Thursday, November 10, 2016

Really Random Thursday, 11/10/16

Last week we celebrated my father's 89th birthday at our house with family. I'm not sure that he will remember the celebration, as sadly, he has Alzheimer's. But we did have a lovely time and he seemed to enjoy it.
We have talked about pulling out the yucca plant in our back yard. Almost as if it knew what we were considering, it decided to explode with blooms this year.
Seen on my walk the other morning.... Glad there wasn't a car parked on the street.
It was fun to see Levi run in his cross country meet yesterday.
I am completely caught up on bee blocks. It is kind of bittersweet. The Mid Century Modern bee was one I carefully curated four years ago, but decided to bring it to a close this year. Many beautiful quilts have been made over the years as the talent in this group has been amazing. Thanks to all who have been part of the bee over the years.
Improv blocks for Nancy
Elizabeth had such a great idea. She wanted us each to make the block we had chosen when it was our month to choose, out of Anna Maria Horner fabric, essentially a sampler quilt. I think that is such a great idea. This was a fun one, as I got to make another "books for baby" block, like the ones in Ella's quilt, and I used the selvage as the book spine. Now I want to make a whole quilt of designer "books." 

I'm also part of a "spelling bee," where over the year we have made words for each other. This bee is also coming to a close, and it is my turn this month. I have chosen lyrics from my favorite song, The Prayer:

Let this be our prayer,
when we lose our way
Lead us to a place,
guide us with your grace
To a place where we'll be safe.

This has been long been my favorite song, since I first heard it sung by Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion. This week, I heard a new version by David Archuleta and Nathan Pacheco. I hope you will take a few moments to listen.

I have received my first words. I love these words made by Mary.

Elizabeth chose "guide us," which seems especially appropriate at this time in our country. I think this song will become even more meaningful to me in the coming days.

Have a lovely weekend.

10 comments:

05 08
Needled Mom said... #

Happy birthday to your dad. He remembered it at the moment and perhaps that is how we should live our lives - enjoying the moments.

Love all of your Bee blocks. I am looking forward to seeing your finished word quilt. It will be gorgeous.

Anne / Springleaf Studios said... #

I love what Mary said about enjoying the moments. My father-in-law had Alzheimer's too and I know he certainly enjoyed the moments we were able to share with him. I also want you to know I've loved sharing all the month by month moments with the MCMBee. My "b" and "e" letters are coming in and my last quilt with the bee will be a fine ending to a wonderful 4 years. When I get it done . . . that's always the hard part.

Cathy O said... #

Thank you! I found such peace from The Prayer and the new version.
Happy birthday Uncle Wes!

Unknown said... #

Wow wow wow. Listening to the song was absolutely what I needed tonight. THANK YOU so much for sharing it! I feel like I can breath again ...

OPQuilt said... #

Love the Archuleta version, as his singing is always so perfect. Happy Birthday to your Dad; I love what Mary wrote. Fun that you are getting your words in--two bees end! Wow, but we all had fun!

Susan said... #

I was very proud to have been a part of MCM Bee for three of those four years, and still cherish the three quilts that resulted from this collaboration! Your words are on their way, and your quilt will be awesome! I need to quilt mine before years end! Happy Birthday to your darling dad! I don't think mine own father remembered much about his last few birthdays before he passed away in 2005. Love the Yucca- a last hurrah?

Celtic Thistle said... #

I love your Designer Book block Cindy, it is inspired!

Anonymous said... #

As usual, I have thoroughly enjoyed your post. The quilts are lovely, the kids are almost as adorable as my own grands (;-), and your words are inspiring. But, only one pic made me chuckle, and it's the one with the fallen tree. Did you notice the warning "bump" in the street just in front of the tree? What a bump that was!

xo Linda

Heidi Staples said... #

Loved seeing your Dad's birthday dinner! And I love the idea of a designer book quilt!

FlourishingPalms said... #

I'm sad to hear of the demise of that Mid Century Modern bee. You certainly had a great idea to begin with, and it was fun while it lasted. I am glad to have been a small part of it. Thank you, Cindy! It's nice to see your dad at his birthday party. I'm sorry to know he has Alzheimer's. My dad is 86, and - knock on wood - thus far seems to be very self-sufficient, though this year he moved from a condo into independent living in a senior faculty. I'm glad for you to get to be around your dad now and again. That yucca plant is glorious. It's begging to stay put!