I don't get it and neither did my husband.

This past weekend, my husband's family all gathered together in Auburn, AL for Auburn University's homecoming game. All the brothers and my two sister-in-laws are Auburn Alumni and our nephew is currently attending Auburn. Needless to say, Auburn was invaded with Haygoods. I'm not an Auburn Alum but I went along for the ride. Coincidentally, Gee's Bend Quilt exhibition is on display at Auburn's Art Center. My dear husband took me to see the exhibit after the game.

We gathered up the brochure and proceeded into the exhibit. For a couple of minutes, we walked in silence. My dear husband, who is not a quilter but has been dragged through quite a few exhibits, looked over at me and said, "What's the big deal with these quilts?" He's right.

I know that these quilts have stirred the quilting world for a couple of years now; however, these quilts were not created to be art. They are utilitarian quilts that have seen lots of love and more use. I applaud the fact these women of Gee's Bend made do with what they had and used it up, but they didn't do anything our foremothers since this country was born didn't do. Our foremothers used old clothing and scraps to create their patchwork. The creativity seen in some of the Gee's Bend quilts is wonderful but none of these quilts would have won any prizes in either the art world or the quilting world.

Here's my disclaimer for this post. It is my personal opinion to which I'm entitled.

Patchwork Parrot's FIDZ (Feathered, furry, or fin Kids!)

Today, I want to introduce you to some of the Patchwork Parrot FIDZ. I know you think we are very diverse here and we are! But we have a ball! Our babies are known as FIDZ (feather, furry or finned whichever is appropriate at the time KIDZ)

Bailey is our oldest cocker, age 6. He is a love! Bailey used to go to work with me on a daily basis when I worked in a Nursing Home in Flowery Branch, Ga. All the residents loved him. He is now retired from nursing but continues to go to work with me down in the studio. I have had a four-legged shadow for 6 years!

Murphy, a blue & gold macaw, is our oldest Fidz. He has appeared in an ad for the Tourism commission of Aruba, and makes appearances periodically to various schools and events. He loves young people, especially girls! His vocabulary exceeds 75 words. During the course of the day, he will do the roll call of the various residents here at our house and aviary. He usually starts out with Momma and goes down the list from there.

Snickers is our youngest cocker. Here he is sitting on his throne, aka sofa, with a toy and Poppa's magazine. It is great to be king!

Cheryl is owned by Marley and I'm not mixed up when i say that! Marley is a greenwing macaw who was born in 2004. He is a love but has a definite attitude as to who owns who at Cheryl and Ron's house!

Bobbin, Moluccan Cockatoo, is on the left; Gracie, Congo African Grey, is on the right. Bobbin wormed her way into Cheryl and Ron's heart and home while they were waiting on Marley to wean. Bobbin is still quite the charmer! Bobbin and Marley charmed us, charmed Cheryl and Ron, and gave us two great new friends!

Gracie travels with her new daddy.

These next two pictures are of "LA" We're not sure yet if LA is a male or female so LA will do for now. LA hasn't officially been named by her new mommy yet. Her adoptive mommy lives in Louisana and we are hoping she is doing ok since Katrina!

Peek-a-boo! I see you! I love my laundry basket!

Yummy! Please, mam, may I have more baby food?

Buffet is our newest addition to the permanent family. He was born in January 2005. He is a greenwing Macaw. He and Murphy share the outside aviary during the day. They just love it! That's Murphy in the background. He was being ornery that day and wouldn't come out in the yard to play.

That's about it for today. I'll try to share more pictures of the rest of the gang, yes, there are more, with you another day.

Hugs & Smiles,
Leigh Anne Haygood
Patchwork Parrot
Prim-tik Designs
http://lahaygood.blogspot.com/