My friend Mary Sue shared this video with me.  It really resonated. 

Last year, I almost made the decision to expand Harmony Art.  After much soul searching and a few tears and sleepless nights, I made the decision to cherish what I had rather than racing after more.  This video summed up in 3 minutes what took me about three months to figure out.  My life IS rich... and for that I am grateful.

How do you define your "wealth"?

I will be speaking at Belmont University in Nashville on October 29th at 10am.  All are welcome.  The title of the talk is "The Journey is the Prize" and it will be about how Harmony Art organic design came to life - from seed to selvage.

While in Nashville, I will be connecting with my good friend The Green Bag Lady who has created a grass-roots movement to help rid the world of single-use plastic bags.  I will FINALLY get to meet the wonderful Bagettes who help Teresa (aka The Green Bag Lady) bring this project to life.  I can't wait!!!

I will also be meeting for the first time (in person) Rebecca, another woman whose selfless generosity inspires me and whose mission I am personally supportive of.  Here's a bit about what Rebecca is involved with:

"TASSC's (Torture Abolition and Survivors Coalition) new Healing Threads Project strives to assist Survivors of torture as they begin or continue their new lives. Many of them have come from countries with corrupt governments that use the torture of ordinary citizens as a means of quieting an entire nation. Some Survivors speak little English when they arrive here. Others are fluent and held high ranking, well-respected positions, such as doctors, accountants, professors, human rights leaders, business leaders,  in their home countries. Regardless of where they came from, they find themselves in uncharted territory, away from family and friends. Often times they have absolutely nothing, but they had no choice to leave. They had been captured and tortured and feared they would not survive if they stayed. Sometimes it was for simply having some information, other times it was due to peacefully marching against human rights violations, and then other times it was simply for the government to prove the point that they have the power. The organization of TASSC in Washington D.C. is able to offer them the support they need, whether it be legal, medical, shelter, clothing, support. Now, TASSC is pleased to be able to offer a special program, The Healing Threads Project. By teaching the Survivors to sew or giving them the tools and resources to continue their skills, Survivors are able to focus on the task of creation of art as an expression of their soul. It has been amazing to see the peace and joy these Survivors express when they are working with a crochet hook and yarn or a needle and thread.  

If you would like to help the Healing Threads Project, please email Rebecca, a TASSC volunteer. Donations of fabric, yard, and notions are greatly appreciated."

If you know of any other "Nashville Women who Rock" please comment about them on this post.  Hope to Meet you in Nashville!

Each week the Organic Trade Association runs a contest with different members donating prizes.  This week, the theme is "Babies" and Harmony Art is donating 2 yards of Alphabet Soup interlock plus one yard of apricot or lime interlock (winner's choice).  To enter the contest, sign-up for their weekly newsletter, follow the instructions in the clues and you just might win!

If you sign up too late for Tuesday's newsletter, you can email Jennifer and she will send you the newsletter so that you can get the clues.  NOTE: you must sign up to get the newsletter sent to you with the clues. 

While I am on the subject of the Organic Trade Association, here's a link to their facebook fan page and twitter account.

Good luck!

Ok, a few of you know my dirty little secret: I don't sew . . . it's sad but true.  I have plenty of fabric, an old Dressmaker sewing machine (obtained at a garage sale years ago) and even a designated, "sewing room" (well, it's closer in size to a closet).  Even with all that, I honestly can say, "I don't sew".  Oh, every once in a while I will have an idea of something I would love to make but I have this serious block when it comes to actually sitting down and sewing.

Drum roll . . . . yesterday I took a beginning quilting class co-taught by my dear friend Jan aka Misses Stitches.  I completed her President's block (4 patch) and a 9 patch using Whispering Grass.  I also learned what those terms meant!   My local quilt guild is putting the pressure on me to enter next year's quilt challenge.  I have an idea of what I would like the quilt to look like, but the actual sewing . . . ?? . . .   If anyone would like to do the sewing for this project, I would LOVE to co-create it with you.  Needed: patient sewer willing to indulge goofy designer.  [I'm serious!  Please email me if you are interested.]

While I am on the quilting topic.  Please venture over to Daisy Janie's blog and check out her first quilt - designed with her amazing organic cotton quilting fabrics (Geo Grand) and accented with the Harmony Art Chocolate Brown.  I think it is LOVELY! 

Head on over to True Up to check out an interview with Yours Truly!  True Up is a fabulous fabric blog run by the thoughtful and knowledgeable Kim Kight.  If you like fabric - you will love her site. 

While you are visiting cool fabric sites, don't miss checking out Stitch Simple too!  Jen (founder of Stitch Simple) is a gem to work with.  I am SO thankful!!!