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Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Gains and Losses!

The last two days have been wonderful and interesting and exhilerating and sad... Tuesday, in particular was a day of both gains and losses!!

Losses
I had to miss taking a class in Pigeon Forge with the fabulous Bonnie Hunter.  I scheduled the class in Pigeon Forge back near the first of the year.  Jeff's leave from Afghanistan was scheduled for the last two weeks of February, so I was sure I would be able to enjoy Bonnie with no guilt! :-D 

The army is never particularly predictable...and sure enough Jeff's leave fell right before the class....and his LAST day of leave was on the day OF the class.  Sigh.  I sure would have loved to have been there with my friends.  Bonnie was gracious enough to send a hello my way! Isn't that cool!?!?

I lost time with dear friends Lynn, Paula and Debbie in Pigeon Forge and lost getting started on Cathedral Stars, Bonnie's pattern (the quilt in the background!) in my choice of colors. What a great stash buster this quilt will be!  I'll still make it; I just didn't get to start it with my friends. :-(

But I also gained some pretty fabulous stuff....

Gains
I gained time with Jeff who is by now winging his way back toward Afghanistan.  He's only got another six to eight weeks of duty to pull, and he should be home by early May.  Godspeed, my dear!!

(Here's some footage of what he's doing over there :-)



That's my hubby talking about grafting -- the one with the big grin in the beginning of the video. :-)  He's doing something very good over there, but it will be better to have him home!

I gained other things this week, too.
The confirmation that I have great friends.
The generosity of alot of people.  I mean really!! A pic of Bonnie saying hello posted to facebook! I smiled for the whole rest of the day!!!
I won a prize, today, too! My choice of a book from the Fat Quarter Shop from Thelma at Cupcakes and Daisies.
And I met another new-to-me quilter at my church.

A great week! A little bittersweet, but it's these times that make life so good.

Jesus had something to say about gains and losses...
Mark 8:34-36 (New American Standard Bible)

And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?
Sometimes it's difficult to know in your circumstance if you are gaining or losing.  A rare day with a lovely famous quilt instructor who won't be anywhere close for a couple of years or more :-)  or a quiet day at home with the one you love.  Hmmmm....

:-D

But one thing is sure.  We don't want to exchange temporary gains only to lose what is most important!!

Blessings!

20 comments:

antique quilter said...

I am so happy for you that you have only a few more weeks and your DH will be back home .
Looking forward to you starting another quilt!
sorry you missed Bonnies class I am sure she will be back!
take care of yourself!
Kathie

Carol said...

Mary Lou...you have the most amazing attitude...thank you so much for sharing yourself with us...what a blessing.

Crispy said...

Ditto with what Carol said :0) Cherishing the moments with your hubby far outweighs sewing with the gals. If you had gone to the class you wouldn't have had a personal message from Bonnie floating around in Facebook :0)

Now off to adjust my computer so I can see the video.

Crispy

Barb said...

Hello!!
What a cool video - Your hubby seems like such a wonderful person - so generous and kind. You must be thrilled that he will be home again so soon.
Sorry you missed Bonnie - I loved the message she sent you = cracked me up.
I'm glad you had blessings to accompany your losses -
xo

Barb said...

congrats on winning a book - yipee

Stray Stitches (Linda G) said...

Hopefully the next few weeks will pass quickly for you and your hubby will be home for good! You have a most wonderful spirit! Bless you!

LuAnn said...

What a great video of Jeff. Those two months will fly by before you know it, and he will be back. Sorry you missed Bonnie's class, but what a nice photo for you to have. Bless you Mary Lou!

farmhousequilter8 said...

I agree with these girls and guess what???? I even brought you back the paper she was holding. You were in each of our thoughts the whole day and probably everyone's in there. Paula

Lori said...

How nice to know hubby won't be over there for a long time. May will be here before you know it.
You did the right thing. There will always be quilts to make.
What a cute sign Bonnie is holding!! I'm sure you were missed a lot!

farmhousequilter8 said...

Forgot to tell you, I also gave her your blog address.
P

Anonymous said...

A lady in another class, next to ours, said to be sure and tell your husband a big thank you for his service, so we could be there, taking quilting classes!
Missed you bunches!

StitchinByTheLake said...

I loved seeing your video. This post really spoke to me today - thank you. blessings, marlene

Debbie said...

The anonymous was from me!

angie said...

I think the Lord always provides a gain when there is a loss--if we can stay in the right attitude to notice it. Sounds like you are counting your blessings. Be sure to post your progress on the new quilt--I'm sure it will be beautiful!

Loris said...

It's good to keep the big picture in mind! My prayers and God's blessings to both you and Jeff. I hope May comes swiftly for you :-)

Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts said...

Being an Army wife is seriously, a very tough job! Sorry you had to miss Bonnie, but happy you got a day with your DH. Hoping the remaining weeks go by swiftly and safely! {{hugs}}

Michelle said...

As awesome as a day would be with a well known quilt teacher, nothing can replace those precious moments with your hubby. As a fellow military wife, I know how important those moments are. You made the right choice! :) God bless you and your husband and I'll be praying for his quick, safe return in a few short weeks!!

Vivian said...

There isn't a single wish or comment I could send your way that hasn't already been written in lovely words by the ladies above.
There will be other classes. The time with Jeff came first. Prayers and positive thoughts sent your way for his safe return.

julieQ said...

I am sorry you did not see Bonnie...she is well worth it! Next time for sure...but I am really glad you got to spend some time with your Jeff...many prayers for him and his company.

A Plain Path said...

I'm so happy your time apart is almost over!!