I grew up in a small river valley on the Canadian Prairies. 
Freedom to roam in the hills was important to me. During university I spent a month in the UK on a choir trip. I did some traveling in Western Canada, going only once to Quebec and the Maritimes. When we took the boys for a week in Mexico, I figured that I had done my traveling. Only 3 years later, when my husband was working a rotation job to Qatar, we did a 5 week holiday to Jakarta, UAE, India, Oman and Qatar. It was our “World Tour” before David quit his job and came back to work in Canada. Funny how things change.
I began quilting in 2000, when a farm friend invited me to the group they were starting up. She didn’t tell me that quilting is an addiction…. and for this, Brenda, I am heartily grateful. It fast became a big part of my life.
For the past 6 years, we have lived in the Middle East, first in Kuwait, Oman and now Norway. Quilting has been my main means of meeting people and getting to know my new home. I have had access to plentiful fabrics, more spare time, and friends from all around the world who have encouraged me and pushed me to try new things and expand my horizons. In the process, I have advanced from tentatively following a pattern to drafting art quilts, doing hand applique and trying just about anything that catches my eye. Most of my quilts become gifts.
This blog began as my thoughts and passions as I explored my new home in Oman. It expanded to include Norway after we moved in January 2012, and has now flown yet again to Sakhalin Island, Russia. I hope it opens your eyes to the beauty of these countries, and that you may one day visit and see for yourself.
wanderingquilter 
Very nice Kathy! Thank you for sharing.
Renee
Keep up the great quilting! I love how you treat quilting as a means to understand the new people around you and different cultures.
Interesting to note that you are from Saskatchewan. Would that small river valley be the Qu’appelle?
I’m also from rural Sask (never left) north of Prince Albert. You are very lucky to have done all that travelling. I’m also an addicted quilter, my favorite being scrap quilts and needleturn applique.
Hope you enjoy Russia. Will look up your location on the World Map.
Jacquie in North Central SK.
Hi Jacquie – yes, it’s the Qu’Appelle Valley, just north and west a bit from Moose Jaw. I lived in Kinistino for a few years way back, so I know your part of the world a bit. I feel so fortunate to be able to travel like this — never dreamed I would.
Glad to have you visit – its nice to know where people are from who read my blog. Love the input.
Kathi
Hi Kathi
I just love the pic of the true blue heron. I’ve saved and put it on my desktop background.
Kathi: I check your blog often. Your ability to truly see what is around you is a great gift and I’m so glad that you are sharing it with others – including me. I am confused though – I thought you were moving to Sakhalin Island at the end of January; your blog today indicates that you are still in Norway. Change of plans? Janice from Grande Prairie
Thanks, Janice. Still in Norway, but just a delay, not a change. I guess I was meant to stay to see the herons. Or maybe something else?
Very interesting life!
It sure is. Nothing I ever dreamed would happen to me. When I look back 10 years to when I thought after a week in Mexico that I’d done all the traveling I would do, it boggles my mind. I guess it’s a good thing we don’t have a crystal ball to show where our lives will take us.
Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment. I really appreciate it.
Hi, I nominated you for Sisterhood of the World Bloggers awards here http://praguebykaty.wordpress.com/2013/03/22/praguebykaty100/, because I think your blog is gorgeous.
Gosh, thanks. I’m so fortunate to be living this life, it only seems right to try to share my experiences.
Hi Kathi, thanks for following my blog. Where in Norway did you live and are you enjoying Russia? Iain 🙂
We were in Stavanger area, Iain. I’m looking forward to going through your blog. Love your photos.
Likewise 🙂
Russia is fascinating and a bit overwhelming. I think it will be an amazing experience.
Thanks a lot for following my blog!
Freedom to roam is a must!
Hi there, Thanks for taking the time to stop by and check out my little part of the web, and for the follow. The support is greatly appreciated, 🙂
HI Kathy,
I was very excited to find your blog. I am moving to Yuzhno Sakhalinsk in November (as an English Teacher) and so your blogs about the area are wonderful, helpful and insightful.
I used to do a lot of quilting and I am still quite passionate about it, but the nomad life has meant now carrying too many supplies with me so its been a while since I have had the chance to do any.
I am posting a link to your blog on my site – its a great spot and reading about your adventures makes wonderful reading, thank you sharing.
Hi- I look forward to meeting you when you get here. Maybe we can get you sewing even though you haven’t been able to cart a lot around. I can see not having much in Korea – their apartments are really tiny.
Thanks for posting the link too. Maybe a few more quilters will decide that Sakhalin is a good place to come to.
Kathi
LOL Perhaps we can start promoting it as a ‘Quilters Holiday’ and set up some quilters retreats. Nothing like a deeply snowy time to keep one inside and stitching.
LOL – Good one. We will have to see what we can do. Need someone to open a quilt shop though, as supplies are pretty much like hen’s teeth.
If you think of anything you might be able to get here in Thailand let me know, I can pack it before I leave! I’m planning a few days in Bangkok early November so there may be some reasonable stores there?
Thanks. I’m pretty well stocked.
My goodness, Kathi….what an adventurous life you lead!!! One day, I hope to do the same!! I’m a knitter, so I can appreciate your art of quilting!!! Photography has really brought great joy to my life and a deeper appreciation for the world we live in. Nice to meet you!!
very nice to see and read about your life.very well.actually i am from pakistan and now i am in Greece last 10 year and working here,making candles.i am master of art its candles.thanks
Hi very greatful to hear alot from you about my country oman.i have seen alot of image in Sinaw Souq ,but don’t visit oman in summer time.dut hot weather. let me haer alot from you aganin.
my name is salim-54 km away from Sinaw