Hello all! Long time no see, as they say. It's been a while and there have been a lot of changes around here--some work related, some family-related, some health-related (see the note at the bottom of this post about that last one.) Too much to go into, really. But I thought I would give this another go. I've missed blogging, though I've been reading yours the whole time. You're all way more creative than me!
To get things started again, how about some Rainbow Scrap Challenge? This year I decided to make the Fireworks quilt from Preeti's shop, but with nine blocks instead of twelve. Here is my red block:
And just to catch everyone up, here are my first two, in blue and (kind of) green:
This is the right project for me right now because it is super-easy, requires no precision measuring, and is very forgiving. No templates, and the only matching is in the yellow centers.
That's where that project is for now. I have a few more things I'm working on, mainly just blocks. I have a couple of BOMs I'm working on, because that's all I can really handle right now. I do have a couple of quilt tops that I'll show at some point. There is a LOT going on and I've got to stay within my bandwidth, if you know what I mean. And now for that note:
My husband has cancer, a bad kind that doesn't go into remission, and that means there is only one endgame. We're not at the end yet, but it's a heavy lift. So, yeah, not a lot of bandwidth. But I'm told I should do things that make me happy, and this is one of them, so I'm glad to be back!
What a downer! Just letting you know why I probably won't answer any comments, but I do appreciate them and I hope everyone has a good weekend. Here is a deer photo from off our patio a couple of weeks ago to cheer you up:
Sharing at Angela's for RSC 26.
28 comments:
Oh Mari, I’m sorry to hear this news. Yes, you need a little me time with what you are dealing with. I don’t think I sewed for about 6 months as I was so busy with my husband too. I am now a full time carer and have slowly got sewing back into my routine. I have only just started to get back to my sewing group twice a month. It took 18 months to get that happening. So a little easy sewing for you when you can does help. No need to reply. It is just good to see you here again. xxx
I can so relate, Mari. My mother moved in with us a little over 3 years ago. She has severe dementia which obviously only gets worse over time. More & more of my time is devoted to caring for her as she progresses and tries to deal. Thankfully she is basically a happy person. Sure wish I was! Lol! I also try to keep up with my blogging friends but there's not much for me to share. I'm glad to see you again and am happy you've found some time to diddle in the sewing dept again - even if only a little! Take care of yourself too, physically & mentally!! <3
I'm so sorry to hear such sad news for you and your family. But I'm also glad to "see" you return to blogging. Take good care of yourself, and just do what you are feeling up to doing.
So sorry for this news & I hope a little no-pressure sewing helps you keep your spirits up. The Fireworks blocks look stunning!
Life is just so unfair sometimes. It's good you are finding some time to do what brings you joy.
Mari, it's nice to "meet" you as I'm new here. I'm sorry you are going through such a heavy thing. Keep grinding on those fun firecrackers as time and bandwidth permit. Try to take care of yourself. Hugs to you and yours. xoxo
It's so nice to have you back! I'm very sorry for all that you and your husband are going through. It's kind of you to share your struggles as it helps others of us know we're not the only ones with heavy hearts. I hope you'll continue to take care of yourself and do what works best for you. Sending a hug from Indiana!
Hi, Mari - it's so great to see a post from you! I'm so sorry to hear that your husband, and you, too, are going through the cancer fight. Sending you lots of love and hope. I'm glad you're able to find some time to sew - it's definitely good therapy! Those Fireworks blocks are gorgeous!
Oh Mari, I’m so sad to hear your devastating news. Although hubby Bruce has (or has had) three different cancers thanks to Agent Orange (the chemical defoliant used when he was in Viet Nam, not our looney President) he’s been fortunate in that they were all survivable. My heart and fervent wishes go out to you both as you continue on your journey. Know that you’ve been in my thoughts, and I was always happy to see your name pop up here and there, like in donations to Many Hands, Many Hearts. You’re going through tragedy yourself and still giving to others! What an amazing person you are! May sewing bring you the strength and comfort you need through these trying times.
I am so sorry for you and your hubby. Sending good thoughts your way that you have the strength to endure. Hugs to you.
This is a great pattern for the RSC Mari- my kind of sewing. No precision needed! Happy to see your post pop up in my email this morning. The support of blogging friends will hopefully provide some happy distraction from the heaviness of life these days. XOXOXO
I've missed you while you were on break, so it's nice to see you back again, even if sporadically. Sending virtual hugs as you deal with your husband's devastating diagnosis. It is important to take care of yourself during this stressful time, so spending some time quilting is good therapy. Those fireworks blocks are stunning.
Pat
Thrilled that my gentle nudging or relentless prodding brought you back to blogland. Oh yes, I am taking credit for your return :-) You were missed, as the previous comments clearly prove. And you are a very good promotion for the Fireworks pattern, so everybody wins!!!
Oh! I was so glad to see The Academic Quilter in the RSC lineup. Glad to see you with Preeti the other day too. I’ve been thinking of you lots late. I hope you know we all care. Take care of you when you can. Don’t make blogging a burden. Heaven knows you don’t need more of those. Love those Fireworks blocks. They should make a wonderful quilt. Thanks for the deer photos too. Such a pretty site.
I'm so sorry to read this news, your whole world has turned upside down. You are supporting your beloved husband through this, and needing support for yourself as well. I'm sure your whole family and close friends are encircling the pair of you with their love.
tomorrow is promised to none of us--and while this is not news or something any of us wants to hear or do, you have the opprotunity to say things you might never have said, to do things you put off to the future, to make plans for a different kind of future. That doesn't make it any easier---but you can see by the number of comments here--you have a huge group of supporters--many will not post--but they are behind you---and yes, do somethng joyful each day if it is only to refold a piece of fabric. Let us know what we can do to support you.
Great use of RED scraps for this month's Rainbow Scrap Challenge, Mari! I'm SEW glad to see you back in BlogLand, but completely get why you've been away so long. A good friend of mine was recently walked a similar path with her DH. It's challenging for all involved, but it sounds like you are remembering that you need to take care of yourself while taking care of your sweetie. Even short pockets of time and small bits of self-care can be restorative. Sending quilty hugs!
I am sorry you are going through this Mari. I enjoyed your previous columns and wil read you whenever you can post. Please take care of yourself; looks like sewing helps!
It's great to see a new post from you, Mari. I'm so sorry about your husband's cancer. I pray for strength for you both and I hope you'll both find joy in every day....... Your 'sunburst' blocks display positive energy!
I'm so sorry Mary. I can relate, as my husband also has an uncurable cancer. Treatment may give us an extra few years. Living in the moment is our life now. Seek joy and wonderful experiences and take care of your physical and mental health. Sewing indeed, is great therapy. Hugs to you both!
I'm sorry you and your husband are going through such a difficult time. Being creative both by sewing and writing blog posts is good therapy. Last year my Mum fell ill. I had to drop so many things including writing blog posts but I did manage to keep sewing. I switched to easier patchwork and portable cross stitch projects. Just a bit of piecing here, a few stitches there helped me through those stress-filled months. Taking little creative breaks is very good therapy.
So sorry to hear your news. I have been checking your blog for new posts and happy today to see one. I wish strength to you and your husband.
Hi Mari! So nice to see you blogging again!! I’m very sorry to hear about Larry’s diagnosis. Sending lots of love and hugs.
Oh Mari, that is heavy lifting indeed! I'll be thinking about you today as I do my walk in the woods and will send thoughts of strength and cheer into the air to you. My hubby is 86 and failing in strength and I'm finding that tiring enough...
Mari - that deer photo is wonderful! The news about your husband's diagnosis is anything but. Sending all manner of hugs and prayers your way as you both cope with this unwanted journey. And yes, DO find moments to care for your self, your spirit, and your creativity. Being a caregiver is one of the most difficult, challenging, and exhausting roles any of us are asked to fill. (no need to reply)
So glad to hear from you again! I’m a long-time silent follower, always a couple of weeks behind in my blog reading. I wish you serenity in the road ahead and hope you can find joy in making and don’t forget to take care of yourself.
The deer are so beautiful. I am sorry to hear about your husband. That is not an easy road, and you are right - the lifting is hard. I am glad you have found a project or two right one your bandwidth that allows you some outlet. Hugs to you my friend - and prayers are heading your way.
Mari, I am so sorry to hear about your husband. Wishing you strength and grace and peace as you travel with him on this part of your journey.
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