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Tuesday, August 01, 2017

Busy Hands, Hopeful Hearts.

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My hands are staying busy.

I don’t know if you do the same thing, but when my heart and mind are conflicted, burdened, frightened, sad, or trying to make sense of things, I have to be busy.

Sit quietly and contemplate and meditate?  Impossible.

You know the scene from “Eat, Pray Love”  where Julia Roberts is trying so hard to meditate and her thoughts go through a million things, only to wind up peeking at the clock to see that only a minute has passed.  Yep.  That’s how it is here with me.

And that’s why some people go for a run, some cook, some dance, or sing, or take long showers.  We each deal with things we can’t control in our own way.

My hands are busy so my heart can be still.  My creativity takes over so my mind can pray.

Mark’s surgery was postponed until this morning.


So this post is also a way to get  my thoughts out while working through them.  And trying my best to stay positive.

String blocks are GREAT when you want to go through the process but not have to focus on perfection.  And as I stitched triangle corners to half blocks and full blocks I began to remember all of the wonderful things that Mark and I have experienced over the course of our lives.  There were times where we rarely saw each other due to jobs, lives, raising kids on opposite ends of the country, but the love was and is always there. 

And no matter what happens – that love will still be there.  Always.  Forever.  Unending.

And I kept sewing and going through the motions of my life.  All book orders went out.  Bank deposits were made, even a visit to my chiropractor.

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Hudson, belonging to my doc!

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Sweet ride!

I think I took photos of this several years back, but I hadn’t seen it since.  I remember the story of it belonging to his aunt, and when she passed it came to him as the “favorite nephew” or however the story went.  Classic.  It made me smile.

I do love red!

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Punkin’ Patch is Home!

When I got back, FedEx had dropped a box on my doorstep.  Punkin’ Patch is home from Quiltmaker Magazine!  Just in time to be enjoyed through the fall.  The September/October issue can be found online, or at a retailer near you.  And you can always check the Quiltmaker website.

The pattern, written in my directions (A bit different from how Quiltmaker chose to do it) will be in my next book.

7:30am Arizona time.  Mark's shunt placement and possible biopsy. I appreciate the continued prayers, positive affirmations and thoughts, healing wishes, virtual hugs and whatever you can send.

I’m packing my bags for Iowa tomorrow.

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Quiltville Quote of the Day.

Spoolin Around Leader & Ender challenge quilt shared by Cheri in Pennsylvania.

And never take for granted the people who travel the journey with you.

Thank you for walking this journey with me.


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55 comments:

TheEclecticAbuela said...

Thinking of you and sending the very best wishes.

Allison C Bayer Plano TX said...

Holding healing thoughts for Mark and ways of constructively coping for his family and you. Hugs, Allison In Plano, Texas

Jan said...

Love, hugs and prayers coming your way.

sharon said...

Prayers for your brother Mark and his medical team...Sharon

Becky said...

Thinking of you all and will send up a prayer.

Cathy Z said...

Prayers for Mark and family. My son had emergency surgery yesterday, he is in Virginia and I am far away in Ohio. A mothers heart always worries. I spent the time canning green beans until I got the news that it went well. I hope your brothers goes as well.

Mary Burn said...

Prayers for Mark, his family and you as well. Hugs.

Denise said...

Sending you hugs and prayers for Mark's surgery!!!

Frieda said...

Sending lots of prayers for you and your family this morning!

Catholic Bibliophagist said...

Continuing to pray for Mark , for you, and for your family.

Anita said...

On July 12th I sat with a friend in St Luke's in Boise while my husband had a triple bypass surgery. He did really well and is home getting better every day. Holding positive thoughts for your brother and you. They work miracles everyday.

Marj said...

Praying for your Brother and the rest of the Family.

NonnaD said...

Prayers sent up for Mark. God is wrapping His loving arms around Him, because He is the Great Physician!πŸ™†‍♀️πŸ™‡‍♀️❤
I personally know your busy hands concept as my own son is in a crisis right now and dealing with the VA loop de loop. 😩 so far away, it's hard, but God watching out for Him helps me as a mom. Safe travels and a happy heart and healing for all!

Suzzysews said...

Dearest Bonnie, Prayers for Mark, his surgical team, you and your family for strength and the fortitude to get through this ordealπŸ™πŸ™πŸ™πŸ™πŸ™πŸ™πŸ‘£πŸ‘£In the Lord's name we claim the success of this operation on Mark❣️❣️πŸ‘. P.S. I see that your buddy, Sadie, is happy to have you home❣️She is so proud of her Mom and her lovely quiltingπŸ˜πŸ‘❤️πŸ‘‹πŸΆ

Sue said...

Sending love and healing thoughts into the Universe for Mark.

Elaine M said...

Prayers and healing thoughts for Mark! Praying for big success. Adorable pic of you holding up "Sadie's pumpkin quilt". She looks like she has taken ownership of itand saying "Ma, great job".

Wendy Caton Reed said...

I don't often comment on your Blog for fear of burdening your already crazy schedule, but I just wanted you to know that we are all thinking of you. Prayers for you and your family.

Juliana said...

Keeping you and your family in my thoughts. Best wishes...

Sandi said...

Healing prayers for Mark. Praying for you and your family to have strength and courage to help Mark with this journey.

Love the quilt! Sadie seems happy the quilt is home too.
Keep calm and quilt on!

Unknown said...

Bonnie, the power of prayers is a sure thing. This I know from first hand experiences. May the Lord watch over you and yours, calm your hearts and sustain you as you travel on this life's journey. Safe travels and thank you so much for all you do for all of us quilters. Sorry I missed you in Utah.

Nikki said...

Healing, healthy thoughts being sent through the Universe to you and yours.

marcille said...

Thinking of you and your family at this time, and hoping and praying for the very best!

Linda W. Aurora,IL said...

Bonnie I do believe that you are real;y wrapped love,prayers and good thoughts by all of your quilting friends no matter if we respond here, have actually met you or not. Keep the faith and your good work.

Colleen said...

(((HUGS))) and prayers to you and your family :)

fwJIquilter said...

Good thoughts for you and yours. Take care of yourself as well.

Cathy Melancon said...

Healing prayers for your brother. Such a scary time so I will pray for peace and comfort for you and the rest of your family.

BrenWall61@gmail.com said...

Praying for you and your brother and families. I saw your quote yesterday from Martin Luther King Jr and it says a lot for what you are going through. I used that quote this morning in our ladies Bible Study on Balancing Faith and Sight. It went so well with our study of faith and hope.

Tiffanee said...

Hang in there Bonnie! Prayers never ending for you and your family and especially your brother Mark! I'm sure he's in the best hands possible. And as I always say...This Too Shall PassπŸ˜˜πŸ˜˜πŸ™πŸΌπŸ™πŸΌ

Julierose said...

Sending warm hopeful wishes and many prayers for you and the family...every stitch a prayer...

(And I love how the pumpkin patch came out...)
hugsx2 Julierose

Betty S said...

Positive thoughts and prayers sent your way.
When I saw that old Hudson I thought of my grandfather as he one of them.
Hang in there Bonnie.

Peg said...

Prayers for Mark, you and your family.

Kerry said...

All the best wishes I can possibly send across the pond. xxx

Rhonda said...

Thank you for all you do Bonnie. You are such a humanitarian in all aspects of your life. A wonderful example to all of us. I enjoy your blog tremendously and find all the love and support you offer through your classes and here also. Bless you and your family. Lots of love coming your way and healing thoughts for your brother. -Rhonda

Silver dollar quilting MI said...

Praying for Mark and for those whose lives he touches. May God bless you all with blessings and strength you need fulfilled. The battle is won by seeing the success in the end. Be a winner in your thoughts and it will give him strength. Love to you and yours. Been there done that.

Unknown said...

continual prayers and sending big hugs!

Sara said...

Hugs and prayers coming your way!

pattiespea said...

I will be praying for Mark and for you as well. I know too well how hard it is to have a family member be so sick . Keep those sweet hands busy.

Sobuzy said...

Prayers your way Bonnie. ❤️πŸ™πŸΌ

Sobuzy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Nam GTV said...

Standee GiΓ‘ RαΊ»

ShirlR said...

Prayers and God's blessing for a complete healing for Mark and for strength and comfort for you and all your family. As you can see by all the posts of your friends, you and your whole family are enveloped in a beautiful quilt of love. Stay strong and positive as you always are.

mamunger said...

Bonnie, I'm so sorry to hear that your brother was having surgery. I hope all went well and he is recovering. I will keep him and your family I'm my prayers. The Great Physician has his plans.

Ann said...

Love and prayers for you and your family coming your way.. But then they always do..l

rosemaryschild said...

Prayers-all will be well, Susan

Jacqueline said...

Prayers and positive thoughts for Mark, you and all your family. Safe travels and enjoy Iowa, my home state although I have not lived there for almost 50 years.

Hedy said...

Its really difficult to keep busy when something like this happens. It's on your mind and in your heart. I've been there. I will keep Mark and your family in prayer today. The quilt is great and it's good to see Sadie again.

Teresa in Music City said...

Bonnie, I am praying for your brother's restored health and well-being, his family and loved ones as he goes through this, and for your peace, that your world will settle down on its rightful axis and joy will replace worry! Hugs & Blessings 😘

Justhaveingfun said...

Hugs and prays to you and family. Good luck Mark. Hugs

Unknown said...

I'm praying God will be with the surgeons and doctors caring for Mark, and for a good recovery. Also for you for peace and safety as you travel on. Thank you for all you do and share with us.

Suzanne said...

My thoughts are with you and Mark. You post reminded me that although our own lives may seem terrible and everyone else's lives seem perfect, in reality, we are all having troubles and therefore it is important to be gentle with ourselves and with others. Thanks for reminding me of this.

Marilyn said...

Bonnie sending love and hugs to you, Mark and his family and friends. Xxx stay strong.

Cats said...

Prayers and Blessings, that's all i got... well lots and lots of love for all y'all and, I too, cope by being busy, if i can't put actual "hands on" and DO something helpful... busy keeps me sane... light and blessings... positive thoughts... beneficial outcome <3

liz said...

Bonnie: Only good thoughts going your way. I hope all goes well. Hugs. Liz in Rochester

Lindafromnm said...

Bonnie, so enjoyed seeing the picture of you and your brother. Thoughts, love, and heartfelt prayers for all of you. So many of us care!

Unknown said...

Sending love and healing thoughts for you and your family Bonnie. Much love, Nan from UK

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