Yesterday afternoon we had to make a 2 hour driving trip to Hickory, NC for an appointment Dave had at the main Ortho office.
Could there have been any prettier October afternoon to travel there by Blue Ridge Parkway?
Of course, I had to twist his arm and "promise to not take too long!" to get him to stop at any overlooks along the way.
I just needed some time with the vastness of peace that these views give me.
So much turmoil - in my own heart. I feel it in my soul. Down to my core.
What has happened - gosh, going back 7 years or more? Isn't that how the song goes "7 years of bad luck, good times in the past..." (Thank you Stevie Wonder!)
And maybe because I'm just that much older, and have stuffed things down for so long, everything seems so much heavier somehow.
Photos can't do this justice.
There was a lot of flack coming my way yesterday - accusing me of putting swastikas in my Star of Hope quilt design.
Evidently what I only saw as twisted intertwined ribbons others saw as swastikas.
I've been horrified ever since it was pointed out to me.. That was not my intention.
While I don't associate all pinwheel designs with swastikas it upset enough people to cause me to think.
I don't want even one person to think that is what they are seeing so I have done a redesign.
Whether "YOU" saw no swastika in my earlier design is of no matter. It's enough that some who are sensitive to that did.
I'll save that block for another quilt where it won't be paired with a Star of David.
The yardage requirements are the same. We start Monday.
Of course, anyone could choose a different block for the alternate block, and if you so feel led, please do. The string Heart from our Hearts of Hope quilt for Ukraine would make a great alternate block.
But all of that aside, I think it is important to listen to those who are triggered by such images - have lived a past that we have not and we don't fully comprehend.
If someone says they are feeling something - they are feeling it. Any attempt by us to say "No, I don't see it, it's not there" is a form of gaslighting. It's invalidating the other person's reality. Please accept their feelings and make a change.
My new idea may still evolve. It involves a bit more piecing. I will be paper piecing my quilt. You may choose to enlarge your blocks - or substitute. But I can't do it all to make it right for everyone - and that is the hardest thing for me to let go of.
I've got to stop trying to make it right for EVERYONE. It's not possible.
I needed a few extra minutes here.
Anyone who has *ANY* kind of public presence will have haters. My life is no exception. How do you know you are doing good? You'll have haters coming out of the woodwork trying their darnedest to hurt and humiliate you in public and in private.
Which defeats the whole purpose of why we are doing this project in the first place.
The haters and their awful comments are yet another reason why I stick mostly to quilting ad nauseum. It's a safe topic. It generally doesn't offend anyone.
But if I talk about my feelings of war - of terrorism - of innocents on both sides being slaughtered - it opens the floodgates of backlash and I just don't have the desire to deal with that.
When it comes to something like yet another war - my heart goes instantly to innocent children who didn't choose to be born where they were and have yet to be taught to hate. Because hate has to be taught from one generation to the next.
I feel for the elderly who can't defend themselves. And to the knowledge that any belief of religious or racial superiority on any side, (the thought that anyone has the one and only true religion or race and everyone else is wrong or less than or should be killed for being born who they were) greed, patriarchy, control is the root of ALL evil.
There is no love in any of it. Not in any of it.
(Yes, I know I am opening myself up to more sharp emails of "You should just stick to quilting Bonnie and you aren't even that great at that.")
Blurry Parkway view from moving car -
So how do we bring love back to the world? Can we? Can we start to look at people as human beings with feelings and fears, hopes and dreams instead of wanting to wipe one another off of the face of the earth for religious reasons or greed? That doesn't solve the problem.
And because things can't be resolved without violence - we quilt. What else can we do?
We comfort those who are hurting. One quilt, one person at a time.
We put needle and thread to fabric to express all of the feelings we wish we could put into words, but the words simply can't be found.
I couldn't find the words here either.
I just poured it all out into the distance.
Any time we find ourselves saying "But those people...." We have lumped individual human beings together as if they are nameless, faceless and all bearing equal blame.
And yet - countries have the right to defend themselves against terror. I believe that. Truly. And my heart still breaks for the innocents. I can't say "Well, they deserve it."
I don't care if it is Russia, Ukraine, Afghanistan...Israel or Palestine. Greed. Power. Religious conflict. Land conflict. People are hurting everywhere. People are being slaughtered.
Closer to home now. Sun is setting.
This brought a smile.
I love those warty pumpkins.
I was going to draw for the two winners in the Starshine winners this morning - but my heart needs the weekend off. It just doesn't seem appropriate to pull winners out of this emotional heart dump of a post. We'll do that on Tuesday. The drawing is closed, but the winners can be drawn Tuesday.
I'll be working on more of these today and over the weekend.
I'll have Part 1 of Star of Hope ready for you in Monday's post.
Because I still believe in this world full of so much division and hate we can still make a difference by showing REAL love, REAL concern, REAL caring, REAL understanding, and REAL hope for a better future.
Quiltville Quote of the Day -
Vintage basket quilt found in Virginia.
And if quilting makes you happy, do it twice.
That's my plan - I'll catch you back on Monday.
That's my plan - I'll catch you back on Monday.
133 comments:
Well said, Bonnie. Thank you.
Kristine R.
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Hugs❤️❤️❤️
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I love that you take care of yourself so that you can take care of others. You rock!!
Bonnie,
My heart is heavy. My relatives living in Israel know that for the most part we here are praying for them. Yes there, too, is feeling for the innocent on the other side It is the evil that reside everywhere who need to pay the price- but they hide behind inflammatory rhetoric. Someday the peace that you display in your photos may exist in all. On can only hope and pray Shalom
Bonnie, thank you so much for your heart-felt comments. I agree with you, and I feel deeply for the innocents who suffer so much when people in power choose cruelty, terror, and murder to achieve their goals. I, too, find solace in quilting, and I deeply appreciate your efforts to provide us with an outlet to cope with what's happening in our world. I made Hearts of Ukraine, and I will make Star of Hope as well. Thank you for providing a tangible way to help us deal with the sorrow and despair so many of us feel. Thank you most of all for putting yourself out there; I know it's a very difficult thing to do, and I admire you for it.
Sending a warm embrace and my love 💕🌈
I am so sorry you became the focus of other's hate. I first saw the first pattern from further away from my laptop. I saw the ribbons. I could see that on a small phone screen a person could focus on a particular square. Your new design is lovely. If you alone are the one to make it, it will still help you. I understand about hurting from all the chaos. Getting back into creation is healing for me, too. During difficult times, I pull weeds or clean the house. You turn to your quilts. I find hard work. Whichever, we find a place to put our emotion into a useful project. Sending hate mail seems like a way that hurts the sender and the recipient. Hopefully, as the leaves keep changing and you meet new quilting friends, you can remember there are those who chose positive ways instead of hate.
Keep on doing what you’re doing. Keep on being you. This world will never have too much love. Thank you for being you
God Bless you and your caring heart. I My opinions differ a bit, but that's not what this is about... this is about loving our human family and bringing it together as we think it was meant to be. I appreciate your sensitivity to others, a swastika never would have occurred to me, but then, i didn't have the same experiences those others have and had... I appreciate your willingness to separate the "Oh I don't like brown" complainers from those who have deep personall issues... and are willing to make changes... God Bless you and our world Bonnie... Cats in Carlsbad CA
Blessings Bonnie. Thank you for your words and knowledge. Thank you for being an example of whom we should all be.
Haters are always going to hate so just ignore them. Thank you for the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway photos this morning. I've chosen peace for this day and your photos are the perfect start. We are headed to our son's in South Carolina next week and a detour might be necessary. The colors won't be as vibrant the peacefulness will be.
You are right on all levels. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Bonnie, my heart hurts because of the backlash you are experiencing for bringing goodness and grace to the quilting community and beyond. I’ve followed you for years and KNOW that you have only pure intent while you bring your gifts to quilters. It’s easy for me say “don’t let them get to you”, but we both know that’s easier said than done. All I can tell you is that people will always be people, whether good or bad and you must keep being you and stay focused on your purpose. You’ve been given a platform and you have embraced that platform with intentionally bringing good. Some will hate you for that, but the vast majority know you have embraced “do no harm”. Your feelings are true and real and yours. And I personally will continue to support you because I know you try with all your might to bring good.
Well said Bonnie. 🇮🇱🇮🇱
Well said and so true. . . every word of it. Take heart that what you do and what you offer comes from the right place in your heart and your mind and that's all anyone can do. We just need more people right now with their hearts in the right place with regard to all of humanity.
Thank you for your beautiful reflections and sharing your heart (and love of quilting) with us.
Hugs and Love Bonnie. Quilt and have a cup of tea
Hugs and loves may all appreciate each other, thank you Bonnie❤️
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Wars have been fought in the name of religion forever and I find that so ironic. Bonnie, please know all of us know you would never hurt anyone and your heart is true.
I love you even more after this post Bonnie. You have so eloquently put into words what so many of us feel. We should be able to express our love and our grief for all and not be attacked for it. Thank you for your bravery. Big hugs from northern Minnesota.
Big hugs, Bonnie! Your heart is in the right place, compassion, empathy, action. The ugliness of the haters can just fall off the plate.
Bonnie, I can't tell you how much it hurts me that you have been dumped on like this. You try your hardest to do something good and get attacted for it. I guess it's true that no good deed goes unpunished. One of the things I was taught as a child was if you can't say something nice then say nothing at all.
Bonnie, that was a truly gracious and kind response. The negative comments say more about them than they do about you, but they still hurt. Thank you for all you do that truly helps make a lot of difference. One of my favorite quotes came from an old TV show. “ Sometimes we do the very best we can, and it’s still not good enough… because we’re not God. That doesn’t mean we stop trying.” Hope your weekend brings some peace and comfort. ♥️
Thank you so much for being so open about your thoughts & process. You have a vast audience & influence & you’re using it for good. The world is full of diversity and when some try to exert superiority over others, the balance gets out of whack. I cannot understand why people can’t give each other space, grace, & respect.
Thank you for being you, Bonnie!!!
♥️♥️♥️ well said. You articulate the jumble of emotions that many are feeling so well. Thank you!
Bless you for being a peace maker as well as a piece maker.
I am part of a group who makes Valor quilts. We gave one to a WWII Vet who returned it because a "spider leg" block looked like a swastika. We were so embarrassed as that was not our intent, we did not see it until we "saw it". We gave another quilt and will pick out the block to fix the quilt. I feel your pain. Donna
You do your best and it's pretty damn good. Thanks for sharing with us all. Group hug.
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Well said, Bonnie! I believe that your thoughts reflect what so many of us feel... you just expressed it so much more eloquently.
So well said. I agree so much with how you feel, especially about religion. Enjoyed meeting you in person in Egypt. Keep up the good work you do for all of us
Please stay true to yourself. I look forward to all you share each day which makes my day better, no matter the subject. You have been a good therapist and teacher for me and many others! I have seen life through your eyes and enjoy sewing so much more with you leading the way. Carry on!
Amen Bonnie
Well, you are very gracious Bonnie. I didn't see a swastika in your pattern. That shape is nowhere in my wheelhouse so of course I wouldn't see it and you didn't either. Keep on trucking on. You do great work.
Perfectly said, Bonnie!!
I appreciate you, truly. Anyone, throughout time since a person put pen to paper and learned how to express values, emotions, thoughts and beliefs, has been criticized. Don't let anyone stop you.
No truer words have been said. Know that your heart is in the right place and we all appreciate your generosity to help make us better people and quilters. Peace be in your heart and around the world.
I agree
Love always win. Our intention comes from the heart, the best place. For each and everyone in the world, we can say the most benevolent prayer for peace, love and healing. Love is the best part of us all!
Thank you for sharing your feelings - even at the risk of "haters". I don't understand that, or war, or how much pain humans inflict on each other, But I love your quilts, and your love of the world. Be safe, be strong, and keep quilting!
You so often express what I've been thinking. Thank you. - Carolyn C.
Absolutely! Thank you ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for the beautiful pictures of the peaceful aver evolving Blue Ridge Parkway. May we all feel a little peace remembering that beauty as we sew this week
Bonnie, you have a strong, rich heart, strong, rich creativity, and strong, rich, healthy beliefs. I appreciate your designs, blog thoughts, , good humor, and joy. Carry on! And thank you for the Blue Ridge photos - there, and the ocean, are my ‘enlarging’ places, too.
Love and hugs for your bravery and your gifts, may your thoughts go out to everyone.
Sending love and hugs your way. I'm sorry you are in pain. My thanks for your eloquent words and peaceful photos.
I cried as I read your moving post. I cry for the innocence lost.
A friend who was much smarter than me on the race issue once said, "Let's just stick to the human race." Smart lady.
Hang in there , Bonnie a very moving post.❤️❤️❤️
I repect you so much - beautifully written / DEEP from your heart
I so respect you and feel those words are deep from your wonderful soul - hearts weeping world wide
Yes, Thank you.
thank you for your comments on our life situation as it is. i find peace in your pictures of the blue ridge also. thank you for sending them on to us. i'm sorry people feel it is okay to attack you for your thoughts/words/quilts. it's easy to hide behind a computer. know that you have a vast following that truly loves you. patti in florida
We have a mutual bond concerning autumn leaves. I could feel the same emotions as you described as you watched the landscape. My husband feeds my passion for the changing of the seasons and Christmas lights. I have lived all 73 years of my life in western Pennsylvania and love every season. So far this month we have been to northern PA. And have traveled south to MD and back home again viewing the leaves. My husband reserved a room in the Laural Highlands for two nights just so we could walk through the trees and I got to swish my feet through the dry leaves.
As for the other issue here, people say things on social media that they would never say face to face. This happened in another group where a monthly block ( I think it was the Lipstick block) was seen as the same thing when in reality it was originally an Amish block for friendship.
You have a lot more leave watching to do. Take a break from this nonsense and go to your happy place and let all this negativity roll off your back. You are loved and truly appreciated.
Bonnie...thank you for writing this post. Heart hurting here also.
Thanks for your words! I havfor the horror that is happening on the Holy Land. The Land isn't really what they fight for. It's sad for all involved. The innocent and the older are all victim of the tortures. I had to turn off the national news a long time ago. I still hear about this no matter how I try. Going to my place of peace. I pieced into the wee hours. My heart hurts for you! Rest well! Keep on Quilting!
I'm not sure I have any words. But I can send cyber hugs. Hang in there. You are doing it right.
Sometimes when we care enough to do something about it we are open to criticism. I'm so sorry. Thank you for your blog and your caring for people of the world.
Dear Bonnie,
You are not alone in your dismay. Years ago, I experienced a similar situation. I enjoyed an online quilting community led by a well-known quilting lady. At one point, she nixed using a pattern because one element looked like a swastika. In my bold naivete, I encouraged "reclaiming the beautiful symbol for good purposes rather than leaving it forever to evil uses," or words to that effect. What followed was a diatribe of unbelievable depth and length from that well-known quilting lady, which in turn incited a backlash against her ungracious response. I was appalled at what I had instigated, and promptly apologized to the group. In a personal email offline, I apologized to the well-known quilty lady, but never heard back from her. In my own reflections, I came to realize how offensive and impractical my original suggestion would seem to more people than not in the quilting community at large and well beyond. God knows my heart, and yours, too; that is the important thing.
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Just want you to know how much you are appreciated. This is a quilting site and a darn good one. Opinions will always vary irregardless, please keep focus on all of us that are so happy we get to share in your amazing talents. The problem is always that the negative stings worse than the positive. There are many of us positives out here. Thank you for what you do.
So well said Bonnie! Hugs to you. Thank you for being you.
I agree with you. I started following you when I was in a bad place and I still look forward to reading about what Bonnie’s been doing. I get to travel to far away places with you thru your blog. And share your love of quilting and people that quilt by providing a beautiful place to quilt, eat and enjoy time together. Thanks for the healing that you provide.
So very sorry u had this problem, most older quilters know that a block like that was a very old quilt block and sadly it has stood for something other than its beginnings. Those who know you I’m sure know you didn’t purposely use it in its “other” meaning. Please feel better about all this and quilt on!
Rhonda-you said it best-tears in my eyes to type-Bonnie, you’re the best.
Sending hugs your way. You have a good heart.
Hi Bonnie, as I was walking my dogs this week I was thinking about you and UNITY. I was so thrilled when you came up with a quilt dedicated to the people of Israel. I know you always have the best intentions wanting to be comforting and uniting. I am sorry for the hurt you had to go through. You are a great designer and an inspiring teacher. Please keep up the great work. —Dorothea
So very sorry for your design, what I saw were ribbons, I like the new design also. Haters are going to hate no matter. The mountains are beautiful and peaceful. Bonnie, thank you for what youyou do.
I ordered my first Bonnie book and it just arrived signed, sealed and delivered! Thank you so much! Scrappy quilting is way out of my comfort zone, but I'm going to give it a try. I saw a version of your Tumalo Trail over at Jo's Country Junction blog and that's what drew me in.
Hugs Bonnie. The quilt was beautiful, but I too agree we must listen to those who see something different and unintended. You are a class act.
I am so sorry, Bonnie, that some people gave you a hard time about the ribbons in the quilt top that you designed for the people in Israel. I still don't see it looking like a swastika, but somee people see what they want to see. I had to look at it several times but all I saw were ribbons and stars. Don't let it get you down. Unfortunately, some people just don't appreciate all the work you put into designing a quilt. Don't dwell on the comments as it will only upset you. Life us too short.
Bonnie, you bring so much joy and inspiration to this world. Please don’t let the haters dim your light. Looking forward to making this quilt, as originally designed.
Amy in NJ
I don't know how you do it year after year. You are a strong woman! Thanks for showing us that standing up for your beliefs is worth doing. Also take credit for spreading love and joy to many quilters, me included. I can't tell you how many happy hours I have spent with one of your patterns. I support your efforts and thoughts on the damage war does to innocent lives. Thank you for all you do.
Just keep doing what you're good at - bringing joy and love to so many people across the planet - sending *HUGS* from across the pond <3
Sending hugs filled with loving kindness. Thanks for being you.
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the older you get and the more of the violence and hate you see, makes you feel more and more helpless...cityquilter grace
Your words describe so eloquently what I've been feeling & thinking about this whole situation! Innocents - women, children, moms/dads, grandparents, friends - everyone - my heart hurts for them. Each and every one of us has a responsibility to ensure that our words are intended to heal not hurt - anyone, anywhere. So glad you are "you" - like us, not perfect, but always trying & believing the good of others.
Bonnie, I said it on Facebook and I'll say it again here -- I did not see swastikas, and I still don't see them. But sometimes one sees what they want to see. All I saw was a Star of David. I so agree with your comments. The whole situation is very sad, the hatred is sad. People who feel they can attack and be ugly via a keyboard are sad and pathetic. I'm looking forward to giving this quilt a go..... and thank you Bonnie for being who you are. Maybe people should quilt more and stop being ugly. The world would be a better place. Xx
Bonnie, no one attributed negative intent to your design choice. You adjusted your sails. Onward into bringing quilting beauty and your kind heart to the world. You are loved and appreciated. ❤️
I never saw anything except a beautiful new quilt pattern. You do gorgeous quilts and some people don't have enough to do so they find fault in others....
Bonnie, where you used the beautiful view to wash yourself of hatred and negativity; I use quilting time alone in my sewing room. Thank you for the "no mistake, only opportunity" patterns that you give us so we can rid ourselves of the worries of the world in our fabric stash. I also pray for peace in our world.
Bonnie, your heart is beautiful. Thank you for designing a quilt to help bring peace to the heart of the maker, as well as the receiver. I think this second version will be able to comfort even more people than the first.
I am so sorry people are being hateful towards you. That is SO not ok. Take the time you need to replenish yourself this weekend. I loved the original design, but understand why you chose to change it. Thank you for doing this, I know it can't be easy, emotionally or physically as I know it is so close to mystery time and on the heels of all the travel. Sending love and peace in your direction.
Dearest Bonnie - your kindness and love shines from all your work. Let it be and move on to a wonderous Monday when people around the country and, indeed the world, join you in your effort to spread care and love for others.
My heart goes out to you and you said the words just right.
Bonnie thank you for your words, your heart, and your love. I can’t imagine a kinder human being than you.
I appreciate all you do and for your caring heart. You're my hero!!!!
A huge thank you Bonnie for sharing your quilting AND your belief in love! Karen
I love your passion and your heart.
Thank you Bonnie for sharing your love.
Hugs!
I'm so sorry you got haters, when all that was needed was a gentle reminder that some may see swastikas. You could have thought, "Oh, well. Haters gotta hate", but you did the right thing and modified your design. You should be commended for that. Thank you for caring. Su
I agree with all that you and Rhonda said. It’s impossible to please everyone on any subject. Bonnie, we all know what a kind and tender heart you have, and that you would never say or do something that would offend or hurt someone else. Being criticized sometimes feels like they’re piling on,andthere will never be anend to it. Please try to remember those of us who understand, and thank you for all of the good that you are responsible for. We appreciate the special projects that let us demonstrate our feelings through using your special patterns. We would be very sad if you were to stop inviting us along on your magical journeys.
I understand the decision you made, Bonnie, and why, as a public person, you had to make it. But I am also sad for the death of that first design. It had movement and illusion -- it was alive and joyful. I'm grateful that we had a chance to see it, and for your explanation of your vision. I'm sorry for any hateful comments you received because of it.
Oh, such a beautiful place to pray and try to understand the why. I completely agree with everything! My heart aches for the innocent who are just trying to go about their daily lives and suddenly it's upside down. Keep being you and thank you for sharing your beautiful country side!
Why we quilt, and adopt stray cats, and dirty dogs . . . we are made to love each other.
Bonnie, your post broke my heart. I hate that you are suffering for even a moment. You do so much good and bring such joy with your blog - I know I look forward to every post. The world is in a shambles, and people are horrible - too ready to see the worst intentions in others. Remember for every stinky comment you get there are a hundred readers who love what they read and simply aren't commenting. Keep up the good work, keep making us happy - the way you do with every post.
Louise
I'm so sorry you have to deal with mean spirited people, you share so much love in this world, thank you! ❤
You are a great quilter and don't let anyone tell you any different. You were put on this earth to educate and inspire people from all world. You are generous with your time and talent. Please know that you are admired by many of us. I would like to thank you for being part of my life and creative journey.
Amen sister. I stand with you. Your heart is good.
I appreciate everything you do to help other people, especially by sharing your talents. FYI- Did you know the those warty pumpkin, the ones that look like they have off white catapillers, sre French Pie Pumpkins.
Well said!!!!
I appreciate you 💞
It's so sad that some people have to assume the worst in others and then react to it. You deserve better. We all do. Marj D
Bonnie, You are the most generous person around with all the love you pass on to quilters all over the world. We are so lucky to have you in our lives. People need to see that and put away their anger where it belongs. I know you never would do anything to hurt anyone else, so don't let those who have anger in their hearts destroy the love you pass along to all of us.
Love the new pattern to show our heartfelt concern for Israel. Thanks…👏💕🙏
Please know that you are very much loved.
Hi Bonny, thank you for this wonderful post. I am here not only for the quilting!
Best wishes from Betlin (Germany), Nadine
Bonnie, I love your heart and your passion... know that you are so loved and appreciated by many .
Thank you for this hearfelt post. You are a GOOD person. It's so painful to have our good intentions turn out to be hurtful. Sending all good thoughts to you!!!
Thank you for this. So much emotion and a reflection of what many of us are feeling at this time. You said it all so well. I'd make my husband stop the car for those peaceful views too!! Sending you many blessings as you piece this weekend.
Thank you Bonnie, for offering this quilt to show our support of Israel. I look forward to getting started. I'm driving to Hendersonville NC this week and it's good to see the leaves haven't changed color yet. I should get some nice photos.
I don't understand hateful comments to someone who has been nothing but generous for years to us quilters. I've been a Quiltvillian since Carolina Crossroads and Bonnie has been nothing but kind & generous with her talents, so patient and KIND. Yes, caps. She does not deserve a pile on. Just stop and think how you would feel being on the receiving end of hateful crap! Yes, crap! It hurts my heart to think she has had hateful mail. I realize the design could be a trigger, but you don't have to be hurtful. A kind "did you know?" note could have been eye opening to how others could feel. I just feel bad that Bonnie has to read bad stuff. From a really long time Bonniac - you are my ride or die quilter.
Judi Butz
God bless you, Bonnie! People lash out and say mean things when they are hurting. Your heart is even more tender because you have been traveling to these places and meeting the people, making real connections with those who live in instability. All we can do is just as you are doing, expressing love and concern for the innocent, while quilting to comfort both them and us as well. All of your quilting is spreading kindness and love. "Shine on, you crazy diamond"! Jeri D
I think that you are one of the nicest people that blog on a regular basis. It seems you care and could just be the neighbor next door. Don't why people can't be kind even if they see or hear something that may hurt them. Take care of yourself and your family.
Thank you, Bonnie. That's all. <3
I whole heartedly agree with you this time. Your Post makes my heart ache. Everything you said is well put. It is so sad that everyone can't have such love and politeness and respect in their soul and heart. This world would be such a better place. I always look forward to your daily posts. Keep us moving forward and being positive and loving our hobbies in quilting. Huge Hugs all around!
Dont listen to the haters. Most of us are touched by your compassion and encouraged by your call to action. Quilt on brave soul !
I am heartsick that you have had to contend with cruel and thoughtless comments. Those of us who read you often know, as one person wrote, with your "tender heart" you could never hurt anyone for any reason. May the lovely vistas of the Blue Ridge and our thoughts and prayers bring you peace and comfort. Kris
Thank you for your courage to share what is in your heart and to listen and respond with compassion to those you accidentally traumatized with the original pattern. I thought version 1 was pretty, but I like version 2 better, even when I wasn't offended by version 1!
Thank you-Susan Leonard
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Bonnie, your comments are spot on! I’m so sorry that the hate mongers are coming after you. You create so much joy and love, bringing people together to create, not destroy. Keep on doing what you’re doing.
<3 to you , all the days
My husband and I were in Tel Aviv on Saturday morning, waiting to do a Holy Land Tour with a group from churches we are affliated with, when the bombings broke out. We were three days trying to get out of Tel Aviv. It was frightening to say the least. We were both born and raised in the USA, and not at all familiar with war and fighting, sirens, The Iron Dome, or air raid shelters. We finally made it home safe and sound. I will say that as we tried to get out we were taken advantage of by Taxi drivers, hotel workers, travel agent from one particular travel company, and anyone else that thought we as Americans were wealthy and could afford their gouging. We paid it, we wanted out! We also were met with wonderful people who wanted to help, some paid for things for us, some didn't charge is at all. I came home thankful for those who didn't take advantage of the pain and suffering, but were will to put themselves out to ease the burden of those in need. I wanted to do something special those in need myself, and didn't know where to start. Your project was a perfect solution. Thank You for having a kind heart and thinking of others who may be suffering. I'm going to contact a local synagogue here to offer my quilt for those in need, I may make several and I love the pattern. God Bless you, Bonnie, you have a kind heart don't be discouraged.
It's unfortunate that people feel the need to criticize and judge. If they think you're a bad quilter, why are they following you? They can go elsewhere! I love your big heart, Bonnie. This is your blog. Looking forward to seeing the quilt.
Bonnie the same thing happened to Stephen West on his knit along. His reaction was the same as yours. And you both chose kindness and changed direction.
Bonnie, I am so very sorry you had to deal with this. When I saw the pattern, I saw twirling. Looking back at it, I guess I can see what some others saw, given the situation right now. My son saw a swastika in a Twisted pattern that I couldn't unsee after that. Since I have family members who are Jews, I gave those patterns away. It's all about perception. I totally agree with everything you wrote and feel the same way. I admire you so much for looking at the pattern and changing direction. Your kindness and generosity have always been traits I've admired through the years. Please know that we support and care about you. So glad you had a chance to regroup a bit on your ride. My mom and I drove that road many, many, many years ago and I still remember it being one of the prettiest places I've been.
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