Peaceful Summer Days

by Gary R. Ferris

Sitting on the front porch enjoying a peaceful summer day,

Writing down the words that He’s given me to say.

Sipping on my coffee and watching the wind blow the trees,

Quietly watching the birds sailing in the breeze.




When I look at this beauty it takes my cares away,


The majestic mountains that top these skies today.

Off in a distance a bird begins to sing,

And the sounds of the country and the music it can bring.


The dogs are lying in the sun and lost in the deep,

To watch them in this summer breeze make me want to fall asleep.

To realize that I have been so blessed,

All of my troubles become no more than a pest.




Listening to the sound of children playing in the sun,

Reminds me of a boy and all the things I had done.

Laughing and playing and cherishing each day,

Sometimes I wish that those times were here to stay.

In a world full of struggle, turmoil, and strife,

I feel so blessed to get to live this life.

There are no brilliant words that I could ever say,

That ever could describe a peaceful summer day.

Chachachachachanges

Change is inevitable. Seeds change into seedlings, seedlings to plants, changing as the years go by. Landscape change; seasons change. Little that exists is not affected by change. The PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails is no exception.

When Community Partnerships RC&D first began envisioning what the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails could be, there were many ideas. At first the plan was to incorporate multiple trails, each trail meandering through a tier of central Pennsylvania. An Amtrak trail was part of that vision, placing the trail along the railroad to be viewed from a rail car, as the train traveled from Lewistown to Harrisburg.

Though a rail component of the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails is a wonderful idea, the logistics of getting support to do such a project have not yet materialized. Perhaps after reading this blog posting, you the reader will have the resources to make it so. Nonetheless, the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails metamorphosed into what it is today. And as each piece is added, the trail changes and becomes something different that originally imagined.

Plans are underway to add a geo-caching component to the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails. As the caches are placed, new changes, most inevitable will affect the trail and changes will occur.

Now is the time to be part of the ever changing PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails. Be part of the change and part of the future. Support the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails and be the change you want to be.

Gardening and the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails

Ever since I can remember, I have tended to plants. Before I turned eight and my family and I moved to a house with a yard, I nurtured marigolds in paper cups, started an avocado tree from a pit and took charge and watered my mother's asparagus fern daily. After moving from the city to the suburbs, I had a postage stamp space next to my dad's "real" garden where I lovingly grew mint and mammoth sunflowers. And in all these years of gardening, I believe that when gardening, flowers must always be included.

Daily I check in with each of my flowers. Today I found two flowers on my pink and purple fuchsia, bracts on the Bougainvillea, huge, bright red flowers on a geranium, as well as other pink, orange, white, magenta and yellow flowers spread throughout the property. Every time one of the bright colors catch my eye, I find myself stopping to take a moment and absorb the visual contrast of a small splash of color against, the green of the grass, brown of the soil and grey of the 100+ year old house I live in.

This morning, as I stopped to look at an isolated yellow flower, it occurred to me that a quilt square on the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails is a bit like a flower. The beautiful colors of a quilt square stand out against the green fields, brown soil and neutral colors of barns and houses. Yet, a quilt square last through all seasons. For all those out there who want to plant an ever-bearing flower-consider sponsoring a quilt square on the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails.

Geocaching and the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails

One of the many projects slated for the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails is to incorporate geocaching into the trail. For those unfamiliar with "geocaching", it is  a treasure hunt using GPS technology. On the website  geocaching.com, there is an entire web page explaining geocaching and its origin-an interesting  five to ten minute read (http://www.geocaching.com/about/history.aspx).

Treasure hunts are a great way to explore an area closer. Looking for clues demand attention to detail. All demographics are equal. Geo caching takes the treasure hunt one step forward and adds technology in a playful and educational way.

Soon we will begin to place the caches along the trail. Please send feedback and photos as you follow the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails, geocaching style!

Memorial Day 2012

To all those who have served the United States and all their loved ones, families and friends left behind, PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails thanks you for your generosity, honor and passion in keeping our world safe.

"In My Time Of Dyin'"

Well, in my time of dying don't want nobody to mourn
All I want for you to do is take my body home
Well, well, well, so I can die easy
Well, well, well
Well, well, well, so I can die easy
Jesus gonna make up, Jesus gonna make up
Jesus gonna make up my dying bed.

Well, meet me Jesus, meet me, meet me in the middle of the air
If these wings should fail to me,
Lord, won't you meet me with another girl ?
Well, well, well, so I can die easy
Well, well, well
Well, well, well, so I can die easy
Jesus gonna make up, Jesus gonna make up
Jesus gonna make up my dying bed.

Lord, in my time of dying don't want nobody to cry
All I want you to do is take me when I die
Well, well, well, so I can die easy
Well, well, well
Well, well, well, so I can die easy
Jesus gonna make up, Jesus gonna make up
Jesus gonna make up my dying bed.


The Bob Dylan/ Led Zepplin song was originally written and recorded by Blind Willie Johnson. Click below to hear:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWb4XcVwIeI&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PL80B98DE02926C945

10 Reasons to Support the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails

I would like to entice the readers of this blog to make a donation as a gesture of support for the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails. Say you have no money but are a fabulous cake baker, donate a cake to one of our installation parties; donate gift certificates for paint, plywood, labor and time, and of course donations can always be straight up cash. Let me see if I can convince you to do so with 10 reasons.

1. Each quilt tells a story. Whether the story of those who painted or designed it, the reason for the pattern choice or location, each piece has at least one interesting story to tell.

2. Quilt squares are beautiful. Designed using classic patterns, rug or quilt, the beautiful shapes and colors contrast the green of central Pennsylvania- a visual party for the eyes.

3. It's a great way to do something that has longevity.

4. It's a non-partisan, political, religious activity that everyone  can enjoy and participate in equally.

5. It guides locals and visitors to some of the most beautiful and interesting spots in central Pennsylvania.

6. It encourages local businesses through agri-tourism.

7. All ages have and can participate.

8. It promotes the folk arts of central Pennsylvania.

9. It's a true project of partnerships.

10. Many states across the country have begun their own quilt trails with success for the community, pride for those who have participated and a sense of community ownership.

Photo by Sharon Lee

Super Moon and the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails

Even though it is still chilly in the evenings, my neighbor and I couldn't help but sit on the porch to look at the super moon for a bit. Watching a moon is unlike bird  or meteorite watching in that in the case of moons, not much happens. Nevertheless, we couldn't ignore the hype of the super moon and gave this event a fair shake. As we were sitting there, we discussed many things. One subject which I enjoyed was our discussion of quilts. My neighbor comes from a multi-generational, Kentucky farming family  He fondly recalled some of the quilts he had come across over the years. After his parents had passed, he was gifted a number of family heirlooms that he holds dear to his heart. I recalled a quilt the grandmother of a friend of mine had sewn. It was made from flannel pieces of my friend's childhood pajamas. Over the years whenever she felt the need for some grandma loving, she would take out this quilt, immediately connecting to the love both she and her grandmother had for each other.

Like my friend's pajama quilt, the pieces on the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails are made and installed with fondness and affection. The forestry people at Tuscarora are proud of their forest and ranger station. They chose a Trail Rug design that reflects this. The Sewing Shanty piece honors a loved one who has passed and the Heirloom piece demonstrates the love the Juniata Quilter's Guild have for their craft.

Next time you follow the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails remember that love, fondness and affection are all part of the trail. Make these positive feelings part of your own. Follow the trail and be part of something that is positive, uplifting and memorable.And remember to support the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails. All size donations are greatly welcomed.