Quiet Remembrances

Sunrises are finally viewable from our cabin on the mountainside.

It's not that sunrises haven't been happening all along, it's just that you can't see them when the trees are full of leafy green.

Somethings are just always there - even through we can't see them.

Like friendships. And family members.

And that is where my thoughts are today.

This is my sweet friend Jennifer.

Those of us who knew her and loved her (And there was no way you could NOT love her!) are mourning her passing.

I had been in contact with Jen's mom Lucille over the past couple of days as we knew the end was coming quicker than we wanted it to - wishing we could keep Jen with us just a bit longer.  How selfish of us! But we couldn't help it - because we are going to miss her so much.

Jen slipped away into eternity yesterday morning while I was talking on the phone with Lucille.

Jen was a consummate selfie pro!

This was the last time I was able to spend time with Jen while teaching in Texas - I took a weekend off in between two venues and joined the girls for a retreat at Brazo's House.

Tiaras present and accounted for!

As I run through the emotions that come with the passing of a friend, I am comforted by the echoes of laughter and all of the good times.  Not enough of them, for sure.

And it is especially hard when due to Covid, traveling to funerals is not an option.  This year as a family we have lost Joe, Shelley, and now Jennifer.  It's like there is no closure without being able to attend a memorial service.

I will cherish this girl forever. She has had such an impact on my life, and I am honored to call her a true friend. 

And in a round about way, this has brought thoughts of my brother Mark to mind.  He and Jen both lost their lives to brain cancer. Such a cruel disease.  But to see both of them power through with positive attitudes, and love those close to them even harder through it all, I can't find the words to express just how I am feeling right now.

Yesterday's take out box.

It had been months since I had enjoyed Chinese food!  The meal of course was delicious - and I admit to comfort binging nearly the whole thing.

But when I got to the cookie and opened it and found this message - so much of 2020 has lead me back to this.

Yes.  This year, my highest priority has been my family.  Followed closely by my friends who are like family.

We never know when someone will leave us.  The time to love them, and to work out differences is now.

And I want to know - Did the fortune cookie company decide to come out with 2020 Covid edition cookies?

Trail Cam shot.

Just because I don't have anything else really to post to wind this up - The hubster went up and retrieved the memory card from the trail cam at the top of our property.

I was delighted with this peaceful scene of several deer nesting in the leaves.  The photo happened when we still HAD green leaves.

Just a reminder that there is ONE DAY LEFT to enter to win our October Quilty Box .  You'll find all of the details on the ORIGINAL POST. Our drawing happens tomorrow morning.

Jan's Punkin Patch quilt!

"Thanks SEW much Bonnie for all you do. I love creating your quilts. Love from snowy Minnesota. Jan R"

I love it Jan!  Oh, the snow - what a perfect photo backdrop!

The pattern for the full sized Punkin Patch quilt is found in my book, String Frenzy!  If you purchase String Frenzy through the Quiltville Store, you will also receive a bonus PDF of my Hunter’s String Star quilt pattern.

Diane's Punkin Patch table runner 

SO SUPER CUTE!

I love the striped binding!

(Just a few days left to get the table runner pattern for just $5.00!)

Deanie's Appalachian Autumn top!

"My Appalachian Autumn is now with my longarm quilter/friend. It was fun! Now to finish the last two rows of Unity."

She sounds as busy as I have been with crossing this off the list, and moving right on to that other uncompleted thing! Deanie, sometime we are going to have to slow down and just enjoy the whole process.

(Yes, and I'm saying this as I'm trying to get our mystery introduction post ready to go for Halloween!)

There are some things more important than others. Family, yes, of course. And Friends - both here and gone. We love them just as much.

And some things can just wait - like the studio mess that has crept back upon me.

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

Vintage quilt found in Salem, Virginia.

My life will never be totally neat and clean, and neither will my studio. 

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Create beauty through chaos!