Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Book Into A Play, Old Barn, Customers Penny Rug, My Son

Goodness I just don’t know about blogger…I started a post and GONE!    Frustration!!!

Have you ever seen the cover of a book and just knew you had to have the book…happened to me.
I am on Wanda Brunstetters mailing list for her website and a few weeks ago she announced her new book “The Half Stitched Amish Quilting Club”.  So I bought the book on Amazon for my Kindle…It’s hard to put down…some of it’s fun/funny and some of it’s a life lesson – all around good reading.

ANYWAY….The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club is being made into a musical play.
It will open August 24, 2012 at the Blue Gate Theater in Shipshewana, Indiana, and will go through December 8, 2012.
You can
purchase advanced tickets by clicking here.

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You can check it all out on her site:   http://www.amishquiltingclub.com/28

A bit of a synopsis of the book:
”Amish widow Emma Yoder's first quilt class brings the most unlikely people together. there's Star, a young woman yearning for stability; Pan and Stuart Johnston, a struggling couple at odds in their marriage; Paul Ramirez, a young widower hoping to find solace in finishing a quilt; Jan Sweet, a rough and tough biker doing some creative community service; and Ruby Lee Williams, a preacher's wife looking for relaxation when parish problems mount. But as these beginning quilters learn to transform scraps of material into beauty; their fragmented lives begin to take new shape with the helping hands of each other and the healing hand of God.
Join the club of unlikely quilters who show up for Amish widow Emma Yoder's quilting classes. A troubled young woman, a struggling couple, a widower, a rough and tough biker, and a preacher's wife make up the mismatched lot. But as their problems begin to bind them together like the scraps of fabric stitched together in a quilt, they learn to open up and lend a helping hand. Is this what God had in mind to heal hurting hearts and create beauty from fragments? “

You can also sign up to win this prize package!
http://www.amishquiltingclub.com/_modules/form.php?id=25
And
here’s what you could win:

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  • Transportation for two to Shipshewana, IN (see contest rules and regulations)
  • Beautiful two-night accommodations at the Farmstead Inn
  • A gift basket in his or her hotel room upon arrival
  • A delicious family style meal for two at the famous Blue Gate Restaurant
  • Tickets to the premiere of Half-Stitched the Musical (based on book)
  • Lunch with New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter
  • A carriage ride for two into the Shipshewana countryside
  • The winner will arrive on August 24, 2012 and will leave on August 26
  • The winning name will be drawn on June 29, 2012

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So on to other things…it’s raining here – a great day to stay in and sew on my work.
Need to send some Candle Huggers out to Patti for a show she wants to take them to the middle of May.

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Our youngest son Brett had back surgery on Monday – I sure don’t know what is happening to my boys – their backs/necks are giving out on them.  What did I feed those kids!!!
He had the L 4 and 5 discs fused. The discs were completely blown out and the space between them was huge so the bone grafts/fusion was large.  I pray for him for a fast and complete recovery although I don’t believe he will be able to go back to the job he had.  He operates a large Caterpillar and the bouncing will undo everything the Dr. fixed.
We were up there all day of the surgery on Monday and then had to leave before he got back into his room…I had my 2nd shot in my lumbar in the SI joint so we had to come here to the hospital to the pain clinic.
But we went up last night and our middle son Dan came along and he took a picture of Brett with his phone…it’s kind of dark though.
Brett hospital
Poor Brett looks so frazzled.  Doug went and got him a malt before we left – one his favorite things.
He comes home today but I’m so surprised they didn’t put a waist brace on him…they stress strongly not to twist, reach or bend…can you imagine how difficult that is to get in and out of bed and even a chair???  My heart goes out to him.

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We have been going back and forth to Janesville to visit my aunt who is very ill and always pass this really old and dilapidated farm/house.  It dates back to the late 1800’s and has been a landmark we always love to see coming into Janesville.  It will be no more…they are ready to burn it all down.  For years I’ve been going to take pictures of this place, mainly for the corn crib…it’s unique and stands so proudly…a part of history will be no more.  Now some of you may look at this and say ‘good riddance’ – for me part of our home town will be gone.  We’ll miss seeing this every time we get to this bend in the highway…it has just ALWAYS BEEN THERE.
If you click on the picture you can see the old vines that once grew on the side of the corn crib…they are even dead.
Corn Crib 1

Corn Crib 2

Corn Crib 4

Corn Crib 3

Sad to see it go!!!!

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Needless to say I have lots of work ahead of me sewing Candle Huggers…I decided to do an assembly line and not just a few at a time.  In the end I think I counted 48 of these buggers.
I didn’t feel like working upstairs in the craft room so I set it up in the dining room – made it a bit more fun than being stuck up there all day long.  Kind of had to move the house around a bit to accommodate me – brought in a lamp….a different chair.  Oh…I did not take these pictures. (actually, I was getting the different chair when he snapped the pictures – think it should have been him carrying the chair, ya think!!!)
I think Doug has finally gotten the idea to take pictures now – he thought I needed Blog Fodder!  He trains well don’t you think!!!

sewing 2
sewing 3
sewing 1

Although I did take this picture…as usual Lola has to be where I am – so she curled up on the end of my workspace.
lola table 1

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I had a special order from a lady in Canada for a 33 inch Penny Rug with horses…she chose the colors after I sent her some horse designs she chose what she wanted…I am not one for horses in my house but I think it turned out quite nice.  Hope she loves it.

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The horse was just a sillouette but after laying it on I thought it looked a bit ‘flat’ so I added the black touches…I do think it gave it for life.
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I see my following is getting close to 1000 – do you think I should have a giveaway if and when I reach that number????
May take awhile but I’ll start thinking.

Thank you all so much for all your support for as long as I’ve had my blog you have been wonderful, fun and faithful blog friends.

Blessings to all.

Karen

35 comments:

  1. Hi Karen... first and formost Prayers for your sons quick recovery.. He does look a bit frazled but then he did have Back Sergury! Sounds like the bad back runs in the family! God willing he heals nicely and has few problems!
    You know I am like you I hate it when they brun down the old eye sores..They always catch my eye and I so love seeing them and wondering how beautiful the old run down place once was.. I so understand your thoughts..
    Sounds like you have a busy bee again.. Love the temperary work station..Always make creating nice when we make a little change for a while.. perfect space to work on for creating that many...Yes Doug has been trained well..giggle!
    I love the Horse penny mat it turned out really cute...

    You take care my dear friend!!

    Hugs
    Tonya

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  2. Hello Karen! Prayers going out to your son for a quick recovery!
    I LOVE that old rundown barn. What a Beautiful sight. Thanks for sharing.
    Your Penny Rug with the horses turned out Beautiful. I think your customer will be very happy. You do Beautiful work. Have a wonderful day!

    sandraallen260@centurytel.net

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  3. Karen you have so much going on right now I will certainly pray for you to know God's help and strength and your son's recovery.
    Wishing you all the best finishing all those huggers!
    Christine

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  4. Hi Karen,
    First off sending prayers to your son for a speedy recovery. Also A theatre in Indisna is doing the play for thst book, I think it opens in August I hope to get to see it in the fall when I go there for a visit.. I will hsve to get it for my nook. Your horse mat came out great!
    Xoxo

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  5. Hi Karen! hoping your son recovers quickly--back trouble is just the worst--it affects EVERYTHING in your body. I hope he is careful until everything stabilizes. I just love old barns, and that one looks like it has a lot of history behind it. I do a lot of my work assembly line style--it is the only way to really pound out a lot of product. I do all the prep work, then add all the houses, then trees, then fences etc. When you get to the individual detail, that's what takes the time!! Do you pay Doug well for his work? Al always says he will look for a better paying job and boss!! ;)----have a great day--Jan

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  6. Karen, Thanks so much for the info about the book. I am off in a few minutes to find it for my Kindle as well. I could not put the first Amish book you suggested down, and now Holly is reading it. I am into another one from your list.
    Sorry to hear about Britt. Hoping all goes well and he will take care during recovery. Men can be stubborn as you well know. Praying for a fast recovery and for his wife during the process. (LOL)
    Wow, your work table is full. You must be soo busy. Can't wait to see the finished products.
    Love the old farm. Oh, how someone could let it go to ruin. Sad that it will be reduced to ashes soon. I can see why one would love passing by it . Have a great hump day and a wonderful weekend.
    Angela

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  7. Hi Karen,
    I will keep Brett and your family in my prayers and hope the surgery does the trick! So young to be having those kinds of problems. I hope your procedures are helping you too. It seems like we all are spending good portions of our time in hospitals and clinics these days. I guess we should be thankful we have good medical care in this country despite the cost.
    Those old corn cribs are so wonderful and fast disappearing from the landscape. I'm glad you took the photos before the razing. They are a visible part of this areas history that future generations will only wonder about when they see photos!
    I think the horse mat turned out wonderful! I'll bet she'll be really happy with it!
    Take care Karen and blessings to Brett ( and milkshakes a plenty!)
    Hugs!
    Cathy G

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  8. I wish Brett well! It does not matter how old a son becomes...us mothers still worry about them....right? Love the old corn crib and the house looks like it was once beautiful, too. Glad you got some pictures of memorable things in your town. I grew up with horses and even though I do not have things like that in my house...I imagine there are many who would love your horse mat. It is nice and the silouette of the horse is really good.

    Take care and tell Doug we want to see more of his pictures!!!!!

    Susannah

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  9. Hope your son recovers quickly.It does seem hospitols don't do half what they should nowadays.I'd question about the brace...I got out of wholesale orders because I hated the repeated task and lost my creativity so I feel for you and the "assembly" line..smile...My hubby is always telling me I need to tack a pic but he is not brave with the camera yet.Warm Blessings!~Amy

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  10. I hope your son is getting better and better! I immediately went to download athe book; can't wait to start it. And I also entered the contest to win a trip to see the musical....wouldnt that be awesome?

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  11. Karen

    I hope your son recovers soon! How strange the hospital didn't give him a brace. It would keep him from doing the wrong movements, don't you think?

    I haven't checked W. Brunstetter's website for a while, so I was pleasantly surprised that she has a new book. It's probably not translated yet, but I can't wait! I'll order it on Amazon this week, in a paper version. I can't get used to reading lots of pages on my ipad.

    Goedele

    Goedele

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  12. Prayers for your son for a speedy recovery. It is so hard to keep guys down. They are always on the move. It must be hard for him to stay put.Love your horse candle mat, so creative. You are a busy lady. Hope you are able to relax a little yourself. Blessings ~Sara

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  13. Hello Karen~
    Back surgery as we know is not always a good thing. Prayers lifted for your sons speedy recovery.
    Your assembly line looks wonderful with your Lola keeping watch, and the special order with the horses is beautiful.
    The book review sounds great too!
    It's a shame that the old barn will be torn down. That's history sitting right there!
    Take care.
    hugz and blessings,
    Sheila

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  14. Oh....poor, poor, Brett!!! Ouch! Praying for his speedy and successful healing. (Man after my own heart with the milkshakes....) ;o) I LOVE that old homestead! That corncrib is amazing!! I've never seen a storied one like that before....What a shame it is being razed. I do understand that some things aren't "restore-able," but it doesn't make it any easier to see it go...Good luck with your assembly line - and tell hubby he should be carrying chairs!! Shame! Lovin' the Lola shot!! Smiles & Wednesday Hugs ~ Robin

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  15. I will pray for your son's quick healing.

    Love the penny rug...I'm not horsey either so great job thinking outside the box!

    Kendra

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  16. Love that penny rug and the old barn!
    I will be praying for a speedy recovery for Brett!

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  17. I'm with you, I love to see old barns and historical buildings. So sad to see any of them torn down ...oh progress ....

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  18. Hi Karen,
    Hope your young fellow will be feeling better soon...and you as well.
    Those old buildings are real beauties...what a shame they will be gone forever soon. The horse mat is a great, and what a nice work space you have for yourself.
    Take good care,
    Robyn

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  19. Hello Karen~~ I know your customer should be VERY pleased with the equestrian penny rug....I love it! I am not a "horse person", but we have alot of people in this area who are and they would give it the ole thumbs up!

    Poor baby on dear son having back surgery.... WE hurt when our children do,.... He will be on the mend soon!

    And, yes, I am struggling with Blogger also.... I loved the old bloggers and want it back!!

    Take care my friend, Faye

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  20. Hi Karen.. I feel so bad for you guys.. It is hard for your son but hard for you as parents, too..
    Praying for you all..
    I am glad to see how organized you are.. Very inspiring..
    Blessings dear friend...

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  21. Any surgery on the back can take so long to recover from. I hope your son takes it real easy so he can heal good. My dining room table looks like yours!! I need to get my honey trained to take pictures for me so I can keep on working!! Love the horses it came out soooo good!!

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  22. Karen ~
    Prayers for Brett that he heals quickly!
    Great post.
    Hugs :)
    Lauren

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  23. Oh Karen,

    Your poor son, oh my he does look a bit out of sorts I so hope they have him on some good drugs too. He really was in bad shape, but I am sure he in on the ment now!!!
    Love your production, I much rather craft where everyone is too...at that barn/corn crib, love it... Barns really are beign a dieing breed... Sending hugs that your shot is working too my friend! OLM

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  24. Hi Karen,
    Saying prayers for your son that he has a quick recovery.
    Wow...are you going to be a busy-bee working on those great candle huggers.
    What a shame that the old farm will be gone soon. Just think of all the stories it could tell from all the years past.
    hugs,
    Cindy

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  25. Hi Karen,
    Hope everything goes well for Brett. My son had back surgery last fall and I was amazed that he was out the same day and was told to start walking the next day.

    It's always so sad to see the old buildings go. Glad you got some pictures of it.,

    Your dining room table looks like mine. I love to work downstairs too instead of up in the craftroom all day ~ but I must say I do get my excercise from going up and down the steps all day!
    I'm not a horse person either but I do like the way it looks ~ I like the black accents.
    Have fun!
    Prim Blessings
    Robin

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  26. The 13th colony in Minoqua!! I go there so often and love it! My brother and SIL live in Tomahawk and whenever I go to visit them that is a must go to place! I was so shocked to see it. Do you live close?
    Love the pictures of the old farm. I love your candle huggers,wanted to buy some but maybe after you are opened again.
    Sending recovery prayers to your son.
    Be blessed!
    Cindi

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  27. Wanda's new book sounds like a good one! How fun that they are making it into a musical, wow! That would be something else, wouldn't it? I just love that picture, it cracks me up, hehe.

    Praying for Brett! It's gonna be tough on him to take it easy, even just like you said getting out of bed or a chair. Ouch, the pain! Poor guy, I hope he heals quickly and feels much better since the surgery. That large space between the discs had to hurt.

    Being a country girl, I love old barns so much. This barn is truly beautiful Karen! It's so tall and looks to be standing strong still. Very sad that it will be gone. Sorry to hear about your aunt, I will be praying for her also.

    Hehe, yep! Doug is well trained. He knew you'd need those pictures. Assembly line is the only way to go. I do that also. I take up the whole dining room table, chairs and even some of the floor, lol. I'm glad Lola is there to keep you company. It looks like you have lots of work ahead of you girl, happy crafting! =]

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  28. The book sounds good, maybe will see if our library has it. My son had back surgery a while back, not a fun experience. Love that barn, it's awesome. Wow, nearly a thousand followers!

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  29. Karen, First of all Sending prayers for your son quick recovery. Love the pictures of the old barn, we understand your feelings about it. The horse penny mat looks awesome, great job! And finally,thanks for visiting my blog and leave your sweet comment. I appreciate so much your visit. I hope the " decor bug" hit us soon. I am happy to be back again. Thanks again.Hugs, Eve

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  30. Hi Karen...so sorry about your son. Sending prayers and best wishes for a very speedy recovery!! WOW...you have some work space going on there!!! I wish I had all of that room, but then I am not busy with as many orders as you are either...better to be busy than bored though!! Love the pics of that old farmstead. How sad that it won't be there much longer. We see too much of that these days. :( I'll email you later today to set a date for lunch...talk soon, Tina

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  31. Prayers to your son for a speedy recovery!
    That barn is so cool! I just love that roof...sigh. Bummed they are tearing it down too, I hope they can recycle some of that gorgeous wood and tin!!
    Your penny rug is really nice! Your customer will be very pleased! I always am when I order from you! :)

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  32. It's so hard to see our children suffer. You seem like you are so busy. How do you find time to blog:) The barn is so beautiful. It's a shame they are going to take it down. Old buildings like that are soon going to disappear all together. I am glad you finally got a photo of it. -Steph-

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  33. Afternoon Friend
    I am reading that book on my kindle too. So good. Wow you have alot going on. What beautiful stitches. Love the old barn too.
    Praying for your son.
    Blessings
    Trace

    www.grannytracescrapsandsquares.com

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  34. Hi Karen~

    Hope your son is on the mend. I see you are really busy. I wish I could get my "booty" in gear & make some dolls.

    Have a wonderful weekend~Becky

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  35. My My Karen...I am so familiar with the pain...just haven't taken the steps Brett has. My prayers are for nothing less than a speedy and complete recovery for him.

    Wonderful to read how your business is Blooming. You have been quite busy...just don't over do it. Maybe it's time to show Doug how to stitch. :D

    Beautiful pictures of the farm; Thanks for sharing those.

    Blessings,
    Marlene

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So glad you came to visit - feel free to leave a comment.
I will try and answer as many as I can - maybe not immediately but I will get to you!

Karen