The art of giving

I guess the purpose of blogging for the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails is to attach a humanness to the project. Sometimes this forum is used as a space to make announcements or updates. Sometimes its just me, the blogger, trying to make a connection to you, the reader.

My present employment status is precarious at best. I have three part-time jobs. It took me almost a year to become that solvent and my financial solvency is not even close. With several school loans to pay back, car insurance, gas, rent, utilities and food there is hardly a penny left to spend on frivolity.

The other day I was at the local grocer picking up a few essentials (tp, dog food, bagels and sugar) when I ran into two local impoverished folk. One was selling rocks and the other held a cardboard sign looking for work. Not having enough money to support a worker or purchase a piece of azerite, I bought the gentlemen a couple of apple fritters and bid them well. As I drove off I realized something,  no mater how little one is able to help, it can have an impact. Now don't get me wrong, an apple  fritter will not change either of their lives. They still are without adequate shelter, no health care, they still are wearing worn-out clothing and shoes.  Yet, for a short period of time, they felt closer to human, someone who is cared for and appreciated.

The PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails operates on a similar premise. The "squares" which are multiplying call attention to the importance of central Pennsylvania communities. Having a quilt square in your community shows others that your community is appreciated, cared for and honored in a respectable way. Donating to this undertaking, shows the community at large that you are someone who cares for the better good of the community. Maybe you can only offer help painting, maybe you only can give a small donation or maybe your efforts can be put towards getting a group together to have your own quilt square-it all matters. Nothing is ever too small a gesture.

Be part of something that gives back and grows-support the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails.

Splat

Five minutes ago I finished a blog that I was about to post here. It was a touching and moving blog equating giving indigent men apple fritters and how akin that is to donating time and money to the PA Quilt (and Rug) trails. Alas a hasty delete on an unfamiliar computer and the entire post has been erased for all eternity.

So that leaves me here with a blank mind and blank page.

Instead of trying to rehash the blog imagine the best written, heart felt words that broguht you to tears and got you inspired to help. "Help what you say?"

PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails is a worth while community project that brings communities together, through work, pride in ownership while celebrating all that makes central Pennsyvania great. All donations large and small are welcomed and needed. like the protagonists in the deleted apple fritter story, small gestures can mean big things.

Support the PA Quilt (And Rug) Trails and be part of history.

R.I.P. Joe Pa

Being part of the central Pennsylvania community, it is hard not to have a story about Joe Paterno.  The sad news was announced by the Paterno family spokesperson of his passing on January 22, 2012. As Joe Pa's life is celebrated we will hear over and over again that Mr. Paterno was not larger than life and was simply a flesh and blood person just as you and I.

Years ago Milano Bread Company hired Joe to be their spokesperson, in a number of commercials, over the course of a few years.  I was hired as art director (including:  props, placement and purchase, costume and make up). Part of my job required me to purchase several sets of  Joe's uniform blue shirt, navy blue sweater and tie (I believe we had three duplicate outfits) and to have it ready at a moment's notice,  ironed and ready to wear . Additionally, I had to powder any shine off his nose and forehead so no sweat would reflect under camera lights.

The shoot took place at a lovely bed and breakfast near the State College Airport. The day was hot and muggy and Joe needed frequent powdering. This was not something he enjoyed, so I made it a game giving him a drink of cold water (Roaring Springs of course!) and a quick powder. After a few rounds of our routine, he settled down a bit and let me do my job, only after saying, "Honey, I don't think there's much you can do with this face."


To the Paterno family, friends, Penn State, State College and the central Pennsylvania community, PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails extend our deepest condolences for the loss of a monument of a man.

Click here for Milano commercial

 R.I.P. Joe Paterno

MLK

Martin Luther King Jr.

January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

-Martin Luther King, Jr.

Chihuhuas and Jack Russells

As you may or may not know, I now share my residence with two small dogs. These dogs were not what I envisioned as potential pets. I have always been a larger dog owner and  viewed myself as such.There are many challenges with owning little dogs that may or may not be obvious to those without.

1. Little dogs are scary. Not only do little dogs tend to run after people ferociously, by the nature of their size they can quickly run  around your legs faster than most larger canines.

2. Many little dogs are high energy. (aka high need) To date I've had a Vizsla and two Border Collies. While the Chihuahua can easily slip into a 12 hour nap, the energy of my Jack Russell pup  far surpasses any creature of the land, sea or air (even hummingbirds rest on occasion).

3. Many people do not like little dogs. Little dog critics will associate you with something they do not like. Sometimes I fantasize wearing a sign around my neck that says, "I used to have a big dog."

So what do Frieda (the Jack Russell) and Guero (the Chihuahua) have in common with the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails well.........

making a super stretch

The PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails is a relatively new venture in our community. Unlike buying popcorn from the Boy Scouts or  the annual church, school, firehouse fundraiser, there's no past history. This tends to scare some people especially in these challenging economic times.

The PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails is full of energy and has some immediate needs (money, sponsors, loan of a cherry picker, painters, etc).

Not everyone in the community has yet to embrace and realize the potential benefit of the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails. As the trail grows so will your understanding. The PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails is a means to express the beauty and talent that comprise Central Pennsylvania. By working together on a quilt communities can bond, learn and appreciate each other.


Please participate in this Community Partnerships RC&D community partnership. And donate to PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails today.

Scalliwags, Zombies and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

If one is ever away from central Pennsylvania for a while, it may occur, in a short period of time, that unlike central Pennsylvania the world is not made of cheese. Because of perfect growing conditions, ample water throughout the year and long summer days of sun, Pennsylvania's number one industry is dairy farming

Ice creams like no other, fresh milk and cheese, cheese, cheese is what central Pennsylvania is made of. As you follow the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails you will meander through beautiful, rolling valleys, dotted with healthy dairy cows. Stop at one of the many local dairies and buy locally made dairy products. From Harrisburg to Sunbury and beyond, in all directions is where a majority of dairy products originate.

Photo by Sharon Lee

The next time you want a grilled cheese sandwich, take a trip along the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails and pick up straight from the source, best-tasting cheese around.