Hello, my friend! It's 2010, if the calendar makers are to be believed. I am grateful for another January 1st. 
We rang in the New Year, or maybe ran off the old, with family and friends. A little champagne to celebrate and some black-eyed peas for good luck. 
There's a tradition of eating black-eyed peas on New Year's that goes all the way back to ancient Babylon. It's supposed to bring prosperity and, in this climate, my Hoppin' John didn't go begging. 
Still, there were leftovers so I had some for breakfast. I think that put me in the way to have a great day. That, and the fact that my Prayer Quilt Ministry was resuming today. Here's what it's like: we use a large downstairs room in the church. Tables and chairs are set out for us. We open the closet and get out
- extension cords
- ginormous ironing boards
- 2 irons
- 4 cutting mats
- a selection of rulers and cutters
- whatever fabric we need
- notions boxes (thread, needles, blades, extra tools)
It goes about six hours and the ladies show up as their schedules allow. Many of us want to be there for the whole time. 
Applecheeks, our glorious leader, usually gets there a little early to set up. And then there's the food. Oh, there's always some kind of candy-nut mix, and somebody usually brings in fruit, sometimes a lunchie kinda thing like sandwiches or casserole, cheese, chips, and often an experimental something gooey somebody was trying out the recipe for. 
We talk about anything and everything, keeping it away from gossip but all other subjects are available for discussion. Sometimes a little venting and commiseration is important, but a lot of stories and advice and laughter happens. We pray for each other. And eat. Oh, yeah, and we work on prayer quilts, too. If there's time.
Throughout this post you may have noticed some pictures. These are zipper pouches I am now making and selling. These two were custom-made for a local customer. But I've got more!
