Kim Hanson

Writing & Quilting

  • Home
  • About
  • A View from the Bench
  • Press
  • Contact Kim
  • My Quilts
  • Photographs

The Birth Place Forest of Silver Springs

August 30, 2021 | 5 Comments

Good day everyone. I wrote this piece for Woods Reader, a beautiful, inspiring publication based in Spring Lake, Minnesota. It can be found in their Winter 2020/2021 issue.

 

The grassy green field was alive with energy and vitality. School children, in groups of five or so, squealed with delight taking turns kicking the black and white soccer ball. Dogs barked; their owners allowing them freedom to run and play. The rush of four lanes of traffic roared by, leading in and out of the neighbourhood. Yet, the instant I stepped onto the spongy path of the Birth Place Forest, all outside sound was muffled. I was embraced, instead, by the sounds of nature.

 

Two prodigious things happened in the year 2002. First, our tiny, healthy, precious grandson, Jacob was born. Second, spawned from the creative minds of community-conscious individuals at BP Canada Energy Group, Calgary Parks/Regional Health and Golden Acres Garden Centre, the Birth Place Forest of Silver Springs was also born. The urban oasis took root on some land originally set aside as a roadway allowance or potential right-of-way. As each baby was born in Calgary, a tiny, healthy, significant tree was planted. Poplar, pine, ash, aspen, bur oak, spruce and Brandon elm began to stake-out their territory. . . roots traversing deep into the soil, establishing new life. The goals of the Birth Place Forest program were simple. To educate, to establish pride and ownership through connection and to form a deep abiding legacy to the trees planted in the urban forest.

Years passed by. Jacob grew. A visit to his tree became an adventure for us. He rode his bike to the Birth Place Forest while I walked alongside. He always rode ahead – so excited to reach our destination.

“Grandma!” he’d shout. “Hurry. Catch up. We’ve still got a long ways to go.”

We always easily found his green ash tree, right where the map led us. Jacob, upon arriving, would drop his bike on the ground and stand beside his tree or duck under his tree or lay on the ground beside his tree.

“Look how big it’s getting Grandma!” he’d say as I snapped a photo.

“Yes, and look how big you are getting my sweet boy!”

We would sit on the cedar bark cushion beside the ash tree and talk, all the while having a snack of juice and cheese and crackers. The perfect picnic.

The Birth Place Forest in Silver Springs grew in unison. The mass of trees began to stretch high into the sky, offering sanctuary and refuge to all the wildlife in the neighbourhood. On hot summer days, the forest was like slurping a popsicle; cool and delicious. In the chilly winter months, the trees seemed to huddle together, offering shelter from the cold, harsh, north winds. But it’s best foot forward came in the fall, when the leaves changed from sage green to amber and golden and glorious.

Calgary, with extraordinary prescience, created nine Birth Place Forests in different neighbourhoods around the city – the first of its kind in Canada. Planting trees began in 2001 and continued until 2009 when planting ceased due to a dearth of suitable land and a sudden lack of funding.

“We require about five hectares of land to plant the trees and we need a site that can accommodate at least 3,000 families. Those sites can be hard to find,” said the city’s urban forestry coordinator.

But in those nine years, the City of Calgary planted 62,000 life-affirming new trees.

Silver Springs volunteers have taken over maintenance and management of the Birth Place Forest, ensuring care continuity. Botanical gardens were created and abut the forest, together stretching over 20 acres of land. Strolling the paths is a spiritual antidote to the stress and chaos in our lives.

“I grew up in a forest. It’s like a room. It’s protected. Like a cathedral… it is a place between
heaven and earth.”
― Anselm Kiefer

Jacob is turning 19 years of age soon. So is his green ash tree. Both are tall, strong and purposeful. He doesn’t visit the Birth Place Forest often, but I do. I walk the paths, revel in the sounds of nature and sit on the bench to collect my thoughts or write in my journal.

“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.”
— John Muir


 

It’s a space and a place of peace. I reminisce about my sweet grandson, the wonder pooling in his eyes and the excitement spilling out of every pore. Here in the Birth Place Forest, my connection to Jacob is palpable. Here in the Birth Place Forest there is a deep, abiding legacy to the trees that surround me. Here is nature at its very best.

Filed Under: Beautiful Calgary urban parks, Gardening, Photography, Press, Stories & Essays, Writing | Tagged With: autumn, BirthPlaceForest, Calgary, SilverSprings, trees

A Quilt for Mike

August 25, 2020 | 7 Comments

Good day everyone. Thanks ever so much for joining us. I appreciate all the new subscribers that have come on board recently.

Five years ago, my thirty-something son asked me to make him a quilt. I was a little taken aback. . . he had never seemed very interested in my quilting. I put Mike off for awhile; but he asked me again.

So I began to go through my fabric stash in an attempt to figure out what fabrics I could use for his project. Mainly, kid-themed fabrics dominate my stash, along with florals and bright feminine-styled fabrics. Finding something that I thought Mike would like was a bit challenging.

I came up with some brown and cream fabrics I had ordered awhile back – they were vintage type fabrics, American civil-war inspired. Here are some fabric examples on my Pinterest page.

Civil War Reproduction Fabrics.

Beginning to pull fabrics together,  I really wanted to finish it before he asked me again. Unfortunately, I really rushed it; I wasn’t feeling particularly inspired or creative at the time…I just wanted to “get ‘er done!” So, I did. Including some machine embroidery here is Mike’s finished quilt.

I was not at all happy with the finished product. Not really liking the salmon-y coloured fabrics, I was disappointed I had used them. But, Mike seemed to like his quilt and he appreciated it.

Maybe a month later, our son’s best buddy who was also named Mike, asked me to make him a quilt. I was so shocked! Do guys in their 30’s really want a quilt? He, of course, offered to pay me for it, but I declined, knowing full well he couldn’t afford it.

Pulling more fabrics from my over-subscribed stash, I made Mike #2 his quilt. He smiled a lot when I gave it to him, so I think he liked it.

As many of you already know, our Mike passed away in March of 2018. One of the things I kept from his apartment was his quilt. He always had it laying very neatly across the back of his sofa. Mercifully, it still smells like him. 

As hindsight set in, I regret not taking more time to design Mike a really special quilt – something just for him. I regret not sitting down with my pencil and paper and drawing a quilt pattern that would have suited just him.  I regret not knowing that I would never have the opportunity to make him another quilt.

Recently, I discovered a hidden gem in Calgary – a section of the Rotary/Mattamy Greenway. It’s a pathway located in Royal Oak, adjacent to the car dealership where my vehicle is serviced. There are ponds and huge trees and beautiful City views along the way. 

Beautiful Bullrushes

Bike Rider on the Path

Not really sure why, I wanted to get a few photos of Mike’s quilt in these exquisite, natural surroundings. Somehow, the backdrop makes the quilt look better.

My heart still aches at the loss of our son. It’s strangely comforting having his quilt here at my house. In the end, I’m glad I made it.

Thanks everyone.

Kim

P.S. One of the most outstanding birthday gifts I ever received was from Mike. He went to the local quilt shop and bought me this book called Color Magic for Quilters. He was a very thoughtful person.

r. It’s an amazing resource. Thank you son.

 

Filed Under: Beautiful Calgary urban parks, Personal, Photography, Quilt Photography, Quilt Stories and Essays, Quilted and Embroidered originalYoga mat bags, Quilters, Quilts, Quilts and Machine Embroidery |

Where’s Spring?

February 22, 2018 | 5 Comments

Here we are, sitting near the end of February. Cold and snow is all around us. I crave warmth and sunlight and quiet, especially the sunlight. I feel it in my bones, a weariness that just won’t go away, no matter how much sleep I get.

The crystal clear day helps…sun reflecting off the mounds of snow piled everywhere. It helps to see the blue sky and sense the endless possibilities of what Spring may bring.

 

 

 

Balzac Billy, the groundhog Prairie Prognosticator did not see his shadow this past February 2nd. That’s supposed to mean an early Spring, but there are no signs of it so far. I’m not sure Balzac Billy can be trusted.

So…what to do in the meantime, while we wait for warm breezy days and Robins to return and sprouts of crocus in the flower beds?

Definitely getting outside helps; bundle up as much as possible and walk (or run) as far as possible.

Act like a kid again and play in the snow.

Keep doing those things you love to do – go to yoga class, or to the gym. Sit still and embrace the quiet in meditation. But don’t forget to be creative. Don’t forget to quilt! Be creative with fabrics, love the new ones on the scene and make up your own patterns. These things will keep your mind busy, your body active and spirit intact until it’s time for a change…a time to be living more outdoors. After all, mind, body and spirit are all connected in a way that makes three components equal one.

These are some incredible fabrics I received yesterday. The collection is called Summer Garden from Benartex. I can hardly wait to get started working with them.

Be good!

Kim

Filed Under: Beautiful Calgary urban parks, Photography |

Quilts of Nancy Basserman and beautiful Baker Park in Calgary, Alberta

January 14, 2017 | 3 Comments

I originally published this blog post on October 21, 2016. I wanted to republish the post – as Nancy Basserman has recently passed away. I only came to know Nancy several months before she passed….she was a lovely lady, very kind and very sweet and a wonderful quilter. May she rest in peace.

 

Earlier this week, I took to Baker Park to photograph some of Nancy Basserman’s lovely, scrappy quilts. When I arrived, the sun was shining and the birds were singing. Not fifteen minutes later, the skies clouded over and it was threatening to snow. With or without sunshine, Nancy’s quilts sparkle especially in the beauty that is Baker Park. Across the Bow River from Bowness Park, it is a little known gem of nature, walking paths and greenery.

bakerpark1

In the background, Canada Olympic Park and our ancient ski jump built for the 1988 Olympic Games.

Even though the cold had started to blow in, there were some people in the park, riding their bikes or walking their dogs but it was mainly deserted. Just right for me to snap my photos!

Nancy’s amazingly striking scrappy pineapple quilt drew me in right away. It is so pretty and so scrappy and so attractive.

scrappy12

scrappy3

Nancy has a penchant for making flying geese – and she does it very well. This beauty demonstrates both Nancy’s piecing and quilting skills.

scrappyflyinggeese

scrappyflyinggeese7

Baker Park is home to a pair of bronze twin bears Leo and Mol. The statue stands near the center of the park; an interesting twist to the beauty of nature that surrounds it.

bears

A sweet little Christmas quilt is one of Nancy’s favourites.christmas

christmaslabel1

I call this quilt “In the Shadows” – probably not what Nancy calls it but I love it for the shadowy effects each block portrays.

shadows1

Next time you’re out and about in Calgary looking for a wonderful place to walk or sit and think check out Baker Park. Nancy’s quilts will not be there but you will love the nature that surrounds you.

Kim

Filed Under: Beautiful Calgary urban parks, Christmas Quilts, Profile pieces, Quilt Inspiration - Where Do Pattern Ideas Come From?, Quilt Photography, Quilters, Quilts, Quilts and Machine Embroidery |

Calgary’s Confederation Park…Urban Beauty and the Quilts of Berny Sproule

September 28, 2016 | Leave a Comment

So lovely that you stopped by.

Loading up my vehicle with the quilts of Berny Sproule, I headed over to Confederation Park last week. Arriving in the early morning light, I caught some stunning Indian Summer displays of the beauty of nature. Despite the early-ish hour, the Park was alive with pedestrians and cyclists and dog-walkers, all of them yielding me the right-of-way when they saw my camera! Without fail, people walking by stopped to admire and remark on the beauty of Berny’s quilts.

Wedding13

Confederation Park is what now would be described as inner-city. Spanning more than 160 hectares, it’s located in the neighbourhoods of Mount Pleasant, Capitol Hill, Collingwood and Highland Park. As its name would suggest, the Park was “born” in 1967, Canada’s 100th birthday and celebrates Canadian Confederation with displays of flowers and memorials and flags. It’s obvious that a Park this large could have only been created “back in the day” before Calgary’s population soared to well over 1 million people.

Flags

Confed

Confed17

Berny is a retired teacher, long time quilter and does quilting on her long arm machine.

Right away I was so attracted to Berny’s baby quilt, which she calls “Pile of Sheep” made for her granddaughter, Cecilia Francis. Berny altered the pattern somewhat and decided to stack the sheep on top of one another. Such a delightful result!

Sheep6

Sheep10

I cannot resist a colourful baby quilt! Berny’s “Elephants on Parade” immediately grabbed my heart. I love this little quilt! Berny made her applique Elephants using different dot-patterned fabrics. Her choices were perfect. Elephants just stampede off the background fabric making this little gem really special.

Elephants5

Elephants2

Elephants on Parade was stitched and quilted for another granddchild, Felix Patrick. One way Berny makes her quilts unique, is that she adds a special touch in the form of a label.

Elephantlabel

With this kind of love and affection who wouldn’t want to be a grandchild to Berny Sproule? So special and sweet and charming.

Courtney’s wedding quilt is spectacular. The beautiful fabrics blended-in with the Fall backdrop of nature at Confederation Park. It is truly beautiful and for Berny’s daughter, Courtney, it must have been love at first sight.

Wedding10

Wedding

Courtney’s quilt label reads, “Sunsets. It began with a smile, a hug and a kiss, who knew it would turn out in unconditional bliss. Courtney and Justin, as you begin your new life together as wife and husband, may your journey be filled with love, happiness and good health. This quilt is a celebration of your promises to love, honor and cherish each other”. All our best wishes, Mom and Dad.

Just below the wooden bridge and foot path where I snapped photos of Courtney’s wedding quilt, there is a stream which is a protected wildlife reserve.

Confedstream

There are benches and more wooden bridges and a child’s playground in the Park; there are picnic tables and pathways and tunnels so one can walk under 14th Street N.W.

Confed20

Tunnel1

A morning walk along the pathways of Confederation Park is like meandering through a lush and marvellous oasis in the middle of the City. So lovely.

Kim

Filed Under: Beautiful Calgary urban parks, Photography, Quilt Photography, Quilters, Quilts, Writing |

  • 1
  • 2
  • Next Page »

Meet Kim

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Links to some of our favorite places!

Designs by JuJu
Mary Engelbreit
Sarah Jane Studios
Cmemag.com
Lila Tueller
Robyn Pandolph
Riley Blake Designs

From Instagram

  • Home
  • About
  • A View from the Bench
  • Press
  • Contact Kim
  • My Quilts
  • Photographs

Copyright © 2023 · Simply Charming theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2023 · Simply Charming Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in