Island girl now...

After yet another long hiatus from my blog I have decided it's time to reconnect with you all and catch you up on all that's been going on...quiltie and otherwise.

Last December I moved from Airdrie, Alberta to a mountainside in East Sooke on Vancouver Island in British Columbia...Canada.  I am once again back in my birth province and I couldn't be happier about it.  I've been referred to as somewhat of a gypsy, always on the go, never really laying down roots.  Growing up as a child, we never lived for more than a couple of years in one place.  Not only moving houses but moving from city/town to town and even moving across provinces.  There is something exciting about moving, choosing a new home, setting it up, making new friends and starting over fresh with everything, but believe me there is no shortage of stress involved in adapting to a new place.  In my adult life I have moved 19 times in the last 19 years.  Wow...somehow that sounds worse than it's actually been.  Regardless, I'm approaching 40 at a rapid pace and it's about time I started setting down some roots, and for the first time in my life I have never felt more at home and that I am exactly where I am supposed to be.  I have called the prairies home for most of my life but I have lived on the East coast of Canada and now the West coast and I can honestly say that there is no other place like this gem of an island.  I am perched on the mountainside surrounded by towering trees, overlooking the ocean and the Olympic mountains of the United States, in this little part of Canada's rain forest that I didn't even know existed until now.  I am in awe every time I take in the view, or the smells and sounds of the ocean...I could just pinch myself I am so lucky.  The forest lined winding roads that I was somewhat fearful of at the start, are so picturesque and now seem almost meditative and are so soothing to my soul.  I am always up for a drive and any excuse to get out and explore this beautiful island.

Here is the little bridge at Roche Cove that is on my drive home.

It took a few months, but my quilting studio is up and running and I absolutely love the new space!  Located in what was the attached over sized two car garage, it boasts high ceilings, 2 huge windows, a hand crafted pine loft and my very own xbox media center!!  Can I get a 'hell yeah'?! lol.  I've been busy quilting for my clients from Alberta and I'm lucky enough to have already gained a few new clients on the island.  In July I was selected to participate as a guest in the Stinking Fish Studio Tour and was pleasantly surprised to see 240 people through my studio over the 10 day tour.  What a great experience that was to meet my neighbours, fellow artists, and hopefully what will become new quilting friendships.  Looking forward to next year's tour and all the quilts and things I have planned to make for it.

I still have the heritage theme that I love so much going on in my studio, but I'm not sure now that my olde name fits with my new island surroundings.  Hmmmm...what to change it to??


Cheers!