Mel's Own Place

This whole week will be filled with tons of projects and tutorials you can take on the go including a tutorial of mine!  I LOVE handwork so I know I'll be going to Victoriana Quilters site every day to see what new project has been posted and I hope you do too!

Uhh, um.  Hi.


Should I pretend nothing has happened to make me stop blogging for the past 10 months or should I info vomit?


Let's just say for now, my personal life had a lot of unpicking to do. Nothing that family, friends and Diet Coke can't fix!




I miss the dickens out of ALL of you dear bloggy friends!!  I haven't been around visiting either! What a horrible neighbor!  Can we get together to chat?


I loved how being a part of my little bloggy world inspired me to create fun things.  I thrived on the communications I shared with you wonderful bloggers EVERYWHERE!


I'd like to begin blogging (again) in September - I think.  


I am alive, healthy, happy and blessed.  I am grateful for the gifts of hope, courage, endurance and intuition from my Savior, Jesus Christ.  I'm eternally thankful for the kindness and love from close friends and ALL my family members, who have picked up the pieces I couldn't carry.

Be Aware, Be Grateful
1. Wonderful fall weather, still in the upper 50s!
2. Family traveled safely to two different places
3. Hair cut
                                     * * * * * * * *

I’m still amped up about the Quilter’s Festival that took place in Alpine, Utah (and surrounding areas) last weekend!! Sydney from Alpine Retreats organized the FUN event!

Since I was coming from out of town, Sydney invited me to stay at the Retreat House. 

HOW LUCKY AM I?!

This is the room I was able to have sweet dreams!!  CHARMING!

Did you notice the fireplace in the top picture?  I was ‘all snugged up’ as Urban likes to say!

Every detail was attended to by Sydney.  Fresh flowers, quilts, embroidered items and silver platters of candy were everywhere!

It was a wonderful place to absorb serenity and inspiration.

No need to tell you I slept quite well and when I woke up I was anticipating the fun day ahead.

Another bedroom downstairs with a full sized bed. This one has a large walk out deck.

 

Isn’t this tapestry beautiful? It hangs above the bed.

Below are pictures of a room with two single beds and one full sized.

One more cozy room with a double bed, balcony, fresh flowers and an amazing view!

To see more pictures of Alpine Retreat’s beautiful rooms and work spaces, click here for a tour!

Since I took over 100 pictures I thought I’d split them up.  :) So coming up will be posts about the classes and teachers, one about the places I visited and one that shows Sydney’s quilts and some of mine!

Be Aware, Be Thankful
1. Lissa’s home!!
2. Fun, inspiring weekend!
3. Family fun!

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

I was sooooo excited to present Lissa with the comfort quilt many of you helped make.

We all got emotional at the happiness that came over Lissa’s face when she saw her quilt for the first time. 

She and her husband, Mark were in awe that so many people that we have never met, would be so kind hearted as to donate so much love for Lissa’s sake.

It was a testament to the love that is in the human spirit and the wide spread of concern that is shared specifically here amongst bloggers. 

Many states in USA and countries such as Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina all held Lissa in their heart and offered comfort through words and prayers.

After much ooo-ing and aww-ing, we got things back to normal by playing a couple rounds of Hand & Foot.  Lissa didn’t miss a beat as she beat us by a large margin!  It’s good to have her back!!

 
Lissa with her three boys, Logan in red, Brock in blue and Brady in brown.  These boys are sooooo happy to have their mother home!

Many, many thanks to those of you who donated Four Patch Squares, money, gifts and cards to Lissa. 

 
Thank you to Jane who organized and collected the blocks.  Thanks to Millie for volunteering to quilt Lissa’s quilt.

Inset picture is of the back of the quilt, I could not have picked a better fitting design!! Thanks Millie!!

 
Signature squares (above) were sent by over 40 participants in Lissa’s Quilt. Not all are shown.

Thank you all so much.  I am a more compassionate person because of your examples.