The Quilt

Some of you may or may not know that I am a big fan of All Recipes. Before I discovered Facebook and before my blog I was a part of "The Exchange" (now called Recipe Buzz). Many of us foodies and like minded individuals congregated there to exchange ideas, hopes and dreams. It was there that the idea for The Quilt was born. Those of us that wanted to participate would piece together a block that represented us. These blocks would then be made into a beautiful tapestry from the world over.

Admittedly, as with all good intentions, sometimes things go awry. An original drawing was held. Allegations of impropriety ensued, followed by wounded feelings and bruised egos. The only solution that all could agree upon was to send the quilt, which represented the beauty of friendship and community, to All Recipes headquarters in Seattle, WA. It was there, a year later, that a new drawing was held. The winner of this work of art? The 5th Sister!

I found out this news while sitting in my husband's hospital room last week. It was like a ray of sunshine, from the heavens, in the middle of the tempest that was our week. I believe I cried when I realized the full impact of what just happened. The love and care that went into every single stitch of this work of art was heading my way when I needed it most. I wanted to shout the news out to the world but could not until it was made "official" by All Recipes.

The quilt arrived by Fed Ex yesterday afternoon. It was packed with care and attention to detail. When I opened the box and pulled out the quilt I was awestruck. Photos do not do it justice. I poured over every single square remembering each person and the joys and heartaches we shared in our little community. I am humbled by the sheer magnitude of this gift of love.

I promised I would share photos so that those who participated would be able to see their blocks in this beautiful mosaic of friendship. My plan is to proudly display this quilt in my home. Please enjoy the photos.

(There's my block!)

I would like to give a shout out to Annie (aka "Kitten") who put together this labor of love. She did a fantastic job and I will be forever in debt of gratitude for the generosity of her time and spirit that went into this undertaking. This quilt will be a treasured heirloom now and always.

Winning

Something strange is going on. I've been "winning" alot lately.

It all started back in October. I won a monthly contest in a local women's magazine. That month's prize was basket full of skin care products. How exciting! I now have enough cleanser, eye cream, firming serum and hand lotion to last me a good long while. We all know how expensive these items can be.

In November, I bought raffle tickets at our church's Christmas Bazaar. I gave them to my son. He put all the tickets into one prize package and won! What was the prize? A weekend get-away at Ocean Isle Beach! How exciting is that? We plan on taking advantage of this prize next month, when the weather is a little nicer.

I was too busy in December to enter any contests.

January found me entering Looking Beyond Food's give-away. I was the lucky recipient of a beautiful, hand-made, designer apron.

This month, my luck passed over to my husband. He answered a trivia question correctly and received an additional year's membership to Home Owner's Club of America.

The good fortune doesn't end there. I was just informed that I have been selected as the hospital's "Spotlight Employee of the Month" for March. Now that's quite an honor (even though one is selected by random drawing).

Hmmmm. Maybe it's time to purchase a lottery ticket.

I'm Back!

Well, sort of. I'm still not quite up to snuff but am 100% better than I was this time last week. Today will be a test of sorts. I need to take DS to Speech, then exchange a ceiling fan. After that, it's a field trip into Charlotte for an "education" concert performed by the Charlotte Symphony. Then we'll grab a quick lunch prior to DD's acting class at the Children's Theater. We should make it back home by 4:00pm only to turn around and head back in to Charlotte for DD's Choir rehearsal by 6:00pm. Whew! I'm exhausted thinking about it! I may just have to sneak a cat nap in here and there.

Oh, by the way, the apron arrived! It is really quite lovely and very well made. I'm impressed! (Don't look too close at my pasty complexion and wonky hair...the flu does that to you!) Want an apron to call your own? Visit Deb Syke's website Looking Beyond Food for details.

P.S. I want to thank everyone for their kind words and best wishes while I was down. Your comments meant the world to me and I am grateful for each and every one of you!