Putting your shirt on backwards

Today, August 29, 2011, I am writing this post from southeast Arizona. If anyone has ever been to southeast Arizona in August you will agree that August is not the prime month to be visiting this area. Remember all those times people told you the southwest has "dry" heat and 100 degrees feels much cooler? Not so during the summer monsoon season which brings daily  heavy afternoon/evening rains and with it high humidity and BUGS.  I probably could go on for pages about the bugs: chiggers, wasps, mosquitoes, and my most unfavoured noseeums. Every part of my flesh is covered with the swollen itching remains of bites from these little pests.

Last evening after a full day of sweating and bites I took a late night bath. Anxious to get fully dressed before the feeding frenzy restarted I quickly pulled on my shirt and to my house mate's delight, dressed myself with a shirt that was on backwards. Once the laughter and giggles dies down I began to think about how inattentive I was in dressing and wondered what other things I did that lacked full attention.

As a long time resident of central Pennsylvania, sometimes I barely notice the beauty of the state. Working on the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails has made me stop and take notice of the surroundings. The colors of the rolling farm lands are a beautiful palate of greens, browns, and yellows. Places like Hunters Valley (home of the first PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails square) has a view of the Susquehanna River that is stunning. On the drive from Hunters Valley Winery to the Tuscarora Forest to see the Magdalean Trail Rug there is an enclave of Amish residents with road side farm stands and (on Fridays) an Amish bakery with the most delicious, still warm donuts, cookies and breads.

This fall when the colors of central Pennsylvania are at their most fabulous take a day off and follow the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails. Even if you have lived in central Pennsylvania your entire life, take the tour, open your eyes and ears and nose and pay attention.

August 15, 2011

It goes without saying that mid-August is a time of change. In central Pennsylvania, in the evenings, sweaters an/or jackets are sometimes donned, leaves begin to change, school buses return to the roads once again, crisp apples appear and thoughts turn to winterizing, indoor activities, and shorter daylight. For residents and visitors alike fall, in central Pennsylvania is "THE" place to be.

Following the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails you  travel through forests and farmlands, in fall, all ablaze with vibrant reds, purples, oranges, greens and yellows. Amish hay bales are collected in the field and stacked looking like a real-life Van Gogh painting. Farmers Markets and road side stands are full of vine ripened tomatoes, squashes, pumpkins, pears and apples. Wineries are busy harvesting their grapes and pressing them into delicious red and white wines. Last year I was lucky enough to stop by Hunters Valley Winery on a day they were hand pressing their red wine.

This year if you are local or visiting take some time out to go look at some of the pieces of the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails. Our newest square which will be installed in the next few weeks at Heirloom Cabinetry in Mifflintown has one of the prettiest views of farm land and rolling hills.

And send photos of your travels along the PA Quilt (and Rug)Trails. We would love to re-post your photos!

Send to 

Administrator@paquilttrails.org 

We will post as many photos as possible.

August 9, 2011

The hardest part of writing a blog is keeping secrets. I know that sounds terrible and perhaps you feel betrayed by my dishonesty but first let me explain.

This past week I discussed the very good possibility, with two separate entities, the sponsorship of two new quilt squares. This very exciting news for the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails, one that I am quite anxious to share. However........I have learned through the process of administering the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails that negotiations usually need to reach a certain stage until announcements are made. Situations change, not always for the worse,  but pre-mature announcements tend to be confusing.

Six days ago I lost my dog, Sophie (Lady Sophia of Cambria). She was young and her death was a total surprise. I have spent the better part of the week blaming myself for not seeing her illness and doubting my ability to be a good pet owner. But as the week progressed I Googled a bit, reflected our life together and found I probably have the ability to be a good dog (or cat) Mom. In only six days my grief is closer to the joy I had being my constant companion for the five short years she was here.

If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies.  ~Author Unknown

So the best I can do for this blog is whisper in your ear via  the Internet that most possibly, there are two new quilt squares negotiations in the works. Will announce confirmations as soon as possible.

Don't forget to check out PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails website for news and updates.

<paquilttrails.org>>

If you, your family or group would be interested in sponsoring a quilt square please contact:

Sharon Lee 

adminstration@paquilttrails.org 

or call Community Partnerships RC&D/ PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails 

717-248-4901 ext 326

WELCOME HOME Square

 

Photo by Rick Brandt

This week I put out a press release looking for  sponsor and or site for a quilt square honoring men and women who have or are serving our country.

As a parent of a twenty-one year old (twenty-two in nine days), I have watched a steady stream of her peers graduate high school, then enlist in a branch of the armed forces. Central Pennsylvania residents have a deep connection to our present and past military.

The average recruit comes from a community that is slightly less densely populated than average for the United States. There is some under-representation of youth from most urban areas of our country in the enlisted ranks. The enlisted Army recruit population is skewed more toward rural and suburban areas than is the total population of 17-24 year old youth in the United States." 1

Pennsylvania is one of the states with the highest recruitments.

1 http://www.2k.army.mil/faqs.htm#state

If you, your family or group would like to participate as a sponsor, painter, or site contact 

Sharon Lee at:

 administrator@paquilttrails.org

77-248-4901 ext 326

July 25, 2011

It seems like it's been ages since I lasted posted. The world's first Trail Rug has been installed and unveiled. The unveiling was an emotional event, something I will remember for many years. One of the charms of the PA Quilt (And Rug) Trails is its flexibility in being guided by the community not visa versa. To me, it is one of its most appealing attributes.

Currently two quilt squares are being worked on, both sponosored by the Juniata Valley Quilter's Guild. Thanks to the groups generousity, both Mifflin and Juniata counties will be the homes of two new pieces.

In the works is a quilt square honoring those men and women who have served our country. We are looking for a sponsor and/or location. The pattern   will be a symbolic piece honoring our military who so generously give their time and sometimes their lives to keep us safe at home.

Photo by Rick Brandt

If you know of any groups or location that would be interested in sponosoring a "patriotic" square contact:

Community Partnerships RC&D

717-248-4901 extension 326

administrator@paquilttrails.org

July 11, 2011

The tables and tents have been put away, remnants of sandwiches and cake are gone and all that remains is the first Trail Rug of any quilt trail. On Friday, July 8, 2011, sixty or so people were on hand to see history in the making. In attendance were Community Partnerships RC&D staff, residents, friends and employees of Locust Grove Rehabilitation and Retirement Village, Tuscarora State Forest staff, Kathy Wright,director of Sauder Village rug hooking week, Deb Smith, aeditor of Rug Hooking magazine, Eby/Briner family members, Representative Mark Keller, Books Catering, and media.

All were there to celebrate the installation of a Trail Rug, the first of its kind, honoring primitive local rug hook artisan, Magdalena Briner Eby. Magdalena and many of her family members lived on land that is now part of the Tuscarora State Forest. She is considered one of the masters of hooked rugs. Today her pieces are highly sought after.

Facing the challenging task of translating one of her whimsical rugs,  Locust Grove Rehabilitation and Retirement Village residents succeeding in capturing the color, whimsy and beauty of Magdalena's original piece. Under the direction of Freda Durio who had only a photo copy of a photo of the original rug, a beautiful painted 8' x 6' replica was created.

This piece now resides at the Tuscarora State Forest Fire Building located next to the Ranger Station.

As a member of the group that was responsible this Trail Rug, I was proud to be part of a project that brought together so many community members, working together on something unique, beautiful and that will last for years and years.

Make it a point to visit this newest addition tot the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails and see what happens when the past meets the present and the future.

Thanks to the following people who participated in making history happen

Sam Price

Larry Schardt

Sharon Lee

Community Partnerships RC&D board members

Mike Lennartz

Melissa Holden

Kevin Morgan

Kristen Price

Joe Fiore

Bob Lyter

Gene Odato

Dennis Chestnut

Andrew Glodek

Tom Milheim

Curtis Robinson

Bill Hain

Mike Kessler

Steve Wacker

Adam Kling

Andrew Baker

Kathy Odato

Penn DOT Perry County

Randy Tressler

Chuck Shumaker

Eric Boozel

Deb Smith

Kathy Wright

Stackpole Book

Rug Hooking Magazine

Locust Grove Retirement and Rehabilitation Village

Freda Durio

Grace Donahey (post mortem)

Jimmy James

Shirley Guiser

Martha Price

Dale Gray

Janice Hipple

Bea Wilson

Kathy Breon

Jim Nale

Jane Passmore

Pat Arnold

Maintenance Department of Locust Grove

June 29, 2011

Just as in life, people involved with the PA Quilt (And Rug) Trails come and go. Though the trail is only a year old, three significant players have disappeared.

Larry Schardt was one of the primary forces that made PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails a reality. Larry was my Soils 422 professor at Penn State University Park campus. I was fortunate to earn an internship at Community Partnerships RC&D after graduation and was given the task to make the trail a reality. In January 2011, Larry officially retired his position as NRCS coordinator of Community Partnerships RC&D, moving on to work on his personal passions: motivational speaking, book writing, skiing and spreading the word of "Rock and Roll". Thank you Dr. Rock and Roll for bringing smiles to people and sharing your enthusiasm for community.

David E. Shenk III, an active board member as well as president of Community Partnerships RC&D, recently fell ill and will no longer be able to serve as a board member. Because of the support of CPRC&D, the PA quilt (and Rug) Trails was able to become a reality and thrive. Thank you Dave for all you have done for the PA Quilt (And Rug) Trails, Community Partnerships RC&D and our community.

Grace Donahey was one of the Tuscarora State Forest Trail Rug painters. Grace, as well as the other residents of Locust Grove Retirement and Rehabilitation Village, were faced with the challenge of translating a hooked rug pattern made of scraps of yarn into a 6' x 8' painted piece that well represented the original piece. Thank you Grace for leaving evidence of your talents behind to be shared now and with future generations.