Thinking of Fall coming soon

Here I sit on the one day between high temps and lots of humidity. We are moving forward towards the beginning of another season....FALL. I love this time of the year. One can go outside and breath, do a bit of yard cleanup that summer's heat left us dreaming about but not doing.

I haven't visited here in my blog for a while because of life always pushing us forward and not giving us time to sit still and just breath. This past week I visited for 3 days with my Mum. She is such a lovely person, but to see her needing more naps in the day, or just sitting reflecting on flocks of birds that are gathering for their coming winging time away. Just talking to her about days and times past. It was refreshing just to sit, but it is a new phase for Mum and I in our busy times together. Usually one or the other pairs of hands are busy doing, creating, changing or thinking of a new thing to keep busy doing.

Well, Mum, thanks for this time to graciously sit and renew our love together. Our memories, and the fact that of the original family of 4, we two are left to hold all these precious moments in our hearts and minds. Together, remembering, seeing with older and hopefully wiser eyes the coming and the changing of the seasons.

God Bless our times we still have left together and even more our memories which soon I'll carry for both of us in my heart and mind.

Picture taken for Mum and Dad's wedding anniversary Dad, Driscilla, Denise and Mum seated.
Jun 5/19?? (90-95 just can't remember)

2010 June 4 Girlfriends

2010 June 4    Girlfriends
Today I am inspired to write a bit about girlfriends. There are many poems that I've read which help me when I think of my friends. Have you ever thought what we would do without each other?
There are families, which we are born into.
We have friends that we grow into.
We have girlfriends that we turn to.

Last night I met a Rose. How fortunate for me. I went to a meeting and felt very ONISH. Is there such a word? Everyone has a smile, some tried to remember my "real" name. Another one said she knew me as Diamond Dee (yes, she is a friend online as many of you are) so to her my "real" name wasn't what it is written out legally. Is was how she thinks of me when she sees me.

But here was a Rose. A quiet, unassuming person that I have admired from across the room, not quite knowing how to open conversation with her. Seeing her from time to time and thinking to myself what a quiet soul. How did we manage to sit beside each other is totally in the hands of Fate, or what I sometimes refer to as Karma. Two women who reached out to each other. Shared a wee bit of our lives, and who we were. Understanding that in this world of people, families and friends, we all need girlfriends.

We talked together in a circle of other people. We listened to the sound of knowing where quiet comes from. The quiet part that reaches out and forms a new friendship.

When we both went our own ways it was with a quick "nice to meet you, and to share". When we saw each other on the street after asking if she could give me a drive somewhere, we parted with the words.......please don't forget to call.

Today I had a message from a Rose. She sent me the loveliest little email saying it was nice to meet you and if you want to have coffee sometime, give me a call.

In the past year, I have met five of the loveliest ladies, starting with Lola, and then along came Sue, can you believe it, now we three have Bonita, and Bev. And now we have a Rose. We are not alone, we have GIRLFRIENDS.

:)

2010 May 8 To Move or not to move

That is the question of the day. I'm so thankful that this little home is within our reach, and yet???
I have started to pack and to make decisions. I was totally befuddled. So when one gets befuddled what does one do? One gets a hair cut.

My hairdresser is a very special person. She has answers. She doesn't say what to do or what not to do, she presents Angel Cards...and has even begun making a series of her own cards. I would love to describe the divisions with you, but that wouldn't be fair. She plans to market her idea. But for me it was a feast to think about and get answers. See what you think.

Section 1 (take 1 card) mine was ADVANCE: would it be in your best interest to move forward in some area of your life

Section 2 (take 1 card) mine was ENTERTAINMENT: Do you allow yourself to have fun and play? Do you like to amuse others

Section 3 (take as many as you think you need)
Procrastination: Do you constantly put off what is not fun or easy to do until a later date?

Willingness: Are you willing to live life to the fullest?

Change: are you willing to take a chance to make things happen?

Quite: Are you comfortable with quiet whether you're alone or with someone else?

Section 4: Clarity: Do you have clarity about this subject?

Wow......these questions both made me open my eyes and place myself on another level. How to truthfully answer each one. I could feel the joy shining in my eyes and I looked at each one. I learned there is direction, from within ourselves. I can use these tools to see what is possible, to see where I've been hiding, and to also think things through.

Yes, there is an opening here for changes but the honest answer to me is am I willing to let go, to rid of excesses to make it happen? Am I open to the leap of faith to open up my world to new and more positive attitudes.
These questions are not easy, although I do have a total more open feeling of hope and not such a problem with holding on to the past....but make room for the new and possibly more enriched life that could be possible for Lou and I........
Stay tuned and see what directions these good questions take us.

2011 Mar 11 Moved to 4711 Orchard View Dr, Oil Springs, Ont.
2017 Jan 17 Moved to 1285 Sandy Lane, Apt 105 Sarnia, Ont
Sale of Home closed to new Owners Apr 7 2017

2010 May 18 A Walk Along White Sandy Beach in Ontario

2010 May 18 A Walk Along White Sandy Beach in Ontario.

Today we (Lou and I) walked along the beach at Port Franks, Ont.....I just had to take a picture of this driftwood. Here we have something that nature has somehow allowed to finish it's life as a tree. Perhaps it has spent years here on the shores, rotting and yet providing a source of ground cover that the sand has dug it's little toes into. Something that has taken the growing path for itself, and now has become the stabilizer for another plant in years to come.

Isn't this a bit like our own lives....first we are here, we live each day growing and doing the best that we can for our living environment. I like to think that somewhere down my lifeline I'll be able to take parts of this life of mine and somehow be there for another reason once I am ready for a change in my own world.

The wind today was wild along the shoreline. The sand was warm and soft on the bottom of my little bare feet. Scattered along the shoreline I found remains of clam shells, pieces of small driftwood, dunes or bluffs that reached from the water's edge up towards the sky. The life along the shore line is difficult. The trees or scrubs in the area are small and stunted from their daily fight with the wind as it blows towards the land. But all around Lou and I felt life. Life in the beautiful blue sky with white fluffy clouds. Rainbow colours in the shell remnants that lie all over the water and sand line. Tons of gifts from nature that all we needed to do was look through the eye of the camera to explore and then with a snap of the shutter were able to freeze in a picture and keep in our minds.

Maybe one day we will all walk along this shoreline together and just listen to the wind in the trees. Feel the sun on our heads, and the soft sand beneath our feet. As I was there quietly watching the waves I gave thanks to my Higher Power for the friends I have here on line, in my daily life, and yet, even more the loved ones that have gone on before me (like that tree in the sand) and know/feel enjoy the gifts they have given me, and allowed me to discover on my own in my walk though my own life.

.2010 May 16 A great Movie.

2010 May 16  A great Movie.
Sit back and be entertained. This movie is amazing. I purchased it through EBay so that I could have a picture of the Quilt given to me by my Cousin Ivan. Well, not really a quilt, but more a set of 12 motifs to make into a quilt.

Ivan shared with me that this movie would give a picture of the quilt plan. I'm sad because I saw various quilts in this movie, but not a plan that I could adopt to my Grandma Boyle quilt. I think I may just stick with original plans to applique it in the blocks.

Maybe through chats with Ivan I may see the light in the movie that shows this quilt in a better way so I can discover the plan in Grandma's thoughts.

Thanks Ivan. This was an amazing movie. So filled with human emotions and a great way to just sit back and enjoy from start to finish. The life on the prairie is very hard, pioneers are certainly a strong strand for our lives here today. They came through such hardships and survived sharing love and caring with each other in a tough time and place.

Thanks IVAN for this movie.....one day it will be mailed to you...of course first I have to share it with my quilting friends Lola, Bonita, Bev and Sue.....I think we will all enjoy it very much...and for me, I hope to watch it several times also.

05.16.2010

2010 Apr 27 This one's for Sue

Hi Sue....So Sue...snow is gone even though it was an artwork in itself, and instead you requested tulips. So red spring tulips it is just for you. This picture is one I took myself about 15 years ago during an early spring visit to Niagara Falls. I couldn't imagine the beauty that I beheld in all the tulip beds at the Falls. It caused me great wonderment though. When the blooms are gone, where go the bulbs? Will this musing ever be solved for me? Probably not.

I hope that you enjoy my immediate change of season as per your request. When you think it is time for a new view on these old pages come back and let me know. Thank you for being one of my few vocal enjoyers. This way I know I'm not over here by myself that you are interested. Come again dear friend when you can.

:) Because of you,,,,,I've even added two more. Hope you enjoy. :) Come back soon now, y'hear :

2010 April 05 Friend's first Granddaughter soon to be with us

2010 April 05 Friend's first Granddaughter soon to be with us

Today I found inspiration and decided this was going to be a gift for a long time, first forever girlfriend of mine. Paula (yes is you read this I think you will be surprised to know you are supposed to be surprised) will become a first time Grandma in May 2010. Paula gave me a beautiful hand quilted basket/s of flowers for my own wedding Oct 7/2000 and I've wanted for a long time to surprise her in a way that was totally me, as she did at my bridal shower.

Paula, if you see this here first, please know that in honour of your amazing quilting skills I just wanted to create for your Granddaughter a little gift that would be as unique as your's to me was.

I hope that Heather and Kevin will both enjoy opening each little rose bud for their daughter. Long may the little family be as happy as they will be the day "baby" is born.

Paula for you and Chris,,,the years ahead as Grandma and Grandpa will be so much fun and loving. I just wanted to be there to share the fun with all of you.

2010 Mar 22......where did spring go?

2010 Mar 22  
From Jan 2010 to Mar 2010.....in a drive way in Bayfield, Ont.....the snow has gone from that to this.....spring really is here now when I see the difference in the snow piled front of our little car.
Today Lou and I went for a wee spring jaunt to Bayfield. Could this be called cabin fever. Had to get out from the city and into the country spaces. We had a little walk on a country road. The smell of spruce was everywhere. Here and there about the area we could see people out working on their lawns. Raking, rolling and just getting it ready for the hot times ahead.

On the way to Bayfield, which is a little over 1 hr drive we had sun every now and then peeking through the clouds. Then on the way home later in the afternoon the rain started. It was gently washing away the remains of the dirty snow still lying on the side of the road. White, sparkly snow is one thing,,,,but the spring remains surely leaves a lot to be desired in my estimation. Mounds here and there of dark, dirty, no longer white piles. Oh yes, spring is definitely on the way. Won't be long now.

Until the next note here when I can share the first blooms of spring in our area.....stay tuned. I'm gone now, but I'll be back. Hugs to all who come over to visit with me from time to time.

2010 Feb 27 St Patty's day approaching fast

2010 Feb 27 St Patty's Day Approaching Fast.    


Time for us lucky little leprechauns to celebrate. More for the coming of spring or for the pot of gold I'm not sure....but let's get out there and celebrate.......
Ever feel like you've come to the bottom of the barrel? Sometimes we feel like we are there, and yet, is there more to come? Well, I am finding (once again,,,it is all a matter of perspective) that it is how we look at life and the gifts we are given to get us through. Am I entering the stage of understanding, or learning more lessons to move me forward.
I can only say that along with some not so nice days, I've finally found a peaceful place in my quilting corner of life. I've started collecting selvages. The most important thing about this is that with each scrap I'm reliving a little piece of my life, or renewing thought of friends who have shared with me. Who knew that in my selvage fun time I'd bring yet another slice of life lesson to myself.
Ever look at the days of our lives? Really looked. Here we see a tear, which is only a little drop of salt, or a little bit of cleansing of our bodies....did you really think it was emotional? Or a way to get a sad time out of your heart?
Look at one of those flowery selvages, and we are reminded that after ever winter there is sun, warmth, fun and more birds back to sing their sweet songs.
Pulling out a strip of dog pattern, I'm reminded of my first pet....a little toy palm puppy. That little piece of fluff came from the Collingwood area. When we got to bring her home she was small enough to slip inside a small potatochip bag...and lick up all the crumbs.
Oh wait a minute. Here's a little slip of red gingham Christmas design with gingerbread cookies on it. Now I'm remembering back to the days of cookies I made when my two children (Derek and Emily) were young. Sometimes Emily and I would back up a storm of Christmas cookies and put them in the freezer for the coming celebrations. Derek loved the cookies we would back. It was a time of sweet tricks and memory making.
Looking at this mesh bag of selvages I'm collecting I can see in each strip memories of things I had forgotten.
The best part that I'm finding in my mesh bag is when my hand tightens upon a selvage from a friend. Is that one from Rose? What about this bright flowery, dots ,and shapes. It came from Lola when she was making 2 Christmas gifts for her little granddaughters this past year. These are two strips that are not only pretty, but bring with them the warmth of friends I hope I will always remember.
And so it goes. strip by strip, piece by piece this is a great way to spend the cold snowy days of a winter that is almost past us,,,,and looking forward to a new spring time. I wonder to myself, will this quilt top be finished,,,,or relegated to my pile of UFO only to be brought into my future somewhere down the road of life.
Stay tuned to find out.....

New picture in slide show

Wow, I can't believe it,,,,I have started and finished a little wall hanging. Thanks to Sue (my newly found neighbour and quilting friend) who wanted to make this block. I suggested I make 1 birdhouse so that I could help her...and viola...I have a whole village finished. This was such a fun project, and quick to boot, that I might be making more in the future. I love rainbows and in fact at one time when I was driving around with my own CB in my car my handle was Rainbow Chaser. I still have my dreams....and this helps to remind me that life is a rainbow and we are all artists.
Thanks Sue (when you read this little note, you will now know you are part of my blogging stories) for asking me to help you. Together we are both learning and growing. BTW I can't wait to see your's when it is finished.
..........update info. I actually did finish the project, but several of the embellishing sequins fell of....so had to redo in a different and more lasting manner.
..........update info. I have since learned that a project is NOT completed until it has a label with all info on the back......so to completely finish my project, here is the label I designed. It is now sewn in place and this is definately a FUNISHED PROJECT.
2014.10.19 update date

Something new in Stitching

Well, well, soon enough I'll be starting something new in quilting. Thread Painting. I hope to put images and stories here as I move forward. I'm using this blog as a written commitment to myself because last time I signed up for classes I didn't!!!! Lives happen, ufo projects bump in to me and I just didn't buckle down, knuckle down and get right to it. This time I intend to do so....hope you will watch my adventures along with the notes I add here.

Thanks to Shirley in online LFA group. What an amazing lady she is. I'm so glad that I'm part of this growing group. We learn, we teach and we explore together with many new fun ideas and classes.

So stay tuned if you want to watch my progress on line. Classes start very soon.
2010.8.2.................................................................................................................
Shirley did her best, but for me, it just didn't happen.......maybe another time or another day.  Thanks to Shirley in LFA group for her teaching. I read, I learned, I just wasn't able to progress.

Thurs is with us again

I haven't a whole lot to say today except I have a new respect for Thursdays. Here I am in my second night of working for this week and I've accomplished so many things today already. I am going to help a good friend with a paper pieced pattern on Monday night so today I found the right material to make my sample for us to work from.

Why do I like Thursdays I asked myself before sending this message to all and sunder....well, it is the day after Wednesday (which equates to my Monday in the week) and it is before Friday....for those of you who aren't familiar with the routine on the phones at a busy reservation center....the cancellers (yes they make reservations just to phone in on Fri and cancel), this is the quiet night before the storm is to hit in sections of USA. People will be frantically booking rooms because flights are grounded, or because they can't make it to the hotel with the storm.....or you have the people you really want to help...those who are on the highways just trying to make it to a shelter in the storm. Children are moaning and groaning in the car...husbands are driving and tempers aren't very good...while Mrs/Mom is on the phone trying to find a room, get them inside a safe place, and trying to repeat all that I say to the driver (MR BEHIND THE WHEEL) having him argue with her this isn't a cost "effective" place to be....or maybe that it is too far, find something closer....even when the closer hotels are already full....now all I need to hear coming into my both ears at once is an impatient family pet barking cause he needs to get outside NOW!!!!....

Ah yes the blessings of Thursday nights......only hours to go before I'm talking all over the world again tonight.
God bless us all!!!!!
Giggles and away for now, but I'll be back.

Ground Hog Day and the word is......

Hello everyone. Looks like Wiarton Willy saw his shadow here in Canada. To celebrate 6 more weeks of winter we are having a bit of light snow, that looks more like fog in the distance. Know that kind???
Today I changed my Jolly Holly Day picture and now you can see Sheila who is the happy owner. Tears of joy were shed that night when it dawned on her that this little quilt she had been watching each step of the way was really hers. She was overwhelmed and I was jumping around like a little Dancing Mexican Bean. It was so much fun to see the light of understanding come into her eyes, only seconds before the tears. It surely brought back memories of my own surprise when I received in the mail from my Between Friends Cyber group my own Angel Quilt. Wow, it is so much fun to Pay It Forward. I knew how excited I was when my quilt arrived, but I never knew the feeling and joy of sharing with someone else. It was amazing and sure made me happy for the hours spent preparing and giving Sheila her Jolly Holly Day...which btw I think will be on her guest bed all year long.

I have posted (for now to be removed later) the new picture puzzle. Enjoy the fun of seeing quilt and owner together.

Hugs Dee

Finished Quilt 12.31.09 Jolly Holly Days

Dec 30 09
The two year project is as finished as I can make it today. The binding is in place...and ready for the finishing stitches which Mum and I will work together at during our visit in a few weeks time.

I hope the next picture you see in this blog will be with my friend loves snowpeople. This little project (which took almost 2 years in and out) will be a gift of love for the many times SHE has been there for us over the past many years since I met her in 1980's. She began as a friend when I went to her for cosmetic reasons. I didn't know at the time she lived across the road from my sister's family. Through our mutual chats during appointments it became obvious we were talking about the same people, namely, my sister, bro-in-law and niece/nephew. Finally, as "they" say we connected the dots....and there was my friend of all these years now my family's neighbour. Goes to show you what a small, small, world we live in...... I am adding this pic here now because shortly after displaying with her picture I will be removing the jig saw puzzle of this finished challenge I gave myself.

It has been so much fun learning a new quilt as you go technique...and adding borders in the same manner....now I can just enjoy the fun of sharing.

Jolly Holly Days

Dec 30 09
The two year project is as finished as I can make it today. The binding is in place...and ready for the finishing stitches which Mum and I will work together at during our visit in a few weeks time.

I hope the next picture you see in this blog will be with my friend loves snowpeople. This little project (which took almost 2 years in and out) will be a gift of love for the many times SHE has been there for us over the past many years since I met her in 1980's. She began as a friend when I went to her for cosmetic reasons. I didn't know at the time she lived across the road from my sister's family. Through our mutual chats during appointments it became obvious we were talking about the same people, namely, my sister, bro-in-law and niece/nephew. Finally, as "they" say we connected the dots....and there was my friend of all these years now my family's neighbour. Goes to show you what a small, small, world we live in...... I am adding this pic here now because shortly after displaying with her picture I will be removing the jig saw puzzle of this finished challenge I gave myself.

It has been so much fun learning a new quilt as you go technique...and adding borders in the same manner....now I can just enjoy the fun of sharing.

Storms and Peace

Oh my gosh....today in one of my online groups I was reintroduced to a saying that I had "label" printed onto my monitor at work, at home, and in my car (the bright red Intrepid I owned at the time). I would now like to put it here in my blog so I don't ever lose it again......I hope that any of you might adopt it also and remember that life comes in cycles.....it is the stormy ones that make us strong, and help us sail forth.

So please enjoy with me this thought.............
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass.
It's about learning to dance in the rain...

Happy New Year to all my family and dear friends who come here to visit with me from time to time. Life is a bowl of cherries....let's not always be finding the pits!!!!