I was not happy with the Joshua Tree National Park at night card so with the magic of fabric ink pens, I did some work on it. Is it better?

Here is the first attempt:

Here is the enhanced attempt:

Here is a card I did for my sister, Carole’s, birthday. I hope she is not checking in before she gets this. I printed black and white photos of her as a child on silk and then colored them with Tsukiniko inks. It is hard to work this small!

I’m off to have lunch with my quilting buddies, Patsy and Diane, our list mom.

I stole this idea from my daughter, Stephanie. When I visited her in March, we went to Crate and Barrel where she bought a placemat that she wanted to turn into a pillow. Her original intention was to find coordinating fabric for the back. As we were standing in line to pay for stuff, she realized that she could open up one side, stuff it and sew it back up. See her version here. I bought my placemats at Pier One. I like them because they are truly reversible. Here is one side:

Here is the other:

Here they are on the patio:

Steve and I cam home from our trip to find the Leptospermum (commonly known as New Zealand Tea Tree) in full bloom.

You can see the zen fountain that my son put in for us. It makes the most wonderful sound. The base is a piece of Japanese pottery,

I am trying to catch up on post cards. For those new to my blog, in January, I made a commitment to send a fabric postcard for birthdays, thank you’s, etc.

The top card here is for my friends, Bob and Joan, who are celebrating 50 years of wedded bliss. The second is for my architect sister-in-law who is helping to design a new obsevatory to be located just outside Joshua Tree National Park. I tried to make a milkyway, night time scene.

Another Mod Bird from my talented daughter Lisa came to hang out with the one I received earlier. Here they are getting to know each other in front of the gorgeous flowers that Mark brought me. The new one is on the right. She had it on her blog earlier this week and several people were coveting it. So glad she is mine! Lisa and Mark also prepared a fabulous dinner. It was a very nice, rainy day. (RAIN? It doesn’t rain in May in California, where am I?)

While on our trip, we had our mail held. A big box of mostly junk mail arrived today. But in amongst the junk was this wonderful apron that Stephie made me for mom’s day. I know – it isn’t Mom’s day until tomorrow, but I couldn’t wait.

Here is the fabric card that matches the apron and a lovely drawing by Mia, my 5 year old granddaughter.

Here is a close-up of the apron and the back of the card. I love this fabric. Both of my daughters find the greatest fabric. The chicken applique was designed by Mia – isn’t it cute? And notice the eggs spilling from the pocket. Thanks, Steph and Mia!!

Thought I would also show you some finds from my trip. Would you believe that at the Grand Canyon, I found a t-shirt with my initials? GC! Those who know me well, know that I love funky socks. Look at these great socks!