Reminiscing & Kindness

This is a quilt less post.

When we lived in Michigan, I had a part time job in the schools. 

I was a teaching assistant working in PPI Kingergarten. 

For 2 years, I worked with a young girl named Martha. 

Martha was severely handicapped.

Inclusion was a relatively new concept in the school system. 

Her mom, Mary, somehow managed to remain pleasant while advocating for Miss Martha with countless teachers, therapists and counselors. 

In trying times of parenting, I would think of Mary and realize how small my worries were. 

Martha's spirit was unbreakable. 

She had a personality that was a kick!

Although she couldn't communicate like we do, she always made sure I knew what she was feeling. 

And she loved being a part of the classroom. 

She delighted in the other kids, especially the boys. 

She didn't love some of the therapies, but she never held a grudge. 

I always knew she was happy to see me. 

After working with her for 2 years, she moved away. 

I saw her once or twice after that, when she would come to A2 for appointments. 

I remember one visit at my house in particular. 

She was watching Eli, our labrador retriever. 

Eventually, we lost touch. 

I often wondered what ever happened to her.

A few years back, I found her on Facebook. 

I've been following her journey, and she's quite remarkable. 

She's riding therapy horses, going to dances and weddings. 

And, she has a business making animal treats!

'Shoot for the Moon Animal Treats'

How perfect is that name?

Anyway, I commented on a post about peanut butter treats.

Mary sent me a message, offering to send treats for Frannie. 

She wrote me a lovely note, telling me how important my work with Martha was to them. 

It warmed my heart. 

But that's Mary, positive & caring. 

And, she sent a package of delicious treats for Frannie. 

Needless to say, Frannie loves them. 

(cheesymoons@gmail.com if you want to get some for a special pooch)

I'm not sure why I'm feeling so compelled to write about this.

Perhaps it's because I want to acknowledge these special people. 

Maybe it's because I'm overwhelmed by the kindness. 

Or both. 

Probably both. 

I learned a lot from Martha & Mary. 

I'm proud to have been a small part of her journey. 

And I'm grateful for what they taught me. 

A perfect example of the kindness we need in this world. 

My 2016 Word

Since Thanksgiving, I've been thinking and thinking. 

Well, thinking and thinking on and off. 

(I've thought of lots of other things too)

Trying to figure out what could be a better word for me than acceptance. 

My guiding word for 2016. 

I've decided on........

<<<insert drum roll>>>

DIRECTION

di·rec·tion

dəˈrekSH(ə)n,dīˈrekSH(ə)n/

noun

noun: direction; plural noun: directions

1. 1. 

   a course along which someone or something moves.

   "she set off in the opposite direction"

   • the course that must be taken in order to reach a destination.

     "he had a terrible sense of direction"

     synonyms:

     way, route, course, line, run, bearing, orientation "a northerly direction"

   • a point to or from which a person or thing moves or faces.

     "a house with views in all directions"
   • a general way in which someone or something is developing.

     "new directions in painting and architecture"

     synonyms:

     orientation, inclination, leaning, tendency, bent, bias, preference; More drift, tack, attitude, tone, tenor, mood, current, trend "the direction of my research"

   • general aim or purpose.

     "the campaign's lack of direction"
2. 2. 

   the management or guidance of someone or something.

   "under his direction, the college has developed an international reputation"

   synonyms:

   administration, management, conduct, handling, running, supervision, superintendence, regulation, orchestration; More control, command, rule, leadership, guidance "his direction of the project"

   • the work of supervising and controlling the actors and other staff in a movie, play, or other production.
   • instructions on how to reach a destination or about how to do something.

     "Preston gave him directions to a restaurant"

     synonyms:

     instruction, order, command, prescription, rule, regulation, requirement "explicit directions about nursing care"

   • an authoritative order or command.

     "to suggest that members of Congress would take direction on how to vote is an affront"

     
     

     I've decided to use the word direction.

     It's so applicable to my life right now. 

     With all the changes that have happened and are on the horizon, I need to keep myself on track. 

     I'm so easily sidetracked. 

     I will try to think about what direction I want to head in before I make a move. 

     I will try to keep myself on task. 

     I will try to remember that I must take care of myself to be happy.

     And sane. 

     I will try to make sure I am developing the way I wish to be personally.

     With my self discovery. 

     With my family.

     With my friends.

     With my quilting. 

     With everything. 

     And, if I'm not, I will redirect myself. 

     At least, I'll try. 

     
     

     And, I will still remember to think about acceptance.

     Cause it was a good word. 

     
     

     Wish me luck!

     
     

     KINDNESS!

     
     

That kind of a week

It was 'that' kind of a week. 

We buried my FIL on Wednesday. 

But not before we were moved by the kindness of family & friends. 

I had 2 sisters and a QBFF make the effort to support me, which I needed.

Murray had numerous old & new friends, some of whom traveled a great distance, and family to comfort him. 

And, let's not forget our kids, Kelly, John, Jenn & Jimmy. 

I was so proud of them. 

And Nugget as there...in utero.  

We have so much.  

Another great surprise is how AWESOME my MIL is handling this whole thing. 

She was gracious, calm and composed. 

She surprised us!

But, it's still sad to say goodbye.

Especially for my Murray. 

In his words...it's not tragic, but it's still sad. 

Eloquence. 

We got home LATE Wednesday. 

And listened to the horrible news out of California as we drove. 

Terrorism.

Really?

What is happening?

At least Tony doesn't have to think about that. 

Thursday, I took to the studio, but was clearly out of sorts. 

This happened....

I fixed it today. 

It's trimmed and I'm still deciding if I should border it or not. 

While I was thinking, I decided to visit the dreaded binding pile. 

I got halfway through my favorite Christmas quilt and this happened. 

Of course it did.

It's been 'that' kind of a week.

Murray & I hit the DHT for the Friday fish fry...

Then to get more thread at JoAnns. 

It was buy one get one...

Who can't use a dark blue?

No one. 

Especially if it's free. 

While shopping for thank you notes, we got the Chooch a Christmas baby at Target. 

How she loves her babies!

It was 'that' kind of a week.

A lot to be grateful for.

A lot to be sad about. 

A lot of life. 

Keep Kindness....

We need it. 

Re-doing

I've had no time for quilts, which is a problem. 

I have many flimsies that need Lola-fication. 

Christmas...Kaffe...Baby quilts. 

Here's my favorite of Them...

I finally gathered the nerve to cut my Kaffe...

Well, some of my Kaffe.

I had been experiencing tension issues....

Now, I'm wouldn't know what the tension is like. 

I miss quilting. 

Here's why....

We went to Brig for a long weekend...

It was so fun...sand and cards....no quilting, tho.  

Yesterday I helped baby fix up his room for this school year. 

We had a great summer with him....I'm sad to see him go.

But I enjoyed spending the day with him.

I love this young man...so very much. 

Tomorrow, Barb & Tim arrive for the weekend. 

I might get a bit of sewing in with Barb....ya never know. 

I'm trying to organize and reduce the 'stuff' here in NY. 

I've spent days on this...ugh.  

NOT FUN

I'm sure I'm forgetting lots, but, oh well.

I'm trying yo consistently blog, not be perfect. 

*Spread kindness like confetti***

Me

2015 Pick a Word

I've been sick!

Awful, snot nosed, sleepiness sick.

For ELEVEN days. 

And I'm still not better. 

I feel I've been bitten by a TseTse fly or something. 

I'm not often sick, so I'm not very good at it. 

There is a bright side though.

I've had LOTSA time to ponder my 2015 word. 

And, so, on this NYE 2015, I have my word.

Locked, loaded and ready to share.

<<<<insert drumroll here>>>>

ACCEPTANCE

ac·cept·ance

əkˈseptəns/

noun

1. 1. 

   the action of consenting to receive or undertake something offered.

   "charges involving the acceptance of bribes"

   synonyms:

   receipt, receiving, taking, obtaining More
2. 2. 

   the action or process of being received as adequate or suitable, typically to be admitted into a group.

   "you must wait for acceptance into the club"

   synonyms:

   welcome, favorable reception, adoption "her acceptance into the group"

3. 
   

Acceptance in human psychology is a person's assent to the reality of a situation, recognizing a process or condition (often a negative or uncomfortable situation) without attempting to change it, protest. The concept is close in meaning to 'acquiescence', derived from the Latin 'acquiēscere' (to find rest in).

For me, this will be difficult.  I'm always trying to fix everything. I like everyone to be happy.  Or blame myself for thing beyond anyone's control.  Or take responsibility.  It's all about smoothing things over.  I made it work for many years.  It was how I mothered, daughtered, sistered, friended and 'wifed'.  But lately, since the kids have grown and moved on, it's a burden. I can't fix anything anymore. And, no one wants or needs me to fix anything.  No one but me, that is.  I need to learn to let go and let life happen.  I have to trust in Gods plan, karma & fate.  I'll be happier for it.  And so will everyone around me. 

Also, I do not accept compliments well.  Or gifts.  I over thank everyone for everything.  Sometimes I wind up tripping over my embarrassment or gratitude.  

And, I need to be confident in my quilting and accept I am good at it. I've taught myself a lot over the last few years.  I'm not the best, but I am pretty darn good. 

Yes, I have much to work on...this will not be easy. But it could be life changing. 😁 Wish me luck.

And to all of you, I wish a healthy, happy 2015 spent with those you love and hold dear.

I leave you with a Christmas/wedding picture of me with my sweetest loves...

           The greatest gift of all is love.  

God bless...keep kindness. Happy New Year. 

TOWTOHC

Relief

I've been tense lately.

Since I returned from Florida. 

Now I know why.

I was seriously stressed about my eye doctor visit. 

I've got a genetic predisposition to serious eye issues.

That's scary for anyone.

Especially a visual girl like myself. 

Today was the day.

It went great. 

First of all, there was this....

Einstein, 14 YO lab mix rescue who is the docs assistant. 

As my sister said, that's the only reference you need !

She's a doll...he says if he goes into the room of a non dog person, she won't go in.

She senses it and waits by the door for him to finish. 

Obviously, she came right in to my room.

She reminds me of Belle, my sisters dog. 

Then, after a myriad of tests, I found out my pressure was within the normal range!

Monumental news, since last time (different dr) I was slightly elevated. 

I seriously had to hold back from crying (big girl panties, meg)

Just weird me...obvi I didn't realize how this had been weighing on me.

It makes sense, everything I love to do requires vision.

I guess I'd never thought about it.

I really should try to think on things more. 

That probably won't happen, though.

Anyway, I danced out of that place!

It didn't even bother me that I had to wear sunglasses in the gloomy weather. 

It didn't bother me that I had to act like a rockstar & leave them on in Wegmans. 

(I make fun of people who wear sunglasses indoors)

He did say my eyes are VERY dry. 

If one more medical professional uses dry as an adjective for me, well, I may scream!

I'm officially titling my postmenopause 'the anhydrous years'

He couldn't believe I wasn't complaining about it. 

He told me to use artificial tears. 

I just tried them. 

OH.

MY.

GOHD.

They're awesome.

Get some. 

It's cold here.

Frannie is in a fireside coma.

A good day all around. 

Keep kindness. 

XO

Remembering

Today was Annie's funeral.

I wish I could have gone.

To honor this awesome woman.

And hug Nancy.

But, it was not to be.

I'm so happy I had this last happy day with her.

Rest in Peace

A New Angel

Our loss is heavens gain.

And I'm sure there were quite a few waiting to welcome her.

My mom, for one.

My young childhood was full of fun because of this woman...

How she made me laugh...

And feel accepted...

And loved.

The Lucy & Ethel antics with my mom.

Driving thru the car wash with the windows open...

Buying manure....

Cookie...

What a pair they were...

A great example of friendship...

My prayers go out to all her kids...

Especially Nancy...who was my first friend.

I wish them comfort knowing what great care they have always shown to her.

This is a beautiful family.

Personally, I am so grateful to have had this one last visit with her..

I reconnected with Nancy...

And saw for myself that she had lived a full life.

I will cherish this memory, and so many others, forever.

I love you, Annie.

Thank you for being you.

A Trip North

I flew to NJ this weekend for a wedding.

These 2 are such a cute couple.

The wedding was beautiful.

It was the first Jewish wedding Phil & I gave attended.

A nice personal ceremony followed by lots of delish food and good liquor.

And mucho dancing...

LEG CRAMPS.

We went to visit Phil's Aunt Jo, he hasn't seen her in ages. 

She's always been a sweet lady.

After that, we drove by the first house we bought, back in 1984!

It was old barracks housing during WW2 that is on the side of a mountain in Clifton.

It's a real nice, tree lined quiet neighborhood.

The current owners saw us outside and invited us in.

It was kinda surreal..so long ago.

I loved it....such memories.

I also got my first pedicure since the sewing machine incident.

IT HURT A LOT!

I'm pretty sure something is broken in there......

Oh well, it's too late to do anything about now.

Here we are at the wedding with Kelly.

Our first born, our only daughter. 

We brought her home from the hospital to that Clifton home.

Where does the time go?

I'm sorry

For those of you who have been worried...thanks for your emails.

Don't worry.

I'm fine.

Just busy, sister visiting...bloody house projects.

And I have been spending a fair amount of time everyday here.

Yep...it's FINALLY done!

I'll do a before/after post soon.

I love the result...it was worth all the aggravation!

I hope to get back to regular blogging in the next couple of weeks!

Thanks again for all the love...

Sanibel...Captiva

It was hot today.

What else could we do but head to the beach?

We chose Sanibel.

Good choice. 

After Sanibel, it was on to Captiva and dinner at the Mucky Duck.

This is sweet Suzi...a dear friend of my niece, J9.

She works here...Jackpot!

Such beauty while we waited for our table.

I mean...seriously?

A Leinenkugels Summer Shandy...yum.

And an acoustic guitar player with a good voice and awesome taste in music.

Perry English from Nashville.

This big smile came when he sang some Zach Brown Band,

After a couple of beers, they called our name.

Wait..what?

THE BEST TABLE IN THE HOUSE!

This is what we looked at from our chairs...

Phil had swordfish, I had flounder, we shared oysters and finished it up with Key Lime Pie.

OH. MY. GOHD.

If I'd been thinking, I could have taken some serious food porn.

But, that's just not my thing.

Thanks to Suzi...sheesh...we stepped in it today.

After all that, God treated us to a spectacular sunset.

Hard to believe how gorgeous.

Fun in the Sun

Murray is here.

In this picture, he is organizing his golf game.

He records EVERY SWING of EVERY ROUND on index cards.

And, no, I'm NOT kidding.

He thinks this is fun.

I find this behavior peculiar.

A selfie...just to see if he would look away from his index cards.

While Bruce & Phil were golfing.

Patty & I hit Anthony's and them FMB.

Two selfies in one day.

A personal record.

Sisters are the best...how lucky I am to have THREE!

After golf, the boys joined us for a sunset dinner.

P&B head north next week.

The end of the season.

:-( BOOHOO :-(

Timing

Well, my impeccable timing continues. 

I scheduled work on my Honda for today. 

Of course I did.

It's the coldest day of the year.

I was delighted to crawl out from under my warm quilts at 630am and step out into the Polar Vortex to drive Murray to work.

#pausenot

It was 0 degrees with the windchill at -22.

Murray's observation, "you feel the snot in your nose freeze the minute you step outside."

Such prose before sunrise...the man is truly a romantic. 

Or Neanderthal.

Last night was equally gratifying.

It was a balmy 4 degrees, with dead Christmas trees blowing hither & yon.

I found myself standing in the frigid temps fumbling to find the hole in the Early Bird Drop Box...a treat, indeed.

While Romeo, or Oogah, sat listening to men interrupt each other on ESPN radio.

Imagine how pampered I felt climbing into his warm luxury sedan.

Again, a luckier girl I do not know.

Since we're on the topic of the cold...what's with the 'Polar Vortex' moniker?

Really?  I see no need to name cold snaps.

(I am a fan of multiple names...but this does not sit well)

It's January...it's supposed to be cold. 

And, while I realize it's important to inform the masses on the dangers of extreme temps....

Enough already!

I fear these broadcasters are insulting the intelligence of the American people. 

By the way, it's in the 40s in Fort Myers right now, going up to 58 this afternoon.

Tomorrow it's back to the mid 70s.

And the SUN is shining.

Someone, please, remind me again why I'm here?

After applying the 'perspective' word, I realize a few positives that have come from this rant of a post.

I've found yet another nickname for Phil.

Oogah....It's destined to become a favorite in no time. 

I can hardly wait for Baby to rise so I can share it with him.

Also, I have delayed the dreaded sorting and packing for 20 minutes.

This allowed me time to enjoy a cuppa & put some of my frustrations to pen.

I should apologize for my snarky humor, I just couldn't help myself.

Rest assured, things are fine here with me & my man.

A poke of fun is all it is.

I'll try not to return here until my disposition improves.

Stay warm, friends!