Label quilts not people

I have one of my quirky little thoughts that has been on my mind this past month. I was thinking about the double edge sword of "labels". I have 2 quilts from my dad's family. I have no idea who made them, what they were made for, or when they were made. My dad just knows him mom did all the needlework on one of them. This makes me so sad, they are beautiful quilts and they mean a lot to me, but think about how much more they would mean if I had the history of them. One little label would bring so much more meaning to them. One of the reason I fell in love with quilting is the history part of it, (a previous post covers this thought). Anyway, this makes me realize the importance of labeling our quilts. We never know who will end up with the quilt, and the road the quilt took to reach someone. Even the 'charity' or ugly quilts can end up meaning more to someone than we could know. Labels are important.

The reason I say this is a double edge sword is because of the way labeling can be so hurtful. A few weeks ago, I was at one of my son's baseball games and this lady showed up. She was dressed-up like she had just walked off some soap opera set. She was beautiful! She had on high, high clear plastic heels, and a low-cut suit jacket, with jewelry dripping everywhere. Every man there couldn't help but take notice, and most women were watching her too. The first thought I had, was to think she was a snob, and how arrogant she seemed. I was quick to judge her and label her as someone not very nice.

Well, the next game she showed up dressed in similar fashion, but with her 2 little dogs. My daughter is an animal lover, and not a shy child (to say the least)- so she went up and starting talking to this lady, which caused me to have to talk to the lady. The story ends up with me finding out about this lady and a tough situation she is in right now, and how she turns out to be one of the nicest people I've met there at the ball fields. I'm so glad my daughter's lack of 'judging' brought us together to become friends.

I don't know why, but I find myself thinking about how important a label can be for something like a quilt, or a bottle of cleaning product. And how hurtful labeling someone because of their clothing, or their car, or their profession can be to a person.

So, tonight is one of those long nights just wanting tomorrow to get here so I can get it over with. I don't mean to sound down, but I'm anxious for the vets visit. Nights like this seem to make more of my 'quirky' thoughts come out. I know this much, writing about it sure makes me feel a little better.

The 2nd quote for the day

"Label quilts, not people" -- :-) Kim

love of my life. . .

I can't post my picture right now, but will add them later- to help show why they are one of the loves in my life.

The truest and first love of my life was Alex. I met him outside of Shopko when I was a sophomore in college. He had my heart when our eyes met. He came home with me that day. I knew my parents (who lived across the country) would be mad from the start- he had a mind of his own and was extremely messy. I had confidence he would settle down, and 'conform' to the rules, and I knew this would take time. I felt like he was worth the risk and the trouble. It turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life.

My entire family fell in love with him too! Don't get me wrong, he was lots of trouble and had me in tears on more than one occasion, but by the end of the day I was always happy. I learned so much from Alex. He taught me the meaning of responsibility, and sacrifice. He taught me about commitment and patience. He showed me unconditional love, no matter how mad I got at him, he always loved me. He was always happy to see me and always sad to see me leave. He never 'spoke' rude to me, and never got mad at me. I admit it was a lopsided relationship, but he seemed OK with that. I never thought I'd find a person to love like I loved Alex.

luckily I found Steve, my husband. He has lots of Alex's good qualities, there are a few exceptions. Steve & I have a much more 'balanced' relationship. Well, I'm sharing all of this because of my current situation.

-Sidebar- I just reread what I wrote, and it sounds like Alex is a person- now, I considered him a part of my family, but I need to clarify Alex was my lab-mix dog. I thought about changing it above, but it kind of made me laugh-which I really need right now, so I left it as is.

Back to current situation- I thought I never be able to have any love like Alex. We have had 3 other dogs join the family with Alex, all of which I loved dearly, but Alex always held a special place in my heart, high above the others. He had been with me longer than anyone else (outside my mom, dad, sister or brother). Alex died almost 1 1/2 yrs ago. He was almost 17 years old.

I need to say, I understand how weird this all sounds to non-animal people, and I know dogs are not people, but it doesn't change how I feel. I really loved him and I really miss him. Now with my current situation, my heart is heavy because of Booboo. Like I said above, I never thought I'd find a love close to what I had for Alex, until Booboo came into our life. He is 2 1/2 years old, and was good buddies with Alex. It took a while for me to connect with him, he's a golden retriever, and they love everybody. They don't play favorites. Well, there are 6 people in our home, and lots of other family coming and going, so Booboo has lots & lots of best friends. Since I have been so busy with the 2 littlest people in our family, Booboo had taken a bit of the backseat for me. Just this past few months, with my husband gone a lot more and the little kids becoming a little more independent, Booboo & I have connected. I love him so much, for a number of reasons, mainly for his gentleness with the babies, and his patience with all the kids, and because he his so well behaved and generally just a good, good dog.

OK, Finally all this is on my mind because Booboo had been really sick this past weekend. I took him to the vet on Wednesday, and he hasn't improved. I'm so very scared because our friend had Booboo's brother and had to put him down a few months ago because he had cancer. The vet wants me to bring Booboo back in the morning to do some more tests, and I'm just so sad, scared and anxious. Poor Booboo has been laying around, not eating and hardly wags his tail- which if you know about goldens- they are the eternal optimist dog and always happy. I am just praying it's nothing serious. I guess this week has made me realize how lucky I have been to have Alex and Booboo as part of my life. I know in the grand scheme of things most people don't understand the way 'dog people' love their dogs, but for me they are an extended part of my family. I just had to put down my thoughts, hoping it would help me feel better.

Quote of the day

"Today I can cry because roses have thorns, or I can celebrate that thorns have roses" -- unknown-

Gratitudes

1. Finally a breezy day to blow some of this sticky humidity away
2. Receiving my new AQS magazine, to help me relive the quilt show
3. my mom & sister who help to hold my burdens
4. husband & son having "the best week ever" at scout camp (according to my son)
5. Booboo snuggling at my feet each night

Well, our little quilting group met. It was a nice turn out, and show & tell was fun. I showed the 'Vase' project, which I haven't completed. We don't required completed work for show & tell, otherwise we would have a sad little show & tell.

The 'strong' personality girl came, and after show & tell, we all sat down and she demonstrated how to make the little patchwork dress- we all watched, no one asked any questions, and it was a little uncomfortable. I finally had to ask something, because at this point, you could tell it was becoming extremely uncomfortable. Then after a few questions, another person showed up. When they arrived, the interruption was perfect to make a break and move on. Soon, the girl with the dress was working with another lady who use to sew clothing, and the rest of us were planning our Christmas block swap. A lot of the ladies liked the Moda Christmas Presence line. It seems a little dark. I'm afraid with a swap, that fabric may be tricky. It doesn't seem to have many greens. Our shop doesn't have it yet, so once we see it in person, it may seem better. Any suggestions for good Christmas fabric is welcomed!!

Well, I think all in all it was successful. Then again, any chance for me to do anything involving quilting is always fun and a rewarding time for me. Thanks for the comments and suggestions about how to handle the situation. Doing a blog is so wonderful- It's nice to know someone clear across the world or in your own backyard can relate to the similar situations.

Quote of the day, as told to the Dr.

"Today isn't a good day to weigh me, I have a lot on my mind."

Gratitudes
1. Having a fun little quilt group
2. All finished 'puppysitting' Lulu
3. sleeping in until 7!
4. the successful horse show- (another post another day.)
5. 2 big toads 'singing' outside

Y'all are all invited!! Really?

My friend & I have started a little quilt group. This is uncharted territory for both of us. We are members in established quilt guilds, but this is a bit different. We have had a good turn out so far, but this week will be interesting. We have one lady with a 'strong' personality. She is great, and has good intentions, but seems to somehow wiggle her way into getting everyone to do what she wants, even if they don't want to do it. My friend and I are both pretty laid back, and try to include everyone. (We don't want to scare off everyone since we are still trying to get a group established.) But I have to tell you, I'm nervous I might say something to offend 'strong' personality girl. She won't quit insisting that we do some patchwork clothing. None of the group wants to do it. My friend & I have gotten e-mails, and calls saying they don't want to do clothing. We all agreed. But this 'strong' personality girl is bringing patchwork clothing to demonstrate!! She sent an e-mail to everyone telling them to all come and enjoy it!!

Tomorrow night will be interesting. Between 'strong' personality girl and this other lady who is so sweet, and nice, but hasn't EVER used a needle (by hand or machine) and she isn't very quick to catch on, I don't know if this group thing will work! Well, my friend & I decided even if it's just the 2 of us, we will enjoy great show and tell nights with really good treats.

Quote of the day- which is really a thought of the day, by way of my son

"What's in the middle of nowhere?



--- the H."

Gratitudes

1. A smile from my 11 yr old son.
2. My smile, because of the 11 year old son.
3. The sound of the lawn mowers
4. My daughter's flower's new blooms
5. Nanna's new puppy- Lulu :-)

Some friends came over today, and our families all went fishing in our neighborhood pond. It was fun, and each child caught tons of fish. It was so hot and sticky because of the storm moving in, but it was worth it.

We always throw the fish back once we unhook them. Tonight, as we went to unhook one of the fish - we saw another hook stuck in the fish's mouth!! This fish had been caught twice!! (Only the 2nd catch was by us.) This is especially odd, since there are hundreds and hundreds of these little fish in this huge pond!

I'm thinking about all this right now because I ask myself, how many times have I been 'caught' more than once. I mean caught, like fallen for something. I think of that little fish, and he saw something really good and tempting, in easy reach and he went for it and got caught. He was fortunate, because the first person threw him back. The poor little fish! This must have been a horrible experience, especially with the hook left in his mouth as a reminder of the catch. You would think he'd steer clear of easy, good, tempting bait. But he didn't learn the lesson, he saw more good tempting food, and again went for it. He was lucky again, we got both hooks out, and threw him back. (He was on a lucky streak- today would be a good day for him to buy a lottery ticket!) But, again, this could not possibly be a pleasant experience.

Now I know he is a fish, and his job is to eat, without putting to much thought into where the food is coming from, but I guess the "quirky thought" part of me kicked in. I think of how often I see 'temptations'or 'short cuts' and I give in. I should learn from earlier experiences, like the little fish should have, but I take the bait the 2nd time, just like the little fish. Why!?

I guess this train of thought isn't something that could ever be answered, but it feels good to write it down.


Quote of the day,
Mae West said,
"I generally avoid temptation unless I can't resist it!"

Gratitudes

1. My clean bathroom
2. Having my own bathroom sink
3. Seeing my favorite little turtle as we fished (I finally getting his photo!)
4. All the quail at the birdfeeder
5. Friends with kids as loud as my own kids, (makes me think we are normal!)

Finally figured out the photo thing

I think I figured out how to post my photos on the blog. I'm so excited I figured this out, but now I'm a little sad and overwhelmed because I realize how little I get done- as far as quilting. I mean, I have the chance to post photos of my projects, like the UFOs and ask for advise or show a completed project, but I will have very few photos to post. It makes me jealous of all the blogs I read where they have quilted each day, even if it's just a bit. I guess I have to keep reminding myself my time isn't mine at this point in my life, and I try to have a good attitude about this reality, but sometimes it isn't easy. Well. that was a nice little pity party for me. I should remember to play the stupid 'glad game'. Did I say stupid? -opps, I meant that wonderful 'glad game'- here goes;
1. I should be glad I have a camera to take pictures of the quilts I have not even started, but dream of making.
2. I should be glad I have lots, and lots, and lots of quilt kits, fabric and notions I haven't even begun to use, but will one day.
3. I should be glad the reason I can't quilt a lot is because I have 4 adorable kids (11 yrs to 7 months) and a dear husband, who I help run his business.
4. I am glad because in my life at this point, this is my biggest complaint, and I am SOOO glad this is it. I am so lucky!

OK, now I feel guilty for complaining, as I was trying to load the picture of my July 4th quilt, I found this picture of my daughter and my 2nd son (8 & 2 yrs old). How could I even consider my quilting time as something more important than my 'playtime'? Who wouldn't want to play with these snuggly little kids!

I love this picture, my daughter is missing her teeth, while my son has his 'new' teeth. These are my 2 kids that they wrote that book about- "The Strong Willed Child". LOL! They are just alike, both in their appearance and personality. WOW! I didn't know God has such a strange sense of humor- to send one family 2 kids with the SAME STRONG personality! It is without doubt and adventure each day!

Well, today was definitely a good blogging therapy day. I hope I finish the binding on the flag quilt. I ran out of material for the back, so I just pieced all the scraps together for the backing. It's not done so great, but it is for outside. Blowing in the wind, I doubt anyone will notice how messy it was pieced.

Quote of the Day

"Whatever you become, someone will long for what you were." -from 'taxi driver wisdom'

We did IT!!

"Surprise!!"

I can not believe we pulled it off. My sister, brother and I planned a surprise anniversary party for our parents. It was their 40th!! Wow- that's a loooong time to be married. My parents have provided me a fairy-tale life. They both come from farming families, and both grew up extremely poor. My mom is one of 12 kids- yes twelve kids, they were cotton farmers in Louisiana and dirt poor. (The picture above is my mom's family. It's the only picture with the entire family.) My dad has one brother, and he came from a dairy farm here in Tennessee. (They both know the meaning of work!) I had wonderful grandparents, but 3 of the 4 were alcoholic. In fact, my dad's mom died on her 68th birthday from dehydration because of being so intoxicated. Obviously my parents didn't have the easiest childhood. Growing up poor and with alcoholic parents, well, this didn't set the best example for my parents.

Here's what so amazing, my parents are the most wonderful and happy parents. They have always had the "can do" attitude. They loved their parents, and I never even knew of the problems they had until I was an adult. I never heard my parents talk badly of their parents. My mom & dad have been great parents, they have raised 3 kids, who have turned out to be productive and happy people.

My parents taught us to be positive, and look for the good in others. They taught us the meaning of true love, which for us meant we may not always liking someone's actions, but you can still love the person. Love meant saying your sorry, even if sometimes you didn't mean it. It means when you are being annoyed to death by your loved one, you just keep taking deep breaths until you could handle it. I try to remind myself of this when I hear my husband crunching his food and it's making me crazy!!

My dad is the most positive person I have EVER known!! He was diagnosed with stage 3, throat cancer 2 1/2 years ago. He has gone through hell and back, dealing with pain that when I think back on it, makes me cry as I am typing this. My dad has taught me the only thing in life I can change is my attitude, which determines my altitude. He was the one who said to us- just 'do it', and 'what are really afraid of?'. He makes me want to be a better person. He inspires me to be the best I can be each day.

My mom is the butterfly- you never know where she will land, but you know she will always land on her feet. She made sure I had every opportunity possible. She use to tell me, she never had the chance to do such and such, and wanted to make sure I would have opportunities to do the stuff she only dreamed about as a child. She came from a tiny, tiny town and is now a city commissioner, and was mayor of Brentwood, TN a few years ago. She is the American Dream! She is one of the best friends I could have ever have. She listens to all my drama's and has always given my good advise, even if it meant not siding with me and having to tell me I was wrong.

My parents are unbelievable people. I am beyond blessed to have them. I only hope my kids will think of me, as I think of them. If that happens, I will feel like a successful parent.

We had a great turn out- about 60 or so folks were there. We, as the kids, were honored at the people who showed up to honor our parents. My parents were totally surprised!! They had no idea what was going for few minutes, then the tears and laughter started. It was a dream come true for me. I have always wanted to do something like that, and it was wonderful!

Gratitudes
1. Celebrating 40 years of my parents being together!
2. The surprise party being over.
3. My brother, sister and I not killing each other as we pulled this off. (we all 3 like to be 'in charge';-))
4 My wonderful husband for handle baby patrol & helping during the party
5 All the friends we were able to celebrate with!

"The best things in life, aren't things"

It's been crazy today, like most of my other days. But the day ended up to be great! I have to brag about my son's baseball game. He's been in a bit of a slump hitting, but today during the play off game, the score was 6 to 4, we were down by 2, bottom of the 6th (last inning for his league), 2 runners on base, 2 outs, and a full count- with my son at bat-- holy cow, he hit a beautiful double!!!!! He drove in the 2 runners and landed on 2nd and tied up the game!! He couldn't stop smiling! This caused the game to go into extra innings, we ended up losing by 1, but boy oh boy, it was so fun and exciting to watch! The best part, my son got the game ball! It was a beautiful way to end the season. His team came in 3rd place, pretty neat! He's a great kid. I'm so glad he is the oldest, he sets such a great example for the others.

Gratitudes for the day
1. Seeing one of the biggest smile on my son's face!
2. Only having one more day to keep the surprise party a 'surprise'!
3. Having lunch from Meridee's Bread Shop- Thanks Ninnie!
4. The wonderful (rare no-humidity) weather today
5. 2nd trip to Dr. to getting my legs fixed up (only 5 more visits to go!)

I will probably sound bananas as I try to express what I am thinking. This of coarse will not be the 1st time I could start out a thought with that line, and will not be the last time. But...

I was just thinking about this blogging thing- and how it is wonderful! For me, as a quilter (the one part of my life that is just for me), blogging is what I imagine quilting bees would be like. I think every person has such a need for communicating with other people. Not just talking to each other because of work, or the neighbor thing, or talking with the other parents of your kids friends, I mean the type of talking to another person without being forced to talk. I don't think I'm explaining myself (once again refer to the title about the quirky thoughts and now you know why).

Here's what just happened to me, I went to one of my favorite blogs, I read some comments that were posted, I clicked on their links, and started traveling around to all sorts of other blogs. It so fun to just read a bit, and if it's appropriate, make a comment or two. It's like getting to visit with people because you simply want to visit. People you choose to visit with, not just because you saw them in the supermarket, or carpool line, or gym or wherever. Depending on my mood, I can go to different blogs- I think it's so helpful to have others to relate too, depending on what my needs are for that moment.

The only hard part about bloghopping, is that I sometimes lose a good site that I want to go back to visit. Again, it probably sounds a little bananas. But I just thought I'd share one of my favorite reason for blogging (is that even a word?).

Quote of the day

"Whatever you are, be a good one!" Abraham Lincoln

Gratitudes

Today is hard to list just 5-
1. The big geese hissing at us for feeding her ADORABLE little babies
2. The sound of the bullfrogs out by the pond.
3. My 2 year old getting an 'all clean' dentist check-up (that's a story for another post)
4. Not running out of gas- I still can't believe we didn't run out!!!
5. My son's team winning- still alive in the playoffs, (and his diving play to get the other guy out, and still throw it for a double play!)

Pondering. . .

This past week I have had the misfortune of having to attend a funeral. The young man, who was 21 years old, was shot in the back and left to die on the street. No one called the police for over 2 hours. I didn't know him personally, but I am friends with his mom, dad, and sister. It has been heartbreaking to see them go through this. As I've gone through the week, I often find myself thinking about this tragedy.

He was a good guy, he had made some bad choices, like we have all done, and he was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time- like we have all been in at some point. I think going through times of loss makes me realize all the things that I should be focused on- it makes me ask myself about my own choices- and where do my choices put me on the eternal scale of things?

I wasn't going to post anything about this, but after attending the memorial service for him, I think the biggest question I keep asking myself is who would attend my service and more importantly for what reason? Would it be for me, or for someone in my family, or because it was the PC thing to do because of church, work or neighbor relationships? I wondered what legacy will I leave for my children. I guess that's what funeral's are suppose to do- in the end, they makes us think about ourselves.

So I find myself posting about this after all. I guess I keep pondering about what kind of influence each person has on those around them. I hope I have a good influence on those around me. It takes so little to help make someone's day a little better. You just never know the impact or influence you could have on a total stranger or someone in your family. All this rambling is helping to qualify my title of 'quirky thoughts'!

One thing I did realize about me and my love for quilts, is the ability of passing on of something tangible like a quilt, for my kids and their kids to share a little piece of me and hopefully remember the good stuff. I hope when it is all said and done, my kids will remember the good stuff. I hope they will have lots and lots of good stuff to remember. Hopefully they will have a really good therapist to help them with that!

(Side note- I always say our kids have a college fund, a mission fund, and a therapy fund. The therapy fund is the biggest of the 3.)

Quote of the day- I saw this on a church billboard and thought how fitting for my ponderings of the week.

'Life has many choices; Eternity has only two'

Gratitudes
1. My kids saying their prayers.
2. My new 'dressy' flip-flops
3. Tomatoes we bought from the road side stand- perfectly ripe
4. A good baseball talk with my 11 yr old son- about my beloved Red Sox
5. Having the 2 yr old's haircut turn out adorable and having him cooperate for it!

My e-bay win!

I'm SOOO excited, I just got the blocks I won off e-bay. I can't not explain how much I love old quilts and old blocks. These are McKim flower blocks. I don't know much about them, but I am looking forward to researching the history. I love the history of quilting. Since I don't have lots of time in my life to sew right now, I get to admire other people's work.

I love- LOVE- quilting and sewing myself. But since it seems like I rarely have time, I've transferred my passion into collecting and admiring other quilts, and reading and learning about them. I have also collected lots of fabric, kits, and patterns- my husband teasing me about our "quilting storage supply", I tell him I'm planning for retirement. I'm actually saving him lots of money, because I won't have to buy as much later in life.

I am doing better with time, now that the youngest is going on 7 months, it seems a little easier to work on projects. I read other blogs, and I am so inspired with what these people accomplish! I hope to have my own checklist, and have lots of checkmarks soon. Until then, I get to enjoy antique quilts as I study them, and learn about them.

Quote of the day:
"We much choose each day, which direction we are going, forward or backwards, we never are standing still."

Gratitudes
1. Sleeping in- (all the kids are at grandma's house!)
2. My mom & dad who love my kids & take them for 'slumber parties'
3. My friend who always calls to 'check' on me
4. Lotion- and how wonderful it feels after I put some on
5. My vacuum cleaner- I really love it!

Life's not fire!

My daughter is completely deaf in one ear, and has quiet a southern twang, which sometimes makes her words mixed up. It's fun and she has a great sense of humor about it. It's like a toddler with their "cute" little phrases and words. She's also all about equal treatment for all the kids. She's the child you always hear saying 'that's not fair!!' My daughter likes everything balanced and equal. She still wonders why Heavenly Father made her the only sister in our family- making it 3 boys to 1 girls! I have tried to teach her that fair and equal treatment rarely happens in the real world. I always tell her 'life's just not fair'. I say all this in order to prefaces today's quote, which comes from my daughter.

She was trying to explain to our 2 year old why he couldn't have her cookie, and he just didn't understand and kept screaming for the cookie. She finally told him,

"Little fellow, Life's not Fire!"

It took me a moment, then I realized she was trying to tell him life's not fair. This entire time I've been telling life's not fair- she thought I was saying 'life's not FIRE'. We all enjoyed a good laugh, and now on the top of our quote board in the kitchen we have posted:

LIFE'S NOT FIRE!

Gratitudes
1. My daughter's 'good' ear
2. A 12 minute nap this afternoon
3. Really good Chinese food for lunch
4. Thinking about free babysitting for tomorrow night
5. All of my parents friends who are helping us with their surprise party

I'll worry about that tomorrow!

It's been a busy day- I've been running the kids around all day. I find myself thinking about this blog, and wondering what I want to post. I have so many thoughts running through my head during the day, and I think 'oh that's what I need to post about', then as it's time to post- BLANK, my head is blank. I have so much going on in my life- it's kind of overwhelming, so I sometimes revert back to something I learned to do as a kid- which is to put things off until a later date. This habit earned me a nick name, since I did it so often.

My mom and Momma Marge (a neighbor who helped raise me) started call me Miss Scarlett. Now if anyone ever reads this blog, and if you haven't read or seen Gone With the Wind, Miss Scarlett is a carefree lady who when faced with decisions is often heard saying "I'll think about that tomorrow". I don't remember when I started using this philosophy, I know I used it before I ever saw or read Gone With the Wind. It was just easier to worry about things later. As an adult, I am much better at not procrastinating, I usually enjoy being able to check off jobs I have completed and tasks I have finished. But today, and for that matter, this week- I have been in Miss Scarlett mode! I know I will pay for this later, I know this from experience, but for this week, my stress level needed to have some things put aside.

--a little humor I did find today, as I was looking at my 'Gone With the Wind Calendar' my mom gave my for Christmas, the thought occurred to me about how ironic it is that I have a calendar theme based on the habit of putting off things until later. I suppose the calendar is to help me know what day to put things off until.

one more little note- the nick name really stuck, even today. I guess being born and raised in the south, and having dark brown hair, and add the fact that my dear mom thought Martha miniature Dresses were appropriate for any occasion, helped the nickname stick. I guess I really looked the part of a snooty little Miss Scarlett with the hair, the twang and those dresses!

This all leads me to my quote of the day-

"Why do today, what you could put off until tomorrow?"
I can't remember where I heard this, I think it sounds like a Yogi Berra comment.

Graditudes-
1. Ortiz hitting his 17th home run! He's my favorite player.
2. My son having a great day at wrestling camp- 4 new pins!!
3. Watching my daughter ride cross country for the 1st time, and doing GREAT!!
4. Helping to plan my parents surprise 40th wedding anniversary party!
5. Everyone asleep and beautiful sound of quiet!

One of the quotes that rattles around in my brain is:

'He who angers you- controls you".

I am usually perceived as a nice person, I have even had a few people accuse me of being too nice. They explained to me how I was too nice, and this wasn't a good quality. My husband teases about how people meet us and think he is this loud, overbearing, quick tempered, opinionated person, while I am viewed as sweet, nice, mild mannered and easy to get along with. He teases because we may appear to be like that, but it is just that, an appearance.

I am the quick tempered (just ask my kids about comments made as I drive- I don't swear, but I will tell the other drivers exactly how bad their driving abilities are), I have strong opinions about almost everything, and overbearing could be the same as me being a big control freak! Now my dear husband, is loud and opinionated, but it takes a lot to provoke him. I've tried, and rarely succeed.

I have this quote above, replaying in my head as much as I can, trying to remind me to 'let it go'. I can't and should worry about other people, and what they think about me. I can't use my time and energy trying to please others. It never ends good! Then, I get angry because I have let someone else use me or my time, and then they have control. Which then makes me even more frustrated, because I hate not being in control (once again, just ask anyone in my family).

This is a vicious cycle!! The only hope I have to break this cycle is by not trying to please other people, and then I don't get angry, and thus I stay in control.

Well, that sure felt good to vent.

Gratitudes for today-

1. Ice cream with my daughter on our 'girls day' (even tough the 7 month old boy was in tow- but daughter said he didn't count as a boy yet).
2. A visit to Dr. Smith- my favorite Dr. EVER!
3. The sound of the A/C running
4. Seeing my sister's belly grow- with a baby she was told would never happen!
5. Thinking about the Flag quilt almost being done!

Favorite Quote

Quote of the day:

"Pain is inevitable, misery is optional"

This is probably my favorite quote of all time. I feel like it can be used in almost any situation and at whatever age you are. I reminds me of my free agency. I have a choice, with whatever I have to face each day, I can choose what attitude I will have as I handle the situation. Although I can't choose the situation, I can choose how to deal with it. (I will admit I often have a stinky attitude, especially when my kids are interrupting me as I might be trying to sew, or read my favorite blogs.)

I try to remind myself misery is a choice.


Gratitudes
1. Warm days, with cool breezes
2. Hearing a great story about a friend receiving charity, and now being able to be charitable without having to be asked.
3. Mom & Dad coming to 'kidnap' one of the sick kids to give me a break.
4. Winning a bid on e-bay!!!! (I thought I wouldn't win)
5. Hearing the kids playing nicely together- without me telling them to play nice.

My little secret?

I find myself thinking about this blog more and more. I can't decide if I should tell the people I know I have it. I was reading someone else's blog, and how she is in the middle of this yucky situation because she had posted some of her feelings and opinions, and a few people she knows are now offended and mad at her. This makes me think I should keep this blog site as my little secret, from the people I know in 'real life'. I think of this as sort of a journal. What if I write about someone or something that happens to me, with a person in my life, and if they should read it- what then?

This brings my next thought- maybe having the people in my life, know my opinion and thoughts could be good. It's what I tell my older kids, 'be yourself, and if the other kids don't like you, it's their loss- but you have to be true to yourself'. It is fascinating to me, how people have the ability to tell total strangers their deepest secrets, but people who love and care for us sometimes don't know our true feelings. I call this the 'Jerry Springer phenomenon'. ( I have to put a quick disclaimer- I do not watch this show- I have seen it, and know the premise, but I haven't been a watcher). Think about it, people have the ability to go on the show and tell their loved one about some affair, or secret double life they have been living. Why couldn't they do this in the privacy of their living room, or therapist's office? They felt more comfortable on National TV!

I now kind of understand- I have this little blog, my little space, to share my thoughts and opinions. This space where I don't have to be PC b/c of family relationships, or worrying about hurting my friends feelings if I totally disagree with her actions. I still haven't decided to tell people I know about this. It's kind of fun having a little secret, something all mine- not having to share. I don't know what I will do yet, I'm still undecided.

I know this- for me it's lots of fun to have a secret! Not to be boastful, but I can keep a secret. Nobody in my family is good a keeping secrets, most of my friends can't keep secrets very well. I love to keep a secret- I get a rush knowing something no one else knows I know. It's kindof a little powertrip!

In school I wasn't a good secret keeper, I learned the hard way. Now that I'm grown, (even though I feel fresh out of school), I understand how keeping a secret can be so important. Even if I think it's little, if somebody tells me not to tell- I won't tell anyone, until I've been told it's OK. This all leads back to my delima- it's fun not having anyone know about my blog. I'll have to figure out what I should do.

In the meantime, there is a neat blog or web site(?) whichever, it's neat. People send in their secret on real postcards, and this site post the postcards- it's all anonyomous. It's fun to follow along, sometimes it's sad and scary, sometimes happy and funny- check it out at

postsecret.blogspot.com

http://postsecret.blogspot.com/

quote

Listing my gratitudes of the day, and well as some of my favorite quotes are 2 of the main reasons I decided to do a blog. I have been reading other people's blogs for some time, and I have gained lots of interesting thoughts and new appreciations from their posts. I wish I could go back and comment when I read something that helped me, I wish I could tell them thanks, or just let them know how nice it was to read their post. I will make sure to do that from here out.

In the meantime, I hope if someone is browsing along and comes across one of my post, they are able to gain something good from it.

"There is no limit to what a man can do or where he can go if he doesn't mind who gets the credit." Ronald Reagan

Gratitude

One of my favorite things about some of the blogs I read are the 'gratitude lists'. This is one of the reasons I wanted to start my own blog. I think it is important to focus and think of specific things we are grateful for on a daily basis. I think having a daily list is a super way to accomplish this. It's also a wonderful thing to be able to look back and 'review' the lists, especially on my down days.

So today I begin my official gratitude list. Sidenote- the standard gratitude of family, friends, quilts, etc. are givens- therefore, they can't be listed on the daily list:), otherwise, they would almost always be on the daily list each day.

1. Watching the three big rabbits that live behind us, as they hop around.
2. The lots turtles in the pond, watching them poke their heads up as we walk by.
3. Summer baseball.
4. The sound of the dryer as it runs.
5. My dad calling to check on how his grandkids are feeling, (without being prompted to call by my mom:).

1846

This quilt block is sign and date in 1846- I am amazed! I am so intrigued with old textiles and antiques. I wonder where they have been, and what stories they could tell. I wonder why this block was never finished? Who was is signed for? Usually signature quilts were done for special events, like weddings, funerals etc. There are four other blocks in this set. Two of the signatures have the same last name. I wonder where these blocks have been stored for over 100 years, to be in such great condition. I love the mystery of old quilts, and quilt blocks.

I wonder what we value in today's world, like they valued a signature quilt in days of the past? What do we do today that would be similar to the time and effort the people used by making a quilt by hand like this for someone as a gift?

The glad game

This has been quite a week- all four of my kids, and my husband have been sick- really, really sick. I cannot stress sick enough- the really, really gross kind of sick. I am exhausted. I've done more laundry and cleaning than most cleaning services do in a month! Yesterday, as I was in tears, and thought I had reached the end of my frayed rope, then this thought occurred to me- shouldn't I be glad to have 4 sick kids and sick husband. I should be glad, like Pollyanna's glad game. I have a dear friend who would give anything for her own children. It made me feel ungrateful, I've been so blessed to have kids. I thought, it's times like right now that are tough, but these are the times that make the rest of the journey seem so sweet. I am glad I have my 4 kids to clean-up after, I'm sure one day I will miss all the 'messes & little handprints'

I love the book Pollyanna. It is sappy and predictable, but what a wonderful thing it would be if more people had a little more Pollyannaisms in their life.

"Remember to keep your face to the sunshine and the shadows will fall behind."- Helen Keller

trying to figure this out

this is my attempt to create a blog.