Yesterday’s round of baseboard painting.
100 feet complete – 2 coats.
This post is a bit later in publishing this morning as I got up early this morning and made the decision to drive 100 miles home to Wallburg while the morning cool was still on the air, and do this from “home” which isn’t feeling so much like home anymore. Things are in transition. As I knew they would be.
But I wasn’t prepared for the barrage of feelings that would hit me as I start making lists in my head of everything I need to move over to have this new part of my life click into place and function.
Computers, monitors, printers, store merchandise, shipping supplies, are really only “Things” that can function anywhere I move them – but there has been so much living in this Wallburg house over the past 11 1/2 years. I feel like I am abandoning it.
No, we are not putting it up for sale just yet. The Hubster and I still both travel for a living – Greensboro is our closest airport and the Wallburg house is only a short and convenient 25 minute drive to the airport. I’ll be back here on Tuesday as I have an appointment to see to, and I fly out on Wednesday to Minnesota. Everything I need to prepare for that trip is here.
It’s just that the cabin in Virginia has been the “Get away for long weekends” place – but home has always been Wallburg. Now that is flip-flopping. I suppose it’s no difference really. Half-Here. Half-There. But it feels different somehow as I move my mail order fulfillment center to Mouth of Wilson, Virginia.
My emotions are just very close to the surface today.
And so I continued to paint baseboards by hand.
Questions came as “Why don’t you try an air sprayer?” "Why don’t you use a small roller brush, it’s faster?” Why, why why why why???
Perhaps I rather like the contemplative nature of dipping the bristles in paint – just the right amount, and smoothing it on with long brush strokes. Perhaps I can enjoy the rustle of leaves in the breeze and the buzz and hum of summer insects and the slower pace that allows me to think.
Perhaps it is much the same as choosing to sit and sew at a 130 year old treadle machine instead of powering through on a modern highly plastic computerized wonder model.
I choose. My choice. My feelings bubbling to the surface, stopping just under my heart. I feel the pages of this chapter which started turning slowly a year ago, ramping up speed and pushing me more quickly into the next one.
Am I scared? Just a bit. But excited, too.
Window film reflecting heat!
The last window film happened around lunch time yesterday.
Blinds are also up!
These fall about 5’’ short of the window sill, but I don’t care.
They didn’t make these longer than 6 1/2 feet.
This is the wall where my Longarm is going to go.
Charlotte’s 27-1 got a slide plate installed -
And I swiped a bobbin and shuttle from another machine -
A bit of cleaning and a new needle and she will be sewing soon.
It’s kind of crazy the way that life takes you – last week I sewed my brains out all week while Irene was here. This week – little to nothing, but my attention was getting this up and ready which in the end will give me more design time and more sewing time, and more quilt finishing time – All in DUE TIME.
My brother Mark has also been on my mind and heart a lot over the past couple of weeks. Last night was the 1 year anniversary of his decline becoming noticeable. When he started losing his balance and falling. When he could no longer drive. When we started to worry, but still tried so hard to remain positive. I’m missing him severely.
This has also been happening around the cabin over the past week – from the time Irene arrived. Click to Play:
Someone told me once that a cardinal is a representative of a loved one who has passed. When you see one, it means they are visiting you.
They usually show up when you most need them or miss them. They also make an appearance during times of celebration as well as despair to let you know they will always be with you.
Now, I’m not crazy into superstitions. I know that it is mostly male birds that repeatedly fly into windows. The reason is simple. In spring all birds are staking out territories. ... When a cardinal happens to see its reflection in your window or car mirror, it's seeing another bird in its territory–and that's not allowed.
But somehow, my heart warms to the thought that the cardinal is letting me know that my hurt heart is understood and that Mark will always be with me.
Crazy bird!
So this is today’s plan. Book orders are going out. And then Jeff and I will pack up the merchandise from the Quiltville Store closet, disconnect my monitors and computers and label printers and packaging supplies and load up the van with all I need to get myself functionally shipping out of the Quiltville Post Office.
I hope to ship my first orders out on MONDAY!
To celebrate this transition, I am offering FREE SHIPPING on ALL ORDERS from the Quiltville Store over $39.00 through Monday June 3rd at Midnight Eastern Time. USA orders only.
Please use coupon code FREE39 to obtain discount. Code must be used at time of purchase, no refunds if you forget, okay?
All books and merchandise are also ALREADY listed at sale prices – String Frenzy and the Addicted to Scraps book come with bonus free digital pattern downloads, as does my Essential Triangle Tool.
If there is something you’ve been wanting – this is the time to get it!
Quiltville Quote of the Day!
Posting this quickly as I rush to get mail order out! Lol!
No seriously, have a wonderful Thursday, everyone!
one day all this running back and forth between two houses will be done and you will have an easier life - I'm sure you will enjoy your new adventure with the retreat center your post office/studio and your cabin - a new step it might not be totally relaxing what with getting the retreat center cleaned and ready for new guests but I bet you will enjoy your time there
ReplyDeleteHello, I am Theresa Williams After being in relationship with Anderson for years, he broke up with me, I did everything possible to bring him back but all was in vain, I wanted him back so much because of the love I have for him, I begged him with everything, I made promises but he refused. I explained my problem to my friend and she suggested that I should rather contact a spell caster that could help me cast a spell to bring him back but I am the type that never believed in spell, I had no choice than to try it, I mailed the spell caster, and he told me there was no problem that everything will be okay before three days, that my ex will return to me before three days, he cast the spell and surprisingly in the second day, it was around 4pm. My ex called me, I was so surprised, I answered the call and all he said was that he was so sorry for everything that happened that he wanted me to return to him, that he loves me so much. I was so happy and went to him that was how we started living together happily again. Since then, I have made promise that anybody I know that have a relationship problem, I would be of help to such person by referring him or her to the only real and powerful spell caster who helped me with my own problem. His email: {drogunduspellcaster@gmail.com} you can email him if you need his assistance in your relationship or any other Case.
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Change can be scary, exciting, and bittersweet all at the same time. I wish you peace in the coming days as you make the transitions. I was traveling from Colorado back to Kentucky on May 28th when I remembered it was the anniversary of my Mom's passing in 2008. The memories are always with us, we just need to focus on the good ones.
ReplyDeleteGood luck in your endeavors. Thanks for getting my book processed so early in the morning.
ReplyDeleteThe only certainty is change. Moving has to be tough and I am glad you can acknowledge and not stuff down your feelings. In the long run, this will work out better for your mail fulfillment. Keep painting and I will keep sewing on my vintage Singers.
ReplyDeleteYahoo, and yippee! Sew excited to see the progress from way over here. I agree, nothing better than a brush stroke. Time to reflect. I like the Cardinal saga. I'm not superstitious either. Found a penny on memorial day in my hometown...just a little sentimental. Good to remember Mark.
ReplyDeleteWhat will happen to Jeff? Will he be moving with you?
ReplyDeleteThat most beautiful house in Mouth of Wilson is just a wonder. Every bit of it is lovely to see. All the little nooks and crannies just fascinate me. I love the brickwork of the outside basement wall, the windows, everything about it. I find myself wondering if it has a walk-up attic. Those who come to sew at Mouth of Wilson will be fortunate indeed.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. Just keep being you in all of your ways - that's why I follow you.
ReplyDeleteI, too, have heard that about cardinals, mourning doves, etc. I have also heard that when you find a dime, it has a special meaning. If we want to believe in these things and they help get us through a difficult moment, what does it hurt? I have a little coin purse full of dimes, some that I have found in the strangest places. I have been praying for your sister-in-law. I hope she is recovering well. Thank you for all of the time, dedication, and love you put into all you do for us. It is very much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteAnd why not? It is all positive energy isn't it and can only be good.
DeleteJust know that many, many of us are with you in thought and spirit, as you transition from one place to another. If you need to cry those feelings out, please let yourself do it.
ReplyDeleteYour post today was especially interesting as I have been re-reading your old posts from ages ago, when I first started following you. At that time, you were going through a lot of life changes, too! You were going to school and getting your massage therapy license. You had fun times (!) with your teenage sons. You had just purchased a teeny, tiny car that would Never fit your lifestyle now! It's crazy how many changes we live through during our lifetimes, always trying to get closer to who we really are. I'm excited to see what's next for you!
ReplyDeleteI love your posts that come from the heart, I know it must be difficult to share your innermost feeling with thousands of unknown followers, but thank you for letting us know you so well!
ReplyDeleteChange is often a challenge, but this is something you've dreamed of and planned for years. Enjoy the process, just as you help us to enjoy quilt making, so many thoughts tied up with each brush stroke as it is with every stitch.
Sending huge girlfriend hugs to you. You just keep on doing you!
ReplyDeleteIt's exciting to see your dream become reality! It seemed to have taken so long, and yet is coming together so fast now. At least this step of getting your mailing room moved.
ReplyDeleteI hope someday to visit Quiltville Inn. I would love to snoop in all the nooks and crannies! (Not unless you tell me I can, of course) I have always loved old houses. If you want to paint your baseboards with a brush, go for it!
ReplyDeleteTransitions are emotional, even the ones that we seek and hope for. I totally get you on painting with a brush: The zen of brush strokes, treadle sewing, etc. This was a great post today, but they all are!
ReplyDeleteoh that bird brings a memory.... I moved to a new house, arrived late, and finally got to bed exhausted in the wee hours of the morning... and at 5 am, a bird started bashing on the front glass door. Everytime i would doze off, bang bang. Until I saw blood on the door. He was attacking his reflection, as you say. Finally I had to open a box of plates, take out some newsprint, remove some tape from the box, and tape the newsprint up inside the door so he would not see his reflection. A moment of frustration, but happily resolved, and the bird flew away and i went back to sleep . I had to keep newsprint on the door during the spring mating season each year...
ReplyDeleteEnjoy reading all your blog posts and can't wait until Quiltville Inn is open for quilters. I would really like to try and come sometime. Most likely you will always have a waiting list. Thanks for sharing your travels and life in general with all of us. I am from North Dakota so enjoy your time in Minnesota.....survivor972002@midco.net
ReplyDeleteI just placed an order for the only Bonnie Hunter book I didnt have, and while the sale is going, grabbed the block tool books and the reference guide. I hope they will be mailed from the new Quiltville Post Office!
ReplyDeleteBonnie, you are such an inspiration and such a wonderful teacher! Thanks for all you do for us. I am a much better quilter for having followed you, and I love the uplifting things you post. A great way to start my day!
The post office looks amazing. I'm so excited for you.
ReplyDeleteThanks to your tip the other week about Amazon sale, I managed to get my new Bonnie Hunter books delivered to Australia. I feel like I'm really part of the team now. 😃
Enjoy the next steps. You seem to be like a flower showing new petals as all the changes occur.
Thanks again for sharing with us.
Debra
Hi Bonnie,
ReplyDeleteYour blog today was very bittersweet. I know you are moving forward, yet some what looking back, too. Tomorrow, I am retiring from my job of the last 17 1/2 years. I will be leaving some amazing people, but an extremely toxic environment. There is not enough duct tape to keep my mouth closed any longer. I am moving over toward quilting (Bonnie Hunter style, of course), dog sitting and grand daughters. Sometimes all three at the same time. Karma is good, so follow your dreams. Paula in Omaha
Your thoughts are much appreciated. After 11 months of moving one pick-up load at at time and hearing the "why's" I understand. Change is at our pace-for some quick is good, for me, I need time to change, think, let go. Converted some old VCR tapes that were packed away for years and when I previewed the new DVD there sat my dad talking to me. I lost him 13 years ago, swiftly, to a Glioblastoma - too young. Grateful for this move, being able to take my time, for memories. Treasuring each precious moment and grateful to you for sharing your heart as it speaks to so many including mine.
ReplyDeleteI love painting too and as you say the dipping of the brush and stoking the wood is so relaxing and fills your heart with love, and yeast a perfect time to reflect on memories and loved ones.
ReplyDeleteSo excited to see the progress you are making in moving your postal business to Quiltville post office, you Jeff is so helpful with all you do such a precious young man.
Have a wonderful day and weekend
Love and quilty hugs
Anne xxx
I wonder if you could ship the Essential Triangle Tool to South Africa as I would love to get one, and cant buy it here!
ReplyDeleteYou may place an order through my publisher at C&T. They ship globally. :)
DeleteBonnie:
ReplyDeleteMy Thoughts and Prayers are with You! We are so blessed to have you in our lives and for all that you do for us, the whole quilting community.
Grieving is different for each individual. Little things can get the emotions churning again. Take your time. We will be here.
Donna
Kasilof, AK
Where it has been rainy, cloudy and occasionally little breaks of sun
Love the cardinal - he may be seeing off a rival, or at least he thinks he is. But it is a nice way of thinking that a loved one is letting you know all is well. For me it was deer. Very strange places I'd see them and I felt it was my grandparents saying hello. I was bemoaning the fact that my dad hadn't made a visit - and then soon after there was one in our front garden! Never had we seen one there before! Last year we made the move to go deep into the countryside and we have a regular buck visiting us - among plenty of other wildlife! Thankfully no bears here.
ReplyDeleteDon't forget to stand back, look around and pinch yourself to remind you that your dream is real. It's awesome and you have done so much in such a short space of time. It looks fabulous. I've enjoyed seeing each step of the transformation. Painting with a brush is terribly therapeutic - enjoy it!
Change can be a hard thing, can't it?
ReplyDeleteIn the past four years, we have moved from a house, to an apartment and now to an RV to travel full time. Scary but exciting!
Love your story of the cardinal. My mom and dad loved cardinals and my daughter Steph tells the kids that every time they see a cardinal it's either Grandma Elly or Pop Pop coming to visit.
Thank you for the sale! Will have to look things over!
Orphan blocks could make a skinny quilt you could Velcro to the bottom of those shades. Change them up from time to time. We all have orphan blocks don't we? Transitioning can be difficult. Best of luck to you with all these plans.
ReplyDeletePrayers for your future path. You are so brave and so transparent. Reminds me of Joshua - Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
ReplyDeleteBonnie, I have been trying to find information on your next class you will be teaching at the Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island. How do I put in my reservation?
ReplyDeleteThank you,
Jill Fleek
I am happy that you are so excited, but there won't be any information for quilt a while yet, it is 3 years into the future. Please stay tuned.
Delete