I'm stepping away from the projects (and probably the blog) for a few days, but no regrets. There are lists of things to be done...Molly's coming home from Japan tomorrow for a visit! I've finally gotten the guest room, aka *the walk-in closet*, set up for an actual guest and now I'm concentrating on food. It's been a while since she's been back to the US, so there's been a flurry of requests...pastrami! quiche! guacamole! rhubarb! whoopie pies! She's never been to Chicago so we have lots of tentative plans, though I am planning to be out at Rosemont for the quilt show on Saturday morning and word is, I won't be alone. Maybe we'll see you there!
Despite its universal appeal, I rarely visit YouTube. I spend enough time at the computer without watching videos, however entertaining or inspiring they might be. However, this morning I saw a news story which compelled me to check out this clip...it's well worth a few minutes of your time. Heartwarming (I know, sappy, but it is!) and very entertaining. I will even confess to watching it several times. It gave me chills.
Ok, off to cross more things off my list!


Someone else had sent me that link but I hadn't watched it -- she really does have a great voice and amazing presence! Have fun with your daughter. When my sister visits from Tasmania, the first thing on her list is always Mexican food!
Posted by: floribunda | April 15, 2009 at 01:45 PM
What a great spring break you have planned! Hope you have a wonderful visit with Molly!! Loved the video, hadn't seen it before, what a voice! Even Simon was grinning! And I see you've left us with a little tease , wonder what all those beautiful squares will be..... humm ??guess we'll just have to wait an see! Have fun....
Posted by: Wendy | April 15, 2009 at 02:07 PM
Thanks for the link. I love the comment " What? Did they think that because she's old and not physically attractive that it's not possible that she can SING? Why was this such a surprise?" Hear, hear! NEVER assume that you know about a person base only on their appearance or circumstances. It gave me chills too.
And, I absolutely LOVE the collection of fabrics you've teased us with.
Posted by: Kristin L | April 15, 2009 at 02:58 PM
It sounds like you've got some great plans set for the next few days. Have fun!
I LOVE that link. She has an AMAZING voice and the rest is just superficial. She can be given a make over but you cant make that voice.
And can I tell you how beautiful those fabric squares are?? Gorgeous!
Posted by: Lynn | April 15, 2009 at 03:41 PM
Those squares are gorgeous!
Have a great week. :)
Posted by: Chris | April 15, 2009 at 04:16 PM
Have fun at the quilt show! I'm going with my mom on Saturday afternoon. It sounds like you might already be gone but I hope we might cross paths!
Posted by: Emily | April 15, 2009 at 09:19 PM
I hope that you and Molly have a great time feasting, catching up and eating more! I have never been to Chi myself, but I am sure you will have a great time introducing her to your new home town. Have fun, chere!
Posted by: lisa | April 15, 2009 at 10:09 PM
I found your Tokyo photos when I googled and sorry can't find the post here. but the quilts are just so totally awesome!! the design the fabric choices what a great inspiration to be there up close and personal. I wonder what it is like to hand quilt through silk thread.. applogies that this post is not related to the subject at hand but just want to thank you for sharing a tremendous quilt show.. My head is just swimming with wonderful fabric ideas..
Posted by: deb | April 16, 2009 at 06:08 AM
You and Molly are going to have a wonderful visit!
Posted by: Carole | April 16, 2009 at 06:40 AM
Gosh, Jan, I am a rare Youtube visitor as well (especially rare before breakfast on a school day...) and I had just watched the video before clicking over to your post. Have a great visit with Molly and have fun at the quilt show! I need to get out more.
Posted by: amy lobsiger | April 16, 2009 at 06:53 AM
Thank you for the link also. I've still a few goosebumps.
Posted by: Kathy Coish | April 16, 2009 at 07:52 AM
Those are such beautiful colors and the combination is terrific.
Posted by: Rosa | April 16, 2009 at 08:40 AM
Oooh, look at all those pretty colors! I hope you have a wonderful time with Molly -- how fun for her to explore Chicago with you for the first time. I'll eagerly await your report on the quilt show -- we loved the vendors last year, but were disappointed in the show. So, sadly, since our stashes are overflowing, we're opting not to go this year. Have a wonderful time!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | April 16, 2009 at 09:48 AM
Love the colors of the squares! We're on a quiche kick around here, perfect springtime supper. What is your favorite kind to make. We are in the broccoli spinach quiche rut.
Enjoy your time with Molly.
Posted by: Melissa | April 16, 2009 at 10:57 AM
What great colors in the photo--can't wait to see where those fabric squares will end up.
Have a fabulous time with your daughter!
Posted by: KathieB | April 16, 2009 at 01:05 PM
Hve a super great time y'all!
BTW: I tried the whooopie pies! Very tasty, but the chocolate halves came out as big as my head, so I'm thinking I screwed something up. Doesn't matter: they were still so good!
Posted by: Scribbles & Bits | April 16, 2009 at 01:23 PM
Have a wonderful visit! Love that video. I've watched it several times myself.
Posted by: Cindra | April 17, 2009 at 08:50 AM
Jan, You've got a busy schedule, to be sure, but I'm glad you're making time for the quilt festtival. PLEASE take your camera (Sheila is notorious for having a dead battery in hers).
I've already watched that video countless times. It reinforces what I discovered from years of teaching quiltmaking. It's often the quiet, unassuming, plain folk who do the best work. Let's hear it for "Plain Janes"!
How lovely that your family will be together!
Posted by: diane | April 17, 2009 at 09:29 AM
So lovely colours! I can hardly wait to see, what you´ll make of them!
Posted by: anne from finland | April 19, 2009 at 02:55 AM
I'm behind on my blog reading but I hope you and Molly are having a fabulous time! I'm sure you'll share your adventures soon :-)
Posted by: Leslie | April 20, 2009 at 11:37 AM
I hope you have a lovely time! Chicago is certainly worth visting, especially if you live in Japan.
I love the fabrics! The colors are splendid!
Posted by: Maddie | April 25, 2009 at 11:45 AM