The Mighty Moxie with her chic summer haircut

I've studied quilt and textile history for over twenty years and received my certification  as an appraiser by the American Quilter's Society in 1994. I passed rigorous written and oral examinations and demonstrated knowledge of three hundred years of textile history, dye processes, fabric printing methods, patterns, construction techniques, regional variations, market values, and various other factors that influence the value of a quilt.  I've appraised literally thousands of quilts. 

I uphold the Program’s Code of Ethical Practices, and appraisals are prepared in accordance with USPAP standards and guidelines. I travel nationwide to study and remain current with the very latest in quilt scholarship.

People tell me I have a “down home” sense of humor and relaxed, unpretentious Southern style, but my lectures reveal an extensive knowledge of quilt and textile history - and I bring REAL QUILTS!  Lots of quilts. Audience participation is encouraged - I love it when folks jump right in and get involved.  Great fun is to be expected!  

As for the at-home me, by the time I've said "hi" you will know I am a true southern chick.  Fortunately, I was born into a military family and have lived and traveled worldwide so I hope my opinions and attitudes don't suffer from regionalism.  I love life and try to appreciate every day to its fullest, even those days that are so horrible I 'shoulda stood in bed.'  I still have dreams, lots of them.  If I wasn't already older than dirt, I'd love to study the history of architecture.  One of the greatest thrills of travel is studying buildings - from the mightiest cathedral to the most humble home. I'd love to study Material Culture - quilts are a perfect example of that.  I want to study the entire history of the Scots-Irish, particularly their contribution to the southern United States. 

I adore outsider art, the more primitive the better.  But it can't be "pretend" folk art, it has to be real.  I want to learn to speak Spanish, I want to be a serious photographer - black and white preferred - and I want to write books.  I could fill pages with the things on my "bucket list" but real life tends to get in my way.  I love the Beatles and I'd like to write an article about WHY I still love them.  John Lennon's statement "Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans" is a daily reality. 

I love dogs, the bigger the better.  I love friendships that exist without constant nurturing - that just "are."   I can't imagine life without trees - enormous old oaks, dripping with moss, and Weeping WIllows with branches tickling pond water.   Needless to say, I could keep going here.............