Today is December 23, 2012 and 40 years ago today hubby and I tied the knot.  We were sitting talking today wondering just where have those 40 years gone.  Two children, one son-in-law and five grandchildren later here we are preparing to celebrate Jesus' birthday.   I'm not sure what we were thinking when we chose the date December 23rd, I mean really two days before Christmas?  I guess that is  what happens when you are in love.  The date doesn't matter just being together does.

Blessings to all. 

Pray for all of the people in Newtown, CT.  My heart goes out to all of the people who have lost their loveones from this unspeakable tragedy.

Blessings with a warm hug to everyone.

Marilyn

Well I'll try posting some pictures today and see what happens.  I think I've had some bad guys trying to take control of my computer this last week.  Very unsettling week for me and I  hope you bad guys get some of your own medicine.

Well I tried posting pictures and Google/Picasso will not let me post any pictures unless I pay them for space on a monthly basis.  So with that said. I obviously will not be posting any new pictures.  I'm not  sure why this is happening all of a sudden and why I'm being singled out.  So I guess I'll be looking for another site to blog on or use Facebook. 

Oh well.  Guess I'll go work on a quilt that is waiting for me. 

Blessings to all.

Happy Sunny Wednesday!  Atleast the sun is shining here in beautiful Monticello, Indiana, USA.  I'm sorry I have not been writing lately, but with working 6-7 days a week to finish up all of the quilt orders I have been way busy.

Also, I am pondering whether to keep this blog going.  Google has informed me that I must now pay to have pictures posted.  Apparently, I am only allowed so many GB/MG and I have used up my allotment.  I also had a nerve wrenching experience of having my credit card breached while using it online.  All I can say is thank you First Merchants Bank for keeping an eye on my card.  The service department at First Merchants called me yesterday and asked if I had been in New Zealand and Great Britain the last week or Missouri.  Sorry I have not left the state of Indiana or the USA.  Why don't people get real, honest to goodness jobs like the rest of us and use the internet for the good of everyone? So now I am really hesitant to do any internet shopping.  So Google I'm not sure where this blog will be going.  If anyone out there has some recommendations for me on not having to pay to post pictures, please let me know.

Well I have to run and finish a quilt that is on "Miss Smith" right now.  I do love my job.

Blessings to all.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!  I do hope that all of you who celebrate Thanksgiving are blessed with a day to enjoy your family and friends.  I will have have 11 guests today and one handsome dog named J.D. (Just Dog).  J.D. is welcomed to our home anytime since I think he behaves better than some family members, just kidding.

I have to tell a joke about myself.  I got up early to start preparing the turkey and I was trying to be ever so quiet so I wouldn't wake up my husband and son.  Gary, my husband, sleeps in another part of the house this will make sense as I continue this story.  So I get the turkey in the oven, start making the baked apples, etc. and I'm trying to be every so quiet.  I didn't even make my smoothie because the ice crusher makes a lot of noise as does the blender so I continue to wait.  Suddenly my front door opens and in walks my son and husband.  They had left earlier to go deer hunting.  Here I was alone in the house and I could have made all the noise I wanted!  I have to give them credit because they were ever so quiet when they got up at 5 a.m. and didn't even wake me.  I just love being able to laugh at myself.

So here is my menu for our Thanksgiving dinner:  Turkey, dressing, baked potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, coleslaw, baked apples, rolls, relish tray, and cheese tray.  I realize I forgot to buy the cranberry relish that I love from Kroger's so I may be making a quick trip to purchase the relish.  We will also have pumpkin pie and a pumpkin roll.  I keep thinking I should make some deviled eggs just to round this all out.  Any suggestions for what I'm missing?  I think my mother would be proud.  I'll try to post some pictures later.

Blessings to all this Thanksgiving Day.  I pray for a lasting peace for our world, prayers for all who are struggling and for all people to show kindness, tolerance and grace to everyone they meet.

Happy Sunny and Cloudy Monday here in Monticello, Indiana, USA.  Well Gary and I survived the weekend with Boom-Boom a.k.a. Eli spending the night with us Saturday night.  It was a bit touch and go at first because he really wanted to stay with his Mom, but after one Welch's Fruit Snack pack and an ice cream cone Eli decided he wanted to stay.  Thank goodness.  Then on Sunday afternoon when it was time to take him home he decided he wanted to stay at Grandma and Grandpa's house and ride his bike.  Don't you just love the mind of a 2 1/2 year old?  Eli was thrilled though when he saw his Mom and Dad and his four siblings were all making over him as if they hadn't seen him in a week.  Ahh all is well and Grandma did got back home and take a short nap.  Here is a picture of the little guy I've been writing about.  Isn't he just the cutest?

Blessings to all.

Happy Sunny Saturday and Happy Quilting Day.  What a beautiful day of bright sunshine today and 50 some degrees.  I'll take that combination any day in November.  My guys (Gary and David) are out deer hunting since it is the first day of shotgun season here in Indiana.  I really think they just go out to enjoy each other's company and to "watch" the deer.  But don't tell them I told you that.

I am happy to show an absolutely beautiful quilt I had the pleasure to work on this week.  I don't think the pictures really do this quilt justice, but I tried to take pleasing pictues of the quilt.  I have the greatest respect for beautiful, exceptional piecing of quilt blocks and Pam S. really did an extraordinatry job on this quilt.  Pam said the quilt was a block of the month quilt pattern from Rossville Quilts in Rossville, IN.  I'm not sure if this was last years' pattern, but this is a lovely pattern.  Pam said she wanted "lots of quilting" on this quilt and thankfully she wasn't disappointed with my choice of patterns.  It was fun to watch Pam look at each quilting pattern as she delighted in seeing her quilt top now become a quilt.  I really do have a great respect for each quilt top that I am allowed to quilt.  I appreciate the love and effort each quilter puts into their quilt tops and I truly am honored that I am entrusted to turn the quilt top into a quilted quilt.  Thank you, Pam.

I'm glad I had a quick half hour rest this afternoon because Boom-Boom a.k.a. Eli is coming to spend the night at Grandma and Grandpa's tonight.  I'm excited to have some one on one time with him, although he likes one of his siblings to come with him.  I'll have to make sure I am armed with fruit snacks and have his sippy cup full of a fresh smoothie during the exchange process.  I have learned being a Grandma of five grandchildren that food and/or drink always works. 

 

 

Blessings to all.

Happy Wednesday Everyone.  It is a cold morning here in Monticello, Indiana, USA about 25 whoa wake you up degrees.  But atleast it's not snowing and there's no sleet so I'm happy.  As winter comes you will probably notice that I am one big chicken when it comes to snow and ice on the roads.  But that subject is for another day.

Today I want to share a bible verse that has touched my heart today as I am doing my bible study work.  My good friend Kristie and I are working on the bible study James Mercy Triumphs by Beth Moore.  Here is the verse that touched me today and I want to share it with you.

James 1:25 - But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this,  not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does. (NIV) 

Beth Moore uses a different bible interpretation and her verse read as follows:

"The one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but one who does good works--this person will be blessed in what he does."

I can only pray for guidance as I try to follow and live-up to this verse.

I have been quilting this week on a stunning block of the month quilt that Pam S. completed.  I will post pictures when it is completed.  I did do three quilts last week but in my haste they went home on Monday without pictures being taken.  I promise not to let Pam's quilt out before a picture is taken.

Blessings to all.

Thank you to all of our veterans in the United States of America who have so bravely fought for the freedoms that we enjoy in this great country.  My dad, Ben Shipley, was a Word War II veteran who served his country and was stationed outside London during the war.  He saw much destruction but was always humble when asked about his service to our country.

Thank you Veterans!!  Blessings to all.

Happy, Happy, Happy Monday.  I won't even begin to tell you how my day has gone, I'm just glad to be back home and have a quilt quilting on "Miss Smith".  I kept thinking as I matured (after all I did turn 60 this year) that life would slow down or atleast be more scheduled -  guess not.  So it is with that thinking in mind that I will share this bible verse with you today.

From Colossians 4:5 - Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders, make the most of every opportunity."

 This verse has made me realize when my day does not go as planned and I am called away from my house to help someone that just maybe God is putting someone in my life for His purpose.

Blessings to all.

Good Morning All on this sunny but cool day in Monticello, Indiana.  My heart goes out to all of the  people affected by Hurrican Sandy.  The devastation I am seeing is heart breaking, but I know the American spirit of helping our neighbor will prevail.  For me it makes me realize that possessions are only that but peoples' lives are the only irreplaceable possession.

Here is a bible verse that has touched my heart today.  From Colossians 3:12 - Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

I have been working this week with three quilt tops completed and one on the machine which will be completed this morning, hopefully.  The first six pictures are two quilts done for Nancy J.  I have the pattern for the first quilt (pictures 1-3).  This pattern is a quick pattern to put together with stunning results.  If you have material that you really don't want to cut up this is a great pattern for you. 
With only five blocks to make and you place full lenths of material on either side of the blocks this quilt can be put togethr in no time. The pattern can be purchased at Nancy J's, phone: 1-260-563-3505.  The pattern is called Sundance by Villa Rosa Designs and is printed as a cute little postcard

The next quilt (pictures 3-6) are a cat lover's dream quilt since the theme fabric is all about cats. Cute quilt don't you think.  You can contact Nancy J for information on this quilt.

The last quilt made by Beth W is stunning and a good way to use up your scraps.  This quilt makes me think of spring, but your fabric choices could make this quilt be a christmas quilt, 30's quilt, etc.
As with all quilt patterns are choices are only limited by our imagination.

Blessings to all.

Happy Last Monday of October!  Where has the month gone?  I can't believe just how fast time goes.  My mother always told me time goes faster as you grow older.  I'm believing every word of Mom's observation.

Last week was productive as far as quilting clients' quilts goes.  I did have just a moment when my mind kept thinking back to being in Shipshewana for the Threads of Mine 3rd Annual Quilt Retreat.  Oh, what a great retreat with many great memories and four quilt tops to show for it.  I told
Gary see I didn't play all the time.  I'm still thrilled that I completed four quilt tops.  Now just to have the time to quilt them.

I've posted a few pictures below of last weeks quilts that were quilted by me and the Statler.  I still enjoy being able to freehand quilt .  There is a feeling of accomplishment when I freehand but thank goodness the Statler can take over as well.  I have developed a cyst in my leff wrist due to the years of repititive movement so the doctor says.  So I do appreciate the Statler when it takes over.  I did quilt four quilts last week but have pictures of three since the football quilt is the same quilt, but with different colored rectangles.  Joyce T did a beautiful job on the football quilts and the turquoise/green mum quilt.  The Mum Quilt was what I fondly refer to as "A Big Boy Quilt" due to its massive size.  The Thimbleblossoms material quilt was pieced by Ruth B.  I love any Thimbleblossoms material so it was a joy to quilt this quilt.  Ruth chose a cream colored flowered backing for this quilt which really showed the beautiful quilting pattern I chose by Nancy Haacke www.digitizedquiltingpatterns.com  I didn't post a picture of the backside since I couldn't get a good picture.  Any suggestions on how to take a picture of light colored material would be greatly appreciated.

Well that's it for now.  The quilts are calling me, but they'll have to wait until this afternoon since Audrey Kate and Jacob are here.  They are still on fall break so they wanted to spend the night with Grandma and Grandpa.  I can never say no since I know the day may come when they are too busy to spend the night.  I fixed a big breakfast of french toast, scrambled eggs with cheese, sausage and a creamsicle smoothie topped with whip creme.  Now what to fix for lunch?  Any suggestions?

Blessings to all.

Happy Rainy Tueday Everyone!  I woke up this morning to a boom-boom crack BOOM, nature was sure playing a symphony on the drums this morning.  I know it must have rained a lot because the creek in the ravene has been rushing with water all day. 

I'm happy to report that my good friend Jane went through her knee replacement surgery this morning with flying colors.  Jane's doctor told her her perseverance in riding her stationery bike for the last seven weeks paid off.  I answered my phone to hear Jane's voice say, "Do you have my quilt quilted yet?"  I couldn't get over how great she sounded this afternoon.  She had already been up walking twice.  What a strong lady!!  Keep up the hard work, Jane. 

I was so pleased that Jane S. brought her homemade soaps to the Threads of Mine quilt retreat last week.  I absolutely love Jane's homemade soaps.  I purchased three of her many scents - Luscious Lavendar, Cinnamon Bark and Vanilla Bean.  The bars are 4.5 oz and last a very long time.  If you are interested you can email Jane at scentuoussuds@gmail.com for prices and scents available. 

Just in case you were wondering if I accomplished any quilting at the Threads of Mine retreat, I've posted pictures of the four, yes count them four quilt tops.  Some were larger than others, but I was thrilled to have put four together. I just had to use the batik jelly roll pack I purchased from Calico Point and made a 1600 quilt..  This was the first time I added 2 1/2" squares to the end of each strip.  I am pleased with the look, but I do plan to add a 2 1/2" border in the lime green around the entire quilt and add a wide border around the lime green.  I also plan to add one wide red border to the red and green chevron quilt and a white border to the blue and white quilt.  I already made the blue and white quilt pattern, but I just couldn't get out of my head to use all blue color material for this quilt.  My vision was the ocean and the deeper blue colors represent the deeper water and then the rows begin to lighten with each row as you get to the top of the quilt.  This is my third quilt I made this year with Moda white fabric and I love each quilt.  I think I may be out of my white stage for now.  The last quilt I made is actually a table top size quilt.  I used one Blitzen charm pack a one inch finished white border and a six inch outer border of Blitzen yardage fabric.  The top measures 41" x 45 1/2" and only took me about one hour to make.  I was well pleased with the results.  So if you need a quick project charm packs can help you get the job done fast.  Now I just have to book some dates so I can get these quilts quilted.

Blessings to all.

Happy Monday Everyone.  I had way too much fun last week in Shipshewana, IN at the Threads of Mine annual quilt retreat.  Can I use that for my excuse for not blogging to everyone sooner?  Jane O and I started with a tastey pretzel from JoJo's Pretzels along with my much loved vanilla Coke. (Cindy S. we were thinking of you when we were at JoJo's) We stopped at Calico Point Quilt Shop around Goshen, Indiana along the way, Lolly's Quilt Shop and Yoders's Quilt Shop in Shipshewana.  In fact we frequented Lolly's and Yoders' nearly everyday of the retreat.  If you've never made it to Shipshewana, Indiana you really should work a stop into your schedule.  Since we arrived on Wednesday we were able to walk through the Flea Market in Shipshewana.  The Flea Market is open May through October on Tuesdays and Wednesdays only.  Jane and I could hardly get over the absolutely beautiful weather we had on Wednesday so it was wonderful to enjoy the flea market in our shirt sleeves. 

Our Threads of Mine retreat started on Thursday with 73 ladies from all over the United States in attendance.  I've attended all three of the retreats since its start and I always am amazed at the talent that is displayed at our show and tell nights.  To not take too much valued time from the quilters we display our quilts in the large gathering room and everyone walks around  and ooh's and aaah's at all of the beautiful quilts.  You can see in my pictures some of the beautiful quilt  tops, wallhangings,  etc. that were completed during the retreat. I would not want to pick my favorite quilt since they were all so beautiful.  And isn't the little snowman just a cutie pattootie?  I'll post more picturs of more quilts in the coming days.

I was so excited that my niece Wendy and her youngest daughter, Yara, were able to meet me for lunch last Friday.  We ate at the Garden Gate Cafe on Morton Street in Shipshewana for lunch.  The Garden Gate has a great menu of soups, salads, delicious sandwiches, muffins, cupcakes and drinks.  In fact I ate there several times and it was always hard to choose which item to devour for lunch.  Let's just say I think I could eat there everyday for a month and not repeat the menu.  I had such fun spending time with Wendy and getting to know Yara. I think Yara especially enjoyed her pink cupcake.  Isn't she the cutest little girl?   Thanks Wendy for taking the time to visit it was so good to see you.

I did complete four quilt tops at the retreat, although, I've decided to add borders to three of the tops.  I'll post pictures at another time, but I do hope you enjoy the pictures of the quilts that the ladies at the retreat completed.  And a great big THANK YOU to Ruth Wasmuth our devoted and organized leader of the retreat.  I can't wait until next years' retreat.  I can't imagine October going by without spending some time at the Threads of Mine Quilt Retreat in Shipshewana, Indiana.

Blessings to all.

 

Cloudy, rainy but still a bit of warmth here in Monticello, Indiana today.  Happy Saturday everyone. Fall isn't  really my favorite season but as I was looking out the kitchen window today the beauty of the trees showing new shades of color absolutely made me stop and appreciate God's beauty.  I snaped a few pictures, but I don't know if they will really do justice to the beauty that I am allowed to gaze at today.  How about you what do you see when you look out your window?  Take some time to enjoy the beauty that is right out your window.

Blessings to all.

Happy, happy Friday!  I love Fridays especially since I am gearing into vacation mode.  I did quilt four quilts this week and I was so excited to have the quilts all completed that in my haste I mailed them off without taking pictures.  Yes, I know I'm bad.  I did take a picture of what will be a tablerunner.  Actually, I was just testing out a pattern (and isn't it just lovely) that Nancy Haacke www.digitizedquiltingpatterns.com has on her October Masters Club page.  I love this pattern, it gives a lot of movement and dimension to the quilt.  I did use two layers of Hobbs 80/20 on the tablerunner and I used Glide thread in red.  I think for just practicing on a pattern I got a cute tablerunner with hardly any effort.

I am excited because I will be on a quilt retreat part of next week.  I will be attending the Threads of Mine quilt retreat to be held at the Farmstead Inn in Shipshewana, Indiana.  I mean what more could you want, Shipshewana, quilters, quilt shops, JoJo's Pretzels, Garden Gate Cafe (which serves absolutely scrumptous soups, sandwiches, etc).  Jane O and I will probably make JoJo's one of our first stops when we hit Shipshewana.  I will indulge in a JoJo's pretzel and a Vanilla Coke and I don't care what the calorie count is for that combination.  Maybe, I'll just walk back to the Farmstead and burn some of those calories off.  I am trying to choose how many quilt projects I think I will be able to complete.  I do want to make a Chevron Quilt that the Missouri Start Quilt Company showed as one of their tutorials.  I like simple piecing projects with lots of color.  I plan to use one layer cake of white by Moda and a Joy layer cake by Kate Spain as my project materials.  I decided I wanted another Christmas quilt so the Joy fabric will fit the bill. I already have in mind to use a snowman digitized quilt pattern by Nancy Haacke for this quilt. Since I belong to Nancy's Master Club and she sent us a snowmen pattern I just know this quilt will look spectacular.  The chevron quilt without borders finishes at 72 x 86 and I plan to add an 8-10" border so this should make a nice size quilt once it is completed.  I can hardly wait to get started on this quilt.  (Can you tell I'm excited?!!!!)

Have a great weekend everyone.  Blessings to all.

Well happy Sunday everyone.  This week certainly flew by for me, but then I did quilt eight quilts/wallhangings/placemats of various sizes.  I am so happy to have all of those lovely items quilted and all but one is back with its rightful owner.  I'm glad I could stay in "my zone" and fulfill by objective to have those items completed.  I have found that if I concentrate on the day's work at hand I don't stress myself out about how many quilts I need to complete for the week.  Since each quilt is always so special to its owner I want each quilt to always look the best it can look.

I did get to have some fun this weekend.  My brother John and I were able to visit our Aunt Helen.  Isn't she beautiful at 93 years young.  And let me tell you Aunt Helen is sharp.  I hope my memory is as sharp as hers as I continue to mature.  We had many subjects we discussed and memories to share, but the one conversation that has stayed with me is why our congress refuses to work together for the good of all of our entire people.  Aunt Helen said in all of her years she has never seen our congress be so unwilling to work together. My prayers will continue for our congress to come together for the good of our country.

I was also able to enjoy visiting my cousin Patti.  Patti and I were almost inseparable at times when we were in high school.  We hadn't seen each other in over ten years so it was so much fun to be able to reconnect again. I think we look pretty good for 60 year olds.

Blessings to all.