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Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Back to the New Norm.


This happened yesterday.

It didn’t happen as early as I liked – but it happened.  I am quilting the Shoo Fly Shoo, Version II!

And I smiled the whole way remembering the fun I had while attaching these borders – the conversations, both funny and thought provoking.

Good people – wonderful people.  They touch your lives and leave a bit of their life experience in your heart.

I decided to take a bit of extra time – the slow lane through Tuesday – by tackling the batting scrap bin to piece a batting big enough from trimmed margins to fit this puppy.

I usually do this for smaller quilts – because then it is only a seam or two and the batting is big enough to do the job.

This time?  The quilt is 73‘’ x 92’’.  A real Frankenbatting experience!

Click to Play:


It made a dent.  But not a big enough one.  I will continue to piece battings until that pile is BYE BYE.  Really.  There is a lot of money thrown away in batting scraps.  So yes – it took time, and thread.  That is it.

Some may ask why I just don’t FUSE it.  Because This batting is 80/20 and the heat required to fuse it will melt the poly in the batting for one thing.  Another reason is that I’m just not a fan of hot melt glue inside my quilt.  I don’t know what that will do over time.  Maybe I don’t need to worry about it, really – but I do not know.

I also didn’t HAVE any fusible stuff, the zig zagging is easy – and I wasn’t about to run out and go shopping anywhere (the nearest quilt shop is about an hour away.) and I just wanted it done. 

I had the batting pieced in the time it would have taken me to drive to the nearest town.

If you want to try this – make sure that your batting is all the same kind.  Trim all edges straight.  I overlap BARELY just to make sure I am catching both pieces with my widest zig zag set on the longest stitch possible.  

You may have to loosen your tension a bit if things are curling.  Do not PULL or stretch the batting – just let the feed dogs take it for a ride.



Close up of all the whackadoo fabric combinations!

Everything.

It’s all in here.

And I love it!

All in all I gave this quiet yesterday a B+!

It could have been an A but you know - MORE rain.

AND. I went to check on the laundry at Quiltville Inn to find the washing machine had been break dancing while spinning on high.

That machine can move! (Blankets!) These will now spin on MEDIUM.

Fedex also came with a delivery of a dozen MORE woven cotton blankets (Because women of a certain age need to breathe while they sleep!) and I will move on to pre-washing those today.



These wash up so nice, and have a great weight to them.  They are listed as hospital blankets – but I love that they are 100% cotton so there is no static as with fuzzy poly blankets. And no sweaty poly heat.

I have added them to the In the Bedrooms section of the Quiltville Amazon Affiliate Store.

I’ve also had questions on how I’m handling the bleach situation with both the Inn and the QPO sharing a septic tank.  Easy.  No bleach.


Safe for all my laundry.

OxiClean is safe for the environment and safe for septic systems. It breaks down into harmless compounds like water and soda ash. (plant ash.)

This is also great because some folks are very sensitive to bleach, and my laundry won’t smell like ANYTHING as I am using fragrance free/color free products for the inn.

(I know – boring – but folks asked so there you have it!)


Binding is ready for when the quilting is done!

I hope to have it on by tonight for hand stitching.


Zoey Jo – supervising!


I came across this yesterday.

Even while embracing the weekend, and loving the quiet aftermath of yesterday – Sometimes I feel like I just can’t take in a full breath emotionally.

As I read through all of these things (Because you know, being a woman is like having a brain with 2,000 browser tabs open AT ALL TIMES) I realized that this brings together ALL of the things I have been feeling over the past several months. Sometimes the big parts change places with the things in the little areas – and they are constantly moving like thoughts and feelings in a blender.

This also explains why TIRED is at the space at the top.  So many of us are feeling this way.

All of these things are where I am as a whole. I just want to say that if your mind and heart are occupied by any number of these things in any combination (And it doesn’t have to be all of them at one time!) that I get it.  I understand.  I feel it.  You are not alone.

Some days we fail miserably.  But the next day we can look at the sunshine and the new day ahead of us and realize that we are strong enough to love each other hard again for one more day.

Sometimes we can’t get the words out because they are all wrapped up in the feelings.

And that is where we just go to the fabric, the rotary cutter, the sewing machine or needle and thread and we stitch out all of the hurts and confusion.

And we start where we are.  To check in with and love your inner self.  That 3rd grader who is still inside of you.  And we extend that to our immediate and extended families.  And our friends and their families, and out into the communities where we live. Recognize the inner child that resides in all of us.

And before you trigger on the “Knowing WHY Black Lives Matter.” and without thinking and really understanding respond with a knee jerk reaction of ALL LIVES MATTER – or you pull your religious and/or political views into it, just stop, okay.  

This is a time for thinking, for trying to understand deeper. We need to listen to understand, not listen to reply back in a way that stops the conversation.

You know me – you know my heart.  One person’s response yesterday was “Let go and let God.”  Okay – that does NOTHING because we are God’s hands.  Where did we miss that message? To do nothing? We have been told to love our neighbors as ourselves. Love is an ACTION WORD.  Doing nothing and expecting God to take care of it is a cop out.

Flippantly replying with ALL LIVES MATTER just means you haven’t looked deeper to understand that until black lives matter as much as your own, that NO lives matter equally.  Saying Black Lives Matter makes you feel that your life matters LESS. And that’s just not true. You are replying from a place of discomfort and uncertainty.

Another reader started pulling Bible quotes into her defense of All Lives Matter – and my reply was that Jesus left the 99 in search of the 1.  Not because the other 99 didn’t matter, but it was the 1 that needed help.  The one mattered just as much as the 99 – but required immediate attention.  That’s all.  Before we can be ALL, we need that 1 included.

I have lost a lot of readers on all platforms in the past many months – but that’s okay.  There are those who will say “But this is a quilting blog” and I will say – no, it’s not.  This is my life.

At the end of my life when I look back at all of the messages I tried to share through this medium, I hope the one that stands out and I am remembered for the most is that “She loved deeply.” Not the message of “She gave really great free mysteries.”

Which one makes my life that much richer?  The one that brings us together. 

Thank you for your continued desire to do better, to be better, to love one another – and sew up a storm while doing it!


Quiltville Quote of the Day

There is no skipping ahead - start where you are!

Have a wonderful Wednesday, everyone!


125 comments:

Mary Ellen said...

Well said. Thank you.

coversquilter said...

You are so very right. Love is an action word! I don't usually speak about things like this because the action is so much more important. But I will tell you that an adult Sunday School teacher changed my life when she asked the question "Who was the loving arms of Jesus for you?" She followed the with "Who have you been the loving arms of Jesus for?" Your "arms" say it all about loving others!

Anna said...

A very good post Bonnie. The graph had everything in it that I am experiencing now.
Glad you had a nice relaxing day.

Elle said...

I am in total agreement-we need the 1! Black Lives Matter. Their house is on fire and they need our water. If our house was on fire, I think the focus would be our house.

I love Frankenbatting! It makes me appreciate the $ I had to spend on batting and it rewards me with "freebies" -Blessed indeed.

Happy Wednesday Bonnie.

Quilter Kathy said...

Thank you for your beautiful writing and insightful thoughts. You always give me something to think about. And I am constantly shocked by the things that people say to you! I appreciate all the time that goes into writing this blog as I know how labour intensive it is.

Phyllis in Pacific Northwest said...

I love reading your thoughts, you have sparked awareness for me and for many I'm sure. Thanks for sharing your journey with everyone, you truly are amazing Bonnie!!

Bonnie K. Hunter said...

Thank you, Mary Ellen!

Unknown said...

Thank you!!

J Beach said...

Agree with Mary Ellen -- and, also, your belief that love is an action word. We must not be passive.

When I stitch batting scraps together, I use that three-stitch zig-zag mending stitch. That way, I don't need to lap the batting, I just put straight edges together. There's not a bump in the finished product.

Unknown said...

You have completely and cohesively said all the conflicting facts and emotions that I have been dealing with...thank you for expressing them so clearly and in such an uplifting and positive way....BLESS YOU


BrenWall61@gmail.com said...

Thank you for your words!!! You gave me a new perspective this beautiful summer morning. 1 needs to be as loved and as important as the 99 and that is what Jesus does teach. Love one another is the key.

Kris Fullner said...

Thank You for allowing me to peek into your Quilting Soul...I know a lot of us just need to hear what your heart shares..and have a place to run to when our Heart eyes just need to be uplifted...You ARE doing what YOU are Called to do...;-)

cityquilter grace said...

cotton blankets are excellent choice...i always used them until i made quilts...

Cindy, The Purple Quilter said...

Bonnie, you Do Love Deeply! It shows in everything you say and do!!
Thank you!! I wouldn’t be the same if I had not met you.💜

Kris said...

Great post!! Love your Frankenbatting!! Gotta make me some!! Shoo Fly Shoo is wonderful and I really like the binding!!

Valerie said...

Bonnie, oh, Bonnie, thank you. I read what you wrote about what lives matter to my husband to illustrate why I love your blog so much, why it has been part of my mornings for so many years. May I have your permission to copy/quote what you said about failing one day and waking up with love the next day with my non-quilting, non-blog reading sister who needs to hear it so very much? Thank you again for everything you have added to my life. Stay well and safe.

Debby said...

You are a wonderful person. Reading with tears

Franny King said...

Thank you, Bonnie!

Darlene said...

Oh Bonnie - this is beautiful. You do love truly and deeply by all that you do. This brings me to tears as I just wish we could just get everyone to realize this. We need everyone and your quote: "Not Before we can be ALL, we need that 1 included." is so perfect. Thank you once again for being the shining light.

Unknown said...

Thank you for sharing your life and heart with us every single day. I, also, am shocked at what some people feel free to say to you (but only in print). Your blog is a bright spot to my mornings. Keep on being you.

Sara said...

Well said - and those readers who you may have lost are probably not the kind of people you would want anyway.

Lynda said...

You have hit the nail on the head can't we all just love one another and get along we are all one people not black white yellow I grew up in the sixties this should have been resolved years and years ago and it hasn't it hasn't changed a whole lot in my last 50 years of life I'm now 72

sue s said...

You nailed it today Bonnie, and I am so sorry when I see you having to respond to unpleasant readers. It IS YOUR life and you share it so willingly!
I Frankensize batting for all my small projects. It feels so good!

Bug Lady said...

Amen and Absolutely. Thank you for sharing.

Megan G said...

Well said!

Sam said...

Very well said. Thank you.

Charlotte M. said...

A great Clint Black song...Love Is Something that We Do. Same message. Love is a verb, an action word. Thanks for the diagram. I really feel exactly that way and I would follow you anywhere. You are common sense and love and caring. Thank you for all that, and quilting is a bonus to me. Black Lives Matter. You are right and those who no longer follow you are lost sheep.

ida lawson said...

Spot on today Bonnie! I love your blog posts and read them every day. Love is the answer. Love your neighbor as yourself. Treat people the way you want to be treated. Above all, be kind.

Tina Rae said...

Thank you Bonnie for sharing your world, your thoughts. I appreciate tuning in and experiencing your world. Hugs to you. I laugh at Zoey Jo. Smiles. Tina from Lake Havasu City Arizona.

gmask said...

Thanks for all you do, Bonnie! Sure hope to meet you one day....

Dawne and Dale said...

As someone else said "well said". I have taken my daughters challenge and read one good news worthy article a day and skip the rest. I read your blog and one other that is positive and uplifting. Keep the faith and we will all move forward. :)

grammajudyb said...

Thanks for still speaking your heart! Even after all the “know it alls” and the “nosy Nellies” have had their say! Keep on being you!

Roni said...

Thank you for sharing your thoughts so eloquently. It is a time for us to grow through knowledge. You have done this so well especially with today's message. Your optimism helps me to look at the positive side of things and I thank you for that.

Catholic Bibliophagist said...

Good post, Bonnie. You nailed it

Anonymous said...

I enjoy your blog BECAUSE it isn't just a quilt blog, it makes me think and become a more well rounded person. thanks for all your tops from piecing a batting to detergent (I use fragrance free for my husband with sensitive skin) to explaining WHY it needs to be "Black lives matter" until we can say all do because we are all treated equally. Thanks for all you do for your followers. Susan Taylor

Kathy said...

Nice!

Sharon in Seattle said...

Bonnie thank you, I love the swirling circles of myriad feelings! It explains so much. I'm sorry that some people say hurtful things, but I'm gonna love them knowing they have fear and act from that place just as I have. Reading your sharing is very uplifting and it's making a difference in this world! Blessings and love all around

Susan Sawatzky said...

Here is another blogger after your own heart. He writes for himself. I really enjoy reading blogs that are about the person writing them, yours included. https://www.bedlamfarm.com/

Anonymous said...

I like your blog BECAUSE it isn't just about quilting. You always make me think and make me more of a well rounded person. Whether it's about piecing batting or detergent (I use fragrance free because of my husband's sensitive skin) or BLACK lives matter. we need to understand that before we can say as a nation that ALL lives matter and treat everyone equally. Thanks for all you do for your followers, but really love your patterns too.

QuiltinLibraryLady said...

I've been doing quite a bit of sewing and machine quilting to quiet my mind to some of the turmoil and our need to stay home more because of the virus. I found that I could quiet the turmoil in my own head, at least from the rants on FB, was to "snooze" the worst ranters for 30 days. Hopefully by then they will have calmed down a bit & make more sense. If not, there is always "unfollowing".

Right now I have a big, black trash bag of large batting scraps that need to become frankenbatting. I mostly use it for smaller quilts like QOV quilts. Two queen size battings will make three quilts if batting for one is pieced.

Carolyn said...

What a heartfelt post today. I try to remember many times we must say "and", can not "it's. And yes, until all black lives matter, no lives matter. We are all human beings.

sue.ryckman@gmail.com said...

Thank you! Tears falling freely! Someone understands!

Ellie said...

Great post! Thank you so much! Your insight has helped clarify a lot of what I’ve been feeling but hadn’t identified.

Mary O said...

Thank you for sharing your views, Bonnie. They are mine, also. I've add this blog to my Favorites so I can find them quickly when I need to be uplifted. You are a very fine person.

Lynn B said...

On perfect point (as usual). I find your views closely mirror my own and I am grateful to see it expressed in a thoughtful manner. Love the venn diagram (flower) - it's just perfect! Thank you. Lynn

Viola Pleasant-Queen said...

Bonnie, sometimes reading your blog I want to reach out and give you a hog, you and that big heart of yours. If we could only remember the Golden Rule, life would be so much better. thank you for caring
Bonnie.

Viola Pleasant-Queen

bobbie7 said...

Well said Bonnie !

Irene said...

I appreciate your “non quilting” diversions. You so eloquently say what I feel.

Angela said...

Well said, Bonnie. Would you want to spend time with those you have lost? I don't think I would enjoy that time very much if that is how they feel. And I am sure you will gain some new followers with open hearts and open minds! HUGS!

Unknown said...

So insightful, inspiring, uplifting, informative, thought provoking. Thank you Bonnie for being you.

Jeannine S said...

Bravo!! I am giving you a standing ovation for this blog post!

Kizzy said...

! Shoo Fly I love that block i be making some.

jean said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE your blog today.......I feel much the same as you, and know people who don't feel the same......its a tough world to navigate.

Patricia said...

It IS time for these conversations which involve listening, caring and, when necessary speaking up and out....against racism, bigotry and just plain hatefulness. We all need to do better at times. Thank you for the call for introspection of ourselves and our belief systems. And for sharing your thoughtful outlook (and quilting expertise, of course!).

Deb A said...

Thank you for being you and sharing your thoughts and dreams on your journey through life. You always manage to find the best quotes to lift people up. That is a gift. Well written post and very thoughtful.

hared said...

Preach it, Sister! Couldn't have said it better myself, so I am glad that YOU were able to put my feelings and beliefs into words.

Tammi Yarber said...

I'm still wondering how you knew that just yesterday I was contemplating if I should have used the batting tape to join my batting rather than my typical zig zag stitch? I've been struggling with free motion quilting as my machine is skipping stitches where I've joined two pieces. After reading this, I think my overlap was too overlapped! LOL...thanks for answering my question today without me having to ask :-)

Ellen Liliedahl said...

Thank you for your message, Bonnie! It's exactly how I feel, and now I know how to express it better.

KeanieQuilter said...

With you.

Sheila said...

This is your blog, therefore, write about anything you please. Sometimes I don't agree with your assessment of things, but I always enjoy reading your thoughtful posts. Differing opinions can come from living in different geographic places, upbringing, or life experiences. We all benefit from courteous commentary from those who may think differently. Keep up the good work.

otherussin said...

Amen all the way!

sewteri said...

❤️

Kathleen said...

A comparative statement is "women need to be paid a fair wage". Yes, men need a fair wage, too, but they already have it. Thus the statement. Brave Bonnie...

Quiltingnana said...

Couldn't said it any better!

Lisa said...

I tried looking online but couldn't figure it out so I'm going to ask you. Is the OxiClean your laundry detergent too? Or is it an additive? And does it disinfect? Thank you so much!

Nette said...

bis wishes from Germany. all the best.Thank you for the liebevolle words.

Marlene said...

Great post Bonnie. Thank you. Kia Kaha (stay strong)

Colleen said...

You never fail to say just the right thing. And help me cope with the arguments in my brain that I would like to bring forward. Keep smiling even if the clouds overhead are gloomy.

Kay said...

I enjoy your blog so much because you keep it real, honest, caring, and filled with love. I don't understand these folks who think they should be able to tell you how to run your blog, your business, or your life. Yes your quilt side is amazing, as is your heart. Take Good Care

Cathy said...

Thank you Bonnie. I agree with you. I shared that graphic with my friends when I found it. We are trying to be better, not perfect, no one is perfect. I appreciate all you do for everyone. Bless you.

Kathy Joyce Fullmer said...

Thank you, Bonnie! I've really appreciated the way you honestly share your life with us! I happen to agree with you, but if I didn't, it wouldn't matter. I too long for kind and thoughtful discussion.

Chantal said...

Amen to that Bonnie. I am not black. I am white Canadian. I don't know what it's like to face prejudice and fears everyday AND I don't want to know AND I want no one to know it too. Jesus said there will always be poor. Poor is not only for finances, it stands for poor of heart and narrow minded too. There's a lot of poor people out there. Pity that they can't see it and grow.
Blessings. ;^)

Susan said...

Thank you for sharing this graphic and for your explanations. I couldn't agree more. This is your blog and you can post anything you want. People are not forced to read your posts or follow you, so they not judge you for what you post.

MissPat said...

Bonnie, you may wind up with a few less followers, but you haven't lost anything. Most of us have a lot to learn to understand what black people and other people of color struggle with everyday. It takes an open mind and an open heart to do this and you are helping pave the way. Thank you.

Quiltnut said...

Amen! and God Bless!

conny's quilts en creaties said...

I always read your blog, not many times I react. I feel the urge to let you know I thank you for your warm and well said post. You make sense in a crazy world. And here in Europe I wonder almost at any news article what is happing in USA. Hope many things will change. Let you all hear by voting in november , let change begin, it s affecting the whole world.

WiltedQuilter said...

Thanks for your thoughtful words, Bonnie. You are amazing.

Mabpear said...

Perfect. You say things that need to be said in a thoughtful manner. Stay strong. Keep well.

Kerry said...

Love you Bobnnie

Unknown said...

I loved your "picture" of my brain with all those open browser tabs open. Boy, ain't that the truth?

Polly Blank

Deb said...

Thanks for this. I hope to meet you one day in person (we're neighbors - I live in Ennice) because you think like I do. I'm sad because NC is a hot spot now and will prevent my NY son from vacationing here this summer. We'd better get it together around here so I can travel to NY for his 40th birthday!

Dorothy said...

You amaze me. You speak from the heart--take it or leave it--I love you

ALICIA said...

Gracias Bonnie.

Nancy said...

Thank you! Today you wrote what’s in my heart.

sewfast1 said...

Amazing grace how sweet the sound...you made a few light bulbs go off in my head this morning. Thank you

Becky Fuller said...

Bonnie, your blog brings me peace every day. I have never met anyone whose feelings and thoughts are so much like my own...including our love for animals. I just wish I could say it as well as you do.

Lesley Gilbert said...

I love the variety of topics you write about and that's what makes your blog so interesting - keep up the good work and for speaking about what matters to you <3 :)

southcedar said...

Excellent!! You have put into words feelings that I have struggled to express. Thanks so very much! I love your blog and never miss a morning of coffee and Bonnie.

Ben said...

Well said Bonnie, thank you. I especially appreciate your reference to the 99 and 1.

NJGardenLady said...

Our life now, brilliantly written!

Chrismamaanglo said...

I am still crying after reading your blog this morning. You have it nailed today. You are so eloquent. I would love to meet you, but I think that is unlikely. I live in Canada, but we experience much of the same issues and turmoil. I started reading your blog for your quilting techniques and ideas, but I have stayed because I enjoy your humanity. Bonnie , you express yourself so well. I have biracial grandchildren so the Black Lives Matter is personal for me even though I am white. I agree with the 1 and the 99 statement so strongly. Thank you for being open. honest and yourself.

Carolyn Terry said...

Well said by you and Bonnie.

Carolyn Terry said...

Well said, my thoughts exactly.

B. J. In Virginia said...

Good suggestion - thank you!

Lenora said...

Thank you for sharing your thoughts which seem to match so many of us. At this time I finally feel comfortable to ride along on some errands that need to happen, but I sit in the car as much as possible. I usually end up thinking: "Not only do these people not care about others they don't care about themselves or they would be at a distance wearing a masks." Do I have all or even a few of the answers to our race questions? NO, but it sure is worth the effort to do what I can in my own life to make it better for everyone I meet. Thank you!

Charlie d said...

Dear Bonnie, I so value your sharing your heart. If it 's OK, I am going to quote your 99 and 1 statement. It is SO true and you said it so well that I want to quote it on my fb.

bmcd said...

I knew you were great quilter and person of incredible energy and drive before this post, but look at you - you've become a fantabulous difference maker in life as well! Thank you for using your forum to speak out on what is right and good and encouraging the rest of us to join in.

Chris said...

I have loved your scrap happiness and patterns for a long time. But the more I read your blog the more I love you. You are revealed as a thoughtful (in all ways), caring, reaching-out person and your messages bring me hope for ALL of us. Keep up your beautiful spirit and don't let the nay-sayers (not my first choice of words but, you know) get you down!

Anonymous said...

Bonnie, this particular blog post struck me more than usual with your thoughtful musings about the Black Lives Matter movement. I, too, struggle with how to answer friends and acquaintances who seem to be looking at the surface of racism. I only know that I have to continue to educate myself and do my best to make things a little bit better. Thank you!

kareng said...

I love your Frankenbatting! I’ve done this for small quilts and will have to try a bigger one. Thank you for this post.

Andrea said...

Perfectly said - sometimes finding the right words to explain to others has been difficult, and your words are exactly the right way to explain. Thank you.

Anita said...

You will never lose me. I adore you and what you say and do.

Ruth's girl said...

Thank you for this post! I am glad you use this forum to share what is in your heart.I so enjoy checking in with you each morning. It is like a quick chat with a friend. Not all my friends get the "crazy about quilting" thing. I am still working on the Unity project as I had to stop to make a couple of T-shirt quilts. When I am working on the piecing I am escaping from the stress of what is going on. Thank you so much for all you do!

margil56 said...

A post I read somewhere sums up the BLM thing. Several friends sit down to dinner. Everyone receives food, except for Bob. Bob says "Bob deserves food!" Everyone else stops stuffing their faces and say "Everyone deserves food!" But Bob still goes hungry.
Thank you for your thought provoking posts. BTW, your quilt is beautiful!

Eileen said...

I have read your blog for a long time, and also stopped for a long time. I agree 100% with your philosophy of love. Thank you for putting it out there for all to see.

Sherry said...

Thank you Bonnie - so very well said. I love your 99 and 1 analogy. I've been trying to use the analogy about a house fire. Let's say your house is on fire and the fire department shows up to put out your fire, but your neighbor across the street comes over and tells the fire department - hey what about my house? Take care of my house! But your house isn't on fire and not in danger of being on fire and the neighbor replies 'All houses matter'. All houses can't matter until the house that is on fire is taken care of. Some people just can't figure out that all lives CAN'T matter until Black Lives Matter. Maybe the 99 and one will make more of an impression. Thank you again.

Marianne said...

Well said Bonnie. We all need to look at these issues from a place of love and understanding.

Dianna said...

Thank you, Bonnie. Your message is just what I needed today!

Nancy G said...

I love your blog and I love your position. I'm only a recent reader of your blog, but I love everything about it.

Michelle said...

Thank you, Bonnie, for your beautifully stated thoughts today. You spoke for many of us who share the confusion over what is happening and have given us thoughts to ponder and make a decision to respond.

Char said...

I totally agree and understand better. Thank you Bonnie for your honesty, wit and interesting Blog. Always look forward to the next. Best wishes.

Virginia O'D said...

Each day that I have been following your blog, I am totally amazed at what you accomplish from the time it takes to think about and write this message to us, to everday chores, designing and making quilts, keeping yourself healthy, loving your family and your dog. But todays message was over the top. I admire your courage to speak out. Thanks for being you!! and sharing yourself with us---

Vicki said...

Wow!! You gave me alot to think about - Thank you! You are amazing - I appreciate your love and everything you do for the quilting community.

Unknown said...

Thank you for your kindness and understanding. You are one who really gets it. So many are caught up in the "all lives matter" issue but they miss the point. White lives have always mattered. It is blacks who have been treated worse than rabid dogs and who are profiled just for being black. Most of us are gentle people who just want to be treated like human beings. I fear every day for my son and husband being in society, minding their own business, but who can be picked up by police and antagonized until they cannot help but react and then can be killed. You are appreciated because you do not get discouraged, unlike many of us who wake up thinking there is no hope but knowing we must continue to fight for our rights. It is our country, too. We worked hard for many generations to build this country and we deserve a life free of fear.

Lucia said...

I loved all the browser tabs being open too!Thank you for expressing how you are thinking and feeling!

Sheri said...

Bonnie, you are well-loved by many of us. I don't understand why people have to make sure you understand things their way. You obviously do understand what is most important and you care deeply. Thank you for being you and helping those of us that are struggling along with you.

Unknown said...

Thank you so much. Although I can't improve upon your words, I can add a suggestion. I'm listening to "So You Want to Talk about Race" by Ijeoma Oluo. I don't recommend reading it but instead get an audio version. It's like having a comfortable, safe conversation about race where the author already knows what you might say and addresses it (kindly - just like you!). I can only listen for about 15 minutes before I have to stop and process what I've heard. It's great for mindless sewing tasks, too!

Sue said...

I absolutely love your blog. The quilt mysteries are just a bonus.

Anonymous said...

Very well said.

ceblakeney said...

Historically in the U.S., white lives have always mattered, and black, brown, yellow, or other lives have mattered less. It is rather absurd for some to protest that all lives matter when that hasn't been the case for several hundred years. Acknowledging that black lives matter does not imply that other lives don't, but I understand that right wing ideology is threatened by the concept.

Jana said...

Bravo. Until we start understanding this nothing will change. It is not a time for silence.

Beth said...

I had never heard that analogy, and I love it. Thanks for sharing that.

Beth said...

I'm with you, Bonnie--and we're all standing together for those who need us.

Kb48 said...

Thank you so much Bonnie for all you say and do in this time. You explain so eloquently how I feel - I wish I could express my feelings as well as you do. And as much as I love your mysteries and blogs, I will definitely remember you for your very open, loving heart - it shows through everything you do!

Joan E said...

Thank you, just got it downloaded on audio by Overdrive!

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