Does anyone else think the year is flying by?  I just put away the holiday wrappings and am thinking valentine’s day and what to do for summer vacation and trimming roses and planting bulbs and WHEN will I get my exercise in. . .

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Just a quick sampling from the Holiday Boutique in Nipomo:

HootNanny, the umbrella-carrying lady Hoot, is on board to tell the story of the U Hoots gang.  From the land of U, the hoots are a feathered and diverse group of beeked creatures facing the issues and challenges and opportunities of life in the 21st century.  They ponder how to save the environment; they feel strongly about politics; they love bling and fashion and dancing; they are scared of aging and losing their feathers; but, most of all, they are trying to figure out their place in the Universe.  Meet all the Hoots at UHOOTS.com!

I love dogs and cats, but if I were placing a personal ad, I would demand fancy!

And the Road to California Quilt Show gifted me with so much fancy!!  As I wandered through the lanes of Mary Jo Hiney’s beautiful hand-dyed ribbons and rainbow silks to Helen Gibb’s artistry with elegant silk ribbon embellishments to Barbara & Bett’s witty handcrafted dolls to Susan Gower’s amazing trims in her Nifty Thrifty Drygoods store, I rolled in the richness of inspiration and creativity.

One twinkle, two winks, three quick giggles and I entered that magical and transforming place where the Bone Hommes live and play.  They are so thrilled — we are busy planning their new silk costuming.  Bone Chance is campaigning for a purple and green and gold harlequin top hat for Mardi Gras!!

And thanks to the ingenuity of my husband and the services of Bonerella, the Bones may create dust bunnies in time for the Easter parade.

Ontario Convention Center – Road to California Quilt Show 2011

Last night as Mary Jo and I drove away in the dusk from the Ontario Convention Center, I was a little sad at the evaporation of the magic.  Lights had dimmed, fabric had been packed, quilts taken down, confections of silk and cotton carefully stored and the 2011 Road to California Quilt Show was over.

It was my first time at this show, but not my first time at a sewing event.  To those who have not had the happy opportunity to be a part of one of these events, you might want to put it on your 2011 must do list.

It is a time of real community and joy and creativity, and those might possibly be the most important values of life.  Women (AND MEN!) oohed in pleasure at the exquisite artistry and expression of the quilts on display, which showcased the beauty of traditional patterns as well as the new directions in art quilts.

Road to California – Hall of Icicles

As I met the wonderful fiber artists and sewers who came to Mary Jo’s booth, I was so struck by the sustaining power of fiber arts.   The art begins in inspiration and love, often shared with family and friends, and continues to nurture long after the creator is gone.

I had the opportunity to share a moment with a dear woman who had just lost a friend days before.  Her friend had shared her love for needlework.  Her eyes (and mine) filled with tears as she described their friendship and her departed friend’s expertise with Brazilian embroidery.  They had planned to go to this show together.  It was a time of sadness and loss for her, but I could see that she was also finding solace in the familiar community of love and support that is a sewing show.

As was I.  As was I.  I was nurtured by the beauty, inspired by the creativity, uplifted by the shared laughter (more on that on the next post).

The Bone Hommes are quietly celebrating this season of blessings, love and very short cold days.  They like to share a good dinner, warm themselves before the fire, tell a few stories and watch a good movie.  Often, they can’t remember if they’ve seen the movie or not.  It’s just good to be together and warm.

Occasionally, they share a small gift.  Always they are a token of love and from their favorite Cone Fetti designs.   Today, they want to share this with all of you:   a cone of viviality:  merry thoughts and warm wishes.

Now that the partying is over until Mardi Gras, the Bone Hommes have turned their attention to sharing mo’joy (they hope!) during the festivities of Thanksgiving and Christmas (they are always brainstorming new ways to giggle and play!)

They are calling their creations CONE FETTI, tiny paper sculptures to stay in cone tact (ha!!) and share joy and whimsy.

In tomorrow’s morning post, the Bone Hommes will give more details on how to order your custom cone fetti, tiny cone-versations of joy and cone viviality to share with those you love (or want to love!).

Catrina

Remembering all those who went before

After all their antics and word play, today the Bone Hommes are a little reflective. Each of them remembers with love and much affection those who have been a part of their lives.

They invite everyone to light a candle tonight, either a real taper or that secret place in your heart, in acknowledgement of all the love and laughter and fun and learning from the circle of family and friends seen and unseen.

just c’est si bon (say see bone) — It’s SO GOOD!

Here’s to bone chillin’ adventures…..