A little improv ...

While improv piecing is something I like to do ... I must admit, it really challenges me ... I'm the kinda person who likes to create a block and then replicate it over and over like here and here.

Currently I am working on the back to the queen size quilt that I am making my brother and figured ... why not try a little improv?  I continued to be inspired by the QUEEN of improv ... Marianne @ The Quilting Edge (if you haven't seen her yet ... you will not be disappointed to go spend, oh, I would say, about an hour looking through the treasure chest that she is sharing on line!).

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I also woke up to an incredibly fun email this morning ... along the lines of "You've been nominated!".  It was pretty exciting to see that among the hundreds of quilts that have been posted on The Bloggers Quilt Festival over @ Amy's Creative Side ... my Confetti Quilt was nominated in the "Favorite Bed Quilt" category!

Confetti Quilt

There are 14 categories and some AMAZING quilts ... so you should definitely head on over and cast your votes!

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And finally ... on Memorial Day here in the US when we remember and honor those that have fought for our freedom ... we are also starting to recognize the needs of so many soldiers, that in previous wars, would not have made it off the battlefield alive.

Today, they are coming home to their families (and that is a really good thing) however, they are fighting different battles upon their return as they strive to overcome many devastating injuries and create what is a 'new normal' for them.

And with that, I leave you the story of Cpt. TJ Hromisin.  Five years ago tomorrow, TJ was a LT leading a platoon in Tarmiyah, Iraq, in my brother's Company, when he was shot in the temple by a sniper.   It was a devastating injury and he has come further than many ever expected.  Today he and his family are leading an effort to create the Thomas Jerome House, a non-profit organization providing support to show with traumatic brain injuries sustained in combat -- a place where they can live together and support each other .  They are not looking for a million-dollar donor, they are looking for a million $1-donors.  And spreading the word about this charity is key to that goal.

As you enjoy your Memorial Day ... please keep these soldiers in mind ... they are home, they are working to thrive in different ways and some of them ... need a little help from us.

All the best
Lisa