tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690132065392446212024-03-13T12:35:13.305-04:00Cheaper Than Therapy QuiltingWhen God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work -- this is a gift from God. Ecclesiastes 5:19Mary Lou Casadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918932281509702766noreply@blogger.comBlogger105125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-169013206539244621.post-75131540328989687912012-09-26T11:57:00.001-04:002012-09-26T22:16:24.283-04:00Rocket Boosters<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PA-b_0rdwIo/UGMcXq-lsXI/AAAAAAAABQs/hMIjQz7ZmA8/s1600/plan+post+it.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PA-b_0rdwIo/UGMcXq-lsXI/AAAAAAAABQs/hMIjQz7ZmA8/s200/plan+post+it.jpg" width="178" /></a>Who can say what strange things cause a burst of creativity!?? For me, it's been a long dry spell...waiting for something to happen, waiting for that muse of ...something...to break in and set me to work.<br />
<br />
I keep inspiring notes on my board...<br />
<br />
I have evidence of other people's creativity to spur me on...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GDwtdeeG7M0/UGMcleVMr2I/AAAAAAAABQ0/14_hs-g6e8k/s1600/zombie+apocolypse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GDwtdeeG7M0/UGMcleVMr2I/AAAAAAAABQ0/14_hs-g6e8k/s320/zombie+apocolypse.jpg" width="207" /></a><br />
Nothing like heroes of the Zombie Apocalypse to generate excitement and fervor (especially if the Xena-like warrior is your own daughter! Go Emily!!! lol)!!<br />
<br />
But nothing much has worked until this week.<br />
<br />
I took a mad risk.<br />
<br />
I've known for a while that I can't function in chaos. And my Sewing Room/Mary Kay office has been a testimony to a cluttered mind for some time. Piles of this and that....paperwork and inventory and unfinished projects, and projects that need to be finished because of deadlines and LAST year's deadlines unmet...<br />
<br />
No wonder I haven't been sewing!!<br />
<br />
This past week, though, I did something I'd been threatening for a while.<br />
<br />
I had a YARD SALE!!!<br />
<br />
Oh. My. Word!!<br />
Do you know you can clean out stuff? That you can down size? You can rid yourself of clothes unworn and household dust-catchers, and even....dare I say it...FABRIC!?! at a yard sale!?! And I did!! To the tune of over a $1,000!<br />
<br />
I set out on a mission to de-clutter and scale down. Is it possible to have too much fabric!? For me, the answer is yes. I couldn't get to the pieces I wanted. I couldn't see the forest for the trees!! I couldn't pull out pieces to audition because there were already too many pieces out!!<br />
<br />
So I got desperate and ruthless, and starting making decisions about what I would keep and what could go. That fabulous Jan Patek block-of-the-month. There are other applique projects that I want more, so it hit the sale table. UFO's that I'd lost interest in, or had started in a class only to push it to the back of the closet. Yards and yards of "It's so pretty I can't resist it!" fabric filled laundry baskets. Neutrals, prints, Moda, RJR, even my precious Thimbleberries....pared down to manageable amounts.<br />
<br />
That Orca Bay Bonnie Hunter mystery that I was sure I wouldn't be finishing...suddenly, with some of the clutter removed, I could put pieces on the design wall...<br />
<br />
Could it...?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zr4dH2RdyWs/UGMflf1-6YI/AAAAAAAABRI/3lGa0cZdxR8/s1600/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zr4dH2RdyWs/UGMflf1-6YI/AAAAAAAABRI/3lGa0cZdxR8/s400/040.JPG" width="300" /></a>Would it work....?<br />
<br />
Oh. My. Word!!! <br />
It's a quilt top!! A sorta Bonnie Hunter meets Jo Morton little quilt top!! And I'm as giddy as a schoolgirl!! I'm a quilter again!!! Who knew!!?!?<br />
<br />
One of my favorite passages of scripture is from Hebrews 12:1. The Amplified version says it this way:<br />
<br />
"Therefore then, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off <i>and</i> throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to <i>and</i> entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance <i>and</i> steady <i>and</i> active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us." (Hebrews 12:1 AMP)<br />
<br />
Entangled is a good word. And I have to laugh about stripping off the encumbrance. All day at the yard sale I wore a quilt t-shirt that said, "Eleanor Burns made a stripper outta me!"<br />
<br />
How it matters that we throw aside the things that are keeping us from becoming all God created us to be!! <br />
<br />
I keep visualizing the Space Shuttle...with the pieces falling off, boosters shooting the spacecraft into orbit....Beautiful!! What unnecessary weight do you need to throw off!? <br />
<br />
This is my year. My jubilee! Mary Kay said, "If you simplify, you will simply fly!" Pounds (20 so far!), and clutter and yes, even beautiful things that cannot be appreciated for the sheer bulk of them. It's time to be boosted to the stars!! Time to be ALL that God desires me to be!<br />
<br />
Blessings!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/286/E53DCDBDD2C6926183F18ED8C0829A26.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></a></div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
</blockquote>
Mary Lou Casadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918932281509702766noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-169013206539244621.post-38739015298653757992012-06-08T21:30:00.001-04:002012-06-08T21:32:25.750-04:00Vanity, thy name is....<div>
My Mary Kay adventure has been so good!! When I started this new career back in October, I wasn't sure where it would lead. It was just months after Sam passed away, and all I knew was that MK would give me a platform to bless people. <br />
<br />
Quilting does that (and I always receive sooo much more than I give!), and now MK gives me even more people to know and love. <strong>Weird combo, huh</strong>?! Quilting and Mary Kay??!! Imagine my great surprise when our make-up artist <a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/lorihogg" target="_blank">Lori Hogg</a> trained us in "color correction" -- how the color wheel helps determine what we can use to conceal skin discolorations and blemishes...COOL!! I know color wheel stuff!!!!!<br />
<br />
I have qualified for the "Court of Sales" -- a major accomplishment for this newbie and totally NOT possible without the fabulous people who buy from me and (can you believe it!?! LOL) trust me when I talk about make-up. This plain-jane homeschool mom has enjoyed the unlikely transformation to "glamour guru." LOL<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ymgHco_mb3I/T9KYWOFj8YI/AAAAAAAABQE/2ilNuA8dV4A/s1600/black+sequined+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ymgHco_mb3I/T9KYWOFj8YI/AAAAAAAABQE/2ilNuA8dV4A/s400/black+sequined+dress.jpg" width="300" /></a>But it's not without some serious pitfalls!! The business!? GREAT! MK is a fabulous product. The recognition...? Well, I <em>thought </em>I wanted it....<br />
<br />
Enter Exhibit A...<br />
<br />
Black Sequined Dress.<br />
<br />
The Court of Sales includes a Royalty Reception complete with formal attire, an appearance on stage at our convention (Seminar in Dallas!!), and if I'm #1 in my national area (I'm currently #2) or my Division (I'm currently #18), a speech. That's been my motivation. To talk about a life well lived. To talk about making a difference. To talk about Sam. LOVE! LOVE!!<br />
<br />
Problem? <br />
Um....<br />
The dress is a size (or so! :-( too SMALL.<br />
<br />
Vanity, thy name is IDIOT!!! LOL<br />
So I'm working out. Walking 3+ miles every day. Step Aerobics three times a week. Weight Watchers. I have 7 weeks.<br />
<br />
Aren't there better ways to spend my time!?!?! Perhaps a little machine quilting?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kd_z0gQ8fFw/T9Kaqe5NHEI/AAAAAAAABQM/Brktxkirdhg/s1600/jo+morton+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kd_z0gQ8fFw/T9Kaqe5NHEI/AAAAAAAABQM/Brktxkirdhg/s400/jo+morton+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I'm still very much a novice on my home machine. But I'm enjoying the process. This "little Jo" -- a Jo Morton pattern (can't remember the name) from her club -- is a veritable eye feast of her fabrics and colors. <br />
<br />
The original was square...I got so wrapped up in those quarter-square-triangles that I ended up with a rectangular quilt. Can't wait to put on the binding!!<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nyy4aYeiv1M/TvkL0fIHm4I/AAAAAAAABJA/u7tfFtfbT4U/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nyy4aYeiv1M/TvkL0fIHm4I/AAAAAAAABJA/u7tfFtfbT4U/s200/005.JPG" width="166" /></a><br />
I'll be binding another quilt before long. Judi Madsen at <a href="http://www.greenfairyquilts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Green Fairy Quilts</a> emailed today that she hoped to finish Sam's Darlin' Hearts very soon. Be watching her blog for pics!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I worry that I won't fit into my dress. That my hard work will be for nothing!! :-) In quilting there is always a payoff. Same with a walk with God!!</div>
<br />
The apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15: 57-58, "But thanks be to God! <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28776A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.<span class="text 1Cor-15-58" id="en-NIV-28777"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28777C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." </span><br />
<br />
<span class="text 1Cor-15-58">Isn't that a great promise!? I like knowing that what I invest with Christ is not vanity. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="text 1Cor-15-58"></span>Unlike the fiasco my black-sequin-dress may prove to be! LOL! :-D And in case I get discouraged, I need to remember how to weigh....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BHd4Cu0aKIw/T9Ke5-7YpoI/AAAAAAAABQY/AirvZCML7kw/s1600/How+to+weigh+yourself.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BHd4Cu0aKIw/T9Ke5-7YpoI/AAAAAAAABQY/AirvZCML7kw/s1600/How+to+weigh+yourself.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Blessings!!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.greenfairyquilts.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/286/E53DCDBDD2C6926183F18ED8C0829A26.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Need a Mary Kay consultant? Our skin care and cosmetics are great values! And our Customer Delivery Service gets product to you fast, usually within 48 hours. Free shipping!!!! Help me be #1!! :-)<br />
<a href="http://www.marykay.com/mcasada/default.aspx" target="_blank">Shop Mary Kay with Mary Lou!</a></div>Mary Lou Casadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918932281509702766noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-169013206539244621.post-33283305049012977592012-05-30T18:13:00.000-04:002012-05-30T18:32:21.108-04:00Moving AlongSpring is easing into Summer and I'm wondering where the time has gone!! Over the last couple of weeks, I've been walking with a close-aged friend, and we lament about our "lost years." Wasn't I 30 just a few minutes ago? Now that my youngest is officially a teenager (Will turned 13 in April), I've decided that teenagers suck all the years right outta ya!! LOL Since I've lost about 12 years -- which is, incidentally, the exact number of teenager years I've endured through three children (nearly 7 years with Emily, 4.5 with Sam and Will's 1st) -- I think it's entirely reasonable to accuse them of sucking up all my time!! LOL<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HdLOp-zs2aY/T8Z_PkpvSPI/AAAAAAAABOQ/oIfs2AyfcD8/s1600/Edisto+Island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HdLOp-zs2aY/T8Z_PkpvSPI/AAAAAAAABOQ/oIfs2AyfcD8/s320/Edisto+Island.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
We've had a good couple of months. We vacationed at the beautiful Edisto Island, SC, earlier this month with a couple of days spent in Charleston.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VZ9sTjU_RG8/T8aAAtrYFbI/AAAAAAAABOY/ahGL9xo56FE/s1600/shrimp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VZ9sTjU_RG8/T8aAAtrYFbI/AAAAAAAABOY/ahGL9xo56FE/s200/shrimp.jpg" width="200" /></a>I took lots of books to read and some handwork, too! The first I've worked on in nearly a year.<br />
<br />
Applique...the center block of a pieced quilt that's been on my UFO list for a while.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vt0pAkmzNhw/T8aBol3osTI/AAAAAAAABOw/uv5OqApRsg4/s1600/applique+block+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vt0pAkmzNhw/T8aBol3osTI/AAAAAAAABOw/uv5OqApRsg4/s200/applique+block+2.jpg" width="162" /></a><br />
And Tumbling Blocks...I'm up to about 115 completed 2" blocks...which means I only have about 479-ish more to complete!! :-) So far it's a charm quilt with no fabrics repeating. I love the look of it, and English paper piecing makes it portable. Bonnie Hunter's 1" hexies----uh uh! No Way!! :-D These I can do without making my eyes feel any older than they are!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Fn65TZzNX4/T8aCbeWU6xI/AAAAAAAABPE/ajBGNVysjZ8/s1600/tumbling+blocks+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Fn65TZzNX4/T8aCbeWU6xI/AAAAAAAABPE/ajBGNVysjZ8/s400/tumbling+blocks+3.jpg" width="330" /></a><br />
<br />
We had some additions to the family...all now distributed to other homes. Mr. Stripey -- actually a Mrs! LOL -- was my favorite and she's safely ensconced with my sister, bravely intimidating her passel of dogs!! She's every bit the tiger she favors!! :-D<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RvdB0wJUrRA/T8aFAYHjuoI/AAAAAAAABPQ/l-TGqjHXWFw/s1600/kittens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RvdB0wJUrRA/T8aFAYHjuoI/AAAAAAAABPQ/l-TGqjHXWFw/s200/kittens.jpg" width="181" /></a><br />
Finally, we noted the first anniversary of Sam's passing. His memorial stone was set, coincidentally, on the day, May 23rd. The sillouette is actually of Sam; he would love that we captured him in motion, a fitting tribute to be sure. His epitaph is the summary of his life: "Living to know Him, dying to make Him known." <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lg4LwEJ3n1s/T8aKrmbT-zI/AAAAAAAABPk/_ayeR2Tej5E/s1600/Sam's+stone+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lg4LwEJ3n1s/T8aKrmbT-zI/AAAAAAAABPk/_ayeR2Tej5E/s320/Sam's+stone+2.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
Moving on is difficult...One of the hardest parts of grief is noting that Sam will remain forever 17 and our ages and projects and lives will go forward without him.<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
But life is designed that way. I once heard a pastor talk about the 23rd Psalm. Sheep, he said, are always on the move. They don't linger in one spot over long. And as long as they follow the Shepherd, they are provided for, comforted, healed...even through the valley of the shadow of death.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
My cup overflows!!</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<h3>
<span class="text Ps-23-1" id="en-NIV1984-14237">Psalm 23</span></h3>
<h3>
<span class="text Ps-23-1"></span><span class="text Ps-23-1">A psalm of David.</span></h3>
<div class="poetry">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hb7pg9KAqO4/T8aRSrw821I/AAAAAAAABPw/4dTJGZSo4Jg/s1600/Sam's+roses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hb7pg9KAqO4/T8aRSrw821I/AAAAAAAABPw/4dTJGZSo4Jg/s320/Sam's+roses.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam's roses, planted just days before he died.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="line">
<span class="text Ps-23-1"><sup class="versenum">1 </sup>The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is my shepherd, <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-14237A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> I shall not be in want. <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-14237B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> </span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-23-2" id="en-NIV1984-14238"><sup class="versenum">2 </sup><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span>He makes me lie down in green pastures,</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-23-2">he leads me beside quiet waters, <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-14238C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> </span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-23-3" id="en-NIV1984-14239"><sup class="versenum">3 </sup><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span>he restores my soul. <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-14239D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup> </span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-23-3">He guides me <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-14239E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup> in paths of righteousness <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-14239F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup> </span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-23-3">for his name’s sake. <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-14239G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup> </span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-23-4" id="en-NIV1984-14240"><sup class="versenum">4 </sup>Even though I walk</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-23-4">through the valley of the shadow of death, <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-14240H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup> </span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-23-4">I will fear no evil, <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-14240I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup> </span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-23-4">for you are with me; <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-14240J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup> </span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-23-4">your rod and your staff,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-23-4">they comfort me.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="poetry top-half">
<div class="line">
<span class="text Ps-23-5" id="en-NIV1984-14241"><sup class="versenum">5 </sup>You prepare a table <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-14241K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup> before me</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-23-5">in the presence of my enemies.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-23-5">You anoint my head with oil; <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-14241L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup> </span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-23-5">my cup <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-14241M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup> overflows.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-23-6" id="en-NIV1984-14242"><sup class="versenum">6 </sup>Surely goodness and love <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-14242N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup> will follow me</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-23-6">all the days of my life,</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-23-6">and I will dwell in the house of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-23-6">forever.</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
Blessings!!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/286/E53DCDBDD2C6926183F18ED8C0829A26.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Many, many thanks to those of you who have checked on me from time to time over the last couple of months!!! You'll never know how much and richly you have blessed me!! May God bless you 100-fold!!Mary Lou Casadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918932281509702766noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-169013206539244621.post-27128740920286681362012-03-04T21:26:00.004-05:002012-03-04T21:48:19.384-05:00No Worries<div>
It's been quite a while since I've posted anything!! Master of the obvious, I am. LOL Lots of things going on...Most of it worrisome, at least in my mind! Truth is, I don't have all that many problems!!<br />
I'll explain more about that in a minute, though...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HqI2rHh1yv4/T1QTy_0qIwI/AAAAAAAABNA/NseNB8op7Xk/s1600/boxer+rebellion+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HqI2rHh1yv4/T1QTy_0qIwI/AAAAAAAABNA/NseNB8op7Xk/s320/boxer+rebellion+2.jpg" width="304" /></a>I've never considered myself much of a worrier. I'm mostly an eternal optimist, much to the dismay of most of my friends. "You are the happiest person we've ever known!" people tell me. So what's got my panties in a wad for the last couple of months?<br />
<br />
One...<br />
I worry about not getting much done!! Last you heard I was struggling to finish projects for classes I was scheduled to teach in January. My great friend Jennifer, up from Florida to teach also (and nursemaid me!), stayed up with me into the wee hours of the morning two nights in a row, including the night before I taught Sam's Boxer Rebellion. I didn't get the top completely finished, but I did get the center together. Crisis averted. Sorta. :-D<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jLn7CKKcne8/T1QUtA5_JnI/AAAAAAAABNI/cFnDNjC_yq4/s1600/contrary+wife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jLn7CKKcne8/T1QUtA5_JnI/AAAAAAAABNI/cFnDNjC_yq4/s320/contrary+wife.jpg" width="320" /></a>The original pattern is "Dizzy Geese" by Joan K. Streck in the book <em>Quick Quilts from Your Scrap Bag.</em> I haven't decided how to finish it yet, although the original pattern has a fabulous flying geese border. I worry that it'll be another UFO. :-P<br />
<br />
Likewise, another class had an unfinished sample. My Contrary Wife in Kansas quilt didn't get completed, but there was enough to demonstrate how it goes together to the class.<br />
<br />
Two...<br />
I worry about my new business. I made a major decision a few months after Sam passed away. They say you should wait a year after a tragedy to make any big changes, but I needed to find a way to do what matters most...bless people! And Mary Kay has given me a platform to do just that. And I'm loving my new business!!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TeEU0bSfLYo/T1QdUEL7EBI/AAAAAAAABOA/W6vjjPTsYQA/s1600/MK+queen+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TeEU0bSfLYo/T1QdUEL7EBI/AAAAAAAABOA/W6vjjPTsYQA/s200/MK+queen+2012.jpg" width="150" /></a>And I want to do well, as much to honor Sam's memory as to make extra money for my family. I'm working for some major goals...one of which is a top sales position which would garner me a diamond ring (2.45 carats) and (what I really want:) the opportunity to make a speech to 15,000 women at our annual Seminar!! (If you don't have a consultant, feel free to follow the link to order products online!) I'd get to talk about what inspired me; I'd get to talk about Sam! <br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ztlKOUl3Mnw/T1QYLBD0Q3I/AAAAAAAABNg/-KZIky554E0/s1600/mk+to+the+rescue+flip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ztlKOUl3Mnw/T1QYLBD0Q3I/AAAAAAAABNg/-KZIky554E0/s200/mk+to+the+rescue+flip.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
It's sometimes hard to be focused, though, when there are other things I want to do. I was doing some Farmer's Wife blocks at a hotel a couple of weeks ago while Jeff attended meetings. My poor old sewing machine had been neglected. Luckily Mary Kay came to the rescue when I didn't have a machine brush handy!! LOL<br />
<br />
Three...<br />
I worry about talking about Sam too much. I told a friend a few days ago that some days missing him is a palpable ache with many tears. Other days I can laugh and miss him with great joy. But I worry that his name comes too easily to me. I worry that I'll bore you and other friends to tears with it. I've been so excited by the precious gift my friend Pat-from-upstate-New-York arranged for me....the fabulous Judi at <a href="http://www.greenfairyquilts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Green Fairy Quilts</a> will be quilting Sam's Darlin' Hearts!!! But I've hated to mention it because this is a blog about quilting, and not about grief or Sam. He is part of the fabric of my life, so it's OK to share, but I worry that I overdo it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A05FuJl5GXw/T1Qbu2iJZtI/AAAAAAAABNw/QNJd2yRAc1s/s1600/Tornado+East+Bernstadt+0212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A05FuJl5GXw/T1Qbu2iJZtI/AAAAAAAABNw/QNJd2yRAc1s/s320/Tornado+East+Bernstadt+0212.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
But it's time for some perspective on my worries!!<br />
<br />
"Therefore, I tell you," Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6, "do not worry about your life..." (v. 25) The Apostle Peter admonished, "Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you." (I Peter 5:7) <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Dq-lZSlaKY/T1QpLVpdFGI/AAAAAAAABOI/UJ7v3BU8H1c/s1600/tornado+hawk+creek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Dq-lZSlaKY/T1QpLVpdFGI/AAAAAAAABOI/UJ7v3BU8H1c/s320/tornado+hawk+creek.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
And given that tornadoes destroyed some 65 homes and injured 200 or more people this past weekend (including a dear friend's daughter who lost part of her leg) just a couple of miles from my home (and our porch furniture didn't even move! We had NO damage!! Thank the Lord!), my worries seem very small indeed.<br />
<br />
What worries you? Did you know the word "anxieties" in the passage from I Peter can also be interpreted as "divisions"? It indicates a heart divided...whose focus is on worries or self instead of wholly centered on God. <br />
<br />
So I'm puttin' ol' Bobby McFerrin on in the soundtrack of my mind. "Don't worry, be happy!" God is too good and life is too short to worry too much!!<br />
<br />
Blessings!!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/286/E53DCDBDD2C6926183F18ED8C0829A26.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>P.S. A hearty big ol' "Thank you!!" to all you who wrote, worried about me!!! Your concern and good words were such a blessing!!! I hope to get back into the swing of things. :-D I've missed you all greatly!</strong></div>Mary Lou Casadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918932281509702766noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-169013206539244621.post-77145797646742234262012-01-02T23:41:00.000-05:002012-03-04T21:09:57.401-05:00KiltI wish I could say I was getting in touch with my Scots/Irish/English heritage with a title like that, but of course, in eastern KY, being "kilt" has an entirely different meaning!<br />
<br />
I allowed myself yesterday, January 1st, to continue my completely self-absorbed devil-may-care descent into hog-heaven. For those of you who don't know, hog heaven is that blissful place where you do what you want, when you want, for as long as you want....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lkie9BWiuAI/TwJ1NJTPRdI/AAAAAAAABLQ/q9ax9CvqROs/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lkie9BWiuAI/TwJ1NJTPRdI/AAAAAAAABLQ/q9ax9CvqROs/s320/002.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
My hog heaven? Movies (Lord of the Rings trilogy!!), Facebook, Words with Friends, gallons of ice-cold Pepsi, cheddar jalapeno crunchy Cheetos and these seasonal favorites: Snyder's of Hanover's White Chocolate covered Pretzel Dips.....Bliss in a salty/sweet combo that melts in your mouth. Yummy goodness that is highly addictive! Sigh.<br />
<br />
And today, of course, the New Year <em>really </em>began for all us self-improvement, get the heck-outta-hog-heaven individuals.<br />
<br />
So off to Step Aerobics this morning. My first foray there in over 3 months, and I haven't been regular since back when Jeff came home from Afghanistan in May!! So, yeah! Might be time.<br />
<br />
Surprisingly, I've only gained about 5 lbs (and 3 or more of that has been holiday eating!! But I'm sure it had nothing to do with the pretzels!!!! :-D)<br />
<br />
Working through the routine today was difficult. Manageable, but difficult! :-) I had too much pride to go back down a level on the step, or to use less than the 8 lb weights I was using when I was a regular worker-outer. So, tonight, as soreness settles in, I am well and truly kilt!!!<br />
<br />
I'm sure my dilemma would seem less serious if I could drink an ice-cold Pepsi, but I'm off those, too -- AGAIN. It's only about the 103rd time I've quit them. But I really mean it this time!! LOL <br />
<br />
Otherwise, it's been a good second day of the new year. I started my "Boxer Rebellion" quilt with Sam's boxers! :-D What a hoot!! The "Dizzy Geese" pattern is one I've wanted to do for a long time, and Sam's plaids (kinda makes you think of kilts, too, huh!? :-D) are gonna be just perfect!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZInhEp3NtMk/TwJ-o17z5CI/AAAAAAAABLc/VKFyAmIMRW8/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="395" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZInhEp3NtMk/TwJ-o17z5CI/AAAAAAAABLc/VKFyAmIMRW8/s400/004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I've got this and another quilt top to finish in time for classes I'm teaching in a couple of weeks!! My "Contrary Wife in Kansas" quilt uses two traditional blocks, and I'm waffling over the fabrics I wanna use. Need to have both these quilt tops done by January 18th!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_HSupOWWMDM/TwJ_V9F0FrI/AAAAAAAABLo/LtBWpB1Djgg/s1600/Contrary+Wife+in+Kansas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_HSupOWWMDM/TwJ_V9F0FrI/AAAAAAAABLo/LtBWpB1Djgg/s400/Contrary+Wife+in+Kansas.JPG" width="345" /></a></div>
<br />
This deadline is why I've not "joined up" with Judy's UFO Challenge for 2012! I will get there! It's just gonna be February. So, no time for wallowing in Hog Heaven! No time to be well and truly kilt!<br />
<br />
Paul wrote to the Philippians,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<sup>"</sup>Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body." (Philippians 3:17-21 NIV)</blockquote>
"...their god is their stomach...<br />
our citizenship is in heaven..."<br />
<br />
I'm pretty sure Paul didn't mean Hog Heaven.<br />
Here's hoping that step aerobics, better eating habits and the Lord Jesus Christ will "transform our lowly bodies!"<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/286/E53DCDBDD2C6926183F18ED8C0829A26.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></a><br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="0" id="stSegmentFrame" name="stSegmentFrame" scrolling="no" src="http://seg.sharethis.com/getSegment.php?purl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D169013206539244621&jsref=&rnd=1325564548939" style="display: none;" width="0"></iframe>Mary Lou Casadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918932281509702766noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-169013206539244621.post-63715717702729951712011-12-26T23:30:00.001-05:002011-12-27T08:43:16.701-05:00Tribute<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
You can tell by my few blog posts in the last several month that I've not quilted a whole lot. Farmer's Wife blocks for a class I was teaching, memorial quilts that I'd contracted before Sam passed away, the club mystery quilt...That's about it! :-( Very unusual for someone who usually quilted every single day!! My friend Jennifer says it's 'cause when I'm sewing at home, I'm usually alone, and too much alone time was resulting in too many tears. True enough, I suppose.<br />
<br />
The gals at the local quilt shop talked me into doing Bonnie Hunter's Orca Bay mystery. I got them into Roll, Roll Cotton Boll last year, so turn about was fair play. Just rifling through fabric and cutting fabric and sitting with them each Friday to work on it together -- all these seem to have brought some of my quilting joy back!! And after completing a particularly difficult (for me) memorial quilt for a friend, I tied into Sam's Darlin' Hearts! And today, I finished the quilt top. <br />
<br />
And I'm just in awe.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nyy4aYeiv1M/TvkL0fIHm4I/AAAAAAAABJA/u7tfFtfbT4U/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nyy4aYeiv1M/TvkL0fIHm4I/AAAAAAAABJA/u7tfFtfbT4U/s640/005.JPG" width="532" /></a></div>
<br />
Not of <strong><u>my</u></strong> work. Far from it.<br />
<br />
I'm in awe all over again of the beauty of friendships and heartfelt sympathy and prayers and love that was given to me in the weeks following Sam's death. Who could believe people are so kind! And to me!! As I've looked over the blocks, many are from "close" quilting blog friends. And just as many are from people whose blog paths I've never crossed, or if I have, it was a periferal thing. And yet they cared enough to make a block (or two, or FOUR!) and send them to me in the most difficult days of my life!!<br />
<br />
There are no words to properly thank you!! I tried to send cards (I saved every card, envelope and note! :-D), but my tears smeared the ink. Maybe this small recognition will let you know how grateful I am. Each name is a link to their blog (if they have one and I know it :-D ) Check them out! They are all amazing!<br />
<br />
Row 1 <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2-KRykTA-E/TvkNmtyl0XI/AAAAAAAABJM/ngOmz6HVUmo/s1600/Row+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2-KRykTA-E/TvkNmtyl0XI/AAAAAAAABJM/ngOmz6HVUmo/s640/Row+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://vroomansquilts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sharon,</a> <a href="http://mikisquilts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Miki,</a> Jacque (1 block of 2 she made!), <a href="http://www.spontaneousthreads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Stephanie</a> (1 of 2 she made! and I <em>think</em> that's the right blog!) and <a href="http://bunkhousequilts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ann</a>...<br />
<br />
Row 2<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JyLXk-swJmU/Tvky-VJ1nSI/AAAAAAAABJY/Xs-vuwt1f2k/s1600/Row+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="102" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JyLXk-swJmU/Tvky-VJ1nSI/AAAAAAAABJY/Xs-vuwt1f2k/s640/Row+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Selma Jean, <a href="http://cobblestonequilting.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Rhonda</a> (the first block I received!), Cassey, and Rebecca...<br />
<br />
Row 3<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zzx_XfhA1jM/Tvk0W8XDhuI/AAAAAAAABJk/Va5k-ob6m5I/s1600/Row+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="96" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zzx_XfhA1jM/Tvk0W8XDhuI/AAAAAAAABJk/Va5k-ob6m5I/s640/Row+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://strawberrypatchquiltworks.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Debbie</a> (the strawberry fabric was a definite clue! :-D), <a href="http://www.confessionsofafabricaddict.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sarah</a>, and <a href="http://fabrictherapy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Teresa</a>...<br />
<br />
Row 4<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cH6_4L_fh78/Tvk2IDN7q1I/AAAAAAAABJw/kZsdDqIB-Wg/s1600/Row+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cH6_4L_fh78/Tvk2IDN7q1I/AAAAAAAABJw/kZsdDqIB-Wg/s640/Row+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://quiltinginoz.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mary</a>, <a href="http://crispyquilts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Crispy</a> (this is the one that sparked the quilt name -- because it made me cry like Charlene Darling on Andy Griffith! :-D), <a href="http://www.funwithbarbandmary.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Barb</a> (the sparrow story is amazing!), and <a href="http://www.roguequilter.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Janet</a>...<br />
<br />
Row 5<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FeaGPsRkcwU/Tvk3xr8KFII/AAAAAAAABJ8/9Auy7FfpEA8/s1600/Row+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="92" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FeaGPsRkcwU/Tvk3xr8KFII/AAAAAAAABJ8/9Auy7FfpEA8/s640/Row+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://randomthoughtsdoordi.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Diane</a> (my Hands 2 Help quilt-for-Romania exchange partner through Sarah's blog), <a href="http://renegadequilter.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ann</a> (1 of 4 blocks!!), and <a href="http://www.luannsloosethreads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">LuAnn</a> (who also checked on me through Jeff's deployment! Thank you!!)...<br />
<br />
Row 6<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oP21dCsgEpg/Tvk69LvjUwI/AAAAAAAABKI/DxmduhpESAY/s1600/Row+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="96" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oP21dCsgEpg/Tvk69LvjUwI/AAAAAAAABKI/DxmduhpESAY/s640/Row+6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.suedaurio.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sue</a> (1 of 2 blocks!), Jacque, Ann, and Stephanie...<br />
<br />
Row 7<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9BPrECqV72A/Tvk7YEBEbRI/AAAAAAAABKU/BHowkk5RkhU/s1600/Row+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="94" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9BPrECqV72A/Tvk7YEBEbRI/AAAAAAAABKU/BHowkk5RkhU/s640/Row+7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Ann, and Sue, and Cindy Lou :-)...<br />
<br />
Row 8<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-743Z61k4Jxw/Tvk8fm6nFKI/AAAAAAAABKg/H5Mjrc3wlMM/s1600/Row+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="94" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-743Z61k4Jxw/Tvk8fm6nFKI/AAAAAAAABKg/H5Mjrc3wlMM/s640/Row+8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.lovelaughquilt.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Beth,</a> <a href="http://hillbillyhandiworks.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Tonya</a>, <a href="http://thewayisewit.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Paulette</a>, and <a href="http://www.theconfusedquilter.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Staci</a> (this is the only one I'm not sure of...and isn't that a hoot, Stace, since your blog is <a href="http://www.theconfusedquilter.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Confused Quilter</a>! :-D)... <em><span style="color: #674ea7;">Correction! :-) The last one on this row is Kate's (Kathleen, below)!! So. is the blue pieced one Staci's!?!? LOL Let me know, if you know!)</span></em><br />
<br />
And Row 9<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GbrB3ni5oc8/Tvk96MJPgwI/AAAAAAAABKs/CqulcN8VoJU/s1600/Row+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="90" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GbrB3ni5oc8/Tvk96MJPgwI/AAAAAAAABKs/CqulcN8VoJU/s640/Row+9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.troublesomecreekquilts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kathy</a>, Ann, <a href="http://www.rooeesconfetti.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Robbie,</a> <a href="http://quiltingprofessor.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kathleen,</a> and <a href="http://www.ksquiltingkorner.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Karen</a>.<br />
<br />
Many of the blocks came from quilters who participated in Sarah's Hands 2 Help challenge. Such generous gals!! Thank you so much! <br />
<br />
I think the quilt top is just stunning!! I have a couple of quilters in mind to complete it, and then it's snuggle time. :-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xnH-LbcfKVw/TvlGnGCa6NI/AAAAAAAABK4/4iDydmsstoE/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xnH-LbcfKVw/TvlGnGCa6NI/AAAAAAAABK4/4iDydmsstoE/s320/034.JPG" width="235" /></a></div>
This is the first of three pieced quilts I'll make in Sam's memory -- I'll be piecing one with his boxers :-D (there are 24 pair of them!! :-D) in the next couple of weeks, and I have a bunch of blue fat quarters that my quilt club gave me to use in another. <br />
<br />
I received a quilt from Mary at <a href="http://www.quilthollow.com/" target="_blank">Quilt Hollow</a>, and it's already a favorite. She won the quilt top, then quilted it and sent it to me to bind. What a blessing!!<br />
<br />
And then I have his t-shirts and other memorabilia to place in quilts for Emily and Will. Sweet!! <br />
<br />
Philippians 1:3-8 expresses some of what I feel for you all. :-) I like the <em>Message </em>translation...<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart. I am so pleased that you have continued on in this with us, believing and proclaiming God's Message, from the day you heard it right up to the present. There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
It's not at all fanciful for me to think this way about you. My prayers and hopes have deep roots in reality. You have, after all, stuck with me all the way from the time I was thrown in jail, put on trial, and came out of it in one piece. All along you have experienced with me the most generous help from God. He knows how much I love and miss you these days. Sometimes I think I feel as strongly about you as Christ does! </blockquote>
<br />
Thank you for being God's grace to me. Thank you for giving from the heart. Thank you for, as was said of Sam, loving "without filters." Thank you for being a part of my finding my quilt joy again! May you be blessed a hundred fold!!<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/286/E53DCDBDD2C6926183F18ED8C0829A26.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></a><br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="0" id="stSegmentFrame" name="stSegmentFrame" scrolling="no" src="http://seg.sharethis.com/getSegment.php?purl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D169013206539244621&jsref=&rnd=1324959732328" style="display: none;" width="0"></iframe>Mary Lou Casadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918932281509702766noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-169013206539244621.post-21823367086794154972011-12-24T22:18:00.002-05:002011-12-25T00:26:37.225-05:00Angels, Blessings and Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zVxqiRMgAPk/TvazrDMdWDI/AAAAAAAABIc/V24ClFJycdI/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zVxqiRMgAPk/TvazrDMdWDI/AAAAAAAABIc/V24ClFJycdI/s400/003.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's hard to believe that another Christmas is here...another year we've been blessed to celebrate the birth of Christ, the gift of Hope to the world, the promise of abundant life to all who receive Him.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I find myself drawn to the story of God made flesh -- even though it is old and familiar, this year it seems amazing to me again in a way I hadn't experienced in a while. Perhaps because I'm remembering the birth of my own children.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We've been singing a song at church this month by Chris Tomlin called <em>Hallowed Manger Ground</em>. The last verse begins, "The Son of God, here born to bleed, a crown of thorns would pierce His brow..." And I wonder that He came at all, knowing all that was in store for Him.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And I'm struck that another son -- my Sam -- was also known by God, and sent by Him, and all that has transpired this year with his homegoing and our loss....none of it was a surprise to God, and He is still working a plan, the fruit of which I have yet to see. Hard to fathom! Hard to understand. Hard to take, sometimes. :-) And yet, as Mary must have understood, we have to trust God.<br />
<br /> </div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I guess I've cried just about every day. But blessings abound. Some new angels on the mantle...<br />
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AWFMsMfnvfA/TvalYia33tI/AAAAAAAABHI/BZPrRPIMaPU/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AWFMsMfnvfA/TvalYia33tI/AAAAAAAABHI/BZPrRPIMaPU/s200/005.JPG" width="155" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sSbgO-1AcRM/TvamzUUuHaI/AAAAAAAABHs/qpf3CCQQTwc/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sSbgO-1AcRM/TvamzUUuHaI/AAAAAAAABHs/qpf3CCQQTwc/s200/006.JPG" width="150" /></a>"Remember" from a friend at church. So appropriate, so perfect. Just to the left of Remember is the "Angel of Summer" that Mary at <a href="http://www.quilthollow.com/" target="_blank">Quilt Hollow</a> sent me last Christmas because Jeff was deployed and she knew there'd not be much under the tree for me. :-) What good friends!!<br />
<br />
Another dear friend gave me "Heart of Gold," also a Willow Tree figurine... just the perfect representation of our Sam.</div>
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JneP06hQcyI/TvapvG06G6I/AAAAAAAABH4/DDqF5UOTXag/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JneP06hQcyI/TvapvG06G6I/AAAAAAAABH4/DDqF5UOTXag/s200/009.JPG" width="200" /></a> Sam's Boot Camp friends gave us ornaments from a race he ran last winter called the "Jingle Bell Run." :-D Last year's race photo becomes the current year's trophy ornament...and the Boot Campers checked out the engraving, contacted the company and added Sam's name to it for them and for us to have as keepsakes. Awesome! :-)<br />
<br />
Sam is number 110--'bout fourth in the start, and he looks cold, but not as cold as those guys without shirts! LOL<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5u8zrJxL9Ug/TvaqpoTONII/AAAAAAAABIQ/iH1n-c_S-Do/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5u8zrJxL9Ug/TvaqpoTONII/AAAAAAAABIQ/iH1n-c_S-Do/s640/011.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
So many changes this year. I look back over all that I've written here in the last several months...It feels like eons ago. It feels like yesterday!! I'm in awe at what God has done and is doing. <br />
<br />
<div class="heading passage-class-0">
<h3>
Ephesians 3:14-21 (The Message)</h3>
</div>
<div class="result-text-style-normal ">
<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-MSG-12434">14-19</sup>My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength—that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you'll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-MSG-12435">20-21</sup>God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. <br /><br /> Glory to God in the church! <br /> Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus! <br /> Glory down all the generations! <br /> Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes! </div>
<br />
<br />
Just like the angels sang to the shepherds on that first Christmas morn!<br />
"Glory to God in the Highest!"<br />
<br />
May every blessing of Christmas be yours today and in the New Year!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/286/E53DCDBDD2C6926183F18ED8C0829A26.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></a><br />
<br />Mary Lou Casadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918932281509702766noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-169013206539244621.post-81025224599258711772011-12-07T08:47:00.001-05:002011-12-07T10:25:38.556-05:00TimingWe had a very large package arrive on our doorstep a few days ago. One I'm not too excited about...<br />
<br />
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eemxgCvlfdY/Tt9u9I2S1AI/AAAAAAAABFY/iOxTkGzidBk/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eemxgCvlfdY/Tt9u9I2S1AI/AAAAAAAABFY/iOxTkGzidBk/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The freight guy wasn't thrilled either. This thing was over 300 pounds!! So it wasn't going any further than the front porch 'til Jeff got home! After a brief chat about politics (he was a conservative like me, so we were able to groan about the state of the union together! LOL), Delivery Guy skedaddled and left me with this monstrosity.<br />
<br />
Jeff has high hopes for it.<br />
He spent the better part of the evening assembling it...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8f4R2hhpZ4o/Tt9v2pLDpJI/AAAAAAAABFg/B2LJ8Ss_pn8/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8f4R2hhpZ4o/Tt9v2pLDpJI/AAAAAAAABFg/B2LJ8Ss_pn8/s320/011.JPG" width="240" /></a>I'm still not impressed.</div>
It's in the basement. How can I convert the basement into a Quilt Cave (like Teresa's over at <a href="http://fabrictherapy.blogspot.com/2010/11/continued-tour-of-quilt-cave.html" target="_blank">Fabric Therapy)</a> with this THING in the way!?!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ITFVbp-xPOE/Tt9xt_5nibI/AAAAAAAABFo/CV5WEJ9jD4M/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ITFVbp-xPOE/Tt9xt_5nibI/AAAAAAAABFo/CV5WEJ9jD4M/s200/014.JPG" width="113" /></a>He expects I'll use it. Maybe. If I can figure out how to unfold it!! Goans!!<br />
This is normal me (see, I don't have on my Mary Kay face yet! And don't mind the facial hair! LOL).<br />
<br /><br />
This is me contemplating the use of a treadmill.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--5sYVsbvOLo/Tt9x-Hw9TaI/AAAAAAAABFw/5utQUTcTisc/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--5sYVsbvOLo/Tt9x-Hw9TaI/AAAAAAAABFw/5utQUTcTisc/s200/013.JPG" width="138" /></a><br />
Definite groans!!<br />
<br />
I seriously don't know why Santa has covered his face. Maybe because he doesn't have one!! I don't really like embroidery, so this is one block of a wall hanging I may never get done! It's a beautiful pattern, but I'd rather applique than embroider.<br />
<br />
I probably <em>will</em> use the treadmill, eventually. But not right now!! I have mysteries to solve!!<br />
<br />
I've been working on Orca Bay, Bonnie Hunter's latest mystery quilt.<br />
<br />
Amidst the chaos of my sewing room is this pile of my progress...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--E-yRRYogK4/Tt9zV1IBBfI/AAAAAAAABF4/Sl9m5Ko1q1c/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--E-yRRYogK4/Tt9zV1IBBfI/AAAAAAAABF4/Sl9m5Ko1q1c/s400/007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I've almost finished the blue strings, and I'm still working on black/neutral quarter and half-square triangles. <br />
<br />
In the meantime, I've also got Farmer's Wife blocks to finish (my class is finishing up the last of the 111 blocks this month!), a memory quilt to finish for a client in time for Christmas (oh the pressure!), a Mary Kay open house and several parties to complete...<br />
<br />
And all I wanna do is play in this....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QIN4Ui451dg/Tt90ItZW21I/AAAAAAAABGA/0wnQ0z2ti2c/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QIN4Ui451dg/Tt90ItZW21I/AAAAAAAABGA/0wnQ0z2ti2c/s320/009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Not a real snow yet.<br />
But it could be.<br />
It will be.<br />
Soon, I hope!! :-)<br />
<br />
Timing is everything. A white Christmas in Kentucky!? Maybe.<br />
<br />
God knows all about timing. In the book of Galatians, the apostle Paul talks about the coming of Jesus.<br />
<br />
"But when the time had fully come," Galatians 4:4 tells us, "God sent his Son..."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ORJN25XclTo/Tt99vcuW4yI/AAAAAAAABGI/Nrc9Og33Sy8/s1600/Emily+and+Will+in+the+snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ORJN25XclTo/Tt99vcuW4yI/AAAAAAAABGI/Nrc9Og33Sy8/s320/Emily+and+Will+in+the+snow.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HFcI0LNYTng/Tt99zEfDoUI/AAAAAAAABGQ/AsGkmVkXn9A/s1600/Sam+in+the+snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HFcI0LNYTng/Tt99zEfDoUI/AAAAAAAABGQ/AsGkmVkXn9A/s320/Sam+in+the+snow.jpg" width="320" /></a>I've no doubt the snows will come to Kentucky. They've been here before, and I've relished their beauty and the joy they've brought.<br />
<br />
Just like God's grace. I've seen it and felt it, experienced it daily. His timing is always perfect!<br />
<br />
And when the snows come, I just might give that old treadmill a try!<br />
<br />
Blessings!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/286/E53DCDBDD2C6926183F18ED8C0829A26.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></a></div>Mary Lou Casadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918932281509702766noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-169013206539244621.post-20569756875761363752011-11-24T00:03:00.001-05:002011-11-24T01:14:33.649-05:00Never Alone<div>
I'm finding it hard this just-turned Thanksgiving morning to find words...<br />
<br />This is our first without Sam, and it surely feels like something vital is missing...laughter, noise, and that greatest of all holiday accessories, the teenage-boy-eating-machine!! :-) I've dreaded the holidays this year, knowing these "firsts" will be difficult. Funny...we anticipate with such impatience the firsts of life's beginning. First teeth, first steps, first words. Not so much those firsts of life's end.<br />
<br />
I spent some time earlier this evening looking at photos from last Thanksgiving...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KFVkSORvaoI/Ts3S2MWA_lI/AAAAAAAABFA/VeVTTEp9OtA/s1600/Sam+and+the+boys+in+MS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KFVkSORvaoI/Ts3S2MWA_lI/AAAAAAAABFA/VeVTTEp9OtA/s320/Sam+and+the+boys+in+MS.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rlrTkYyQV8g/Ts3TKxgMgeI/AAAAAAAABFI/8xRAZoV9eSY/s1600/Masks+with+Luke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rlrTkYyQV8g/Ts3TKxgMgeI/AAAAAAAABFI/8xRAZoV9eSY/s320/Masks+with+Luke.jpg" width="192" /></a>We traveled to Mississippi with "adopted" family -- ties forged between children and mothers who share adventures and hobbies, and time and treasures. What a blessed, sweet time we had together! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And I find myself thankful for friends and family and times that can never be recaptured but can always be remembered. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And thankful for here and now...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g7xyxa-NZJM/Ts3b7V3XtpI/AAAAAAAABFQ/TvK8HqME0Yc/s1600/Emily+and+Will.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g7xyxa-NZJM/Ts3b7V3XtpI/AAAAAAAABFQ/TvK8HqME0Yc/s400/Emily+and+Will.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And all that is to come.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As I shed a few tears tonight, a Word came to me from Joshua...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The book of Joshua in the Old Testament begins, "After the death of Moses..." and God gives a charge to Joshua as he is to be the leader of Israel. "Be strong and courageous" God tells him, three different times!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The final time He says, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1: 9 NIV)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Perhaps I can find words, after all.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thank You, Lord, for so many blessings. Beautiful children that You entrused to me and Jeff, one who has already accomplished all You purposed for him and who is with You now!, a wonderful home, memories that are not only precious to this momma's heart, but include testimony of Your goodness and mercy and what You can do with a life given to You.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And thank You for Your Presence and Your promises to never leave nor forsake. How well I know You keep Your word!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
May God richly bless YOU this Thanksgiving!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Blessings,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/286/E53DCDBDD2C6926183F18ED8C0829A26.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></a></div>Mary Lou Casadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918932281509702766noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-169013206539244621.post-24736843086110973182011-11-13T18:57:00.001-05:002011-11-13T22:11:24.068-05:00FollowingI have always enjoyed <a href="http://quiltville.blogspot.com/">Bonnie Hunter's</a> pics. You know the ones...taken from her car as she travels along. Sunrises, sunsets, trees, highways, byways... It's a fascinating look at her perspective in life, a snapshot of adventures we are all taking with her as we quilt!! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FLjE_o6x1vg/TsBboKTNEqI/AAAAAAAABD4/zzunePA3hTU/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FLjE_o6x1vg/TsBboKTNEqI/AAAAAAAABD4/zzunePA3hTU/s320/021.JPG" width="320" /></a>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!<br />
<br />
Let me get a little closer so you can see...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iTJ1umOqt4I/TsBbrBfWr3I/AAAAAAAABEA/_2iy9Jv-fco/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="516" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iTJ1umOqt4I/TsBbrBfWr3I/AAAAAAAABEA/_2iy9Jv-fco/s640/026.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Uh-huh.<br />
Bonnie gets vistas; I get...<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vHGVq9Fe7ac/TsBxL1nS3PI/AAAAAAAABEQ/Jdbs3YYPNN8/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vHGVq9Fe7ac/TsBxL1nS3PI/AAAAAAAABEQ/Jdbs3YYPNN8/s200/032.JPG" width="200" /></a>Well! LOL<br />
<br />
That 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!!)!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Pk-mYe1IUU/TsBxGwwg12I/AAAAAAAABEI/OMwbx0bwyF0/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Pk-mYe1IUU/TsBxGwwg12I/AAAAAAAABEI/OMwbx0bwyF0/s320/031.JPG" width="297" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yT-9KccrfiY/TsByTyvmzqI/AAAAAAAABEY/YjUu1k-vF2o/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yT-9KccrfiY/TsByTyvmzqI/AAAAAAAABEY/YjUu1k-vF2o/s320/041.JPG" width="296" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I also pieced blocks for the Shiners View quilt that I found through Sarah's <a href="http://www.confessionsofafabricaddict.blogspot.com/">Confessions of a Fabric Addict</a> blog. I love how the big prints play in this design!!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XKms3zmFX8g/TsBy6j567KI/AAAAAAAABEg/iybi9TxEuHo/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XKms3zmFX8g/TsBy6j567KI/AAAAAAAABEg/iybi9TxEuHo/s320/045.JPG" width="167" /></a>I "leader-ed and ender-ed" 1 1/2" squares for my Crabapples (one of Bonnie Hunter's <br />
:-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!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tBhAZ6ai4ls/TsCGAS4Tg8I/AAAAAAAABEw/5N5VeFJwi6U/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tBhAZ6ai4ls/TsCGAS4Tg8I/AAAAAAAABEw/5N5VeFJwi6U/s200/047.JPG" width="200" /></a>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!<br />
<br />
And following a donkey all the way home was a reminder....<br />
<br />
I need to be sure I'm following the right people!!<br />
I don't mean the rich or famous, or government leaders, or ambitious or even influential people, or even people exactly like me...<br />
<br />
But people who are positive. People I want to emulate because they are excellent quilters, excellent designers, excellent people. People who have HEART!!<br />
<br />
<span class="woj">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. <span class="woj">I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand" (John 10:27-28 NIV). </span></span><br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
Blessings!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/286/E53DCDBDD2C6926183F18ED8C0829A26.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></a><br />Mary Lou Casadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918932281509702766noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-169013206539244621.post-76512671511859360972011-10-25T06:13:00.001-04:002011-10-25T06:19:03.995-04:00Faith<div>
It's 4:30 am and I should be sleeping!<br />
I <em>want (!)</em> to be sleeping! but allergies (runny nose) and a million things circling in my head have me awake, so it's better to just get on up and do something productive until I feel sleepy again.<br />
<br />
Do you ever have those kind of nights?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bGelgQlQzJI/TqZ12jRw1vI/AAAAAAAABDE/FbVhAGLTWdQ/s1600/Friendly+Winds+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bGelgQlQzJI/TqZ12jRw1vI/AAAAAAAABDE/FbVhAGLTWdQ/s200/Friendly+Winds+photo.jpg" width="199" /></a>One part of my brain is wondering if I got everything to Konda that she needed...<br />
She's hosting the Fat Quarter Stars Quilt-Along at <a href="http://www.moosequilts.blogspot.com/">Moose on the Porch</a> and I designed a block that goes on today. It's called Friendly Winds. It's over there, so that must have worked out OK!<br />
<br />
Another part of my brain is wondering about the Cathedral Stars blocks I made.<br />
<br />
I started this quilt back in March when Bonnie Hunter was gonna be at Pigeon Forge. Jeff came home from Afghanistan (he's always disrupting my quilting plans! LOL), so I didn't get to go to Bonnie's class. I'd mocked up the quilt in EQ in different colorways than Bonnie's:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6DpSqlvHcak/TqZ3bvqiffI/AAAAAAAABDM/sya2hh0t_xk/s1600/Cathedral+Stars+in+green.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6DpSqlvHcak/TqZ3bvqiffI/AAAAAAAABDM/sya2hh0t_xk/s200/Cathedral+Stars+in+green.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yLTVKAsHpwU/TqZ8ZZif53I/AAAAAAAABDU/EfbZcjYG36A/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yLTVKAsHpwU/TqZ8ZZif53I/AAAAAAAABDU/EfbZcjYG36A/s320/013.JPG" width="313" /></a>It looks good on paper, but I'm not so sure about it on the design wall.<br />
<br />
I'm up anyway, might as well try something else.<br />
<br />
So I've made a block with yellow star points and one with blue -- closer to Bonnie's original:<br />
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aqo-UXTrfgg/TqZ87s2l8rI/AAAAAAAABDc/mgkyvCVap7E/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aqo-UXTrfgg/TqZ87s2l8rI/AAAAAAAABDc/mgkyvCVap7E/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I'm liking the blue the best.<br />
<br />
Isn't it funny how things always look better on paper than they do in real life?<br />
<br />
A budget.<br />
A schedule.<br />
A plan.<br />
<br />
If there is anything I've learned this year it's that things don't always work out as we plan. We'd planned Sam's senior year and college visits. Things we wanted to get accomplished before the winter set in. I have no less than a dozen quilts I wanted to finish by year's end. Not much of what we planned is gonna come about. I wonder how this difficult year will end.<br />
<br />
At our church over the last several weeks, we've been hearing a series of messages called "Champions" on Faith from Hebrews 11. (You can check them out <a href="http://hawkcreekchurch.com/?page_id=283">here</a>.) Hebrews 11:1 tell us "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Faith is resting in all Christ is and all Christ has done. Faith is having confidence in what God has said. Faith cultivates a life that is in agreement with God. Faith lives in light of future anticipation....<br />
<br />
That the best is yet to come.<br />
That the present reality is not an indication of the future and what it holds for we who believe!!<br />
<br />
One of my favorite movies is <em>The Shawshank Redemption</em>. Andy Dufresne, played by Tim Robbins, tell his friend, "Remember Red, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7-l_lUJGmF4/TqaLcieUfoI/AAAAAAAABDs/gz730OEBsXs/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7-l_lUJGmF4/TqaLcieUfoI/AAAAAAAABDs/gz730OEBsXs/s200/010.JPG" width="200" /></a><span class="linksoda"></span>At the end of the movie, Red, played by Morgan Freeman, says, "I find I'm so excited, I can barely sit still or hold a thought in my head. I think it's the excitement only a free man can feel, a free man at the start of a long journey whose conclusion is uncertain. I hope I can make it across the border. I hope to see my friend and shake his hand. I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope."<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #136cb2; font-size: xx-small;"></span></div>
<div>
Proverbs -- always full of practical wisdom! -- tells us "There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD." (Proverbs 21:30) There is so much to hope for, so much to believe!<br />
<br />
I hope my quilt turns out as pretty as Bonnie's.<br />
I hope I can get everything done today that needs to be done.<br />
I hope I can go back to sleep!<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/331/BCF41B526DF4FB45270774B0A299136E.png" /></div>Mary Lou Casadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918932281509702766noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-169013206539244621.post-68687252591685739882011-10-10T13:43:00.000-04:002011-10-10T14:51:07.108-04:00Junk in the Trunk<div>
We were driving through Lexington the other day and I saw an amazing and comical sight. Now, understand that I'm a little old-fashioned, and my daughter is quick to inform me that <em>fashionista! </em>I am not!! LOL <br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uIk6dAxOhqc/TpMcLSMqC5I/AAAAAAAABCs/0OJBaoqvLOo/s1600/saggy+pants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uIk6dAxOhqc/TpMcLSMqC5I/AAAAAAAABCs/0OJBaoqvLOo/s200/saggy+pants.jpg" width="200" /></a>A young man was standing alongside the road, with pants slung so low they were about to fall off...hanging only by a, well... small protrusion up front!!<br />
<br />
All I could think was, "That poor kid has no butt!!"<br />
<br />
Granted, you'd think I'd have more to dwell on these days, what with school and quilts and working out and my Mary Kay business and what not...But today, as we are doing reverse curls in aerobics...<br />
<br />
(And just by the way, WHO decided that lifting your rump off the floor was a good way to build abdominal muscles!?! Don't they know it's made for sitting on!? Don't they know the force of gravity is stronger than our ability to rock the thing all the way off the floor multiple times when lying on our back!?!)<br />
<br />
And I'm thinking, "At least I've got some butt to lift!"<br />
You know that there are foundation garments out there (remember I was shopping for foundation garments a couple of weeks ago!) that actually build up a woman's posterier end?<br />
<br />
But I've never, no never! seen such a product for a man.<br />
Shouldn't he have a little something back there as well!?! I mean, seriously! Wasn't Glutimus Maximus the name of Russell Crowe's character in <em>The Gladiator</em>!!?!! He doesn't need a thing to improve the view!<br />
<br />
I can remember some of the older generation talking about "Coal Miner Pants." When I inquired, I learned it meant he had "slack" in his drawers. No rear. No caboose. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fpD6mIjP_0M/TpMnAv2gnaI/AAAAAAAABCw/eLIXShAjMLI/s1600/Butt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fpD6mIjP_0M/TpMnAv2gnaI/AAAAAAAABCw/eLIXShAjMLI/s1600/Butt.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Back in the olden days, when I was about 19 years old, I got down to 125 lbs -- skin and bone for this 5'6" girl. My collar bones stuck out weirdly, my arms looked all twiggy, and I can remember my momma telling me I was too skinny and had no butt. I soon got over the boy who made me sad and I retrieved my backside glory!!<br />
<br />
My family has always been blessed with full posterior ends. Male and female -- no flat rears, no saggy britches, no pockets without something to fill them. They've always told me I look good from the backside...but that might mean I look better going than coming. Hmmmmm....<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lw8IKFQGaAY/TpMsx_e619I/AAAAAAAABC0/uQbVs4Mt-jU/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lw8IKFQGaAY/TpMsx_e619I/AAAAAAAABC0/uQbVs4Mt-jU/s400/010.JPG" width="300" /></a>I'm pretty sure God has no preference for flat or rounds ones, since He made them all. Proof positive, however, that He has a sense of humor, with all the variety in shapes and sizes. I'm pretty sure, though, He wouldn't mind if the saggy britches were pulled up a bit. I don't need to see the hook those pants are hanging on. Just sayin'....<br />
<br />
And He would have this to say, from Isaiah 52:12 (NIV):<br />
"But you will not leave in haste <br />
or go in flight; <br />
for the LORD will go before you, <br />
the God of Israel will be your rear guard."<br />
<br />:-D<br />
Think I better get off my rear and get some work done. Or maybe get ON my rear and get some quilting done. That sampler isn't gonna quilt itself, now is it!?<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/286/E53DCDBDD2C6926183F18ED8C0829A26.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></a></div>
Mary Lou Casadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918932281509702766noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-169013206539244621.post-42107795147114433282011-09-29T12:13:00.000-04:002011-09-29T14:55:33.028-04:00Amazing LiftAfter my makeover photos, I've been on a mission to keep up my appearance, even shopping for (gasp!) clothes instead of fabric!!!! Who knew!?! LOL I've not been much of a "high maintenance" woman, to be sure.<br />
<br />
I told Jeff that for some 15 years as a stay-at-home/homeschooling mom, I haven't spent money on clothes, make-up, or jewelry, but that's all about to change!! He took the news like a man. Busted out in a big cry and begged me to be just as plain-jane as I've always been!! LOL Nah...I think he's down with my new bad self. :-D<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IwcicecXfAM/ToR_t3jjF1I/AAAAAAAABCE/f340tAMK850/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IwcicecXfAM/ToR_t3jjF1I/AAAAAAAABCE/f340tAMK850/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a>So, shopping!! And since I wanna look good, I figured some new, um..."foundation garments" were in order. :-D Wanna see!?! NO...I'm not gonna show you my big-girl panties!! LOL<br />
<br />
I admit, however, to being intrigued with the phrases the brands are using to tout their wares...<br />
<br />
"Amazing Lift!"<br />
<br />
Who couldn't use some amazing lift!!?<br />
Got me thinking about what "lifts" me....<br />
<br />
A couple of Sundays ago, my friend Lynette gave me a "Sunshine Bag." A bright green tote filled with lots of little packages, with notes attached to each one. What the...!? Her card said, "Your 'sunshine bag' is filled with just 'stuff' that will hopefully bring a smile and encourage."<br />
<br />
Check this out!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-58U_0U1M260/ToSFkyWSRhI/AAAAAAAABCU/OSm-yq1w7CI/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-58U_0U1M260/ToSFkyWSRhI/AAAAAAAABCU/OSm-yq1w7CI/s200/002.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mOlw4T0wajI/ToSDshLoHTI/AAAAAAAABCM/0qh9FcfwHhE/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mOlw4T0wajI/ToSDshLoHTI/AAAAAAAABCM/0qh9FcfwHhE/s200/003.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1SuMbp6d9L4/ToSBFTDaLnI/AAAAAAAABCI/i8op5xqSdUA/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1SuMbp6d9L4/ToSBFTDaLnI/AAAAAAAABCI/i8op5xqSdUA/s200/004.JPG" width="200" /></a>There are about 25 different little gifts. The greedy girl in me wanted to snap them all up and unwrap them at the same time. But I've tempered my impulses and I only open them when I'm feeling particularly blue or discouraged. I've opened four little packages so far. Amazing lift!!</div>
<br />
<br />
What else lifts me?<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v9g9Gg3IL9Q/ToSEJHRqXAI/AAAAAAAABCQ/4zJRoHaF6P8/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v9g9Gg3IL9Q/ToSEJHRqXAI/AAAAAAAABCQ/4zJRoHaF6P8/s200/005.JPG" width="200" /></a>Words with friends, definitely. Not the game (although I love it!! lol!), but words with/from/to friends. I love each and every kind word I receive, either in person or in writing. I've been wickedly remiss in replying to so many sweet responses here on the blog!! Each one is precious to me -- healing and solace to my spirit! My lack of response is a perfectionist impulse....I wanna say the right thing back, and can't find the time to formulate the words like I want to...I should be just as lifting to you as you are to me, doncha think?!<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
Beauty! is another thing...<br />
Quilts, of course...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0051RXBO-E/ToSKW1ZKZPI/AAAAAAAABCc/B7QHvHYdVco/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0051RXBO-E/ToSKW1ZKZPI/AAAAAAAABCc/B7QHvHYdVco/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s9KBJyKwM1I/ToSNbLIaiXI/AAAAAAAABCg/OQirjZOQnNA/s1600/Log+Cabin+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s9KBJyKwM1I/ToSNbLIaiXI/AAAAAAAABCg/OQirjZOQnNA/s320/Log+Cabin+019.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The red and green I was fortunate enough to photograph at a museum display <em>before </em>being told that photographs weren't allowed. (There weren't any signs! hehehe) The log cabin is my own, and the quilting still takes my breath!! Done by Mary at <a href="http://www.quilthollow.com/">Quilt Hollow</a>, there's not another quilt in my house that rivals its beauty. I fondle it frequently! LOL<br />
<br />
Humor -- always a lifter!! My friend Rebecca tagged me in this one on facebook...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R01jUDALgWc/ToSPLrGW2TI/AAAAAAAABCk/CSpCZWIDYjg/s1600/How+to+weigh+yourself.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R01jUDALgWc/ToSPLrGW2TI/AAAAAAAABCk/CSpCZWIDYjg/s320/How+to+weigh+yourself.jpg" width="251" /></a></div>
<br />
And of course, family.<br />
We snapped this photo on Skype while Jeff was in Afghanistan...<br />
The fuzzy blue robe on the left?? That's me....<br />
Yet another reason for new "foundation garments!" LOL<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fV05k451XOU/ToSPa0dh9AI/AAAAAAAABCo/OZLFs00oD3k/s1600/Skype+with+the+kids+minus+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fV05k451XOU/ToSPa0dh9AI/AAAAAAAABCo/OZLFs00oD3k/s320/Skype+with+the+kids+minus+me.jpg" width="263" /></a><br /><br />
Paul wrote to the Philippians a verse you've heard me quote before....<br />
<br />
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praise-worthy -- think about such things." (Philippians 4:8)<br />
<br />All around us are things that God has provided for "amazing lift!" What is lifting you today!?<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/286/E53DCDBDD2C6926183F18ED8C0829A26.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></a></div>
Mary Lou Casadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918932281509702766noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-169013206539244621.post-55540508477582637152011-09-25T22:24:00.000-04:002011-09-25T22:27:03.921-04:00Half my life...<div>
Is it me, or is time passing very, very quickly from summer to fall, from year to year...so fast!!<br />
<br />
It was a year ago that I posted this beauty:<br />
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ZTZ_1__NZc/Tn_Oq9q21LI/AAAAAAAABBs/hHO9ZqQ4T04/s1600/Wedding+Reception+09-87+full+frontal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ZTZ_1__NZc/Tn_Oq9q21LI/AAAAAAAABBs/hHO9ZqQ4T04/s320/Wedding+Reception+09-87+full+frontal.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
Just a measly 24 years since Jeff and I tied the knot :-D, and three children, and some 20 lbs per child have passed. The loss of my parents and my son, a house built, three deployments, countless weekend National Guard drills, one kid off to college, and all three off to camp several times. 5K's, Boy Scouts, music lessons, mission trips, makeovers, sports events, chickens, bees, and quilts...<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GPN5Zmb_Jh8/Tn_QMhF7VrI/AAAAAAAABBw/g7VH5xDjwkE/s1600/Sam0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GPN5Zmb_Jh8/Tn_QMhF7VrI/AAAAAAAABBw/g7VH5xDjwkE/s400/Sam0003.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Happy Anniversary, Jeff!!<br />
<br />
We celebrated tonight at Outback Steakhouse (hey, it's rural KY...that's as good as it gets! LOL), meeting there after Jeff's military duty and my taking Emily back to campus. Every year I ask him, "Any regrets?!" He's gracious enough always to say "I don't reckon." :-D<br />
<br />
It dawned on me tonight as I drove home that I've now been married for half my life!! Is that scary or what!?<br />
<br />
I wonder what I've been doing with the other half of my life!? LOL<br />
<br />
Looking back at photos over the past few years...we're not much of a picture-taking family...<br />
<br />
We managed to record a few memorable moments.<br />
<br />
A trip to Monticello in 2007...<br />
Lots of homeschooling memories....<br />
Memories of camp...<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R9l9zmP2p1Y/Tn_YnPtCEFI/AAAAAAAABB0/eiHPCEqj_qI/s1600/Vacation+2007+110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R9l9zmP2p1Y/Tn_YnPtCEFI/AAAAAAAABB0/eiHPCEqj_qI/s320/Vacation+2007+110.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wDveYqz7hJ4/Tn_ZfvQCd4I/AAAAAAAABB4/5wU6vSGs5_k/s1600/boys+in+school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wDveYqz7hJ4/Tn_ZfvQCd4I/AAAAAAAABB4/5wU6vSGs5_k/s320/boys+in+school.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MdSv1nFAgeY/Tn_Z03b6WDI/AAAAAAAABB8/eKetPlTW_7g/s1600/Emiliy+with+puppet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MdSv1nFAgeY/Tn_Z03b6WDI/AAAAAAAABB8/eKetPlTW_7g/s320/Emiliy+with+puppet.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OHnsdqBm4jU/Tn_bvvvCc5I/AAAAAAAABCA/tvZUcBlZJGs/s1600/Blog+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OHnsdqBm4jU/Tn_bvvvCc5I/AAAAAAAABCA/tvZUcBlZJGs/s320/Blog+008.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Lots and lots of fabric and quilts....<br />
And lots and lots of new friends.<br />
<br />
I'm thankful for all that these 24 years have brought (and the 24 years before that, too! :-D)<br />
<br />
The Psalmist wrote, "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12 NIV).<br />
<br />
David is a little more direct in Psalm 39 (NLT):<br />
<br />
“L<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">ord</span>, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.” (v. 4-5)<br />
<br />
Much has happened in twenty-four years, in forty-eight years!...and time passes very, very quickly!! So many memories still to make! So many more people to know and love. So many quilts, so little time!!<br />
<br />
I best get busy!!<br />
<br />
Blessings,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img height="38" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/286/E53DCDBDD2C6926183F18ED8C0829A26.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" width="200" /></a></div>
Mary Lou Casadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918932281509702766noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-169013206539244621.post-62383748163421415262011-09-19T22:53:00.000-04:002011-09-19T22:57:32.727-04:00Irene-isms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had the great pleasure of hosting several of my girlfriends for a while on Sunday afternoon for a session of laughter, man-bashing (LOL), strategizing, reminiscing, and just plain girl time that always does something wonderful for the soul!! Do you know about those kinds of girl afternoons!? Women at their best....I LOVE it!!</div>
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Quj5aWJhDWA/Tne3S6lJQlI/AAAAAAAABBY/dSbOSm0gHzw/s1600/scan0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Quj5aWJhDWA/Tne3S6lJQlI/AAAAAAAABBY/dSbOSm0gHzw/s320/scan0004.jpg" width="210" /></a>Whenever such afternoons occur, it is inevitable that I quote my mother. Her birthday is next week, and she would have been 79 years old.<br />
<br />
Zouri Irene Boone Burke was a phenomenally independent spirited lady who was so very wise and witty. At first meeting, she was shy and carefully observant of you, although she was good to offer sparkling eyes and a genuine smile. But when you got to know her, she was practical, extremely funny, and had a way of "cutting to the chase" that all who knew her enjoyed.<br />
<br />
(Doncha just love her glam photo, probably taken in 1949 or 1950?)<br />
<br />
I don't know the origin of some her sayings, but see if you can appreciate the wisdom (and humor!) in them!!<br />
<br />
1."Every tub has to sit on its own bottom."<br />
Is that true or what!?! Even when I'm teaching quilting classes, I'm reminded that I am not responsible for other people's choices, and they are not responsible for mine. You wanna use that color!? I probably wouldn't, but it's your quilt. Do what you want! :-)<br />
<br />
2. "[They] let their skimmer leak." Huh!? :-D<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WomsBr9w2sA/Tnf1I43q5nI/AAAAAAAABBc/-BEzxOhYWS8/s1600/scan0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WomsBr9w2sA/Tnf1I43q5nI/AAAAAAAABBc/-BEzxOhYWS8/s400/scan0005.jpg" width="325" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom's and Dad's wedding day, 1952</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This refers to missed opportunities. She was especially fond of saying this to me and my sister in reference to all the boys who wouldn't date us in high school and now wish they had!! :-D I use it when I realize I <em>should </em>have bought 8 yards of that fabric because it would have been the perfect backing for my quilt. :-)<br />
<br />
3. "If cows pooped butter, we wouldn't have to churn!" And yes, she actually said "pooped." <br />
:-D No "blackguarding" from my mother! :-) Mom believed hard work would solve most problems in life and anything worth having you'll probably have to work hard for. The equivalent would be "no free lunch!" In this age of entitlement, a reminder that cows <em>don't </em>poop butter might be important to teach, huh?<br />
<br />
4. "The more you stir manure, the more it stinks." Mom used this one mostly in reference to running down gossip and trying to determine who did what to whom when... Nonsense!! Don't sweat the small stuff. The more it's gossiped about or fretted over or messed in, the uglier it's gonna get. Better to let it go!<br />
<br />
5. "Some people wouldn't be happy if you pooped in their plate." LOL We're country and grew up on a farm; poop figures prominently in our reality and our vernacular!! :-D Mom wasn't especially sarcastic, but this one is a classic!! The wisdom? Some people you can never make happy!<br />
<br />
There's many, many more of these "Irene-isms." :-) As you might imagine, I'm keeping a list of them to include in her memory quilt. <br />
<br />
I've shared her one intricately pieced quilt before....<br />
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0w0qSoZLFDE/Tnf4fwoXYcI/AAAAAAAABBg/ur19zjkvWFo/s1600/Mom%2527s+Iowa+Star+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0w0qSoZLFDE/Tnf4fwoXYcI/AAAAAAAABBg/ur19zjkvWFo/s400/Mom%2527s+Iowa+Star+detail.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The little red triangles are no more than an inch at their widest point. After this scrappy beauty, she decided it was crazy to cut big pieces of fabric into smaller ones and sew them back together. LOL <br />
<br />
She loved my quilts, but it was "dreamin' of the 'tater hole" to think she'd make another one with little pieces! :-D<br />
<br />
"A wife of noble character who can find?" the author of the Proverb wrote. <br />
<br />
"She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue...Her children arise and call her blessed." Proverbs 31:26, 28<br />
<br />
I was very blessed to have such a mother. I'm doing everything I can to make sure my children can say the same!!<br />
<br />
Do you have any wise sayings from your family to share?<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/286/E53DCDBDD2C6926183F18ED8C0829A26.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">In Memory of Irene Burke</span></em></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">September 26, 1932 - May 10, 2007</span></em></strong></div>
Mary Lou Casadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918932281509702766noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-169013206539244621.post-42076731399926644692011-09-11T00:47:00.001-04:002011-09-11T14:03:45.846-04:00Seeing Things Differently<div>
I spent the weekend working on my Farmer's Wife blocks and watching 9/11 remembered on all the major news networks. I admit to being somewhat flip about this ten-year anniversary. The sites in New York City, Pennsylvania and the Pentagon seem very, very far removed from my little corner of the world in southeastern Kentucky. Even Jeff's two tours in Afghanistan seem somehow unrelated, although both were part of the operations that grew out of those terrorist acts on American soil. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OCwpF5VmR9k/TmwP0htQPMI/AAAAAAAABBI/FexJXXawnyE/s1600/9-11+tower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OCwpF5VmR9k/TmwP0htQPMI/AAAAAAAABBI/FexJXXawnyE/s320/9-11+tower.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I recently met someone who worked in the South Tower in 2001. I don't know him well enough to have heard much of his story, but knowing someone who survived the devastation makes 9/11 more personal, more real. It is one thing to remember where you were while watching the footage on television; it's quite another to think about someone you know at Ground Zero.<br />
<br />
What if...?<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CYpzTUxMxqY/TmvSh1EV2lI/AAAAAAAABBE/SurDRg_ryk0/s1600/911+memorial.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CYpzTUxMxqY/TmvSh1EV2lI/AAAAAAAABBE/SurDRg_ryk0/s200/911+memorial.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
As I listened again to the stories of last words, of heroic acts, of courage and compassion, I was struck again by how we impact other people.<br />
<br />
When we laid Sam to rest, we're told that over 1,500 people came to pay their last respects, many with stories of how this young homeschooled boy had impacted their lives. <br />
<br />
And ten years after 9/11, the stories of the fallen and those who survived still have meaning, still have power.<br />
<br />
In Scripture, stones of remembrance were laid for major events in Israel's history. As they crossed the Jordan river, Joshua instructed them, "In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them... These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever." He explains the reason behind remembering: "...so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the LORD is powerful and so that you might always fear the LORD your God." (Joshua 4:6-7, 24 NIV)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1KNNBTms1Lk/Tmw0yN5oecI/AAAAAAAABBM/32-KGL38jVY/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1KNNBTms1Lk/Tmw0yN5oecI/AAAAAAAABBM/32-KGL38jVY/s400/005.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I sew my Farmer's Wife blocks together and realize that quilters are all about remembering. Whether it's the memorial quilts that I've sewn for other people, or the ones I plan for Sam, or remaking the patterns made by quilters long ago...As quilters, we remember and pay homage to those who have gone before us.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1V9CKKLOdo/Tmw1Imp-lWI/AAAAAAAABBU/sPhCzLAT39o/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1V9CKKLOdo/Tmw1Imp-lWI/AAAAAAAABBU/sPhCzLAT39o/s400/010.JPG" width="335" /></a></div>
We celebrate those who are yet to be.<br />
<br />
And we use every opportunity to give comfort, warmth, peace and joy to those who are touched by our craft. I think of so many quilts -- 9/11 quilts, the AIDS quilts, quilts for abused children, tsunami and hurricane and fire victims...so many tragedies in which quilts helped in the healing process.<br />
<br />
We do not always know the reasons things happen, but God's hand is powerful. And every act of remembrance, every time a story inspires or informs our lives, makes us aspire to greatness...then His hand is revealed.<br />
<br />
I do not ever want to forget!<br />
May God richly bless all who remain and remember!<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/286/E53DCDBDD2C6926183F18ED8C0829A26.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></a></div>
Mary Lou Casadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918932281509702766noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-169013206539244621.post-49568160107892900402011-09-01T15:15:00.001-04:002011-09-01T16:01:35.851-04:00Makeover!<div>Before Emily went back to college we decided to do a facial together. A local and wonderful Mary Kay consultant (thanks Brenda Howell!) agreed to come to our house and bring "the works" with her!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xAk_DknK2Cg/Tl_Lju23fbI/AAAAAAAABAo/OvpstbEGkA4/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xAk_DknK2Cg/Tl_Lju23fbI/AAAAAAAABAo/OvpstbEGkA4/s320/016.JPG" width="267" /></a>And boy, did she!! We had a great time being "girly" and cutting up with Brenda, a regular old "hen party" with just us three.<br />
<br />
A "hen party" is kinda appropriate. After I got dolled up, my mother would have told me that my "comb was getting red!" It's an old expression for older hens (like me, I guess! LOL) whose comb turns a brighter color to attract the roosters for the up-coming mating season and resulting chicks! LOL <br />
<br />
I don't know about "mating season" (and as for chicks, well...I think that ship has sailed, if not physically just yet, certainly mentally! LOL), but I am feeling the need to reclaim some health and beauty, and Mary Kay is as good a way as any to start.<br />
<br />
Brenda also invited me to a makeover photo shoot...and it was so much fun!! Take a look at some of the shots they achieved....I, who have NEVER been photogenic!! These pics are of ME! :-)<br />
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qqe3kt0ZxyU/Tl_MrfzY5qI/AAAAAAAABAs/MIu-dAXm7KQ/s1600/ML+in+denim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qqe3kt0ZxyU/Tl_MrfzY5qI/AAAAAAAABAs/MIu-dAXm7KQ/s320/ML+in+denim.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>Change is inevitable and difficult! After doing well with fitness and weight loss earlier in the year, I slacked off when Jeff came home, then just couldn't find the heart or the time to go after Sam passed away.<br />
<br />
But as the year slides away, I'm mindful of the time that I'm losing! Of the opportunities that might be hindered if I am not healthy, looking my best, accomplishing all that I can in the short time I have remaining. Even if God lets me live to be 100 years old, the time will pass all too quickly, as I'm discovering in my middle age. :-)<br />
<br />
There can be makeovers by the dozen, but no do-overs. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uKoBBG55rSA/Tl_MuZwRLEI/AAAAAAAABAw/J-gNSCPs3AU/s1600/ML+in+animal+print.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uKoBBG55rSA/Tl_MuZwRLEI/AAAAAAAABAw/J-gNSCPs3AU/s320/ML+in+animal+print.jpg" width="320" /></a>I was pulling out quilts to work on with my Hobby Quilter and found Ribbons from Kim Brackett's <em>Scrap Bag Surprises.</em> When I laid it out, I found -- much to my dismay -- one of the blocks turned the wrong way...<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9y9dO5KrQpo/Tl_R0HobXTI/AAAAAAAABA4/2VozOuxxvTY/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9y9dO5KrQpo/Tl_R0HobXTI/AAAAAAAABA4/2VozOuxxvTY/s200/002.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
I "carved" the block out of the top (thankfully it was close to the border!), and turned it around so that the pattern was preserved. <br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rqNa3OKw_cw/Tl_R5zAq9lI/AAAAAAAABA8/HtW8ihXKZ0M/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rqNa3OKw_cw/Tl_R5zAq9lI/AAAAAAAABA8/HtW8ihXKZ0M/s200/003.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
If the quilt top had "feelings" :-D, I'm sure it would have protested the ripping, pulling, pressing, pinning and mending that took place <br />
to bring it a little closer to perfection. :-)<br />
<br />
I know I'm not having an easy time of this "perfecting" thing...<br />
The Apostle Paul called it work!! :-)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dg4q_07SSvM/Tl_R_EdU4UI/AAAAAAAABBA/KF0hVfoFZ3o/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dg4q_07SSvM/Tl_R_EdU4UI/AAAAAAAABBA/KF0hVfoFZ3o/s200/004.JPG" width="200" /></a>"We proclaim him," (referring to Jesus), "admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in me." (Colossians 1: 28-29 NIV)<br />
<br />
Christ is in the business of makeovers, more's the praise!! And the result is -- well, what we hoped we looked like all along!! I'm glad His energy can work powerfully in me, even when I'm not too excited about the prospect.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PbpfEKfXn5I/Tl_M8uqL4eI/AAAAAAAABA0/Zqjl4FgLeUk/s1600/ML+in+red+leather.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PbpfEKfXn5I/Tl_M8uqL4eI/AAAAAAAABA0/Zqjl4FgLeUk/s320/ML+in+red+leather.jpg" width="212" /></a>Even when this old hen doesn't feel like it. When pain and loss and mending are difficult.<br />
<br />
So! It's up at 5:30 to walk in the mornings, aerobics three times a week. Beauty products and rest instead of staying up all hours to quilt and play Words with Friends! LOL<br />
<br />
And the perfecting of the spirit--just as difficult and painful--but so worth the end result!!<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/286/E53DCDBDD2C6926183F18ED8C0829A26.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></a></div>Mary Lou Casadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918932281509702766noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-169013206539244621.post-17728796201230661172011-08-25T10:11:00.000-04:002011-08-25T10:11:24.918-04:00Memory Eye CandyThe weekend is coming! The weekend is coming!! :-)<br />
And it's gonna be a good one!! <br />
I've gotten several things done this week, and I'm as pleased as punch about it! Nothing like actually finishing something (I am, after all, Queen Starts-a-lot) to make me feel that I'm not THE most useless person on the planet right now!<br />
<br />
AND! I'm getting company! My friend Jennifer and her boys are coming up for a special Memorial Run for my Sam...more about that in a minute....<br />
<br />
Look what I've done!! :-D<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fMV6qLO-Vhc/TlZK5Eo6A2I/AAAAAAAAA_8/TGMlYIvUqGo/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fMV6qLO-Vhc/TlZK5Eo6A2I/AAAAAAAAA_8/TGMlYIvUqGo/s400/010.JPG" width="353" /></a>This is a "Little Jo" pattern from Jo Morton. I've had it pieced for a while, and finally machine quilted it on my Bernina. I used the walking foot on the 4-patches, and did some free-motion "L's" and "U's" in the sashing strips and some curly waves in the borders. I used matching thread, of course! So you can't see my blunders, but I'm thrilled with the finish!<br />
<br />
<br />
I also managed to complete two t-shirt quilts I had in the works for a friend. One is bound (yippee!) and the other is at the quilter.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rj0k0SsELFU/TlZMNG4B59I/AAAAAAAABAE/r0p0DmMqrxQ/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rj0k0SsELFU/TlZMNG4B59I/AAAAAAAABAE/r0p0DmMqrxQ/s320/014.JPG" width="252" /></a><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GeSGxde0EOQ/TlZL9Wfi9gI/AAAAAAAABAA/cwRhuYm2RW4/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GeSGxde0EOQ/TlZL9Wfi9gI/AAAAAAAABAA/cwRhuYm2RW4/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
They are for members of the same family, so they are similar, but uniquely their own with their memories represented in those wonderful t-shirts. The mom asked for quotations on her son's quilt. It was fun figuring out how to do the letters, and they turned out really cool....<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vC6mp6tKgNA/TlZOUT-XgOI/AAAAAAAABAM/uZnKTGRmpx4/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vC6mp6tKgNA/TlZOUT-XgOI/AAAAAAAABAM/uZnKTGRmpx4/s320/012.JPG" width="248" /></a>So much so that I used them on Jennifer's quilt -- which is actually finished in time for her visit here this weekend!! I've called the quilt "The Best of Times" -- and it is representative of the many places we went and memories our families made together. I wanted the quilt to be a kind of scrap book of our time together.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e7oP_5Ybl9Y/TlZPI7tc-oI/AAAAAAAABAQ/D34_3-CIuBE/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e7oP_5Ybl9Y/TlZPI7tc-oI/AAAAAAAABAQ/D34_3-CIuBE/s200/020.JPG" width="200" /></a>A dear friend of mine, Mary Greene, made a scrap book for me of Sam...She is such an artist!! Look at some of the pages she created:<br />
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sAYxjXVO80U/TlZPVgd47iI/AAAAAAAABAU/06vJUjEm2DE/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sAYxjXVO80U/TlZPVgd47iI/AAAAAAAABAU/06vJUjEm2DE/s640/021.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tvlBM4Ph1us/TlZPayItecI/AAAAAAAABAY/YB8w54ecr_Y/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tvlBM4Ph1us/TlZPayItecI/AAAAAAAABAY/YB8w54ecr_Y/s320/022.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sdQAJoUDVKE/TlZPf9luTQI/AAAAAAAABAc/z_5MqP7x-xc/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; height: 240px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; width: 381px;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sdQAJoUDVKE/TlZPf9luTQI/AAAAAAAABAc/z_5MqP7x-xc/s320/023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The rest of the album is just as beautiful, like memory eye-candy! My quilt doesn't approach Mary's kind of artistry, but at least it brings to mind many of our adventures together. We'll reminisce while they are here.<br />
<br />
Also this weekend, Cumberland Homeschool Athletic Teams (CHAT :-) is hosting the Sam Casada Trail Blazer Memorial Run. This is the organization through which Sam and Jennifer's boys got to compete in cross country and basketball. Jennifer and her boys are coming up to participate in the run and spend some time with us.<br />
<br />
A local girl drew a likeness of Sam for the run's t-shirt.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ld4gTnIBRbE/TlZSIOC7r2I/AAAAAAAABAg/t0WPDrbcI_s/s1600/279879_10150322148238408_702608407_9660407_4038613_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ld4gTnIBRbE/TlZSIOC7r2I/AAAAAAAABAg/t0WPDrbcI_s/s320/279879_10150322148238408_702608407_9660407_4038613_o.jpg" width="227" /></a>It's gonna be a great weekend!<br />
<br />
The book of Proverbs tells us that "The memory of the righteous will be a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot." (Proverbs 10:7 NIV) <br />
Love it!!<br />
<br />
At the end of the story of Esther, that brave queen who intervened for her people in the Old Testament, the writer admonishes us, "These days should be remembered and observed in every generation, by every family..." (Esther 9:28 NIV)<br />
<br />
How are you making memory eye candy? Will your memory be a blessing?<br />
<br />
Blessings!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/286/E53DCDBDD2C6926183F18ED8C0829A26.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UMxDIGh_AyE/TlZWO2mA_MI/AAAAAAAABAk/whhOowPAvPY/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UMxDIGh_AyE/TlZWO2mA_MI/AAAAAAAABAk/whhOowPAvPY/s640/017.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Mary Lou Casadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918932281509702766noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-169013206539244621.post-88886952094323364772011-08-16T01:39:00.001-04:002011-08-16T08:23:45.195-04:00Hearts Fly Free<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hgWgqKSs9Tg/TkoBaCYom0I/AAAAAAAAA_w/YlkR-dpLTjQ/s1600/mess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hgWgqKSs9Tg/TkoBaCYom0I/AAAAAAAAA_w/YlkR-dpLTjQ/s1600/mess.jpg" /></a></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've been sorta paralyzed for the last several weeks, getting only a little bit done on projects with deadlines, but not really accomplishing as much as I'd like, nor getting to projects that are burning in my brain to be started! And the truth is, I don't really function well in chaos....which is a shame, 'cause I don't really function well as a housekeeper, either! LOL</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had a bunch of friends over on Saturday night, though, and the impending cook-out/games night meant getting my house in order for company! My sewing room looked like the villains from Raiders of the Lost Ark had come through, ransacking for ancient powerful artifacts!! Is that the Ark of the Covenant!!! The Holy Grail? Glowing stones for ancient gods or crystals left by aliens!?! </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">NO! just gigantic piles of fabrics, scraps, and tools, thank you very much!</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since I can't seem to clean the rest of the house until the sewing room is done, I tied in and got-r-done!</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mo1HAiMRVY8/Tknec3mVT4I/AAAAAAAAA_U/moHNDyfQfUI/s1600/Sybil%2527s+T-Shirt+Quilts+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mo1HAiMRVY8/Tknec3mVT4I/AAAAAAAAA_U/moHNDyfQfUI/s200/Sybil%2527s+T-Shirt+Quilts+006.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2-x6imt2Kpk/TknzTq7k0_I/AAAAAAAAA_g/CYp82HsMp4U/s1600/Crabapples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2-x6imt2Kpk/TknzTq7k0_I/AAAAAAAAA_g/CYp82HsMp4U/s200/Crabapples.jpg" width="200" /></a>Finally, then, I'm free from the weeks of clutter and ever-mounting piles of <em>stuff! </em>in my sewing room (although I dare not open the closet door too fast for fear of an avalanche!! <em>That </em>is a project for another day!), and I'm able to start something I've been wanting to do for a while.</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8rHS5iAEZBg/Tknczzwhl6I/AAAAAAAAA_I/s7Oblk5aYls/s1600/Sybil%2527s+T-Shirt+Quilts+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8rHS5iAEZBg/Tknczzwhl6I/AAAAAAAAA_I/s7Oblk5aYls/s200/Sybil%2527s+T-Shirt+Quilts+008.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CJ5UfFVuYDs/TkneJeGTQDI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/C7MThybxde4/s1600/Sybil%2527s+T-Shirt+Quilts+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CJ5UfFVuYDs/TkneJeGTQDI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/C7MThybxde4/s200/Sybil%2527s+T-Shirt+Quilts+005.JPG" width="200" /></a>I delved into my scraps today to make a leader/ender project. Many of the pieces had already been cut into 1 1/2" strips, so I started whittling them down into squares for "Crabapples" from Bonnie Hunter's <em>Adventures with Leaders and Enders</em> book.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'll feed my leaders and enders through as I work on a couple more quilts for others (I've got a t-shirt quilt and a couple of memorial quilts on the burner) and on Sam's Darling Hearts. Last week I received a block from Teresa at <a href="http://www.fabrictherapy.blogspot.com/">Fabric Therapy,</a> and it's another beautiful addition to the quilt:<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NDQ-YPXCPOk/Tkn13jDF-nI/AAAAAAAAA_k/hI5HnFgqHGs/s1600/Sybil%2527s+T-Shirt+Quilts+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NDQ-YPXCPOk/Tkn13jDF-nI/AAAAAAAAA_k/hI5HnFgqHGs/s320/Sybil%2527s+T-Shirt+Quilts+009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That brings the total of blocks I've received up to 34!!! I'm eager to start putting them together!! </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love the words Teresa embroidered on her block: "Hearts Fly Free"</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-07N2IoxA9YM/Tkn2IzuTrfI/AAAAAAAAA_o/tWrQRKFVpWg/s1600/Sybil%2527s+T-Shirt+Quilts+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-07N2IoxA9YM/Tkn2IzuTrfI/AAAAAAAAA_o/tWrQRKFVpWg/s320/Sybil%2527s+T-Shirt+Quilts+010.JPG" width="320" /></a>I've been reading in the gospel of John this month, and Jesus talks a lot about freedom! "The truth will set you free," He says in chapter 8, verse 32. A little further in the chapter He says this...</div><blockquote>"I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:34-35)</blockquote><br />
There's no doubt in my mind that my son Sam is free!! What a blessing! What a testimony! So Teresa's block is another beautiful expression of Sam's life and death. I've been amazed at how people have understood his heart and made blocks that just "fit," you know?<br />
<br />
Now if I could just get all my sewing stuff to fit....<br />
I'm not sure even Indiana Jones could help me with that!!<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/286/E53DCDBDD2C6926183F18ED8C0829A26.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></a><br />
<br />
Mary Lou Casadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918932281509702766noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-169013206539244621.post-21502166378109316502011-08-10T01:55:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:16:35.965-04:00Temptation!Temptation comes in many forms and I've had more than my share in the last little while!! :-) Who knew I would be so easily led astray!! LOL <br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IRjCwGHJ5qw/TkIQsF2ZaQI/AAAAAAAAA_A/_2m5h11LuzE/s1600/005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IRjCwGHJ5qw/TkIQsF2ZaQI/AAAAAAAAA_A/_2m5h11LuzE/s200/005.jpg" width="172" /></a>Our pastor called our church to a corporate Daniel fast this month. Like Daniel in the Bible, he encouraged the congregation to eat simply and Biblically. Traditionally, Daniel is said to have eaten vegetables and fruits, no meats or sweets or the "rich foods of the king." Jeff and I agreed to give it a try. I did very well at home, even lost 4 lbs in the first 4 days! ...<br />
<br />
But when I traveled with some friends to Berea, KY for their annual Quilt Extravaganza, I didn't fare so well!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CqJwqVFZWic/TkIHGwNiq-I/AAAAAAAAA-4/_CtWk_zY9ck/s1600/boone+tavern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="107" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CqJwqVFZWic/TkIHGwNiq-I/AAAAAAAAA-4/_CtWk_zY9ck/s320/boone+tavern.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
My friends and I ate at the inestimable historic <a href="http://boonetavernhotel.com/">Boone Tavern</a>, Berea College's hotel and restaurant of modern Southern cuisine. I was done for!! Chicken in a Bird's nest (the nest is made of deep fried, thin strips of potatoes) with cranberry orange jelly! Spoon bread!! It was fantastic. Not so good for my consistency on the Daniel fast! :-)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FU_EqXcflI8/TkIQMlazYeI/AAAAAAAAA-8/USvr9jqFSIg/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FU_EqXcflI8/TkIQMlazYeI/AAAAAAAAA-8/USvr9jqFSIg/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a>And then there were the vendors at the quilt show!! I do not need fabric. But it's difficult to resist some of the beautiful things I saw. I managed to pick up just a few goodies. I still don't know how to use batiks or hand-dyes, but I'm drawn to their rich color and silky texture. I succumbed to temptation all too easily!<br />
<br />
In the wake of my loss this summer, I find myself lonely for Sam so often. And with that loneliness comes the temptation to fill the emptiness with the wrong things. <br />
<br />
Wanting to be closer than is appropriate with a fun male friend. <br />
Spending too much. <br />
Giving in to depression. <br />
Pulling away from God. <br />
Telling Him, "I don't want to be close to You right now!"<br />
<br />
He is so big and so mighty, though, that my pain and the resulting temptations do not scare or surprise Him! In fact, He is aware in every way of what I am going through. <br />
<br />
The writer of Hebrews explains:<br />
"...He had to be made like his brothers in every way in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people." (Hebrews 2:17 NIV)<br />
<br />
Then, catch this in verse 18:<br />
<blockquote><strong>"Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted."</strong></blockquote><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IAgowMaEqlk/TkIaImHGANI/AAAAAAAAA_E/fvF7FUmcJuk/s1600/0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IAgowMaEqlk/TkIaImHGANI/AAAAAAAAA_E/fvF7FUmcJuk/s200/0007.jpg" width="200" /></a>The Apostle Paul says, "And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." (1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV)<br />
<br />
I don't think it's ever easy to resist temptation. Sometimes, it's downright painful. And right now, that pain seems to compound the other loss that I feel. But Jesus knows all about suffering, and He is able to help.<br />
<br />
I don't know exactly what way of escape will be available, but when I need it, He will provide it. It will probably include that perfect little word that is so hard to say: "No!" But He will help me say it.<br />
<br />
And He will fill the empty places as no one and nothing else can!<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
<br />
<div><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/286/E53DCDBDD2C6926183F18ED8C0829A26.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /><br />
<br />
</div>Mary Lou Casadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918932281509702766noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-169013206539244621.post-57118881821253410592011-08-01T22:25:00.001-04:002011-08-01T22:28:28.249-04:0010th HourA day late and a dollar short....<br />
Yeah! That's about right!! LOL<br />
Finally! Finally got my Hands 2 Help Challenge Quilt <em>top</em> completed!! I've struggled with this one!! <br />
<br />
Diane sent me some beautiful bright fabrics along with a soothing gray. (Her blog -- click <a href="http://www.randomthoughtsdoordi.blogspot.com/">here</a> -- is just beautiful, too!) I added fabrics from my stash and this is the finished flimsey:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-64u5TE5QzU0/TjdXxUFl4BI/AAAAAAAAA-k/TgzlTihX4Cc/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-64u5TE5QzU0/TjdXxUFl4BI/AAAAAAAAA-k/TgzlTihX4Cc/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The quilt has to be in the mail no later than the end of this week, so I'll be putting it on the Hobby Quilter tomorrow to finish it up and get it mailed on time. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9AuwSrKRpg4/TjdZ4SrFXkI/AAAAAAAAA-s/rcslnsRerkw/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9AuwSrKRpg4/TjdZ4SrFXkI/AAAAAAAAA-s/rcslnsRerkw/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a>My friend Pat from upstate New York :-), the Project Linus Coordinator in our area, volunteered to send a quilt for the children in Romania!! Pat's quilt, like mine, is bright colors -- and she used the cutest print for the backing!! I'm so thrilled to have an extra quilt to send with mine!!</div><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p0A-Ell3fZo/TjdaPs1kcRI/AAAAAAAAA-w/Z0OSjfDyY4s/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p0A-Ell3fZo/TjdaPs1kcRI/AAAAAAAAA-w/Z0OSjfDyY4s/s200/008.JPG" width="200" /></a>Seems like for weeks now that I've spun my wheels and not gotten much done, but perhaps I've turned a corner by getting Jennifer's quilt top (last post) and this one complete.<br />
<br />
I need to work on Farmer's Wife blocks this week, complete a block for a friend (due on Saturday), get my club's Mystery Quilt installment written...<br />
Lots to do!<br />
<br />
My church is reading the Gospel of John together during the next 21 days -- one chapter a day. Today was the first day and first chapter. It tickled me to read that a couple of John the Baptist's desciples followed Jesus about the "tenth hour." :-) (Wonder if they were working on quilts for orphans?! :-D)<br />
<br />
Even more impressive, though, is Andrew's response to Jesus:<br />
<blockquote>The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. (John 1:41-42a)</blockquote>It's never too late -- 10th hour or no! -- to know Jesus. It's never to late to tell someone else and bring them to Him!!<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/286/E53DCDBDD2C6926183F18ED8C0829A26.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></a>Mary Lou Casadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918932281509702766noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-169013206539244621.post-80655985580459457542011-07-30T23:57:00.000-04:002011-07-30T23:57:17.952-04:00Friendship<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g9WTFgRQRFE/TjTOzg6leGI/AAAAAAAAA-c/UnY6YWab7xI/s1600/Jen+and+ML.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g9WTFgRQRFE/TjTOzg6leGI/AAAAAAAAA-c/UnY6YWab7xI/s200/Jen+and+ML.jpg" width="200" /></a>On Sunday morning, bright and early, my best friend pulls out of the driveway I've driven up and down at least a hundred times in the last year and heads for her new home in another state. I'm not quite ready to let her go!! :-)</div><br />
You'd think it would be easy....I have lots of friends! Quilting friends, church friends, school friends, homeschooling friends -- and even Words with Friends friends! :-D<br />
<br />
But it's a very rare thing when all the planets converge and all those friendship properties collide in one person! Jennifer has been friend, confidante, sounding board (probably a sounding BORED from her end! LOL), networker, quilter, shopper, purse maker (she came to my house and said, "We're sewing those purses you've had cut out for over a year TODAY! Here, sew this seam!")...<br />
<br />
We go to church together, quilt club together, quilt shows, homeschool events, Boy Scouts....<br />
She even has a son named Sam!! Could any two people be more destined to become friends?<br />
<br />
Her boys and my Sam were best friends. Luke and Sam were nearly inseparable, and my Emily is big sister to all of them. Last fall we traveled with them to Mississippi for their family reunion, stopping by Operation Christmas Child (the shoebox people! :-D) to serve on the way home.<br />
<br />
Our families ate dinner together tonight and I gave her a "scrapbook" quilt memento of our combined history (this is the "sneak peaks" I've been showing):<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4yqESjA_Bwg/TjS_pmG7wFI/AAAAAAAAA-M/b7rwV35P-00/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4yqESjA_Bwg/TjS_pmG7wFI/AAAAAAAAA-M/b7rwV35P-00/s400/001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
It has all the states we traveled together. "In-jokes" our families have shared. (We'd laugh to split a gut over the Geico commercial with the militant therapist who asks, "You know what makes me sad...? You do!" he answers himself! LOL). A World Changers mission trip emblem; "Yo tengo hambre!" (I am hungry!! from teenage boys in the backseat of my van from KY all the way to Louisiana! LOL). Runners for our boys and their cross country races and 5K's. Names and words and phrases and memories in the borders. Favorite restaurants and funny experiences.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nKKeh7sYSiI/TjTBJANojYI/AAAAAAAAA-U/mhpHVYksoqs/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nKKeh7sYSiI/TjTBJANojYI/AAAAAAAAA-U/mhpHVYksoqs/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Aufhm--QUd0/TjTA4TcyESI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/nrok6fgTHZs/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Aufhm--QUd0/TjTA4TcyESI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/nrok6fgTHZs/s200/005.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
When Sam died, Jennifer and her boys were on their way to meet her husband, who had already started his new job there, to house-hunt in their new locale. She was past Chattanooga, more than 3 hours from us. When I called with the news that Monday morning, she immediately turned the car around -- put their life on hold!! -- and came to me. And stayed all week. And served. And cried with me and for me. <br />
<br />
She is beautiful and talented, wise, compassionate and practical, a gifted leader, teacher, organizer and networker. She is wonderful at putting people together. And I am missing her already. We'll remain close, of course, but I will miss the everyday things! I will miss her boys! Our lives -- and now our memories! -- are so intertwined....It's as if she is taking not only herself and her family but also a part of us, too. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-61GZiO9C5lM/TjTQLA1l97I/AAAAAAAAA-g/2jn9NNjwPrg/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-61GZiO9C5lM/TjTQLA1l97I/AAAAAAAAA-g/2jn9NNjwPrg/s200/007.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
In Scripture there was such a friend.<br />
<br />
The son of King Saul, Jonathan, befriended a shepherd named David. "Jonathan," 1 Samuel 18:1 says, "became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself." Later in chapter 20, Jonathan chooses David's welfare and future as king over his own (much to Saul's dismay and disappointment!). When Jonathan warns David of the danger of King Saul, <br />
<br />
<blockquote>"...David got up from the south side of the stone and bowed down before Jonathan three times, with his face to the ground. Then they kissed each other and wept together—but David wept the most. Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘The LORD is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.’” Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town." (1 Samuel 20:41-42 NIV)<br />
</blockquote>Only God can bring people together in such a way. I am so blessed to have Jennifer as a friend!! I hope I AM such a friend!!<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/286/E53DCDBDD2C6926183F18ED8C0829A26.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></a>Mary Lou Casadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918932281509702766noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-169013206539244621.post-48510969246961176032011-07-27T00:30:00.000-04:002011-07-27T00:30:56.434-04:00More HeartI arrived home from camp on Saturday to find some lovelies waiting for me!<br />
Two more beautiful blocks for Sam's Darling Hearts:<br />
<br />
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f57EBSVTgpY/Ti96O_Qe8XI/AAAAAAAAA9w/CizpWP7JXsw/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f57EBSVTgpY/Ti96O_Qe8XI/AAAAAAAAA9w/CizpWP7JXsw/s320/035.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>One from Mrs. G at <a href="http://strawberrypatchquiltworks.blogspot.com/">From the Strawberry Patch</a> and one from Janet O. at <a href="http://www.roguequilter.blogspot.com/">Rogue Quilter</a>! They are perfect! I took the other blocks to camp to show the gals there, and I haven't put them back up on the design wall with these yet, but I will. I can't wait to see how they all look together.<br />
<br />
I can't just yet because of the I-can't-reveal-it-yet project that I'm working on.<br />
<br />
I have another sneak peak (or two)....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-74LmnkZlgCc/Ti97_OCewxI/AAAAAAAAA94/anFiEhGCtzg/s1600/world+changers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-74LmnkZlgCc/Ti97_OCewxI/AAAAAAAAA94/anFiEhGCtzg/s200/world+changers.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qPA5bHbq-VI/Ti976wnE2JI/AAAAAAAAA90/1KzfH8gnV9M/s1600/states.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="89" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qPA5bHbq-VI/Ti976wnE2JI/AAAAAAAAA90/1KzfH8gnV9M/s320/states.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For those of you who guessed states last time, yes...! We are journeying through the south. I should know by this weekend where I'm going! LOL (Sorry, <a href="http://crispyquilts.blogspot.com/">Crispy</a>! I know how you hate sneak peaks!! :-D) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0VZrBrAsFuA/Ti99CQdeXsI/AAAAAAAAA98/p2YCF9-E3t8/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0VZrBrAsFuA/Ti99CQdeXsI/AAAAAAAAA98/p2YCF9-E3t8/s320/031.JPG" width="320" /></a>I also received a package containing my Farmhouse Quilt Kit from Laundry Basket Quilts. Just look at how Edyta puts her kit together!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sot2KwaAebE/Ti99VntHmfI/AAAAAAAAA-E/JxFrRtctxL4/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sot2KwaAebE/Ti99VntHmfI/AAAAAAAAA-E/JxFrRtctxL4/s200/034.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-apL6OiLouM8/Ti99PFh-6RI/AAAAAAAAA-A/Uxlmf65ErwQ/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-apL6OiLouM8/Ti99PFh-6RI/AAAAAAAAA-A/Uxlmf65ErwQ/s200/032.JPG" width="200" /></a>Everything is labeled and folded beautifully so that you can see all the colors and textures. I love her use of color!! And since I'm terrible at using batiks, I figure I'll take advantage of her flair for them to make the Farmhouse quilt from her <em>Friendship Strips and Scraps</em> book.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We also received word while I was at camp that our Sam died of cardiac disrhythmia of unknown etiology. Which means, of course, that his heart stopped and they don't know why. Profound, huh!? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">:-) We will probably not know in this life the physiological cause of his death. Paul tells us, though, in 1 Corinthians 13 (Amplified) that the time will come when we will understand "fully and clearly":</div><blockquote><strong><sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">12</span></sup></strong>For now we are looking in a mirror that gives only a dim (blurred) reflection [of reality as <sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-AMP-28676a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">[</span></strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20corinthians%2013:12-13&version=AMP#fen-AMP-28676a" title="See footnote a"><span style="color: #651300; font-size: x-small;"><strong>a</strong></span></a><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">]</span></strong></sup>in a riddle or enigma], but then [when perfection comes] we shall see in reality and face to face! Now I know in part (imperfectly), but then I shall know and understand <sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-AMP-28676b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">[</span></strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20corinthians%2013:12-13&version=AMP#fen-AMP-28676b" title="See footnote b"><span style="color: #651300; font-size: x-small;"><strong>b</strong></span></a><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">]</span></strong></sup>fully and clearly, even in the same manner as I have been <sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-AMP-28676c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">[</span></strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20corinthians%2013:12-13&version=AMP#fen-AMP-28676c" title="See footnote c"><span style="color: #651300; font-size: x-small;"><strong>c</strong></span></a><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">]</span></strong></sup>fully and clearly known and understood [<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-AMP-28676d" title="See footnote d">d</a>]"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">[</span></strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20corinthians%2013:12-13&version=AMP#fen-AMP-28676d" title="See footnote d"><span style="color: #651300; font-size: x-small;"><strong>d</strong></span></a><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">]</span></strong></sup>by God].<br />
</blockquote><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7HzzF5x9qUA/Ti-GB3RfIyI/AAAAAAAAA-I/mfk3e7SGiCA/s1600/Sam+waving+with+cornhole.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7HzzF5x9qUA/Ti-GB3RfIyI/AAAAAAAAA-I/mfk3e7SGiCA/s320/Sam+waving+with+cornhole.JPG" width="284" /></a>Our family doctor looked over the medical examiner's report and commented that Sam had a large heart! Not at all unusual for a runner like Sam. But we knew he had a big heart long before he started running! :-) Sam's best friend, Luke, commented that Sam loved without filters. </div><br />
Like Jesus.<br />
<br />
Paul ends his chapter this way:<br />
<blockquote> <sup class="versenum" id="en-AMP-28677"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">13</span></strong></sup>And so faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.</blockquote><br />
Sam's Darling Hearts will be a visible reminder of what love looks like! I hope my own legacy is that my heart was big and I loved without filters! .<br />
<br />
Blessings!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/286/E53DCDBDD2C6926183F18ED8C0829A26.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></a>Mary Lou Casadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918932281509702766noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-169013206539244621.post-59203671836668123012011-07-20T07:25:00.001-04:002011-07-20T07:25:43.186-04:00Home Away From Home<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U2vK-FDV-Xs/TiZfjjwPMBI/AAAAAAAAA9A/XnE0TJFHZcY/s1600/GBCCross640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U2vK-FDV-Xs/TiZfjjwPMBI/AAAAAAAAA9A/XnE0TJFHZcY/s320/GBCCross640.jpg" width="320" /></a>I'm spending this week in LaFollette, TN at <a href="http://www.galileebiblecamp.org/GBCWelcome.shtml">Galilee Bible Camp</a> where the kids and I have served during the last several summers. It's Middle School week and Will is a camper and I'm leading worship each evening at chapel.<br />
<br />
The staff and volunteers here pour themselves into the campers week after week during the summer. They are dear friends, and they have been a wonderful influence on our family. We are blessed to be a part of the ministry here.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9mUE0vmo_5E/TiZhNhpEYCI/AAAAAAAAA9I/DgiYA_ZlY-c/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9mUE0vmo_5E/TiZhNhpEYCI/AAAAAAAAA9I/DgiYA_ZlY-c/s200/014.JPG" width="200" /></a>This week, I'm not as active as usual at camp. It's a kind of retreat for me, as there are memories of Sam everywhere. Emily and Will, too -- so it's sweet and sad to be here with Sam gone, Emily grown up, and Will so quickly growing, too.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8VXjqPXwaEI/TiZg704br9I/AAAAAAAAA9E/vFeRmVmbXB8/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8VXjqPXwaEI/TiZg704br9I/AAAAAAAAA9E/vFeRmVmbXB8/s200/013.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
One of the missionaries, Rebecca, gave me a couple of heart blocks for Sam's Darling Hearts quilt. She is catching the quilting bug (YES!! :-D), and rightly so with Selma Jean and I helping her catch it!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eUEbp3VXJRs/TiZieEQvmZI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/LHq15Rabr5g/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eUEbp3VXJRs/TiZieEQvmZI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/LHq15Rabr5g/s320/010.JPG" width="320" /></a>Selma Jean, a prolific wonderful quilter, also made a heart block. And she surprised me yesterday with beautiful handmade ornaments, each embroidered with my children's names.</div><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y-QmMG0e46g/TiZh9MQ5wMI/AAAAAAAAA9M/QGH4aFeixpQ/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y-QmMG0e46g/TiZh9MQ5wMI/AAAAAAAAA9M/QGH4aFeixpQ/s200/012.JPG" width="200" /></a>On Sam's she included the dates of his birth and death. It struck me that from now on, people will see Emily and Will and think I only have two children. But I have three. I'll always have three. :-) So three ornaments!! Selma Jean understands!!!<br />
<br />
I brought projects to work on while at camp. It's a nice quiet time for me, and I have some deadlines approaching....the Hands-2-Help quilt for Romania, for one! I've got the blocks laid out and ready to be put together. The deadline is the end of the month....so yeah! Onward!! LOL<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OMACtYqDnnU/TiZkMAe-WjI/AAAAAAAAA9U/S1lWWEsKL58/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OMACtYqDnnU/TiZkMAe-WjI/AAAAAAAAA9U/S1lWWEsKL58/s400/015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I also have another project that is short on time (aren't they all! LOL)! This one, I can't reveal just yet, but here is a hint....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J0q4Ztisodg/TiZktZiGciI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/IPPsfWUjluQ/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J0q4Ztisodg/TiZktZiGciI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/IPPsfWUjluQ/s400/017.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="heading passage-class-0"><h3> </h3></div><div class="result-text-style-normal">I have the rest of that quilt in my head...and it's gotta get outa there and onto fabric in the next couple of weeks....Let's hope I can make that transition from vision to concrete reality! LOL<br />
<br />
Between the heat and my working on projects, I'm ready for sleep tonight. I'm resting on a beautiful pillowcase made by my friend, Lil. She makes dozens of pillowcases to share with friends, family and people in need. She knows my colors (red, green and gold!!), and I love that she included a label on the inside, too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0-HuJOJswuk/TiZo3KPxpdI/AAAAAAAAA9c/6UmyMbDB1Kk/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0-HuJOJswuk/TiZo3KPxpdI/AAAAAAAAA9c/6UmyMbDB1Kk/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HfpI02MV9qw/TiZpb1XaqfI/AAAAAAAAA9k/2WaP_tnd_24/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="101" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HfpI02MV9qw/TiZpb1XaqfI/AAAAAAAAA9k/2WaP_tnd_24/s200/006.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
It's an oasis here, a home away from home. Maybe because I take "home" with me! :-D My sewing machine! My pillow and my quilts. My Pepsi! :-D (and a bit of zucchini bread). My family. My friends. My memories.<br />
<br />
And the God of all Comfort and Peace:<br />
<div class="heading passage-class-0"><h3>Psalm 139:7-10</h3></div><div class="result-text-style-normal"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-AMP-16247"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">7</span></strong></sup>Where could I go from Your Spirit? Or where could I flee from Your presence?<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-AMP-16248"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">8</span></strong></sup>If I ascend up into heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol (the place of the dead), behold, You are there.<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-AMP-16249"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">9</span></strong></sup>If I take the wings of the morning or dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-AMP-16250"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">10</span></strong></sup>Even there shall Your hand lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.</div></div><br />
There's no place like Home!<br />
<br />
Blessings!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/286/E53DCDBDD2C6926183F18ED8C0829A26.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></a>Mary Lou Casadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918932281509702766noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-169013206539244621.post-44884981719117907872011-07-14T00:02:00.002-04:002011-07-14T00:11:21.719-04:00Words with Friends<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XW_2GlnLwHc/Thx3r5BmNWI/AAAAAAAAA8w/pLtsaHlGSzI/s1600/Words+With+Friends+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XW_2GlnLwHc/Thx3r5BmNWI/AAAAAAAAA8w/pLtsaHlGSzI/s200/Words+With+Friends+1.png" width="200" /></a>I haven't gotten much done in the last few days. I find that I've been captivated by a little game called Words with Friends!!</div><br />
I inherited Sam's iPod -- everybody else in the family already had one!! -- and I figured I'd use it to listen to audio books while I work or walk. Sam had mostly games and music on his, and 99% of the games didn't interest me at all, but I really wanted to play Words!<br />
<br />
And boy, have I been playing!! LOL<br />
I blame my children, of course. They'd never play Scrabble with me. <br />
<br />
And while it's true that I'm a TINY (teeny, tiny, really!!!) bit competitive, I would have given them a sporting chance. At first. Until the opportunity came to use all my letters....<br />
<br />
Tracy from <a href="http://www.5redhens.blogspot.com/">Back to Basics</a> plays with me. And when she's busy (cooking, canning, gardening, quilting, walking....she gets LOTS of stuff done!!!) or her kids are busy (they really are very good sports!), I troll for random players online. I'm enthralled!!! I keep the game up by my sewing machine and respond when I hear the "ding-a-ling" signalling a word has been proffered!<br />
<br />
The t-shirt quilt I've been working on has a lot of words on it...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrUcklJsiac/Th5lEq0WiLI/AAAAAAAAA80/I4egCL3m2_U/s1600/words.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrUcklJsiac/Th5lEq0WiLI/AAAAAAAAA80/I4egCL3m2_U/s640/words.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I like some of the sentiments that are going into the quilt. Like this one:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XN8Eh-gjkKc/Th5lVkD_SCI/AAAAAAAAA84/MyFcAevJ5H0/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XN8Eh-gjkKc/Th5lVkD_SCI/AAAAAAAAA84/MyFcAevJ5H0/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Scripture says "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." (Proverbs 18:21 KJV)<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rD_hhmONLNU/Th5nDAsm-vI/AAAAAAAAA88/OqMu-yrOCFw/s1600/052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rD_hhmONLNU/Th5nDAsm-vI/AAAAAAAAA88/OqMu-yrOCFw/s320/052.JPG" width="320" /></a>I like how the Message version states it:<br />
"Words kill, words give life; <br />
they're either poison or fruit—you choose."<br />
<br />
I have received literally hundreds of words of comfort and blessing since I started blogging last year, and most especially in the last few weeks. <br />
<br />
Good words make such a difference, don't they? <br />
<br />
"A word fitly spoken," says the Proverbs, "is like apples of gold in pictures of silver." (Proverbs 25:11 KJV)<br />
Doesn't that description make you wanna applique? LOL <br />
<br />
"Picture" is a seven-letter word...it's serious bonus points if I use all seven of my letters. My ID is mlcasada if you wanna play!!<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/286/E53DCDBDD2C6926183F18ED8C0829A26.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></a><br />
<br />
</div>Mary Lou Casadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918932281509702766noreply@blogger.com12