Quilt tradition

I've been cutting pieces for new quilts lately. In fact I have at least a dozen cut out and ready to sew into quilt tops. The other day while I worked, I remembered something I had read about young girls in the past. Unfortunately, I don't remember where I read this, so I can't give credit, but the idea is that many girls began making quilts at a young age. Many at only 6-7 years started with the simple 9-patch or something equally as easy. With each quilt top, their skills would improve until they began making the more complicated patterns. But, when a girl began courting, she made tops for her hope chest, so that by the time her wedding approached, she had at least 13 quilts ready to quilt. Then all her friends and neighbors would gather for a quilting bee. They worked steady, taking turns to give short rest periods, and soon had all 13 quilts finished.

I can see that this would be possible with enough women working, but they'd all have to be better with a needle than I am. Still, wouldn't that be a truly wonderful keepsake for the bride? To see and maybe recognize all the many different stitches taken in each quilt by someone who cared enough to share her time and talent for her.

Mildred

Our church celebrated 125 years of ministry with a special service/celebration today. I was especially interested in the history of the church as I read about the circuit riding preacher who traveled from one place to another ministering where he was needed. God supplied many needs and answered many prayers over the years through the ministry of not only the preachers, but also the congregation as they put their faith to work. The best is that God still works in our lives if we allow Him to.

God bless,

Mildred Colvin

I'm back!

Here it is September and I'm finding a bit of time to blog. I signed with an agent, that I like quite well so far. I'm working on a possible submission for her to send around. Now if I can just get this story worked out in my mind so that everything fits. It's more complicated than what I'm used to writing, so it's also a learning experience for me. A good learning experience, I hope. Time will tell if I ever get enough written so I can send it to her with at least a little confidence.

As always,

Mildred

Hi!

I just noticed that Amazon.com has copies of Prairie Hearts by M. J. Conner for sale. At least it looks that way since they say it is in stock. Prairie Hearts should come out in bookstores around the country on September 1, 2009, but maybe it's available on-line ahead of time. How neat!

Prairie Hearts releases September 1, 2009

I just received my copy of Prairie Hearts and it looks great! I flipped through and read a little here and there. Trust me, I've read this book all the way through, and I may not read it again anytime soon. Once you've read something ten dozen times, a little space helps. But, for anyone who hasn't met Carrie and John (is that really his name? And, why does he want to kill her father?) the story is fresh and exciting.

Then there's Mariah and Sherm who have to find a way past Carrie's objections to their courtship. How could Carrie's father possibly marry this woman?

And Joanna, who is Mariah's best friend, has her own problems. She's so bored by her life that she asks for more than she really wants. And gets it. Along with Clay, a cowboy she can't possibly fall in love with. But she loves him already. Now if only they could let God work things out for them.

If you like romance from the old West, I hope you'll pick up a copy in September at the nearest bookstore and see if these stories don't catch your attention. I think they will. By the way, this one is by M. J. Conner.

God bless,

Mildred Colvin

I'm back! I just checked my new book - Prairie Hearts - out on Amazon.com and noticed that the first chapter is available for anyone to read. So, if you'd like to see what's inside, there's your chance. Prairie Hearts is a collection of three complete books about some very adventurous ladies and the strong men in their lives in the old west in Kansas. Hope you take a look.

Mildred Colvin

I discovered something interesting in doing some research. Charcoal (you know, the little black chunks left from a wood fire) was once used to draw infection from a wound. I told my husband and he mentioned that a salve we have used with the name carbo in it - carbo from carbon, which I guess is a form of charcoal - is great for drawing infection, too. That info sure worked great in my story. Not the salve, but the charcoal powder.

Many medical discoveries were made by common people, using what they had available. When you read about folk remedies, it's amazing that they even tried some of the herbs they found. It's more amazing that they knew how to use them. I'm afraid I'd be totally lost if someone relied on me to help them with herbs. For instance, I know willow bark is good for pain and fever, but even if I recognized the willow tree and knew what part of the bark to use - which I don't - I wouldn't know if I should boil it, dry it, or grind it. Or maybe all three?

Mildred Colvin