Sunday---Precious Promises

Do not judge others, and God will not judge you; do not condemn others, and God will not condemn you; forgive others, and God will forgive you.  Give to others, and God will give to you.  Indeed, you will receive a full measure, a generous helping, poured into your hands---all that you can hold.  The measure you use for others is the one that God will use for you.

Luke 6: 37-38, Good News Bible

National Dog Day

Keesha's Quilt Block

Bo's Mini Quilt

Today is National Dog Day and being a true dog lover I thought I would reflect and remember the dogs I have loved and those who have loved me.  Being an only child, a dog was truly my best friend and always a part of my life.  In fact, I have always had a dog, sometimes more than one.  Today my hubby and I have two dogs.  My dog, Bo and his dog, Maggie.

Maggie is the Yellow Lab and a rescue.  She appears to be about 12 years old.  Bo is a Black Lab mix and a dog that picked me when he was a puppy, I don't think, I have ever had a dog love me so much.  Bo is 10 years old this month.  Bo is my quilting dog. He is always in my sewing room when quilt tops are being made.  It is such an honor to be loved by a dog.  Sounds silly, but they have given me so much through the years:  companionship, peace and a soft understanding heart to help when I was broken or bruised.

Dogs will be what their humans make them.  They adapt well to what you, their pack leader, want them to be.  Saying that, I do believe that there are no "bad dogs".  Just owners that have not taken the time to research the traits of the breed--so that the dog can fit the owner's lifestyle, or an owner that is not taking the time to train the dog properly or an owner that abuses, neglects or uses the dog for their personal benefit without concern for the dog's well being.  All these elements can create a non-social dog that the public labels "bad dogs".  I would encourage a second look at the history of ownership.

In honor of National Dog Day, here are the dogs who have loved me.

Skipper-my first dog, Cocker Spaniel
Beauty-Rough Collie
Tammy-the dog of my youth thru young married life (looked just like Lassie) a Rough Collie
Belle, Trixie, and Boone-wish they had been with me longer
Pebbles-German Shepard, and our son's first dog.  She was a hero, she helped the local police department catch a stalker back in 1974.  She was much loved by many people. The night before she passed away this big dog climbed into my lap--I believe to say good-bye.
Keesha-Keeshond, a rescue she taught me more about the training of dogs than any of the others.
Otis-Black & Tan Coonhound, house dog that was a great protector and ran our household for many years.  He was also a rescue.  From him I learned the devotion of a male dog.
Bodhi-Siberian Husky, a rescue with tons of personality
Bear-Yellow Lab, rescue dog.  He was devoted to my hubby.  They were together until the end.  It was very difficult for my hubby to give up Bear, but the time had come for that decision.  Hubby believes that they will meet again at the Rainbow Bridge, so do I.

They were all so special in their own way and I am smiling now with a few tears as I remember all of them.  Bo and Maggie are now teaching our Grandson, Parker, the special love of a dog.

Maggie and Parker

Bo and Parker
Yes, he's a gentle giant!

 Dogs Love Dogs, too.

Happy National Dog Day!! 
 Love a Dog!!  

I have used the inspiration of my dogs in quilts, other have too.  Check out Off the Wall Friday to see great quilting inspirations.  Happy Quilting!

Olympic Stitches

This little mini quilt Friends are Flowers has been stitched in many places.  Since I work small, I can take may work with me on road trips.  Its stitching adventure was continued from Missouri to New Jersey.  This was just a quilt top when I took my Blogging Break a couple of weeks ago and last night while watching the Olympics I completed the binding.  I found some Mary Englebreit themed fabric, made a red scrappy border and added large layer puffy flowers.  Using embroidery floss and a bit of whimsy, stitched the border and flowers with large stitches and the center is a meandering quilting stitch.

The little mini measures about 9 1/2 inches square.  It would a great mug rug for a friend.  I find that my quilting is becoming projects with no real purpose--just for the fun of stitching.  Before all my quilts had a purpose--they were projects that were being sent somewhere or given to someone.  Now they are just for me--oh they may end up in my Etsy Shop, (just added this one, today) but they were not created for that reason. My little mini quilts are becoming more special as arthritis takes over my fingers and hands.  I don't take quilting for granted like I use to.  I'm enjoying the freedom and stitching for the fun of it.  Happy Quilting!

Sunday---Precious Promises

I do not call you servants any longer, because a servant does not know what his master is doing.  Instead, I call you friends, because I have told you everything I have hear from my Father.  You did not choose me; I chose you and appointed you to go and bear much fruit, the kind of fruit that endures.  And so the Father will give you whatever you ask of him in my name.  This, then, is what I command you:  love one another.  

John 15:15-27, Good News Bible

Liberated Stars--Wow!!!!

I have been in love with the liberated quilting concept for years.  I have greatly enjoyed Gwen Marston's books on the subject.  It is so fun to just quilt and not worry about the "quilting police".  Rules are what you make them---just enjoy yourself.  So that is what I did with this little 10 1/2" square mini quilt.  If you have not made them--try a liberated star, they are so easy and the final product is always a surprise.  It is a great way to use up scraps too.  I call this little quilt Star Bright--This will not be my last liberated star quilt. Check out all the great quilts at Off the Wall Friday and have a great weekend.  Happy Quilting!

Sunday---Precious Promises

First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, requests, and thanksgivings be offered to God for all people; for kings and all others who are in authority, that we may live a quiet and peaceful life with all reverence toward God and with proper conduct.  This is good it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to know the truth.

1 Timothy 2: 1-4, Good News Bible

Welcome Home--Surprise

We arrived home this morning to a real Surprise Welcome.  I planted one Lily bulb a couple of years ago and this is what greeted me today.  The lily has never been this big or so many stems.  Our winter was mild this year and our Spring and Summer has recorded a record amount of rain.  

I guess the little lily bulb liked the season.  They are beautiful and have a wonderful smell.  It's good to be home.  Happy Quilting!