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Let’s Bee Social #214

Posted on: January 31st, 2018 by Lorna McMahon
Welcome to the Let’s Bee Social!

How exciting!!!!

Did you know that Cheryl and Paige have a beautiful new book coming out?

The book is Modern Plus Sign Quilts and it is packed with so many awesome designs that you will have a hard time choosing just what to make first!

 

You may already be familiar with these talented quilting bloggers…. But if you are not….

What have I been working on? I’ve been working on writing patterns for the Pigs in a Blanket.

 

And I have been running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Since sharing my Plans for 2018 post, I’ve been put through the wringer. When discussing why a woman would stay in a domestic situation, you often hear the phrase, “Why didn’t she just leave?” This solution sounds simple enough. Yes, that’s right… You just pack a suitcase and walk out the door…. But to where?

I am so grateful that there are shelters and support groups that have been put in place in most major areas to accommodate anyone who finds themselves in the position where they feel they need to get out of their domestic situation. But I don’t want to have to do that. I want to hang onto my independence. I want to do this on my own without public assistance. I want to do this with dignity.

So I have been…. Trying to find a new home. Trying to find something within my budget. Trying to convince the people in the lending industry that I do have a “real job”. Trying to arrange for insurance and all the other changes that need to happen. Trying to be there for my mom. Trying to build a new life. Trying to hang on and keep on keeping on.

By now, I had hoped to be sharing a photo of that new home. Sharing news of the place where my kids and I would finally know what a weekend was supposed to be like. A place of peace.

I don’t share a lot of personal stuff on here. I want this to be a happy place. But when I recently posted on Instagram about how it had been a rough week and that Thursday had been particularly tough…. I was so amazed at the outpouring of love and encouragement shared by everyone who commented on that post. And I am so thankful. Your support and prayers and friendship are keeping me going. And helping me to realize that I am not alone. I can make it!

Thank you ALL for all of your good wishes!

And while you are working away at your home and in your sewing room…
Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

My original profile picture from back in 2012

Looking for motivation to finish a UFO? Do you ever find yourself wondering to what charity you could donate any quilts you have hanging around, waiting for a recipient? Please consider donating to your local women’s shelter. There are so many women and children who really need our support and a quilty hug.

 

Now… It’s your turn for Show and Tell!!!

What have you been working on?

 

 

Sew Fresh Quilts

 

 

 

Keep On Quilting On!

 

 

 

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41 Responses

  1. Sending you strength and encouragement! I really look forward to seeing what you've made every week, and am amazed by your creativity and resilience. xAli

  2. Nancy J says:

    Lorna, such a big change is not simple, and everyone should understand this. To find a new home, within a price range, with what you need for your quilting, is not easy. To do it by yourself is not easy. But there are so many of us out here, who send lots of love, and hopes that this will happen, the right home will come up on the market, and you can start a new life with happiness and love and laughter. XXX

  3. Terry says:

    You are braver than you feel and stronger than you know. You can do this… I love seeing all your creations

  4. Sending hugs and wishing I could magically find a home for you to find peace and happiness while you keep on designing your lovely creations. Praying for you my friend.

  5. Kerry says:

    I think you are very brave. It isn't easy but now you seem to be romping ahead – with all the different situations bombarding you all at the same time, you still have that goal and that vision – even if sometimes it gets you down. So hang in there you are doing so well. And that's such a great photo of you and the young'uns.Love the piggies! And I'm partial to chicks and hens too. Maybe a rooster in the near future – you could go to town on the plumage there!xx

  6. Preeti says:

    Lorna, you are in my thoughts. Sending you lot of love and goos wishes.

  7. KaHolly says:

    Lorna, honey, if I can do it, you can do it! No, it’s bot easy. But you’re strong, and smart, and if you need to use a little public assistance, do it! That’s exactly what it’s there for, to give you a leg up. Keeping you in my thoughts! XO

  8. Kristin says:

    I'm just reading about yourbig news now. Good luck!! You are brave and strong and things will work out. Don't be afraid to share your ups and downs. You have a community of people here to support you!! xoxo

  9. Good luck and God bless you and your children.

  10. You will be in my thoughts and prayers Lorna.

  11. Oh, Lorna! I'm sending so much love and support your way! And prayers too. I'll be praying for you even more now, for sure, especially that you will quickly find a suitable home that you can afford.And on another note, I so love the pigs in a blanket design 🙂

  12. Quite the fabric farm you have there, ha! Lorna, our blogs are usually positive cheery inspiring places, but it's good that from time to time, the real stuff comes out, and we show others that there is a real, living breathing, sometimes hurting, sometimes angry, hopefully often happy, PERSON, a HUMAN BEING behind the scenes. Sending you hugs, my Ontario sister, and warm positive healing glowing light to you as you make this difficult transition. It's good to be reminded that it ISN'T always that easy as simply packing a bag and walking out, much like finding out this week that some people in Houston are only just moving back into their renovated home while others still wait. Life is not a pretty, photo-enhanced, inspiring place every day, but knowing that others out there do care, and do send you love when you're down and times are hard (trust me, I know all about that one this past year), can really help your spirit.

  13. Dots says:

    One step at a time. Steady as you go. What you say to yourself matters. To keep fear at bay. Self-talk calms you. Calm makes you able to move forward. I have been where you are. You will find a place. It will fall into place. You got this girl. Your happy is looking for you, too. You can do what you have to do. Above all else, be safe.

  14. Paige says:

    Lorna, praying for you and your family that God will provide every need! And thank you for spreading the word about the book!

  15. Lisa J. says:

    I'm thinking of you as you go through this difficult time. Please make sure you are safe. I agree with KaHolly if you need a little public assistance use it. We all pay into it with our taxes, and it's there to help us if we need it. It doesn't have to be forever. You might want to check out any housing co-ops in your area. I'm rooting for you Lorna.

  16. cjmont says:

    take a deep breath and say to yourself, \”i can do this\”. having been there, trust me, YOU CAN DO IT!

  17. Sending you positive thoughts and prayers for you. Best wishes in finding a safe new home – and life – of your own.

  18. CA Bobbie says:

    Not new to your blog,but new to commenting. There are many,many of us who have been in those shoes. II had to parcel time to get thru my days at one point-I can make it thru the next 15 min-. I did. Use all resources available to you without giving up \”yourself\”. I'm sending strengthening prayers for you and your children and will keep you in my daily quiet time.

  19. Mary Huey says:

    Thanks for sharing your journey — the connections we have and the honesty we share builds compassion and action. God bless you abundantly in this journey!

  20. Tu-Na Quilts says:

    Oh, those piggies in the blankets are sew cute!! There's one thing in life that is guaranteed…change. And change is hard under any circumstances. I hope that you will find peace, security, and contentment amidst all the change going on.

  21. sam says:

    Sending big hugs, prayers and strength. Been there and I remember days when I didn't think I could face the day. but you do, and it gets better. I recognized changes in myself and became a stronger, healthier, happier person. Now, many years later I see my daughter as a strong woman and know it was due in part to the difficult times I persevered through.

  22. Kathy says:

    You are not alone! Unfortunately there are many of us can relate to what you are going through, it's not fun. However, it does get better! Grab onto the assistance that is offered, it's invaluable and will certainly aid in getting you to a good place sooner. When you are feeling down, just take a look at any one of your pattern pictures and quilts! They are so wonderful and you should be so proud at everything you've accomplished! Yup, quilting saves minds, it's saved mine more times than I can count! Chin up sister, we're here for you!!

  23. Sending you grace, peace and prayers.

  24. SarahZ says:

    Oh Lorna! You ARE hanging in there! I will keep you lifted up! I am so sorry for the struggle this entails! May the help you need be right where and when you need it! Like, yesterday would be good, eh?! xoxo!!!!

  25. Vera says:

    I haven't read your post on plans for this year so fingers crossed for you girl! You done a lot of work during past year or two and you'll push through this as well! Hugs xx

  26. Frédérique says:

    You have beautiful kids, wonderful quilt ideas (love those pigs!), and you deserve to be happy. I hope you will quickly find the right place for the right life. Hugs and kisses

  27. Ioleen says:

    All the best to you and your family. We all deserve to be safe and happy. Your quilts always make me smile. If you need help don’t be afraid to ask. There’s lots of help out there you just need to ask. Sending prayers and hugs 🤗

  28. Stay strong Lorna and stay safe. Good for you for taking that scary and difficult step. I wish the very best to you and your family.

  29. Oh Lorna, you know I am always praying for you. Please take very very good care of yourself and your lovie kiddosTake the steps mindfully, just remember you are in my daily prayers. I am working on 10 things at the same timeThank you for all of the links to cool projects.I love piggies, but the fox is my favorite

  30. Kara says:

    Just remember you are an awesome person! You take charge and do what you can one day at a time, you will get there eventually. I look forward to your posts and all your animal quilts. Love them! I think the giraffes are my fav but then you make new ones, the ducks, pigs, very creative! You and your kids are in my thoughts! Take care

  31. Sewmom18 says:

    Praying for you and your children. There should be no shame in using the help that is out there.

  32. Carla says:

    You will be good because you are super strong and you know how to succeed. Change isn't easy and you can do it. I understand wanting to keep this up, but it's a great part-time gig too. Trust me. Do what you NEED to do to be ok.

  33. Sending you hugs and encouragement Lorna! It will take time but this will work out in the end and you'll be so much happier! Stay strong!

  34. Sewmotion says:

    Sending you a big encouraging hug across the Ocean Lorna, I'm sorry to hear life is pretty difficult at the moment, but I'm sure your resilience and those great kids will get you through it. xx

  35. Lesley says:

    Just catching up on some past posts and sending you so many hugs and prayers for you and your children. Anyone who can create such beautiful quilty treasures can create a beautiful future too! Remember that children's book about the little train, \” I think I can, I think I can\”…you can!

  36. dq says:

    Those are super cute chicks.

  37. You are a strong, smart, amazingly talented woman. I know you will land on your feet, and look back on this year as the one where you opened new doors and set off on a grand adventure. You can do this, Lorna! Also, you are sending SO MUCH happiness out into the universe with your adorable designs, that there has got to be a ton of positive energy reflecting back at you from all directions. Sending you hugs, and keeping you in my prayers.

  38. Dear Lorna – I am sad to hear of your struggles. As with the other readers, I know you will persevere and get to the other side of this. Wishing you and your girls peace, safety and the stability of a new home. Take care and keep us posted. I will be thinking of you. Stay strong and take things one day at a time. Also, as said above, if you need some temporary assistance, there is no shame in it. Get yourself and your girls where you need to be. <3

  39. Mari says:

    Oh Lorna! Breathe in, breathe out, and keep doing that. It may not be fun, but it will be okay. A year from now this will all be a memory. I wish I lived near you so I could come over and give you a hug, but instead I'll send you some virtual hugs and lots and lots of encouragement. Hang in there!

  40. Lorna, I am just catching up and seeing this tonight. My prayers are with you as sort things out into a new normal. Be safe.

  41. Nicole says:

    Holy hell, Lorna I hope you and your kids are safe wherever you are at the moment. HUGE internet hugs and moral support to you.