You Know What Makes Me SMILE? People Who Smile!

 Photos here are taken at different workshops across the US and you will recognize some of the photos are my retreat photos of people who came to Idaho. Above is a wreath class I taught and her great creative take on my wreath (love it) and below is the always beautiful Kathy Collins from Georgia who I get to see at least once a year....

It makes me smile to look at these photos of many of you who come in here and visit and I have this Queen on my window sill who waves everytime the sun comes out-she was a gift from tasuti Zoo and I love her!

MISS TINA below is in the middle and she is our CHEF at my Idaho Retreat this year flying in from the LA area...can you tell she is fun? AND she is a fabulous cook too! Sue and De who are still recovering from their car accident are next to her. Thankfully they are doing better and better.

As I said, I smile when someone else is smiling and I am thankful for so many quilting friends who love to smile with their creativity. If you aren't smiling and laughing as you create, something is missing. :0) Hope this made you happy too

HAPPY Colors for a Happy DaY

Above is Mel's new sample from "Out of the Box with Easy Blocks"-look at the cupcakes, the candy, and the darling apron-all are quick, easy and fun for YOU or for lovely gifts....

Deb Green told me about this site to make these adorable bees and ladybugs. Since my Granddaughter is so crazy about bugs, I can't wait. Maybe this is a project you would like to do with someone you LOVE. Thank you Deb, you're a great friend!
http://www.lowescreativeideas.com/idea-library/projects/Buggy_Birdfeeder_0311.aspx

Decided to just put some colorful things up to get your artist thinking and to encourage them to come out and play!

Story Quilts 101 for two new friends.....

So today I talked to a couple of people who were asking me about story quilts and they both claim they read my posts on both of my blogs and they said I don't show what a story quilt is. So, I told them if they visited here I would post a few I find quickly in my files done by people other than myself. I told them they can see some of my stuff on my website Marylouweidman.com OR buy my books (haha).

I am not commenting ...well I guess I am but I do not think they are regular readers of my blogs...do you? So, Frankie and June, here are some story quilts from people who are in my files. I just grabbed what I saw quickly....if your quilt is not here please do not take it personally. :0)

And if your story quilt is not done, get it done and I will feature you here. :0)

Lemon Cornmeal Pancake Recipe from Kathy (yum yum)and Happy Things to Make You Smile.....

I adore this funny lady and wish I had her on my mantel at home-she needs to be in some quilt only different-she is a very happy making girl.

I have files and files of happy things and wise things and fun things and like to share for imagination ideas for story quilts...hope these make your day happier.

Texas Bluebonnetss which should be in bloom right about now- I would love to see these just once before I die. I always miss them as too early or too late. Fredricksberg Texas is such a great place and good for antiquing too!

Coffee is one of my most favorite things.....

Lemon Cornmeal Pancakes

Prep Time 5 Minutes
Cook Time 3 Minutes Servings 4 Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

3 whole Eggs
1 cup Buttermilk
2 Tablespoons Cooking Oil
1/2 cups Flour
2 Tablespoons Sugar
1 cup Cornmeal
1 whole Lemon Zested
1-1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoons Baking Soda
1/4 teaspoons Salt
Butter, For Cooking Pancakes

Preparation Instructions

Beat the eggs in a large bowl. Add the buttermilk and oil and beat until
well blended.

In another bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cornmeal, lemon zest, baking
powder, baking soda and salt. Whisk together well then add dry ingredients
to wet ingredients and mix only until just combined.

Melt butter on a hot skillet then cook pancakes for about 30 seconds each
side. Be careful-they brown quickly
Serve with Maple Syrup or raspberry jam (without the seeds) and some real whipped cream-YUM

Imagine doing a take on this lady with the things (like balloons)-you could do your own take on this-what would you have flying and attached to you? Think about it.

The lady hugging the bolts of fabric is priceless....I guess I know how she feels and yet can laugh at it........

Have a great day!