Heading to Montana

Ever had to pack for a long trip? I mean a r-e-a-l-l-y long trip? I have lists on top of lists! All to , I hope, keep me from forgetting something I might really need!

Oh there's the usual suspects...clothes, pajamas, toilettries, but then there's the important stuff..sewing machine, notions, and lots and lots of fabric! A mat, ruler and cutter, scissors, pins and thread! oh, and of course, the quilts that are part of the trunk show!

I suppose I could go on and on, but the bottom line is, when traveling to far away places, take what you can, buy what you forget! Lists are just pieces of paper I'll soon throw away!

As I travel to Montana, I hope your thoughts and prayers will be with my Mother in law. A very special lady having a very tough time! It seems we are inundated with "cancer awareness" ads and new and more promising treatments, but getting the diagnosis is just plain scary! I know we have a tough road ahead and all these lists do is give me something to focus on, something else to think about. That's OK I think, we all find our solace in different things. My hope is that Mom can find a way to cope too, because while I'll be there for her, she's still the one who has to 'take it on'!

So with that said, I think I'll go finish the binding on her "therapy" quilt. More later....
Karen

Bring on the Retreats

Hi All!

Just went on a Retreat, sponsored by the Waterford Guild and the Haymarket Qu Chapter. And it came at a time when I really needed it! Sometimes, you don't even realize how much you need the fellowship that other quilters offer. Just seems like 'life' was kinda spinning out of control....work, kids, book, events, Mother in law diagnosed with cancer.

So, the opportunity to slip away, even for a few days, was a wonderful respite. It's not that you forget your responsibilities, but it does give you the chance to 'just breathe', reflect, and even 'indulge'. I got to talk alot, listen more, laugh uproariously, eat till I was busting at the seams, and yes, get a few things done!

I made my Mother-in-law a "therapy" quilt, and was able to knock out two other tops. Love that Sunkissed Roses pattern, 3 tops in 2 days! Now, of course, I'm back and just have to get them quilted and bound. But, restored and refreshed by the friendships, I have a brighter outlook, a spring in my step, and most importantly, hope for the future.

So, if life starts spinning out of control, take a moment, go on a Retreat. Do what you love to do! It's amazing how just those few moments can restore a little 'balance'!

Prayers Please

Have had a good week, and also a bad one. Did 6 book signings last week, attended a huge quilt show, and found out my mother-in-law has cancer. I've hesitated posting, I suppose because everything is still so fresh, and it's scary!

Now, I've been able to do some research, am (I hope) over the shell-shock, and ready to move forward. I think the hardest part of any process is the "unknown". It seems whenever we're confronted with something, and we have to wonder "what if", we are paralized. Yet, once we know what we're up against...well, the fighting instinct takes over, and we're ready to "deal".

Mom's oncology appointment is Thursday, surgical appointment is Friday. So, what I ask today... if you are willing, well, say a prayer for Jennie Miles, one of the absolute, greatest women I've ever known! I am in awe of her, frankly, have always been! She can do anything! But, I guess, this is one fight where I feel more comfortable knowing we have a 'whole bunch of back-up'.

Thank you all. God be with you!
Karen