A Day Full to Overflowing!

It all started with crappy internet.  Doesn’t it always?

It’s one of those “things” when staying in random hotels.  Ground floor room, way back corner – it said I was “connected” but that “No internet” statement next to the word connected pretty much stopped me in my tracks and got my morning rolling at the same time. It was that much of a dead zone that not even my phone hotspot could connect me.

If I left the hotel, and headed west to Charlottesville I’d be THAT much closer to my meet up place with Jeanette, and I could find a place that has wifi and I’d be good.

I am a routine follower.  I need to let go of that.  Anyone who has stayed with me, or had me stay with them know that I do certain things on schedule at certain times of the day – and blog is usually second after getting up and getting going.

Well yesterday, I got up and got OUT instead!

The mountains are protruding above the clouds and morning fog!

Can you hear my sigh of bliss?  I am a mountain girl through and through!

On the Blueridge Parkway – Skyline Drive!

Sure, there is time for this!

(That getting off of schedule thing has turned me into a wild woman!)

Pictures can’t do this justice – it just can’t.

But here’s a little video.  Click to Play:

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Right here, right now! Happy Friday! #skylinedrive #blueridgeparkway

A post shared by Bonnie K Hunter (@quiltville_bonnie) on Oct 5, 2018 at 5:32am PDT

I drove for a bit, got off the parkway and found a Sheetz gas station in which to write yesterday’s post.  A bit later than usual, but I would have missed all of the above had I not taken myself off routine.  DARE TO GO OFF ROUTINE!

waiting for Jeanette to arrive!

I had asked Melinda where a good place to meet in Staunton would be since I didn’t know the area.  This was perfect!  And the food was great too.

Jeanette and I in front of the coolest 1950s station wagon ever!

Oh my word!  I love this!

HA!  It’s a Fordomatic!

(It says so on the right!)

(Sorry about the dumpster in the photo.)

I love how EVERYTHING in the 50s was a something-o-matic.

We enjoyed our lunch together after loading this precious cargo into the back of the van to join the two sleigh beds I had picked up the day before from Carol in Bedford.

Maple!  With pineapple finials!

The story goes that these belonged to Jeanette’s aunt and just like most of the things that had come my way – the “younger generation” doesn’t want this stuff.  they don’t want matching twin beds in dark wood.  Kids are now married and have kids of their own – or the grandkids are now adults and no one wants to sleep in twin beds.

It’s me or a yard sale. Or Goodwill.  And they’d like these pieces to go where they can be used and loved and enjoyed by others.

I am saying this because I’ve dealt with some “not so nice” comments and emails from folks saying “Well, it must be special to be you with everything people are so freely giving you….” And it kind of stung.  I realize there is a fine line in what to share, and what to keep to myself.  And some people just love sucking on sour grapes. and I’m sorry for that.

I’m grateful that so many want to be a part of Quiltville Inn.  I’m sad that people have taken the view that I am bragging about these “house warming” gifts that have been so lovingly given.  I’m not.  I am recognizing those who made these wonderful contributions.

Carol’s sleigh beds have been set up in room 3!

The bed I purchased from Facebook Marketplace joins them!

They fit well together – this one also has a “curved” headboard and footboard much like the sleigh beds.

I’m still looking for the right sitting area furniture to go in the turret space.  It will come in time.

Jeanette’s beds are now in bedroom #4.

Another mahogany bed in the corner.

This one is going to need some refinishing – but I couldn’t resist setting it up just to see how the space fit.

So guess what?  ALL rooms have ALL the beds we need.  16 beds ready for new mattresses, quilts, pillows – COLOR!

Sun setting behind clouds.

Bare trees.

Pink sky.

I spent the night at the cabin last night, kitting up my On-the-Go project for Nebraska and am on my way home today – with a stop in West Jefferson to quickly go through the outdoor Antiques fair, and a meet up with Martha and her friend for lunch before pointing Moby home toward Winston Salem.

And yes, there is so much more I wanted to post today -  But it would make this really too long.

Not only did I stop to take photos of mountain ranges, I stopped to take pictures of falling down abandoned houses and log cabins and churchyards and graveyards and autumn color.

I sat on a stone bench in the cemetery surrounded by wonderful hand carved headstones and had an hour long conversation with my dad.

Perhaps I’ll fill you in on that later -

Nebraska tomorrow – must pack!

Quiltville Quote of the Day!

Vintage log cabin quilt found in Wytheville, VA.

I was talking with a friend on how to feel more productive. One of the biggest things is to not feel guilty over the creative stuff you own, or bad about what you don't own.

Don't compare your studio space to anyone else's - whether you are stitching at the kitchen table, taking over the dining room, or using a small space in your basement, it doesn't matter. Create in the space that is yours.

Whether it is messy, or clean doesn't matter. What matters is that you allow yourself the time to do what you love even if it is full of mistakes and false starts. No judging on yourself-

There should be no GUILT in QUILT.

Now get in there and do it!