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Monday, June 22, 2015

Moving Forward, Looking Back

A very, very heartfelt thank you to everyone who took the time to comment or send a message after my last post.  It really did make a difference.  Funny how I thought I was prepared for the day, but when it actually came, I was still caught off guard.  Anyway, there's been progress on the ever-present Miss Hannah, which I'm happy to share now!  It's been a blessing to have her.


You'll notice a slight change for the original I decided to make as a sanity saving measure.  Namely, I changed the row of tiny little over one birdies that divides the bottom third of the sampler to a reverse of the floral border beneath the name and date line.  Much as I love those little birds, I knew it was either me or them!  Someone wouldn't make it to the final finish, and speaking strictly for myself, I have a lot more time and patience invested on Miss Hannah's final end than they do.  So with that tough call finally resolved, I'm moving ahead down the homestretch. You just wait Miss Hannah, your days are numbered....


While I was with my sisters after Mom passed, we spent a bittersweet morning going through her remaining quilts, her sewing tools and jewelry.  I came back with some beautiful keepsakes, including my great uncle's CCC ring. earned by planting trees in Oregon during the Dust Bowl years of the early 1930's.


I also was so touched to find this little pocket I stitched for Mom one Christmas, complete with embroidery scissors and one of Halley's sweet beaded fobs.  When this was given to Mom, there was a gift card to her favorite local coffee house tucked inside.  Since that was missing, I can only hope that she thought of us and enjoyed it thoroughly!  .


Turns out my mother was also the collector (hoarder?) of other people's quilts, but I'm not one to lay blame for that, especially when the ones she gathered were such treasures.  These were all hand pieced tops that she came across and decided to rescue.  The two finished ones were hand quilted by a local group of Amish women.  Don't know what on earth I'll do with the unfinished one, but the acorn really doesn't fall far from the tree - I had to adopt these beauties and bring them back  to a new home with me.




But looking forward, I'm so pleased to note we have a new family member.  Meet Heavensent Give Me Serenity, known  around this house as Renny!


She's still settling into the pack and learning to let go of some of her county dog ways.  But she's as mellow as Ruby and Molly are high energy, so the hope is that they all will be a good influence on each other.  I've spent the time since she's come to us doting on her like a gramma and then wondering if all sanity has abandoned me.  3 dogs - really?!

So that brings me up to speed for now as we move into the second half of the year. Just finished a revisit to "The Mist of Avalon", so my pagan spirit is running wild with the summer solstice.....   

























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9 comments:

marly said...

I've always loved Hannah and she is a beauty. I don't blame you for the minor change. Love the quilts too. Welcome to the new pup!

Margaret said...

I was in London and missed your last post. I'm so sorry for your loss. I know how sore my heart was when I lost my mother. What wonderful things you brought back with you from the clean out. The quilts are just gorgeous, and that ring has so much history behind it. Unquilted quilts are just as lovely as quilted ones. I bet you could find someone to quilt that top for you someday too. Love your Hannah. You are doing so well with her. Good for you for sticking with her.

Barb said...

Hannah is a beauty and I think your changes are just right. Over one is not my favorite. What great treasures you brought from your Mom's. She will live on in all her beautiful quilts! What a sweet looking dog you now have added to your family.

Marilyn said...

You brought back some great treasures.
The Quilts are all beautiful.
Renny is too cute. :)
Marilyn

The Inspired Stitcher said...

I know this may sound crazy, but maybe Hannah has been languishing so she can be your sanity piece. I know my stitching has brought me peace in stressful times. Glad you could rescue some pretties for remembrance. I'm sure the unquilted one will find its stitches eventually. Sending hugs your way!

Krista said...

Your Hannah looks so wonderful!! What a great idea to switch out those birds! The quilts are so beautiful. I wish I had the talent to quilt. Renny is a pretty girl :) Have a great day!

Carol said...

I'm finally catching up with my blog reading after a very stress-filled five weeks, Mary... I love your new dog--is it a Bernese Mountain Dog? My sister just lost hers, but what a wonderful friend she had in her Amie for 10 years.

You brought home some lovely memories of your mom--I know you will treasure them!

Faye said...

Hi Mary.... Like Carol, I'm really behind on my blog reading and I'm saddened to read of the passing of your mom... She looks like she was not only mom, but a mentor and cherished soul... Again, I'm sorry for your loss...the wonderful momentos that were left to you will surely be cherished... I enjoyed seeing all the photos..... I have Hannah to stitch and hopefully, one day, :)) I will get to her.... Yours is truly inspiring~~ I'll be in touch in a couple weeks with your sweet finish also... It's stitched perfectly and I aim to step up with a deserving finish~. Take care.... Faye

StitchinByTheLake said...

My mom and dad met when he was working at a CCC camp! I've never seen a ring but what a treasure that is! blessings, marlene