Kim Hanson

Writing & Quilting

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That October Day

April 25, 2016 | Leave a Comment

The sun shone in a way unusual for October. It was 1962 and low lying clouds filtered the rays of light into a hazy, suffocating veil. Indian summer had settled in; the warm breeze swirling around the few leaves that had fallen from the trees. An unfamiliar feeling of foreboding was in the air and Hillhurst Elementary School was buzzing.

Katie sat with her spine erect against the back of her wooden desk. Like the good little girl she was, her hands were folded and clasped before her, just as Miss Simpson had requested. All her books were put away in a neat and tidy pile. Katie’s gaze flashed around the classroom at the other 36 students. Were they scared? Did they understand what was happening? The principal’s voice, Mr. Dibble, blared heavy through the intercom, and landed with a jolt in Katie’s heart. In one beat, Mr. Dibble’s words turned Katie’s world upside down. “Children”, he proclaimed, “we are asking all of you to walk home for lunch today, but do not run”. “It is very important that you walk quickly, without stopping or speaking with anyone on the street”. “Do not linger at the playground or stop to pet a puppy”. “We want you all to walk home as quickly as you can and stay home with your family this afternoon”.

Katie felt her cheeks on fire; uncertainty pulsing through her body like a wave of nausea. She rushed to the back of her grade one classroom, put on her outdoor shoes and pink summery sweater and made her way out the back of the school, through the door marked “GIRLS”.

Cutting across the school yard, Katie heard the noon bells of St. Barnabas Church. Swallowing a sob, her small fists clenched tightly, she willed her legs to move forward. Past Riley Park and down 12th Street she put one foot in front of the other. There were no school patrols today to monitor the 5th Avenue crosswalk, but she waited for traffic to subside and away she went.

On the sidewalk by Brian’s Grocery, her Dad’s Ford country squire with the plastic seat covers pulled up beside her. He was smiling! Didn’t he know that something terrible was happening? Dad straining, leaned over and rolled down the passenger side window. “Katie”, he called “hop in”. “I’ll drive you the rest of the way home”. Hearing the strength in his voice, Katie could no longer hold back her tears and they spilled freely down her crimson cheeks. “Daddy, my principal told me I had to walk home by myself today”. “I can’t ride with you”.

Katie’s Dad knew something his young daughter did not. Thirteen days of confrontation between neighbouring United States and the Soviet Union was causing a ripple of panic and uncertainty throughout the Western world. Lives were at risk. Could the end result be a missile launched from Cuba?

Dad smiled at his earnest little girl’s face, her braids dangling down her back. “Don’t worry Katie”, he whispered so reassuringly, “I’ll see you at home”.

Waiting at the front door, Dad bear-hugged his girl and wiped the sadness from her face. “Come Katie”, he said, “let’s see what your Mom has made us for lunch”.

Filed Under: Stories & Essays |

Dreaming of a Quilting Space….

May 31, 2014 | 2 Comments

For about as long as I can remember, I have had the same recurring dream. To be concise, it’s actually more like a snippet of a dream. In my mind’s eye, there is a tiny cottage tucked away in what appears to be someone else’s spacious backyard. The land is grassy, surrounded by brush and some very tall trees.

When I walk through the door of the cottage, there are gauzy curtains blowing in the slight breeze. The sun’s light is diffused as it streams through the small windows. The floor is wooden and looks very old and worn, but beautiful at the same time. The back wall of the tiny space is lined with white wooden bookcases overflowing with craft books. There are several tables; one holds a sewing machine, one is a desk with an odd, antiquated fax machine and the other is a drafting table – the perfect height for standing and cutting fabric.

In my dream, I’m never in the space for very long – just for a moment or two and then I wake up. Exploring the cottage at length is merely left to my feelings and my imagination.

I believe the sweet little cottage represents my dream sewing studio. I feel at peace when I’m inside the tiny space….and I experience such an overwhelming feeling of the potential for creativity.

For the time being, I’m content sewing and writing in my basement studio at home. It’s warm, cozy and fully equipped with everything that I need. I’m extremely grateful for my work space. But, I admit that I eagerly await the day that I find my dream studio – a place that will be entirely my own and dedicated to quilting and sewing and writing and creating. It will be so very lovely; a dream come true.

Till later…..Kim

Filed Under: Personal, Quilting Studio, Stories & Essays, Writing |

Generation Q

March 31, 2014 | 1 Comment

Good Monday morning to you. Here in Calgary it’s the usual, snowy, wintery weather. There are virtually NO signs of Spring – and I mean none!

This past weekend, I was overyjoyed to travel to Invermere, B.C. – a three hour drive from our home. As we travelled, it was apparent that the temperature was rising as we drove. Woo hoo! It was so lovely and warm and Spring-like in Invermere this weekend – people were actually on the golf course and walking around in shirt sleeves. 7 degrees Celsius is pretty nice when you are used to a miserable and nasty -10, without the wind chill.

On Saturday, I walked and visited my favourite shops. The town was deserted and quiet and so very nice. I went into a bookstore that I usually visit when in town – Dave’s Book Bar – and browsed to my heart’s content. Of particular interest is all the quilting magazines the shop stocks. Much to my surprise, I came across the most recent issue of Generation Q magazine!

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How delightful! I can’t find this quilting magazine in big-City Calgary at Chapters or Indigo, but I find it in a small and out-of-the-way place in a very small town. I read it from cover to cover and loved it.

Several years ago, I had the pleasure of working with Melissa Maher of Quilter’s Home magazine, who together with Jake Finch started Generation Q magazine. Melissa and Jake have worked very hard at their new project and it shows in their work.

If you can find a copy, pick it up!

Till later…take care
Kim

Filed Under: Personal, Stories & Essays, Writing |

Wedding in the Canadian Rockies

February 7, 2014 | Leave a Comment

Last weekend, we had the privilege of attending an extraordinary wedding in Banff, Alberta. The wedding was held entirely at the spectacular Banff Springs Hotel….a true winter wonderland. This was the view from our lovely, renovated hotel room.

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What a treat it was to spend two nights in the splendour that is Banff! Although the temperature was super cold, we were able to be outside and walk awhile. It was exhilarating to navigate the icy path leading back to the hotel; sheltered by the tall evergreens from the bone-chilling winds. The walk was a highlight of our weekend away from Calgary.

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The wedding itself was like a tiny slice of perfection – everyone looked so beautiful and peaceful and relaxed in the resplendent surroundings. I’m thinking I cannot wait to go back there!

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Till later….

Kim

Filed Under: Personal, Stories & Essays, Writing |

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