Honoring Those Who Died For Our Freedom

Light And Shadow

Obey River in Celina, Tennessee

Nature is my favorite source of inspiration for quilts and home décor. The palette of earth's colors range from muted to brilliant. Contrast of light and dark, sun and shadow, occurs everywhere around us if we take the time to look. 

Something as simple as sunlight on leaves shading a cool green river bank triggers a design idea for a forty shades of green quilt. And makes me want to stop there for a while to enjoy the view.

Even when I'm not working on a specific project, I find interesting themes in unexpected places. That's why I keep my camera handy and snap lots of photos of things like rocks, fog, flowers, sky and water. Tiles, fences, angles, shadows, texture...there's so much to take in.

Though I haven't made time to sew in the past couple of weeks, I have plenty of projects lined up on my to do list, in my photo file, and in my brain. I'll get around to them sooner or later, there's no rush. I want to smell those flowers and relax in the outdoors to renew and refresh my spirit. 

"Come forth into the light of things, let nature be your teacher." 

 William Wordsworth  

"Nature always wears the colors of the spirit." 

 Ralph Waldo Emerson 

 

Thanks Sam!

I took my own advice from last week's blog and wrote dozens of notes in a little book for my mama, Sam.  I told her what was special about her, why I loved her, and that I appreciated everything she has done for me over the last fifty-nine years of my life.  I ran out of pages before I ran out of things to say.  She loved it and we had a wonderful day together. 

Here are a few of my favorites, along with photos of our beautiful flowers that we both love to tend.

I love that you are a sassy redhead

I got my love of flowers and plants from you

You taught me the joy of living

You showed me that girls can cut grass & fix stuff

I inherited your tendency to move furniture often

Thanks for those Saturday trips to the library...Reading is still something I love

You taught me to sew and cook

You gave me your love of SHOES and clothes!

 

I'm proud that you're my mama

You showed me how to speak my mind

I got my work ethic from you

You were a fun scout leader

You drove me and my friends all over town—skating, bowling, swimming

I love you because you are Sam  

 

Without you I wouldn't be the woman I am today

Five Special Mother's Day Ideas

The traditional Mother's Day gifts are most likely flowers, candy and a pretty card. 

That's what I usually give my mama. She expects me to bring her a couple of hanging pots of petunias or geraniums. Since she loves flowers, it's a perfect gift.

This year, however, I'm going to do something extra. Even though I'm not a mom myself, these five ideas seem pretty special to me.

TIME – Everyone wants to spend time with the people they love. Set aside a day or a few hours to do something with your mom and let her choose the activity. Even if it's just drinking iced tea on the porch, make the experience fun and relaxing.  

CHORES – Look around and notice what needs to be done around her house. Painting, mowing, weeding, a leaky faucet, moving furniture, or just regular housework. Don't make a big production out of it, just do it.

SHOES – No mother would turn down a day of shoe shopping or a cute pair of shoes, no matter if they're 4 inch heels or comfy house slippers.

PHOTOS – Scan a few photos of the family, vacation pictures, or outdoor shots around her home. Mount them in pretty frames and help her decide where to display them.

A LIST – Write a list of the special qualities she has, things she's taught you, why you appreciate her, fun times you've shared, and what you love about her. Put it in a frame or write it into a small notebook that she can keep with her.

With all these ideas, throw in a little laughter and a few hugs. You'll touch her heart and bring her joy!  

For those of you who are moms, have a fabulous Mother's Day!