the talented, VERY talented, Philippa Naylor.

If you don’t know who Philippa Naylor is, you can check out her website  www.philippanaylor.com

In one of her classes, she taught us how to draft our own pattern with templates and curves. Here is my project from that class.

Philippa was so very kind and generous with her talent. She taught us her techniques methods and shared her invaluable advice.

But, oh the quilts!

One of my very favorite memories of my time spent in Saudi has to be Philippa’s award winning quilts. She would show us her quilts in progress. She shared how they came to be. And to have witnessed her incredible talent and then to share in the excitement as she won a number of times at the Paducah Quilt show was just so special.  Of all those beautiful quilts that Philippa has in her gallery, I am thrilled to say that I have seen four of them in real life. And they are exquisite!

I am excited that Philippa has just finished writing her second book Applique Mastery. Her books contain beautiful photos and detailed easy to follow directions.

To celebrate all things Philippa, I am giving away a copy of her latest book!

To enter, please leave a comment telling me which of Philippa’s quilts is your favorite from her gallery here

Contest closes Sunday, September 21 at Midnight, MST

I will use a random number generator to select the winner.

Good luck!

And the winner is Cheryl Fricker! Congratulations!

Today is my birthday.

As with every birthday, I take time to pause and to reflect.

Last year, I turned 50. It was an amazing birthday, my best ever! A surprise party in London with my family. All arranged in secret, it was so much fun.

But, 50 and I are not close. Every other decade has been fine with me. But 50, well, we can’t agree on what room temperature is and we just don’t sleep well together. I have struggled for a year now to find some comfort in being 50.

And I pondered gifts and presents over the years, and settled on my favorite gift ever! It was a letter my husband sent me about six years ago, on my birthday, listing all the amazing things that had happened in my life. Every single line brought back some incredible memory. It was like having your entire existence laid out on a table right before you! I was stunned at all the special moments, some big, some small, all so important.  Yes, this was my favorite gift, ever.

50 and I are coming to terms. What I think it is about for me is all the memories.  Taking time to cherish every single moment. Although I am far from home, when I spend special time with those that I love, those memories tide me over until we can do it all again!

Today when I blow out the candle on my cupcake I’ll make a wish!

Wishing you many, many, moments to enjoy and cherish!

Imagine THOSE possibilities!