Word for a New Year

Do you choose a word for the year? I've never done it before, but decided it would be a good exercise. So, after analyzing some excellent words... 
          Learn
                          Create
                                           Believe

 I have chosen the word Embrace!

As a verb - a word that calls for action - it means to take or receive gladly or eagerly, to accept willingly.

It is my intention to do exactly that with each day of 2014.

 

Not only to "take what comes,"

 but more importantly to seek out new things to embrace!

 

As I open the door to 2014 and travel this path, I will share with you the things learned,

          the projects completed,

                    the places visited

                            and the people encountered along the way.

 

And I would really love it if you would share back with me in the 'comments' section below. Two way conversations are the best!

 

Let's have a great year!

Till next time...
New Year Blessings,

Gail

Stitching Up a Merry Christmas

As a parent, it is always fun to watch your kids open their Christmas gifts, and I was especially anxious this year. However, I'm not talking about the little people (although they were fun to watch too). Over the past year I made quilts for my two girls and their fellas, and I think I succeeded in both surprising and delighting them.

 

The pattern I used was Yellow Brick Road and it is designed for fat quarters and was great fun to put together. I actually made one for myself last year, so I have now made three quilts using this pattern - I think somebody needs to take it away from me! The first one I made last spring, and used a group of coffee-themed fabrics. 

 

 



Since Kerri & Jeremy both enjoy coffee, I knew it would be perfect for them. This quilt needed a border to bring it up to the right size. The quilting is done in a coffee mug & steam pattern - so appropriate. 

 

For the quilt I put together this fall for Heidi and Jeff I chose a group of flannels in colors that I knew reflected their casual lifestyle. (Sorry that the quality of these pictures is so poor. They were taken later in the day and the lighting wasn't good)

 

 

The quilting is done in a 'flame' pattern to represent a fireplace or campfire. A flannel quilt and a crackling fire - perfect for this time of year.

 

It was really fun to work on these projects this past year, but I found it difficult not to let it slip when talking with them. Now I have a couple of grandkids that have been waiting patiently for their long-ago promised quilts! I think I better come up with a different pattern though.

 

Till next time...

Blessings,

 

Gail

 

 



Silent Night...

The Christmas message is evident year round at my friend, Linda M's house. She has been collecting nativity set for many years, and they are artfully displayed throughout her home. Some of them come out just during the Christmas season, but many serve as reminders of the birth of Jesus throughout the year. These pictures were taken with my cell phone on a whim one evening, so the lighting and the quality may not be the best, but I hope you enjoy this tour of Linda's nativities - my Christmas card to you...

Silent night, Holy night

 

 

All is calm, all is bright

 

 

'Round yon virgin, mother and child

 

 

 Holy infant so tender and mild

 

 

Sleep in heavenly peace,

 

 

Sleep in heavenly peace.

 

 

Silent night, Holy night

 

Shepherds quake, at the sight

 

Glories stream from heaven afar

 

Heavenly hosts sing Hallelujah

 

Christ the Savior is born,

 

 

Christ the Savior is born.

 

Silent night, Holy night

 

Son of God, love's pure light

 

Radiant beams from Thy holy face

 

With the dawn of redeeming grace,

 

Jesus, Lord at thy birth

Jesus, Lord at thy birth.

 

Until next time...

Christmas blessings,

 

Gail