Okay, Clara, I have a question regarding submitting an entry for the Altzheimer's Challenge. Earlier this week I woke up with the idea of printing an 8x10 photo of my Sunbonnet Sue challenge block on an EQ7 fabric sheet so I could practice FMQ on it before I actually did so on my original design. If it turns out to be nice and I add all the fun embellishment stuff I plan to do, and the quilting gives the "illusion" that she and the treasure chest were pieced, would that be acceptable to finish nicely and send in?

Hugs,
Shirley

Clara, sorry to hear that you have so much trouble in your life at the moment. Sometimes it's just too much. But I know

IT WILL TURN OUT OK

(((((Clara)))))

My mother suggested to me whan I got depressed, that I should get a small brass ornament (or copper) and sit and polish it. You can see something good actually happening under your hands that you can influence, and it can be calming.

Before I was married and living on my own, what I actually did was buy a new novel and a jar of stem ginger, and read one whilst eating the other - if I was really down I could get 3 quarters of the way through jar before the 'heat' got to me. Nothing else would happen that evening, just reading. Can't do that now I have family, but I still head for the stem ginger to snack on.

Hi Clara! You can "sock it to us" anytime you want to! I'm with Rita about saying positive affirmations to yourself when faced with difficult life circumstances. I try to see what the lesson is I'm to learn from negative experiences and then thank God He gave me that lesson to help me become a better human being. (Note here: I don't always see the lesson so I get it again until I do! )

Reading inspirational and self-awareness books by Caroline Myss, Cheryl Richardson, Louise Hay, Abraham-Hicks, Wayne Dyer, Deepak Chopra, Marianne Williamson, and Iyanla Vanzant are just a few of my favorite authors. I'm NOT promoting any religion, etc. here, it's just that I feel better after I read words (usually late at night when it's quiet and there are no interruptions) from these writers. I also listen to music that I love and that makes me feel happy. Then again, there's always going for a walk with my 4-legged pal Chloe, -OR- picking up a quilting project from my UFO stack...

Hugs,
Shirley

Hi Clara - I'm so sorry that life is not treating you well right now! Please feel free to share in any way that helps you out! That's what friends are for!!

Nancy

Thank you both Marilyn and Rita.

We all have problems with members of the family that can bring a lot of drama. I have one that is very destructive too and is not coping well with the death at all. We have set up a safe home for my family. That was so important for us. We have healthy boundaries in place. Hubby's work hasn't paid in a month and half pay for a month prior. We are ok, we have saved, but it is going down. There is also a dear friend (honorary family) who's mother is about to pass. And there is a lot more. A lot of tough stuff at once. We are handling it well and are moving forward, just a lot of heavy stuff at the same time. There is a family therapist that knows us really well and has helped us out with our nephew. He is very happy with our progress and what we are doing to support each other. The best way I can describe it, it is like a tsunami where you get knocked over by the first major wave and there are several that keep coming. All different situations, just piled on top.

Ooof. Ok, I think I hit the blow off anytime level. Eeek.
We are taking things simple, because we can do simple.

Positive affirmations. Humm. Good idea.
Clara

Clara, we are not all going through what you are going through so we can cope with whatever curveball you feel like deflecting this way.

You have to keep saying positive affirmations to yourself - this too will pass.

I have always found it helpful to think like this - I may not always be able to change what somebody does or says to me but I can change my reaction to it.

More positive thoughts heading your way from a very wet Emerald Isle. Hugs.

So sorry Blow off here anytime ! Will send positivity your way !

Need a little help.

I only post this here because I know someone here understands. So much more in my personal life is still happening, a lot of more heavy stuff on top of my nephew's death. I find it so hard to get up and do the things I love to do. How do you get back to it? Now, I need to more to survive than anything else. Wow, I sound really gloomy. I'd give details but don't think it is appropriate to put them out there on a forum. It is too fragile.

How do you get up and get going again on a more normal path when life has given you several punches and knocked you out? I also had another one. Sometimes Life throws you curveballs", well life has brought a pitching machine and set it to FAST BALL... yikes! At least my sense of humor is working. Anyway, I need to do a little something for myself a day, to help keep me sane if you know what I mean.

Clara

Aileen, what a fabulous little snowbird. Bet he'll be quick to sell... Such a cheerful fellow, anyone would want to give him a new home! Great idea. Hes already responsible for many smiles...
:0)

Aileen your quilt is delightful the little snowbird didn't make it to FL in time to miss the 1st snow.

Aileen - I love it!! And what a great idea to do holiday quilts! Some more ideas to go on my list....

Nancy

Aileen, another smile here too! Love the quilt--so bright and cheery yet snowy! Where did the sky fabric come from? It's soooo perfect!

Aileen,

That is pouring out with so much personality. Too cute! Holiday quilts. Humm. Might have to fit some of those in. Good idea. Clara