Southern New Mexico Festival of Quilts.

The blog has had a rest. Slower internet and indeed a lack of time is the main reason.

Last week, after 3 wonderful days of R&R in NY, I flew into El Paso to be greeted by my Best Buddy Lisa.

I left the green of Ireland and in a few days was transported to the beauty of New Mexico. It's a A total contrast. As I stepped out of the airport the air was hot dry and as welcome as a warm hug.Each day since my arrival, the temperatures have been in the 100s which suits me just fine.

Lisa and I have been friends for many years and indeed it is the foundation for our program in New Mexico. We dreamed of producing an event similar to this and now it has become a reality.

Thank you Miss Lisa.

It's the times we're so crazy,

that people think we're high.
It's the times we laugh so hard,
we can't help but cry.
It's all the inside jokes
and "remember whens".
those are all the reasons
that we're best friends!

I had a day to wind down, a short meeting and then I flew headlong into participating in our Southern New Mexico Quilt festival.

All the planning over the past year began to flow.

An early morning radio interview, a quick bite to eat and classes began.

The vendors arrived and a team of young men and women from the military base at White Sands assisted the set up.

I think it might have been the first time that students were greeted with a shopping trolly tended by a young man who helped them into the classroom. It was indeed a great way to begin.

I can’t say enough about the team here in Alamogordo, Led by Miss Rainee they move at an amazing pace and professionalism is the key.

This year the city joined our adventure and the downtown stores and mall displayed quilts for several weeks prior to the event. It was a great success.

Students came from all over the country and the excitement began.

Thanks to the vendors for embracing textile art in this community. The goods you had on offer were very tempting, I bought a beautiful blue wax resist dyed Jacket and several hand made textile jewelry pieces.

We are all volunteers so all of the funds go back into the community. Last year we had official T shirts, this year we extended the designs and they were a great hit.

The food vendors did an amazing job. The green chilli cheeseburgers were a huge hit.

I can't say enough good things about this event. Its a huge team effort and through the art of quilting we are making a difference in the lives of many of the young people in this community.

We have plans for it to grow and there is an excitement in the air.

Its so nice to be part of such a positive event that is not based on profit for one, but profit for many.