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The mimosa trees were already in full bloom on our arrival, and by now, most of the early flowering shrubs and trees provide a colourful accent to the all the light coloured stone houses that line the streets.

We had hoped for sunshine when we got back to “Le Grande Sud” 4 weeks ago. Spring has been a little reluctant to make a firm commitment this year.
However, the Saturday market in town already offers “produits du terroir” (locally grown produce), in the form of asparagus and “garriguettes” ( very aromatic, flavourful strawberries ).

In everything that I see, I can visualize the next quilt, or wall hanging or table setting. Thank goodness for the digital camera, which allows me to record these images, and refer back to them as often as necessary.
I am currently designing several new pieces which will make it to the web site before too long. The problem here is the same problem that I face in Vancouver. There are only 24 hours in a day, and sleep seems to be a necessary part of life! So I put in the necessary hours of sleep required. When morning finally arrives, I’m eager to get started with the new day and to discover more about this textile art.


In the meantime, Leah is back in Vancouver, hand piecing her way through a 17oo piece quilt. (Is she kidding?!?) I am also hard at work trying to improve my computer skills, in all areas, but in particular, for use in the design process.
Leah and I share ideas and provide help and support to each other on an almost daily basis (our version of “on-line support”). We have been known to each sit at our computer until the wee hours of the night (for me), and browse the web, while having a running dialogue via skype. Being able to work together this way has made our 2 continent partnership quite viable.

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