Mother's Day and Beyond...

The weekend before last was a busy one, full of special treats. On Saturday we were treated to a dance recital in the morning. Lynnleigh shone, literally!  She sent us this "preview" before she left home. 

Here she is with her dance troupe. (Gregory was the official photographer.) She did just great!

Straight from there our sweet daughter met me and treated me to lunch and a manicure and pedicure.

 And, as if that wasn't enough, she made this for me! Needlepoint is a fairly new pursuit for her, it keeps her hands and mind occupied (and off her phone, according to her) while she sits at the pool waiting at Lucy Ann's swim practices. I think she's become quite adept at this, not only at the needlepoint but the finishing as well (admittedly, that's not her favorite part). I will treasure this Nativity ornament forever. 

The following day our son cooked de-constructed kabobs for us, as well as for our DIL and her parents;  We were treated to plates full of bite-sized beef, shrimp, chicken, smoked sausage and roasted veggies. It was deliciously superb!

So, as this post is so aptly titled; this is a Mother's Day and beyond post. Thanks for indulging me. This past weekend we provided the altar flowers at church in honor and celebration of an upcoming MAJOR wedding anniversary. It's hard to believe; we couldn't be more thankful for the life, and the years, that God has given to us. The Butterfly Bush pictured at the top of this post was given to us as a memorial to my mother. It is a poignant reminder, on many levels. But, you see those blooms beginning? They first emerged, buds turning to blooms, exactly on May 11th; yep, Mother's Day!  I know that my own precious mother is smiling, she would just love this. 

And one more thing. I ran across this the other day, can't remember where; but it resonated with me.

Maybe it will with you too.

Life is Good!

It really, truly is. 

 

Was It Something I Said?

My mother called to tell me a joke the other night; it was about a nun who took a vow of silence at the convent she joined, she was promised that she could speak two words after five years. When five years had passed she was called into the office and asked if she had two words to commincate : "hard bed" was her response. Upon hearing that she was assured that her comfort would be taken into account and attended to; she was dismissed for five more years. Five more years went by and, again, she was called into the office; this time "cold food" were her two words. She was sent away with more reassurance that her meals would be more to her liking. Ultimately, five more years passed and the office scenario was replayed; this time "I quit" were the nun's two words. "Well, I think that would be best" came the response from her superior, "all you've done since you arrived here is complain!" I liked the joke, it has stayed with me yesterday. I've thought about this and at the risk of over-analyzing what was meant to be a cute joke I began to think about how what we say, regardless of how often we say it, becomes a definition of who we are. If we use many, or just a few, our words (like it or not) become reflections of our personalities. I, for one, am going to pay closer attention to the words I use today and think, deliberately, of how they might be heard and interpreted!

Life is Good!

Words...

... they're powerful, they're life changing, they're important; they can have a profound impact.

When I sit down to compose a blog post I endeavor to communicate what is on my mind. Somedays I write my thoughts, dreams, hopes and inspirations, more often than not I show a current project and talk about progress (or lack thereof). Sometimes I use this forum to share a tip or a snippet of wisdom that I have gleaned. Once in a while I chronicle the steps along my life's journey of faith. It all comes down to words, I toss them out with not a whole lot of thought as to where they land... like scattering seed; some may be blown away, some may be gobbled up by the birds (or heaven forbid, my nemesis: squirrels!), and a few may find fertile soil and take root. Last December I asked for prayer on behalf of Paula. I didn't know Paula personally, she requested prayer through an e-mail. She explained that she read my blog and had made some notes on thoughts I had communicated and written them down in her journal. She was facing surgery and stood in need; and so, we prayed. We prayed some more when her husband sent a follow-up e-mail explaining that the prognosis after surgery was not good, the cancer was a particularly aggressive form and that radiation and chemotherapy would soon begin. And so we prayed, here, again.

I learned yesterday that Paula lost her battle with cancer on Sunday, yesterday was her memorial service. I have copied the note received from her Pastor.

Dear Mrs. Goodneedle,

My parishioner Paula has been following your blog for a long time. I
looked back from December and noticed that you asked for prayers for
her from your readers. What a gracious thing to do! I felt compelled
to write to tell you that Paula died on Sept. 4th after a 12 month
battle with cancer. Please know how much you impacted her life during
that time. I will be sharing a quote at her memorial service today
from your blog that Paula wrote in her journal: "As children of God
aren't we all a little bit of a scrap quilt?...." I guess we never
truly know how much impact we have on someone else. We simply plant
seeds of God's love, and He takes it from there. Thank you for
sharing not only your talents, but also your faith with so many.

Sincerely,
Rev. Mary Jo Bray
First Christian Church
Wauseon, OH

Thank you for your prayers, thank you for stopping by from time to time to read, thank you for your words. Don't ever ignore the powerful impact that words can have. Our words matter. It isn't important if they're spoken or written, prayed or sung; it doesn't matter if they arrive in a card, an e-mail a phone message or a blog post, our words can have a profound impact. How will you scatter your words today? Where will they fall? Think about it, I know I will be; please join me in prayer for Paula's husband and her family through these difficult days.

Life is Good!

image credit: http://www.mindmapinspiration.com/tag/positive-words-sheet/

Remembering Wanda

Wanda and I spent a lot of time discussing my Hydrangeas, she knew everything about plants and flowers. A frequent volunteer in the reception area outside our church office she would often ask me how the Hydrangeas were faring when I would pass by her desk. A few years ago I asked her if she had any idea why my plants weren't blooming. I confessed to trimming them back in the late fall, she explained to me that the blooms came on the old wood and I should wait until spring to carefully trim them back. At least that's what I thought she said. Year after year, the foliage thrived but there were few, if any, blossoms. Last fall she gave me strict instructions to put my clippers down and walk away! I did as she said and left the Hydrangeas alone. Wanda passed away on April 6. This is the view from my patio last week, I know she is smiling.

Life is Good!

It's The Count That Counts!

I pieced this second table topper over the weekend, it's done from a pattern found on the Moda Bake Shop and aptly named "Christmas Table Topper". The pattern requires two charm packs (prepackaged 5" squares representing a full line of fabrics by Moda, the manufacturer) and additional fabric for setting the blocks. Now, this is may be common knowledge to most of you, but it wasn't to me: charm packs don't all contain the same number of squares! Be sure and double check the number that you need before you assume that a charm pack (or two) will be enough! (The number of squares contained in the pack will be clearly marked on the reverse side of the pack.) I purchased two packs containing 40 squares each and needed eighty-one squares for nine 'Disappearing 9-Patch' blocks. Groan. I did have backing fabric purchased and cut a five inch square out of that to complete the top but will have to scramble now to buy more backing fabric. It only makes sense, now that I know not all charm packs are created equal. A word to the wise, from the now wiser: it's the count that counts!

Life is Good!

Mrs. Goodneedle's Bookshelf

I collect picture books for children, specifically quilt-themed children's books. I have a shelf full, but there's always room for more. This is the newest addition to my collection: Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria, a true story that will delight not only the children in your life, but the inner child in you. Well written by Kyra Hicks and warmly illustrated, this book presents the title character as a small girl born into slavery in Tennessee and follows her courageous and determined life to Liberia where her tenacious spirit continues to pursue a life-long goal. This is a story, as well as a history lesson, that will stay with you long after you've finished reading. Martha Ann is a hero, in every sense of that word. The book is sure to prompt lively conversation about life's true values; about not giving up, about coping with and triumphing over impossible heartache and loss. I'm making room for Martha Ann on my bookshelf. I look forward to sharing this book with friends and family. Look for it, share this review. It's a gem!

12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.

Life is Good!

My Symphony

These words, written by W.H. Channing, were read at the funeral of a friend on Saturday. She had these words framed and hanging on a wall near her bed where she could see them everyday. What lovely words these were for me to hear as I reflected on Jean's life. But greater than that, what incredible words these are to live by, and even better yet...to be remembered by!

My Symphony
To live content with small means; to seek elegance
rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion;
To be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not
rich; to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act
frankly; to listen to stars and birds, to babes and
sages with open heart; to bear all cheerfully, do all
bravely, await occasions, hurry never.
In a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and
unconscious, grow up through the common.
This is to be my symphony.

I found a commentary online about this short essay, a "recipe for wise living", and William Henry Channing. I am deeply grateful for Jean's life, her friendship and her wisdom.

Life is Good!