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.
I applaud you for all you do
I am amazed at all you accomplish! No need to explain how much or how little you do. Also, I like reading about your life. And I also like to quilt, knit hats and crochet afghans, so you’re actually right up my alley. Thanks for posting. I hope you’re health stays manageable throughout many years.
No need to apologize for something you have no control over – Life. I’m amazed at what you are able to accomplish. I wish you well and many more joyful years! Blessings!!!
You are wonderful and an inspiration to us all. Thank you so much for all that you create and give away! It truly is “better to give than to receive “ .God bless and strengthen you and give you that measure of strength that would best glorify Him!
Mary, you continue to inspire and motivate me in all things creative. Videos of the visitors outside, picture of those grandkids growing up, the joy your sons bring, all these contribute to a very interesting story of your life. I’m invested in this blog, whatever the topic you’re sharing, so please don’t change a thing. Just take good care of yourself, and keep those hands busy while you do. I’m here for it all.
Mary, like you, I’m a knitter and crocheter as well as a quilter. I make many items for donation, and love to see what you’re doing. I’ve also had three cancer surgeries, chemo and radiation, so I know the effects. You are indeed useful and productive and inspiring!
Wow, Mary! I would never have thought to question your content. Your blog, your choice!
Your donation record is just amazing, and I hope to someday increase my donation work. I only knit socks at this point, and I have a list of gifts to make for those, but I do donate quilts, and my guild makes placemats and wheelchair quilts for a local hospice. Your work is so valuable, not only to the groups you donate to, but also as inspiration to your readers. I appreciate your taking the time to share the things you make with us.
Dear Mary You have a love of creativity and a generous soul. Please post what pleases you and lifts your spirit. No matter what happens with your health and your ability to create items, your wonderful creations have delighted many people and have filled their lives with love. I often imagine the reactions of the recipients of your little quilts with stuffies, thinking how you’ve lifted the recipient that day and for their days moving forward. Love and admiration to you.
I love your blog, you are truly inspirational with your love of family and community plus, at the same time dealing with your health issues. From the other side of the world, East Coast of New Zealand, I’d just like to thank you for sharing your passions and your everyday family events with us. I understand your concern that lead to your post but we all evolve, life does that to us. Share what and when you like, I will keep enjoying your open, honest stories and accomplishments. Judy, Gisborne, NZ
I am astounded at how much you accomplish! After all the health issues you have been through, your energy doesn’t seem to have waned. Your creations for charity are lovely. You are amazing!
Being able to do what you want and enjoy life at a different pace has more value. I am amazed at all that you accomplish!
You are truly an inspiration to all of us. Thanks for expanding on your current environment. It is wonderful that you have so many talents that when one is not possible, the next can give your comfort. Hang in there.
I say you do what you need to do.
Wow 2005! I remember when you first moved into Minneapolis. That’s when I started reading your life stories.
We all wish we could be as productive, healthy or not!! Thank you for sharing your life as well as your quilts. We love following your journey, seeing the twists and turns the universe tosses your way and the grace with which you handle it. I still come to your list of quilt patterns for charity inspiration, and I am using your “little quilt” design ideas for NICU quilts I have been asked to make.
I don’t know why you felt you needed to apologize — I hope the impetus was internal and not because anyone criticized you!
Thank you for sharing — for sharing ALL of it!
“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.” You are very useful, productive and making a HUGE DIFFERENCE through your donation work – as well as inspiring others. Keep “keeping on”!!
Mary you sure are so “useful and productive “ never doubt it. The amount of items you make to donate is amazing considering your medical issues. Mind yourself, as we say in Ireland and keep going. Best regards Maureen
You are an inspiration to me and I admire what you can get done through your health troubles. Because of you I have started some little quilts. I had to make myself stop buying stuffed animals. My goal is to do 10 and see if I can find someplace to donate them to. You sent me an email with where you donate when I asked so thank you. Even though I do not crochet I love seeing what you are working on and donating. I enjoy seeing your family pics. It fills my heart when I see you working with your Mother. May our good Lord keep you cancer free.
Reading your blog post my first reaction was “who was the idiot (actually what I thought wasn’t ‘idiot’ but something much graphic) who voiced their criticism to you?” I will guarantee you that the person who did make the comment doesn’t do ANY community contributions, in whatever form. It generally works that way. They feel entitled to comment on others activities while conveniently forgetting they do NOTHING AND it’s not their blog, either. I’ll get off my soapbox now! : ) I am in awe of all you get done — I do contribute to others (quilting – I can’t knit or crochet), but not on the scale you do. Thank you for sharing, and don’t ever feel you have justify yourself or your actions to anyone else. You are wonderful, in all respects, and I LOVE reading your blog every time to see what you’re up to each time — all while juggling everything that is going on in your life. My hats off to you!! If you get comments from people like that, block them from your site — you should not have to read such nonsense! Best wishes from me!! Deb / CA
At one point in my life Mary, I felt that to have value it was essential for me to be “doing”.Volunteer here, donate therse, fill all of the voids and answer every call. Then after the second bout with cancer, I realized that I am a human being, not a human doing. The very fact that we are, says that we are of value. I see you practicing loving kindness in your life Mary, and that is a wonderful gift to humankind. Enjoy the moments you are granted, and continue to be the wonderful person you are
Lynn
Mary, I am amazed at your generosity & your love for your family. May you enjoy good health & I am grateful for the life you share with your blog readers.
Knitting is therapy and handier to take to appts, too!
You are amazing 🤩 You are courageous 🤩You are loved 🥰
I am so glad you wrote this all down. If you get to the point that you are not happy with your productivity, I will reference it. As far as I can tell you are superwoman, but I always think you need to tell us all what you are doing and we should be happy for all the good things you do. If zi have ever given you the impression that I am unhappy I any way I am sorry because I am so impressed by all you do.
I enjoy your posts and totally understand. You must take care of yourself. Thank you for sharing all your adventures.
I love your blog regardless of the content. You are a very giving person and I am inspired by all that you do. Please continue writing your blog based on what is comfortable for you on that particular day. I pray that your health continues to improve.
You do a remarkable quantity of community service through your hands. Especially given the difficult and challenging treatments focused on saving your life. Observing my best friend go through chemo, mega difficult surgery and more chemo over 9 months, I am impressed you can do anything!!!
You are so kind to take the time to explain to readers. I sure hope you haven’t received negative comments! All these darling kiddo quilts w/animals? Such a special project you are sharing with your Mom, making memories for you both.
Hugs Mary.
I think you are one of God’s blessing for us, to teach and show how great life is. You are doing great.
I love seeing the other parts of your life. You are more than just quilts. I am grateful that you post.
I also can’t sit still and just watch tv.
I start chemo on Tuesday. Only four chemo (last time it was 8). So , I’ll just have an IV. I am mostly stressed about what I am going to do for those three hours.
I am prepping for being tired. Tomorrow is baking day so I can have my kids’ breakfasts taken care of. I also want to make some home made cookies for my daughter to take when she goes to college in a few weeks. We will also be washing sheets and packing up her things in boxes.
So my crafting will take a back seat. That is life sometimes.
Mary, I enjoy reading everything you write. Even though I have never knitted a hat, I love seeing the variety that you knit. I’m amazed at all that you do, knowing that cancer treatment takes your energy away. I think it’s great that you and your mom work together on some projects. My mother didn’t sew and had no interest in what I do. Two good friends of mine told me it looks like I’m slowing down and making simpler quilts, and that hurt. At 85 I’m 15 years older than one of them and 7 years older than the other. It was my own choice to make more simple quilts to share with others and I’m surprised they don’t understand.
Good heavens Mary, you probably make more quilts in a year than all of us. I understand health issues and how they change your life. I have long covid and I’m now 80. My husband is 85 with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. I would love to sit and quilt every single day but housework and laundry and paying bills is a big job now. And we have 4 rescue dogs who will most likely never be house trained. We all are so amazed at your output with quilts, hats and blankets. I know I love reading about your family and seeing all your endeavors. You take care of yourself first and everything will fall into place to place. God bless you.
Dear Mary, please don’t apologize for anything that you do, which is more than most. I so enjoy reading about you, your family, outdoor life and just what you do in general. I love that you still do quilting with your mom. I understand the toll that chemo has. I’ve had 22 rounds plus surgery and finished in June. It takes a lot for those that have had to endure it. It zaps your strength and endurance. If I don’t have the energy to quilt, I play with my fabric, do hand embroidery or something that makes me feel productive. If nothing else, I sit outside, enjoy nature and Gods blessings. Please take care and know that there are many that are sending positive energy your way. PS to those that are making simpler quilts, they are still loved by the child/adult receiving them.
Mary, I have been following you for many years. I love to see what you are doing. All the talents you share. You are such an inspiration to me. Just take care of you & keep up the great work🥰🥰
Mary you are wonderful! I love seeing all your projects and hearing about your adventures. I wish I could accomplish half as much as you do! Take time to take care of yourself.
Your post is the 2nd such post i have read this week! I don’t follow any blogs that are strictly related to 1 craft. I follow 3 blogs and all 3 blogs detail daily life plus their crafts. I enjoy these blogs that have variety. As I commented on the othe post, it’s your blog, your choice of content, end of discussion. Please continue posting as you have been. You generously share your time and talents with all of your readers.
As we get older and life changes whether from health issues or the death of our spouse, our focus seems to change. And that is not a bad thing. As for myself, I focused on making quilts for cancer patients receiving treatment, then my husband developed dementia and I focused on him. I found I could make smaller quilts for Victory junction and continue quilting but not on as big scale as before. Then he died and my world was in an upheaval and didn’t want to quilt, so cross stitch took its place. But that didn’t seem enough for me so back to making smaller quilts. I have seemed to find a balance between sewing and cross stitching feel my desire to give back. While my health is good, I do have knee issues and don’t sleep well so napping and resting are on my list of things to do and that’s okay. I guess what I’m trying to say, you have to take care of yourself and do what you can and not worry about what you don’t get done. Taking care of yourself for yourself , Keith, your children and Finn is the most important thing.
I love your blog and I like to read whatever you are posting! Elisabeth
Your courage through all of your health problems has been simply amazing! Whatever you post will be fine with me. You are still more productive than I’ll ever be. You definitely should enjoy your family and all of your adventures. We will be reading and cheering you on!
I have followed your blog for years and you always inspire me to do more. Your knitting encourages me to keep knitting for NICU and shelterhouses in my area. It is what I can do when days require me to slow down a bit at 86. The teddy quilts are such fun for me and for those littles who receive them. Quilts for family and now for an expected first great grandchild are still on my to do list. Thank you for the encouragement to continue doing what I have always loved.
Hi Mary!
It’s enjoyable to read any of your posts…your crafts and activities, your family, and also how you deal with your health worries and challenges.
We can find quilting stuff all over the internet. It’s reading about all the interesting things in your life that makes us appreciate the wonderful person you are.
You inspire me every day. Your fortitude and bravery and your heart as wide as an ocean. Just keep doing you and we will walk beside you.
You have no need to apologize nor offer explanations to anyone for how you use your time. So you knit, so you travel for relaxation and to visit with family members, so you may not spend as much time making and quilting large quilts. Big woo. You share your knowledge with others, you share the gifts of your talent in sewing, quilting, and knitting with others. Your efforts enrich the lives of many, many people with your gifts of quilts, hats, and blankets.
Frankly, you are an inspiration to me and to many others as evidenced by the warm comments that I read on your blog.
I’m sorry that you’ve had to deal with cancer (three of them is not fair), and I admire the way that you have moved forward with hope, with determination, and with courage.
You do you. You do it very well.
I think you are very courageous and showing yourself to be a strong person. Kudos to you! You are an inspiration to those of us who are struggling a bit to come to terms with the idea of slowing down,
Thank you for this heartfelt post, Mary! While I’ve noticed changes in your “work”, I have not noticed changes in you as a person. Through all that you’ve been through, you have remained a kind, graceful, and grateful person. That is what is important to me and I’m sure many other readers.
You are a daily inspiration for me, in the same ways as all the other commenters have noted. I read your blog, not just for the quilting, but for the other qualities and skills you share, as well as your love for sports and wildlife! You are a woman of grace, generosity, courage, wisdom, and versatility. Even when you slow down, you inspire us to take care of our bodies. We may not do as much as we used to, but we are still doing for others and motivated by projects that you share. If you had just one skill, you would still be a star in how much you contribute to others with that talent. Besides sharing pictures of your projects, you’ve also shared where to find the patterns so we, too, can create with whatever skills we have. I have made so many charity quilts using your patterns. The bucket list of the quilts I still want to make from your website is longer than I expect I can accomplish in my lifetime but I am not discouraged: your example, even with health issues that must be dealt with, reminds me to do what I can, for as long as I can. It’s OK to slow down. Aging requires flexibility particularly with our expectations for ourselves. In all you do, you bring joy to those around you and those you don’t even know and if that were the only thing you did, it would still be such a valuable contribution to the world !
A blog is essentially a diary and a sometimes a record of projects. It’s a personal account of your life. You do not need to explain or apologize for changing priorities, interests, or projects: it’s yours to mold around your life, not the readers. You do more in a week than many do in a month or year! I enjoy reading about your family and seeing them grow and prosper. By sharing your health struggles, you help others, too. I’ve been reading your blog for years: I love the diversity of your posts.
Mary, I read your blog first each day. Health and/or aging challenges greet us all. You are an inspiration. Please keep posting and sharing.
Your blog is enjoyable to me, no matter what you post. I enjoy seeing your family pictures and your travels as much as your quilting and donation projects. You do so much for other people and are so generous. I hope that your cancer treatments go well.
Oh, whew!! When I read the title I was afraid this was going to be a farewell-to-blogging post. So glad it’s not!
I don’t think any of us can fully comprehend how great our influence is on the world around us (real and virtual), or how far our ripples spread. I can promise that yours is bigger, deeper, and farther than you imagine or give yourself credit for.
Hugs.
You silly, silly girl – why would you possibly need to apologize? Your readers adore you, not just your quilts. They love your family, and your knitting, and the gentle style with which you seem to manage it all. Relax, we’re here for you. If you need a little wiggle room on the blog, consider some guest posters – lots of your readers would take a turn to step in !
and more hugs.
Mary, no need to apologize and/or explain a thing. Life does not revolve around one thing! I’m a quilter, a scrapbooker, a traveler, a reader, etc. I write a monthly Craft Newsletter to my family and some pen friends and some months there is more “Other” news that crafting news. It’s just how life happens to land each month! Your blog is keeping all of us connected to you and each other. That is the most important thing! Don’t change a thing, and don’t worry about it. We all love you just how you are! Hugs to you.
You are one incredibly amazing woman! I’ve read your blog for many, many years and I admire all that you do. Keep your head held high and march on Mary! ❤❤❤