I love the colors in this quilt and the handstitching. I am thinking of my Grandma Goldie today because this day would be her birthday. She passed away several years ago, but I still mark her birthday in my calendar each year. While she made the quilt that's in the picture above, her real gift was playing the piano. That's how she met my grandpa. The story goes that he wanted to get to know her so he began taking piano lessons from her when she was 16 and he was 15. My great Aunt Elsie told me that story and said it was so. :-) My grandma played the piano for church for over 50 years! During that time she played many times when my sister and I would sing for church suppers or bridal showers. So many of my quilting and music memories are tied together that it is hard to seperate them. Recalling Grandma as she played is "music to my ears".And with thoughts of music and the fact that St. Patrick's day is coming up in just a few days, I have something special to share...... There is a chance for you to listen to some lovely Irish music if you live in the area of Mankato, MN. I've mentioned Amy Korteum before but let me introduce her again. This is Amy, on the harp, and her musician friends who are playing beautiful Celtic music............more "music to my ears"!
Yes, they are playing in the great outdoors but this was taken last summer when they were the featured artists at "Music on Main" held in downtown Henderson, MN. :-) You all know it's March and here in Minnesota there is still a lot of snow on the ground! I can remember how beautiful and lively the music was, Amy's sweet voice as she sang those folk songs........and her wonderful laugh!!! If you want to know more, go here, and you can check out Amy's website and even listen to a bit of her music. You'll also see where she will be playing in the next few weeks. I wanted to go the concert this Saturday night but I am not going to be able to do that. Instead, I am planning to go to her solo harp concert later this month. If you live nearby, you should really go and listen to her music. A testament to her talent is the recent award of a grant that she was awarded from the Minnesota State Arts Board. She will be visiting Ireland this summer where she will be playing and studying at a traditional harp festival and also participating in private instruction and competitions. It is a well-deserved honor! And that's no blarney!
Have a good day all!
Sandi
