tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74572578720611407492024-02-18T21:01:58.125-08:00The Marysville Quilt ProjectCalling on crafty and caring people to create a timeless and heartfelt gift to the people of MarysvilleUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457257872061140749.post-55412724564004157582020-12-18T01:17:00.000-08:002010-08-27T23:44:45.761-07:00<span style="font-family: arial;"><strong>The Marysville 'Beauty for Ashes' Quilt will be presented to members of the Marysville and Triangle area on Sunday 7 February, the first anniversary of the Black Saturday fires.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><strong>We invite everyone who has been a part of the project to join us at Gallipoli Oval in Marysville on this day.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><strong>From 9.30 to 10.45 there will be a non-denominational service held. From then onwards will be Community Time in which members of the community will share their thoughts, poems etc.</strong></span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">We will be presenting the quilt between 10.45 - 11 a.m.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">This will be a low-key, reflective event, with few media or politicians. Graeme Brown, the president of the Marysville and Triangle Development group, said that the committee were all in favour of the quilt being presented at this time.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">If you are free that day, it will be wonderful to see you there.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">My number is 0432 105 162 if you need further details.</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><strong>(SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LATEST NEWS ABOUT THE PROGRESS OF THE QUILT BENEATH THIS INTRO)</strong> </span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: arial;"></span><span style="font-family: arial;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjuteBFWiF6aV08Qidz18z578S_VaQH8rfextDDD4lW5aOa-5cDJfnqFKl6d3GuvzsmYvG7hT3vqf8EjlQsq4iwT0fKz_KPQ9EwAH4w9NB8QbsgI5dBFF_1QsjkNqTRxg5pzotE13Airr/s1600-h/mosaic8415014.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316213389404682258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjuteBFWiF6aV08Qidz18z578S_VaQH8rfextDDD4lW5aOa-5cDJfnqFKl6d3GuvzsmYvG7hT3vqf8EjlQsq4iwT0fKz_KPQ9EwAH4w9NB8QbsgI5dBFF_1QsjkNqTRxg5pzotE13Airr/s320/mosaic8415014.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a> The hearts of people all over Australia have been touched by the news of the devastating 2009 bushfires.<br />
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Many towns in beautiful mountains and valleys across Victoria suffered direct impact.<br />
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In my hometown of Warburton, we're lucky to be completely unscathed, despite a few risky days when many evacuated.<br />
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But on Saturday 7th, I was in Marysville with my three children and parents. We escaped with our lives, minutes before the firestorm hit Marysville and the town imploded.<br />
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Warburton is a beautiful little town nestled in the hills, with colourful characters and a strong community spirit and identity ... just like St Andrews, Marysville, Strathewen, Kinglake, Flowerdale, Steels Creek, Churchill ... names many of us may never have heard of before but now are seared on our national identity. I look at our glorious tree-clad hills and think, that could so easily have been us ...<br />
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That day in Marysville, I personally experienced the neighbourliness, courage, and common sense of Marysville people. The spirit I saw alive and well that day, through acts of kindness and bravery, can never be destroyed. Marysville will rise.<br />
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I drove through many fire affected areas close to my own home town in the weeks after the fires. Pining to return to Marysville, it was heart-rending to see the loss and destruction along roads, forests and fields so familiar to me.<br />
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Yet it was also a healing experience to see that, in the dead silence, in the whisper of the wind through leafless trees reduced to blackened spines, the beauty and power of the land is still there. These hills will once again embrace bush-loving dwellers, who will reflect the resilience of the land around them. These towns will rise again. The bush will renew. There will be beauty from ashes.<br />
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I was inspired to create a quilt for the community of Marysville that reflects these things, expresses our care and concern, and our hope for their future. Marysville was beautiful, and will be again.<br />
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Thank you for visiting this site. We invite you to contribute a quilt block towards the Marysville 'Beauty from Ashes' Quilt Project. In this site, you'll find inspiration, step-by-step instructions (especially for those who, like me, have never quilted before!), helpful 'how-to' links, and examples from clever quilters to inspire us others.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEC2nNq0n5jILgsIxZa2BlGLtO8SOwQfYd7gQ5ZZcsuJJuonWBvZKRyhknDg7AsqxArUYuR3VBH8wdNeqOFYil3Voh228r3Vl4obTCeXefLOMcLGkG2fWdq8z6sY_rKLjv2vIo5THCBZP/s1600/Quilt++Resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEC2nNq0n5jILgsIxZa2BlGLtO8SOwQfYd7gQ5ZZcsuJJuonWBvZKRyhknDg7AsqxArUYuR3VBH8wdNeqOFYil3Voh228r3Vl4obTCeXefLOMcLGkG2fWdq8z6sY_rKLjv2vIo5THCBZP/s320/Quilt++Resized.jpg" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457257872061140749.post-72481128768135106912010-08-27T23:28:00.000-07:002010-08-27T23:28:39.719-07:00Where is the Quilt now?The Marysville 'Beauty for Ashes' Commemmorative Quilt is now hanging in the new Re-Building Advisory Centre on the main street (Murchison St) - just down from the Bakery.<br />
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If you are in Marysville and would like to see it, turn right as you enter the building and ask where it is (it might not be immediately obvious as it is in an alcove behind double doors - a spot where there was wall space!)<br />
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The Marysville & Triangle community are planning to obtain a quote for a glass case to display the quilt in to preserve it.<br />
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Warm thanks again to all who so generously contributed to this project, and special thanks to Graeme Brown, President of MATDG, who has been taking care of the quilt's progress since the anniversary of Black Saturday.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457257872061140749.post-42011489465596337472010-04-05T23:23:00.000-07:002010-04-06T01:36:32.164-07:00Marysville is open for business<div>“Come and stay over” is the call from Marysville for 2010.<br /><br />“We have people passing through, stopping for coffee, a bite and maybe a few photos,” says Pam Phillips of the Marysville Tavern at Crossways. “But we need people to stay overnight - or better still, a few nights – that more than anything will help the local economy survive.”<br /><br />After the news reportage of the last year, you could be forgiven for thinking Marysville has been wiped off the map. Other than the Bakery and the ski-hire, is anything left?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib16qU_jxM_rcMe9SG_AyU4wo1_LcH4q48l2w0GVF7XcQ_Lc_Twt_u5OqEVa4Lq4V62OfzwKVQdLkv5bRSfbqAoxEPzLFXlaspK4xklJ9xb_Me44rVJoWn78cVboWFk52mBO2Iu5-wcOjw/s1600/IMG_0238.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib16qU_jxM_rcMe9SG_AyU4wo1_LcH4q48l2w0GVF7XcQ_Lc_Twt_u5OqEVa4Lq4V62OfzwKVQdLkv5bRSfbqAoxEPzLFXlaspK4xklJ9xb_Me44rVJoWn78cVboWFk52mBO2Iu5-wcOjw/s320/IMG_0238.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456913214626831522" /></a><br /><br />On our recent visit to Marysville, we were impressed to see the progress in only twelve short months. The bush is coming back to life – and so is the town.<br /><br />The weekend of the 6-7th of February 2010 was a significant time for my family to return to this pretty mountain town. Like hundreds of others, we came to attend the anniversary service of the fires. Exactly one year ago, in heat 10-15 degrees warmer than today’s hot summer’s day, we were on another weekend getaway and enjoying a cool-off in the Cumberland pool. We saw the smoke, heard the roar, and glimpsed the flames coming over the hill as we fled in a convoy of cars along the smoke-shrouded road to Alexandra.<br /><br />Down on Trevor Harrow Oval in Gallipoli Park, known to all as Gallipoli Oval, other residents experienced a night far more terrifying than our own scary close call – one approximating the dreadful holocaust the park is named for. For many, the night they spent watching the town explode and implode around them, washing out each other’s eyes, wondering which neighbours got out safely, and who – God forbid – might be trapped out there somewhere, was so traumatic, it is with great difficulty that they’ll return to the place for the service tomorrow. Some just won’t.<br /><br />As well as the marking of one year since Black Saturday, there’s a wedding on this weekend at the Crossways Inn. As we anticipated, all accommodation in town is booked out. The Tower Motel, the 10 units at Crossways, the 23 cabins at the caravan park, even the luxury B&Bs at Maryton and Delderfield have no vacancies this weekend. Well, we expected that, and came self-sufficient with tents and sleeping bags. Christine Adams at the Marysville Caravan Park finds us a little nook where we can pitch our tent on soft green grass, hedged by trees and right beside the Steavenson River. I just have to move aside a pile of desiccated orange foliage, a lingering souvenir the fires left behind, to make room to park the car. We have power to charge our phones, toilets and showers, and access to a shared kitchen with sink, stove, microwave and fridge. There’s even internet – but we’re taking a break from ‘’putersville’ this weekend. After dark, we’ll unzip the tent and gaze at the fathomless stars in a night sky unmarred by city lights while the river croons a lullaby. Such luxury for only $35.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAUpMyrg7lVI-9WNuqpS0murT5TW7VeWIaeN6Q9CSISTZ-EXIwz3AFpFAsW18i9o5VlDKH72OiJfN1UQ_AakY7YBgiY-BD4hgwUJJRIqjS8OpHNwz-LI65iPmXw47_fahLPQIqUnuI5G1/s1600/IMG_0220.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAUpMyrg7lVI-9WNuqpS0murT5TW7VeWIaeN6Q9CSISTZ-EXIwz3AFpFAsW18i9o5VlDKH72OiJfN1UQ_AakY7YBgiY-BD4hgwUJJRIqjS8OpHNwz-LI65iPmXw47_fahLPQIqUnuI5G1/s320/IMG_0220.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456937664873541410" /></a><br /><br />It’s just a minute’s walk over to Marysville Central, formerly the Car Museum, that survived the inferno. It’s now home to the Foodworks Supermarket, where we buy cool drinks and some fruit and cereal for breakfast. ‘My Chef, Mike’ is the place to be on Friday and Saturday nights – that’s when Mike, who bakes all his wares himself on-site, produces mouth-watering gourmet pizzas. Looking at the menu, I can see there’ll be no disappointment if you rock up hungry mid-week. He has souvlaki, schnitzel burgers, and a gorgeous butternut Schnapps cake that is calling out to me amid an array of other decadent treats.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Srnl7shDwRBQhnDTXUqsOSIEGpjy8WP9A_JfiZieBZcXn_8jbLfCg1VGhV_J0DkQu3aoa5Qf7I8Brq5nSvGh1Jv7hwea6mMS1ckld5wKsfUmbOkHZuUFtLwk2icd_uxdVcdPkesKUPv0/s1600/IMG_0226.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 272px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Srnl7shDwRBQhnDTXUqsOSIEGpjy8WP9A_JfiZieBZcXn_8jbLfCg1VGhV_J0DkQu3aoa5Qf7I8Brq5nSvGh1Jv7hwea6mMS1ckld5wKsfUmbOkHZuUFtLwk2icd_uxdVcdPkesKUPv0/s320/IMG_0226.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456938093911781570" /></a><br /><br />Marysville Central is also home to the Patisserie with a delectable array of chutneys, chocolate and Yarra Valley fudge. How to decide between Moroccan Tomato and Strawberry Cointreau jam? There’s also ‘Lit & Beyond’, a fragrant alcove of candles, incense and fashion. Next door is ‘Penni Lanes Country Wares’, looking like a gracious country sitting room you don’t want to leave. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmm6fPrPU0fke-fr2F4u71obL3tWfzy9aKroGaymcOdOt0PEMjgJKvIh8vQpjciWbe_D6u5j3z7j4Qy9p_YASzgAwjxNSYutMxdXR-IYA4ZqYwhDx1DUPPdZINuwT3L1EPTqQWCyq4QvV/s1600/IMG_0243.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 260px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmm6fPrPU0fke-fr2F4u71obL3tWfzy9aKroGaymcOdOt0PEMjgJKvIh8vQpjciWbe_D6u5j3z7j4Qy9p_YASzgAwjxNSYutMxdXR-IYA4ZqYwhDx1DUPPdZINuwT3L1EPTqQWCyq4QvV/s320/IMG_0243.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456914241537130706" /></a><br /><br />The friendly staff at the Information Centre tell me that the Bendigo Bank opens on February 13, and a 24 hr self-service card fuel pump is coming soon. In the meantime, it’s a 15 minute run to Buxton or the Black Spur Caravan Park in Narbethong to fill up.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXm8pzjP3NFvMUpN0NeWozfFuyUhTSf8WswJbBg1Q-AB_84qMLA7dM5AmizD1ZbvPx7fFRbM-akVXT8rj5DSe_FKodio2gbPfgaxfamOGe3qzVXK9gPSO63QlIjd-Utn9eYUmFyhSodPT/s1600/IMG_0223.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXm8pzjP3NFvMUpN0NeWozfFuyUhTSf8WswJbBg1Q-AB_84qMLA7dM5AmizD1ZbvPx7fFRbM-akVXT8rj5DSe_FKodio2gbPfgaxfamOGe3qzVXK9gPSO63QlIjd-Utn9eYUmFyhSodPT/s320/IMG_0223.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456936794998479762" /></a><br /><br />I’m quite content to linger in the air-conditioned comfort and admire the photos by Donovan Wilson adorning the walls. He surely has the eye of a true artist and his frames range from $70 to $800. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieb_kZmIrcTCZtmctNL4SowtsEp2rAMFUxU9S4r_X_qwVNLdoQWKuyN8E_9ucGElWswKxH4FkmTcHBis3-VvP3_R8E4pYXLgYcBThZs96sxSphTqa77NbgO6ZDkR2Y01bkdzaYX5fOg0vd/s1600/IMG_0228.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieb_kZmIrcTCZtmctNL4SowtsEp2rAMFUxU9S4r_X_qwVNLdoQWKuyN8E_9ucGElWswKxH4FkmTcHBis3-VvP3_R8E4pYXLgYcBThZs96sxSphTqa77NbgO6ZDkR2Y01bkdzaYX5fOg0vd/s400/IMG_0228.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456938744716199330" /></a><br /><br />But the kids want to drag me out into the unforgiving, undiluted UV sunshine for something far more pressing – the lolly shop.<br /><br />Only the front fence and a little sign advertising Bruno’s sculpture garden survived the blaze that obliterated most of the businesses along Murchison Street. But Julia Harris has set up shop in a small shipping container. My kids take ages choosing how to spend their pocket money - just as they always did on pre-Black Saturday trips to Marysville - while Julia and I swap tales of how things went for us on The Day. I don’t mind how long the kids take - Julia has air-con! Outside, pots and barrows of flowers line the entrance invitingly. The charm this little shoppe always had remains despite the squatness of a steel shed. Uncle Fred & Aunty Val's Lolly Shop is not the only business operating out of temporary quarters – the Post Office & Gift Shop is also housed in a shipping container for now.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4p0RwVfuJqSY5qEtXnpVGXSaW762et-hAcxZAu9un9AbeLNfiX9nBamFDZmGverwzbXuF7ostJKtFLvqAkpwzu6QfkTsGaUY3PwV64s-FB9eiZVBCMgaNm17fYvgpddYH6W3BAgZuPrEn/s1600/IMG_0230.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456909393199981234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4p0RwVfuJqSY5qEtXnpVGXSaW762et-hAcxZAu9un9AbeLNfiX9nBamFDZmGverwzbXuF7ostJKtFLvqAkpwzu6QfkTsGaUY3PwV64s-FB9eiZVBCMgaNm17fYvgpddYH6W3BAgZuPrEn/s320/IMG_0230.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Like most children, my kids have an in-built radar for fun and while tanking up at the Bakery, they spy the town’s newly-opened swimming pool. What better place to be on a hot afternoon - and they were savvy enough to pack togs and towels. It’s open every afternoon; a family ticket costs $9.30. There’s a toddler pool under new shade cloths as well as the large lap pool.<br /><br />While they tumble on and off the floating mats, I sit on one of the picnic benches under the shady veranda. Next door, it looks as if the new education/community centre on the site of the Marysville Primary School is nearly at frame stage. Looking up from my book, I see the hills around Marysville are dotted with other homes under construction – so far, 42 houses are somewhere between foundation stage and completion. The hills is less lonely now. Only 33 homes survived the fires. 400 did not.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibeYBNAiubak9jkiCFC5MGsWFFjhl82CO02zi3eVe6_FSguOfX-t_M82-8p45vhq5QiRVswsPKfmJ-ih8Bnidaq8XtZvztOyhG9oQEFIyD9wlyR-voT9ZZxEV6JqvS1HItgsPRBBmkRzYL/s1600/IMG_0240.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibeYBNAiubak9jkiCFC5MGsWFFjhl82CO02zi3eVe6_FSguOfX-t_M82-8p45vhq5QiRVswsPKfmJ-ih8Bnidaq8XtZvztOyhG9oQEFIyD9wlyR-voT9ZZxEV6JqvS1HItgsPRBBmkRzYL/s320/IMG_0240.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456911371089297554" /></a><br /><br />Just beyond, down at the Oval, a rousing game of cricket is underway. How do they do it in this heat? Round at the golf club, 1km out of town on the Buxton road, are other hardy folk enjoying a game of bowls or golf. This was where my family and I temporarily sheltered before it was announced that the road to Alex was open: “If you’re going to go – go NOW!” Just over the road, 130 people are still living in the temporary village.<br /><br />By the time the children are all swum out, the day has cooled enough for us to walk further up Falls Rd to Bruno’s Sculpture Garden. We have a soft spot for Bruno, as we were ‘refugees’ together, when a Rotary couple in Alexandra opened their home to 8 random strangers fleeing Marysville. The generous response of Alexandrians, when their own place was not safe from threat, left a lasting impression on the hearts of many survivors. Bruno seems as indestructible as his terracotta sculptures. He’s done an amazing job of restoring his gardens. It takes more than a firestorm to quell creativity like this. Almost 60% of Bruno’s tableaux survived, but many were damaged by the maelstrom of falling trees. Now, green fronds and bright flowers are perking up again between Bruno’s whimsical characters. It is open 7 days a week from 10 am to 5pm. Admission is $5. But Bruno looks hot and tired. Just in front of the entrance to his forest wonderland, he is re-building his home by himself, brick by brick. He’s wearing a brace around his torso from a recent back injury. He has a few thousand more concrete blocks to haul before he’ll have a shady place to rest.<br /><br />We expected Sunday to be a sombre day and it is. Around 800 gather under the shade of the marquee as flowers and wreaths are laid on a wooden altar. The words of a profound old hymn are sung with gentle stoicism: “Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still, if thou abide with me” while the names of the 39 souls who perished are read. We present the Marysville ‘Beauty for Ashes’ Quilt to Graeme Brown, president of the Marysville and Triangle Development Group, who accepts it on behalf of the community. Its 131 patches represent the sentiments of people around Australia who care, but it seems such a small and useless gesture in the face of such devastating loss. Overhead, two cockatoos fly against a cloudless cobalt sky, respectfully and unusually silent. Not quite white doves, but close enough for Australia.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1O0BnB0xX_YahOhV45Jri2Gr0AKuowNImhxrJSem4yhIcVRwstWM_tHw0rUNu08AtQPBr4onykfYWanWXSYNA6Etm0RpSsQwEI1S72aZX_ANnjVMNxt7snVHTfcxYmX6IpRuqY2Jw4ba/s1600/IMG_0202.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1O0BnB0xX_YahOhV45Jri2Gr0AKuowNImhxrJSem4yhIcVRwstWM_tHw0rUNu08AtQPBr4onykfYWanWXSYNA6Etm0RpSsQwEI1S72aZX_ANnjVMNxt7snVHTfcxYmX6IpRuqY2Jw4ba/s400/IMG_0202.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456940095983133314" /></a><br /><br />After the service, the shady verandas of the Crossways Inn provide refuge from the searing sun. Many locals, relieved to have the hurdle of that difficult first anniversary over with, are gathering here for a cool drink and tasty nibbles provided by Pam Phillips and Greg Cherry, the proprietors. How did Greg successfully defend this old wooden building with just a couple of buckets? At one point, thinking it was over, Greg staggered blindly through smoke in the direction of the river, just meters away. He knew he’d reached it when he tumbled down the bank. He sheltered under the concrete bridge until he thought it was safe to resume his dogged one-man bucket brigade. Employee Daryl Hull captured a vision of Greg moving through orange-tinged smoke like a wraith bearing buckets in his unforgettable footage later shown on several TV networks.<br /><br />Since wedding guests and anniversary attendees are departing, Pam and Greg can offer us accommodation for tonight. So we make ourselves comfortable in River Cottage, which fronts the stream flowing under the bridge that saved Greg’s life that night. The kids are thrilled with decision, hopeful of another trip to the lolly shop and another dip in the pool. In the peaceful evening, I wonder why this place seems so bright and cheery now compared to other times I’ve come up during the past year. “It’s the birds,” says Pam. “Remember in the early days? The silence was heavy. Now the birds are back.”<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gOpWKVaJLbkCIR11o-bnFRIijN9pwKc2ZzssF6SrDL0yOF3nQwTPFCHJPX9PiMDvTzX1FYZ3iEj5622s4JR4cPU1JdBuDaiHhi_85xAfk7NbRH0V8RyDqbzIlDtyhK5yLdPc0BP7PiY2/s1600/IMG_0233.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gOpWKVaJLbkCIR11o-bnFRIijN9pwKc2ZzssF6SrDL0yOF3nQwTPFCHJPX9PiMDvTzX1FYZ3iEj5622s4JR4cPU1JdBuDaiHhi_85xAfk7NbRH0V8RyDqbzIlDtyhK5yLdPc0BP7PiY2/s320/IMG_0233.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456910264557378322" /></a><br /><br />Sue Abbs of the Tower Motel agrees with Pam that people coming to stay overnight will be a much-needed boon to the town’s recovery. She and husband Luke were just coming up to completing their first year in Marysville when the firestorm struck. As they celebrated, they congratulated themselves on making the best move ever. “What could possibly go wrong?” they thought.<br /><br />“We were in Melbourne on The Day and we got the news that everything was gone – we wondered if we’d jinxed ourselves. But then we saw the motel on the news – still standing.”<br />The Tower Motel is now fully operating, with 14 units providing accommodation for up to 40 people with tariffs ranging from $70 - $115. Sue and Luke used some of their insurance money to re-furbish the units with new TVs with 8 satellite channels, new heating and cooling, and microwave ovens.<br /><br />“Marysville is still a magical place to be, “says Sue. “We still have the canvas - and new colours appear every week. Coming through this experience has only confirmed what we thought when we first arrived – you couldn’t find a better community of people.”<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxBytIu51KdjjR8L5okuQPDVjCDFlH1RUSJyE6VmqbQ1RFpq1WEyojvzpfRc17bnRTvm5KOoGdPPctGalyYsqUL7f44PwdeMHtGc2PVm5Cihg6bSCz3Jz3mzAckgKDS_kwBOBY-gCyDcW/s1600/IMG_0239.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxBytIu51KdjjR8L5okuQPDVjCDFlH1RUSJyE6VmqbQ1RFpq1WEyojvzpfRc17bnRTvm5KOoGdPPctGalyYsqUL7f44PwdeMHtGc2PVm5Cihg6bSCz3Jz3mzAckgKDS_kwBOBY-gCyDcW/s320/IMG_0239.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456912291911229234" /></a><br /><br />Sue recommends the free shuttle bus which runs from Gallipoli Oval up Falls Rd to Steavenson Falls, departing on the hour between 10am -3pm on weekends and during holiday periods. “The road is closed to public traffic and this bus trip is definitely something to plan during your stay,” she says.<br /><br />Steavenson Falls always was a spectacular beauty spot, with towering old-growth mountain ash, grey gums and messmate that defied the 1939 Black Friday fires. Flowing ferns fringed the 122-meter cascades, vying with lyre-birds to be the prettiest belles at the ball. Now, the echidna-spined ridges and the surviving bush that looks like gothic black Christmas trees swathed in green tinsel make an eerie sight. Yet the beauty that is and the beauty that will be is undeniable. This ride, more than anything, brings home the fury of the fires versus the relentless forces of the resilient bush.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQmMII3hFIrBgrap5SSNfS41y7dI5ObSW4cVlqmAxglbw_wRUwz21Ck19H6uQHl5G0eNYPlBTKoh34nyx3aa0Kk9cKhhuSUDnnonS9xd2B4uNbfkFaIKrYfvZUkW6gZMCUgSP2ElvVjtj/s1600/IMG_0216.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456908876265328466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQmMII3hFIrBgrap5SSNfS41y7dI5ObSW4cVlqmAxglbw_wRUwz21Ck19H6uQHl5G0eNYPlBTKoh34nyx3aa0Kk9cKhhuSUDnnonS9xd2B4uNbfkFaIKrYfvZUkW6gZMCUgSP2ElvVjtj/s320/IMG_0216.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Our visit is over and it’s time to pack the car and head home. On the way out of town, we stop at the Marysville Trout and Salmon ponds. Their sign says, “Catch a fish and help us re-build” - so we do. Owners Glenn and Vicki are open for business and facing the future with the resolve typical of folk throughout the fire regions.<br /><br />“We hope more people will come and see Marysville as it is now, and be part of the re-building,” Glenn tells us. “Seeing the way the bush springs back after a fire – it’s part of being Australian, something you’ll never forget.”<br /><br />He speaks of the bush but the same is true of the people. The impressions and images linger. The stories locals share have echoes. By the time another year has passed, the contrast between unimaginable devastation and glorious new growth will never be so stark again.<br />Once again, Marysville sends us on our way with hearts full of memories to treasure.<br />We’ll be back soon.<br /><br />Links:<br />http://www.marysvilletourism.com/<br />http://www.travelvictoria.com.au/marysville/<br />http://www.brunosart.com/aftermath.html<br />http://marysvillequilt.blogspot.com/<br />http://www.marysvilletrout.com.au/index.html<br />http://www.matdg.com/about_us_2.html</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457257872061140749.post-75214702078384473322010-02-07T20:11:00.000-08:002010-02-07T20:30:53.965-08:00Black Saturday - a poignant anniversary<strong><a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/02/07/2812494.htm?section=australia">Marysville's 'wounded heart' still going strong</a></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong><a href="http://www.theage.com.au/national/a-community-remembers-what-and-who-were-lost-20100207-nksx.html">A community remembers what, and who, were lost</a></strong>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457257872061140749.post-74128013199489530152010-01-05T16:37:00.000-08:002010-02-07T19:55:22.713-08:00The Marysville Quilt in the newspaperThis article appeared in the Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader on January 5, 2010:<br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">"<strong><a href="http://lilydale-yarra-valley-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/fabric-of-town-intact-as-global-gift-shows/">FABRIC OF TOWN INTACT AS GLOBAL GIFT SHOWS</a></strong></span><strong><a href="http://lilydale-yarra-valley-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/fabric-of-town-intact-as-global-gift-shows/"><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;"></span></a></strong><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">From the ashes of Black Saturday has come an amazing outpouring of warmth and generosity.</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">When Julie Bell and Julie Warren began developing a project to allow local quilters to show their support to bushfire victims, they had no idea it would involve people from all parts of the globe.</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">A Warburton resident, Ms Bell was trapped in Marysville on February 7 and witnessed first hand the devastation. </span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">Her family and several other by-standers helped a woman escape from a car that was crushed by a falling tree. When the woman was safely in an ambulance Ms Bell said the group turned to see thick black smoke just 100m from where they stood.</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">They escaped the town and drove to nearby Alexandra, where they spent the night in a school hall filled with smoke from the fires.</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">"The one thing I experienced in the middle of all of that was an incredible sense of community," Ms Bell said. "People were looking after each other, and I was moved by their spirit."</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">Grateful to have escaped alive, Ms Bell decided she wanted to do something more to help Marysville on the road to recovery.</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">She began with a couple of planting days and then decided on a quilt project that would show the town's people they were not alone.</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">"I was a non-quilter so it was just an idea, but I was talking about it in a quilting shop in Healesville when Julie Warren, who was visiting from Mulgrave, overheard me and offered to help," she said.</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">The Beauty for Ashes project has collected more than 130 squares from quilters as far afield as England and Canada.</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">The giant quilt will be donated to Marysville on the one-year anniversary of the fires."</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457257872061140749.post-72199907124448071102010-01-03T20:01:00.000-08:002010-02-07T20:10:08.042-08:00Julie's Story - Marysville 7 February 2009<strong><a href="http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/opinion/as-victorias-fire-raged-residents-said-it-would-be-okay/story-e6frezz0-1225694605399">As Victoria's fire raged, residents said it would be okay</a></strong><br /><br /><br /><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong></strong></p>JULIE Bell escaped the bushfire in a convoy of cars. As the cars crawled through smoke her children prayed but the determined spirit of her fellow bushfire refugees helped her cope.<br /><br />'I bustle my daughter into the car asking her: "Hear that? What's that?"<br /><br />It's a huge roaring sound.<br /><br />Eyes huge, she says, "That's the fire".<br /><br />In the car, reverse, we're on the open road, Grandma and Bob not far behind. Mum later tells me that as she got into their car, she could feel the updraft. Mum was in the 1969 bushfires. She says, "Once you have smelt a bushfire, you never forget it".<br /><br />We are part of a convoy of about 50 cars driving out of Marysville in the smoke with our lights on. Safety in numbers. The girls yell, "We can see the fire!" On the mountains to the left, we see the flames. My eldest girl, aged 10, later wrote, "I thought all of Australia would catch on fire. It sounded like a thousand lions roaring." The girls start praying, I find their voices and requests of heaven comforting - it keeps us all calm.<br /><br />We get to Alex and follow cars to Alexandra High School. There's a car with three massive paintings sticking out of the boot. Somehow it is this that finally makes me realise this is serious. Cats in cat boxes. Dogs on leads, all strangely docile, as if they sense the vibe. Cars parked every which way, new ones roaring up every few moments. The smoke is thick, like dense fog of a dirty yellow colour. You can hardly see a few yards up the street. We zig-zag through fire refugees into the hall and write our names on Red Cross registration paper. No power. People perch wherever they can. We have towels soaked in buckets of water - Mum's idea. I had thought, "Surely we won't be in a situation in which we actually need these . . ." Now we thankfully wrap them round our heads.<br /><br />It's getting darker. I make nests for the girls on the floor. Sometimes when it's hard to breathe, I feel panic rise and quickly swallow it, telling myself I'm OK, this is only momentary that we can live through.<br /><br />How frail we are. Yet everyone is calm and helping each other. Together we're strong. People are talking, a few hugging each other and sharing tears. A woman next to us says she does not know if her husband is alive.<br /><br />There are a few torches in the gloom, enough to help us pick our way to the toilets. Water bottles are passed out. It's stinking hot, oppressively hot. The doors to the hall are all open - it is too hot to close them. All eyes are eyes are staring into the smoky gloom in the direction of the hills on fire.<br /><br />The SES bring a generator and now we have light. I sense people's anxiety levels drop as light filters through the smoky room. Evacuees from Marysville are realising they probably do not have homes anymore. Yet there is a still a sense that surely we're exaggerating, being drama queens?<br /><br />When the smoke clears, it won't be that bad - right? It's unthinkable that anyone might have lost loved ones as well as homes.'<br /><br />Black Saturday: Stories of love, loss and courage from the Victorian Bushfires is available wherever good books are sold from April 9, priced $24.99. All proceeds from the book (after GST) will be donated to the Salvation Army Bushfire AppealUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457257872061140749.post-30501792505537154172009-12-13T20:19:00.000-08:002009-12-13T20:30:52.322-08:00A sneak preview of the quilt!<div>On Friday 11th December, Julie Warren brought the quilt out to Warburton where it was photographed for an article to appear in the Lilydale Leader, probably next Monday.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>It is not finished, but here is the progress so far. It looks spectacular! I had tears in my eyes looking at it. It is something really special.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>And we have all of you to thank for that. So give yourselves a big pat on the back.</div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdTPZVtE7tLgz9pjVLi5kmN43-PLrM1tOJFXXuL2vMeIq197eeeM6k3-D2lcYd3UzZBoJHI18aG54E21Qx_srDOQqiuaL17T5Bk5M3f9FP1EoH66v8XZhB8U7eHcLmK__lZuKZEcQBFz1/s1600-h/Quilt++Resized.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdTPZVtE7tLgz9pjVLi5kmN43-PLrM1tOJFXXuL2vMeIq197eeeM6k3-D2lcYd3UzZBoJHI18aG54E21Qx_srDOQqiuaL17T5Bk5M3f9FP1EoH66v8XZhB8U7eHcLmK__lZuKZEcQBFz1/s400/Quilt++Resized.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414944429221193586" /></a><br /><br />We plan to ask Bruno Torf of Marysville to make us a wooden beam to hang the quilt from. We will also have a brass or wooden plaque telling the story of the quilt.<br /><br />The names of all our quilters will be on the back of the quilt.<br /><br />I'll keep you updated as soon as I know more.<br /><br />God bless, have a wonderful Christmas season with your loved ones.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457257872061140749.post-38817148559307939172009-11-24T16:13:00.000-08:002009-11-24T16:15:05.271-08:00*Update*All the quilt squares have been handed onto our master quilter, Julie Warren, who is making great strides in the setting of the quilt.<br /><br />The Lion's Club of Healesville have pledged $250 towards the costs involved in setting the quilt. We appreciate their generosity and support.<br /><br />The Lilydale Leader will be running a short story about the project. We are meeting with their photographer on <strong>Friday 11 December, at 10.15 am, at the Patchwork Tea House in Warburton</strong>. They especially want people who live in the Yarra Ranges & Yarra Valley area for this particular photo. Julie Warren will be bringing the quilt, so we can have a sneak preview!<br /><br />If you are free at this time, it would be lovely to have you there ... and your smiling face will be in the local paper!<br /><br />Please let me know if you are able to come.<br /><br />It is wonderful to have such warm support from so many caring Aussies.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457257872061140749.post-55669617622935604592009-11-20T18:47:00.000-08:002009-10-28T16:48:06.898-07:00131 quilt squares finished!Congratulations to all you amazing quilters from across this big brown land - and beyond!<br /><br />In the last week of September, over 100 quilt blocks arrived. Altogether, we now have 131 completed quilt squares. Wow!<br /><br />What an out-standing response! I can't thank you enough.<br /><br />To anyone who might be wondering whether it's too late ... well, I'm meeting Julie Warren on October 19, so if you can finish your square and post it to me (Julie Bell) at PO Box 378 Warburton VIC 3799 by then, wonderful.<br /><br />After that, you can post your square to Julie Warren, although we can't guarantee it will make it into the finished quilt ... I would phone Julie W. on 0407 933 496to discuss that with her, as she'll be able to tell you about the progress of the setting process best.<br /><br />I've contacted the Marysville and Triangle Development Group to discuss when, how, where we can present the finished quilt to the town. Later in the year, close to the date of the anniversary of Black Saturday, we will have details for you about that.<br /><br />If anyone would like to donate towards the costs involved in setting the quilt, this would meet a real need. Julie W is kindly donating her time and skill, as you all have done, but we will need some funds towards the various materials. Please contact me if you would like to help out in this way.<br /><br />It is wonderful to have so many caring and skilled Australians reaching out in this special way.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457257872061140749.post-71708936740778389222009-10-21T23:23:00.000-07:002009-10-06T18:09:45.556-07:00Completed SquaresDon't you love the powerful symbolism of this lovely square, sent in by Wendy of Heidelberg Heights, VIC? The flames, a handclasp of friendship and solidarity - and a profusion of green. Wonderful.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHS4lfK3iyJ73BH94IXcfOhLWdOaMfBF1Hxf0ARBE0KIzxnb5heI3qxg5P7497168jnvn7G7kmzDLP1fRKNGWhjMClgCHwmBmgCQDw1eFHtwYIdb6V09nZm_0QtwbQjIdcv4ZjrePpFnBl/s1600-h/IMG_2401.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389649943729925858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 311px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHS4lfK3iyJ73BH94IXcfOhLWdOaMfBF1Hxf0ARBE0KIzxnb5heI3qxg5P7497168jnvn7G7kmzDLP1fRKNGWhjMClgCHwmBmgCQDw1eFHtwYIdb6V09nZm_0QtwbQjIdcv4ZjrePpFnBl/s320/IMG_2401.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>This is one of three pretty squares sent in by Mrs. McKenzie of Coonamble, NSW:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimsyE0ItsDGSsNIoa0EK81pzxMw1D23eLSUw1t_7hdHdaJLEies3di_YKaB1qdxSVSMuDulSBL4eYiF1ingZReWc8kvE7NVd9nb5GODuo1cmk_VWixlDKnmiM4MPBkus24bUXAqHWQadTu/s1600-h/IMG_2391.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389607329609446834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 312px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimsyE0ItsDGSsNIoa0EK81pzxMw1D23eLSUw1t_7hdHdaJLEies3di_YKaB1qdxSVSMuDulSBL4eYiF1ingZReWc8kvE7NVd9nb5GODuo1cmk_VWixlDKnmiM4MPBkus24bUXAqHWQadTu/s320/IMG_2391.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Maree from Young, NSW, used a batik pattern, then embroidered grass, flowers and butterflies to show the emergence of new life from the parched earth. Maree wrote, <em>"I wish you every success with putting together the quilt. It is a wonderful gesture to the brave community of Marysville."</em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0ecot3wjZP60CkfVjoHU7OgT348AKeXuMY9x7UqjZUmyUbx1dhzoBcfxoERItjELkv02BE5lB_P4D0tPXccorfn0iTRoi47sIEMbPSlNFkkTVMsHxo48pPKkRMrjHMHC-ZakQFzLCxha/s1600-h/IMG_2378.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389606305478601858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 297px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0ecot3wjZP60CkfVjoHU7OgT348AKeXuMY9x7UqjZUmyUbx1dhzoBcfxoERItjELkv02BE5lB_P4D0tPXccorfn0iTRoi47sIEMbPSlNFkkTVMsHxo48pPKkRMrjHMHC-ZakQFzLCxha/s320/IMG_2378.JPG" border="0" /></a> Colleen from Moe, VIC, sent in 10 friendship-themed squares like this one below. Colleen writes, "Every blessing as they 'pick up the pieces' in the quest to rebuild their lives."<br /><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7duIg3X97Yf2XjcCN-lZX2iM1eLwAXfMrQtWFrU6kQQpNu42SvWMJdjOuJUyAohwchjcjOe4XSkEm1pXcsM7juQtkO1mYXuHPBMXeWemDoHwMZ8D_F1NrryYDwx3FnmkTjf-XoOnkkvSe/s1600-h/IMG_2389.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389605089491867282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 265px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7duIg3X97Yf2XjcCN-lZX2iM1eLwAXfMrQtWFrU6kQQpNu42SvWMJdjOuJUyAohwchjcjOe4XSkEm1pXcsM7juQtkO1mYXuHPBMXeWemDoHwMZ8D_F1NrryYDwx3FnmkTjf-XoOnkkvSe/s320/IMG_2389.JPG" border="0" /></a> Sandy of Tanunda, SA, described her challenge to adequately convey her empathy as she worked on her square: <em>"What a task to try to put what one feels when you look at the devastation of Marysville on one block of material."</em> Sandy has simply and beautifully expressed what so many people feel.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh08dl4Cw7QJKS_ZquRE_l6TCrnCHra_OCocn-GCSXAjtq9b1TnHdpc_CzkyfvN1asuvOpUAWwJ1VFSHelh9T3t1OCmkdwAcQKU9h5453hkTUlEEp1BXrlOPynpw2wO8b31O9amyhhyphenhyphenT4gK/s1600-h/IMG_2386.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389601373364767986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 306px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh08dl4Cw7QJKS_ZquRE_l6TCrnCHra_OCocn-GCSXAjtq9b1TnHdpc_CzkyfvN1asuvOpUAWwJ1VFSHelh9T3t1OCmkdwAcQKU9h5453hkTUlEEp1BXrlOPynpw2wO8b31O9amyhhyphenhyphenT4gK/s320/IMG_2386.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />This symbol of hope was made by Liz from Roseville, NSW:<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3kEsOBv4Di8o228NjxmX43wmeIiW3gcAZqMNFkKSQjQBTqnKjYdjxw1Dc0lBZ57LXbryHYD-ID_JPT4f3sF7MI52aA9wv05myCJa_L_JYFtb7m0IGwlDyAtPE5IoQL7QQhgcSIODbr6N/s1600-h/IMG_2377.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389600461583124418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 271px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3kEsOBv4Di8o228NjxmX43wmeIiW3gcAZqMNFkKSQjQBTqnKjYdjxw1Dc0lBZ57LXbryHYD-ID_JPT4f3sF7MI52aA9wv05myCJa_L_JYFtb7m0IGwlDyAtPE5IoQL7QQhgcSIODbr6N/s320/IMG_2377.JPG" border="0" /></a> The evocative piece below was crafted by Kerry from Dugendore in NSW. Kerry writes,<br /><em>"I took my inspiration from a photo I recently saw of a forest of burnt out blackened trees that shrouded in thick fog, and amid the darkness was the emerging green fronds of a tree fern."<br /><br /></em><em></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfcrxWAqX5n7NX6km6SVwu5MSiT6g-fE0N05yysog4gZ_olBxxQbfCaQCfAp610aWcyGBdRqDnzg-IkthKDCK4WiJ8mD9hP-q-Jp_SBstejTBQqUPXkolASy0fTi4cluIJGdIenM_rF2a/s1600-h/IMG_2388.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389599390120370514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 307px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfcrxWAqX5n7NX6km6SVwu5MSiT6g-fE0N05yysog4gZ_olBxxQbfCaQCfAp610aWcyGBdRqDnzg-IkthKDCK4WiJ8mD9hP-q-Jp_SBstejTBQqUPXkolASy0fTi4cluIJGdIenM_rF2a/s320/IMG_2388.JPG" border="0" /></a> Trudi-Ann from Strathalbyn in South Australia created this square, and writes, <em>"I hope the local community is growing in strength daily as they are in our thoughts and prayers."<br /></em><br /><em></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7yJZ8LJ6io-UeJTBxiL1sgaeN77BVJQgz_tTJs6L0TLP4_kqjl-0yq_oZIouaclOZt4a4eyZ6fYhFq2O6xFdq0S4heJGFBm2gfL_cTXJQfoyuAojBYFyinrYCaVi9ASW56GlUd7_zP85/s1600-h/IMG_2382.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389403595822554658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 290px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7yJZ8LJ6io-UeJTBxiL1sgaeN77BVJQgz_tTJs6L0TLP4_kqjl-0yq_oZIouaclOZt4a4eyZ6fYhFq2O6xFdq0S4heJGFBm2gfL_cTXJQfoyuAojBYFyinrYCaVi9ASW56GlUd7_zP85/s320/IMG_2382.JPG" border="0" /></a> Lorraine of Eltham North in Victoria stitched these flowering gums representing new growth:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Q575OgiZap4jMC1NIe8X5oClAA76lM_naTaPDYUhQBJQh0EXXFxMs1p1gI7EwBmpe3ifJSx6kj-5WV5y-MnzSf_cj7Km9HWadk0pa08KcnpDAM4TZ3wb6gDOv8mKo2ekeqHLLeBcw-9P/s1600-h/IMG_2381.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389402787627373634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 318px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Q575OgiZap4jMC1NIe8X5oClAA76lM_naTaPDYUhQBJQh0EXXFxMs1p1gI7EwBmpe3ifJSx6kj-5WV5y-MnzSf_cj7Km9HWadk0pa08KcnpDAM4TZ3wb6gDOv8mKo2ekeqHLLeBcw-9P/s320/IMG_2381.JPG" border="0" /></a> Christine from Curtin, ACT, constructed this colourful block with machine and hand stitching. It represents nature before, during and after bushfire:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkdDJVwmMZzxq7weihGUq82rqbh6cLo9Uvohnn2LPxdjjjwQsmtPhDVKrTr5tcmm6rDFP9TKlEx7WptmB7ELci3BeSzFda-Q-nK5KNu0njR3PfLKguEftnl2pczw-E4MfDMinD1V5HPfTI/s1600-h/IMG_2375.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384918347984375154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 312px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkdDJVwmMZzxq7weihGUq82rqbh6cLo9Uvohnn2LPxdjjjwQsmtPhDVKrTr5tcmm6rDFP9TKlEx7WptmB7ELci3BeSzFda-Q-nK5KNu0njR3PfLKguEftnl2pczw-E4MfDMinD1V5HPfTI/s320/IMG_2375.JPG" border="0" /></a> Annette of Lilydale, Victoria, stitched this cheery message:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-6XGTxla8CdbHEHv458ONdvPg_ne-wEXRWwgJsQB9fF1_c3mLmXbwe1dq_AoN15fLcpZKI8-cmyrCEGd8_OeZWxWed5MGfo5pts-8T0UlImUJ57TDAOy8K4JVq6OhggTZP771D_pS2Kp/s1600-h/IMG_2376.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384917837746690402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-6XGTxla8CdbHEHv458ONdvPg_ne-wEXRWwgJsQB9fF1_c3mLmXbwe1dq_AoN15fLcpZKI8-cmyrCEGd8_OeZWxWed5MGfo5pts-8T0UlImUJ57TDAOy8K4JVq6OhggTZP771D_pS2Kp/s320/IMG_2376.JPG" border="0" /></a> Margaret from Blackburn, VIC, created these two lovely squares:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-vuaLYumYk4HVHrSW_cHAGZNT_GsS9uxXjw_TNNAAUhswdlX73CnwxArctihmlYaNwpfAm1zU72hERLbCnfU6Jjai6lbTCTGfHAp48fc7_aIl_AJNogtaGtqGvGmgM0NP4oDRxLrSqN2/s1600-h/IMG_2370.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384151381239021650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 317px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-vuaLYumYk4HVHrSW_cHAGZNT_GsS9uxXjw_TNNAAUhswdlX73CnwxArctihmlYaNwpfAm1zU72hERLbCnfU6Jjai6lbTCTGfHAp48fc7_aIl_AJNogtaGtqGvGmgM0NP4oDRxLrSqN2/s320/IMG_2370.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhniLCuVCgV9emPpAF6ArzqMWh7Wr_39D8M3TPZHH7XxLgF0_e48TIRLUxmxY6RLExQOw0eKmwq3IxfUpgqskVVS8pEln-nUOn3ZNKxHUFrV94FUoLcMqX_Ccl1vOmXFKfNdN2Hggr9AImR/s1600-h/IMG_2369.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384150974526357442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhniLCuVCgV9emPpAF6ArzqMWh7Wr_39D8M3TPZHH7XxLgF0_e48TIRLUxmxY6RLExQOw0eKmwq3IxfUpgqskVVS8pEln-nUOn3ZNKxHUFrV94FUoLcMqX_Ccl1vOmXFKfNdN2Hggr9AImR/s320/IMG_2369.JPG" border="0" /></a> This starry square has travelled further than any other. It came all the way from Learnington, England, from Lauren who explained that it symbolises luck and new beginnings:<br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKOr53ALbDJe7EnN35xNtcjT1CThcbFFLRxa3HK4T1AKS8EEgUrzmoeZVqEHwObnM-CCKPhPJmNNvFU4ldBn_SW1mnPvyHVMcYyouDOUn0Lqn6zV9_lzNS5wImCtrjKYfSXSgftIC0kUZ/s1600-h/IMG_2367.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384149787454886994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKOr53ALbDJe7EnN35xNtcjT1CThcbFFLRxa3HK4T1AKS8EEgUrzmoeZVqEHwObnM-CCKPhPJmNNvFU4ldBn_SW1mnPvyHVMcYyouDOUn0Lqn6zV9_lzNS5wImCtrjKYfSXSgftIC0kUZ/s320/IMG_2367.JPG" border="0" /></a> Gwen from Bull Creek, WA, created this design using a machine - along with 11 others. Gwen is 80 years old and I have a feeling she probably does not have the internet! And I have an incomplete postal address for her. So, if you know Gwen, please convey our thanks to her and ask her to send her complete postal address so that we can post her an invitation once we organize a presentation date for the quilt.<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJhIUheS3D8gqENJ75ulof5UVhRS3zgAKCyGxNyY7hrD_fl656gHsoE-P466E4iSiL6I9if5Ip3wXBw5xQOrjdpS8k7WHGQzjKjzKnVqXb2mrilQTKocjXSr8YfcZqokJu7nsyEhbCRfFo/s1600-h/IMG_2371.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384148924772503282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 305px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJhIUheS3D8gqENJ75ulof5UVhRS3zgAKCyGxNyY7hrD_fl656gHsoE-P466E4iSiL6I9if5Ip3wXBw5xQOrjdpS8k7WHGQzjKjzKnVqXb2mrilQTKocjXSr8YfcZqokJu7nsyEhbCRfFo/s320/IMG_2371.JPG" border="0" /></a> Liz of Narara, NSW, is the artist behind the square below. Liz wrote:<br /><br /><em>"I have enjoyed being able to create a small part of a bigger project that I hope will bring hope and courage to those who are rebuilding their lives after such a devastating event." </em><em><br /></div></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOY8MtpV0XEd0vVezQ_7acXjqw6lgR2jimS6eiPVIw7eIHyvK6DIhXG6HabbgwQ7BIB1FQNtyuAxixSKo4sBMZZ0cVgKgfxyj47LCQVloBT_1UcuYwEmuzIiy3Vu7ecQCKq2uL27YZfBa/s1600-h/IMG_2366.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384144560452480562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 319px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOY8MtpV0XEd0vVezQ_7acXjqw6lgR2jimS6eiPVIw7eIHyvK6DIhXG6HabbgwQ7BIB1FQNtyuAxixSKo4sBMZZ0cVgKgfxyj47LCQVloBT_1UcuYwEmuzIiy3Vu7ecQCKq2uL27YZfBa/s320/IMG_2366.JPG" border="0" /></a> Anita of Lesmurdie, WA, wrote:<br /><br /><em>"Never has six inches of "white space" been so daunting a prospect! Thank you for giving people the opportunity to contribute to such a worthwhile and heartfelt project. Anything that can bring a sense of community and love into our world is so very precious. Especially to those who have suffered such devastation and loss."</em><br /><br />Anita has aptly conveyed how many people no doubt felt when first regarding their blank white square! And she has explained so well how we all feel about wanting to reach out to people in our community after such a disaster.<br /><br />Thank you for your beautiful words and heartfelt meaning which comes through so beautifully in your art work.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEXi31dplmuADVcN8G94QH97ew_HlYpRxlyG4abkWKeZdWOdeADEjJpBQb9fTDfbKxMisMISSA1birSLr5q6NCEV2fUEsqEQS8u7ReGMTu886kJGtwcBCAAwtFUDE3EC56iUqnF1OF_9Q/s1600-h/IMG_2364.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384142093556948930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 316px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEXi31dplmuADVcN8G94QH97ew_HlYpRxlyG4abkWKeZdWOdeADEjJpBQb9fTDfbKxMisMISSA1birSLr5q6NCEV2fUEsqEQS8u7ReGMTu886kJGtwcBCAAwtFUDE3EC56iUqnF1OF_9Q/s320/IMG_2364.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Chandra of Dianella, WA, created this lovely square, which depicts a koala, blue wren, kookaburra, kangaroo and wild flowers springing to life among the blackened trees:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6cG6LPuqoHh-gjZuV4BtpHeyG3dhMmLXk21HlesbZAtJBIMLfunlcuzBqfZv2XI4nqUuaPzif74MkPBPtup7FkKfBX7b92UwlHtRbiqXeY-jyxUSenGCNGJFLbuCzBT4g1HWxaCVgOHqq/s1600-h/IMG_2361.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384141014714146434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 314px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6cG6LPuqoHh-gjZuV4BtpHeyG3dhMmLXk21HlesbZAtJBIMLfunlcuzBqfZv2XI4nqUuaPzif74MkPBPtup7FkKfBX7b92UwlHtRbiqXeY-jyxUSenGCNGJFLbuCzBT4g1HWxaCVgOHqq/s320/IMG_2361.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />This lovely square was done by Di of Seville, VIC. Di and her family also went to Marysville to help with the bulb planting. Di wrote:<br /><br /><em>"I have enjoyed the process of making the block immensly. It has taken me a while to complete, as at times I felt depressed at the lack of colour or even frustrated with my sewing, and thus compelled to put it down. Once sewing the "regrowth" side of my patch, as corny as it sounds, I felt renewed and took more enjoyment from the process of sewing, which is quite relaxing when you get into it. Now, I am proud to send you my patch."</em><br /><br />With Di's permission, I wanted to share these words of Di's, and I am sure Di is not the only one who found that through the process of creating the quilt block came an empathy with bush fire towns as they go through the long and often frustrating process of moving from devastation to renewal.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHQu-Lrg_m8CWof-6xWEkBz_ibEQY9uEpCKzLd_3qZswghPF40jWrO-5Hw6phDlJB9KFDlP1rjC7MRnRPnq34gayCYKHBn08CYa21vMUN3gOKSQLwVqvkYw2gRu0fwj_RWLu3w6OiMOHW/s1600-h/IMG_2368.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384135819239015618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHQu-Lrg_m8CWof-6xWEkBz_ibEQY9uEpCKzLd_3qZswghPF40jWrO-5Hw6phDlJB9KFDlP1rjC7MRnRPnq34gayCYKHBn08CYa21vMUN3gOKSQLwVqvkYw2gRu0fwj_RWLu3w6OiMOHW/s320/IMG_2368.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Linda from Belmont, VIC, is the artist behind these bottle brush blossoms:<br /></div><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364891528118084130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 310px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXf-4aKR3GNmbJgspD4JZ6aMgF8dYJxiz2ih6r6XR1_GdiVUUfP-69Wl9Sh47NXRQRaECLsWEQdCWo4VK5KWrN7Dx_JL3TtIxsqQhHebHG-3XnMgBwv4JWRMtzw5mpy4byxWDdS0d4xgC/s320/IMG_2258.JPG" border="0" /> </div><br /><div>Erna of Boronia, VIC, created this beautiful pattern:<br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364891321389767954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 306px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincgEToW78nRLk8lcBFzLuquvJLnQ9UQlTg5KiHjWu6cxPawIRZF8ayqFuml2cFfvjUYd8j55MuEQlVsOeTQohLBqgUhvZxNQ9AtpAshHqIBh_0IDVxE7v786uuTzjSdIyL7zbhyyRMRTk/s320/IMG_2257.JPG" border="0" /> Paula of Wallan, VIC, stitched this gorgeous kookaburra and possum:<br /><br /><br /><div><br /><p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKv5HeHLA9LJEu_BU36zBjXYdvAFfl5yOgo-aBI5VTDWN4KhsxObQP4h-a2G91spyPmXQ6XkIWorRKTvSErQRvGW7a3uOKdBxmpfxcxG-7G1-ovj_YnA4Lmnvi4GzoArD99XoKpHjSK7pJ/s1600-h/IMG_2256.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364891045514167042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 307px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKv5HeHLA9LJEu_BU36zBjXYdvAFfl5yOgo-aBI5VTDWN4KhsxObQP4h-a2G91spyPmXQ6XkIWorRKTvSErQRvGW7a3uOKdBxmpfxcxG-7G1-ovj_YnA4Lmnvi4GzoArD99XoKpHjSK7pJ/s320/IMG_2256.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />This larrikin kookaburra was lovingly crafted by Jackie in Holder, ACT</p><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6nIDXWl3t-KYD1d_XyausCvj-wgdKju7EKXLwyO-cbNbV25KCsXWtRPLom0wuDIRfraksK5eMy7-N2Q_m0-dV3JQ3q9QW7NCxODULRHhRA_ZTZo6ue3gVCBMsgxLWkYc-7BdYLZFuLj4/s1600-h/IMG_2255.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364890834219814690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6nIDXWl3t-KYD1d_XyausCvj-wgdKju7EKXLwyO-cbNbV25KCsXWtRPLom0wuDIRfraksK5eMy7-N2Q_m0-dV3JQ3q9QW7NCxODULRHhRA_ZTZo6ue3gVCBMsgxLWkYc-7BdYLZFuLj4/s320/IMG_2255.JPG" border="0" /></a> This little wren was sent in by Julie of Burwood, VIC:<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2wXf2d6lgHu6jJR5Tv6jcqnhtJjSukHphRmfEQHF0C0eRJZ5Q1k9ZTgJvdMjyI7NBuj6IXY7U3mUS8Is-tIyhz1mHPKrdzpUkO8sxV2dOrlSrDm1fO60Yl5v9_ffLKQP3ACITzudx0RC/s1600-h/IMG_2254.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364890216848819698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 292px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2wXf2d6lgHu6jJR5Tv6jcqnhtJjSukHphRmfEQHF0C0eRJZ5Q1k9ZTgJvdMjyI7NBuj6IXY7U3mUS8Is-tIyhz1mHPKrdzpUkO8sxV2dOrlSrDm1fO60Yl5v9_ffLKQP3ACITzudx0RC/s320/IMG_2254.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />This lovely block was crafted by Glynis of Elwood, Victoria. The pebbles and water represent the Steavenson River; the flowers the flora and the snail the fauna; and the little ladybird represents rebirth. Glynis used felt for the snail, ladybird and pebbles, carefully blanket-stitched into placed. The river is made from white and blue ribbons - it looks just like water! The flowers are also made from ribbons. The beautiful fern is embroidered.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErlD5mhRxsUn6ZZFGcVADrgvzGS7HJzVGfRyUF76NJhk-_Gr48WpZs1dzz8j7OPhSyIoquhw41qw4uDhJ65caxClbTANsmK8qHkHqJpeZVslR54NQYSt-H6z2q_CcvKcSHP3Rr_ATYAir/s1600-h/Stage7Bug.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329629713598094674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErlD5mhRxsUn6ZZFGcVADrgvzGS7HJzVGfRyUF76NJhk-_Gr48WpZs1dzz8j7OPhSyIoquhw41qw4uDhJ65caxClbTANsmK8qHkHqJpeZVslR54NQYSt-H6z2q_CcvKcSHP3Rr_ATYAir/s320/Stage7Bug.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Glynis designed this image on the computer, then made her block based on this pattern:</div><br /><br /><p align="center"><em></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5yAZ7LniMJW0_bikay2zHw9GM8QhYHm2RY_ZcQ3DNkKEJUgVgCF67f0Lmn3GrCNr10W51OFZ4MiDd9xs-vH0fvWoJOhPcJL1c_3N6QRM5u6HSGG199nqVKoelUYkUK6uVKrP_fiqyKYFq/s1600-h/QuiltSqr.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329628867637097394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5yAZ7LniMJW0_bikay2zHw9GM8QhYHm2RY_ZcQ3DNkKEJUgVgCF67f0Lmn3GrCNr10W51OFZ4MiDd9xs-vH0fvWoJOhPcJL1c_3N6QRM5u6HSGG199nqVKoelUYkUK6uVKrP_fiqyKYFq/s320/QuiltSqr.jpg" border="0" /><br /></a>You can see more of Glynis's work <a href="http://www.feltpets.com/"><strong>here</strong></a><br /></p><br />The square below was sent in by Pam of Wesburn, Victoria. Thank you Pam!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nqXs-auf8JQzFCtVy5uyPsPcBygjlekAhJiosGAGD5qFzCGYKSeBN79kE1mPIi_d8rAcA_20h_mO5KAyXv0VaSkE2ov-gNakBvs_mN_gvHvtd0SNW0sWpdC9Hp5VxY_yNtU6_cqwqb8H/s1600-h/IMG_2110.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341424943979806050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nqXs-auf8JQzFCtVy5uyPsPcBygjlekAhJiosGAGD5qFzCGYKSeBN79kE1mPIi_d8rAcA_20h_mO5KAyXv0VaSkE2ov-gNakBvs_mN_gvHvtd0SNW0sWpdC9Hp5VxY_yNtU6_cqwqb8H/s320/IMG_2110.JPG" border="0" /></a> Thank to all our talented and creative artists for creating beautiful pieces which will convey a lasting message of hope and solidarity to the people of Marysville.<br /><p></p></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457257872061140749.post-53408849780127598942009-09-30T17:44:00.000-07:002010-02-05T00:34:19.761-08:00BirchmereRachel and Shirley from <a href="http://www.bustleandbows.com.au/"><strong>'Bustle & Bows'</strong> </a>in Surrey Hills, Victoria, sent in these beautiful squares which have special significance for their family. Rachel wrote:<br /><br /><em>"Both designs were inspired by my Uncle's property "Birchmere", which was completely destroyed on Black Saturday. My Uncle spent the last 20 years of his life creating the garden which housed many rare trees and plants and was admired by gardeners from all over. Although there were many plants we could have embroidered, we chose the holly because it was close to my Uncle's heart and Mum & I both loved the toadstools that popped up in autumn. Mum embroidered the toadstools and I embroidered the holly."</em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggsFPum8zTVFHHlX4xpscflEwrcFcu6kTt42PL0man4QCdfAcJCRftXIcF0wJZmYYzcu_0rX1pfpRrtJYr1rn6NzUamxUVTvOVnAn9szNPhoZmQB9U6fdMLjx_Hru8D0QZFzfwuMJk2-Jb/s1600-h/IMG_2373.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 306px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384130221407092482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggsFPum8zTVFHHlX4xpscflEwrcFcu6kTt42PL0man4QCdfAcJCRftXIcF0wJZmYYzcu_0rX1pfpRrtJYr1rn6NzUamxUVTvOVnAn9szNPhoZmQB9U6fdMLjx_Hru8D0QZFzfwuMJk2-Jb/s320/IMG_2373.JPG" /></a><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJBXZzv12n2vWwI2Cl9yQrNbWEdwxtXzIR7C63NkzG_UgE0gnroPfdinF095RLI_ztHsL_zPIyfU9cmetP6wfSjjODYJEMADEZ9nLVpcw9SfRBsONjjDigL-KoQyV4zgbdh9MATnwZD7DE/s1600-h/IMG_2374.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 277px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384129754904210482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJBXZzv12n2vWwI2Cl9yQrNbWEdwxtXzIR7C63NkzG_UgE0gnroPfdinF095RLI_ztHsL_zPIyfU9cmetP6wfSjjODYJEMADEZ9nLVpcw9SfRBsONjjDigL-KoQyV4zgbdh9MATnwZD7DE/s320/IMG_2374.JPG" /></a> Rachel and Shirley sent us some beautiful photos of Birchmere. They truly convey what a beautiful place it was - and, we hope and believe, will be again.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><br /><br /><div><embed style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 320px" name="flashticker" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" align="middle" src="http://widget-9a.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=3386706919815168922&site=widget-9a.slide.com"></embed> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; WIDTH: 400px"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=3386706919815168922&map=1" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://widget-9a.slide.com/p1/3386706919815168922/bb_t001_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=3386706919815168922&map=2" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://widget-9a.slide.com/p2/3386706919815168922/bb_t001_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&amp;at=un&amp;id=3386706919815168922&amp;map=2" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://widget-9a.slide.com/m/3386706919815168922/bb_t001_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide9_1.gif" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=3386706919815168922&map=F" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://widget-9a.slide.com/p4/3386706919815168922/bb_t001_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" /></a></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457257872061140749.post-22115558536805218022009-09-10T23:48:00.000-07:002009-10-06T18:10:12.264-07:00The PhoenixThis symbolic block was created by Carolyn and Michelle of Oatley, NSW. Carolyn is a midwife who I connected with through my 'other life' as a doula (birth attendant) - more about that <a href="http://melbournedoula.blogspot.com/">here.</a> Michell wrote this wonderful letter to explain the story of the Phoenix:<br /><br /><em>"The day of the Victorian bush fires I was on a train trip home from a holiday in Tasmania. We had departed Melbourne and halfway back to Sydney the conductor walked the length of the train telling all the passengers about the devastation and loss, checking to see if anyone had family or friends in any of the fire-affected regions. Carolyn chose the theme of the Phoenix. We did a google search to facilitate my understanding of her intention and chose a design she was happy with. The symbolism of rebirth from the ashes, the Phoenix being destined to live as long as the old self is so apt - this mythical sacred firebird! The colours chosen are representative of the ancient Greeks' mythology. It has been my absolute pleasure to contribute to the quilt at Carolyn's request, and know that the final result is the culmination of purposeful and heartfelt intent from the both of us. I congratulate you and Julie Warren for this wonderful gifting. I wish you both every success and joy in your endeavour - may it fill the hearts of the people from Marysville."<br /></em><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWE2PrfSq4f5r_ArhWtJV3deAWjU_baYJOQ3JuZO9-pSUT6Fs-wWQaHfjPCy6QEhRh9C3VdjH7IRUhNfaNZQwQdp8bQVjzj1Kft769hzkjpqp6jX0WK_8QXTQWrDDT-6RSkNLt27VqDti2/s1600-h/IMG_2365.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384137108063082514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 314px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWE2PrfSq4f5r_ArhWtJV3deAWjU_baYJOQ3JuZO9-pSUT6Fs-wWQaHfjPCy6QEhRh9C3VdjH7IRUhNfaNZQwQdp8bQVjzj1Kft769hzkjpqp6jX0WK_8QXTQWrDDT-6RSkNLt27VqDti2/s320/IMG_2365.JPG" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457257872061140749.post-17772650824496608402009-09-10T18:59:00.000-07:002009-10-11T02:20:30.596-07:00Blocks completed by the Stonequarry Quilters<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidumDRmXivty-341hCnvidMkn1Sn9Ycsumj7_jcvi4V3O8k2KA1wuX9FANHSTIniex3lLUYQZCeQZnepkCQAQq5tTrovmmiowRmFT3VWACr52cPO3N_2LXr7ZEPK6Aw7Hgx6cU8Rbzmpi6/s1600-h/IMG_1935.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391267668756557922" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 219px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidumDRmXivty-341hCnvidMkn1Sn9Ycsumj7_jcvi4V3O8k2KA1wuX9FANHSTIniex3lLUYQZCeQZnepkCQAQq5tTrovmmiowRmFT3VWACr52cPO3N_2LXr7ZEPK6Aw7Hgx6cU8Rbzmpi6/s320/IMG_1935.jpg" border="0" /></a> These wonderful women from Wollondilly got together and created 33 beautiful blocks for the Marysville Quilt Project.<br /><br />Hilary of Picton wrote on behalf of the group:<br /><br /><em>"We belong to a small community quilting group called the Stonequarry Quilters. Our members live in the Wollondilly Shire of NSW in villages such as Picton, Tahmoor, Bargo and Thirlmere. We read about your project and thought we would like to contribute to it. We just had a weekend away at Gerrigong on the South Coast. Many of the ladies worked on their blocks there. Our very best wishes to you for the success of the project, and also to the people of Marysville and surrounding districts."</em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicj56q8ExuILJDKHHp6K7MtBGFn8BG-ZgBlm6g1uMaGIEytTsIvIBfjcJaYUMiu0PBLtH0tLGsQVPT269nw_QrJSxvQI0CpxrULlpzRfxCEcdo3q5C4SEUcemV5RseRSHVk_fRTpxgetSu/s1600-h/IMG_1933.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391267993590511538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicj56q8ExuILJDKHHp6K7MtBGFn8BG-ZgBlm6g1uMaGIEytTsIvIBfjcJaYUMiu0PBLtH0tLGsQVPT269nw_QrJSxvQI0CpxrULlpzRfxCEcdo3q5C4SEUcemV5RseRSHVk_fRTpxgetSu/s320/IMG_1933.jpg" border="0" /></a> Here are some examples of their work:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSzfBW76Bpm3uvqTOKHKN4OUBENrY81xGv157RZY94AwMR_TDc2FD0h3u3UTqjw6ZK24gT5R2QPiC9t642YboguLfFBuIx-2T-PDsMnzxOxHO6SzfDW80xwunNDHjwYeGwQvLyfopmHaT/s1600-h/IMG_2385.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389302721997279602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 317px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSzfBW76Bpm3uvqTOKHKN4OUBENrY81xGv157RZY94AwMR_TDc2FD0h3u3UTqjw6ZK24gT5R2QPiC9t642YboguLfFBuIx-2T-PDsMnzxOxHO6SzfDW80xwunNDHjwYeGwQvLyfopmHaT/s320/IMG_2385.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-iW0hQss-52tjaRtRkdmpzPatFccD1i6VsqERDbG8Toa0VcdfrZLn1LymQNB4i6RMUVyKWxGdAmSv3NcSD4SSE-qukH5tZ6wHcPyHkfvoYd6vpV3RzZADYkcXWAfVgzimWLaq2g1Qirwa/s1600-h/IMG_2384.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389310122397523202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 294px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-iW0hQss-52tjaRtRkdmpzPatFccD1i6VsqERDbG8Toa0VcdfrZLn1LymQNB4i6RMUVyKWxGdAmSv3NcSD4SSE-qukH5tZ6wHcPyHkfvoYd6vpV3RzZADYkcXWAfVgzimWLaq2g1Qirwa/s320/IMG_2384.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPf5M_Z1nw82bm5N9wVf6LwcGDc8puc50p3W9x_Jg6uiRkGqinNREW5tgXmBhJNdzVEDcWHsYlt13TBDeqrvtFU9cfcgjoxMitdAjkLD8E3aPtf2-5VogbAX6sOFKd7wCtCRu1_Gx-jGE/s1600-h/IMG_2383.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389310549429278562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 294px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPf5M_Z1nw82bm5N9wVf6LwcGDc8puc50p3W9x_Jg6uiRkGqinNREW5tgXmBhJNdzVEDcWHsYlt13TBDeqrvtFU9cfcgjoxMitdAjkLD8E3aPtf2-5VogbAX6sOFKd7wCtCRu1_Gx-jGE/s320/IMG_2383.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />A big thank you to all the Stonequarry Quilters. We're so glad to have you involved in the project.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457257872061140749.post-46343624767813732642009-09-06T02:21:00.000-07:002009-10-06T18:10:34.311-07:00Gail's koala - remembering the wildlifeGail from Brisbane, QLD, sent in this cute koala with the following message:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRZT-aFEqE9n_yZMBoYzvv1ZQQY5LFc49uExqsViJYYOBzXotMDjQkP3GwcnrcFMMkiEEu8RbALS80wyZiw5t4EiQkxpAfdurdMkb4SruEbkT6x7cBKB9yZe6_Lx1KL-xQQlvuuXGSPW4/s1600-h/IMG_2392.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389417568073841394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 304px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRZT-aFEqE9n_yZMBoYzvv1ZQQY5LFc49uExqsViJYYOBzXotMDjQkP3GwcnrcFMMkiEEu8RbALS80wyZiw5t4EiQkxpAfdurdMkb4SruEbkT6x7cBKB9yZe6_Lx1KL-xQQlvuuXGSPW4/s320/IMG_2392.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><em>"I used a blue background because I felt that Marysville needed blue skies. I chose to do a koala in memory of all the wildlife that perished in the fires, and also Sam the koala who touched hearts all around the world. This is how they should be, not having to take help from people. Of course the suffering and loss of life and property should not be overlooked and I can't imagine how horrendous it was and continues to be for the people of these communities, but sometimes in times of great suffering the animals get forgotten.</em><br /><br /><em></em><br /><em>We went to France and Belgium last year on a tour of the Western Front and came across an animal memorial in the small village of Couin in France, set up by a local farmer. It was very touching to see that in the enormous suffering of World War 1, someone had remembered the animals of war. So I'm launching my own tiny Sam out into the world to remind us that we share this planet with many other species. Hope she cheers someone up.</em><br /><br /><em></em><br /><em>The idea of this quilt you thought up is lovely. As anyone who creates something, however small knows, something of oneself goes into it and that is what makes it so special. </em><br /><br /><em></em><br /><em>We will be in Victoria next year and hope to make a trip to Marysville to see the finished quilt. It's been a privilege to be a small part of it."</em><br /><br /><br />Gail's beaut little koala will certainly be another significant square in the quilt. Thank you Gail for your lovely art and thoughtful words.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457257872061140749.post-55509204412590811852009-09-05T23:33:00.000-07:002009-10-06T18:10:57.767-07:00Squares from Hope Christian College, WAGeorgie from Kardinya, WA, enlisted her husband, daughter, sister and students from Hope Christian College to make squares. The result was 33 beautiful and interesting blocks for the Marysville Quilt Project.<br /><br />Georgie writes,<br /><br /><em>"The students in Mrs Wilson's Year Three class at Hope Christian College in Roelands produced 15 squares at a moment's notice, using fabric pens. They were thrilled at the opportunity. Some of the students have signed their work, others have not. Mrs Wilson was amazed by one child, who she said, usually struggles to complete most tasks, took to the challenge with vigour. Mrs Wilson was delighted. </em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKwMoQdjmJrSG9XhH36a0JTxQvM4FS0Gne0wQ9DHX9cDcn5Xi_d8AGY6JgBwd4-6qKTBIHkYK_oWM8ap7jE7vZh_IH5eNpjc964e8qR_8cvjoD_02R6lf-19RQXqubGzfh_gjD5Aj3S6ib/s1600-h/IMG_2394.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389373431045093378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 316px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKwMoQdjmJrSG9XhH36a0JTxQvM4FS0Gne0wQ9DHX9cDcn5Xi_d8AGY6JgBwd4-6qKTBIHkYK_oWM8ap7jE7vZh_IH5eNpjc964e8qR_8cvjoD_02R6lf-19RQXqubGzfh_gjD5Aj3S6ib/s320/IMG_2394.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9B577ORsLq85enlWLJY0p4VgcC8cTGE5IqEzCpe9yvXq7w-3QCwtRf0x5AIDEAMnG04eqRAClJqv4pVIIqvrhaHkKxU8ZlBZX5l576THqn9piLOsr7XwQOEu0dvj9EZZTGXY5dPIKyht0/s1600-h/IMG_2396.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389372190881818098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 291px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9B577ORsLq85enlWLJY0p4VgcC8cTGE5IqEzCpe9yvXq7w-3QCwtRf0x5AIDEAMnG04eqRAClJqv4pVIIqvrhaHkKxU8ZlBZX5l576THqn9piLOsr7XwQOEu0dvj9EZZTGXY5dPIKyht0/s320/IMG_2396.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><em>I managed to coax my brother, Phil Vine, into making a contribution. He came up with the four sepia style sketches - for a little Australian humour.</em><br /><br /><em>My daughter Helen produced 6. Helen has chosen Australian landscapes, water lillies and an Australian beach scene.</em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit04imfGokldd9S0j20r-1UKg8abrSRv4don7sb5ZRr-R8ufxL9D8g8E1vTOZeIEvEUipKOaU5vCdaotklXLlMVvKto4mzzUG9bfApI28Pmsx08OGjscvblRG93xkbncUXbos9p3rfVS53/s1600-h/IMG_2393.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389373985591096290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 315px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit04imfGokldd9S0j20r-1UKg8abrSRv4don7sb5ZRr-R8ufxL9D8g8E1vTOZeIEvEUipKOaU5vCdaotklXLlMVvKto4mzzUG9bfApI28Pmsx08OGjscvblRG93xkbncUXbos9p3rfVS53/s320/IMG_2393.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJIci4eH0II9SooOGqw2mDQMOYU1HhTqSlnHm57Z7fSWIXs7pXHHGOdPPA3abYPfXhxGT0fNYmQFvoVHL4bXuspPljTfbuUwhf8p2BQgp5KoJ2SJi94rerP3wPt73sqKBlA9RHUYOhvDV/s1600-h/IMG_2395.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389372933356329746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJIci4eH0II9SooOGqw2mDQMOYU1HhTqSlnHm57Z7fSWIXs7pXHHGOdPPA3abYPfXhxGT0fNYmQFvoVHL4bXuspPljTfbuUwhf8p2BQgp5KoJ2SJi94rerP3wPt73sqKBlA9RHUYOhvDV/s320/IMG_2395.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><em>The balance are mine - some hand-stitching and use of fat quarters."</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><em></em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457257872061140749.post-46640746146728752512009-09-05T19:39:00.000-07:002009-10-06T18:11:14.371-07:00Joshua's handprints and a special poem for MarysvilleRaquella from Donvale, Victoria, had some special help with this square:<br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOieROoqnD55Iy2089yENLi3oYc1mPv2kmQxgmIcFae64TihtnLrDfl5HzMKj25LW41Kf1LWls04KSDlExX5gunc9PluUfJgq9d9w-Iiga3l8fIGpOzmrLFfyTfzdMYG9aCjyKM5R8C-vt/s1600-h/IMG_2387.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389311681632213842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 306px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOieROoqnD55Iy2089yENLi3oYc1mPv2kmQxgmIcFae64TihtnLrDfl5HzMKj25LW41Kf1LWls04KSDlExX5gunc9PluUfJgq9d9w-Iiga3l8fIGpOzmrLFfyTfzdMYG9aCjyKM5R8C-vt/s320/IMG_2387.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Raquella wrote:</p><p>"This picture is of my son Joshua's hands. He is 17 months old!"</p><p>Isn't that great, Joshua is definitely our youngest contributer yet!</p><p>Raquella also wote a special poem for Marysville, excerpted below:</p><p><em>When you look at the sky</em></p><p><em>and wonder why</em></p><p><em>the trees are barren</em></p><p><em>the grass is brown</em></p><p><em>the land is bare</em></p><p><em>with houses not there ...</em></p><p><em>We realise, we recognise</em></p><p><em>to rebuild Marysville</em></p><p><em>is to generate new hope</em></p><p><em>new sensations of love</em></p><p><em>in all our hearts</em></p><p><em>in both young and old ...</em></p><p><em>Australia is unique</em></p><p><em>in that everyone cares</em></p><p><em>to lend a hand</em></p><p><em>when things go wrong</em></p><p><em>to be there</em></p><p><em>for however long</em></p><p><em>It won't be easy</em></p><p><em>but it is a dream worth doing</em></p><p><em>to see Marysville in bloom again</em></p><p><em>with families everywhere,</em></p><p><em>singing ...<br /></em></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457257872061140749.post-54248418656970891162009-09-04T01:43:00.000-07:002009-10-06T18:12:19.466-07:00Ros's StoryRos from Mt. Evelyn, Victoria, has a special connection with Marysville, as she explains in her letter:<br /><br /><em>"Marysville has always had a very special place in our hearts because when we owned Arrabri Lodge in East Warburton, Marysville was a good place to escape when we were able to leave our managers in charge. It was not too far away, but far enough to feel as though we were away from work. We spent many long lunches and weekend retreats at Marysville. We were both devastated to see the town when we visited again 3 months after the fire.</em><br /><br /><em>"My husband Steve owes his life to Marysville's doctor, Lachlan Fraser, who diagnosed that he had a very rare heart disease when Lachlan was the doctor at Warburton. Three doctors had previously missed it. Steve is perfectly well now after having heart surgery consequent to Lachlan's diagnosis.</em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLmi9CypeQlMX3Ieuq1b8_Wt-SdqOYQ5TUKM7EXUEnVj9yVHv16HxqYYlA9q0uSDGxpWIJ4ycaLawd2gI1neBnAXcqKPcZElasfOXapZgre1Nbuc1A5xCpAEOu_TJyUo4YfwONSOZUqw2/s1600-h/IMG_2380.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389407584571501074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 307px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLmi9CypeQlMX3Ieuq1b8_Wt-SdqOYQ5TUKM7EXUEnVj9yVHv16HxqYYlA9q0uSDGxpWIJ4ycaLawd2gI1neBnAXcqKPcZElasfOXapZgre1Nbuc1A5xCpAEOu_TJyUo4YfwONSOZUqw2/s320/IMG_2380.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><em>"There is a story behing this block that I have done for the quilt. When we owned the business in Warburton, one of our managing couples had a cushion made for my 50th birthday. I really loved it and it still sits on the lounge in the family room. We sold the business not long after that and they stayed on with the new owners. Eventually they went to live and work in one of the guest houses in Marysville. On Black Saturday, that place, like most others in Marysville, was destroyed. For a week we were not able to find out if they had survived. During that week I worked on a replica of the cushion they gave me in the hope that I would be able to give it to them. They did survive, but lost absolutely everything they owned. My cushion has taken on more significance now, as it is a reminder of that horrendous day and the hope I had that our friendship had survived. The block I have done is a smaller version of the original cushion."</em><br /><em></em><br />Thank you for sharing this moving story with us, Ros. I met Lachlan on Black Saturday when he, myself, my mother and a number of others assisted at an accident when the wild winds that blew up suddenly just before the fire blew a large gum tree onto a car, trapping its owner inside. It was some time before we could get the SES there to safely extract the woman, and several people helped care for her and tried to get the branches off. Lachlan said to my mum Rosalie, "I think after this is over, we had all better go home, get packed and get out of here." But he also told Mum that he planned to stay and defend his own house, just two houses up from where we were staying. And that is what he did. He was unsuccessful in saving the house and spent the night on Gallipoli Oval with other folk from the town, rendering whatever help and comfort he could. Like Ros, for a week we did not know if he had got through alive. We were greatly relieved when we read confirmation of his survival.<br /><br />Recently Lachlan, who is a long distance runner, ran 90km from Marysville to Melbourne (!!!) to raise awareness for the <a href="http://regonline.activeglobal.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?eventid=717702#">Marysville Marathon Festival </a>to be held in Marysville on Sunday November 8th. There is even a 3km walk/run which sounds more manageable for those of us who might not quite be up to Lachlan's standard!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457257872061140749.post-42645564192406437892009-09-03T14:53:00.000-07:002009-10-06T18:12:00.202-07:00Rosalie's blocksThese were crafted and sent in by Rosalie of Bonnells Bay in NSW. Rosalie was staying in Marysville with her husband, daughter (me - Julie Bell) and grandchildren on the day of the fires and escaped on the road north to Alexandra just as the fires reached the edge of the town.<br /><br />My photos don't do justice to Mum's embroidery. This depicts the new growth sprouting from the trunk of a gum tree:<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5xnwhxQBKidWrDw-LYkC9RByZvLHHwfv2mvQHmjAc8sJm3YXaXj2bIsyKeecW-ufjxSy_4nb_TX3Ay4gjcYQ0I7Zs5H9kowYzsvJVFhpBLj7s49rTrLA-MeTg5y1YUPAWpdmUL_Bt60K2/s1600-h/IMG_2004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389610531786843570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5xnwhxQBKidWrDw-LYkC9RByZvLHHwfv2mvQHmjAc8sJm3YXaXj2bIsyKeecW-ufjxSy_4nb_TX3Ay4gjcYQ0I7Zs5H9kowYzsvJVFhpBLj7s49rTrLA-MeTg5y1YUPAWpdmUL_Bt60K2/s320/IMG_2004.JPG" border="0" /></a>Based on this photo I took in Marysville about 6 weeks after the fires:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxzmEZbwfICOXtCXxIZMgWCYKLiry-casV2rcuWZr9ym0-Trjq47JSWfOlU99bb9oHOvnTGcPc5-imqLlRnV-xlukSawch5z4yn7JgobYBWdQGDQQ_8YfFSlc27s3T-1KTcBF4rzBZS6XJ/s1600-h/IMG_1790.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389627372730523714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxzmEZbwfICOXtCXxIZMgWCYKLiry-casV2rcuWZr9ym0-Trjq47JSWfOlU99bb9oHOvnTGcPc5-imqLlRnV-xlukSawch5z4yn7JgobYBWdQGDQQ_8YfFSlc27s3T-1KTcBF4rzBZS6XJ/s320/IMG_1790.JPG" border="0" /></a> This one shows the ducks on the lake at Marysville, surrounded by the burnt hills, with a Xanthorrhoea Grass Tree blossoming in the foreground:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjGQQq9OOmM01GhXqmxJrKZ1scahVFlBBHLiM90-N9fd4Q0jsiEKxc20Oa3GnHjVHGv_1viCUer8hXSBbrjqwMjmZzeaCD73Zrt7O829EnH3bZ2g_Y1yV7rmYmsMuhkYF1MWDNKd47gyo6/s1600-h/IMG_2008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389612127857979282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 307px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjGQQq9OOmM01GhXqmxJrKZ1scahVFlBBHLiM90-N9fd4Q0jsiEKxc20Oa3GnHjVHGv_1viCUer8hXSBbrjqwMjmZzeaCD73Zrt7O829EnH3bZ2g_Y1yV7rmYmsMuhkYF1MWDNKd47gyo6/s320/IMG_2008.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />It is based on a photo I took when I was first able to return to Marysville, about 5 weeks after the fires. I was there as a volunteer, helping provide meals for the SES and Police. This was about 5 weeks after the fires. Early in the morning, I went out for a walk and saw these ducks on the lake at Marysville. The colours of the burnt hills are reflected in the water ... and it seemed to me the ducks were forming a pattern that reminded me of the Celtic symbol for endurance or eternity.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhznzDe04yC92TDOoyLDIjDign1Ob4Wh6gDUoqW4A-o-0DAaLlDS34aKovUWwyv0sEliEqSvaBnjTyFZYluBczwSkrRhMNKNREMaun3YwA_AR2xi65j_ST-9ofFoKKQqE6U_LQMZnuP5aGV/s1600-h/IMG_1784.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389621705679706978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhznzDe04yC92TDOoyLDIjDign1Ob4Wh6gDUoqW4A-o-0DAaLlDS34aKovUWwyv0sEliEqSvaBnjTyFZYluBczwSkrRhMNKNREMaun3YwA_AR2xi65j_ST-9ofFoKKQqE6U_LQMZnuP5aGV/s320/IMG_1784.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here are more sent in by Rosalie:<br /><br /><p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLfjUp_fLtuR8rZTlX-lILVREvDjHB2AKKmR5yhexwS35J6K_eine-uQ9ekxkiz_z-eKWReKEjCzOCTEh1zp1C9-fzMI5VlLcB2702iB9AetKCnt3DOaErLLgEHkJxttQmkSRS9fZwvCm/s1600-h/IMG_2013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329596178768138242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLfjUp_fLtuR8rZTlX-lILVREvDjHB2AKKmR5yhexwS35J6K_eine-uQ9ekxkiz_z-eKWReKEjCzOCTEh1zp1C9-fzMI5VlLcB2702iB9AetKCnt3DOaErLLgEHkJxttQmkSRS9fZwvCm/s320/IMG_2013.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329603454446175058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUnZNUhWb5Fzut876hc6DgOsqQasrn2qzltFdhMcrIkb9vV5T58DffpQV_nEGIenCIjffANEQgLSOY6OHjfUH7ry_doGJAaBciMX2ybsKtbZCkYkInNWg93x0TlqegpOHoGt9Oxe7FVH6D/s320/IMG_2015.JPG" border="0" /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZft1NXxMijJTifu0TJbHP4_-wuGqpiJf71j75Ndvwg38TZHIPXIKYvTYfTkSdFo853KPOn4ApH2oQBahQAkXYIhoZUZhbn5bAGb_x5pyr9ssUw4be1uWgiMUqG2bGP0EKzqeFtwt-0wV5/s1600-h/IMG_2398.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389626453680024194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZft1NXxMijJTifu0TJbHP4_-wuGqpiJf71j75Ndvwg38TZHIPXIKYvTYfTkSdFo853KPOn4ApH2oQBahQAkXYIhoZUZhbn5bAGb_x5pyr9ssUw4be1uWgiMUqG2bGP0EKzqeFtwt-0wV5/s320/IMG_2398.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4KAkKfC3XOiKyPP77jUAyeGdjlK1Ugt3K9e84R2ivNxTvkRltRUFxrO9oJviJP8OfYCsm6Pd6yteVa3j9JGguwYSARk3KGvd48IKrPiPDKVkjVHop6iWhCs0zjJiWz8ZpG5ul79DnDfp/s1600-h/IMG_2399.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389625926291189874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 291px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4KAkKfC3XOiKyPP77jUAyeGdjlK1Ugt3K9e84R2ivNxTvkRltRUFxrO9oJviJP8OfYCsm6Pd6yteVa3j9JGguwYSARk3KGvd48IKrPiPDKVkjVHop6iWhCs0zjJiWz8ZpG5ul79DnDfp/s320/IMG_2399.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />This is a statue by <a href="http://www.brunosart.com/">Bruno Torf</a>, which survived the razing of Kerala Guest House, where our family had stayed on a previous occasion.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvIY1V7XHnYG6V2dbTVvccChipuw1MsHo-CgJJGYGYQ7YunVFftw7pQC4NjBSnszrlAIe5QpkignoANH4l8Spte82oZG_EMBnje7an1HyFjSAAyUVck-6KHX3w13opKDS4TwxdV453XUG/s1600-h/IMG_1835.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389628786077981602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvIY1V7XHnYG6V2dbTVvccChipuw1MsHo-CgJJGYGYQ7YunVFftw7pQC4NjBSnszrlAIe5QpkignoANH4l8Spte82oZG_EMBnje7an1HyFjSAAyUVck-6KHX3w13opKDS4TwxdV453XUG/s320/IMG_1835.JPG" border="0" /></a> </p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJVYDhpZaU3E1BVXbaKStg0X0b0K2j6l6MGdGQlO6qPn_iPazfs0piGEc-lasKICfiGcfYRlcsJIldSu9mLnu5kfIhCTo4jxFpm7quXuejNkeKEDIv_rzvGnhlzyXFMNV1pqQHCaLM8wx/s1600-h/IMG_2400.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389625592502252770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 318px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJVYDhpZaU3E1BVXbaKStg0X0b0K2j6l6MGdGQlO6qPn_iPazfs0piGEc-lasKICfiGcfYRlcsJIldSu9mLnu5kfIhCTo4jxFpm7quXuejNkeKEDIv_rzvGnhlzyXFMNV1pqQHCaLM8wx/s320/IMG_2400.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br />Rosalie's square above is based on this photo I took as I walked along the hill overlooking the town of Marysville, where Kerala Guest House is. Looking through the gap of this charred gum tree, you could see the the devastated town below.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4rIJgaQZl9f-m1AeY71JzY6pJy9AneV8qJhGWoVNUuF3Pe5NkUZqqyrUsCT5-WNLgAsw14LqGkgX1i-RRl1k-2R9Tb6wBK4sdIX03T9a6_yNbwSEReyVNvJ_wDW5BFF-RcMhnVR2Nijdx/s1600-h/IMG_1821.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389629569880054962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4rIJgaQZl9f-m1AeY71JzY6pJy9AneV8qJhGWoVNUuF3Pe5NkUZqqyrUsCT5-WNLgAsw14LqGkgX1i-RRl1k-2R9Tb6wBK4sdIX03T9a6_yNbwSEReyVNvJ_wDW5BFF-RcMhnVR2Nijdx/s320/IMG_1821.JPG" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457257872061140749.post-32284197847386283762009-06-28T16:49:00.000-07:002009-10-28T19:24:36.615-07:00The Steels Creek StitchersThe Steels Creek Stitchers have sent in these beautiful squares.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM0o3OoGQf__qTiso6M0ceoAN46bM_uif4Pvl1Srrre_T4FU5xEN8lqWvdOydH5T1KEgkyFZYkofqC45cZoM37zMpjehUDgz6JeegKFqYjh7nKzujfFpLPkmUUhV2WidoeVj9VZ2-58tPy/s1600-h/IMG_2493.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397805163065342802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 310px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM0o3OoGQf__qTiso6M0ceoAN46bM_uif4Pvl1Srrre_T4FU5xEN8lqWvdOydH5T1KEgkyFZYkofqC45cZoM37zMpjehUDgz6JeegKFqYjh7nKzujfFpLPkmUUhV2WidoeVj9VZ2-58tPy/s320/IMG_2493.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUsPPMLxqV38KFsIXV0GtAaQksAw5D8hUGso7tzyHp6MjJCckoqt3RpS5CsorZCBHomkJy4RjNp9EuyXZ1CjrYSITRsMd7VyZVhpW8nUP-nkicjCrEp3MI7aefx3muVjfaMP0miblerG81/s1600-h/IMG_2494.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397804426137183874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUsPPMLxqV38KFsIXV0GtAaQksAw5D8hUGso7tzyHp6MjJCckoqt3RpS5CsorZCBHomkJy4RjNp9EuyXZ1CjrYSITRsMd7VyZVhpW8nUP-nkicjCrEp3MI7aefx3muVjfaMP0miblerG81/s320/IMG_2494.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzwhv9wwmWsSTIdayC6C1YGOcGWkTqfBSRFz4bkdXBCe12e410Axm2ZdrEriAzH0GKtRyfg9zf18jixCWwah0y42RLjtatr_8NhWV7TaaOl6U2zaAqnefXM8oC4_ox2Bdf6VEhgnKzOua/s1600-h/IMG_2490.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397804064228140882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 314px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzwhv9wwmWsSTIdayC6C1YGOcGWkTqfBSRFz4bkdXBCe12e410Axm2ZdrEriAzH0GKtRyfg9zf18jixCWwah0y42RLjtatr_8NhWV7TaaOl6U2zaAqnefXM8oC4_ox2Bdf6VEhgnKzOua/s320/IMG_2490.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJqzoy2ZJxmbgLf3r-wUM-enl0z8G_Iv9xO_3sUeTEGe0z5e-FmPDM_XLVI6VY2JdqSf_pd99zdO4-VYg9rC4_t0K05PuzM5O_Wet1DV4h0bFN-wmChC4HZa5RqJOG2xLFt3gF64aJwFP/s1600-h/IMG_2491.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397803695976848386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 318px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJqzoy2ZJxmbgLf3r-wUM-enl0z8G_Iv9xO_3sUeTEGe0z5e-FmPDM_XLVI6VY2JdqSf_pd99zdO4-VYg9rC4_t0K05PuzM5O_Wet1DV4h0bFN-wmChC4HZa5RqJOG2xLFt3gF64aJwFP/s320/IMG_2491.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1jJ9ICOGMFdTRI9hyKmxLawoiHKRAv595ANgZaq26KDGxbajZNYQmoEO6FUqBC1QA2PIvKEG6GvLZRNLvUI3uz9Aa8nNvCNKRACzj_S0GzvjHUduqyzHBQ0kUIexH0YgtV2lRaJhe2ID/s1600-h/IMG_2492.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397805684550109730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 304px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1jJ9ICOGMFdTRI9hyKmxLawoiHKRAv595ANgZaq26KDGxbajZNYQmoEO6FUqBC1QA2PIvKEG6GvLZRNLvUI3uz9Aa8nNvCNKRACzj_S0GzvjHUduqyzHBQ0kUIexH0YgtV2lRaJhe2ID/s320/IMG_2492.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Many thanks to Chris, Jane and everyone else who contributed. </div><br /><div>Steels Creek is a community just out of Yarra Glen in the Yarra Valley. Yarra Glen was surrounded by fire on almost 4 sides on Black Saturday. Driving through the area a few days after the fires, as we made our way home to Warburton after fleeing Marysville and taking refuge in Alexandria, we saw the devastation to a region so familiar. A few weeks later, when i was driving through, I noticed the distinctive pink Belladonna lilies peeking up through the blackened earth. I was so touched by this I stopped to take photos.</div></div></div></div><br /><br /><div><embed src="http://widget-fc.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=3458764513855286524&site=widget-fc.slide.com" style="width:400px;height:320px" name="flashticker" align="middle"></embed><div style="width:400px;text-align:left;"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=3458764513855286524&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-fc.slide.com/p1/3458764513855286524/bb_t001_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=3458764513855286524&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-fc.slide.com/p2/3458764513855286524/bb_t001_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=3458764513855286524&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-fc.slide.com/p4/3458764513855286524/bb_t001_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457257872061140749.post-17624708545458180092009-06-28T16:21:00.000-07:002009-10-28T16:47:02.802-07:00Squares from a family in QLDThis block was made by Kia, mother of Cassie and Esta, from Glenella, QLD.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVhAZUEtCQBLG0bOl_gc360KDtUBwnEicEn0lZ5oD8hLf8yuhdrrmtq2wGW8t-x4qbyrNmvwJwn4CR97mNaY_ucZAkaVrCzeIoY97_Uf-SgAbmGy63M4blUaYweVPeMnildAcbv-Hueb8I/s1600-h/IMG_2497.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397799595210351090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 313px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVhAZUEtCQBLG0bOl_gc360KDtUBwnEicEn0lZ5oD8hLf8yuhdrrmtq2wGW8t-x4qbyrNmvwJwn4CR97mNaY_ucZAkaVrCzeIoY97_Uf-SgAbmGy63M4blUaYweVPeMnildAcbv-Hueb8I/s320/IMG_2497.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Kia wrote, <em>"I chose to make this block because of the heartfelt emotions and tears I experienced when watching the tragic bushfires on television. I currently live in QLD but lived in Victoria all my life prior to 3 years ago. The heart block is representative of everyone's hearts during that time ... fire-fighters, victims, family survivors and the general Australian population which gave with all their hearts. My phrase which I have embroidered on the heart purely says it all, "Hearts that care, hearts that share." The colours chosen for the block were specifically chosen:</em><br /><br /><em>Black fabric - roses - I had roses in my garden and I love roses</em><br /><br /><em>Black & grey - burnt bushfires and ashes</em><br /><br /><em>Red - "our" red hearts</em><br /><br /><em>Yellow - the sun, love from sunny QLD</em><br /><br /><em>Green - the trees and nature</em><br /><br />This block was made by Esta, 5 and a half years old.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXiR6T3vkusaihYm0BF7-TLT9v3opTs7FEvHA25wllpg9u3J7aQP5oEdp_skoJGfg1fKMJOVS-D4wowP3moXSShIQA5zBCb9UxtwsNcrBpwRB_81MmXJ-j_mfqdN7GmgyUhD4x4mlxohul/s1600-h/IMG_2495.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397800631751200722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXiR6T3vkusaihYm0BF7-TLT9v3opTs7FEvHA25wllpg9u3J7aQP5oEdp_skoJGfg1fKMJOVS-D4wowP3moXSShIQA5zBCb9UxtwsNcrBpwRB_81MmXJ-j_mfqdN7GmgyUhD4x4mlxohul/s320/IMG_2495.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><em>When the bushfires were on television, it made a big impact on Esta's life, as just before our family relocated to QLD from Victoria (Warnambool), we had visited the Grampians where that year (2006) there were major bushfires on Australia Day. This is why Esta wanted to contribute to the Marysville Quilt. Esta chose the angel picture from a panel which was in the sewing room and she thought up the little phrase, "I am an angel and I love everybody" herself. The angels in her phrase are about looking over the people who lived and died in the bushfires. The angel is holding a pet cat, as she has a pet cat, and for the pets' lives lost in the bushfires. Esta's phrase is her own handwriting and she drew her own hearts. She did all of the sewing, except for the ironing and the cutting.</em><br /><br />This block was made by Cassie, 7 years old.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lyVeB2WFnbXC70GFhm5QzQYpicWdzxKiZdmIUeeGeLn_fdvR_BMMfShXkq5hXc5T0vEq-1J2tTCkBwyVxBBsog1FGumvStCv-Q8KPYp0E_W7eSPG36yITTrRkyNKwzxJ3TuU9wyBBpi0/s1600-h/IMG_2496.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397800161090831346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 306px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lyVeB2WFnbXC70GFhm5QzQYpicWdzxKiZdmIUeeGeLn_fdvR_BMMfShXkq5hXc5T0vEq-1J2tTCkBwyVxBBsog1FGumvStCv-Q8KPYp0E_W7eSPG36yITTrRkyNKwzxJ3TuU9wyBBpi0/s320/IMG_2496.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><em>Cassie wanted to contrinute to this quilt project as when the bushfires were on TV it touched her deeply because she remembered when we lived in Victoria and visited the Grampians in 2006, just 2 months after the Australia Day bushfires. So when she saw the 2009 bushfires on TV she immediately spoke about the Grampians. Cassie made up her saying and specifically chose the picture from an angel panel in the sewing room. She labelled it a "love fairy" because everyone needs love. Cassie loves butterflies and we have a pet cat, so she tied these two ideas into her sewing. The butterfly, because it can fly very fast. The love fairy holding a pet cat, because we have a pet cat. Cassie wrote her own phrase and wanted me, her mother, to embroider the writing. She did all of her own sewing, except for the ironing and cutting!</em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457257872061140749.post-12153905692219040562009-06-09T16:39:00.000-07:002010-02-05T00:21:52.452-08:00Who Are Our Quilters?Thank you all the wonderful people who have volunteered to join this project. As you can see, they come from all parts:<br /><br />Glenda, Mont Albert, VIC<br /><br />Robyn R, Burleigh Heads, QLD<br /><br />Michelle B, Oatley, NSW<br /><br />Annette, Lilydale, VIC<br /><br />Anita, Lesmurdie, WA<br /><br />Carolyn, Oatley, NSW<br /><br />Gwen, Bull Creek, WA<br /><br />Kathy B, Wattle Glen, VIC<br /><br />Laraine, Yandaran, QLD<br /><br />Lorraine, La Trobe, VIC<br /><br />Maria, Healesville, VIC<br /><br />Paula, Wallan, VIC<br /><br />Ros, Mt. Evelyn, VIC<br /><br />Liz, Narara, NSW<br /><br />Tracey-Lea<br /><br />Chandra, Dianella, WA<br /><br />Sue, Mill Park, VIC<br /><br />Robyn, Healesville, VIC<br /><br />Rosemary, Kippa Ring, QLD<br /><br />Sandy, Tanunda, SA<br /><br />Maree, Young, NSW<br /><br />Lauren, Warwickshire, England<br /><br />Christine, Jane and the Steels Creek Stitchers, Yarra Glen, VIC<br /><br />Angela, Surrey Hills, VIC<br /><br />Pat & Matt, The Basin, VIC<br /><br />Carolyn, Chittaway Bay, NSW<br /><br />Christine, Curtin, ACT<br /><br />Karen, Cape Woolamai, VIC<br /><br />Jackie, Holder, ACT<br /><br />Julie W. , Burwood, VIC<br /><br />Rachel, Surrey Hills, VIC<br /><br />Shirley, Surrey Hills, VIC<br /><br />Gail, Brisbane, QLD<br /><br />Linda, Belmont, VIC<br /><br />Raquella, Donvale VIC<br /><br />Jan, South Melbourne, VIC<br /><br />Erna, Boronia, VIC<br /><br />Joan, Hawthorn East, VIC<br /><br />Margaret Priestley, Blackburn South, VIC<br /><br />Angelique, Carrum Downs, VIC<br /><br />Rosalie, Bonnell's Bay, NSW<br /><br />Di, Seville, VIC<br /><br />Pam, Wesburn, VIC<br /><br />Trudi-Ann, Strathalbyn, SA<br /><br />Kerry, Bungendore, NSW<br /><br />Glynis, Elwood, VIC<br /><br />Michelle, Templestowe, VIC<br /><br />Darlene, Ourimbah, NSW<br /><br />Wendy, Heidelberg Heights, VIC<br /><br />Maureen, Yarra Junction, VIC<br /><br />Happy quilting!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457257872061140749.post-44058345083478896772009-05-26T00:20:00.000-07:002009-10-06T17:57:02.552-07:00Photos<div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">The following 5 photos were taken by Julie Warren </span></em><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjKuQ6ufDA74xse-luRkz9w5Lz7akDUCpOQgXIH_xUiiqY8Oy2RcbRUYMSSczx-I-_XWA_houdSlLebzlSNh_o7IH5zACgQtH2amhtJnBH6GoRRTFBeLH0TrDawo89li5BtRBfXGn8ngPy/s1600-h/IMG_3605.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320328593643322994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjKuQ6ufDA74xse-luRkz9w5Lz7akDUCpOQgXIH_xUiiqY8Oy2RcbRUYMSSczx-I-_XWA_houdSlLebzlSNh_o7IH5zACgQtH2amhtJnBH6GoRRTFBeLH0TrDawo89li5BtRBfXGn8ngPy/s320/IMG_3605.jpg" border="0" /> </a><br /><br /><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">The well loved oaks on Murchison St.</span></em> </p><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDs750qIRtJ4Y30hgR1vOmK3MVSVSLx4b1P7MJqQUs0ns1oII7XrqnzAMBylxHGa6dPZWvLal1eYbkIX0hPVPUWzhF3OuEnsNGAYHUmTfwi1MrT6I-cH2ZjYn9kNLMHq6VerLhN6Q4oPa/s1600-h/IMG_3590.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319539745156613058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDs750qIRtJ4Y30hgR1vOmK3MVSVSLx4b1P7MJqQUs0ns1oII7XrqnzAMBylxHGa6dPZWvLal1eYbkIX0hPVPUWzhF3OuEnsNGAYHUmTfwi1MrT6I-cH2ZjYn9kNLMHq6VerLhN6Q4oPa/s320/IMG_3590.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">A fern flourishing - as they will again.</span></em><br /></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxV83HfqvWGTa51c-uY9FNtone8oi4jnxT3VWeGxfHhwaIZ357Mqgfd0_5SWQbnVzO4D6kbt_MQ7K3eZj_zy9ZNu447Al6m1WBNN4hXYj6a4PtPOf1EMY4J-v9WW4oqm-9YQW4VIF4UObu/s1600-h/IMG_3586.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319537967367699890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxV83HfqvWGTa51c-uY9FNtone8oi4jnxT3VWeGxfHhwaIZ357Mqgfd0_5SWQbnVzO4D6kbt_MQ7K3eZj_zy9ZNu447Al6m1WBNN4hXYj6a4PtPOf1EMY4J-v9WW4oqm-9YQW4VIF4UObu/s320/IMG_3586.jpg" border="0" /></a> </p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCHly_z4ICgwHOCvs1tOYIq5eoipNyP61M-3koRcfSQV2fLh-5h6wRKtALHDWpmesh9WWRAUrnQMXcw5f09ssPzcgo83bQOWSlV0Yj5gq6PFjXJXMXdH1-BsUiV92RZln-a9oUyGdQzBI/s1600-h/IMG_3580.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319536594957725458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCHly_z4ICgwHOCvs1tOYIq5eoipNyP61M-3koRcfSQV2fLh-5h6wRKtALHDWpmesh9WWRAUrnQMXcw5f09ssPzcgo83bQOWSlV0Yj5gq6PFjXJXMXdH1-BsUiV92RZln-a9oUyGdQzBI/s320/IMG_3580.jpg" border="0" /></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> Marysville in bloom.<br /></span></em><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFOsTlXYqiE2lYaJY7jJXsDBzG9AXWLPbqrM7f7f2R1npSbeGhKf7ncCrVvN6lmxwCN4x35bcC8NGChV5gb9cT0ygsdb0YDqEm7MpczEE8xY4VmwZipyP8lHlsaZ3lQw46F80-Jtbu88lk/s1600-h/IMG_3578.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319535052191400866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFOsTlXYqiE2lYaJY7jJXsDBzG9AXWLPbqrM7f7f2R1npSbeGhKf7ncCrVvN6lmxwCN4x35bcC8NGChV5gb9cT0ygsdb0YDqEm7MpczEE8xY4VmwZipyP8lHlsaZ3lQw46F80-Jtbu88lk/s320/IMG_3578.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTT0pofL3rXsfqnAgFYel7ODsIqq7nccrq4lG9bxM3epUxoF2CXPQWFr2Zu_m1f7vYHWefBzEk4DSdNhFJnDZ1fQccYOzUGNXyhmQqwMmp0V34vW1RfpYbuqWhDNvufwfIO9hQYNh_oQBQ/s1600-h/IMG_1695.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317399970037296898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTT0pofL3rXsfqnAgFYel7ODsIqq7nccrq4lG9bxM3epUxoF2CXPQWFr2Zu_m1f7vYHWefBzEk4DSdNhFJnDZ1fQccYOzUGNXyhmQqwMmp0V34vW1RfpYbuqWhDNvufwfIO9hQYNh_oQBQ/s320/IMG_1695.JPG" border="0" /></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> The flag still flies valiantly outside the home of a family determined to rebuild. This is what their sign on the pole reads:<br /><br /></span></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317401729150193746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1PgrUJMbgZS3kXGe4Xs1TqWNEG24ypBYxcsf11YRgEkxG0BEveJ2EVdF785aHKEQ9_2Iwan5cJ7YIRGY1L4wjh9N7ikKzeclHzAaPmvHq2aTnxk7tvjypDva4YhHmF3o86gK8nLL54ksU/s320/IMG_1693.JPG" border="0" /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLHVTrKA-sE94Y1Bg1ZysJIbjk9kY4PgY5lEH-p3Cc1b_gAyqri5ngIcXPB3T6lq9F-uniQaABnBCulEI02DV8iwhrgjIktyS129zvqKGOc7K685U6VhNBHBGVFzxGA1bYnXkJo0B2OHK/s1600-h/IMG_1790.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317395085809813410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLHVTrKA-sE94Y1Bg1ZysJIbjk9kY4PgY5lEH-p3Cc1b_gAyqri5ngIcXPB3T6lq9F-uniQaABnBCulEI02DV8iwhrgjIktyS129zvqKGOc7K685U6VhNBHBGVFzxGA1bYnXkJo0B2OHK/s320/IMG_1790.JPG" border="0" /></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> Green buds against the black bark. </span></em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsMsWHL1mhB5zTx4dhMcKyYLecJctMQ-ActTrP6UVAux78Ip1SAYotUBFUDVrLzmc02zr_n9HcUBmQVLKGldM7x3kXvamLMT4zRru7K7_AB4uUDTxe_ZUAJ0tRTOI00WRxlzekvWaVr3X/s1600-h/IMG_1784.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317393520359356818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsMsWHL1mhB5zTx4dhMcKyYLecJctMQ-ActTrP6UVAux78Ip1SAYotUBFUDVrLzmc02zr_n9HcUBmQVLKGldM7x3kXvamLMT4zRru7K7_AB4uUDTxe_ZUAJ0tRTOI00WRxlzekvWaVr3X/s320/IMG_1784.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Ducks at the lake in Gallipoli Park, Marysville. They seem to forming the Celtic pattern for eternity or endurance. The colours of the bushfire-affected trees are reflected in the water. </em></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI9Dap0AlQTWt0muiLS1b-QedzJpjuW4tPzINiUDLoD7uRp6xZnYOCRke0V8qCrYvMSZLDRnXOcSlrMb2gYxSc4dz1SlDLHuHomU_RmincYMbNaL5icR2k3WqKqIllGBhPeqL9lJSBfwsf/s1600-h/IMG_1788.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320301829448395202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI9Dap0AlQTWt0muiLS1b-QedzJpjuW4tPzINiUDLoD7uRp6xZnYOCRke0V8qCrYvMSZLDRnXOcSlrMb2gYxSc4dz1SlDLHuHomU_RmincYMbNaL5icR2k3WqKqIllGBhPeqL9lJSBfwsf/s320/IMG_1788.JPG" border="0" /></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> New growth in the bush. </span></em><br /><br /></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320305207662968130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVInGDaKb_43GpnoEcXnhJGDacLgW__4eqIC2IyL6orsCwq_h0ELLB771kPfEvNBNt9f04C10hEVCVT17J0wugiKFxCIBNVxM-j2eSbU8hnCVPRAT8-U_PvGQBuX18k8iJ1kP_nMKSARV/s320/IMG_1427.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Throughout the fire areas, Xanthorrhoea (Grass Trees) are sprouting. These trees only blossom after a bushfire.</span></em><br /><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320323542775439298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWug_98Wfv15IK6dl7kEG2Czak8ILC_MGrG9uTq2XTH8-4L8F9HLQ2MrIe4NBJhIerX3nHzd0JIeE2PES3uPb1x4FvvCbO0GxZ1U2k_F5VnxjV1Ey2JFqbmBShyphenhyphenrBSOPgERQoPaI6yyWKX/s320/IMG_1729.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Signs of hope.</span></em></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpgmKVd4B0dG6YG4D0RigB57AOBPwAw9-2C-MQSCfahmYw16-g51MQDiylygOF6FOa8kARyk_UCfD08VxqQDLmgqkTUNWDqKHSjBnNZt5flvK7bJpQyeTtgQYPec_BU8vT-PE0Sl697RUC/s1600-h/IMG_1845.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320329525368489282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpgmKVd4B0dG6YG4D0RigB57AOBPwAw9-2C-MQSCfahmYw16-g51MQDiylygOF6FOa8kARyk_UCfD08VxqQDLmgqkTUNWDqKHSjBnNZt5flvK7bJpQyeTtgQYPec_BU8vT-PE0Sl697RUC/s320/IMG_1845.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVGnkaSwuPWV-TZuOt4yXLlmlF89aY8lfEmOrj7M5RiqN564lzNSMU1YmRzqVqGvQyKE8MNuf8sL1CJ9aiEYqVi9SEbw2l9b45Ms-111eIYEdyjpVXigMQ4bOY9UXSskUSS_jUH29pSm9/s1600-h/IMG_1807.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329604716762006226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVGnkaSwuPWV-TZuOt4yXLlmlF89aY8lfEmOrj7M5RiqN564lzNSMU1YmRzqVqGvQyKE8MNuf8sL1CJ9aiEYqVi9SEbw2l9b45Ms-111eIYEdyjpVXigMQ4bOY9UXSskUSS_jUH29pSm9/s320/IMG_1807.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a><br /><em>New green growth amid the blackness of the Marysville bush.<br /></em><br /><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXXyc3RzBawhmyZcUBXMovog5ZyoKQjoumlyNeUN7ZidfLw4xf4EHUp3E6w6NrGjjqn_F1dn5o13s7dTADPsgkivBdG4y5DZzisQTZD_fTGpIHNBsAx5Ib0a1Jzm8AYTW99EHtV0VTb08/s1600-h/IMG_1665.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329605816178017346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXXyc3RzBawhmyZcUBXMovog5ZyoKQjoumlyNeUN7ZidfLw4xf4EHUp3E6w6NrGjjqn_F1dn5o13s7dTADPsgkivBdG4y5DZzisQTZD_fTGpIHNBsAx5Ib0a1Jzm8AYTW99EHtV0VTb08/s320/IMG_1665.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a><br /><em>This stand of majestic river gums, just south of Buxton, exploded in the intense heat of the firestorm. The tops have blown right off, like fire-crackers.<br /></em><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457257872061140749.post-73964773989766881292009-05-22T16:29:00.000-07:002009-10-06T17:52:42.441-07:00Inspiration For Your Quilt BlockThe theme for the Marysville Quilt Project is 'Beauty from Ashes'.<br /><br />Here is a montage of photos taken in Marysville and other fire-impacted areas, with a song called 'Beauty From Pain' by Superchick.<br /><br /><div><embed name="FLVPlayer" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_view_player?p=" width="408" height="382" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" wmode="transparent" salign="LT" flashvars="&p=840b5d344ca39e44ced44c&skin_id=701&host=http://www.onetruemedia.com"></embed> <div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 15px; MARGIN: 0px; FONT: 12px/20px verdana,arial,sans-serif; WIDTH: 408px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_player_link?p=840b5d344ca39e44ced44c&skin_id=701&source=emplay" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_player_link_image/840b5d344ca39e44ced44c/701.gif" width="408" /></a><br /><a style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/landing?&utm_source=emplay&utm_medium=txt0" target="_blank">Make photo slide shows at <span style="TEXT-DECORATION: underline">www.OneTrueMedia.com</span></a></div></div><br /><br />Despite the overwhelming devastation caused by the fires, the beauty, resilience, and strength of the people, communities and the land itself is clear to be seen.<br /><br />Towns like Marysville have years of re-building ahead of them. The Marysville Quilt is to be a gift to the community to commend them for the courage they have shown so far, and to encourage them in the long task ahead.<br /><br />Let's show that we care, that we have not forgotten about them once the media has, and that we have hope that 'pretty little Marysville' will be beautiful once more.<br /><br /><strong><a href="http://www.sablues.org/flash_video/welch.htm">Here</a></strong> is a heart-felt tribute song that Nashville singer-songwriter Kevin Welch wrote for Marysville after hearing that some of the victims of Queensland's recent floods had donated their relief cheques to Victorian fire victims.<br /><br /><em>"I'm a stranger wherever I go<br />But I see what I see and I know what I know<br /><br />The winds of heaven gonna do what they will<br />They just blew away pretty little Marysville<br /><br />People round here did the best they could<br />Either got caught running or they died where they stood<br /><br />By the time they saw it coming up over these hills<br />It was too late for getting out of Marysville<br /><br />Sons and daughters, husbands and wives<br />The fire took one out of every five<br /><br />Their spirits hover all around us still<br />Like smoke above the rubble in Marysville<br /><br />There's only one measure of a woman or man<br />When trouble's all around, how tall do you stand?<br /><br />What the devil burns down we will rebuild<br />Rise up, rise up Marysville<br /><br />I'm a stranger wherever I go<br />But I see what I see and I know what I know."<br /></em><br />Go to <a href="http://www.kevinwelch.com/store.php"><strong>Kevin Welch's website</strong> </a>to download this moving song for only 99 cents US.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457257872061140749.post-21120744086136679732009-05-22T16:26:00.000-07:002009-10-06T17:59:52.593-07:00How To Make a Quilt Block<strong>Step 1</strong>: Obtain your quilt block.<br />Email Julie Bell <a href="mailto:autumnrainoz@bigpond.com">autumnrainoz@bigpond.com</a>, who will then post you your quilt block.<br /><br />The fabric has been washed, to check for shrinkage, and to prepare it for painting or stamping. The edge of each block is overlocked to prevent fraying and to help stabilise it. Each block has been ironed onto a piece of freezer paper. This can be peeled off or re-ironed if necessary. There is a 6 inch square design area carefully marked with a marking pencil, which will come off eventually.<br /><br />Thank you Julie Warren for lovingly preparing 45 such blocks for the Marysville Quilt Project!<br /><br /><strong>Step 2</strong>: Plan your design within the 6 by 6 inch square marked on the fabric. Take care not to go over this marked area, because the margin will be needed for hemming.<br /><br /><strong>Step 3</strong>: Decide whether you want to use fabric pens (such as Pigma pens), fabric paint, embroidery or fabric applique to design your block.<br /><br /><strong>Step 4</strong>: When the block is completed, post it back to Julie Bell at PO Box 378, Warburton, Victoria 3799. All squares must be returned by <strong>September 30, 2009</strong>!!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7457257872061140749.post-9124002556252930482009-05-22T16:25:00.000-07:002010-02-07T19:56:34.714-08:00Useful Links<a href="http://www.matdg.com/about_us_2.html"><strong>The Marysville and Triangle Development Group</strong></a><strong><br /></strong><br />If you would like to offer assistance of any kind to the people of Marysville, Narbethong, Buxton and surrounds, this website set up by the community is an excellent place to start. (Shhh! Don't tell them about the quilt, it's a surprise!)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.handmadehelpsout.blogspot.com/"><strong>Handmade Help - The 2009 Victorian Bushfire Appeal </strong></a><br /><br />Want to do something more? This site has a host of great ideas to offer care and support to bushfire affected families. There are some great projects here you can get involved with.<br /><br /><strong><a href="http://marysville.vic.au/latest-news">The Marysville Community Website</a></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong><a href="http://www.craftanddecorating.com.au/bushfire_marysville.php">Beautiful Country Crafts</a></strong>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0