djane wrote:
Cute houses.

Lorchen, you inspired me to spend some of the money I got from my family for Christmas on an AAQI quilt. I just purchased "Little Houses" by Ellen Searls Ruckersville, VA USA. It was mailed to me today and I am so excited for it to arrive. (Sorry I can't seem to figure out how to get the image inserted)

You guys are fantastic, picking up the pace while I've been gone. The words of kindness was shared with my Mom. We soaked up every one. The bonfire for the kids is tomorrow. We got ahold of some firecrackers for them to throw into the fire when they released a thought of pain. I'm bringing my camera, but need to see if the time is appropriate or not. I've also received a few hearts in the mail that made my heart smile big. Thanks again. Clara

Beautiful purchases Lorchen

What beautiful choices! Happy Birthday!!

Nancy

What a lovely, lovely way to celebrate your birthday! Lois

And here is the last one: Don't Worry, Be Happy by Shirlee Carter of Navarre, FL
I'm showing you the back first. The same cheerful and very cute fabric is used on the front which consists of tiny pieced kaleidoscopes. And there is a little crystal at the centre of every kaleidoscope. The sides of all the triangles are only 1 inch long. So, drum roll, please......



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All these quilts will now travel with me whenever I'm meeting quilting buddies, so that they can drool over them.

My birthday presents have now all arrived at their new home. They have been stroked, cuddled, shown to other quilters (and stroked some more). I managed to contact three of the generous makers so that they know what has happened to their beautiful work. So, here they are:

Patriotic Stars by Nancy Keuss Cable of Chapel Hill, NC
This year everything in the UK is red, white, and blue because of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. So this little beauty (it shimmers and twinkles) fit in really well even though it was never intended to celebrate a British Queen.



Blowing Leaves by Karen Clark of Dubois, Wyoming
I have always had a soft spot for autumn colours. I have not managed to contact Karen Clark. So, if anybody here knows here, please, let her know what has happened to her very pretty star.



West Quoddy Head by Robin Brooks of Asheville, NC
As a lighthouse nut this one just had to come home to Mamma! It's an amazing artistic piece.

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The 4th piece in in the next message.

And, please, everybody, don't forget that you can play a part even if you are too busy right now to make a little quilt or two. Just go to the website and check out the 'For Sale' section. There are a wonderful array of great little quilts, just waiting for a new home.

Go on.... Start a new collection!!

OK! I'll put this on my "to do" list. I've been wanting to do this for a long time! Thanks for the encouragement!

Dear Clara,
I cannot imagine the grief in losing a child, my prayers are with your and your family at this sad time.
Hugs from Louise in Cairns.

Clara, there are not enough words to say how sorry I am for your loss. Here's a few verses from a poem my step-niece shared after going through a similar situation last year. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say... but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay. I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above... Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight. Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night. That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through, God picked me up and hugged me and He said "I welcome you."

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years, because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears. But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain. Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

Author Unknown

Clara, I am very sorry for your loss. I'm sending a warm hug. "To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." Thomas Campbell.

Rosemary, you are so right. Sorry about that! I don't know where it came from. So to clarify - the quilts should be no bigger than 9 x 12"