Saturday, January 02, 2010

Happy New Year

Happy New Year everyone!!!

I've been a bit crazed lately, trying to fit some holidaying and relaxation amidst the flurry of writing and editing and quilting. I feel as zonked as these cats:


Howler is doing well, no aftereffects from his surgery a few weeks ago. That's him sleeping with Pokey under the Christmas tree. That tree will be up for at least another week before I get time to take it down.

We had a good Christmas, at least after my husband guilted me into it by calling me a Scrooge. ME??? Scrooge? Bah. I got a new Tutto case to wheel around my sewing machine as well as some fabric and quilt books. I managed to surprise my husband with a DVD that he didn't know was available (the latest Harry Potter - don't tell, but I thought it was kinda boring, not to mention dismal)--and one he didn't even know existed (the new Wallace and Gromit short: A Matter of Loaf and Death - fantastic - it looked amaaazing).

So not only have I been working on the book, but I've been trying to spend time with my husband. He left this morning for work and won't be back for a few weeks. I'm not complaining though - he got to be here after my surgery and for Christmas. It's good news for anyone missing my blog posts - that's how I'll be sharing kitty photos with him.

I'll be getting a belated present from AQS soon: Gwen Marston's Liberated Quiltmaking II will be out on January 4th (fingers crossed). Woohoo! This link is for AQS and the book description and this is where you can order directly from Gwen herself.

There are 60 new quilts in the book and only 7 quilts that were also in the original LQ. That's not much overlap. I got myself a second copy of LQ when there was a temporary drop in prices - don't even bother to look right now because it has shot waaaay back up.

I have a whole lot more appreciation now for the unseen work that goes into getting a book made. Aye yay yay. I'm now formatting my manuscript and getting all the illustrations properly numbered and printed. Makes my head spin. Less than a week to go. Wish me luck.

30 comments:

  1. It feels like the news just came out that her book was in the works and now it is almost here...where did last year go? Keep our nose to the grindstone...the end is in sight!

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  2. Glad to see you post Tonya and glad both Howler and Pokey seem to be doing well. All of your hard work on the book will be worth it in the end. That's great you got to spend so much time with your hubby over the holidays.

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  3. Lovely photo of the cats! I have enjoyed your Blog in 2009 and look forward to continuing to follow in 2010. Happy new Year, Kath in England

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  4. Onward Tonya! I'm looking forward to both books--Gwen's and yours.

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  5. I have no idea what a Tutto case is but if it makes it easier to take your sewing machine places I would like it. I am glad to have some info about Gwen's new book. I am eager to read it. I can't imagine how complicated and tedious it is to do your book. My cousin co-wrote a book a couple of years ago and I remember her talking about the details of finishing. Good luck to you.

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  6. Look forward to seeing you in print! how exciting!

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  7. Glad Pokie and her pussycat pals had a good holiday. LQ II is exciting but I'm really anticipating your first edition! Wonkiness wins the day.

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  8. buckle down, one more week! In true Tonya form, weeeeeeeee!
    good luck on the last push... hugs

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  9. Happy New Year and ... GOOD LUCK!

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  10. lotsa luck and happy new year!

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  11. Good luck with the new book and Happy New Year.

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  12. Happy New Year Tonya, I'm glad to hear that you had lovely Chrissie with DH and your book is in formatted stage. I pre-ordered a copy of LQ through Amazon and hope it will get to me when it's available - Hugs Natima

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  13. Happy New Year Tonya! Looking forward to your book!Keep at it!

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  14. People sometimes say, 'I could write a book!' but as one who has done this (a boring local history thing) I can say it's MUCH harder work than you think! Keep at it though, as I'm looking forward to my copy!

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  15. Happy New Year Tonya! I didn't realize that Gwen's book was coming out so soon. I will place my order right away.

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  16. Nice to hear from you and a kitty update too!

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  17. Happy New Year Tonya!

    Looking forward to your book, your post and your newest creations!

    Have a blessed 2010.
    and Happy Sewing

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  18. Hi Tonya,
    Happy, Healthy New Year!

    Good luck getting those p's and q's attended to. I, too, am looking forward to your book.

    Thanks for the heads up on the new DVD with Wallace and Gromit.
    Vicky F

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  19. Tonya
    Happy New Year!! I can't wait to enjoy the BOOK! Natalie Carlton

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  20. Happy New Year and best wishes on your book. I didn't realize how far along you were! yippee. :-)

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  21. Happy New Year, Ton! And best of luck with your book!

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  22. Nancy M12:51 PM

    Happy new year to you and your furry family! Glad all is well on the health issues. It will be lovely to get my hands on your book :}} Keep up the great work, I truely enjoy every post!

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  23. Hello! I visited your site today and was realy inspired by one of your posts "The No-Quilt-Police Quilt Show" and I linked to it on my blog hawadaere.blogspot.com.
    I am now starting my own string quilt!

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  24. I've been thinking about you and wondering how you were doing on the book "birthing". My fingers are crossed for you. I'm looking forward to your book even more than I'm looking forward to Gwen's, and that's saying A LOT! Hopefully my copy of Gwen's book will be waiting for me when I get back from my trip (I'm currently in NV).

    Glad to hear that Howler is doing well.

    Also glad to hear that you had a good Xmas with your hubby. You were Grinchy?? No way!

    Happy New Year and best of luck on your final stages!

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  25. Tonya,
    I'm so happy for you that you got to spend so much time with your husband. Good luck with getting your work for the book done over the next week! How exciting!

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  26. Where has the time gone since that campaign to get LQI republished? It seems like yesterday!

    I love the W & G film. Alex saw HP6 and thought it good, but she did see it at the IMax in London and in 3D!

    Happy New Year.

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  27. Don't the cats look comfortable!

    I didn't enjoy Harry Potter either...in fact I fell asleep just before the crucial moment and had to ask "who dun it?" LOL

    Didn't know there was a new Wallace and Gromit...can't wait to see it.

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  28. I just found your blog and loved every bit of it. I am pleased to find another quilter who is also trying to write at the same time. My young teen novel gets neglected from time to time. I look forward to visiting with you more.

    Marie

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  29. Tonya I have left an award for you on my blog. The Scribble Award.
    You can get it on my blog. It is posted on Jan 4th post.
    Good luck to Pokey, Fern

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  30. Good luck with your book. Writing a book is certainly not a lazy effort!

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