We had a wonderful summer with many friends and kids filling our home. I took our son back to school a few weeks ago and he is settled in for another school year. Our daughter is having a great school year as she begins a new adventure in culinary arts. The high schools in Vancouver offer many different magnet programs for high school students. The kids can choose from many specialized programs from IB to Law to Medical to Culinary Arts. I think this is a wonderful opportunity and our kids are blessed to have so many choices.

My husband and I took our annual backpacking trip in early May and hiked in the Escalante Canyon with our backpacking friends. Our group ranged in age from 18 - 78. The weather was fantastic and I even managed to forge a river with a lot of help from a rope and borrowed tevas. A few weeks ago we ventured out again and climbed the south side of Mount Saint Helens. What an amazing adventure. This was a very hard climb. The trail (I use the term trail very loosely here) seemed to go straight up for the last three miles. It was worth the climb however because the view was amazing and the satisfaction of reaching the top was wonderful!!


Over the summer I explored some new opportunities inside and outside of the creative industry. I had a great time learning how to operate my embroidery machine. What an incredible discovery!! I also made several quilts and learned how to machine quilt. I just love having the ability to make a quilt from start to finish. My favorite part is hand stitching the binding. I think that is because is brings the project to a close and it is a very intimate part of the quilt making process.

I am starting a 6 week Photoshop class this Saturday and I am very excited about the opportunity to increase my skill level with that program. I have also been playing with new quilt design software and have found it to be very valuable.

I am continually adding new projects to my web site so check it out. The latest are three projects using vintage linens. My mother recently gave me several vintage hankies and some vintage jewelry.....think of the possibilities!!

Happy crafting and quilting!!

Deb