..and a new year begins...

Its been over a month since I last posted, and so much has happened. I took some time tonight to speed read all the blogs I follow. I did not leave any comments, but sure enjoyed catching up on what you all have been up to.
My break from blogging was something I had to do in order to take care of things going on in my family. Mom had gotten pretty sick and after a hospital stay, came to live with me. I treasure the time we had together, and am so sorry to say she passed away on December 10. I miss her each and every day, but feel very blessed to have had a loving Mom who shared with me her faith, love of family, creativity and yes, her quilting.

Cathi, at Shakerwood Primitives, posted the sweetest comment about my mom and I thank her for that, and some of you saw it and sent nice letters to me - I thank each and every one of you for your thoughfulness.

We have been working to clean out her house and get it ready for my neice to move in. Saturday, I had the honor to straighten up her sewing room. I went down very early before any of the others came, and took my time to carefully look at each item. Mom had started a flower basket quilt, where each block was to be different. I will finish this for her some day, but not for awhile - hard to sew with tears in your eyes. I thought I would share with you one of the baskets and the beautiful hand quilting she was doing. There was to be an alternate block of hand quilting design between each flower block. Mom like to quilt each block and then sew the blocks together.

And this little angel is Taralyn - my beautiful new granddaughter. She was born right before Thanksgiving and is a darling. I did not post about it at the time as there was just so much going on with my Mom and Dad and the Taralyn's birth and work and Thanksgiving - well you get the picture. She truely is a blessing in a time of loss.

This weekend I will be going on a quilt retreat. It has been months since I was even able to attend a club meeting, much less a retreat! I look forward to the time to relax, gather my thoughts, chat with friends and enjoy the fellowship of other women, but I also face the reality of so much to do at home, and my Dad stills needs daily attention, and my parent's house needs so much work. We all face times like this in our lives, and it always brings to my mind the scripture "Be still, and know that I am God" which is a reminder to let God help us get through these overwhelming times. It sure is not easy being still though - although at times, I do it quite well.

So I thank you for your prayers, your support and your friendship and wish you all a happy new year.