No wonder they call it GRAND Rapids! It is more than GRAND

OK so here are the most lovely ladies who took my Hoochy Mama class. This was my first time to visit Michigan and not many people there knew who I was or what I did. I taught, gave my lecture and I think now people would know what a "hoochy mama" quilt is and what flower power is and why everyone needs to get out of the box and do a story quilt! Such nice ladies and such nice response from everyone. I had such a nice time with the ladies who took the Hoochy Mama class. Very creative group this bunch!

Just part of the blocks that were done as not everyone put their blocks up (maybe there were to shy or more likely they wanted to enjoy them by their own spot)

So here we are on day two after working on Flower Power blocks and quilts and how inventive and fun these gals were! I am amazed how this technique always produces things I never have seen before with people who jump out of the box and into creativity and individuality!

So, as a teacher you never know who is going to pick you up and what that is going to be like. You always hope the person will be nice, a good and safe driver and they will care about your needs as an out of towner with no car.

I was so lucky this time because "Betsy" was my hostess and she did a fabulous job and gave me everything and more than I needed and made sure I had things I didn't even think of. I have been very lucky lately and I hope it keeps up. This is a great year for good hostess's.

No horror stories-like cigarette burns (accidentely) on my sleeve when their cigarette gets too close, dog hair so thick in the back of the van that it was like a mattress (I am not kidding), leaving me in a hot car for over an hour and a half while they help their girlfriend move (I had no idea where she was when she parked the car and said "I'll be right back" and other fun stories.

OK, I am sorry I got off on all of that. Anyway, Betsy was wonderful and she took me to see tons of art in this most beautiful artsy city. AND I got to enjoy her college age daughter Anna who came to look too and go to dinner with us. It is so nice to be around a nice young girl. Mine have gotten past that stage and it is lovely to hear the thoughts of a college age gal.

Here is Betsy and Anna together before dinner. Lovely girls and lovely relationship there too!

Here they are in front of a part with lots of art. I am going to talk about this later and show you incredible art pieces in this city of art. I was so impressed.

I just had to take a photo of this most beautiful catholic church we visited. Isn't it heavenly? A wonderful place I am sure to visit on Christmas eve. Wonderful in so many lovely ways. Grand Rapids has churches like Washington State has drive through coffee places. :0)

OK, here are the lovely quilters who came to hear the lecture. It was quite humid and warm. I am not used to humidity. The church that we met in was beautiful and the classroom there was outstanding. CLICK ON THESE PHOTOS TO GET A BETTER LOOK AT EVERYONE.

I wish the photo above wasn't so dark because these are GOOD looking ladies!

I have to say another thing. I always tell the ladies in the sunshine states I can tell that there is sunshine there because they always come in tan and happy (no kidding).

The midwest states have their gift too. Honestly people greet you in the nicest way, the clerks chat, people in the stores talk to each other like they are long lost friends, the people who wait on the tables care what you think of them and their food, and it is just such a nice place to be when you are around caring, kind and sweet people. This is a place that if you need the door opened because you have packages, or you have a flat tire or a hand at something, they will go out of their way to help you. NO kidding.

Lizann who made this great wallhanging (she is adding more) was like an old friend. She was born in Moscow, Idaho so we felt like we had known each other before. Moscow is very close to where I live. What fun!

I am going out tomorrow to buy my lotto ticket since this is the house I want in Grand Rapids. I could do great things in this house like start the quilter's retirement house.

And what street do I want to live in when I move?

Scroll to the photo below.

I have never been to any other city that has a street called "wealthy" street. Have you?

If you are looking for a great city to visit on vacation that offers lovely art, plenty to do, park like beauty everywhere, good dining and friendliness, then Grand Rapids is the place for you. Visit their guild too, they are very friendly and have great show and tell!