Can we start over? I mean, well, not at the very beginning, but it’s become clear that I need a restart button.
Ahhh! Such a dramatic opener! Truthfully though, the beloved Cookbook Quilt Along has been on my heart the past couple of weeks, as I’ve struggled to get my posts up on time and am now behind a couple of blocks. And yes, I’m pregnant and fighting lots of nausea and fatigue, but deep in my heart I know that’s not what has me out of whack. There’s something deeper…something putting a damper on my flame and I couldn’t pinpoint it until now, when I finally forced myself to look at this situation square in the eye and figure out what in the world is up.
And you know what I realized? There’s something missing….something that I can’t live without, can’t blog without, can’t post without…
Heart.
I’m a softie to the core, and if you’ve followed my blog in any previous years, you probably know that I share my heart quite a lot. Some of you love it. Some not so much. It is what it is. I’m just not your typical quilt blogger. I’ve never been great at tutorials or blog hops or giveaways, and I stink at things like project round ups or sharing on Pinterest….but I love to write, and I can bear my soul, and I had to remind myself this week that that’s why I started this blog in the first place. In some ways it’s a journal, and in other ways it’s a portal to community- a platform where I can share my story, whether it be my experience trying a new quilting technique, a lesson learned in parenting, or the intention behind a new goal. Maybe you’re here because you like my pretty pictures or the way I trim flying geese, or maybe you can relate to something on a deeper level, or appreciate stumbling on some raw vulnerability once in awhile amidst a blog feed of perfectly perky quilts, clean houses, and happy smiles.
And then I remembered the 2015 Sugar Block Club where we did the “Beyond the Block” series- each month a new personal challenge. I shared about wanting to reach out more to my neighbors, about how I really want to work on my gratitude, and kindness, and positive thinking. I shared about my husband getting laid off from his job and us losing our first house….about my first panic attack in the car as I drove away from that house for the last time, and the person who drove by my stopped-and-slightly-in-the-way car and flipped me off as I struggled to breath. I craved writing those posts because they changed me, they challenged me, and perhaps they challenged some of you.
This year, as I set out to host a new type of quilt along- The Cookbook Quilt Along – a weekly (instead of monthly) series that works through the blocks in my latest book, I thought I had all of the ingredients for a fun year of quilt blogging….pretty blocks, happy photos, a cute logo, fun projects, and interesting quilts….but not even a third of the way through the year, and I’d already lost my steam.
The fact is, it’s really tough for me to hop online every single week and show you a facade of quilty perfection, each with it’s perfectly perky graphics and endless array of fabric eye candy, when behind the screen, life’s anything but perfect and perky. This past month I’ve been grieving the loss of one of my closest loved ones (my grandmother), and also trying to wrap my head around what it’s going to be like to be a mother of five. So much raw emotion…so much soul searching…so much change…so much struggle but also growth…(I’m crying as I write this….and at most things these days!)…and with my one post each week (because that’s about all I can handle right now) being dedicated strictly to quilt blocks, and only quilt blocks, I was starting to feel a little bit like a circus performer, whipping out a bag of tricks each week when underneath the makeup is a person who’s just wanting to be real and connect. Does that make sense? I hope so.
So what does this existential blogging crisis mean? Am I giving it all up?? Thank goodness, no. The Cookbook Quilt Along is here to stay, but I am freeing it of some of my own self-imposed restrictions. Each week’s post will still highlight the block we’re making and share any tips/inspiration/ideas that I may have to offer, but I’m also going to allow myself to share other things….maybe something that’s on my heart, or maybe a non-quilt-block project I’m working on, etc. Just real life (plus quilt blocks). Things I want and need to write about in a less structured, less formal way.
Ahhhhhh. Thanks so much for listening. I am. I feel better. :) And now….now I’m going to go pop some popcorn, put on my comfy pjs pants, start sorting out our tax receipts, and forgive myself for making a mistake. Quilting will still happen…after taxes…and I’ll be showing you my blocks (we’re on Block 15- King’s Cross this week) once I finish stitching them up and can snap some pics.
For now, friends, stay real and carry on.
XO
You are amazing. Just breathe. Looking forward to your posts.
I loved this post and am glad that you are starting over in a way that honours you! Your honesty, passion and creativity has made me a fan since day one when u did the Craftsy Block of the Month. Post when u can…..we all love it whenever it arrives.
Quilting is only a small part of who we are. There are so many other layers. Express them when you need to.
Wow a mother of five! What an honor to create these new lives. May you find adult moments of time for yourself & your partner. May your sanity always be with you. May you rest with the hope that as adults all of your children would want to send you on quilting cruises to your heart’s delight.
May your heart always be full of joy and your home full of love.
I have been missing the other stuff among the quilt blocks and I’m so excited to hear you say you are going back to that!
Amy I am a fairly new quilter and follower. I found you late last year and have enjoyed your posts. My philosophy has always been “Have Fun”. If it isn’t fun change it up or give it up. Glad you are still going to be around, I know that I will enjoy your posts.
Thank you so much for sharing your heart. I’m so grateful for your honesty and openness… and the quilty goodness, too, of course!
Hi, Amy! Your heart and honesty about life has always been one of the things I loved about your blog :) I’m glad to see you returning to the reason you loved to blog. If it’s not fun for you, then what’s the point, right?
Just be you. Your readers will keep coming back….thank you for sharing your genuine self.
I’m so sorry about your Grandmother. Thanks for sharing your raw, genuine heart.
I have loved reading your thoughts and ideas all along so I am very glad you are going back to doing what you do best, writing from your heart and what all is going on in your life. I am sorry for your loss, it is hard to deal with all the feelings of loss when someone we love so much is suddenly gone from our life. and Congratulations on your coming addition to your family!! I wish sincere blessings for you and yours. I am adding a link for grief. http://www.refugeingrief.com Take care and I send heart felt love and hugs to you,
from Iowa
It’s okay! You are doing great. I love when others share the real stuff. It’s okay to show that. It’s your blog. And it’s for you to know what it needs and what you need. Thanks for all you share. Hugs!!!
Thanks for sharing. Take all the time you need. We are all only human after all. Sending good thoughts from Berlin.
Amy, I love that you are being true to yourself! Thanks for sharing with us. I’ll keep following your lovely blog and keep you in my prayers and heart. Wishing you much happiness.
I enjoy all your posts, the good, the bad, the inbetween. I feel more connected to other bloggers when it’s about real life as well as pretty quilts. I’m so sorry about your Grandma, prayers and healthy baby prayers being sent your way. Thanks for sharing with us.
I’m glad you’re going to blog more personally. It’s good to know the person underneath the blocks because that’s what brings hope and joy.
I appreciate your blog posts with heart. Be they about quilt blocks or real life. Take all the time you need.
And this is why I adore you, and have from the first minute I met you at Sew South. You are real and you share your realness (is that even a word?) with us. Thank you for sharing. Now, take care of yourself and your beautiful family. Sending lots of hugs and prayers!
I was a fan of yours before this post, but now I really appreciate you, your heart and your honesty. I look forward to reading more about real life struggles and joy. Thank you for sharing.
Love your posts! I’ve been following you for quite a long time. And I’ve always loved your personal posts because I can relate. I’m sorry for your loss.
I must say that I’ve learn a lot from you. I owe my paper piecing to you. Thanks for sharing!! Relax and have a wonderful pregnancy!
Thank you Amy, for being YOU! I also felt like something was missing from your posts…nothing awful, just a little less like you and now I realize why. We’re all here because we enjoy your writing as much as your quilting, so give us whatever you want to share :-)
Amy, I started reading blogs because I was a new quilter and I was looking for new ideas, techniques, etc., what I found is that I enjoyed reading the blogs that were about real life with quilting sprinkled in. I do not enjoy the blogs as much that are strictly tutorial. I think the one thing that you can count on is that the readers of your blog think of you as a friend. We all have times where we need our friends a little more, sometimes real life is a little overwhelming and we need our friends to listen as we talk it out. Please think of this as coffee with a friend or lunch out with your friends, and the advice back to you would be to give yourself permission to relax and enjoy your life. If something needs tweaking to better work for you, do it; life often delivers the unexpected, please know that we all understand this and do not expect you to be less than human as you deal with it.
And sometimes, just change it up because you want to, you deserve it!
Comment #1 stated that you’re amazing, and I quite agree. When I’m in a funk, I just shut down. There are no words. I just have to ride it out. This winter, my blogging/internet funk lasted 3 months (and boy, am I behind!). You are much loved and very respected by the quilt blogging community. You do what you need to do, period. If you don’t, then you aren’t going to want to do it at all! Can’t have that, now, can we? XO
Hugs, prayers, and heavens I wished I lived closer to drop by to watch your kids so you can have a nap. I adore your honesty, and really feel free to give us a break week every now and then to catch up with our blocks.
I enjoy reading blogs because the ones I want to read are the ones by people like me
We are all strong and weak, smart snazzy and a little bit dopey :-D
I do not want to read perfect blogs with perfect people.
I do not want to read Kim Kardashians blog, or Lena Dunhams blog, or any of those other fake people.
Just blog when you like, and if you need to chill a while, that is fine too.
I had a kitty blog years ago. It was so fun and silly.
I am so sorry about your loss of your dear gramma. I am so glad for you that you had a wonderful connection with her. That will last forever.
My 93 year old mommy died last October. I am still shocked and sad.
My 8 1/2 year old beloved most handsome and adorable kittyboy, Pierro died in November – sudden illness. It blew me away
The best we can do, is pray for each other. Life is not about being perfect, right?
Hi Amy, I’m so very sorry to hear about your grandmother. Be kind to yourself, take some space and relax. I have always enjoyed your blog, especially the heartfelt posts. Take the pressure off yourself and post when you feel like it. Thank you for being so genuine. And thank you too for your brilliant books.
Try not to worry too much. Those of us who enjoy your blog will be here. You have a lot going on and your family is the most important thing.
Amy, this is what is so appealing to us other than your talent. You share yourself so openingly and for that you touch our hearts. with all that is on your plate now, you are wise enough to do what is best for you and your family.
Amy, I’m so glad you’re not leaving us. I love your blog. And I love how you bear (spelling?) your soul. There are a small handful of quilt bloggers that I have come to really care for over the years and you are at the top of the list. Thank you for being honest, for sharing not only your work but your feelings. Five kids! I envy you. Just think how many grandchildren you will have someday!
I have always liked to read about your daily life experiences along with the quilting. You are like a friend and a neighbor. You shared what was on you heart and mind, I like that. I know you are one busy person with homeschooling and nurturing your children, and life that happens everyday. I am always excited to see a post from you – there is just straight sharing of what is on your mind. I have stopped reading many quilting blogs where the quilter is able to put together several quilts a week, purchase so many new fabrics, notions, new gadgets and send quilts out to the longarmer since the blogger’s posts just really made me feel inadequate and not living up to .a super-quilter’s lifestyle.
Take time for yourself and your family, myself along with many others who care about you and who enjoy your creative ideas will be here. I even make myself a cup of tea or coffee when I see there is something from you in my e-mail, I imagine many other do the same.
I am sorry to learn about your grandmother and I am excited to learn about a new baby that will be part of your family real soon.
May you and your family have a very blessed Easter.
Amy…you have to do YOU. I follow a number of blogs, quilting and otherwise but the ones I am devoted to are the blogs with heart. I love reading about the lives people lead along with their challenges, success and musings about leading a meaningful life. It sounds like this is the season of your life to raise a large family and your blog won’t suffer if you share what you want of THAT story. Yeah, the person wanting a tutorial on how to trim a half square triangle might go elsewhere but so what? You can’t be everything to everyone. Folks wanting to just learn sewing or quilting techniques have multiple resources available to them.
Be gentle with you and follow the advice you’d give a dear friend facing your hurdles.
It was a wonderful post….there is nothing wrong with keeping it real, and that is exactly how your blog feels….real, comfortable and true! Thank s for sharing yourself with us and for including all sides of who you are, including your amazing creative talents!!!
Hope the morning sickness ends soon and your energy comes back, but most of all that you never loose heart!! Sending you a hug and a pray!!!
Oh my goodness , I have missed your writing and stories , welcome back to the real world
What a perfectly heartfelt post. It can be tough being a blogger. I’ve been busy taking care of my mother and haven’t even felt like posting. Life can take over.
Take the lid off the Pressure Cooker and just use it like a normal pot. What don’t get cooked one day there is always tomorrow. Take time in your day for deep breathes and a sit in the sun/shade. Gotta pace yourself or you’ll burn out and you and your family come first, if you need to slide the block back a few days, that’s cool, we all need to be on the simmer setting sometimes. Take care smell the flowers have some silly time with your babes snuggle time with your love. We all appreciate your passing on your knowledge to us all. You are amazing. 😚
Thank you for sharing. You wear so many hats and then you have morning sickness on top of all that. No wonder you are out of sorts. Take your time and relax. We will all still be here.
Just know that you are not alone. We all have our ups and downs and your true friends will stand behind you. I have followed you for a while, taken you Craftsy classes and admire you for your opening up so that others may also know they are not the only ones that face hard times that we sometimes do not understand. You are in my prayers.
I have followed you for years. I have always been amazed how you keep everything going. 4 kids, one on the way is mind blowing to me. You have always kept it “real” which i loved about your blog. In fact at times when my world was nuts i would slip into your blog and like an old friend, see that someone else was having the same problems as mine. Thank you for keeping it real!! Prayers and thoughts for your loss. Hang in there! I absolutely love your cookbook ❤
Thank heavens the real you is back. That’s what I loved about your blog. You became real to me, a person I can relate too. Oh yes there are other bloggers but frankly they don’t interest me because they changed. They are so tied up with their new fabric design or their new book … .blah blah blah. But not you, then you changed too. I was bummed. Did I loose my new friend I wondered. But ahhh the real you came back. I love it when you share your ups and downs and family life. Welcome back.
Excellent. We need more self in our lives. By that I mean are the things we are doing coming from a place of confidence, calm, curiosity, compassion, clarity, creativity, couage, and connectedness. The 7 C’s are awesome and all our actions should be coming from these…vs fear, anxiety, anger ect….carry on!
Amy so sorry to hear about your loss. I am also glad to see the Amy that I came to love back in 2012 when I did your BOM. Your blog is one of the few I follow because it was about real life.
I am always amazed by all you accomplish! Looking forward to your heartfelt posts!
You are doing great. Such a good writer, quilter,mom and teacher etc, oh wife too Im sure. I am 70 something and homeschooled 6 kiddos and have made lots of quilts but never blogged. You are very talented. Try not to get discouraged . I enjoy every post. Thanks
I made my very first quilt with your craftsy class. I had tried two quilting classes, and both were a bust. But, when my dear friend was diagnosed with cancer, it physically hurt that I lived so far away. I wanted to be her neighbor. Cook her family dinner. Do her laundry. Get her kids off the bus. Clean her bathrooms. I could visit, but I couldn’t be there day in and day out, and I wanted to be there. I have my own family. It hurt. So, I decided I would finally figure out quilting. I would make something that would be akin to my arms around her in fabrics that are just … so her. Your class, with your encouraging words, are still in my head! I keep making Quilts for those I love, and each one is better than the last. You’ve given me the ability to say thank you to people in my life who are meaningful to me. Giving a quilt is one of my greatest joys. And, you got me there! So, thank you!!!
I took your Block of the Month through Craftsy when you were carrying the boys and have followed you ever since. Enjoy your real outlook of life. You’re much more than a quilt block! Most of us have had the same life struggles. You come from a place of love..and of hoping you’re doing it right. When you face life with love in your heart does not mean you won’t make mistakes it just means you’re doing your best. The object is to go to the rocking chair with the fewest regrets. Seems like you’re on the right path!
Hang in there and do what YOU must…we will all still be here to listen, enjoy and lean on!
Amy don’t fret at all. I am mom to 5 boys. I have two sets of twins and one singleton. Yes there have been crazy moments but it’s been a wonderful journey. The boys are now 22, 19 and 17. Yes, at one point I had 5 kids age 5 and under!! They are all doing well and I adore my big family bundle. Time goes by fast and I can now. Reach and funny how I often miss those days when they were little. Keep in cherishing your family and taking deep breaths. Your creativity will nurture you through if you just continue that honesty with yourself and others. I love your blog and actually have missed your personal touches. I will adore these posts all the more. I am so sorry for your loss and I’m sure it’s a rough time. Emotionally you are raw and one day you will channel all this into a gorgeous next quilt.
When I was much younger and struggling mightily with a difficult life challenge, a friend of mine told me that what was happening to me was just texture in life’s rich tapestry. At the time, his comment gave me little solace and, in fact, felt rather insensitive. Some time later, as things began to fall into place, I thought about his comment and it was rather like an epiphany. I recognized that life does indeed have texture. Some of it is soft and smooth, some of it hard and course. Texture is necessary to create a beautiful tapestry and during those times when the texture is hard and course, we need to remind ourselves that each texture is part of a whole and should never be viewed independently. Things are always going to happen that are beyond our control. Sometimes when life doesn’t go quite as we planned, we are strong and resilient and creative and bold and quickly see solutions. Other times we feel frail and vulnerable and tired and are unable to even recognize that there are solutions. I had a loss last December that has truly kicked me in the gut. I am working very hard to climb out of the empty, aching loneliness that has seeped into my soul and weighed me down. This is one of those times when the texture is incredibly hard and coarse. But again, it is part of the tapestry of my life and it will only be interesting if there are many different textures. Things will get better and I know that one day I will actually get through a day without crying. All this is to say that I appreciate your honesty, and heart and that you make yourself vulnerable to all of us. Take time to grieve, do only as much as you feel like doing – the rest can wait. Please know that all of us have struggled, all of us have felt overwhelmed, all of us have felt off kilter at times, but not many of us have the courage to do it so publicly. Thank you for sharing your heart with us. You are inspirational, real and amazing.
“Love your neighbor as yourself” Sometimes we need a break in order to properly help others.
You go, Girl! It’s all good. We’ll be here and sticking with you.
Give yourself a break mate. Think about what you’d say to your bestie if they were putting all this pressure and expectations on themselves and then tell yourself that.
I love reading your ‘real’ posts, quilt-related and not. <3
Oh Amy,
Life is all about learning and sometimes we learn we aren’t in fact robots or perfect but we learn we are human. Right now you have plenty of fill your day issues without the pressure of trying to fill ours! As a quilter we should understand that not everything works out right the first time. We sigh we move on we persevere!
I love your Cookbook, in fact my version of Celestial just won an award at my quilt show, I changed it just a bit! But it’s one of my favorites. I read your blog first and foremost because you ARE real. And time ,energy ,desire, and sometimes the littles, don’t make the day easy enough to run smooth. Who always had the time to stop and create when the kids are sick or schools on or the husband is annoyed you have left the dishes again! It’s life and we take it a day at a time. I’m sorry about your Nana, I still cry over mine and I am a Nana myself now. And your new baby will bring new life and more surprises. Congratulations. Quilting is a love of creation, you are growing a human you are allowed to be a little out of whack!!!!
Amy, your blog is an inspiration to people (quilty or otherwise) because your personality shines through it. You should never feel that you have to apologize for the life that inspires you, challenges you and makes you the person we want to connect with! Honestly I was wondering how you were going to keep the quilt a long going with all of the changes happening right now! (I’ve gotten behind and I am not even close to as busy as you & your family!) Clearly from these comments I’m not the only person who feels this way, hopefully that will help carry you through the tough moments even a little bit! Relax when you need it, and know that clearly you have made a real, meaningful connection to people through this blog which is an amazing thing!
Amy,
I have followed you since 2014 after discovering you through your free Craftsy BOM. You are such a sincere person. It’s not always about the sale for you. Your blog posts are refreshing and endearing. While you struggle with this situation, I read your post and think about ways I would love to help you. Just know, through every single challenge we grow into the person we were created to be.
My prayers and thoughts are with you during this period you are in of loss and new birth. Feel free to reach out in a personal way with any requests for assistance you might have. I’m 47 and stay at home. Our children are grown. I have nothing but time on my hands. It would be a great honor if I could help relieve some of your anxiety. With sincere regards, a sewing friend
You do as the spirit moves you, dear girl. We’re here -all ears (and eyes) , happy to receive what you’ve prepared
HI Amy, I fell in love with your quilts and teaching style back when you were doing your craftsy classes. I still pull up your binding lesson every time I am about to complete my binding as that was the best technique ever shown! Although you don’t know me, following your blog all this time was as if I was hearing from my good friend and I so enjoyed reading about your family stories even more than your quilting stories! Yes, your blocks are beautiful, but it is the human touch and voice that makes your blog so much more than just a quilting visual. I hope you bring more of your home life back into your writing. That is what inspires you to go on after all. I am sorry to hear of your loss but excited for your growing family. Life cycles in lovely ways. Quilts just make it all better!
Amy,
You are so special. Love everything about you blog and blocks. Take all the time you need❤
We doers put so much pressure on ourselves! Every so often, while over scheduled, I think “will the world end if I don’t do such and such” (it won’t – especially when I am the only one expecting “such and such” :))
You need a couple of lazy days and the Hallmark Channel.
Let your body take care of the current project, which is SO much more important! When the spirit moves you…you’ll be ready.
I love reading your blogs Amy, they are always honest and real. Life is tough sometimes and we all need to give ourselves a little grace and space. Quilting is an added blessing from you. What you share with others is inspirational. I share in your day to day frustrations (even though I am a grandma now) , the struggles and victories! Take care of you and look forward to seeing new block recipes.
You are authentic and I am drawn to that honesty in your blog, life, and quilting lessons. Carry on, my friend. One day at a time.
My condolences on the loss of your grandmother. Slow down, breathe in, breathe out. .
I have followed you for a long time and it’s posts like these that make me stay. Thank you for sharing your heart and for being real….
Amy, I am so sorry to hear of your difficulties at this time. I am neither very spiritual nor religiously inclined but certainly do respect and admire others who are. The one thing I do believe is that you must remember is that your faith and family are topmost to your well being. If I could send hugs of comfort and encouragement I would. Warmest regards and thanks for sharing which, hopefully lightens the weight of the load. Judy in Virginia
Dear Amy I have learnt through my life that it’s ok to put yourself first sometimes. It takes some doing when you are a naturally giving person but it’s the only way to be able to give the best is yourself to those you love. I remember someone giving me the example of the instructions you get on a plane to put your oxygen mask on first then help your children to put their ‘s on because without breathing in your oxygen you can’t help your children. It’s the same with life otherwise we burn out then are no good to anybody. So breathe deeply dear Amy.
My goodness! I’m so glad to hear from you and from your heart. If your not doing this from the heart, then why bother. If we do things just because and we gain no happiness from it, then it’s not worth it. Do what makes you happy and we’ll be content just the same.
Thank you for sharing!
Dear Amy,
Last night I lectored at the Easter Vigil for my church, and read these words from Ezekiel to the congregation: “A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you.” Our wonderful priest reminded us that that is precisely the promise we share as Christians; we are offered a new heart and a new spirit through the suffering and resurrection of Jesus. Whoa baby! And then we baptized a baby.
I know because I’ve grieved myself that those words cannot relieve your great grief for your grandmother. Nor are they likely to ease your fear and uncertainty about the little one you carry beneath your heart. Not yet. But I know from your previous posts that, deep in your soul, you want that new heart. You say Yes when you are asked.
Here’s the thing, the hard thing : God offers the new heart, but we have to grow into it. You already know, loving mother of 5 sweet kiddoes, that growing can be hard. So be easy on yourself! Let your heart find its own rhythm. And please, please! give those of us who love your quilty, generous, colorful, kid-filled life, more of the mess that makes your heart bigger every day. Blessings and hope and occasional naps, darling! Thank you for sharing who you truly are.
It is always saddening to read about bloggers who feel they have failed their readers in some way, as I’m sure it is not supposed to be that way. This is your blog… your journal… you can do what you like. I appreciate that being a somewhat public figure, you may feel like you “have” to do something. But at the end of the day, you will only feel pleasure from doing the things you enjoy, and it becomes so obvious when it is not being done for pleasure. Now, having said that, I have really enjoyed your block-along… and have even sewed a baby quilt that you showed several weeks ago, and ordered the book. So thanks for the inspiration.
You have so much talent and we all benefit from it, but I must say that family comes first. If you don’t have time to blog, it will be there waiting…you are only one person and no one can do everything. Try to enjoy your pregnancy and give yourself a break!
It has been a long time since I was pregnant but I remember how draining morning sickness can be. Any mother becomes exhausted at some point, but you are doing a lot. Really sorry for your loss. You are brave to share your real life with the world. Hope we can give a little back to you by buying your wonderful books and making the blocks that you have the talent to provide patterns for us. Hang in there and take a little “me” minute every day.
Amy you have been an inspiration to me! I first saw you on craftsy and loved your teaching and style. You talked about how your grandmother taught you quilting and you would join in along with her friends that would also teach you. How special your grandmother was, so sorry for your loss,
In 2015 I received a gift from my daughter for Christmas, it was a gift certificate to your book “For Keeps”. She knew I loved quilting and thought it would be a book I liked, but didn’t know how much I loved your work. Love this book, not only for the quilts but what they represent in your family life. Cherish those memories of growing up and your life now with your little ones. When your heart is in the right place everything else seems to work out.
Amy, I love reading your blog. You have a gift for writing and I am one of those folks who appreciates how open you are. I just realized that your blog e-mails ended up in my spam folder (eye roll.) It’s fixed now. You take care and I hope you are feeling better soon.
Boy do I understand mood swings. I’ve quit smoking, or am trying to (it’s been about 40 days now) and I don’t know if I’ve ever felt so emotional before in my life. Sheesh.
Just keep writing what makes you feel … like you. (smile)
Take care.
Hi Amy, I’d only recently found your blog and QAL when everything went quiet. Knowing your were struggling with pregnancy sicknes, I prayed that it wasn’t anything more serious going wrong that had caused your silence. At the end of the day, it’s YOUR blog and therefore it is YOUR decision what to put on it. If the viewing audience doesn’t like it, they will flick through or stop reading. Glad to see you are putting yourself first and taking the pressure off. May God bless you, your family and the new life you are creating.
Hi Amy, I just bought a copy of the Quiltblock Cookbook in Wellington, NZ. I was so excited to find it! I got on to your blog and the first post I find is this one. Like everyone else has said, do what feels right. If it’s too much, we’ll all understand. We can still post our blocks! And every lock we make and share can be a testament to your creativity and the community you’ve made. Love what you do. Big hugs from NZ
Thank you for sharing! My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time! Your strength, heart, kindness, and honesty are so refreshing and welcomed. I love your writing and quilt designs; keep being you and God will be there. Hugs!
Oh Amy,
This is why I love you. Honesty and love of the journey. The real journey, the one God intended for us to grow and become. Thank you so much!