… a bit of a break

. . . I didn't mean to take a blogging break. . . it just kinda happened. I thought of you all often. . . I just didn't have the words for what was in my heart, & every time I thought about blogging, I just couldn't. I guess it was time that I have needed to be able to share what has been going on.


First,  for all of you who might be followers of my blog for a while . . . Dad & Bailey are just fine. (In fact, we just celebrated Dad's 83rd birthday yesterday!) Actually, the events of January have brought us even closer & have reminded us of letting each other know how much we treasure each other. I have learned so much in the past month. . . have been shown so much this last month. . . & have really searched my heart.


It all started with the start of the new year - that had me searching for a word that would be my 'word for the year'. I had a couple & I was trying to narrow it down. . . & then on a sunny Saturday morning our world - here in Tucson - was turned upside down. I live northwest of Tucson, & at a neighborhood shopping center gathering of citizens (including children) & our local U.S. Representative, a tragic shooting occurred, taking the lives of 6 innocent victims (including a 9 year old girl) & wounding many more. It was one of those things that most of us think happens 'somewhere else'. . . not in my community. I know that the national media covered this tragedy - as our U.S. Representative, Gabby Giffords was critically wounded (. . . & has not only survived - but made miraculous strides in her recovery) . . . & I know that I heard several of the national media people state that they were touched by the response of the Tucson community . . . & I think that this is what is so difficult to express, & why I came short with the words when it came to posting anything for the last several weeks.


For most of the country, I know that other news has replaced the events of 1-8-11 here in Tucson. . . but for those who live here . . . those events have changed us. No longer do we take daily things for granted. . . we have done so much hugging of our loved ones & of expressing to our family & friends how much they mean to us. . . I have seen my community come together to protect the families of those who lost members, by wearing white &  lining the roads to the churches where the services occurred - when a radical 'cult' (my term for them) threatened to protest at the memorial services. . . & even now - the memorials at the hospital & the market where the shooting occurred still grow. People still bring flowers, notes & candles to express their respect & how much they care.


I have heard tragic news stories many times before - but this one. . . so close to home. . . has had a profound effect on me. 


I wasn't expecting that.


. . . but it has helped me clarify so many things. . . things that I had been pushing onto the back burner time & time again. . . things that I realized I needed to be honest with myself about. I had been given a big wake-up call.  I'm sure that some of those will be popping up here on my blog. . . I can tell you that you will probably see some subtle changes. What I do know is that I'm listening to my heart. No more pushing it onto the back burners any longer. (. . . Sorry if this is a bit vague. . . I'm sure that over time. . . it will become clearer.)


Now, . .  since I don't want you to think that I haven't been 'working' (. . . I still find it funny to call it 'working'!) on anything. . . I have! (. . . she said with a big happy grin!) The top photo is a hint. . . do remember this quilt? It is called 'Seasons'. . . & has always been one of my favorites. One day, about a year ago!)  a sweet customer told me that she loved it - but wished it was available for embroidery. . .


. . . Yep. . . How could I not. . .? Here's a little peek - just before it went out the door to my quilters'. . . 

. . . (there's also a redwork version!) The pattern has some changes. . . & options & it should all be ready by the end of the month. . . & I'll be giving you more peeks soon!

Also. . . I don't want to end this post without letting you know how much I appreciate your visiting my blog. (. . . especially if you got all the way through this post!). . . & when you leave comments - well, please know that you often make my day. 


So thanks. . . & please remember to hug someone you love today.


♥  Bren

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. . .   

- Ecclesiates 3:1