Dalen Keys Blog - Author, Speaker, Writer

Meteor Showers

Dalen Keys — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 04:05:56 GMT

So, tonight I hear on the news there will be meteor showers. These are events I absolutely love for some absolutely unknown reason. I'll pull a lawn chair into the middle of the backyard and stare at the sky in anticipation of the occasional streak of light zipping across the night sky. I'll sit tensely scanning always feeling that the really good ones are occurring while I'm looking the other way.

It seems like the best meteor showers are in the middle winter during a really cold night. This must be God testing my true dedication to the cause. Long ago God create the dust and debris that is now cascading into our atmosphere and even at the time he was wondering, "Will Dalen really have the guts to sit out there watching?"

Maybe watching for those streaks of light makes me feel connected with eternity - I don't know and I don't want to get too philosophical about it either. I just know I like it. Always have. When the kids were home, we'd sit out under the stars together. "There goes one, Daddy." Now, I watch alone, but knowing they have those fond memories too.

I do have one suggest, God, sir. I think it would be exceptionally cool if the meteors were accompanied with sound as they shot past. A roar, whiz, zing or tinkle, any will do from my perspective.

Welcome Home, Soldier

Dalen Keys — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 04:28:30 GMT

We made our usual trek to the Baltimore airport to pick up our son from college for the Thanksgiving holiday. As we entered the terminal, we heard a cheer echoing down the hallway. We were in a bit of a rush so we decided that we would have to check that out later.

So, once we had our son safely in tow, we made our way down the hall toward the source of the noise. We were surprised to find several hundred people lined up, three and four people deep, outside of the international arrival gate. Suddenly, the doors opened and a wild cheer roared as a man carrying his gear stepped out; a young man, a soldier, returning home. Cameras flashed, a troop of girl scouts handed him a box of cookies, mothers handed him snacks, high-fives from the crowd as he passed, and slaps on the back came from old men wearing their memories from service years long ago.

This same scene happened again and again as men and women warriors were welcomed home for the Holidays. It made me proud, it made me thankful, and it made me sad as I thought of those people that only had the memories of the one they had lost.

I was changed by this experience and I will always remember it. I'm glad I could be there to welcome home just a few of these brave heros.

Devotion in The Upper Room today

Dalen Keys — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 21:59:12 GMT

I have a devotion in The Upper Room today. I'm also their quest blogger. Check it out -

http://devotional.upperroom.org/devotionals/2011-11-22

Pocket Change

Dalen Keys — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 00:58:41 GMT

    As usual, I came home and emptied my pockets of the spare change I had gathered during the course of the day. Half went into my rainy day fund while the other half went into my bank that will eventually go to my church. Something looked different as I sorted through the coins. There was an old quarter lurking the group. Not just "kind-of-old" either.  This quarter was dated 1942. Wow - 1942!
    This quarter had seen World War II, Roosevelt, Kennedy and Martin Luther King. It had seen a time before cell phones and color TV. This quarter had seen the birth of microwaves, Sponge Bob and disposable diapers. This quarter had bought several cups of coffee in 1942 and now needed to be combined with many more to do the same. This quarter had seen Benny Goodman, Elvis, the Beatles. This quarter had seen the dropping of the nuclear bomb and it had seen terrorism as the Twin Towers fell. This quarter saw the first jets, the first computers and the first AIDS victims.
    And yet, even though it was nearly 70 years old, it was still a quarter. Maybe it wasn't as valuable as it originally was, but It was still doing it's job as best it could - even now. It was willing to go wherever it was needed. It was still dignified, even though it was worn. The memories had not made it cynical and bitter.
    I realize that I'm not trailing that far behind this quarter. I'm not 70 yet, but it looms in the near future. When I reach that age, will I be able to retain my value and stand proudly; even dignified. Or, will I sit back and rest in my golden years and let others step up.
    I guess when I'm dropped into the special place where old currency goes to rest, I hope I can be looked at as someone that delivered good things for mankind and be respected sharing all that I've learned and seen.

Release of my new children's picture book titled The Mess

Dalen Keys — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 00:21:33 GMT

I am pleased to announce the release of The Mess - my new children's picture book. The Mess is the sequel to Just A Quilt? Again, it's been an eventful release again - this time being celebrated with an unexpected early snowstorm (my previous book, The Sacred Mountain, was celebrated with an earthquake). I have to admit, I'm very pleased with the innovative genious of my publicity firm, Moving Heaven and Earth Agency, in arranging these unique and special book releases.

Description:

"Can a messy bedroom and a cluttered sewing room produce something beautiful? Find beauty in unexpected places through the eyes of six-year-old Tiffany in this heartfelt and fun story. Spiders, hedgehogs, and dark jungles await Tiffany on her adventures in Mommy’s sewing room. This tale explores the magic of quilting and the amazing beauty that comes out of the web of activities in everyday life. Enjoy this delightful book and its vibrant illustrations with your child."

The Mess is available on my web store (use coupon code "release-of-the-mess1" for free shipping through the end of November), on Amazon or contact me directly at dkeystone@comcast.net (I'm offering the book through me for $11.00 + $3.00 shipping through the end of November).

The Sacred Mountain is now available!

Dalen Keys — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 01:55:41 GMT

The Sacred Mountain is now available in my online store. You can visit it at www.dalenkeys.com and open the "online store" tab. I am celcbrating the release of the book with a special offer. Use the coupon code the "thesacredmtnrelease1" and receive $5.00 off your purchase.

The Sacred Mountain released today!!

Dalen Keys — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 01:34:42 GMT

Today was a surprising and great day! I arrived home to find a pallet of my new book in the garage. It's a youth/teen Christian fiction adventure titled "The Sacred Mountain." It will be available on my web store soon, but it should also be available local stores. Ask for it or let me know if you want one.

Back Road Quilt Shops - Nevada (Nev-aid-duh), Missouri

Dalen Keys — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 05:42:57 GMT

Too often I am caught up by the rush of life. It's hard for me to slow down and enjoy things going on around me. But, this week I had the absolute pleasure of spending time in Nevada (pronounced Nev-aid-duh), Missouri at the Bushwacker Days activities. This is small town USA at its best. Sitting in front of the court house in the town square while listening to Sober as a Judge (some older guys and gals of which one is a judge) play pop music on the main stage with town folks surrounding me on their lawn chairs let me take a couple of deep breaths and I could feel myself relax. I was able to slow down just a bit and watch the kids play. I even enjoyed watching the gathering storm clouds and lightening flashing on the horizon. It was great!

Quilters, when you come to Nevada, visit Nine Patch Quilt Shop and enjoy some time talking to Erica. It's a small shop but Erica brings it alive with stories of people and her exciting projects.

Try to visit on the third Thursday on the month and attend with the Buchwackers Quilt Guild meeting. There's only about 25 people there on a good meeting night. But, it's a fun group and the refreshments were yummie! Tell them Dalen sent you.

Better yet, visit Nevada in June during Bushwackers Days and bring a lawn chair. Sit under the trees in front of the court house and enjoy being part of a community again where the pace of life is a bit slower and the people really enjoy being around each other.

While in Nevada,

- stay at the Country Inn and Suites - very clean and a great breakfast is included,
- eat at Iguana Azul Mexican Restaurant. It is one of the best I have ever been at - my wife agrees. We don't say this lightly either - we love Mexican food.
- get a snow cone or ice cream at the place near down town (I can't remember the name of it). It was about a thousand degrees in the shade when we were in Nevada and the snow cone was the best thing I ever tasted.

Thanks, Nevada!
Thanks, Erica!
Thanks Bushwacker Quilt Guild! You're in my heart.

Upcoming New Book - pre-release information on Amazon - check it out

Dalen Keys — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 01:57:13 GMT

I found this on Amazon today. I'm excited! This is a substantial departure from my first book. This is an exciting adventure set on an Indian Reservation in Arizona. Will, Kate and Jake find answers to ancient mysteries while finding God's purpose for their lives. The book should be great for 9 to 14 year olds.

Spread the word - please!

http://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Mountain-Dalen-Keys/dp/1935265881/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1307063914&sr=8-4

Back Road Quilt Shops - Quilters Crossing in Tomball, TX

Dalen Keys — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 02:06:00 GMT

January 5, 2011

Quilters Crossing
108 Commerce Street
Tomball, TX 77375

It was such a relief to get a break from the cold winter weather. I stood in front of Quilters Crossing Quilt Store in Tomball, TX with my face turned upward toward the deliciously warm Texas sun. I wondered why I live in the frigid northeast when it's almost 70 degrees on this beautiful January day.

My wife and I pulled our gear to the workshop along a rustic brick pathway toward the classroom building set back from the main store. The classroom building was wonderful - beautifully lighted with plenty of space and electricity. Ask Deb to show you the classroom while you are there. She always seems to have classes, demos and groups using this space, but she won't mind if you peek in.

The shop itself is in an old house one block off the main street; just watch for the quilts hung from the railing on the front porch. Park along the street and go on in, or just relax for a bit on the front porch. The shop is not large but Deb and her daughter, Mandy, are fun to talk with. Nose around the four rooms of fabrics to see what you can find. They carry oodles of non-mainline fabrics with lots of fun fabrics for the young at heart. The back room is mostly dedicated to a collection of solids. There's a wonderful assortment of Fairy Frost fabrics in a section of another room. They also try to carry patterns that you might not see too often; so, be sure to pay attention and be sure to check out the projects hanging on the walls.

It is sometimes the unusual and small things that attract you to a shop. I enjoyed the occasional Pecan banging on the roof from the large tree standing beside the shop. I also enjoyed the stray kitty that lurked outside the shop. It often peaked in the front door. This kitty was certainly not suffering as the tender-hearted owners keep food and water in dishes on the front porch.

WHERE TO EAT?

The Whistle Stop Tea Room is just across the street from Quilters Crossing. Get there early because it is jam-packed by 11:30 am. I highly recommend the Tortilla Soup and the heavenly Bread Pudding that absolutely melts in your mouth. It is to die for (I think I embarrassed my wife when I picked up my plate to lick every last drop of the yummy rum sauce). Be sure to reserve your dessert when you order because they do sell out quickly. The locally homemade bread is terrific too - thick, soft and squishy.

Back Road Quilt Shops - Heavenly Threads Quilt Shop in Trinity, Tx

Dalen Keys — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 02:31:00 GMT

I'm starting a new series. I have the great fortune of visiting many Quilt Guilds and Quilt Shops as I talk about, and sign, my book, Just A Quilt? This often puts me in some very interesting towns and shops that are outside of the path most traveled. But, these shops and towns are often very interesting and it is a shame that more of us do not get to see them. So, I will share some of my experiences and the information I gather on these shops and towns as I travel around the country. I hope you find this information useful and that you have the chance to visit some of them.

January 7, 2011

Heavenly Threads Quilt Shop
334 Prospect Avenue
Trinity, TX 75862
936-594-1237

Patricia McCartney is such a wonderful person, but do not call her "Pat." She will be sure to tell you, "That's a boy's name; at least, where I grew up." My wife and I had the pleasure of spending the day with Patricia and she was so much fun to be around.

Tricia runs a lovely quilt shop in a small house in Trinity. You really feel like you are pulling into her driveway (unpaved dirt) and walking into her house; and in a way, you are. Browse the five rooms of fabric and gadgets but be sure to visit the Adoption Center. You can ask Tricia why it is called the Adoption Center. Guys, feel free to sit in the comfy lounge chairs in the front room. Those chairs are extremely comfortable!

I was surprised to find out that Santa often frequents this store. Tricia's husband is the spitting image of him and gladly fills the role as Christmas approaches. Tricia did not talk about it but in my opinion, she makes a mighty fine Mrs. Claus.

Be sure to talk with Tricia about all the charitable projects that they support. She has some really good ideas and samples.

I was moved by the Prayer Board. The names of people needing prayer for their issues and illnesses were listed. During the day, I heard customers talking lovingly about the concerns of the various people listed there. Tricia is thrilled to say, "People are being touched by the prayers and we are able to take their names off the board."

You might want to plan your visit to Heavenly Threads soon because it is likely to become a major tourist attraction. Tricia is on a mission to get into the Guinness Book of World Records. She is having the world's largest thimble fabricated which she will use as her sign in the front yard. I am sure the tour buses will soon be swamping Trinity as people flock to see this sight.

WHERE TO EAT?

By all means, you must eat at the Trinity Cafe in the heart of Trinity, TX. It is between the two traffic lights in town. There is parking along the street. Just pick out one of the spots amongst the pick-up trucks. You'll be having lunch with the locals who are friendly and welcoming. The special the day that we were there was fried catfish with a variety of yummy side dishes (fried okra, ranch-style beans, mustard greens, for instance). But, I passed up the special and had the fried chicken salad. It was very tasty and plentiful!

WHAT TO DO?

After you eat, go next door and shop in the Trinity Florist and Gifts. It is much more than just a flower shop. There are plenty of fun gift items, cards, wind chimes, jewelry, fashions; oh, and flowers too.

There you go, the first town and shop to be highlighted is Trinity, TX and the Heavenly Threads Quilt Shop. If you enjoyed this brief segment, let me know. Thanks for hosting my visit, Tricia!

Children's Devotion Published

Dalen Keys — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 15:55:00 GMT

I had a children's devotion published today - January 1 - on DevoKids. A great way to start the year. Check out the deotion titled "The Barn" at http://devokids.com/category/devotions/.

Happy New Year!

Lou C. Ferr's Altar Removal Service

Dalen Keys — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 22:25:00 GMT

Lou C. Ferr’s Altar Removal Service

Dalen Keys

Three Actors:

Actor One: Lou C. Ferr

Actor Two: Bill Z. Bub

Actor Three: Pastor or associate Pastor – use a real Pastor if possible

Pastor: SAYING SOMETHING IN THE ORDER OF SERVICE – MAYBE LEADING INTO PRAYER.

Two men dressed in workmen’s clothes, wearing hats and gloves come in the back.

Lou: I’m telling you. This has been a day. I bushed.

Bill (pointing at the altars): There they are, Lou. Let’s get’em and get outta here.

Pastor: Wait a minute, who are you guys?

Lou (Lou and Bill walk up to the Pastor. Lou gives his business card): Oh, excuse us. I’m Lou, of Lou C. Ferr’s Altar Removal Service and this is my partner, Bill Z. Bub.

Pastor: What?

Bill (showing the pastor a clipboard): We’re supposed to remove these altars. See, this is order number 666. We’ll just be a few minutes, Sir?

Pastor: But what’s going on?

Lou: Just another altar removal. It’s happening all over and we’ve been swamped.

Bill (pointing at the altar): These things are just not needed these days.

Lou: And they’re just not politically correct.

Bill: They make people feel guilty.

Lou: They really embarrass people in front of the crowd.

Bill and Lou: It’s just not right!

Pastor: But this is where people come to pray.

Lou (rubs finger across the altar like it is dusty): Oh, come on. They’re hardly used.

Bill: Trust me. No one will even miss them.

Lou (Bill and Lou nod knowingly at each other): And, besides, they’re not handicapped accessible.

Pastor: But, -

Bill: They’ve just gotta go. Hey, Lou, get that end (pointing at the other end of one of the altar sections).

Lou (Lou and Bill pick up one of the altar sections): You bet, Bill.

Bill: Hey Pastor, think of all the space you’ll have.

Lou: You could put up some bingo tables - or maybe open a bookstore.

Bill: You could be a bestselling author. All the Pastors are doing it.

Lou: Maybe sell some of those books by that Keys guy.

Pastor: But, --

Bill (points at the cross): Hey, you want us to get that cross out of the way while we are here?

Pastor: No way!

Lou: Just thought I’d ask. We’ll be right back for the rest of these (motioning with head or hand at the other altar sections).

Bill: Just go ahead with your service. You’ll hardly know we’re here.

Joseph on Sibling Rivalry

Dalen Keys — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 01:17:00 GMT

A spokesperson for the Egyptian Institute of Archeology announced today the successful translation of an important ancient document. The document is a scroll dating from 1885BC which was a portion of the country’s newspaper of the day (which was called Egypt Today). This scroll contains an exciting interview conducted by Egypt Today (ET) with Zaphenath-Paneah. Bible students will immediately recognize this as the Egyptian name for Joseph, the son of Jacob. We are pleased to exclusively share the translation of this scroll with you.

ET: Thank you for taking a few minutes out of your busy schedule to talk with us today.

Joseph: My pleasure.

ET: Joseph, Sir, you are second-in-command to the Pharaoh. You wear the Pharaoh’s signet ring enabling you to act on behalf of the Pharaoh. You are only in your thirties. How do you explain your success?

Joseph: That is a very good question. I am amazed myself. But, I have come to realize that I am only here by the will of God.

ET: Yes, the gods have been kind to you.

Joseph: Let me be clear. I said God, not gods. The one, and only, true God brought me to Egypt at just the right time.

ET: Oh, excuse me, Sir.

Joseph: No problem, I just wanted you, and your readers, to understand. God has intervened for me and He has intervened for Egypt during this time of drought.

ET: Speaking of the drought, we understand that your brothers recently came to Egypt and visited you.

Joseph: Yes, they did. They were suffering in this drought too and they needed food. I was excited to see them.

ET: How many brothers do you have?

Joseph: 11

ET: How is your relationship with your brothers?

Joseph: It’s great now; but, it wasn’t always so good.

ET: That sounds interesting. Tell us more.

Joseph: Oh, sure, you want me to spill my guts on my family’s dirty laundry.

ET: Sorry, Sir, but we have heard so many stories about you and your brothers. We’d like to know the truth.

Joseph: Seriously, it’s really no problem. I’m glad to share my story.

ET: Please do.

Joseph: My father loved me very much. You might say that I was a spoiled brat. I tattled on my brothers whenever I could, I flaunted any gifts that my father gave me. My father once gave me a special coat and, oh my goodness, I rub that in my brothers faces. I tell you, I was a brat.

ET: I heard that things got very bad with your brothers.

Joseph: Only if you consider being sold as a slave as “bad.”

ET: They sold you?

Joseph: Yes, they did. Was it right of them? Absolutely not. Do I now understand their motives? Absolutely, yes. It was my dreams that pushed them over the edge.

ET: Dreams?

Joseph: Yes, I’ve always been able to interpret dreams. It’s a gift from God that eventually got the attention of Pharaoh and probably saved my life; but, that is all another story.

ET: My little brother drove me crazy but I don’t think I would have sold him, unless the price was really good.

Joseph: Exactly.

ET: Looking back at those years with your brothers, what would you have done differently?

Joseph: I wasn’t acting out of love and respect for my brothers. I wanted to be the center of attention. I somehow knew that God had great things in mind for me but I didn’t communicate this well with my brothers. I was a brat.

ET: Love and respect. We could improve all of our relationships with more love and respect.

Joseph: I agree. Too often we are thinking only of ourselves, our needs, our desires. Love seeks the best for the other person; even brothers.

ET: But, things have worked out for you.

Joseph: Very true. God can take bad situations and work wonders. Looking back, I can see that I needed to go through those tough times. I needed to change the way I acted toward other people. I needed some humility.

ET: How are things with your brothers now?

Joseph: We are reunited. We have forgiven one another and we are friends. I thank God for that.

ET: Joseph, thank you for your time today. Your impact on Egypt has been truly amazing and we thank you for you service to this country.

Joseph: Thank you for your kind words; but, I am just doing God’s will. It has been a pleasure talking with you today.

Westward Ho! Onward to Colorado springs and Denver

Dalen Keys — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 02:46:00 GMT

We just had a great time in Colorado Springs and Denver! I highly recommend the following:

1. Garden of the Gods
2. Royal Gorge Bridge
3. Celestial Seasonings Factory Tour
4. The Chapel at the Air Force Academy
5. Buffalo Bill's Grave Site
6. Hammonds Candy Factory (don't forget to check out the "oops" room)
7. Bishops Castle (be prepared for Jim though)
8. Cliff Dwelling Ruins
9. Cave of the Winds.

And, if you are a quilter, you must add:

1. Being a visitor at a meeting with the Alpine Quilters in Evergreen and with the Smoky Hills Quilters Club in Aurora (just tell them, "Dalen sent you"),
2. Shopping at Holly's Quilt Cabin, the Great American Quilt Factory and Rita's Stitchery.

My daughter insists she is going to live out there now.

Prairie Quilt Shop in Hennessey, Oklahoma

Dalen Keys — Sun, 02 May 2010 00:45:00 GMT

If you are in Oklahoma City, and you are a quilter, take the time to drive out to Hennessey, OK and visit the Prairie Quilt Shop. Randa Parrish and the folks working there are so friendly and helpful. I had the opportunity to visit with them for a book signing of Just A Quilt? I have to admit that I got more and more nervous about this adventure to this rural small town the closer I got. It reminded me of those summer vacation trips to visit my Grandparents in Kinsley, KS. When I pulled up in front of the building (my worries about a wasted day being fortified by being able to park right in front of the store) it was just one more old store along a Main Street that seemed to have plenty of businesses that were struggling. But then I stepped inside. Now, don't take me wrong, it was still an old store but the friendliness of everyone immediately brushed away my fears. It was clear that the fabric selection was great as you browse the three rooms of fabric and walk over a wonderful creaking wood floor and enjoy the old tin ceiling overhead. Do ask to see the classroom upstairs.

Thanks Randa for inviting me!

http://www.prairiequilt.com/

Guthrie, Oklahoma

Dalen Keys — Sat, 01 May 2010 14:21:00 GMT

To my surprise, I had the day off before speaking to the Edmond (Oklahoma) Quilt Guild in the evening. So, I decided to follow the advice I was given by the great people at the Prairie Quilt Shop in Hennessey, OK and tour Guthrie, OK. It being outside of tourist season and it not being a weekend, I pretty much had the town to myself; although, I have to admit that being so alone made it feel just a little like a Twilight Zone episode. Nonetheless, I had a great time. The day was all I could hope for - warm with a clear blue sky. So, I walked around town and even toured the Territory Museum and Carnegie Library.

HISTORIC INTERLUDE: Interestingly enough, in 1907 the state capital moved from Guthrie to Oklahoma City - evidently in an overnight shady move. The governor at that time sent his personal assistant, Mr. Anthony, to get the state seal for the vault at the current capital (relocation of the physical location of the capital took a move of the governor and the state seal). Mr. Anthony presented the order given to him the governor to the clerk on duty. The clerk promptly fetched the seal, wrapped it in Kraft paper, typed a receipt and gave the seal to Mr. Anthony. Thus, this clerk play a small role in facilitating the move of the capital to Oklahoma City. Now, the reason for the historic interlude, the clerk on duty was "Earl Keys." Yet again, I wonder if my ancestors unwittingly participated in history. Oh, well.

BACK TO THE STORY: My touring kind of wore me out. So, I grabbed a coffee and decided to rest on a bench under the shade of the trees outside of the post office. I light breeze made this so pleasant. I enjoyed watching the pickups coated with red Oklahoma mud go past. People pulled into the mail drop off lane and nodded politely at me. A few folks wandered into the bank across the street. Then I noticed the sign behind me. I was sitting at the location of one of the two land offices where people had to personally come to file their land claim from the Land Run of 1889. This lonely location of 1889 overnight soared to 20,000 people waiting to file their land claim. This town appeared out of nowhere.

I let my mind wandering back in time. I wondered what it was like in the Gaffney building in 1890 or the neighboring J. B. Beadles building. Suddenly, these old buildings with the beautiful cornices and moldings represented the hopes and dreams of real people. In my mind, I heard the clomp of horses passing along the streets and the laughter of children playing in the distance.

I slowly came back to 2010 and just relished participating in this day in Guthrie. I guess I am becoming one of those old guys that sits on benches in the town square of so many small towns and dreams about the days of long ago. I used to make fun of those old guys. I guess I deserve this fate - and it's really not so bad.

If you are in Oklahoma, I encourage you to make time to visit Guthrie.

Worms

Dalen Keys — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 02:24:25 GMT

I am often asked, "Do you think that earthworms go out to parties?" Being a well known expert on the cultural and entertainment preferences of worms, I certainly don't mind these questions. It is always best to consult with experts after all. Earthworms are well known for their wild parties; after all, they crawl around in the dirt naked.

But, today let's talk about a much more serious issue. Worms too often give in to peer group pressure. They basically have no backbone (really, they have no backbone). We are fortunate to have the transcript from a recorded conversation between two earthworms, Sal and Vinnie, that bumped into each other,

"Hey, Vinnie, nice tunnel your digging there."
"Thanks, Sal."
"You doin' anything later?" asked Sal.
"Thought about goin' fishin' but I hear the fish are biting," said Vinnie.
"Bummer," said Sal. "Say Vinnie. Have you ever, well, gone Out?"
"What do you mean - Out?"
Sal motioned upward with his little worm head," You know, Out - wide open spaces."
Vinnie starred at Sal in shock. "Heavens no! Why would I do that?"
"Aren't you even a little curious?" Sal asked.
Vinnie shook his head. "No, not really."
"Well, I going Out," said Sal. "I want to see what's up there."
"I bet it's scary," said Vinnie.
Sal shook his head. "I think it's going to be great. Come with me. I'm going tonight."
"Well, I would but I have to do my nails," said Vinnie nervously.
"Excuse me, Vinnie, but you have no nails," said Sal.
"I'm kind of scared to go," admitted Vinnie.
Sal smiled. "Me too but I'm going anyway."
"I guess I could go an take a little peak," said Vinnie.
"That the spirit Buddy," said Sal. "Let's meet here at 9pm."
"Okay, I guess," said Vinnie.

See what I mean, no backbone. Vinnie caved. Sadly, I found Vinnie and Sal on my driveway the next morning along with a multitude of their friends. They had just come up to take a quick look. They hadn't planned on rain. Poor guys. Tragic. CPR on a worm is really tough - and just not very pleasant.

Finally Some Nice Weather - top eight things to do on a nice day

Dalen Keys — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 22:53:00 GMT

Finally. we are getting some nice weather. The winter has been dark, cold and endless. The winter lasted so long I started bonding with my snow blower - and there is something evil about that. Worse yet, I've gotten snow blower envy for my neighbors snow blower. However, today there is no snow and the weather is warm and the sky is blue! This morning I had to run out to do a few errands and I noticed the following things people were doing on this nice day.

1. spreading mulch - nice smell, hard job,
2. shopping at yard sales - Antiques Roadshow here I come,
3. picking up debris in the yard - "wait a minute, didn't this come from the neighbors yard"
4. trimming old plants from last year's garden,
5. taking a ride on the motorcycle - as I get older this gets more and more appealing,
6. spreading fertilizer - no way, this only enables #7,
7. mowing the yard - way to early for this in my opinion,
8. sitting in the sun and drink iced tea - maybe this is what I did.

I also got plenty of time to work on a new manuscript idea, an adventure for 9-12 year olds, titled, The Sacred Mountain. This is step out of my children's picture book norm. We'll see how it goes.

But, tonight is tough. Do I watch the Ten Commandments or the Final Four Basketball Games? It would make it so much easier if Charlton Heston was coaching one of the teams or if Moses was referee at the basketball games. Decisions, decisions.

Top 10 Things Carried at a Quilt Show

Dalen Keys — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:03:00 GMT

I just returned from two days of vending at the quilt show in Warminster, PA, sponsored by the County Line Quilt Guild. They organized a wonderful show and I highly recommend that you mark this one on your calendar for the future. The facilities were great, the food was good, there was a very nice display of quilts and a nice selection of vendors. The people from the guild were extremely friendly. Thanks very much County Line Quilt Guild!

I began watching the people visiting the show and for some reason I decided to focus on what each person brought with them to the show; or, happend to be carrying at the show. This might be a useful reference for anyone planning to visit a quilt show for the first time in the future. This highly researched list will allow you to blend in quickly. I give this information in statistically validated order from most popular to least popular.

1. Money and credit cards. I suggest that Guilds consider using venues that have ATM's or ask a local bank to set up a temporary branch office.

2. Shopping bags bursting with fabric, quilts, patterns and the latest tools. Shopping carts might be a nice addition to ease any ergonomic concerns.

3. Camera. An essential for recording your favorite quilt, coolest block or hottest vendor (so many people got me mixed up with George Clooney).

4. Purse. Almost always carried by the owner but occasionally carried by the token male (see number 10 below).

5. Show Program. These are carried proudly like passports and are sometimes used for #8 below.

6. Literature. Vendors, like me, love to load you up with about five tons of literature. This literature is often carried in #2 or #4 above but is sometimes loaded into the loving hands of #10 below.

7. Cell Phone. The most popular calls being,
    a. "I'm is row 1,023, aisle K87 standing beside the guy that looks like George Clooney.   You've got to get over here right now and
         see this quilt."

        ; or,

    b. "No, Honey, I haven't spent a dime."

8. Fans. Menopause is a bummer.

9. Scissors. I haven't really figured this one out yet.

10. Husbands. The husband always looks ashamed; especially, if they have been blessed with #4 above. They are almost always carrying #3 (this makes them feel useful). They are always looking for: 1) a place to sit down, 2) the food.

So, there you go. You now have the experts guide to fitting in at a quilt show. I do welcome corrections and additions.