Here is Block #4 of Choose to Bloom. The vase in this block features a very beautiful hand-dyed batik.
Block #4 of Choose to Bloom
India is Headed Home
Black Butterfly, 70 x 87 inches, by O.V. Brantley, 2008.
India and I survived the barrage of over 100 bomb threats at the University of Pittsburgh, and my baby is finally on her way home. She stuck it out, school is over, and my sophomore is now a junior!
Now, let’s see if we can survive the summer together. I already have August 24, 2012 circled on my calendar! That’s when she returns to PITT. 
You Make Me Smile
You Make Me Smile, 58 x 75 inches, by O.V. Brantley, 2009
You Make Me Smile traveled with me Saturday to the East Point City Council retreat. I used it to illustrate the importance of civility in the workplace.
A smile is always helpful in difficult circumstances. Keep people in your life who make you smile.
Like this:
Sea Turtle Love on Hilton Head Island
Sea Turtle Love on Hilton Head Island, 64 x 82 inches, by O.V. Brantley, 2011.
This is the time of year when my thoughts turn to vacation. Last year basketball intervened and prevented us from taking a spring break cruise. Instead we spent a few days on Hilton Head Island.
Upon checking in, we were sternly lectured about our responsibility to protect the sea turtles. It was mating season for the sea turtles so the humans were forbidden to have lights on in the condos after 10 p.m. Failure to obey would result in a fine of $1062.00 per offense.
Of course, worrying about the love life of sea turtles inspired a quilt. I named it Sea Turtle Love on Hilton Head Island. The contrasting fabric is actually a turtle batik, but once I cut it into squares, the turtles disappeared. There are turtles on the back of the quilt, however.
This quilt will always be a reminder for me not to get in the way of love! For more information on sea turtles visit www.coastaldiscovery.org.
Swimming Upstream
Swimming Upstream #2, 18 x 30 inches, by O.V. Brantley, 2010. For sale at etsy.com/shop/ovbrantleyquilts
Today seemed like a good day to show this quilt. It is called Swimming Upstream #2.
Enjoy the beauty of the journey even during the tough spots.
Like this:
In Deep Thought
In Deep Thought, 38 x 45 inches, by O.V. Brantley, 2010. For sale at www.etsy.com/shop/ovbrantleyquilts
Speaking of LA Fitness, actually what I love about the place is the sauna. I can really lose myself in the sauna, and I have come up with some great quilt ideas while in the sauna. If the sauna helps me get into my swimsuit, that is a bonus.
Working to Wear My Bikini Again
Working to Wear My Bikini Again, 22 x 40 inches, by O.V. Brantley, 2010
Since going back to work, I realize that stamina is important. So this week I am getting my self back into LA Fitness on a regular basis. The byproduct of my new exercise regimen is that I will be able to fit into my swimsuit by the time we head to Alaska on our annual cruise. My swimsuit is not a bikini, but you get the idea.
Have a Cup of Tea – You Are Stronger Than You Think
Have a Cup of Tea -- You Are Stronger Than You Think, 21 x 20 inches, by O.V. Brantley, 2009. For sale at www.etsy.com/shop/ovbrantleyquilts.
India and I have been living through stressful times as the University of Pittsburgh has suffered through over 60 bomb threats since spring break. Students are advised to keep a bag packed, to keep their cell phones charged up and to be ready to evacuate on a moment’s notice. So far, India has only had to leave her apartment once in the middle of the night, but has had many classes canceled.
In spite of a $10,000.00 reward, officials seem no closer to finding the culprit. Students are being allowed to leave school for the semester and make up their classes somehow in the future. Many have left.
India and I have decided to stay. As of today, she has 12 more days of school and then home for the summer. Trust me. We are drinking a lot of tea.
Like this:
Happy Easter!
I Believe in Angels #11, 33 x 32 inches, by O.V. Brantley, 2011. For sale at ovbrant.etsy.com.
“Friends and Foes Are Welcome Here” Hangs in My East Point Office
Friends and Foes are Welcome Here, 72 x 80 inches, by O.V. Brantley, 2003
I cannot be happy in a work place until I hang a quilt. It was a tough decision, but I finally decided that Friends and Foes are Welcome Here would hang in my East Point office.
