The Kindness of Strangers . . .

Blanche DuBois, the main character in Tennessee Williams' play A Streetcar Named Desire is often quoted, "I have always depended on the kindness of strangers."

For me--and for many of us, I hope--the kindness of strangers has played a pivotal role. It was a kind stranger who took the time to tell me why she had a painted quilt hung on her barn, another who directed me to Donna Sue Groves, and the kindest of all--Donna Sue, who was a stranger at the time--who gave me the opportunity to tell this story.

Along the way, many "strangers" were kind enough to offer all kinds of help and hospitality, from a simple map to a guided tour, to food and lodging. And some of those strangers became friends.

But most who will read this are strangers to me, so to you I beg a bit of indulgence.

Here is a request/offer for those of you who are planning to purchase my book when it comes out in a few months.

I am participating in a fundraiser for Georgia River Network--a nonprofit organization that safeguards our water supply in Georgia. I will be kayaking 106 miles in a weeklong fundraiser in June. That's over 15 miles a day, folks!

For those who don't know me, and am 51, and for those who have never been to Georgia in June, it will be HOT. But I am determined to do this, and now that I am committed to it, I want to make a difference.

SO--I'm trying to think of creative fundraising ideas. Here you go:

For every dollar you donate (up to $20) to Georgia River Network in my name, you will receive a 1% discount on an autographed copy of the book, "Barn Quilts and the American Quilt Trail Movement." So--donate $10, your autographed copy of the book will be discounted 10%. Donate $20, you will receive a 20% discount.

Of course, you may give more, and you may give whether you intend to purchase a book or not.

If you didn't do anything for Mother Earth yesterday for Earth Day, now is your chance! I will be doing all of the work (did I mention the 106 miles?), and both you and the environment will benefit.

Thanks in advance for your kindness. Be sure to leave a message here after you donate, so that I can keep a record.

http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/parron/Paddle-Georgia-2011


Our Easter barn quilt is Flower Basket at the Bingley Barn in Kankakee, Illinois. I featured a snow shot of it last winter, but spring really is its season! And Easter is the day for baskets!

Not Exactly the Beach

I've been bad; spring has been with us for a few weeks now, and I haven't posted any springtime photos!! Scott County, Kentucky, was one of the earliest stops along my journey a couple of years ago on a perfect April weekend like this one. The black barns really set off the painted quilts.

As I walked around enjoying today's spectacular sunshine and cool breezes with all of the dandelions blooming, I was reminded of this photo.

It's the perfect combination for this particular spring, since the quilt square is "Storm at Sea." Though these last few days have been spectacular, we have had the most frightening weather these past few weeks. I'm glad I didn't head to the beach for spring break!

Here is a closeup of the painted quilt block; I think they did a great job at replicating the fabric look.

This was actually a fun photoshoot, as I had a consultant nearby.

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He posed for me, but his big head kept getting in the way of the barn quilt--I do believe he thought I was there for his sake!

As always, if you have photos to share of your projects or those that you have seen along the way, do pass them along. I love your comments here, but if you have more to share, contact me at americanquilttrail@yahoo.com

Almost Barn Quilting Time!

First, I have to apologize for my absence. The book is in production, and it's out of my hands for a while. For the first time since July of 2008, I took a brief respite from this project. Soon, I will back in the thick of things--finalizing the manuscript and helping to promote the book.

Thanks to those who sent notes inquiring as to my health and whereabouts; I was touched that some of you took the time to do so.

So--Spring is barn quilting season--most of the existing committees are gearing up, and some new ones are putting their plans together as well. But I just got this photo last week, and--well--you know I am a sucker for a snow photo! So--the last one of the season.

Funny thing is, I don't know a darned thing about this one. It was sent to me by Bonita Simshauser, who said that she and a friend painted it one weekend a couple of years back. It's a twelve by twelve foot square, and though Bonita didn't say so, it appears to be painted directly on the barn door. If so, that was quite an undertaking!

UPDATE:

I heard back from Bonita, who lives in Winimac, Indiana, with a bit more about her barn quilt. Her friend Ginny Smith, who lives in Gibralter, MI had seen barn quilts but didn't have a barn. Ginny and her husband came to visit for a week, and while the men were re-roofing the henhouse, the women painted the quilt. Bonita admits that the guys did help to make it square!

The project took only two days. The men were hard at work, and the women were a bit sad that their fun had come to an end so quickly. So they painted the double star on the garage--what a beauty!

The women were still having fun, so they purchased (3) 4ft. x 4ft. plywood, primed it, and went back to work. Ginny was able to go home with quilt blocks for the back of her garage. Bonita writes, "I was so happy that she too has something beautiful to enjoy after all OUR fun work!"

Barn quilting is fun, and I miss sharing in it! I look forward to a bit of traveling over the next couple of months, to visit old friends, to see some new barn quilts, and to take photos for next year's calendar. So there will be some new tales from the trail to share soon.

Meanwhile, as always--send along any news or photos that you would like to share, or head over to Facebook, where you can post them.

No Barns in Atlanta

We may not have any barns in Atlanta--But we do have some great photographers! I was at a friend's home a couple of months back and someone mentioned my book. I love talking about barn quilts, but here in the barnless part of the world, folks' eyes kind of glaze over when I start to explain. But this time was a bit different.

As it turned out, one of the women I was talking to was an incredible photographer--Ali Laipple. She had taken photos of barn quilts on the way back from a friend's wedding in Southern Kentucky last summer. Aren't the effects wonderful? I keep looking at them over and over--so refreshing to see barn quilts depicted through her artistry. Now if I can get Ali back on the road--wouldn't a calendar of photos like these be amazing??

Beauty in the Blizzard!

These aren't exactly "barn quilts in blizzards" photos. After all, those of you who are still digging out from under all of that snow probably don't have photography on your mind! But I still do have a great love for barn quilt snow photos, and a few friends have been kind enough to oblige--enjoy!

These two were sent by Ed Williams of Calhoun County, Illinois. They have some beauties! The first one is an homage to International Harvester--notice the red and black symbol? I was amazed to find out just how adamant farmers are about the brand of farm machinery they use. Some are red and black folks, and others yellow and green.

One of the first farms I visited was that of Bruce and Debbie Bacon, in Jonesborough, Tennessee. Debbie sent this great photo of snow falling in front of their LeMoyne Star

Hope everyone is staying warm; we are having a false spring--50 degrees today--but more snow in the forecast for next week.

Snowbound!!

I know that for many of you six inches of snow is "Ho-hum, business as usual." But here in Georgia where we seldom see more than a few flakes or have to settle for nasty ice, we revel in it!

And of course, the good/bad news is that the city doesn't have the equipment to clear the roads, so we are snowed in.

I haven't posted all week because I was craving a snow photo and had none to share.

Of course my good friends Clayton and Carolyn Pratt of Kankakee, Illinois picked up my psychic waves and sent this gorgeous photo today!

This is Card Basket, on the barn of Phil and Kristi Moritz. Kristi took this lovely shot of their barn quilt, which is painted in University of Illinois colors of blue and orange.

Of course, this Florida Gator girl found this barn quilt particularly attractive!

Back to the stove--making batches of yummy soup. Stay warm and safe. And check Facebook for another incredible photo from Iowa that one of my friends out there just posted!

Pursuit of Happiness

I like not to make my New Year's resolutions too specific--that way I can usually acheive them! This incredible quilt block in Kankakee, Illinois seems like a good theme for a new year--Pursuit of Happiness. That's an attainable goal, isn't it? My resolution for 2011--to pursue happiness! And yes, I do think that sometimes it must be sought and not taken for granted. Another great block by the Kankakee home school students. For more about their exemplary barn quilt program, visit http://web.extension.illinois.edu/kankakee/barn/index.html 2011--As my work on this project slows down, it's time to pursue something new that will add joy to my life. It shall be interesting. Happy New Year to one and all!

Just Around the Corner

Of course the New Year is just around the corner, so I thought I would share a cool little barn quilt--one of only two that I know of that is painted around a corner! This is one of the original quilt squares that make up the sampler of 20 begun by Donna Sue Groves in Adams County, Ohio. I just love the bright, cheerful colors. These folks weren't deterred by the small size of the building; they just put good old fashioned ingenuity to work and created this unique quilt square! I hope that whatever else is just around the corner is as pleasing. For me, that means bringing this project to fruition. Anyone else care to share? Best to all of you for the new year. I appreciate all of the support and kindness I have received from so many!

My Gift of Joy

I suppose you could call this a "Christmas Ohio Star," since it's red and green. But for me, it's so much more.

What may seem a somewhat humble barn quilt is by far the most precious.

This was the first quilt square, painted in 2001 in Adams County, Ohio. It was the starting point for the quilt trails from which so many have derived great pleasure--whether in creating or in admiring others' work.

It is the gift that Donna Sue Groves gave to her community and to all of us.

For me, this quilt square represents the greatest gift I have been given in my adult life--the privilege of working with Donna Sue to tell the story of the quilt trail--of the amazing people who paint the blocks and of those who have inspired them to do so. My gifts are many--the stories I have heard, the wealth of history I discovered, the warm hospitality of farmhouses across the country. I have made new friends whom I will treasure forever.

At the end of it all, I will be a published author--a dream of a lifetime and a gift whose price is beyond measure. All of these gifts have been heaped upon me, and it all began with this one quilt barn.

Life brings us all many challenges, and at this holiday season, I don't see a lot of sparkling packages under the tree. But a wealth of gifts, none able to be wrapped and tied with a bow, have come my way.

The greatest of those will always be the joy of friendship with Donna Sue and Maxine Groves.

I hope that you all have an abundance of gifts to celebrate--not just during the holidays but throughout the year.

Happy holidays,

Suzi

OH--Christmas Tree!!

Yes, these folks really do have a Christmas tree on their barn year-round! They actually call the block Pine Tree. The Weaver tree farm in Vinton County, Ohio was a fun spot to visit. First, in case you haven't noticed, I like Christmas tree farms. You can't see the trees from here, but the rolling hills planted with row upon row are somehow compelling to me.

Fred Weaver has a white beard--not a long Santa-style one, but still, it adds a bit to the mood.

Fred and wife Lois have operated the farm, which sits right next to their home--for four decades. There is also a Christmas shop full of decorations and holiday treats just past the saws that hang waiting for families who visit to choose and cut their own. And if you wander through the Depression glass and other treasues in Lois's antique shop, you might just end up with a jar of homemade apple butter. Yeah.

I love Christmas. And barn quilts. So this is among my many favorites.

Happy holidays to you all.