http://www.thequiltshow.com/myblog/rickytims.xml This is my little corner of the TQS digital universe to share all sorts of, well... read on! en-us http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/9506 <p align="left"><a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/9506"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/4/04/1000004/blog/9506_deer_dsc_9271_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>05/07/2010: Photo - Justin flirts with one of the town deer. Three days ago, during the wee hours of the night, eight of our tame town deer were senselessly shot and killed. The poacher did not attempt to take them, they were simply left to rot. They were not shot for food or sustenance. The tally included one buck, five doe, and two fawns. I realize that deer can be a problem and nuisance, but I believe we must find ways to live in harmony with nature. If our deer are a nuisance, then it's not up to a single individual to exterminate them. The deer were here first. One of the joys of living in La Veta is seeing the deer in town. It's like the scene in the opening of the show "Northern Exposure" where the moose is sauntering through town. Our town deer bed down and look like fake yard ornaments - only these are the real deal. The deer that were shot would not know to run from humans. I could go on, but there is no need. I just felt obligated to pay tribute to them on my blog.</p><br clear="all"/> Fri, 7 May 2010 08:46:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/9506 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/9431 <p align="left"><a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/9431"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/4/04/1000004/blog/9431_70s_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>04/28/2010: This is a tribute to my visit to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Everyone has a time that they would call 'the good old days' and we usually have strong associations with the music from those years. Music has a way of taking you back to a time and place where the memories come rushing in. I graduated from high school in 1974 so the music of the 70s takes me back. Here's a list of five of the twenty-two songs I just added to my iPhone today. Can you recall the year they were tops? Do any of these songs take you back in time? Delta Dawn - Helen Ready Bridge Over Troubled Water - Simon and Garfunkel Play That Funky Music - Wild Cherry Hot Stuff - Donna Summer American Pie - Don McLean</p><br clear="all"/> Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:52:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/9431 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/9422 <p align="left"><a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/9422"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/4/04/1000004/blog/9422_rt_js_rockhall_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>04/27/2010: Yeppers - today I spent a bit of time at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. I enjoyed seeing the performers outfits because it gave a sense of their size and build - something you can't ascertain from TV. Do you have a favorite song or artist from back in the day - or currently? Read more about my visit here.</p><br clear="all"/> Tue, 27 Apr 2010 18:48:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/9422 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/9411 <p align="left"><a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/9411"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/4/04/1000004/blog/9411_laura_ricky_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>04/26/2010: I did. I got a little quilt made by Laura Wasilowsky. Check it out.</p><br clear="all"/> Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:54:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/9411 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/9384 <p align="left">04/23/2010: All I can say is WOW. Check it out!</p><br clear="all"/> Fri, 23 Apr 2010 23:56:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/9384 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/9374 <p align="left"><a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/9374"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/4/04/1000004/blog/9374_desert_vision_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>04/23/2010: Three fiber artists . Caryl Bryer Fallert , myself, and Hollis Chatelain pause for a snapshot during the AQS show in Paducah, KY. Hollis's exhibition, Imagine Hope, Awareness Through Art opened this week at the National Quilt Museum. Desert Vision by Hollis Chatelain (20" x 34") Imagine Hope is an exhibition that strives to touch its viewers, inspiring them to get involved and make a change in the world. The exhibition is comprised of twelve monochromatic textile pieces by artist Hollis Chatelain, each addressing key social and environmental issues facing our world today. The singular color themes and gentle medium invite the viewer into a realm where dreams and reality meet, where the usually harsh images of injustice speak out in soft cotton, gently touching onlookers and imparting stories of individual struggles. Twenty black and white thought-provoking photographs from various prominent photographers will be shown alongside the fiber art to bring more exposure to the issues portr... (<a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/9374">read more</a>)</p><br clear="all"/> Fri, 23 Apr 2010 07:19:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/9374 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/9325 <p align="left">04/17/2010: I LOVE going to Paducah for the AQS show. I've been every year since 1992 except for one. Anyone else going to be there? I'm heading off to Paducah tomorrow morning - two day drive. The next show I'll be at is the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show - it will be my first time for that one! Check out my homepage blog for today and see what I made for the Sisters show.</p><br clear="all"/> Sat, 17 Apr 2010 22:40:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/9325 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/9310 <p align="left"><a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/9310"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/4/04/1000004/blog/9310_dad_dsc_6170_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>04/16/2010: My dad, as many of you know, also quilts. He goes out to the dog house (the little room attached to the house I used to use as a kennel for my cocker spaniels) and sews every day. Dad enjoys using my hand-dyed fabrics because he doesn't have to worry about accidentally getting the fabrics flipped when stitching - because there is no right or wrong side. His design wall is big enough for half of his quilt - so it works in two parts and they are almost all king size. If dad is not quilting, he's watching John Wayne movies. Recently my great niece (7 yrs) had a school assignment to write about someone she respects . Since she gets to see my mom and dad several times a week, she chose to write about my dad, her Papaw, her great-grandfather. After she proudly announced she had chosen Papaw for her subject, she assured the family that she didn't mention anything about the Civil War. We're so relieved. Kids!</p><br clear="all"/> Fri, 16 Apr 2010 09:34:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/9310 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/9292 <p align="left"><a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/9292"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/4/04/1000004/blog/9292_buford_dsc_6334_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>04/14/2010: Buford was a good dog. He passed away on April 12. He was a loving companion to Miss Jeanette (Justin's mom) and he will be greatly missed. Buford was a rescue dog adopted by Jeanette when he was about 5 or 6 years old. For nine years he had the best life a dog could have. He chased the squirrels and kept the boogeyman away. He was animated, clever, and smart. A friend sent this short essay. Dog lovers will understand. Just A Dog From time to time people tell me, "Lighten up, it's just a dog," or, "That's a lot of money for just a dog." They don't understand the distance traveled, time spent, or costs involved for "Just a dog." Some of my proudest moments have come about with "Just a dog." Many hours have passed with my only company being "Just a dog." and not once have I felt slighted. Some of my saddest moments were brought about by "Just a dog." In those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "Just a dog" provided comfort and purpose to overcome the day. If you, too, think its "J... (<a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/9292">read more</a>)</p><br clear="all"/> Wed, 14 Apr 2010 09:56:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/9292 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/9281 <p align="left"><a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/9281"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/4/04/1000004/blog/9281_rt_dsc_4527_72_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>04/13/2010: Recently we had our town elections and we have a new mayor and new council members. It will be interesting to see how the next few years develop, but for now it is a new day in La Veta. Talk about new days. I love waking up in La Veta. Each morning seems magical. I took this photo just a few minutes ago from the back deck. Is is possible to tire of this beauty? Will I ever take it for granted? People often ask if I ever get tired of my work - how can I manage it all? The truth is, I'm just like most folks. I do get weary and tired, but deep down I really love what I do. Therefore, it is not difficult to take a deep breath and head back into the fray. One thing that keeps me going is the beauty of this valley. What keeps you going? - Ricky in beautiful La Veta, CO visit www.rickytims.com</p><br clear="all"/> Tue, 13 Apr 2010 08:14:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/9281 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/9241 <p align="left">04/08/2010: Ah - the Colorado Spring airport - ah, the joys of going through security- ah, the joy of paying $90 for baggage that is 5lbs overweight - on top of $60 for two bags. I guess you have to take the bad with the good. And, isn't it lovely that Sprit will be charging for carry ons?</p><br clear="all"/> Thu, 8 Apr 2010 13:33:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/9241 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/9227 <p align="left"><a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/9227"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/4/04/1000004/blog/9227_st_francis_cover_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>04/06/2010: Most of you know I can't do without both my passions - music and quilts. In light of that - those of you who like choral music should check out my newest composition. It's an 8 part acapella choral work based on the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi - "Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace." The full story about it and why I wrote it is posted on my website . I hope you'll take a moment to listen. Get a tissue.</p><br clear="all"/> Tue, 6 Apr 2010 11:04:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/9227 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/9141 <p align="left"><a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/9141"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/4/04/1000004/blog/9141_pagosa_3534_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>03/28/2010: We'll the blizzard didn't spoil my plans. Thankfully if fizzled and I didn't get trapped at home. One of my Christmas presents was a trip to a hot springs but it couldn't be scheduled until this weekend. Pagosa Springs, a beautiful small town located at the base of the famous Wolf Creek Pass in Colorado is home to the largest collection of mineral pools in the world. There is a rich history to the springs and the famous resort, but the new Springs Resort Hotel is a great addition to that history. There's nothing like a soak in the healing waters to soothe the body and mind. However, notice whose half-naked body you do NOT see in the photo! Yes, I prefer to soak at night. There are a total of 23 pools in various degrees of warmth. This photo shows how the minerals have built up over the years creating beautiful and colorful mineral flows. Now I'm feeling a bit refreshed and looking forward to a week of creativity. What cool getaway do you recommend?</p><br clear="all"/> Sun, 28 Mar 2010 21:28:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/9141 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/9124 <p align="left"><a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/9124"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/4/04/1000004/blog/9124_spring_snow_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>03/27/2010: My personal website has a facelift. Check it out. http://www.rickytims.com/ I have a play day scheduled - the first is months. When you see the photo, tell me what I should do.</p><br clear="all"/> Sat, 27 Mar 2010 09:21:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/9124 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/7619 <p align="left"><a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/7619"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/4/04/1000004/blog/7619_banner_village_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>10/31/2009: Hey everyone! If you have not heard me say it, I view my new Christmas In A Small Town album as being the best personal project I've ever created. I can't remember being more 'inspired'. There are many reasons I say that, but trust me, from a personal artist's perspective - I bled my heart into the project and I'm thankful for the results. While I'm passionate about this album, it was inspired by the song - Christmas in a Small Town . I'm asking you all to join forces with me. I can only preach to the choir (you), but you can share the song with thousands and that has the potential of not only creating a new Christmas classic, but that will tie back to me - and I will tie back to TQS helping our TQS community to grow as well. I love the way all the pieces fit together in life. You can help - and it cost nothing but a few moments of your time. Start by registering YOUR town and sharing a YOUR story (or two or three) on the Christmas In a Small Town.com website. After you do, you'll get ... (<a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/7619">read more</a>)</p><br clear="all"/> Sat, 31 Oct 2009 11:20:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/7619 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/7611 <p align="left">10/30/2009: Hey to all my peeps! I'm no longer a YouTube virgin! My first music video is posted. It's Christmas in a Small Town - so some of you will have seen a variation of it before. Anyway, we're posting music videos as we begin the slippery slope into Christmas to get folks registering their towns and sharing their stories at www.christmasinasmalltown.com In a few days we might swing this to the Daily Blog - but ya'll get the sneak peek and the invitation to register your town and tell your stories first.</p><br clear="all"/> Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:10:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/7611 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/7590 <p align="left"><a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/7590"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/4/04/1000004/blog/7590_rt_snowdeck_6629_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>10/29/2009: A photo of my deck - now there is another 8 inches on top of this. Hey gang, It's been snowing for 36 hours - no sign of letting up. Personally, I LOVE IT! It's a treat! We have had about 22" total so far. Of course you can just imagine what the trick or treaters will be wearing on Halloween! So, I'm eating my home made ham and potato soup and, dont' gasp - even had a glass of egg nog! What's your best ever snow story? good or bad - and is our storm a trick or a treat?</p><br clear="all"/> Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:29:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/7590 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6860 <p align="left">09/05/2009: Hey everyone! Justin made two separate trips with the trailer (Jeff included) to take the set and all sorts of TQS necessities to Boulder, CO to our new TQS studio home. I've been playing catch up like crazy (since I've been so focused on my recording), but today was my day to pack sewing machines, fabric, and quilts. We drive up tomorrow (Sunday) for pre-production. Twelve new shows will begin taping on Thursday. Pretty cool that we are doing our 66th- 78th shows! Has anyone really watched all up of them so far? I know I have.</p><br clear="all"/> Sat, 5 Sep 2009 17:20:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6860 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6766 <p align="left"><a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6766"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/4/04/1000004/blog/6766_smalltowncover01_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>08/28/2009: I'm experiencing yet another fun creative endeavor. It seems for over a year I had an idea of what I wanted to do for the cover. Suddenly, yesterday I pulled out my camera and the vision TOTALLY changed. I'm seeing red because today I've been creating the cover for my Christmas in a Small Town CD featuring a nutcracker and my toy piano. I also heard the mastered tracks today and I must say, I'm more than happy - okay, relieved!. So, the image above is a sneak peek for the CD which should be available by mid-October. The plan is to have it at the Houston Quilt Festival.</p><br clear="all"/> Fri, 28 Aug 2009 21:22:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6766 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6731 <p align="left"><a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6731"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/4/04/1000004/blog/6731_moonpie2_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>08/26/2009: I'd like to thank everyone who followed my journey creating the Christmas In A Small Town CD. I'm at the Nasville airport heading home today. The music is DONE - just the graphics and manufacturing to go! Whoo-hoo. Look for it to be on sale in Mid-October. Start telling your friends. I can honestly say this is by far the best music I've ever produced. I have no doubt it might become one of your all-time favorites too. Waiting to fly home, I'm celebrating the success with a Moon Pie!</p><br clear="all"/> Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:50:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6731 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6696 <p align="left">08/23/2009: No - nothing has happened. I'm just reflecting on the creative process - that I teach - as it relates to my new CD project. It has been unexpectedly overwhelming, there have been a few obstacles, I hit a wall at one point, and now, I'm coming to the home stretch as I fly to Nashville today to mix the project. Mixing is a process where all the individual tracks are isolated, tweeked with their own equalization, adjusted for volume (and that can be automated for each track so it will rise and fall as needed) and other special effects are added to make sure all the parts have their own space in the sound landscape. Some things will be near, some far, some left, some right, but all of the parts have to be there or there was no point in recording it. A couple of weeks ago I finished my final recording sessions in Nashville. Once all that was done we were able to determine the true scope of the project. Most of the songs will have in excess of 100 individual tracks - that's a LOT. As we begi... (<a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6696">read more</a>)</p><br clear="all"/> Sun, 23 Aug 2009 11:43:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6696 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6471 <p align="left">08/04/2009: We'll, it's time. I'm heading out the door for my four days of sessions in Nashville. The last two weeks have been th most intense of all - thus my absence from posting. However, I'm heading out with all the tracks and orchestrations completed (and printed) that are needed for these four days. I'm not as prepared for playing as I'd like to be, but thanks to the magic of editing, it will be okay in the end. Alex and I are both away so you guys behave while we are gone!</p><br clear="all"/> Tue, 4 Aug 2009 09:59:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6471 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6333 <p align="left">07/23/2009: It is 7:20 on Thursday, July 23, 2009 Let me encourage you to take a five minute break as see, once again, why I love the creative human brain. This is an example of, "the sky is the limit". Way to go Ambassadors of Harmony! Watch this youtube video.</p><br clear="all"/> Thu, 23 Jul 2009 08:21:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6333 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6324 <p align="left">07/22/2009: It is 2:29pm on Wednesday, July 22, 2009. Here is a peek into my typical communications. Hope you'll enjoy the read. It is an email to a recording engineer in Los Angeles. I've contacted a duduk player (plays in all the movies, and if you don't know what a duduk is, listen to the opening of Trail of Tears from my CD Sacred Age) who will be playing duduk on two tracks of this CD. I have never met this player or engineer, and the recording and files will all be done via email. It's amazing - the tecnhology we have. Enjoy the read: Dear Avo, All the files I will send start at 00:00:00, measure one. They should just line up perfectly in Logic. The files I will need should be 44.1 - not 48 - CD quality. AIFF files please. Bit rate is 16 There are two songs All is Well Key of C - beat per minute is: 76 - however there is a tempo change - in logic, here is my list needed if you are looking to create a click track. All is Well, Tempo list. 1 1 1 1 tempo 76 19 1 1 1 tempo 68.6667 20 2 1 1 tempo... (<a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6324">read more</a>)</p><br clear="all"/> Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:25:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6324 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6319 <p align="left"><a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6319"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/4/04/1000004/blog/6319_oldford09_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>07/22/2009: Old Ford cars parked on Main Street in La Veta. It is 6:01am on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 Look what I found in La Veta yesterday morning? I left my music cave and walked around the corner and suddenly noticed the street was empty - except for these two old Ford cars. I mean - no one was out, no people, no modern cars and these two cars were the only ones parked - and it wasn't 5 o'clock in the morning. Very weird. I thought I was in the twilight zone. Anyway, I ran back to get my camera and ended up taking about a hundred photos of the car in front. I realized I could take these photos and La Veta would once again look just as it did decades ago. Anyone know what models/year these are?</p><br clear="all"/> Wed, 22 Jul 2009 07:18:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6319 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6285 <p align="left"><a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6285"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/4/04/1000004/blog/6285_kinkyturtle_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>07/18/2009: It's 7:29pm on Saturday, July 18, 2009. If you read the previous blog you learned that the producer is 'in charge'. Well, here's a story for you. You know how when someone starts a sentence, and then someone else will finish it, if there is a pause where they can jump in? Well, there is a fairly well known hymn called "Lead On, O King Eternal". Years ago my friend and her sister were visiting New York. My friend had been there before, but her sister had not. Once they decided where they were going to go, my friend already knew the way - so her sister said, "Lead On!". Then my friend - turning and walking away mumbled, "O King Eternal." The sister, not hearing her well, thought she said, "kinky turtle", and asked, "What do you mean kinky turtle?" Ever since then when someone takes charge, the person with the plan, the person leading the way becomes the Kinky Turtle. So, if you felt that being a producer was a bit hoity toity, you too can be a Kinky Turtle. I guess instead of having a pr... (<a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6285">read more</a>)</p><br clear="all"/> Sat, 18 Jul 2009 20:28:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6285 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6272 <p align="left"><a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6272"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/4/04/1000004/blog/6272_audio_signal_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>07/18/2009: It is 6:35am on Saturday, July 18, 2009 I'm back to producing my Christmas CD. The job of a producer changes only slightly from genre to genre, but in music terms I call the producer "god of the project". The producer has the vision to put it all together and makes all the final decisions about everything - from "that wasn't quite right, do it again - no, again please", to selecting the right musicians, to choosing the songs, to hiring arrangers (if necessary) to finding the studio, to working with the engineer, to scheduling recording dates, to sitting through all the mixing process and putting the stamp on the final mix. On a recording project many people may pass through the doors during the process, but the producer is the only one who is there for every second of it. The producer must mold his vision into an aural reality. In the 'real world', we tend to praise the artist because they are the star on the CD. No matter who the artist is, no matter how talented they are - the produc... (<a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6272">read more</a>)</p><br clear="all"/> Sat, 18 Jul 2009 07:23:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6272 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6257 <p align="left"><a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6257"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/4/04/1000004/blog/6257_wrap_party_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>07/17/2009: Celebrating our Threadplay Home Run! It's 6:41 on Friday, July 17, 2009. I arrived home from my short trip to Houston last evening and crashed! As you may recall, I flew to Houston on Monday and taped Libby Lehman's new (first) instructional DVD featuring her fantastic "threadplay" techniques on Tuesday and Wednesday. The days were filled with lots of fun and laughter, but it was work. When we finished the shoot on Wednesday we had to celebrate - and that called for a wrap party with margaritas. Yesterday, Justin began his drive home (he had been visiting his mom who lives near Houston for several days and had chose to drive instead of fly) and Libby drove me to the airport for my flight home. This morning, I get to get sixteen legs out of doggy jail. Today it is back to work on a CD. I'm glad to be back in La Veta's much cooler climate.</p><br clear="all"/> Fri, 17 Jul 2009 07:41:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6257 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6236 <p align="left"><a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6236"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/4/04/1000004/blog/6236_libby_justin_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>07/15/2009: It is 6:09 on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 Yes indeed! Miss Libby Lehman it is! Justin and I are producing an instructional video featuring all of Libby's most popular techniques. We spent all day yesterday taping and today we will finish up. Libby is a delight as always and when the DVD comes out in the fall we know you'll want to be the first to know - so don't worry, I'll be sure to tell you!</p><br clear="all"/> Wed, 15 Jul 2009 07:08:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6236 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6215 <p align="left"><a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6215"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/4/04/1000004/blog/6215_dfw_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>07/13/2009: Hello from Dalls/Ft. Worth - gate B39B It is 10:30am on July 13, 2009 - we'll really 11:30 because I'm now on central time. Sitting in the DFW airport en route to Houston where Justin - who has been visiting with his mom for a week - will pick me up at the airport. Tomorrow he and I will be shooting an instructional quilt video that will no doubt be fantastic. No, I'm not the teacher - it's someone else I know and love. You are welcome to put your guesses here. Here's a couple of hints - thread + play. Tomorrow and Wednesday should be totally fun! For those following my recent posts. Kailin Yong was fantastic as expected. He is a miracle worker on the violin. Kailin is a gentle soul and has a vision for bringing peace to the world through music - the international language. P.S. My computer died just as I saved this blog, but was not able to post it until now - 2:57pm, in Houston, TX.</p><br clear="all"/> Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:56:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6215 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6186 <p align="left"><a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6186"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/4/04/1000004/blog/6186_digitalconsole_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>07/11/2009: It is 10:56am on Saturday, July 11, 2009 As you know, my life right now is totally immersed in the recording of Christmas In A Small Town - my new CD which will release in early October. Since it is the music that is consuming my life - it is the music that finds it's way to these blogs. A music engineer is responsible for the technical aspects of recording. They set up the proper microphones, set recording levels, hit record and play, rewind, and fast forward. They man the controls so to speak. A poorly engineered project would mean there is noise on the tracks (like hums or buzzes, or too much room noise) and that the recording levels might be too low - creating more noise - or too hot - creating spikes, pops, or distortion on a particular take. When you have 30-60 tracks to 'lay down', all of these must be clean or the recording suffers in the end, no matter how wonderful anyone played or sang. Now, if I'm the performer AND the engineer - that means I have to hit record, run to a mi... (<a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6186">read more</a>)</p><br clear="all"/> Sat, 11 Jul 2009 11:13:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6186 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6174 <p align="left"><a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6174"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/4/04/1000004/blog/6174_exhausted_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>07/10/2009: It is 10:18am on Friday, July 10, 2009. I'm done with Wassailing! Finally! I've had it in my head all night and all day for three days! So, I'm off to the next thing. Looks like that will be Do You Hear What I Hear? Some of you have asked about the play list - here is is, as it currently stands - in no particular order. Sugar Plum Fairy Do You Hear What I Hear? Here We Come a Wassailing Personet Hodie/We Three Kings PataPan/O Come, O Come Emmanuel Northern Lights (the original tune I wrote for the Kaleidoscope music video played on show 403) Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence The Huron Carol The Holly and the Ivy Fum Fum Fum Christmas in a Small Town All is Well That's 12! I will also add here that this project has become the single most creative project I've ever put together. The intricacy, nuance, and thought behind it has been more detailed than any of my past projects. More than any quilt or other recording I've made. So, I'll just keep my fingers crossed that it will turn out as I... (<a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6174">read more</a>)</p><br clear="all"/> Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:34:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6174 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6157 <p align="left"><a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6157"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/4/04/1000004/blog/6157_christmasbeer_sm.gif" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>07/09/2009: It is 6:16am on Thursday, July 9, 2009. Yesterday I had my one-second celebration at 12:34:56 7/8/9 - but I'm lookin forward to celebrating it again with England, Canada, Australia on August 7th - which by the way is also my parents 62 wedding anniversary. The CD is starting to include more vocals that I had originally thought - but as the creative muse hits, you just go with the flow. Here We Come A Wassailing was begging for a few lyrics here and there. The odd thing about this song is the rhyming problem. For example: God bless the master of this house, God bless the mistress too, and all the little children that round the table go. What's up with that? to+go? hardly a rhyme - and yes, it bothers me. Now, the wassail (a traditional drink used to toast one's health) and the tradition of wassailing (going from door to door singing and drinking) are old and interesting customs are thought to pre-date the Norman conquest of 1066. There a lot more about it if you google. In my quest to f... (<a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6157">read more</a>)</p><br clear="all"/> Thu, 9 Jul 2009 07:15:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6157 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6142 <p align="left"><a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6142"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/4/04/1000004/blog/6142_sulptureclass_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>07/08/2009: It is 7:17am on Wednesday, July 8, 2009 1. I made some progress yesterday with a tiny bit of catching up on my behindness. 2. I took time to watch the Michael Jackson memorial. Michael Jackson played a major role in my personal cultural journey and the event, for me, was something I needed to participate in - though be it via my TV. I was moved by Al Sharpton and Booke Shields. Not only was Usher fantastic, the fact that he could sing that song by walking to the casket was beyond stunning. And when Jermain sang "Smile", I wondered how he could manage that too. Paris speaking at the end was the pinnacle of the event for me. 3. I had to take a late afternoon break and decided to walk to Charlie's, our local market (just around the corner), but I decided to take a different path than my normal 'sidewalk-around-the-corner' path. Instead I took the alley route. In doing so I stumbled on Joan Hanley teaching a sculpture class in the La Veta Shool of the Arts just behind our place. It wasn't ... (<a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6142">read more</a>)</p><br clear="all"/> Wed, 8 Jul 2009 08:15:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6142 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6129 <p align="left"><a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6129"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/4/04/1000004/blog/6129_numbers_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>07/07/2009: It's 5 52am on Tuesday, July 7, 2009 The clock is ticking. I look at the 'free' days I have until I head to Nashvile - and the work still left to do - and it's not adding up. Even with the long hours, I'm behind. - so, my message is short and sweet. Off to the studio. Does anyone have some spare hours they are willing to send my way?</p><br clear="all"/> Tue, 7 Jul 2009 06:56:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6129 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6113 <p align="left"><a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6113"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/4/04/1000004/blog/6113_digital_audio_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>07/06/2009: It is 1:25pm on Monday July 6, 2009. Peggy (Weaver49) attended the La Veta Quilt Retreat last week and somehow has decided I'm "The Zen Master". I'm not sure what comes with that title other than a lot of smoke, bells, and whistles, but it sounds pretty cool. Editing audio is similar to editing in an event sequence. Here is a photo of the audio tracks on some vocal layers I'm doing. All of the black are graphic indications of my vocal performance. You can see now that because there are layers and layers of tracks I can sing with myself as many times as I want. This is also very common. Enya is the queen of layering her voice - which is why it's so mystical and fantastic. Same as with all editing - I can crop, cut, copy, paste, etc. Each audio file must be very clean (meaning no lip smacking noises, or other bumps or pops, and in this case, I even add a fade in on each vocal (see the green ramp up on each track) so even the room noise gradually fades in instead of just starting instantl... (<a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6113">read more</a>)</p><br clear="all"/> Mon, 6 Jul 2009 14:25:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6113 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6109 <p align="left"><a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6109"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/4/04/1000004/blog/6109_matrix_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>07/06/2009: A matrix editing window. Each bar is a note. Each bar can be moved up or down (changing the pitch), move left or righ (changing when the note will hit) shortened or lengthened - and just like a word processor I can copy and paste anything anywhere. This photo shows measure 53 and part of measure 54. The vertical grid lines indicate that the notes are where they should be, although if you look closely you'll see some short notes in measure 53 that are ever so slightly in front of the beat (vertical lines). The computer can put EVERY note exactly on the beat, that is called quantization. If I quantize everything, then the performance gets robotic, which is great for dance music, but not necessarily for things than need to sound human. It's 7:42 on Monday, July 6, 2009. So, I worked until about 8pm and then went home to watch my the Wimbledon championship - which I had recorded earlier. Thank goodness for the DVR, I would have been up all night watching it if I didn't have fast forward. ... (<a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6109">read more</a>)</p><br clear="all"/> Mon, 6 Jul 2009 08:39:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6109 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6099 <p align="left"><a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6099"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/4/04/1000004/blog/6099_shhh_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>07/05/2009: Be veewy, veewy qwuiet!... ...or so state the lyrics to the arrangement I am working on today - Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence. It's 10:08 on Sunday, July 5, 2009. This carol is obscure to some - not so much to others. However, I LOVE it, and it has the potential to be one of my favorites on this project - although, can I really play favorites when they are all my 'brain children'? Of all the arrangements on the project, this one is sweeping and 'cinematic' in breadth and scope. I'd be interested to know who does - and who does not know this tune? Most of my music is instrumental, and when vocals appear, they are more 'instrumental-like' than sing-song performance like. Currently this tune has no vocals at all - thus no text to hear. I'm nearing the end of the arrangement so we'll see what happens today. Here's the text: 1. Let all mortal flesh keep silence, and with fear and trembling stand; ponder nothing earthly-minded, for with blessing in his hand, Christ our God to earth des... (<a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6099">read more</a>)</p><br clear="all"/> Sun, 5 Jul 2009 11:07:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6099 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6090 <p align="left"><a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6090"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/4/04/1000004/blog/6090_ukuleleband_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>07/04/2009: The parade was fantastic. It was led by the La Veta Ukulele Band and the photo shows it going right in front of Tims Art Quilt Studio. The band is working on becoming the largest ukulele band in the world. In Art In The Park I met an artist who is making 'Open Range Art Dolls', but in particular she has a series of dolls with quilted garments. I will be posting a Daily Blog about this artist soon - so keep an eye out for that. Until then, enjoy this sneak peek of the one I bought to go in my Native America style office! Okay - back to work.</p><br clear="all"/> Sat, 4 Jul 2009 12:23:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6090 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6083 <p align="left"><a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6083"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/4/04/1000004/blog/6083_studio02_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>07/04/2009: My mixing console, however, you'll soon learn that the songs are not mixed on this old mixing console. It is 7:28am on July 4th, 2009. I'm back at work in the studio but will take a break today for the big (not so big) festive La Veta 4th of July Parade. Also, just across the street from the studio is our town park and today and tomorrow there is Art in the Park where crafters and artists from all over the area will display and sell their work. Whoo-hoo! Here is a peek into my work environment. First is my small work space for recording and editing. My music keyboard is on a pull out tray located just below the desk surface so I can easily play and access the computer controls. I generally use a deskop AND a laptop as both serve different purposes. Audio recording 101 I record audio tracks and sequences in a program called Logic. ProTools and Logic are music industry professional audio recording and editing systems. I have to transfer all files to individual audio files before Augus... (<a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6083">read more</a>)</p><br clear="all"/> Sat, 4 Jul 2009 08:27:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6083 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6067 <p align="left"><a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6067"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/4/04/1000004/blog/6067_songfolders_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>07/03/2009: 11:59am on Friday, July 3, 2009 So totally out of my character, but I realize that unless things now get done in a very orderly way, I'll end up in Nashville for sessions with something undone - catastrophe! So, I just created a folder for every song with a check list. Whoo-hoo! 12 songs - 12 files! Did you know that 3M Photo Mount is VERY sticky?... and that it even if you are careful with it it will make your nose hairs stick together?... and that when you squat to spray you get dizzy when you get up?... and that you really SHOULD spray it outside?</p><br clear="all"/> Fri, 3 Jul 2009 12:24:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6067 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6061 <p align="left"><a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6061"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/4/04/1000004/blog/6061_hamster_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>07/03/2009: Rhino, from Bolt 8:51 on Friday, July 3, 2009 It has already been a long morning, but no work on the CD yet. I took time to write a foreword to a book by a British quilting author - her first book! I won't say who just yet - but every exciting. Then, there were four dogs to tend to and that's a whole 'nuther story. Mabel (who else?) wanted to go play with another dog so I spent time running around the lake after her. Whew! There are graphics that need creating for a TQS banner and a short article for an eMagagine - not to mention the highest priority - working on the CD - therefore you see, I AM like a hamster in a ball - on a roll. I'm sooooo there!</p><br clear="all"/> Fri, 3 Jul 2009 09:50:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6061 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6051 <p align="left"><a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6051"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/4/04/1000004/blog/6051_alliswellmusic_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>07/02/2009: 5:39pm on Thursday, July 2, 2009 Today I spent the morning working on my short vocal for All is Well, and, it's okay for now. The more urgent matter is getting the orchestrations completely scored. Currently, I'm working song by song to get the notes entered. I'll then go back song by song and add all the articulations, dynamics, and other necessary items for the musicians. You can see I have to make revisions and I can't show up with music that has mistakes. The pros will play what I write - not what I meant to write. I can check All Is Well (basic score) off my list!</p><br clear="all"/> Thu, 2 Jul 2009 18:30:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6051 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6043 <p align="left"><a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6043"><img src="http://www.thequiltshow.com/4/04/1000004/blog/6043_beaddrums_sm.jpg" align="left" title="Read More" border="0" width="150" /></a>07/02/2009: Most of the intruments I use are close by. These little 'bead drums' are being featured on the new CD. 9:45am on Thursday, July 4, 2009 (LOL, oops, I mean July 2) Life in a Cave! Perfect for a Caveman Quilter - only now I'm in a music cave. I'm not hiding, I'm not sick, I'm just working on getting my new Christmas CD ready for the recording sessions in August in Nashville, TN. I've been in my recording studio for about 14 hours for the last three days. The basic arrangements are all done - not a problem there, but every track has to be bounced individually to a single audio file (each song might have 30-50 of these), and then all the orchestrations have to be written so the players will have music on their stands when we record them on Aug 5-8. Oh, and did I say that there are plenty of other must-do things between now and then? For the next 12 days at least, I'll be focusing on nothing but this. Right now I'm working on getting my solo vocal just right for the first verse of All Is W... (<a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6043">read more</a>)</p><br clear="all"/> Thu, 2 Jul 2009 10:40:00 PDThttp://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.php/customers_blog_id/6043 http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/images/custom/valid-rss.pnghttp://www.thequiltshow.com/myblog/rickytims.xml