Good Times at High School

I have to say we had a wonderful time at Eagle's Landing High School. Special thanks to Principal Crerie, Mrs. Jordon, Mrs. Spencer, Mrs. Wright and Ms. Georgia for all they did in putting together a great Black History Month Program that everyone could be proud of. An outstanding list of students displayed various talents: Zaire O'Neal, Iachin Goggin, Isiah Hamm, Trevor Oliver, Rodney Joseph, Casey Gardner, Lindsey Bloodworth, Daniel Hyde, Mia Black. the Eagle's Landing High School Chorus and a special presentation from the Bellethnic Dance Company. Black History month has come a long way since I was in high school. A welcome change.

I also gave away copies of my book, "Afterwhile: Secrets of a Woman's Heart." Some of the readers should come on here and block with me about it.

Hooked On Sewing

It's here. It's here. I rushed out this morning to get my machine. I was glad to see it as if were an old friend. I think I was about to have some kind of withdrawal or something. Four whole days without my machine. It really was just the thought that it wasn't there that bothered me. Of course I have gone days, even weeks with using it. The idea of not being able to use it when I chose to was a drag. All that is behind me now.

I hurried in with it, stopping for nothing. Plugged it in just to see how well it worked. The people at Atlanta Sewing Machine on Metropolitan Blvd. are my heroes. I've been using them for about 15 years or so. They really made it sew like new.

I finished the eyes I was working on when my back up machine caught on fire. I even worked on the hair. Changed thread color and started stitching the face. I was there stitching away for a while when I remembered how hungry I was. I am so happy to have my machine back.

Missing Sewing Machine Blues

We had our monthly Brown Sugar Stitchers guild meeting today. It is always so good to see everyone. I feel blessed to be in the presence of so many talented quilters.

No sewing machine yet but the repair shop promises to have it ready by Monday. Can't wait. I'm getting a lot of hand work done, even some computer work. I'll be good and ready when that machine gets back here.

What Next

It is a pretty sad day in the Lumumba house today.

My main sewing machine got sick the other day. I figured that wasn't too bad because I had a back-up. So I pulled out my back-up which is a wonderful old sewiing machine that belonged to my mother-in-law when she was a young woman. I have had it serviced a couple of times. I knew it was delicate so I set out to work on a really small project. Just eyes on the face of my new project. Just eyes! how much harm could that do.

It was sewing beautifully. Then the paddle started to stall. The motor felt hot, so I guessed it was running hot. Stepped away to another project for a while, let it cool off and back to the eyes I went. Then I smelled smoke. The foot paddle was fully engulfed in smoke. I unplugged and could see a full day of sewing gone. Oh well, there's always hand quilting.

Big Calendar Sale!

$0.99 Calendar SALE!

I am glad to say that I am down to just a few calendars left. I am sad to say that I am down to just a few calendars left. Talking about mixed emotions. On one hand it is good that I have almost sold out and on the other hand I may not have enough for you if you don't hurry.

So for all of the people that meant to get a calendar but forgot and all of the people that couldn't afford the $15.00 original price and for all the people who just heard of my calendar and all the rest-they are now $.99 plus shipping and handling at www.obaquilts.com/calendar.html

I rushed to Bloomingdale's at Lennox armed with my camera, excitement and anticipation. They did not disappoint. The exhibit was beautifully set up. We scurried from the first floor where several quilts were set up in the men's department to the second floor where Elaine's beaded "Transitions" was featured in a vitrine (fancy name for a glass box). My "Mad Sax" quilts were there by the elevator.

Then the third floor featured my black and white pieces. How wonderful!

Bloomingdale's

Our Black History Month exhibit opens today at Bloomingdale's in Lennox Square Mall and Perimeter Mall (Atlanta, GA). Are we excited you ask? the room can hardly contain us. We are ecstatic! I haven't seen it yet but I am so excited to see what they did. Our art is so full of lively color and Bloomingdale's doesn't seem to relate to lively colors. The store was beautifully brown, beige, and black. One thing is for sure, our quilts will stand out no matter what they do with them.

Saturday I speak at the Martin Luther King Jr. Branch of the Atlanta-Fulton Library. I have my list of quilts to take for show and tell. I'm packing the stands, artist info packages and the like. Always hoping for a big crowd.

Sunday will be something different. A sister circle has invited me to exhibit and tell my stories at the Arts Exchange. A dear friend is having a baby shower at the same time. Sorry that I am going to miss that. Maybe I'll tell an extra story with the new baby in mind.

The panel discussion went very well at the Decatur Library on Saturday. We had a nice size group and really good energy. I told my father's story which is always touching for me and many others.

I'm starting to memorize parts of the stories which makes the telling easier for me and more enjoyable I am told to the audience. So far this story is my favorite but I think my mom's story is going to top it. Don't know yet because I am still working on that one.

This is my family quilt with young pictures of my parents in the center with my brothers, sisters and me on the sides. I originally thought I was going to make one for all of us, then my computer crashed and now I have to edit all those pictures again.

“Dreamers, Visionaries, and Leaders”

February 1-28, 2009 Presented & Sponsored by ►Victor Valley Museum & Art Galley►tps Creative Expressions, Inc ►Paul Stark ►Gi & AssociatesVictor Valley Museum & Art Gallery 11873 Apple Valley Road Apple Valley, CA 92308 (760) 240-2111 www.vvmuseum.comThe purpose of this exhibition at this very historical moment is to recognize those persons and events that are a part of the history of our nation; local, national, and international through artistic works, photography, sculpture, fiberarts, prints, and music.

This Black History Month program opened February 1 to standing room only. If you are near Apple Valley, California, don't miss this great program lasting all month. These are a few pictures of my Obama quilt hanging there.

I have all my exhibits and lectures for Black History Month listed on my website (www.obaquilts.com/events.html) under the events section.

Two wonderful exhibits -both happening in Maryland. If you are in the area, please check them out.

Uhuru Quilters Guild's latest exhibit, An American Sampler, is located in the third floor gallery of the Miller Senate Office Building, 11 Bladen Street, Annapolis, MD. The building is open Monday - Friday from 9:00AM - 5:00PM, excluding holidays. Visitors to the building must show ID. The exhibit, featuring patriotic quilts and quilts honoring Obama comes down on February 27. Courtesy of Senator Nathaniel Exum, we will be able to have an Open House on Saturday, February 7, from 10:00AM - 3:00PM. Please invite your friends and neighbors, church members and co-workers to share in this experience with us. Light refreshments will be served.

Please join us at our Opening Reception for a show of Artquilts celebrating the election of President Barack Obama. You will see many different perspectives on what this historic event means to a group of very diverse artists.
Here are the details!
President Obama: A Celebration in Artquilts
Montgomery College Cafritz Art Center, 930 King Street, Silver Spring MD. Open February 9 through March 5, 2009.
Opening Reception February 13, 6 to 9 p.m. Gallery PH: 240-567-1368 . PARK IN THE FENTON STREET MONTGOMERY STREET GARAGE . there is no onstreet parking in this part of Silver Spring on a Friday Evening.
Regular Gallery Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This show, organized by Sue Walen, is an exhibit of artquilts created by an all-volunteer, grassroots, multi-ethnic group of fiber artists from all across the United States and as far away as Australia. The work in this show is a tribute to our new President, in gratitude for the hope and inspiration he has brought us.