I’m grateful I’m still here…..that
most of my family is also. The hardest
thing we endured in 2014 is losing both a sister and brother-in-law tragically
in a motorcycle accident June 1. We feel
this loss daily, with a huge hole in our hearts that will never refill. Our hearts hurt most deeply for their two
boys, and their families. The days since
have been especially hard for them. But we
love them and have done whatever possible to help them through, physically and
spiritually keeping them close and helping carry their burdened hearts. Others left us too……a dear friend to liver
cancer in February and another in-law to lung cancer in July. We survived employment loss again this year…..we’re
getting too old for this. And a car accident
in November that left us car shopping after Gary’s car was totaled. Thankfully he was not hurt badly.
On the up side…….we mostly
have our health. My eyes seem to be the
next thing on the list failing. They bother
me daily. I’ve carved out time this year
to work on my art, teach quilting classes, to volunteer thru church. As you read about on this blog I canned for
the first time in years, made jams, breads and baklava, grew veggies in a
modest contest garden, made homemade butter, basically all the things I’ve
wanted to do for a long time…..but didn’t have time for. My list of hand crafted things I want to
learn is still growing, and hopefully I can share them with you in the coming
months. I learned to live on a whole lot
less money, which has been most rewarding.
Aaron and Dan surprised me on
my 60th birthday….what fun! I've enjoyed getting to know him. We celebrated Aaron's first solo show in October.....very exciting. I also celebrated my birthday with my oldest and dearest
friend Kris……..she’s older by two days.
What a blessing! And my mother still with us turned 94 this year.....we call her the Everyready Battery Bunny. Amazing!
A small and determined group
of quilters gathered back in May exploring whether a guild could be formed in
our area. I’m very proud that we worked
throughout the summer and launched the BIG RED QUILTERS GUILD September 22,
with 85 members as of today. Our goal is
to share our love and pass on our knowledge of quilting with each other and
future generations. It’s been very
exciting indeed.
The holidays had many
moments of fun and laughter. Thanksgiving
brought a new guest to our table…much fun.
Christmas Eve church services with our family and neighbors, board
games, lots of food (including caramel corn), face painting……just good old fashion simple fun. I’ve included some pics.
The point is…….amidst the
tragedy and loss I have much to be thankful for. Those that are gone would want us to
celebrate and enjoy life each and every day, to the fullest. I will try to do that better, and grumble
less.
In closing, I wish you and those you
love happiness, health and peace. Be close in heart. This is where
our riches truly reside.
Signing off for 2014………….
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