I was traveling home after spending Thursday, Friday and Saturday with my "posse" of Mountain Laurel Quilters at our fall retreat, and I had to pull out my camera and snap what was in front of my minivan!Let me get a little closer so you can see...
Uh-huh.
Bonnie gets vistas; I get...
Well! LOLThat would be the worst of my retreat this past weekend! :-D I got some much needed quilt therapy, working on some projects that have been lanquishing far too long (kinda like my blog!!)!
I finally got the alternate blocks pieced for Sam's Darlin' Hearts! I was able to put them up on the design wall when I got home. My wall is not quite big enough to hold all the blocks (and it's behind my sewing table, so I have to get an angle shot to capture the bottom. :-D)...but they are simply gorgeous.
I also pieced blocks for the Shiners View quilt that I found through Sarah's Confessions of a Fabric Addict blog. I love how the big prints play in this design!!
I "leader-ed and ender-ed" 1 1/2" squares for my Crabapples (one of Bonnie Hunter's :-D), and just for funsies, also worked a little on a Tumbler quilt for which I've had a kit for at least a couple of years. These 5+" blocks make for easy piecing!! And wonderful scrappy, dark fabrics -- my usual pallette, unlike the other blocks I worked on during the weekend!
It's the most time I've spent on quilting since Sam passed away. It was much needed therapy!! Being around other quilters is always good for the soul!And following a donkey all the way home was a reminder....
I need to be sure I'm following the right people!!
I don't mean the rich or famous, or government leaders, or ambitious or even influential people, or even people exactly like me...
But people who are positive. People I want to emulate because they are excellent quilters, excellent designers, excellent people. People who have HEART!!
Paul writes, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV). Jesus said, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand" (John 10:27-28 NIV).
I pray I'll be someone who always follows the right Person -- so that if others find themselves behind me, they won't be jerking out their camera to capture a jackass in all her glory!! :-D
Blessings!
20 comments:
I love your inspiring messages, so glad I found your blog, thankyou, glad you enjoyed your retreat, always a fun time.
I enjoyed reading about following jackasses down the road (made me guffaw out loud). At least the one you were following didn't try to fool you into thinking he was something else, and it's not following to be going in the same direction. What lovely projects you have displayed in today's post. The Shiner's View (?) one is very appealing - lovely fabrics make a lovely quilt.
Oh, Mary Lou--you are fun! What a great analogy about following the right people.
Your retreat sounds like just what the doctor ordered. Glad you could go. Fun hunting down my block in your "Sam's Darlin' Hearts" quilt.
I've been eyeing Bonnie's Crabapple pattern for a while now. I've been leader/endering little squares and was thinking they might fit well into that design.
The tumbler colors are more my color choices, too, but it is fun to break out into the brights at times.
You are an inspiration. God bless you!
I loved reading your blog. Thank you so much for taking the time to post it. I loved the party at Selma Jeans the other night. It was fun and it restored my love for Mary Kay products. Looking forward to Sat.
Wow! You got a lot of sewing done at your retreat! I love the setting blocks you chose for Sam's Darlin' Hearts. It looks wonderful. The photo of your road buddy was hilarious.
LOL! Oh, Mary Lou...you have such a way with words :) I think I've been the subject of a "jackass" photo a time or two, lol, but thank the Lord He always brings me back on the right track. glad you had a wonderful retreat~
Oh this may be one of my favorite posts ever. :) blessings, marlene
I love this, Mary Lou! Sending you hugs this glorious day and thanks for letting me follow. :)
At least that jackass didn't try to talk to you! Love Sam's Darlin' Hearts quilt - the setting squares are perfect - and the Shiner's View quilt is beautiful too! I'll have to tell Lisa I've seen her pattern used again! Glad to see you posting again - you've been missed!
Oh my goodness Mary Lou, my husband wonders what I am reading on my computer that makes me laugh out loud. That would be your inspirational last line. :)
LOVE the heart quilt! Looks so good!
I love the "Sam" quilt. I am glad you were able to get away. I am also glad God used a "jackass" to speak to you (not the first time He has done that...lol). Just be glad the thing did not have to speak audible to get a message to you...lol again...lol. Sounds as if you are hearing some good stuff from the Lord.....Blessings and glad to see you posting again.
How nice for you to be able to enjoy some time away quilting.
Sam's quilt is so lovely and heartfelt.
Oh, time spent with quilt sisters can be most rewarding!! So glad you got to spend this time. Big hugs to you!!
I was so glad that you posted today and that you had such a good time at your quilting retreat. My thoughts and prayers are still with you and your lovely family. You are such a wonderful mom and your sweet spirit just shines through your blog. Even though I am not religious, I feel the truth of what you believe and your strength in despair is an inspiration to me!
Plus, you made me laugh with your donkey picture!
Keep posting!
Tricia
I'm so glad you were able to retreat and sew! Sam's hearts are looking fine in that setting...how wonderful! You got a lot done...but mostly, a lot of good therapy with fabric, friends and old and new memories. Love the donkey...we can all hope that our jackass moments will only be vistas of our "better sides," as seen in the back of a trailer, and nothing more prominent and embarrassing.
In stitches,
Teresa :o)
LOL loved the donkey shot!
Looks like you got a lot accomplished at the retreat. Sam's hearts look wonderful and must be soul soothing.
xx
I always love reading your inspiring posts with a big sense of humor!!!!
your heart quilt is looking soooo wonderful I am sure it just warms your heart
Kathie
I'm loving your view from the car!
Your projects are all great, I love the Shiners quilt for showing off fabric. I'm so glad you found some much needed quality time with your projects, a retreat would be good for that.
Sam's quilt is looking gorgeous for sure.
Hi Mary Lou
I have started reading your blog and plan to sign on as a follower.
Everyone is right about you talking about your son. It is a natural thing and I know you miss him. Talking about him seems to keep him close to you. So mention him often. My niece passed away 10 years ago leaving behind a 6 year old and a 3 year old. My sister in law and brother in law adopted the girls and are raising them. Penny, my SIL, speaks of her daughter all the time. She was concerned that maybe she talked about her too much. I assured her that I am here to listen. I have not lost a child so I do not know how it feels but I do know that it is something that will consume a parent forever.
I enjoy reading your blog. I hope you stop by and check out mine.
My prayers are with you and your family. I am so thankful to have God in my life. I have Rheumotoid Arthritis and I am in pain all the time but when I speak of pain remember what Jesus did for us and my pain is nothing compared to what He experienced.
I took a quick look at your son's blog. He was such an awesome young man. I know he walks with Jesus and looks after you!
I am rambling, sorry. I am just so moved by your faith and I will continue to pray for you!
hugs
beebee
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