It's That Time of Year (+ Giveaway Opportunity)

November has arrived (ok, it arrived 11 days ago but it's truly hitting me now), and there's lots going on. A lot going on does not, admittedly, include the above plants growing. I took this picture last year and had some fun playing around with it. But I am a terrible plant nurse, and all of the herbs have since died a slow and perhaps somewhat sad death. In any event...

Art La Flamme of IBOL fame has a thoughtful Veterans Day post. Read it here.

Holidays of all sorts are coming up, which often means thinking about gifts. As easy as it is to get wrapped up (literally!) in gifts for family and friends, it's also a time to think of others. Katie from Swim, Bike, Quilt and Aunt Spicy have teamed up to promote "100 Quilts for Christmas" {or, I would argue, whatever other holiday one might celebrate...Diwali (which just ended, but still), Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Kwanzaa...}. The idea is simple and wonderful: make a quilt for someone in need in your local area. Make a quilt yourself or team up with some friends to make a quilt. Baby quilts are small, fun, and don't take that much time. I've got plenty of work on my plate, my sister's wedding, teaching obligations, and more, but I'll be making a quilt or two to donate locally.

**And I'll sweeten the pot with a giveaway for those who make a quilt and donate it by December 20, 2010. Exact prize to be determined, as I just thought of this idea now, but it will probably be some combination of a bag and fabric, though I'm open to other ideas as well.**