From Australia with Love

  

It has been my good fortune to have a sweet Australian quilting pen pal for almost 20 years now! (Ack, we can't possibly be old enough to say that!!) Between us, in that time, we have given birth to six kids, moved homes 4 times, changed jobs at least 3 times, and countless other life events! It's been an honor and a priviledge to share our lives and quilting passion over those years. She is beyond adorable, and seems to handle life challenges with the same grace and beauty that she pours into her quilting.

I'd love to say she chose me as her friend, but as luck would have it, I chose her! Someone showed up at guild meeting many years ago with a stack of papers. Each paper had a quilter's name, a photo, and a few simple questions and answers. I chose Diane because she and I share the same name! Her last name is also my mother's maiden name. The photo of her quilt was one I wish I had made (do you remember those patchwork hearts with blue sashing?) She was expecting her first child, as was I. She was a teacher by trade, as was I. She had the friendliest smile.

Needless to say, I am so glad that I picked up that piece of  paper those many years ago. It blessed my life more than I could have ever known it would. We've sent blocks, fabrics and other quilting goodies to each other in the mail, we've exchanged letters, audio cassettes, and eventually emails. She was even clever enough to get her blocks included in the baby quilts my guild made for my each of my children! But it's her friendship that means the most. Just knowing someone that far away understands the joy of fabric, the love of family, and the gift of friendship is such a treasure.

So recently she saw that I was participating in the Temecula Quilt Co. Summer Star Sew Along and decided to join the fun! How cool is that? The blocks at the top are her work. Everything she makes is amazing. I can't wait to see what she does next.