It’s been more than a week since we were here.
The place with the crazy amount of stone lanterns.
The place that I can’t remember nor pronounce the name of.
The place that won’t leave me.
The place where the Sika deer wander unafraid of human hands.
More than 1,000 lanterns embellished with characters and covered with moss.
Textures, angles, in front of and behind – contrasts.
There was no way to get them all posted and shared – these photos that I took as we walked beneath the trees along with hundreds of others. But when I think of “What was your favorite spot?” for this trip, this place comes up in the running.
Can you imagine the lanterns ALL lit up? It happens twice a year from what we were told.
My Quiltville travelers – and deer.
I am missing the smiling faces of these ladies and hoping that they are settling in well back at home, wherever home is for them.
My friends Bob & Jill!
There were some funny signs, too – evidently they have a thing against Scotty Dogs:
Hahahaha!
I so love “perspectives!”
Lanterns of all different heights.
We will see you again next time!
This place. Unforgettable!
Yesterday was a day of being with Dad. We took a long leisurely walk around the park-like greenbelt area of his neighborhood, and headed out to see a movie early evening, the last matinee of the day. “Ralph Breaks the Internet” was a cute respite – we were the only two in the theatre!
Such a cute story!
But the best line EVER that hit home to me was when Ralph was told “Rule Number One: NEVER read the comments!”
And I burst out laughing. Because that is just what I have been struggling with. Every day I have to come back to the blog, delete spam comments and those that are thoughtless or unkind. And it gets old.
It’s part of the routine – check the comments and delete the undesirables. But if I don’t, it’s like leaving dog-doo on my shoe. I just need to learn to not take things so personally AS I am deleting them. Just consider it a bit of house cleaning and move on. No emotions involved. Working on it!
It’s part of the routine – check the comments and delete the undesirables. But if I don’t, it’s like leaving dog-doo on my shoe. I just need to learn to not take things so personally AS I am deleting them. Just consider it a bit of house cleaning and move on. No emotions involved. Working on it!
Hand stitching is still happening.
And I’m so grateful to have this with me – because there are times that I can’t sleep =
This is nothing that a parent wants to hear at night!
Evidently he was sideswiped by a speeding car which pushed him into the other lane and off the side. He and his passengers are all okay. The offending car then hit another car head on. This was witnessed by many, Jason was not at fault.
Looks like airbags went off like they were supposed to.
The white “victim”
The red “offender” to the right.
2019 Alfa Romeo – so “new off the lot” that the VIN was not even in the system yet.
This could have ended so much worse. SO VERY MUCH WORSE. So as a mother, a far away mother (Jason is in Portland Oregon) it was definitely a night of hard to get to sleep and harder to stay asleep and this morning I’m feeling rather fuzzy.
This afternoon I’m headed to the West Valley to get set up for tomorrow’s workshop at 35th Ave Sew & Vac. I’ll be driving VERY CAREFULLY!
I wish I could throw my arms around my son and just hold him. I’m so glad that he is okay.
Quiltville Quote of the Day.
This is to remind me to just happily remove what offends without getting offended in the process.
Not just in the comments, but in everything around me.
And I’m going to throw on my shoes and go enjoy a bit of Arizona sunshine while I can.
Have a wonderful Thursday, everyone!
77 comments:
I am so glad your son is ok. Hope the other driver survived too. Being in an empty theater is really fun. Love your quilt piece. Have a great day.
I'm so sorry you are on the receiving end of thoughtless and unkind comments. You selflessly give more to others than anyone. Remember that there are far more of us who support you than there are gremlins.
I’m a mom of a 35 yo and a 37 yo. The wreck pictures took my breath away.
Enjoy the sunshine and knowing your son is safe! Keep on deleting those you need to. Just think of it like sweeping the dust out the door.
Beautiful photos of your trip to keep your memories vivid!! I am so thankful that Jason was not injured in this accident. Will say prayers that he will be safe while he is on the road working. ((hugs)) to you Bonnie!
I am sorry you have to deal with offensive comments and spam each day, You'd think people have better things to do with their time. I want to thank you for writing your blog and sharing your love of quilting and creativity with the world. I"m glad your son is OK, but sorry about his car!
Thanks for sharing details of your life experiences & inner thoughts! It's refreshing to know we all are the same in some small, minute corner of our brain.
The Lanterns are amazing! I am with you. The Hide and delete Buttons are my friends. Car Wrecks are no fun. What a crazy town Portland is. Did he have a passenger with him? Glad there were witnesses. Not the way to get a new car. Have fun playing with Quilters in AZ.
So happy that Jason is okay. He may be physically okay, but the hit to the budget of any accident will take a toll especially so soon after his move. I wish him well. Make sure if anything hurts he goes to a hospital asap and encourage the passengers to do the same.
It's hard when we can no longer protect them from dangers and must rely on them to look out for themselves, no matter how old they get! Glad he and his passengers are ok. As for negative or thoughtless comments, try to remember that these reflect on their authors, not on you! As a very wise woman (my mother!) used to say, "Always consider the source".
Hate those calls from the kids...my son lives south of Portland, and fell asleep one night going to work and ran off the road and hit a tree..not the call you want to get. Glad Jason is ok. Thank goodness he was just sideswiped.
So glad your son and passengers are OK. I got one of those phone calls recently so can relate. Take care.
Bonnie,
I read the blog of an American quilter in Japan who was also at the quilt show in Tokyo. You mentioned that it was disappointing that the quilt information was only in Japanese. She has shared lots of the quilts from the show on her blog with descriptions and information in English. Thought you might be interested. Here is the link: http://bytaniwa.blogspot.com/. Be sure to check out the last few posts for all the quilts.
Glad to hear Jason and his passengers are all OK, even when our kids grow up, they are still our kids! Sorry to hear about the thoughtless comments, too. You can get a little satisfaction in being able to hit the delete button to take them off the comments. People have become so detached in the tech world, they don't think about anyone but themselves now days. Common courtesy and good manners have almost disappeared. Enjoy your time in the sun and with your family!
What a beautiful trip. I dream of going there someday. I am so glad your son and his friends are all okay. As a mom whose been there I know your feelings after. Even knowing they are ok we continue to worry AND be thankful. Have a great class this weekend .
So glad your son is ok! Just dust out the undesirable posts - the dust bunnies won’t win out!
Glad to hear Jason is okay. Things can change in a moment. Live your life to the fullest extent. We never know when it might be gone.
Glad Jason and his friends are okay. That is the important thing. Please do not let the ignorant unwashed critic spoil anything for you. Started cutting my squares for Wonky Wishes in Bloomington. Now I understand just how wonderful my Accuquilt cutter is.
Rise above the idiots! We got your back! (Marilyn Marks)
I am sorry people are so mean and cruel, there is so much hate in the world. I am glad your son is ok! It's tough to let our kids be on their own. The hand stitching of your block is perfection!!
So glad Jason is ok, as a mother it's still hard to think about it.
I hope those thoughtless unkind comments don't spoil it for the rest of the thoudands that love what you do for us and we are so appreciative.
Sending good thoughts, and thank you for all you do for us.
Glad that Jason and his passengers were OK. Been there with my son calling that he got hit by another driver and the car was totalled...totally understand the lack of sleep.
So happy Jason and his passengers are OK.
I post this as this morning I was almost run over by a very large loud truck and I was in the crosswalk 3/4 thru I am forever grateful to the gentlemen that stopped for me that leaned on his horn it saved my life.
Enjoy the sunshine Bonnie
SOOOO Glad that Jason is okay!!!! I know exactly how you feel! It's tough to be far away. As for unkind comments and spam, unfortunately those kind of people seem to get off on trying to make the rest of us miserable. Don't let them win! There are so many more of us who love and appreciate you!
So glad your son is ok - thank goodness for air bags. It's so hard being so far away - this happened to my daughter in Austin (we're in PA) - t-boned by someone who ran a light, with his two kids in the truck! Hope you're getting rested up - the trip looked wonderful!
So glad Jason is OK. That was a scary! I can relate to your helpless feelings with your sons lives and you being so far away. It's happened to me more than once. Prayers for all involved. Keep resting when you can, life will be back to normal soon. Hugs!
A Mother's love...no more words need be said. Glad he is ok.
As a person who has DRIVEN in Portland OR, it is amazing to me there aren't more accidents. Am so thankful he is OK. Cars can be fixed.
I want to apologize for all the people who leave you rude remarks. I don't really know what the purpose is of doing that, but it makes them look bad, not you!
You bring delight to so very many readers. Thank you for sharing your life and thoughts with us. We are all relieved that Jason is ok and understand your angst. My wish is for only positive posts to flood your comments.
Those unkind/thoughtless comments are reflections of those writing them, so send them to the trash bin without giving them a thought. So glad to hear your son and his passenger were not injured. There are crazy, thoughtless, and dangerous drivers everywhere these days. Give yourself an extra special treat today, just because.
Praise God your Jason is okay. That is a punch in the stomach that no one understands unless they have experienced it. Deep breaths, and a big hug for you.
Bonnie, I've just recently discovered your page & enjoy it so much. The lanterns are amazing. I am so relieved your son wasn't injured badly. I live in Salem, OR & work for the insurance commissioner as an advocate. If any issues come up with this claim, please have your son call me. 503 947 7244.
So glad Jason is OK. Cars can be replaced! Oh that wreckage! :o
At least he let you know right away. My so waited a couple days to let me know he was scauled at work. Boys!
I'm so glad your so is ok. It is the worst call. Especially when your out of state. It took me an agonizing day to even locate the hospital my son and grandkids were in. Thankfully they were ok too. Broken but ok. Bless you mama.
Thank you Lord for your protection around Jason. Quiet Bonnie's heart and give her Peace. Thank you.
wow...so wonderful jason is unharmed...it's a scary thing for a mom..my dau had a car accident, a rollover, and she was unharmed but still...she thanked me for bugging her about wearing seatbelts all those years...
I had my 18 year old read your post today, he is all about cars, and knows all their specs and is always talking about that car and all other kids too. How sad that someone would be so careless and put people in danger like that. So thankful your son and his passengers are ok.
By the way, I think the name of this place with the stone lanterns is in one of the comments on the original post. If you wanted to go back through those comments and look for it. That orange color is so Vibrant!
Glad your son is safe! Best Wishes!
Thank goodness Jason is alright; hopefully you can get a good night's rest after that excitement. Please continue to use the delete button - I have had to use it a few times myself (including emails from an ex-husband and a nasty aunt). 10 years later, my ex apologized for sending his and was glad to hear I hit delete after reading the first two lines!
So glad that Jason and friends are all OK! It's such a shame that you have to even delete one comment due to people who have no life other than spreading THEIR unhappiness to others! Thank you for being just the opposite Bonnie and sharing kindness with us everyday!
Your trip to Japan looks like it was a wonderful trip. I'm sorry you received rude and inappropriate comments. I wish people would be kinder to each other. Also very glad your son and passengers are ok.
Glad that Jason and his passenger were ok. Nothing more scary than that late night phone call. We love you Bonnie--forget the nay sayers
Narita was my favorite place, too. Your pictures are beautiful.
Good luck adjusting to the time change. When I returned from Japan, I wasn't feeling very well.
I thought it was jet lag, but instead, it was a pregnancy. I always tease my baby girl that she was made in Japan.
God was watching over your Jason. Hope you get to hug him soon.
Jason’s guardian angel was watching out for him and his friends so pleased for them and especially you as a mum so far away, I loved those picture of the lanterns the first time you posted them so beautiful.
I’ve seen spam on here a couple of times and wished I could have deleted it for you, I can never understand people puttin up such rude comments if you don’t like something just move on.
I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers keep safe and enjoy you time with your dad.
Love prayers and quilty hugs
Anne xxx
So glad your son is safe. As the mother of two young men it is something I dread too. Very sorry that you receive unpleasant comments on your wonderful blog. I love following all you do, thank you for sharing it with us. Liz B in snowy England.
Praying for you, your son, and the others involved in the accident. So happy to hear they are all ok but will pray for emotional healing for them - such a scary experience.
I enjoy seeing all the pics that you post since I can't travel with you because of the walking involved. I am glad to hear that Jason is safe as are his passengers. It is scary to get that kind of message when you're not close enough to help.
Blessings abound! And we are mothers......
🤗You must use a Torii ⛩ and red in your next mystery quilt! They are so representative of Japan... I’m waiting for it.....🤗
Prayers of thanksgiving for Jason and passenger(s) and all those involved in crash.Enjoy your delightful, recovery time with your Dad and blue skies and palm trees!
it Is so hard when your little chicks leave the nest! My son lives far as well, but they are always in our hearts aren’t they, no matter their age! I just wanted to say how sorry I am about people .... recently had this discussion with a group. We were trying to understand why people thought it was acceptable to do this. On line comments seem to get more rude every day. I’m an overthinker, so I know how difficult it is to let it go, but know that there are WAY more of us that respect you. 🤗🤗
Bonnie;
You have done so much for the quilting world. I love your quotes and positive attitude. More people need a positive attitude. Thank you
As a mom who was 8 hours away from her son when we got the call that he'd been a victim of a random home invasion, stabbed 8 times..........I totally understand your heart stopping at the news of your son's accident. Thanking the God who watches over us that your son (and mine) are fine. Take a deep breath :-)
A friend and I are making the Good Fortune Mystery Quilt (2 of them actually) as raffle quilts for 2 local organizations. We've downloaded everything and are trying very hard not to look too closely at the next step til we get there!!
I, too, am so sorry for all the thoughtless comments. Delete away and be thankful with every deletion that your life is happier than theirs. Because it is!! Thank you for all your work and dedication to the quilting world. I'm so happy I found you on FB which took me to your blog.
Been there. In '07, our then 20 yr. old son called us at midnight from an accident. Like your son, not his fault. Unlike Jason, he was not OK, he had broken bones in his right hand, foot and knee. He was in the hospital for 4 days, then rehab for months. Hie front seat passenger was a young lady he'd been dating for only a few months. I believe this experience bonded them in ways that only a traumatic event can. They are now married, with a cutie pie daughter.
The other driver, drunk! .19 BAC, and unfortunately for him and his family, he did not survive the accident. It was a bad one, two pickups turned to scrap metal in an instant.
I always enjoy your blog postings and stories. I wish I could someday join one of your quilting cruises or tours.
Yours is the only blog I read...every morning...and I love it..wish I could help you to edit out the nasty people out there. Seems like every day more "bad" behavior is showing up..we have to fight it.
I ‘m so sorry that you have to put up with thoughtless people. I guess they don’t have any joy in their life and can’t see anyone else having any. I know it’s hard to have a thick skin and shed. these comments. Just know that your fans love your blog and travel with you through your posts. Glad your son is ok. Thank you for sharing your adventures with us.
So happy your son and his friends are all ok, parents worst nightmare!
Also, haters will be haters, they are just jealous! but totally understand how hard it must be to see nasty comments in such a lovely group of followers!
Enjoy the time with your dad and the sunshine!!!
I join the others in the relief that your son is okay, and I know i join others who daily bless you for the joy you bring to our lives. Hugs and prayers from Southwest Washington.
Thank goodness your son is alright. Welcome home!
Thanks for sharing your trip pics! So glad Jason is ok!!!
So glad to know that Jason is okay. Would they really say all the nasty comments face to face. Hidden behind words makes them braver to say anything. Just delete and move on.
i only send well wishes, if anything i ever post is hurtful, please let me know... i feel as if i know you and sometimes give unsolicited, well-meaning, but probably unwanted advice in the form of encouragement or "helpfulness"... I apologize if this has happened from me to you... happy that Jason and friends are relatively unscathed, I seem to have the only post that has a 'delete' next to the reply... hopefully you've never pressed the delete... with a heart full of gratitude for all you do and share, Cats in Carlsbad CA
I'm so happy Jason and all are safe. As mothers we will always worry, but children are a real blessing.
So glad your son & the others are okay. Praise God!
Our daughter got one of those just before Christmas from her 18-year-old son. He was T-boned on the driver backseat side and his car was totaled but he wasn't injured either. A few seconds slower and it would have been him. Scary. But he got more from the insurance than he paid for the car so it all came out all right in the end! LOL. Big nuisance tho. So glad Jason wasn't hurt, that's the main thing.
So glad to hear that your son was not seriously injured. My prayers for your peace and confort as you recover from this news and your travels. Please know there are many of us out here who love and appreciate all you do for us in the quilting industry, and sharing your personal side as well.
SO happy your son is ok AND happy that he thought to inform you. I found out my youngest son was in an accident through someone else (he's fine). I'm the one wounded by the fact that he didn't think enough of me to tell me himself. :-(
do not understand how/why you would be getting unkind emails. when my three sons were growing up (thank heavens jason is safe) i told them : people that say/do mean things are unhappy and we should feel sorry for them. as adults that is how they still see it... what a waste of time for them and you. many many people follow you and love your thoughts and photos - forget the rest! hugs
Glad Jason and passenger are okay. Wonder if the Alfa Romera was stolen and on a joyride.
As far as the spam and unkind comments, follow Marie Kondo's advice. If it doesn't spark joy remove it (and in this case you don't even need to thank it for it's service LOL).
Portland - is that where the Netflix programme Grimm is set? Husband and me seem to say every episode "it's raining"..... that and they have a lot of weird stuff going on there... it's a good programme though - we keep watching!
Thank you for the link. Great photos of terrific quilts.
So glad your son is okay. Our daughter was ramed by drunk driver after she helped him out a snow drift! She works 3 jobs to make ends meet so really need her car. People are mean because email let's them be anonymous it's so sad. I just register for one of your classes in MN! YOU ARE on my bucket list. I never thought I'd get the to meet you-- excited and happy!
I, too, am so glad Jason is all right. That's a harrowing experience for all of you. I hope he doesn't have any residual problems from the accident.
As others have said, you have so many people who appreciate you and all you do for others. I hope our love for you fills your heart and pushes all the negative stuff out. Enjoy the warmth and sunshine!
The call that your child or other loved one has been in an accident is something we all dread. I always remember my Dad saying he didn't care if the car was damaged - only cared if we were hurt. All cars can be replaced. Glad that your son and others were not injured. I have really been enjoying reading of your travels and the pictures are terrific.
I so appreciate being introduced to Tanya's blog and her description of the quilts at the Tokyo show. I learned so much!
Oh my goodness! I'm glad Jason is ok. I'm glad that idiot didn't kill anyone. Hopefully he will learn from this, and most important, your son and his passengers are ok.
Post a Comment
If you are commenting as "anonymous" please leave your name at the end of your comment.
Did you know that ad space on this blog provides for all of the free patterns and free mysteries and challenges at no cost to you? Without ads, this blog would not be possible.
Thank you for understanding the many hours that go into this blog 6 days a week, 52 weeks a year. :)