I have a friend who swears she could be blindfolded as she’s driven across the New Mexico-Texas state line, and she will still know the exact instant she begins to breathe the air of the Motherland. She’s Texas-born and bred, and although she’s in the Land of Enchantment now, any ol’ part of the Lone Star State is a heckuva lot more enchanting, in her estimation, than NM soil. (I probably don’t need to mention that burnt orange is her fave color.)
Enough about her. 😉 I, too, can honestly lay claim to a little Lone Star DNA. My dad was born in Paris, Texas, and spent a lotta years where the piney woods spill over the border between East Texas and Arkansas. And my aunt was a gracious Texas gal who ruled her world with charm, determination and more than a little grit, depending on the occasion. And I’ve got cousins sprinkled all over the sprawling state.
So when I cracked open my review copy of Marie Bostwick’s newest release in her Cobbled Court series, Between Heaven and Texas, I instantly identified with the strong characterizations and detailed
sense of place. I know people like Mary Dell Templeton, the central character whose personality is as colorful as the quilts she creates. And I could almost feel the sunburn on my neck as I read her descriptions of Too Much, Texas, the town where Mary Dell and her family live on a ranch. (Catch our new June-July 2013 issue for a full review of Marie’s book.)
And Marie’s detailed descriptions have me thinking about quintessential Texas images, like bluebonnets and big highway signs trumpeting “Don’t Mess With Texas!” And conversations including phrases like “fixin’ to get ready” and “might could.” And green beans cooked (almost to mush) with bacon and lots of black pepper. And there are a ton more! We all have a different vision of Texas, I guess, depending on our souls. What images or sounds or tastes say “Texas” to you?
(And while you’re musing on that, look for Marie’s new book. Even if you’re not up to speed on the whole Cobbled Court series, this new release is a great standalone read.)
And Now For Our Star
Marie’s blog tour elf asked us to create a star block in honor of the Between Heaven and Texas debut, so we’re offering up a version of our Generation Q logo, which is a colorful wonky star. We chose the wonkified star because it’s quintessential “us”: a lot of color, a few straight lines and just quirky enough to be interesting. Our Jake Finch designed the wonky star tutorial, which you can find here.
Okay, Freebie Time
Yes, sweet pea, you can win a copy of Marie’s book with the mere, painless act of commenting. Just give us a shout here on the blog, telling us 1) your fave thing about Texas OR 2) your fave book in Marie’s Cobbled Court series. The giveaway will be open until midnight on May 12, and we’ll post the winner on our Facebook page the next morning. Best of luck to you! (Note: Winner must be in either the United States or Canada.)
And there’s an extra prize opportunity…Complete a quilt top using all the blocks on the Between Heaven and Texas tour and upload a photo to the official Flickr group by Sept. 1, and you’ll be eligible to win an audio version of the book. (Audio version will be released sometime in September.)
Hey! The Tour Isn’t Over Yet!
There are still two stops on this star-struck, whistle-stop tour of Marie’s new book! And check out the bloggers who posted earlier in the tour. There’s no time limit on artistry and fun, people!
Monday, April 29 – Marie’s Block
Tuesday, April 30 – Michele – Quilting Gallery
Wednesday, May 1 – Bonnie – Quiltville
Thursday, May 2 – Pat – Pat Sloan
Thursday, May 2 – Kim – Persimon Dreams
Friday, May 3 – Melissa – Happy Quilting
Saturday, May 4 – Jo – Jo’s Country Junction
Sunday, May 5 – Wendy – Ivory Spring
Monday, May 6 – Victoria – Bumble Beans Inc.
Tuesday, May 7 – Vicki – Quilting Lodge
Wednesday, May 8 – Melissa/Jake – Generation Q Magazine
Thursday, May 9 – Jennifer – Sew Hooked
Friday, May 10 – Jackie – Canton Village Quilt Works
COMMENT #1
I’m a Texas girl! Born in the little town of Levelland, just west of Lubbock. I haven’t lived there in years tho. My favorite thing about Texas is my parents. We moved away to CA when I was eight yrs old. Many years later my parents moved back to Levelland and my dad got his old job back, working at the local lumber yard!
COMMENT #2
I was born here in Texas and love everything about living here. There is no where else like Texas!!
COMMENT #3
My favorite things about Texas is the mild winter weather. Thanks for the chance to win.
COMMENT #4
The Texas Lone Star in tin or iron worked into fences or mounted on the side of homes is another quintessential Texas image.
COMMENT #5
I have driven thru Texas twice and both times it was raining so hard I had trouble just seeing in front of us.
And I didn’t even now about these books until the hop. I have to go check out the Cobbled Court Quilts.
COMMENT #6
I love everything about Texas! I live here:)
The state has everything in it from desert to ocean. It’s like the most perfect place to live!
The hard part is picking where you want to live:) I am in central Texas so I am withing 3-4 hours of everything:) yea!!!
I haven’t read any of the books yet but they ar eon my list now:)
Thanks!
COMMENT #7
Well here’s my entry for Marie’s book… I live in Canada and I’m not a big traveler, so I have never been to Texas yet and I have not read any of Marie’s books, but hoping to get the opportunity to read her latest book this year, her books sound really good and I have found them on Amazon.ca and I will be ordering one of them for sure.
COMMENT #8
I have never been to Texas, but I LOVE Marie’s books. I love the stories and the relationships between women with fabric as the “Ties that Bind”. I love that her quilters talk like us! I have been quilting for about 20 years and go to retreats and classes, and it is like Marie was in the room with a tape recorder! Can’t wait to read her latest.
COMMENT #9
I’ve been to Texas in the Spring and the Bluebells are simply gorgeous. Love the block idea.
COMMENT #10
I have never been to Texas but it sounds like a wonderful place. Ties that Bind is one of Marie’s book which became a re-read for me. Love your wonky star.
COMMENT #11
What a great fun block – love your background fabric! I’ve only just started the Cobbled Court series so I would have to say the first book, A Single Thread.
Thank you!
COMMENT #12
My favorite thing about Texas is that 2 of my 3 children were born there. I also met the love of my life there, my husband.
COMMENT #13
I’m the only one of my family NOT born in Texas! I grew up there, though, in Odessa and my mother is buried there. I love West Texas, the heat, the sunshine, the sand, the mesquite and the vast vistas and tail-end-of-the-Rockies mountains. Thanks for the giveaway chance.
COMMENT #14
I’ve been in Texas for over 30 years now and love it. We are away from the hustle and bustle of the big City. I guess the best thing, if I had to name one, is probably the people. They are careing, sharing and supportive. (that’s after they get over the fact that you are a Yankee) lol
COMMENT #15
I’ve only been tru Texas on planes but I think it is cool how they advertise everything bigger in Texas!
COMMENT #16
We spent a week in TX which isn’t enough time to see much but we did go to the Alamo, Corpus Christi and Edinburg as that is where my brother lives. I guess taking the boat down the canal in San Antonia and visiting with my brother and sister-in-law. Someday hope to see more of TX.
I have read all the Cobblestone Court series and have enjoyed them all. Thanks for a chance to win.
COMMENT #17
My favorite thing about Texas is an amazing Mexican restaurant in Johnson City (named after LBJ, of course) named El Charro. Great food, fabulous horchata! I know folks who will drive 100 miles just to go to this restaurant.
COMMENT #18
Hmmm. I’ve never been to Texas, but I do have a niece living there, and I’ve read two books about Texas: Welcome to Utopia by Karen Valby and The Unlikely Lavender Queen by Jeannie Ralston, so I’ll say those are my favorite things about Texas, for now. Oh, and I do like pictures of Bluebonnets.
COMMENT #19
My favorite “thing” would be our friends who live in Carrolton, TX, Ralph and Elaine. We met them when we were living in Albuquerque, and Elaine was one of my matrons of honor at our wedding almost 25 years ago come June. I miss them!
I’ve not read any books by this author but get the feeling that I need to put at least one on my summer reading list.
COMMENT #20
I certainly can’t pick a favorite Cobbled Court book – they are all wonderful! I have NEVER been to Texas, so my favorite thing in Texas would be my nephew, who attends Baylor University. Does that count for anything? 🙂
COMMENT #21
I love the Texas bluebonnets. I also enjoy Marie’s books with strong female characters.
COMMENT #22
The best in Texas is my husband’s Aunt Pat. We love her dearly, but don’t get to see her.
COMMENT #23
Love the wonkiness (is that a word!) of this block. However, the Dallas Cowboys reside in Texas so I can find nothing good to say about the state. IF the Washington Redskins resided in Texas I am sure I would love the state. 🙂
COMMENT #24
I have never been to Texas, but I have many family members there. So many that should be my favorite thing. My family.
COMMENT #25
So I have never actually read one of Marie’s books. They are on my list of what I would like to read though.
My favorite thing about Texas…..San Antonio. Great city, great people fun to visit. I love how much spirit Texans have too.
COMMENT #26
My great-great grandfather was a Texas Ranger. I remember my Dad telling me the story of when G-G granddad took my great grandmother with him to Washington DC. I believe she was a teenager, and she was introduced to President Grant. She didn’t think too much of him – he “stank of whiskey & cigars”!
One of my favorites things in Texas was a sign I saw on the fascia of a gas station on the side of the highway: “DIESEL FRIED CHICKEN”!
COMMENT #27
Haven’t been to Texas in several years. My favorite things that I remember are going to Quilt Market, a restaurant called the Aquarium, and the BB-Q chicken at another restaurant {whose name I can’t recall}. I haven’t read any of Marie’s book yet but now that I know about them, I am going to check them out. Thank- you for the chance to win!
COMMENT #28
My father lives in Lubbock so for me there is a little bit of home in Texas! I just enjoy how everything is do it big or don’t do it at all there!
COMMENT #29
My favorite thing about Texas is Austin. The Fado Irish Pub there is an especially favorite destination.
COMMENT #30
I actually own a home in Central Texas, San Antonio area. My favorite thing is the “weather”!!!!! No snow!!!!
COMMENT #31
I’m another Canadian who has ‘t yet had to pleasure of visiting Texas, but it’s on my bucket list. Love the big hearted attitude Texans exude. Love Marie’s books too! Thanks for the opportunity.
COMMENT #32
My favorite thing about Texas, is that is where my son was born. Lived in Stephenville for a couple of years for my husband’s job. Haven’t read any of Marie’s books yet. Love your wonky star block.
COMMENT #33
Hmm, I just can’t pick one of the books, they are all wonderful.
COMMENT #34
My fav thing about Texas is the fact that my husband-to-be at the time was offered a full-ride tennis scholarship to the Junior College in Paris and that enabled him to get in the country (he’s a NZ citizen). He was living in Australia, and I was living in California but while we were playing a tourney in Australia, one of his old friends was there and said his coach was looking for more players….not soon after….we were able to fly together back to the US! I was still in college at the time. This was a big deal because instead of being half-way across the planet (mind you this was in the age BEFORE email…and it was too expensive to call….yes…we wrote letters!!) he was “near by” in Texas! So although I’ve never been to Paris, Texas….I LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Thank you Paris, Texas!
COMMENT #35
I read the first 2 Cobbled Court books and loved them both. It’s difficult to pick a favorite, since both are great stories and continue with the same characters. Well written! As for Texas, I’ve never been, but do plan to visit! Thanks.
COMMENT #36
I’ve never been to Texas and I’ve never read any of noted books – but you never know when that can change.
COMMENT #37
Tex-Mex food is my fave. Thanks for the great block & the chance to win.
COMMENT #38
Because I’ve visited Texas only once, one of my favorite things about the state is the Becker Winery! We order fumé blanc by the case! Thanks for the chance to win your nice giveaway. I’m not on Facebook, so I hope you’ll let me know if I win. Thank you!
COMMENT #39
I live in a Great place between Fort Worth and Dallas Texas, the Middle of everywhere….. Lots of great weather and wouldnt live anywhere else.
COMMENT #40
I had a wonderful several days in San Antonio about 40 years ago. I’ve heard about the book series but never read one – would love to read this one!
COMMENT #41
What a great tutorial! Thank you! I was born in Houston and lived in Athen, Tx off and on until I joined the US Navy in 1982! Been back a few times and I always loved my Aunt Jenny’s farm in the summer, Hot and dry! Best part I guess it was where I called home! Lived a lot of other places since then.
COMMENT #42
I haven’t been to TX yet and I haven’t read any of the books. Hope I win this one that way I can start. Thanks!
COMMENT #43
My favorite thing about Texas is that it is… just Texas! What more is there to say?
COMMENT #44
The best thing about Texas is the food. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of Marie’s book.
COMMENT #45
I was born and bred in Texas and I’ve been a misplaced Texan here in Philadelphia for the last 5 years. Its impossible to name one thing that I love most. Kinship, the sound of cicadas on a hot summer night, sitting on the patio snapping peas and drinking tea, the slow drawl of my grandfather teaching me about life and how to love, children playing in the creek or in the alley, the sense of community and trust that is never stated but always known, and the pride of a state that not many outside it can truly understand. I may not live in Texas but I’ll never be anything other than a Texan at heart. You can take the girl out of Texas but you never take Texas outta the girl 😉
I’m really looking forward to reading this book although I’m sure I’ll be a bit more than homesick. I’ve got my state flag hanging here to keep me company.
COMMENT #46
I am also a texas girl even though I have not lived there in 40 years! My favorite thing about Texas is all of the relatives, My goodness! There are so many of them! I love your wonky star. I think I’ll give it a try Friday. Oh yes, my playday!
COMMENT #47
My brother is a Rice alumni. I love your magazine.
COMMENT #48
The think I like best about Texas right now is that my Daughter is there! I am looking forward to reading Marie’s book!! Thanks for sharing your block!
COMMENT #49
There are actually many things to like about Texas..everything is bigger there, bluebonnets, Port Aransas, San Antonio, and my brother, whom lives there with his lovely wife, daughter and grandkids!
COMMENT #50
My fav thing about TX is the barbeque!
COMMENT #51
Being a transplanted Texan (raised in Lubbock, graduated from A&M) now living in Oregon, my favorite thing (and what I miss the most) are the bluebonnets in the spring time.
COMMENT #52
We lived in Texas for 30 years, then moved to NW Arkansas. I miss the warm weather, but most of all, my kids are still in SanAntonio (and grandkids!)
COMMENT #53
The thing I like most about Texas are my friends (and a boyfriend) from the state. My own experiences in the state were of the drive through on my way home variety. Texas is a very long drive!
COMMENT #54
The most amazing thing about Texas is its sheer SIZE! The other aspect that intrigues me, is the absolute loyalty of Texans to Texas – only NYers are as obsessively loyal!
COMMENT #55
Closest I’ve ever been to Texas is flying over! I think my favorite Cobbled Quilt book (so far) was the first one by a hair. Looking forward to reading the latest one, whether I win it or Kindle it.
COMMENT #56
Great post and darling block! I love stars! I was born in Texas a long time ago. My folks moved when I was still little so I don’t remember much. Can I say I love Texas for the real cowboys? Hmm Hmm
Thank you for a super giveaway and a chance to win.
usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com
COMMENT #57
My favorite thing in Texas- my Daddy!!! After my mom died, he remarried and got tired of the snow and cold in the winters of Illinois, so my daddy and step mom re-located to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Know know another neat thing, he loves to take me to the various quilt shows in the area to look. He is even more incline to take me since the ladies at Lone Star House of Quilts fussed over him- finding him a set and a cup of coffee as I poked around the shop.
COMMENT #58
Texas is WAY different than my home of Massachusetts, and I must admit that I’d pick my home state any day if I had to choose. But I’m planning a trip to Austin in July of 2014 to the annual convention of National Mothers of Twins Clubs. I’m looking forward to exploring the area with my girlfriends from across the country, and plan to check out a quilt shop or two during my week there!
COMMENT #59
I have visited in Texas and toured some ranches and farms. Beautiful state, and it is big! Cute star block.
COMMENT #60
My fave thing about Texas is that it’s next door to my beloved New Mexico!
COMMENT #61
My favorite thing about Texas is Austin. I love that city. It was so welcoming, clean, fun, lots to do, great food and music, etc. I am just sorry I wasn’t there for QuiltCon. Maybe in 2015.
COMMENT #62
Right now my favorite thing in Texas is Houston in the fall. Of course, by this I mean International Quilt Show. It’s a 20 hour drive from my door in Minnesota to the show door and the trip in the car filled with girlfriend time and the wonders of the show make Texas a favorite destination!
COMMENT #63
I love Texas and have spent a good deal of time there. The Old Blanca Cafe in San Antonio has the greatest breakfast of anywhere! Thank you for the chance to win.
COMMENT #64
I actually have two favorite things about Texas that I really miss: the great food and the lakes. We lived in Waco for 10 years and found some of the best restaurants ever & we loved spending time on the lakes fishing & swimming. We moved back to Colorado to be near my husbands family, but still miss our favorite things about Texas. Thanks for the chance to win Marie’s book!
COMMENT #65
I have never been to Texas but thought my favorite thing about it would be the Houston Quilt show!
COMMENT #66
I LOVE this adorable wonkified star!! Thanks for sharing the pattern with us.
COMMENT #67
I love your block!! I have never been to Texas but I live in AZ., which is almost like Texas. (LOL) I have never read any of her books, I am hoping this will be the first one. Thank you for the chance to win it.
COMMENT #68
My favorite Marie Bostwick book (so far) is: Ties That Bind. I just keep reading and loving the series more with each new book!
COMMENT #69
My favorite thing about Texas is the people, the sunsets, the food (tex-mex, bbq, & german)! The fact that you’ve got everything from the beaches at Corpus Christi to the mountains near Ft Davis, to the canyons at Palo Duro to the Piney Woods of East Texas and everything in between.
COMMENT #70
We enjoyed spending a couple winters in Texas traveling in our motorhome. The people from that state are so gracious and friendly
COMMENT #71
My favorite thing about TX is the warm, humid smell. My grandmother lived inAbilene and I can still smell the air on those hot days.
COMMENT #72
I’m a native Houstonian, but I live in California now. My favorite thing about Texas? My family who still live there!
COMMENT #73
I’ve only been to Texas once. The one, very outstanding feature was that so many shops offered drive through options! It was unbelievable how many places offered shopping without ever leaving the car.
COMMENT #74
I love the little town of Katy So victorian.
COMMENT #75
Love the Texas blue sky
COMMENT #76
I’ve never been to Texas, but I know my favorite thing about it would be the heat. I love really super hot weather. I’ve never read any of Marie’s books.
COMMENT #77
I have never been to Texas. But, my favorite thing about Texas, is my nephew who lives there.
COMMENT #78
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
COMMENT #79
My favorite thing about Texas has to be Austin. We loved our visit there – hard to say whether the food or the music was the best!! Thanks for doing this giveaway!!
COMMENT #80
I have never been to Texas, and I’ve never read any of Marie’s books. I hope to remedy both of these deficiencies this summer!
COMMENT #81
I love the FOOD in Texas:) It’s hard to pick a favorite in the Cobble Court Quilts series. Thanks for the block!
COMMENT #82
My favorite thing about Texas is a little shop outside Houston where I bought my Tin Lizzie quilting machine.
COMMENT #83
My favorite thing about Texas is the kindness of the people I’ve who are from Texas.
COMMENT #
…the kindness of the people I’ve *known* who are from Texas.
COMMENT #84
Hey nice block! I think I can DO THIS ONE!!
COMMENT #85
I stayed in Texas for a week many years ago, so long ago that I don’t remember much about it. I do remember the sunny, warm weather and that was great.
COMMENT #86
I like ALL her books. I loved the first one. and I loved the Ties that Bind. They are all really great books that I recommend ALL the time 😉
COMMENT #87
My favorite thing is the drive along the shoreline in Corpus Christi with all the glorious palm trees.
COMMENT #88
I’ve lived in Texas since 1979 and I love the gorgeous bluebonnets that bloom every spring here. Thanks for the chance to win!
COMMENT #89
I love her books. I’ve read most of the cobbled court books and look forward to reading the newest. I guess the first one in the series, A Single Thread, is my favourite where we are introduced to all the colorful characters.
COMMENT #90
My favorite thing about Texas is my sister-in-law. She lives in Houston!
COMMENT #91
I’ve never been to Texas, at least on the ground but when I flew over the Rio Grande River I knew it. What a beautiful sight.
COMMENT #92
I don’t have favourite thing about Texas as I haven’t been able to visit yet. I would love the opportunity.
Thanks for the giveaway.
COMMENT #93
I moved to Texas this past October after 90% of my life in Florida. Our only child lives in Dallas with his wife and our grand baby so it was time in our lives to be with family. He talked us into it and it wasn’t a hard sell because of the baby for sure. SO, that said, the thing I love about Texas the most is my family being here. However, I have also been so pleasantly surprised to find Texas to be a wonderful place to live! We had visited our son in Austin when first out of college and then in Dallas the past few years he has been married. I had so many misconceptions about Texas. I was sure it was all brown and tumbleweeds. We live in the Dallas area (Carrollton) and it is not only lovely, but there is SO much to do. Best of all, I am thrilled to slowly be learning my way around and finding that there are so many opportunities for bloggers, book lovers, and authors. I’d love a copy of Marie Bostwick’s BETWEEN HEAVEN AND TEXAS so I could really feel at home!
COMMENT #94
Good day! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be ok.
I’m absolutely enjoying your blog and look forward to new posts.