Blue Prize Winner

Ever since Charlotte's Web, I've been really enamored with county fair blue ribbon winners! Wouldn't you just love to win a blue prize ribbon??? I would like to have the perfect apple pie or maybe win a chili cook off. Well, my Mama Lou was a blue prize winner for her embroidery. I can tell you first hand that her embroidery is perfection. Not one loose thread or jaggedy edge. So beautiful. I put the first prize winning embroidery in my living room on either side of my green star. Aren't they perfect there? I think so. Very inspirational, and I can feel her spirit when I look at them...





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Sigh

Relationships...complicated boogers aren't they? I feel like relationships of the female variety are especially complicated. Anways, this week I've been missing one relationship more than I can ever begin to say. It's been a year since Mama Lou has been gone from this world. I hope she is having an absolute ball in heaven. They certainly are lucky to have her.

There is not a day that goes by that I don't miss her, regret not talking with her more, regret not taking more trips to visit. My heart is heavy with this sadness. Sadness that Matilda will never meet her.



I promised myself and Mama Lou that I would learn to quilt so that I could teach Matilda. I didn't know I would fall back in love with sewing. It breaks my heart that I couldn't have caught this bug sooner, that I can't pick up the phone to pick her brain or tell her about great websites or fabrics, that we gave away so much of her tools that I would love to use in her honor. C'est la vie. Everything I make is because of her. I love you.

You just never know what will happen. Hold on tight to your loved ones.



source: kindawonderful


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We're home

I apologize for the hiatus. Since I started this blog I've never gone more than 2 days without writing. Unfortunately the reason is a very sad one. Sam's father passed away on friday. He had been in and out of the hospital for several weeks. We left for Mississippi this weekend for the funeral. Sam has had a year that most people will never be able to relate to. He lost his mother just 7 months ago. It has been hard to say the least. I was thankful that their friends were able to meet Matilda this weekend. She lights up everyone's face and her new little life it so refreshing to the weary.

Please continue to pray for my sweet husband. He is still hurting very much.

We have seen such an outpouring of love this year. Our friends have seen us through some very hard times. We could never imagine how much a big hug, encouraging card, warm meal, fresh flowers, a pumpkin, a long weekend with Guinness, a friendly voice could mean. Thank you all...you will never know how much you've blessed us.

In loving memory of Marjorie Louise Graham and Samuell Terrell Graham Sr.



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Sam tells me to get a hobby

Sam is tired of listening to me complain about still being pregnant and being bored so he told me to get a hobby (as if I won't have my hands full here soon...hopefully). Thinking about hobbies, I really want to learn how to quilt. Sam's Mama loved quilting and months ago she asked me, "Who will teach the baby how to quilt?." I think that she knew she was on borrowed time and I wish that I had sat with her and watched her beautiful hands sew while learning a thing or two. Alas, I would love to pass that tradition down to Matilda in honor of her grandmother.

Some inspiration:

I love Aunty Cookie. This woman is so inspirational. She is an Austrailian textile designer and just totally adorable. She is also on etsy. Here is a recent quilt that she made.







Isn't it glorious?

The second thing that I would love to do is be an expert scrapbooker, using vintage and new fabrics and papers to create the ultimate baby book for our new little family member. I'm also on the search for the perfect album. Any ideas?

Inspiration:

I did a feature a while back on Ali Edwards and a weekend project; however she is also an amazing scrapbooker. Here are some faves...






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Happies

Sam's Mama used to call unexpected surprises, "Happies" and I couldn't agree more. Here are some "Happies" from this week:

Jessica sent this lovely package!
I'm obsessed with the book.
How cute is this? She'll have to wear it when Sam has a Magnolia Leather Works booth!
This beautiful moses basket was hand delivered by all three Harrisons!
Thank you sweet friends for brightening our days!
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