Three sisters sewing together!
I had so much fun getting to know these gals yesterday.
Our Smith Mountain Morning workshop was held at the Leroy Rogers Senior Center, and what a great location! Not only did the a/c work well beyond expectancy for south Georgia in nearly July –some of us were putting on sweaters and our feet were cold – but the lighting was amazing and the space was more than ample.
It has been about 5 years or so since I was here last, and it was great to see these smiling faces that I remember so well, with the sweet southern drawl to accompany the smiles and the laughter.
You will KNOW you are deep down in south Georgia when you engage in conversation with these southern belles!
I love it!
We also had a fun pair of sisters, and their “almost a sister” cousin!
One cousin, one sister, busy with seam rippers! LOL!
What a gracious spacious space!
Blocks appearing!
Nearly needed to separate this pair! They were having too much fun!
(Just kidding….I loved it!)
You’ll find the rest of our day in the slide show below, including the show & share they brought….they hung quilts on the perimeter on the room and had more to show after lunch time. This slide show has the whole Tifton Treatment!
Of course you can find the pattern for Smith Mountain Morning in my book Scraps & Shirttails II. Signed copies are available in the Quiltville Store!
Other things I’ve learned about Georgia this week:
Never leave Bark Thins in the car!
They will become Bark Melts, which when cooled in the hotel fridge becomes BARK BRICK. Still tastes good, kind of hard to eat. LOL! Just give up on traveling with chocolate all together. This also goes for citrus fruit like halos, which will cook in their own little halo skins if left in the car for any length of time – and this only happened on the drive from Newnan to Tifton during antique mall stops. In general, it’s better to have ZERO food in the car when temps are this high. Just drive through dairy queen instead 
Things that go bump in the night….or things that come knocking.
I’ve rarely had any bad experiences when traveling because I stay in hotels with secure front lobbies and no exterior doors to the outside of the building…as in room doors that open to the parking lot at the biker bar. I was So sound asleep last night that when someone came knocking at my door at 1:30am I thought it was morning! I looked at the clock, couldn’t figure out what was going on, but knew enough not to answer the door. I laid there under the covers waiting…thinking perhaps that someone was knocking next door and I was just hearing it.
Nope. It was my door. And the knocking was still happening. Thinking that someone probably had wrong floor, wrong room I dialed the front desk to let them know that I was being disturbed and could they please check into it. They said they would. The knocking stopped, but I never found out who was doing it. I know enough to NEVER open the hotel room door to anyone. It made going to sleep a little bit difficult. But eventually I did.
I’m on my way to Tennessee today..it’s going to be a long driving day, and my goal is to get past Atlanta before 3pm when the traffic gets snarly. I should reach Smyrna, TN by dinner time or a bit later. Today is just a day to GET THERE, and I’m not rushing it.
In fact I have a ticket to the Margaret Mitchell house in Atlanta, as part of the Swan House tour package that I did last week and I thought that might be a fun thing to see. I have loved Gone with the Wind since I was 14. I read that book cover to cover in 8th grade, carrying it everywhere. I think I’ll pay some respect to Miss Margaret Mitchell and thank her spirit for captivating the mind of a 14 year old me and influencing my deep love of reading.
Sadie in a sun shirt!
Sadie loves to sunbathe in the summer, so The Hubster put an old tshirt on her to cover her incision site, knotting it around her hips so she could still move. She has left her stitches and staples alone, and seems to be doing pretty well. A longer walk happened this morning and all systems are go as they say! Good girl, Sadie. I am to receive photos and updates at least a couple times a day so I can stay in the loop of things!
Quiltville Quote of the Day!
Vintage Square in a square quilt found in Kentucky.
Sometimes a complete 24 hour media free unplugging is needed. No social media for 24 hours. Could you do it? I didn't think I could, but I did. Things look a lot more in perspective this morning.
I want to take a minute and thank those who sent words of support yesterday. They were greatly appreciated. I had a fine day. I was not in the midst of a pity-party. I was, however in the midst of refusing to accept anyone else's bad behavior, entitlements or whining and complaining. There is a difference. I have a very long fuse, but when I have run out of patience for the unkindness and disrespect coming from others, I do reserve the right to stand up for myself and say ENOUGH. That was what happened yesterday. From all angles I had just had enough.
Today is a new day and we start again.
I’m off to Tennessee….catch you from there!
52 comments:
Here's to a new day. Every thing looks better in the morning. This too shall pass. All idioms from my dear Mother, gone now almost 4 years and I miss her lots. She is the one who taught me to sew, encouraged me to complete my first quilt, keep on trucking. I repeat her sayings often! Glad to here Sadie is doing well. What a great idea, a sun shirt. Go Hubster!!
Oh oh, my mama would not let me get away with this grammar error HEAR not here. I had better reinstall Grammarly or at least learn to proof my post before hitting "publish". Have a good rest of the week, Bonnie. Happy July 4th!!
I'm so glad ysesterday was a better day, for both you and Sadie. You have become part of my life and I would miss you greatly if you were gone. Thank you for all you do. Please continue to share with us, your extended family! With love from Tallahassee. Donna Fisher.
I too read Gone With the Wind in junior high, but I read it in three days! Have loved it ever since. And I have reread it several (many times). So enjoy the trip to her house. I envy you! And it is true Tomorrow is another day!!!
so glad sadie is doing well! I look forward to seeing you in Smyrna!
helenmarie
Dear Bonnie
I was traveling also for the last two days. Just read your yesterday's post as well as this one just now.
Honestly, I don't know how you do it. Please ignore those negative folks and their opinions. You do so much for all us normal quilty people.
Don't burn out!
Hoping Sadie continues to improve, :-))
Todays another day!!
So glad Sadie is looking great. Glad you unplugged for awhile. You need to do what's right and good for you, there is always going to be someone unhappy no matter what you do. They don't realize you are one person, doing everything. If you hire people, the price goes up and they will be griping still, so do what is right for you, slow down, we will be ok, your health and happiness are what's the most important. Your followers will follow you no matter what you choose to do. You can never make everyone happy, so make yourself happy and ignore the negativity. I don't know how you do all that you do and are still sane. Taking 2 hours for all this internet stuff you do and it takes us like 5 minutes to read and look at the pictures. Crazy. You are a better person than most of us for doing all you do. Slow down a little bit, do what's good for you. We can handle it, and those who can't go somewhere else.
So glad to hear you got some rest and are on your way once again. Just got through re-reading your scrap users system tips. I'm still working on mine but I am inspired to continue on mine as well as re folding my stash. I am loving your folding method. Thanks for all the good ideas.
You are so resilient. It is one of the many things I admire about you. We teach others how to treat us when we set boundaries. Good for you that you exercised your boundaries yesterday. Hugs!
Glad you called the front desk last night when someone knocked on your door. That happened to me one time, and I didn't answer it either. There was a group of high schoolers in the hotel, so I think it may have been them. So sorry that someone ticked you off, but happy that you are feeling better. The strain of worrying about Sadie was just the straw. Sadie sure looks good in that blue t-shirt. Your hubby chose well. Have a great day!
I loved seeing all the color combinations for the Smith Mountain class. I love trying colors out of my comfort zone. I loved your comment about the two having too much fun. Don't you just love it when there are those that make you smile and really appreciate what you do?
Looks like Sadie is handling her situation very well. My dog, Gus, would not be doing as well. He is 12 years old!
Good for you for calling the front desk. Also very good advice to all who travel. Have a wonderful drive on your way to TN and enjoy the journey.
Carol
Bonnie, with the schedule you keep I'm glad you took some time to unplug. Between your schedule, and Sadie and then that ominous knock on the door I may have been ready to just tell the world to go away. And the situation with Sadie is not minimal...I'm the lady with the Goldendoodles that you met at KQHS...Sadie has depended on you and has given nothing but unconditional love and how do you minimize that! Remember, Jesus often went to the desert to regain his center... I hope the rest of this trip is peaceful...you'll be in my thoughts and prayers.
Love the tips from the road. No food while traveling. I learned that a long time ago when I moved to GA, except, I can't help it on a long drive. I travel with a small cooler and a few ice packs. Has saved many an apple and a perhaps a chocolate bar or two now and again!
Sadie is looking beautiful! Glad to hear he is on his way ....!
Sun shirt Sadie! What a smart hubby you have. Have a great day.
Tootsie Rolls are great in the summer. Tastes like chocolate, and, they soften, but don't melt in the heat. Hang in there Sadie! Each day you'll feel better, and mommy will be home soon.
Looks like Bonnie is back! So glad to hear that you and Sadie are doing good. I'm really enjoying these fabulous quilts from Kentucky that you keep sharing with us. It's making me want to take a trip there!
Dear Sweet Bonnie,
I have a good friend that says, "When you say YES to someone or something, you are saying NO to something else. If you say NO to someone or something else, you are saying YES to something else you could be doing." Sage and thoughtful advice. I don't know what you can afford to do or what your business plan is, but this might be your "tipping point!" You plan so far in advance but that doesn't account for if a family member has an emergency or is ill. I know being self employed you can't have the luxury of a sick day or flexible vacation day. You are so very talented. I know the guild teaching is also part of your social life to share with other quilters. Give yourself time to think and talk with your family about your future path. I love your blog. I would pay to read your blog. I love your books. You seem to enjoy the cruising and craftours. Think about teaching at the national shows. Be picky. It' your life!
I recently retired and quit my guild. They weren't the right fit for me. They didn't have a service goal and had some high maintenance folks that were big talkers but not big doers. I organized the Ricky Tims Super Seminar in WV last summer but only had a handful of helpers. Luckily I had family members and another guild volunteer to make it a big success. Our guild wanted the donation but didn't appreciate all the work I did to make things happen. I realized this too late when I was knee deep in planning and couldn't pull out. Of course I got my feelings hurt. That was my tipping point. Time for me to readjust and take a new path. I only sew with happy people now. Our local quilt store does more for the community with fundraisers and food bank donations than the guild ever did. I tried to be an agent of change but it didn't work. I made some lovely friends but was always an outsider. There were too may cliques.
Focus on what you love. Time to contemplate the fork in the road. I am privileged that I found your blog. I may never make it to one of your trunk shows or classes but am blessed with your blog and books. Be you. Be happy. There are too many people getting sick from stress and travel. Take care and hurry home to hug that wonderful pup and family. Yesterday, I couldn't stop thinking about you and wish you could get a big hug. Sometimes you just want to get off the merry-go-round. My parents are in heaven now and I just wish I had one more hour to spend with them. Take time to spend time with those you love. God bless you, Bonnie!
With love,
Franny K.
Well done, Bonnie for bouncing back after yesterday's events. So pleased you are putting your foot down about people's unreasonable expectations and rude demands. Well done you! Enjoy your time at home.
Bonnie, I didn't add to all those many comments yesterday--but agree with ignoring the naysayers ~~don't let them get you down! We who love you and all you do so far outnumber the "others" that they can't possibly count for anything! Keep on keeping on, girl, we love and appreciate you every day, even if we don't comment!
Thank you Bonnie for all you do!!!
Have a great day!
Glad your spirits are up again. Sadie looks like she is healing well. Have a great day both you and Sadie.
To Quote Miss Scarlett O'Hara--Afterall, tomorrow is another day!
Thank you Bonnie
Sarah X
you are an amazing lady, you give and give and give. Please give yourself a break to completely regroup, without apologizing! Love your energy, attitude and art. thanks!
There was a comment yesterday and I see another today saying Bonnie gets paid for this so she should get over it. Really people? You never have a bad day? Bonnie shares so much with us day after day, and, yes, she is making these choices and, yes, she is getting paid, but how does that mean that she cannot express herself when she is feeling less than appreciated or understood one time or twice in a year of happy, inspiring, enthusiastic, insightful, informative, and entertaining posts? One time, for a moment she is not smiling and telling us all how much she loves us, and you want to make her feel bad for being human for one blog post. Unbelievable.
You go girl...
Whew
I am so glad to see this post. You are the most special quilting teacher ever. Glad you took a break from media. It's a healthy thing to do. We appreciate you. Your care for your quilting followers is beyond extraordinary. Inspiration flows in your posts snow photos. Mary Helen
Good to hear you unplugged, and slept too. Sleep is a healing thing. I mean healing. Lets our brains process info without distractions.
Sadie Jane looks so sweet in her blue tee. Sleep, sunshine and TLC is working on her also.
Have fun in home state Tennessee.
God bless and keep you
JUlieinTN
It's always interesting….
Bonnie: As my coffee cup tells printed on the front: If Mama ain't happy, ain't NOBODY happy. You hang in there We are behind you wherever you go. Robin
So happy the world looks better today. You are too good a person to let someone who is having a bad day get you down.
Hi Bonnie!
I've been to the MM house and it was so inspiring! Have fun and be safe.
We love you and if it weren't for you, my fabric and my life would be such a mess! You help us validate so much as women and crafters.
Ignore those who need to hurt others.
To the "anonymous" comment (10:47 AM EDT): SHAME on you. You should really get over yourself.Troll.
Whoever left comment #18 - Go get a new hobby. Obviously quilting makes you one nasty witch.
I'm glad yesterday was a better day for you and I hope today is even better. Even if you (or anyone) gets paid to do something, personal well-being and family has precedence over everything else. Keep taking care of yourself! Sadie looks cute in her sun-shirt. I'm glad she's doing well.
everyone's entitled to vent now and then, especially when it is valid...
It's good to read you feel better and ready to start another day - I rarely comment but I did feel for you yesterday after reading your post. Today you posted a lovely photo of Sadie and I love how your hubby tied that knot on the top - quite the girl, even though she's looking sorry for herself :)
I laughed out loud at craftygramma and the anonymous comment below her - THANK YOU!! I thought the same thing but thought I should not comment on that because that is basically the comment made yesterday that I did comment on - and I am so glad you both feel the same way I do!! ahhhhh Bonnie - you have so many people around this world that just love what you share and do and we will all stand beside you and cheer you on. You don't tell us how to live - personally, I love to read the quotes you share. Some make me think, other laugh and mostly just make me feel good. If that is a problem for some, eh, go get a life!!! Leave our Bonnie alone - and I mean it.
Hi Bonnie! I have been away from the computer for a couple of days. When that happens, I ALWAYS read back to the last blog post that I had read. I always refer to it as "talking to Bonnie". So I just now got caught up with your news. I don't usually read the comments of others and I RARELY ever leave a comment. But I felt the need to respond this time. First of all, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for ALL that you do for quilters everywhere!!! You are BY FAR the MOST GENEROUS QUILTER that I know!!! Generous with your time, your talents, and your knowledge!!! And I have often thought about how much more sewing you could do if you didn't spend time writing the blog. But I, for one, am SO GRATEFUL that you do!!I LOVE YOUR BLOG!! I also love the quotes at the end of your blogs! I have collected inspirational quotes for a long time, with the thought of putting them in a quilt. I probably have enough for a couple of quilts, but I am still collecting. LOL About the ads - good grief, people, if they bother you, that is what the x is for!! And thank you, Bonnie, that the ads are there if it means that makes it free for all of us! I am sorry that you are away from home while Sadie is under the weather. It is very evident from your posts that you love her dearly. I sympathize with the person that was upset because you rescheduled your visit to their guild, but no need to get ugly, Lady!! I was disappointed when I was told that you were coming to our guild but then it didn't happen. (But that was our guild, not you) Always remember that you are SO LOVED and APPRECIATED by most of us!!
creativencarolina@gmail.com
How sweet! Sadie looks like she has a bow above her tail ... love it! My dog is a sunbather too, but will happily go lay in the shade when I tell her to. Happy for you that you're nearing the end of your trip and will soon be sun/shade-bathing with Sadie and your family. Enjoy your cabin time!
HI Bonnie, I read your blog everyday. I am amazed at the pace you keep. I hope to one day get to one of your workshops . I can not believe how rude some people can be. I know I would have a hard time being away from my dog if she was having surgery and I had to be out of town.
I hope Sadie will be fine. Thanks for sharing so much of your life and travels- I would love to do the same. I teach special Ed. But would love to share my passion for quilting with others.
Bonnie,
So glad you are feeling better today and that Sadie is doing well. She is looking good in that blue shirt.
I hope you do get to the Margaret Mitchell house. I went a number of years ago when we were in Atlanta for my brother's wedding. My mom gave me my first copy (and I say first because now I have two more) of Gone With The Wind to read in my Freshman year in HS. I absolutely loved it! I was in awe being in the space where those words that so enthralled me had been written. I always liked to read as a young child but reading GWTW really solidified my love of books.
Have a good night and sleep well.
Ginny Bambino
I love the "bow" on Sadie's backside. She is a gift. ;)
Never thought for a minute that you were having a "pity party". I just felt like maybe you were being unreasonably put upon by people who were thinking only of themselves.
I don't know you, but after reading your posts and watching your quilt cams, I am amazed that anyone would think they should criticize you. You really are a positive and uplifting person. I look forward to your posts.
Loretta McGinn
tlkids65ll@aol.com
Happy to hear you are in better spirits and that Sadie is doing well. Love her new shirt!
Love the pic of sweet Sadie. Hey if she were a he, she would have a man bun. LOL
I thank God for new days and new beginnings! It makes life so much easier. the longer I live the more I see that some folks just don't seem to know that some of the things that they say really do hurt and affect others.
I am so happy to see Sadie enjoying the sun in her dashing T shirt, I have been so worried as I know only too well how much our Fur-Babies mean to us, if she can manage it give her an extra huggle from me please. Love your workshops everyone seems to have such a fun time.
Awww...so glad to see Sadie and know that she is doing well! That has to make you feel better. And middle of the night knocking? Scary!
Good to hear that Sadie is recovering and beginning to feel a bit better. Our furbabies are so precious to us as they should be - they always give us comfort with no judgement and are always close to our heart.
Bonnie - your feelings and decisions are yours to make and you must be true to yourself. You are one of the hardest working quilt designers with an extremely busy schedule - Yes, unfortunately, "life happens" and we have to adjust, adapt and move with it so that we can continue being who we are and be true to ourselves. There will always be "noise" from bullies and hecklers and we must carry on - do take care of yourself first.
I'm sooooo happy to know Sadie is doing so well.... And no.... You are never obliged to accept the unfounded whines and complaints of others...
Good for you Bonnie!!! And I think Sadie looks so much better! I'm so happy to see her looking like a happy girl again!
Nancy
eddnancy@msn.com
So happy to see Sadie looking so wel sunning.
Thank G-D that you fell asleep after that knocking on your door Bonnie.
Hope you had enough sleep.
You sound more relaxed and what a great family you have that emails you pictures of Sadie.
I know that brings more peace in your heart.
Thanks for all you do I would miss your post very much .
I open your email most of the time first if I do not have emails from my family who live in Europe.
Please take good care of yourself.
G-D bless you and your family.
Happy travels and stay safe.
Love, Yoka Bazilewich
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