. . . 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!
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
22 comments:
Glad you are back to blogging, your dad & Bailey are fine! Prayers went out that day not only to Gabby bit everyone involved in that tragic shooting including your community. I still keep all in my prayers. I love the quilt! Hugs to you!!
When I heard about the shooting, my first thought was "Brenda lives in Tuscon...hope she wasn't there." That whole situation is just so tragic on so many levels. I'm glad you and your family are okay. I think of you and your dad often - he reminds me of my dad, whose been gone for 12 years this coming March.
Following your heart is something that can never be a bad thing. Take care Brenda.
I've been thinking about you and knew deep in my heart why you were silent. I'm so close and yet so far away however the tragedy in Tucson created pause here in the Phx area, as well.
My word for 2011 is "Heart", Bren, I find it ironic that you've discovered you must listen to your heart. I'm trying hard to learn how to do that - if my heart's not singing I'm not doing it. I hope my rambling makes sense.
I'm looking forward to your new project; you already know how much I love embroidery & redwork. :-)
BIG hug sent your way!! I hope time will heal those living in Tucson and elsewhere affected by this tragedy!
Take care!
Paulette
I think the tragedy in Tuscon has affected the whole nation. I remember vividly watching Fox News for days afterward to hear what the latest was and watching events unfold on TV. This was in your backyard so I can only imagine how these events have shaken the community. It was like 911 all over again.
Glad to see you back. I was worried that your father was ill. Your blog should be about what YOU want to write about. The like minded will find you. ;0
I am SOOOO glad that you're back, and I do look forward to see the "changes" coming up. glad to hear that dad and pup are fine :)
No matter how much you hear the news, you don't get immuned to the tragic stories of events that shatter lives and at the least, alter others. What happened in your neighborhood is a tragedy. Another low for society. This all took place while I was by my husband's side, as he was fighting for his life in the hospital. Life is so precious... why don't they understand?
I have that wonderful pattern of yours and have been collecting fabrics to make it... now- embroidery! What a great idea!!!
Hi Bren,
So glad to hear you and yours are well. I, too, was concerned when I heard the news. We were on our way to Phoenix a few days later from the PNW. It is just crazy. I love the Seasons in embroidery--and wool? It is truly one of my favorite patterns. Give your Dad a hug for me and tell Bailey I am still hoping for my little white dog to come soon.
so glad to know that your Dad and Baily are both ok. give them a both a hug for me, and hug yourself as well.
i lost my father suddenly a few weeks ago at 94, and am still working thru the loss. my sympathies for those in your city involved in the trajedy.
It is good to have you back, Bren.
I think I understand just a little bit what you mean regarding an event changing a community profoundly...
Different, but similar.
In 1974, a huge tornado ripped through the community where we lived at the time, taking more than 30 lives...one a childhood friend and her son. I know that we all hugged each other a little tighter and realized what was truly important. We were amazed at how many swooped in to help us recover.
These are unsettling days. The one thing that comforts my heart is knowing that God is completely in control of all things and I don't have to understand it all...but I need to trust Him.
One day at a time.
Beautiful work. There is something quite therapeutic about it, yes?
Thank you for sharing your heart with us. I cannot imagine being so close to such a horrendous act. You have given me much to think about. I take alot of things for granted and really could use alittle wake up call - I think you may have provided it. Looking forward to seeing the wonderful quilt pattern. Blessings today!
That Ecclesiates verse is the one my Mom chose for my Dad's funeral just a year ago. I held my Dad's hand when he died and hug Mom every chance I get. Thanks for the reminder though. The embroidery version of Seasons is gorgeous Bren. So glad you're back.
It's not the same, but we're dealing with similar tragedy here in Nor Cal today - The pain of randomness and violence is sometimes paralyzing. God blesses us through tragedy by bringing us closer to those we love, and to those we don't yet love! Praying for your tender heart!
Welcome back, we missed you!
Good Morning Bren,we all look at life sew much differently this past year. You can certainly count on some to lift you up when needed. Like this thread that connects some of us, who have experienced hardship, we know, without saying much, our gestures speak volumes. I embrace these days as constant reminders of how little time we all have left...if we only have sew many heart beats, lets make them count to lift others instead of hurting them. Sew yes I feel your words and your heart...your seasonal quilt just lovely indeed...we are in a diff't season of our lives..
First I want to say I am glad to hear that you and your Dad are fine. I was concerned. I think prayers from many thousands of people were dedicated to the victims of the shooting. Gabby's recovery is phenominal. The same radical type cult appeared on our grand daughter's Christian University campus on the occasion of an event the school was planning last year. Since 9/11 our country has changed forever in many waysand I pray every day for our nation.
So good to hear that you are back ... and back to sewing... I just love th trees.. long to see the whole quilt...
I missed you! I'm so sorry for what you and your community are going through. It is a difficult season for many.
Please never be afraid of speaking what is on your heart, even if it is in your business. God will honor you when you share the Truth He puts on your heart. Trust and obey, there is no other way! It takes guts to speak up about your faith especially nowadays when it is not the popular stand.
Be strong and of good courage!
I was worried about you and sent you an email last week that bounced back. Thank goodness all of you are okay! Sometimes we just need to sit back and reflect, put things into perspective. Glad you're back, sweetie. xox
Bren,
Thanks for the update. I know you do not know me, but out here in blog world we worry about you.
And I know what you mean about life changes. My mom passed away a week before Christmas, it was not expected. But we were able to be with her when she passed. That was a blessing to tell her that we loved her and also goodbye.
So hug a little longer and enjoy each day. I never thought that Christmas 2009 would be my last Christmas with my mom.
Blessings,
Connie F
Hi Brenda! Firstly, hello from Australia! We did hear about the shooting here in Australia, it was quite extensively reported. I had no idea it was near you. It tore at my heart because my Georgia is 9years old, and of course we go to the shopping centre regularly (the mall, I think you call it). So tragic and such a stupid waste of precious human life. And regardless of political feelings, so terrible to happen to someone serving their country.
Anyway, hugs from Down Under. Rosie, Melly and I think of you often and the fun times in the USA.
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