CHOICES

Have you ever noticed how many choices we have the opportunity to make each and every day? As I've sat here in a hospital with Mom for the last month, it's given me alot of time to observe, think, reflect and discover.

Before this all happened and I had to work, well, I didn't even think about what to wear...a uniform. Or whether to go to work, HAD TO in order to get paid! So those were pretty easy, 'no brainers' if you will.

But here, every day we're faced with new challenges, new choices. And sometimes, it's the "choosing" that seems to be the hardest part. Once decided on a course of action, well, we move forward, usually with conviction.

I guess we all want to make the right choices (all the time), but life isn't that way. And it's OK. We choose, we learn, and maybe we choose differently next time; maybe not. I think, no, believe, that it's the whole range of emotions, ability to feel and express them, and commitment to move forward that keeps most of us going. Life isn't always easy, yes, there are challenges, but it's how we choose to live with them that define us.

God, please help me to make the right choices today!
Karen

Break out the Sewing Machine!

Oh how I'm itching to break out the sewing machine! As you all know, things have been tough for my mother in law! I recently made her the "Sun Kissed Roses' quilt from the book to use as her "therapy" quilt. And you know what I discovered? That quilt can be made in a day! So can "Midnight Fairy Lights" and "Sew Dear"!

As I sit here and work on a presentation for quilt shop owners, I've realized that the book has much to offer. Quilts that can be made in a day! Faux piping and flange techniques! How to split the binding at the miter! Cool border treatments! How to make freehand feathers!

And what I love the most, well, the response Mom has gotten from having those quilts with her in the hospital. Seems everyone just loves quilts, and many wish they had them! You can see in her expression how proud she is to have them, they set her apart! Everyone remarks how much she must be loved! And you can watch her stroke them and feel the comfort they bring her! So can you blame me for wanting to make a few more?

Mom, I love you! And oh how I want you to get better! I'll make you as many quilts as you can handle, each one a little different, yet each one made with love!

Montana: One Week

Hi All!

Been here in Montana for one week now, and with Mom still in the hospital, have had plenty of time to sit, hand sew, watch, and reflect.

I gave Mom 2 quilts at the hospital, one "just cuz" and one to be her "therapy" (chemo) quilt. Both quilts just easy, lap size projects, yet both truly appreciated by all who see them! Doctors, nurses, therapists, dieticians, friends, and family. It amazes me how quilts speak to all of us!

In a world wrecked by cancer, wearied by the drugs to treat it, Mom has found a small measure of joy, comfort and warmth by having those quilts grace her hospital bed. And I, like every little girl who once wished she had a magic wand, but found out she didn't, am so Thankful I was able to give her this one small gift!

Never forget that quilts are so much more than the scraps they're made of...they're part of the fabric of our lives, interwoven with others, and measured in value by the joy we give to those who love them!

God Bless! Prayers appreciated in this tough time!!!!
Karen

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

First Trunk Show and Book Signing

OK, so the book has finally come out, and I had the opportunity to go to Chesapeake yesterday to do two Trunk Shows and Book Signings. So...what is it about 'public speaking' that puts the fear of God into everyone, me included? I didn't just have butterflies, there was a marching band in there!!!

But, can I say that it was fun? I mean, what can be better than sharing what you love with other like minded people? There are so many styles of quilting, from traditional to contemporary, so many fabrics, colors and options! And that's part of what makes it so cool! We each put our own stamp, flavor, and personality into our work, and while we might not endeavor to master all styles, we sure seem able to appreciate them!

And, last but HARDLY least, quilters are just a great group of people! I feel so fortunate to have met some of the greatest gals (and guys) through quilting. Take Doris, the owner of A Different Touch; she's just as beautiful on the inside as the outside, and I want to Thank Her for allowing me to come to her shop yesterday. I met some very talented people there, who's Show and Tell both inspired and motivated me. Thanks to All of you for making me feel so welcome!

Gosh I love quilting...and the people who are part of it!