Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Oh so Thankful & Grateful

The unthankful heart... discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings!
Henry Ward Beecher


You may have seen my previous post where I had a heavy heart. I had been given more bad news then good regarding several friends. I have to think that good things will come their way in health, happiness, employment, etc.

I too had a bit of concern after trotting off to my first Mammogram the very next day I got a phone call my dear son not knowing that this was any cause for alarm waited until I got home from work to tell me. Now it's Friday evening & of course I have to wait until Monday. I tell myself reassuredly that it's out of my hands. Monday they give me the news there is an "abnormal mass on the right breast." I need to come in soon for the Ultrasound. I schedule it for 1 -1/2 wks later because that's my next week day off. Well long story short it was all OK! Today the tech could not find the mystery "nodule" nor could the Dr that reviewed it! Phew! I go back in 6 mo. for mammo #2. Now I encourage everyone to follow through I know I just did it because now that I'm 41 it's the thing to do. It can happen to anyone, so let's stay on top of it.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Aprons are Fabulous!



Here they are some of the many aprons I've been sewing up for my swap-bot swaps. My latest was the Valentines one & I really liked the fabric. I'm quite into these lil aprons & now I know why Lucy & June liked to wear them so much! The funny thing is I swore off of sewing. I was one of those misfortunates that had- a traumatic Home Ec experience - yes it's true I almost single handedly failed Clothing 101! Yes we had prehistoric machines that barely functioned but I trully don't know what happened. It's true that it was 20 some years ago. I admit time has worn me down, well that & cute fabric & that vintage cuteyness of aprons! I'm getting better but sista you won't catch me quilting just yet. So there it is lesson learned I will never say never! :)

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Pincushion with Pizzazz Swap






What's this another post oh yes my sweets I'm very much updating today & checking out what my girlies are up to & let me tell ya there are some bizzy & oh so creative lil chics amongst us. The swap seems to have gone off quite well as you may recall I was hosting Pincushions with Pizzazz over on swap-bot. I had 25 participants from all over the world! Yeah! I have already received mine & sent the one I made off. I'll post some pics here so you can see. I also wanted to share with you Hannah's blog as she featured her work from the swap - kudos! so pop on over & check out her adorable ever so pizzazzy pincushions!



Blog Award


I have officially been awarded my first ever Blog Award! Wow what a surprise & honor truly. I enjoy blogging but admit that it sometimes seems more like therapy a place where I can just let it all out there. Who knew anyone actually read my blah blah! :O) There are so many amazing blogs out now days too. The fabulous Mz Couture de Papier bestowed this upon me & she is quite the gal. You must check her out, she has so many lovely vintage shabby New England treasures.
Here's the jist behing the award;
The authors say that blogs who receive this award are exceedingly charming. This blog invests in the PROXIMITY in space, time and relationships. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."
So, now it's time to pass on this award and 'propagate' some friendships!
I'm all for more friendships & think this is a grand idea & so my nominees are in no paricular order; (drum roll please)
Here they are please stop by they are all worthy of some excellent blog viewing!

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Quilt of Holes


Quilt of Holes
Author: Unknown
As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt
before the Lord along with all the other souls.

Before each of us laid our lives like the squares
of a quilt in many
piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our
quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life.

But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the
pile, I noticed how ragged
and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each
square was labeled with a part of my life that had
been difficult, the
challenges and temptations I was faced with in
every day life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all.

I glanced around me. Nobody else had such
squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled
with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own
life and was disheartened.

My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air.

Finally the time came when each life was to be
displayed, held up to the the scrutiny of truth. The others rose; each
in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been.
My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise.

My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't
had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But
there had also been trials of illness, and wealth, and false
accusations that took from me my
world, as I knew it. I had to start over many
times. I often struggled with
the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and
begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in
prayer, asking for help and
guidance in my life. I had often been held up to
ridicule, which I endured
painfully, each time offering it up to the Father
in hopes that I would not
melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of
those who unfairly judged me.

And now, I had to face the truth. My life was
what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was.
I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of
my life to the light.

An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around
at the others who stared at me with wide eyes.

Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light
flooded the many holes,
creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our
Lord stood before me, with
warmth and love in His eyes. He said, "Every time
you gave over your life
to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My
struggles.

Each point of light in your life is when you
stepped aside and let Me shine
through, until there was more of Me than there was
of you."

May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing
Christ to shine through!

Last night I attended my monthly Doll Club meeting. I'm the youngest member & attend with primarily all senior ladies. We discuss different dolls & have a program, it's very educational. I joined back when I was creating a lot of reproduction porcelain antique dolls & thought it would be helpful. I enjoy these girls so much & last night's program was very educational discussing the history of quilts. The poem was read & was so striking I had to share it. I hope you too enjoy it. My heart is somewhat heavy as I've had some bad news this week but I must believe in the positive, so chin up for now & we shall see what comes.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Happy Birthday to Me!


Today is my 41st woo-hoo! Nothing special planned I'm off & just relaxing mainly yeah! The boys gave me X-box 360's Dance Dance Revolution. Let me tell you it's hilariously funny. It even has a calorie counter so I may just get skinny! It's a hoot & could be black-mail photo ror sure.
The pincushion swap is off to a great start & 25 participants I'm looking forward to seeing the outcome. Will keep you posted.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

2009 Everything's New

Wishing you a very Happy New Year! I am going to continue to focus on my art as it is a bit of sanctuary & therapy for me. I found this to be true by reconnecting with it in '08. I'll miss ZNE's Convenzione this year but there will be other possibilities I know. Hope this finds you all happy, healthy, & well! Hugs your way!