Conceptualizing, gathering materials, making and then finally parting with my quilt square has been a bitter-sweet process. It's been a learning and healing experience for me- at times difficult and other times very easy. I remember being at Rene's wake and kneeling down by his coffin and admonishing him for leaving me... leaving us... when there was still so much we had to accomplish together. I was very angry. In time, my anger subsided and in it's place I found ways to keep Rene's wit, intelligence and silliness alive. My contribution to the quilt is about celebrating Rene's wonderful zest for... well, just about everything! I believe that most of the elements that comprise the loosely formed mandala will be self-explanatory to anyone who knew Rene. The richness of the purple velvet made me think of NYU-then there's his having been a priest- he so much loved Joan and Pierre- and gardening, and food, and art making, and Jung. He was a star. He is a star. Oh, and those playing cards...Bill, Cecily, Robin...remember Las Vegas!

Terry Towne