I know my posts have been leaning toward my trips to VA, family time, crochet and knitting, and Little Quilts but I do still piece and quilt lap/sofa size quilts.
The last few years have been very hard on me from a health standpoint and I’m still on oral chemo for the breast cancer – fingers crossed it won’t come back – and I’m dealing with a number of health issues due to the treatment of 3 different cancers.
I’m trying to accept that I will NEVER get back to the same level of health I had before this all started, that I need more rest, more time to run to appointments, and with Keith retired, more family time – which is not a bad thing at all unlike the others but it does mean less time in the sewing room.
In addition to the bin full of hats I shared in the last post … donations are being made.
- I shipped off 6 group HeartStrings yesterday that I quilted and finished they will be donated in Maine.
- I loaded one of mine on the longarm today that will be donated through the local guild to Sleep in Heavenly Peace along with 7 other quilts to be donated by them to other organizations.
- Up next for quilting – the RWB Sharon HeartStrings quilt which will be taken to Maine in September with 2 more RWB quilts I made to be donated in Bev’s memory.
- Plus, next week I’ll be donating 2 large bags filled with Little Quilts and critters along with a stack of crochet blankets to Safe Path
That’s 17 quilts plus the Little Quilts, the chemo hats, and the crochet blankets all to be donated by the end of September.
I am Still a Quilter but I can’t just sit and do nothing when I need rest or quiet time so there are more knit and crochet projects being done for donation.
So if you are still reading this post, I guess I’m explaining why this Quilting Blog that was started in 2005 is no longer focused solely on quilting but quilting is still my passion and I will never stop as long as I’m able.
I’m also trying to convince myself that I am still useful and productive and that I still make a difference through my donation work and through sharing my projects here and on the website that inspire others to make and donate things to those in need.
Thank you for understanding and supporting me through all this.
Mary, I’m happy you are enjoying what meets your interest, needs, time and energy. I have made changes to my quilt making time and the size of the quilts as it does take more time and more energy now as I age and there are other things I now choose to do with my time instead. There is the expense to consider but that’s another conversation – pretty big increase lately and a lost desire to indulge. 🤷🏼♀️ It’s just so good to have you here sharing whatever life brings to your days. I wish you wellness and happiness. ❤️
This is YOUR blog. I am grateful that you share…whatever that is. You are an interesting and inspiring person. Thank you.
ps–After near-death pneumonia 12 years ago I wondered if I would ever “get my life back.” The answer was no. I do not have the same life I did. But, in many ways, I have a better one. Perhaps because I have more gratitude. Life is precious, in all its forms.
You are awesome, Mary, and always an inspiration. We all love to read your posts, whether they are about quilting, other crafts, or just life in general. I’m sure I speak for many others of your readers when I say yours is the first blog I want to read, and always the one that gives me ideas, encouragement and admiration. Sending huge thanks, and big hugs!
You Are useful. You ARE productive. And YES you do make a difference. I enjoy your blog and am blessed that you would share your life journey through blogging. God still has plans for you…..they might be different than 20 years ago but life without variety would be boring ❤️ Beth in AL
Dear Mary: You are amazing. You do so much. I cannot believe you find time to do this email, pictures, instructions. You get so much done. I love seeing your deer and bears. Your pictures give me ideas. The picture of you sitting in a chair with a quilt over your legs and a Doggie there with you is warmth to my heart as I have doggies also. It is sweet. Thank you so much for all you do. Yes we get older and cannot do as much as we used to. I am 77 and spend more time going to appointments it seems. So stay healthy, happy and seeing Friends and Family.
You are a treasure. Very Sincerely Carolyn
Gosh Mary, you ARE and always will BE both productive and inspiring! I’d still follow your blog if you made zero quilts, so please don’t stop blogging. Your worth is so much more than ” number of projects completed”. God bless.
Mary, Mary, Mary, why are you so hard on yourself?? Even with all your travels and your appts, you are WAAYYY more productive than I am!!! And I’m healthy and rarely go anywhere. If I accomplished half of what you do, I would consider myself a roaring success!!
The picture at the top of this post is great! You look relaxed and healthy! I’m happy for you!
I love reading your blog. I am dealing with a second breast cancer, third cancer myself and you are an inspiration (and your mom too!). I am way less productive in textile production, but like you, I love spending time with family, grands etc. Thanks for continuing to write.
I agree 100% with previous comment that this is YOUR blog. You write whatever you want to post- we’ll still be here to read it. Family, food, Finn, quilting, knitting, critters- whatever. I am sure that I am not the only one who enjoys reading what my “blog friends” are doing. Go back and reread the list of ALL the things you have made and/or donated. It’s not a competition- but I could never keep up to your pace and I believe we are the same age- and I don’t really have any health issues. Keep a positive attitude Mary- it goes a long way.
I have to say that I am amazed and inspired by you. I can’t believe all that you accomplish, especially because you are going through treatment after treatment. I think you are amazing! And through it all, you continue with your beautiful smile. You truly are a blessing to many!🩷🙏🩷
You are more productive when you aren’t feeling well than most people are when they’re healthy. No guilt allowed!! Just keep smiling and enjoying the process.
Mary you do not need to apologize for taking care of yourself amidst all you have gone through. You have made more quilts than most of your followers combined.
Your dedication has inspired so many people. In fact my 12 yr old granddaughter is going to look at donating to Warm up America.
I always enjoy reading your posts, whatever you are sharing here. I love seeing what you sew, crochet, family, even the animals prowling around outside haha, and cute little Finn. Keep on doing what you’re doing and I love the new hairstyle; really suits you 🙂
Please don’t feel you must always and only be about quilting. I am always amazed by all you do and I am always inspired by you. When I feel overwhelmed by all the quilt ideas that are running through my mind, I find that looking at one of your posts can help me get my focus back. You need to do you and not worry about what others think. Your health and family should be your focus. If you need a day off from you blog to rest and recuperate, do it. Even Bonnie Hunter only blogs 6 days a week now. I love hearing about your lovely family and the pictures that you post. You do so much for others while going through your health challenges and are an amazing, caring person. I even purchased the game 5 Crowns after seeing it in one of your posts. My granddaughter Riley who is now 11 has been playing for the past 3 years with the adults and generally beats us all. This is just a small example of how you have influenced my life.
we all do what we can when we can…no explanation necessary….the fact that we all face health issues and keep going in spite of them in one way or another is a testament to our resilience and desire to create
Mary! I can’t imagine how you manage to continue your positive attitude and amazing productivity with all you have been thru, and are still going thru! You are a true inspiration with nothing to apologize for! If I get a quilt or two completed a year, I am proud! With all our other commitments as wives, mothers, daughters, dog Moms, and friends, your generosity and magnitude of giving is extraordinary! I love reading your blog, you inspire me, and I love you too! Do as you can, I know it will always be enough or more! Brenda King, Bend, Or.
Dear Mary, You do more than enough! Please continue to live as you like, family is most important. Your health needs are a priority.
Your donations are an inspiration. Also love to see @& hear of your family visits.
You are loved by many many people. You do you!
Some people just like to pick at others. THIS IS YOUR BLOG. Publish what you want. It is your life. Live it like you want. I enjoy your blogs and like the variety of quilting, knitting, crocheting, and family time. You are such a sweetheart and give so much to others. Thanks for all you do. I hope you win your cancer fight.
I agree with all of the comments. You are so productive in your quilting, knitting, and crocheting. I enjoy reading all your posts.
It’s your blog and it can be whatever you need it to be! I admire the way that you have handled everything you have been through the past few years. You are way more productive than I think I could have been!
Rest assured that you have been and continue to be an inspiration for many people who have gotten to know you over the years by reading your blog. I have enjoyed seeing and reading about all the various you things you have accomplished over the years, all the while fighting your serious health problems. I am glad to hear you are taking time to rest when needed. You are able to continue to complete so many projects, and if you say that you are slowing down I’ll take your word for it. I wouldn’t be able to tell when I see all the wonderful things you have made recently. Take care of yourself and rest when needed without worrying that you are not doing enough. I’m sure those that know you personally and love you are happy that they get to spend time with you.
I find you amazing. You do so much and are extremely kind. My guild took up your bear quilts (little quilts) idea and made/make them for casa. They have been very well received.
I would like to do the warmup America but I am in the process of emptying my house, due to the loss of my husband this year. Plan on moving to PA to be around my kids….MAJOR DOWNSIDEZING. I get to take about 10-15% of my stuff (sad time)
Does the warm up America project run all the time? If so where can you send the blocks. I have yarn that needs to used. Also can you include the address.
Doing the veteran hats at the moment and a quilt for safe harbor. But don’t have a lot of inspiration so progress is slow. But when I read your blog I realize that there is so much one can do. I just need to force myself to do more and to help others
Thanks for all of your motivation and your kindness in sharing.
Dear sweet Mary, you don’t need to apologize for anything. I love you and your blog – no matter what you’re blogging about. With your loving and kind attitude, you are an inspiration. AND you never complain! I love seeing your projects whether they are quilted or crocheted (is that a word). I pray for you and wish you and Keith all the best!
Please please accept that you are an amazing woman, even if you can’t do what you used to. I live with ME and struggled to learn that I was still “me” and still had value without being able to do paid or voluntary work. You do so much and give so much financially as well as time and your care to others. Enjoy life as you are able to live it now. Holding you in the light.