tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91739432939031058332024-03-09T18:46:26.340-08:00Pieces of MePenny Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141838153958707105noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173943293903105833.post-16846165643528802692018-08-06T15:57:00.000-07:002018-08-06T15:57:04.913-07:00Unapologetically ExtraWith my recent move, daughter Jami gifted me a Welcome to Des Moines photo shoot with photographer Whitney Warne (Ivory House Photography). Whitney calls these particular fifteen minute sessions Unapologetically Extra. I can honestly say, it was the most uplifting fifteen minutes I've experienced in a very long time. I arrived for the session feeling a bit nervous but left feeling strong and beautiful and empowered. It was just what I needed.<br />
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Change. Some days it feels as though my life has been nothing but change over these past few years...some of those completely out of my control. We're always given a choice on how we deal with those changes and I've done my best to stay true to who I am as I find my way on this journey. I've been thinking a lot about Whitney's word "Unapologetically" and how that is exactly how I want to live my life. Moving forward... with the purpose of putting as much positive energy out into this world that I can....spending my life making choices that make me feel good and happy about the woman I am....and spending time with people who I love and who love me in return.<br />
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Designing that life...and living it Unapologetically.</div>
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Penny Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141838153958707105noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173943293903105833.post-53161007501571992662017-08-28T18:27:00.001-07:002017-08-28T18:27:31.158-07:00Please Don't Judge Me on the Chapter You Walked In On...<br />
Someone recently told me "You're in a unique situation....you get to write this next chapter. You get to decide what's next for you. Choose wisely. Make it awesome."<br />
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Very powerful words that I haven't taken lightly. It's been extremely difficult over theses past few years to have any clear direction on what's next. Where exactly do I go from here. What makes my situation unique though is loss. For the first time in my adult life, I don't have to make a decision based on anyone's wants or needs but my own. The things that I was holding onto as a security blanket and my excuse for not making any major decisions were taken from me. More changes. It was as if the universe was saying "The time is now, Penny. It's time for you to focus on you and you can no longer hide behind taking care of others. It's time for you to write this next chapter."<br />
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The one thing I think I've realized most of all is that we are all authors in our daily lives. We might use the excuse "I can't do that because..." or "I have to do this because...". Excuses. We excuse ourselves from doing the very things we want to do most because why? Fear? Fear of what ...failing? That it might be hard? That it might take us out of our comfort zone?" Do you feel stuck...because even stuck is a choice. Stuck is easy...there is comfort there ...you don't have to get uncomfortable if you remain...you just get to complain...which does nothing but make you miserable.<br />
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Every thought we think is a choice, tell yourself you can't about anything and you won't......every word we speak is a choice....the way we treat others....how we react and respond to the situations life throws at us....telling yourself this is just who I am and that is all you will ever be. ...we are the ones with the pen in our hand to write our story. Want something different....close this chapter. Give it a positive ending....giving it closure but also an ending that makes you anticipate what comes next....eager to turn the next page...and begin again.<br />
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That's where I'm at in my life's now...trying to figure out what's next. Many of you have played an active role in my story whether in person or following my online presence and I thank you for being here and for your encouragement and support. My goal now is for you to say "Look at the heroine of this story ....she has survived the trials that life has thrown at her....she's rising above....she's shared her heart and shed some light....we've laughed and cried with her." And as you read the end to this last chapter....my goal is for you to turn the next page and exclaim with delight ..."I never saw this coming!"<br />
<br />Penny Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141838153958707105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173943293903105833.post-15815634775438981832017-07-20T05:23:00.000-07:002017-07-20T05:23:59.662-07:00Hello!When Susan Emory, aka: Swirly Girls Design, reached out and asked who might be interested in creating a quilt from her new fabric line "Hello!", I just could not resist!<br />
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I love that Susan continually uses bright fun colors in her fabric designs! I decided I wanted to create a scrappy design so I pulled out my "go to" block when I'm looking for scrappy! This block is perfect for using up those 2 1/2" strips. The background (I used a turquoise blue) squares are 4.5". <br />
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Look how fun this scrappy block turns out with this fabric! Makes me Happy!<br />
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Even better is finishing up this quilt and getting to see it in Susan's booth at Quilt Market in St Louis!<br />
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Anyway you look at it....it's just a fun quilt with a great new fabric line!Penny Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141838153958707105noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173943293903105833.post-55699594084241812292017-01-23T06:35:00.001-08:002017-01-23T06:35:45.302-08:00One small thing...because...LOVE.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjIyH2AsG4uBuucYGNcZIg_q04-ZpLzvD_a5we5FOjm3w0t3sb_KbcHSQ14jPBOb0ZkYfxPaZ8WyBA_Nju0dveoyoXLqNsrTt-_mne6UNWhFgeG1pQLw-rxt9XV5i1b3kZoDlxhknJgIc/s1600/11215088_10155583227830711_5590788211164026896_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjIyH2AsG4uBuucYGNcZIg_q04-ZpLzvD_a5we5FOjm3w0t3sb_KbcHSQ14jPBOb0ZkYfxPaZ8WyBA_Nju0dveoyoXLqNsrTt-_mne6UNWhFgeG1pQLw-rxt9XV5i1b3kZoDlxhknJgIc/s320/11215088_10155583227830711_5590788211164026896_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There are those friends in life that you meet along the way that you have that instant connection with...you just feel the love from the get go....and that would describe my friendship with Jessica Darling. If you've met her then you know...she's beautifully intense. That girl is on fire for quilting...and a bit of a maniac...which admittedly is what I love most about her. We've shared joys and sorrows...laughter and tears...but most of all....our hearts. Her love has been steadfast and her experience with her own well of grief has allowed her to guide me through my own maze after my significant loss. </div>
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She and I are all about finding hearts in nature...rocks, leaves...flowers...but I have to admit nothing makes me laugh so much as to open a message from her on my phone and find she's sent me a random toilet paper heart with a note that says "In the bathroom...thinking of you!" I truly believe those hearts are messages from beyond...and they have become even more prevalent in my life over the past year and a half. A reminder to me that above all else.... to LOVE. </div>
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As painful a process as grief is....there is also beauty in the journey if you open your heart enough to allow yourself to see and feel it. There are lessons to be learned along the way but you must be willing to feel the experience at the deepest level and that can be incredibly scary. You have to learn to love yourself as yourself and not somebody's wife, or somebody's child...or somebody's mother. I made it through that first year relying heavily on family and friends, like Jessica, who seemed to sense when I needed them the most and reached out to remind me "we've got you." And because somebody cared enough to take a chance...my heart is learning that it is safe for me to love again...and I will always be grateful for that.</div>
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Recently Jessica asked me if I would consider joining forces with her on a special project...releasing a pattern...with than effort to promote love by doing one small thing. Her pattern, a heart block...is named Penny...after me. <cue the tears> The plan is simple...make a block. Make a bunch of blocks. Use those blocks in a quilt, Swap those blocks even...but whatever you do...let them go out into the world ...to promote LOVE. Click on the hashtag below to watch her video explanation</div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/shadowsonthesun/videos/10156400303331959/" target="_blank">#takeapennyleaveapenny</a></div>
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Here's the pattern and info you need to get started!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOVg8XIePcTLBF-boJV8ewq95Fqped72gIEEPAKX0EtSdE69z-cWQlqJkfD_x6dgfEZVDukU-cxl4edNt07Eg8V35snLEDnKJHAOI8GELsHQOFqQ57BYSDnW3KE-ZBVGs9L2INUG9Ik4/s1600/16174830_10156400471386959_5273598739623257032_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOVg8XIePcTLBF-boJV8ewq95Fqped72gIEEPAKX0EtSdE69z-cWQlqJkfD_x6dgfEZVDukU-cxl4edNt07Eg8V35snLEDnKJHAOI8GELsHQOFqQ57BYSDnW3KE-ZBVGs9L2INUG9Ik4/s320/16174830_10156400471386959_5273598739623257032_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">3 1/2" squares and I cut my HST's 3 7/8".</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">10 12x22" cuts (we call em Fresh Cuts at Villa Rosa) will do the hearts and about 3 1/4 yards will do the background, OR 10 1/3 yard cuts will make a 72x90ish quilt, if I did my math right? A 4x5 grid for 20 blocks total.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I've already started on my heart blocks...thank you to the awesome and amazing Amanda Herring (The Quilted Fish) who is a fabric designer for Riley Blake for sending me some beautiful red and pink fabrics. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEEBzs6QZMZcnnMEq5-vSHaMOv2OtO_E9-T3x0YViGrWQdP6bRK2EIc1_mNW3UOqlc3cnwWsJjWJf7o7KwLXgHLjWKaHGMNurv19Ny-OE0QW-I7P8KIccwYrS17dj6b-awYsLhNgmsKuo/s1600/image1+%252835%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEEBzs6QZMZcnnMEq5-vSHaMOv2OtO_E9-T3x0YViGrWQdP6bRK2EIc1_mNW3UOqlc3cnwWsJjWJf7o7KwLXgHLjWKaHGMNurv19Ny-OE0QW-I7P8KIccwYrS17dj6b-awYsLhNgmsKuo/s320/image1+%252835%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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So who's ready to make some heart blocks and share some LOVE?</div>
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Penny Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141838153958707105noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173943293903105833.post-50902221362393548902016-10-08T06:06:00.002-07:002016-10-08T06:29:33.703-07:00The Emergence....<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wow...it's been a couple of months again since I have taken the time to write anything...perhaps this is why I can't sleep...so many words and the feelings attached to them, swirling in this head of mine. I have shared so many pivotal points in this journey with all of you and felt so much love and support in return...and for that...I can't thank you enough. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In my attempt to put into words what these last fourteen months have felt like I have described it like this to many...on August 21st last year the world I knew came to a complete stop. I felt like I was trapped inside a bubble where time had stopped....and yet that bubble was trapped inside a bigger bubble that seemed to be spinning so fast and out of control. Looking back now, I realize that inner bubble was my layer of protection...it held me without fail while the outer bubble took on the rest of the hits from hard stuff that would continue to come. It's funny...when I think of one years time...I envision it in an oval shape...kind of like a running track. (am i the only one who does that?) Well...I made it...all the way around...bumping and bruising along the way...but I made it. I know there were times when I fell down, but there was always someone there to reach out and bring me to my feet, and maybe even a few times that I just helped myself get back up...and even though there are parts that feel like a blur I can look back and see that even in my darkest moments...I kept moving. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For the first time in my adult life...even though I had a great tribe of family and friends...I was alone. And even though sometimes that was painfully hard, l can see now that it too, was a gift. It's made me stronger. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I still accomplished things....and even though there were times when I got scolded for not reaching out for support (yep, talking about you Brandi Jo)...those were the things that I just knew I needed to feel and to experience on my own... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> It's an amazing gift to give yourself permission to feel what you feel....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Over the past couple of months I have literally felt this change happening...and I've dubbed it "The Emergence". </span><br />
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<span data-dobid="hdw">e·mer·gence</span></div>
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the process of coming into view or becoming exposed after being concealed.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">I can physically feel myself leaving the protection of my bubbles Easier said than done, it's scary as hell and yet exhilarating at the same time...they have held me and protected me and of course, I've decorated inside with modern eclectic decor...so leaving....leaving what I know is hard...and yet I know it's time. I liken it to a butterfly leaving it's cocoon.Now, I'm not saying I'm a butterfly by any means...I mean I did one of those Facebook questionnaires asking "Who is Your Spirit Animal" and I think I got something like a raccoon or a unicorn, I can't remember...but we all know how spot on those are, right? </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If I were a butterfly.....</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I was struggling this morning to try and figure out just how to put into words what I'm feeling about what's next for me, I saw this quote that I posted exactly four years ago today....and it says it all. </span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"The only real failure is the failure to try. It's true that the person who risks nothing does nothing and has nothing. And the measure of success is how we cope with disappointment.....as we always must! Can we be blamed for feeling we are too scared of disappointment to start it all again? We came here and we tried, all of us in our different ways. All we know about the future is that it will be different. Perhaps what we fear is that it will be the same, so we must celebrate the changes. Are we going to be alright?...No, it's going to be extraordinary!!!"</span><br style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">-----The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel-----</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Much love to all of you....thanks for loving me.</span></div>
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Penny Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141838153958707105noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173943293903105833.post-968003373331749102016-08-01T09:33:00.000-07:002016-08-01T09:36:06.568-07:00An incredible gift....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just last week at 2:45am, I received the call from the nursing home that I'd known was coming. I had left there at 8 p.m. the night before and I knew...I knew it was coming. My father in law had passed. The nurse on duty was kind and soft spoken...she explained that my mother in law was able to be at his side as he took his last breath. Still on the phone with her, attempting to gather myself and my things to head over to the nursing home, the conversation switched to the hard questions.<br />
"Is it okay with you if we call for the funeral home to come and retrieve the body?" When I responded with a quiet yes, she said "Well, some families do choose to come and view the body first"....and the words "please don't make me do this again" that were in my head, apparently had escaped my lips. I realized then I'd said them out loud. I quickly explained that it had only been eleven months since going through this with my own husband and quite frankly, I'm still not over that shock and trauma. She told me I could wait to come as she thought my mother in law was okay for now...but then something clicked in my brain. My mother in law....had just said good bye to her husband of almost 69 years. This was no longer about me.<br />
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I drove to the nursing home and sat with my mother in law until the funeral director arrived. When he got there, he sat with us for over an hour, just talking about Loyal...who he was...what he did for a living...asking my mother in law how they met and other questions about their life together. At the end of that conversation, he explained what was to happen next...he would bringing in his own wheeled cot and would transfer Loyal to that before taking him away. He held my mother in law's hand and promised her he would take good care of her husband. As they wheeled in the cot, I noticed there was a black bag on top and all I could think of was keeping my mother in law distracted so that she could not see that. As we sat there talking quietly while they worked, I glanced up and what I saw then... literally took my breath away. No longer a cot with a black bag, but instead, my father in law...a WWII veteran...would be leaving draped in a flag. This is where I became a sobbing mess...overcome with tears at such a beautiful and respectful moment. What an incredible gift I received that morning...that this...this will be my last memory of him.<br />
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Had I chosen to be selfish and waited to go....I would've had no idea that this...this is protocol. I would've missed it. I made them stop before going out the door so that I could snap this photo to share with my family. <br />
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Later that day, sharing this photo with son Aaron, he commented how even not actually seeing it person...but imagining how that must've looked.....down that silent corridor....out the front door in the still of the quiet morning...to the waiting car. What a beautiful sight that must've been as well. <br />
<br />Penny Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141838153958707105noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173943293903105833.post-74515565155150233632016-06-30T05:23:00.003-07:002016-06-30T05:23:57.053-07:00June 30, 1989....27 Years Ago<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Another first today...... </div>
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Twenty seven years...seems like a long time when you say it outloud...until you get there and you realize that in reality it went by in the blink of an eye. Twenty seven years of joys and sorrows...highs and lows....for better and for worse. Guess there's a reason that line is in the vows.... </div>
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We were never ones to make a big deal over anniversaries...maybe dinner...maybe a card. </div>
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(confession: I had a run of a couple of years where I recycled the same card and he never noticed. In my defense...it was a great card)</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I wish I could say I feel like I was in less of a time warp than I was 10 months ago....but I can't.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">In exactly 50 days, it will have been one year since he left and it still feels like it just happened. </span></div>
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In June, I spent three weeks in Ireland...walking the now familiar places...hiking up mountains as well the along the sea...and the one thing that I kept noticing were the flowers that were blooming in the most unusual of places. In the middle of jagged and sharp rocks and cliffs that loomed over the sea were flowers blooming. Dangling off what appeared to be the edge of the earth...they still bloomed.</div>
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In the middle of a pile of rocks...this foxglove reached for the sun and sky...despite it's surroundings.<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">All along the stone fences....the flowers worked their way through the hard surfaces and still managed to bloom.</span></div>
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It's the message I carried home with me....even in the midst of circumstances that seem so incredibly hard and impenetrable around us...despite the surroundings that appear jagged and sharp...we can bloom. We must....</div>
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Not needing any pity today...not looking for sympathy....just sharing my message. </div>
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Go Bloom.... </div>
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Penny Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141838153958707105noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173943293903105833.post-77151133271046317742016-04-19T06:31:00.000-07:002016-04-19T06:31:02.252-07:00#heartsforpenny#heartsforpenny.... a hashtag that I saw for the first time just minutes after hanging up from a phone call with the state medical examiner, the day after Don had died. "Your husband died from a dissected aortic aneurysm" he had said, "It was his heart." I hung up the phone and heard it ping. I looked down and saw that I had been tagged in a post on Instagram...with the hashtag #heartsforpenny. A closer look revealed that my quilt community...having no idea of the phone conversation I had just had with the medical examiner....were on a mission to collect heart blocks to create a quilt for me...to comfort me in my loss. My heart had just been shattered...and here they were planning to send me their own hearts of love.<br />
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Tonight I got to open two boxes....each with a quilt inside... I don't even know how to put into words how magnificent they each are. I haven't actually counted how many blocks there are in total...I'm still searching each quilt over and over again and I feel like I see something new every time. Each block is so unique...but each contains a heart. My heart overflows tonight with love from my quilt friends. My eyes overflow with tears....I am so thankful for every single one of you who made a block for me. <br />
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I'll share a few pics here of getting to see the quilts....at some point I will photograph each block....but for now...I'm going to wrap myself up in some amazing love. <br />
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The Quilts</div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">This week will be eight months. Sometimes I really hate that I apply a number to it...and yet I can't seem to not do that. Every day brings its challenges...but I'm doing my best to keep going. </span></div>
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A special thank you to Teri Lucas, Michelle Banton, Jamie Mueller & Mandy Leins for taking time to piece, quilt & bind.</div>
<br />Penny Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141838153958707105noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173943293903105833.post-61723349401746224582016-04-16T06:13:00.000-07:002016-04-16T06:13:01.526-07:00The gift of life....On a previous blog post, I know that I had shared that my husband had chosen to be a donor. It was something that we had openly discussed on occasion, so I knew his wishes as well as it being marked on his driver's license. Even so, within moments of receiving the worst news imaginable, it's something that surviving family members still have to be asked...and it doesn't stop there. Saying yes, means that at that moment that all you want to do is curl up in the fetal position in the corner...you have to stay strong and answer a multitude of questions regarding your loved one. Your mind...is still not your own in those moments...your heart is breaking with every answer...and yet you know you have to do this.<div>
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I can't say enough wonderful things about the <a href="http://www.iowadonornetwork.org/" target="_blank">Iowa Donor Network</a> and their system for handling this process. Their communication with me did not stop that day. I've received several phone calls...just checking in to see how I'm doing or if I have any questions. There is also regular communication by mail...offering grief resources for any of the family members. In September we received a letter stating that two people with serious eye issues had been given the gift of sight after receiving cornea transplants from Don's donation gift. </div>
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On Thursday I received another letter from the Iowa Donor Network. As I opened it, I saw a brochure and at first thought it was likely marketing materials. Upon reading the enclosed letter, I realized that we had just received our first communication from a donor recipient. That letter...tucked inside its own sealed envelope...with instructions to open it at a time that's best for you. I was instantly in tears. Not the quiet ones...full on raging sobs hit me within seconds. </div>
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Our letter, was from a 71 year old gentleman, who had suffered a very bad broken leg and ankle that had been complicated by infection. "Because of your family's donation, I have a chance to save my foot and leg and to walk again", he wrote.</div>
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I'm not sure how to describe what it's like to have a heart that feels so broken and yet rejoices at the same time. This is exactly the type of patient that Don spent his entire life dedicated to treating as a Physical Therapist. There is a great joy in knowing that his work in helping others is continuing because of his donation.</div>
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If you'd like more information on becoming an organ donor, I encourage you to <a href="http://www.organdonor.gov/index.html" target="_blank">click here</a> to be redirected to one of the national Organ Donor sites. </div>
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To honor Don's dedication to working with others as a Physical Therapist, our family has also started a scholarship in his name at North Iowa Area Community College, specific to the Physical Therapy Assistant Program. We are so very thankful for recent donations from Iowa Specialty Hospitals in Clarion and Belmond, Iowa where Don was employed. Anyone wishing to donate is encouraged to contact Andrea Mujica at mujica@niacc.edu.</div>
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Penny Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141838153958707105noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173943293903105833.post-10313566263446141542016-04-02T08:02:00.000-07:002016-04-02T08:04:04.719-07:00Terrific T-Shirt Quilts So thrilled to have received copies of this new publication for Martingale called Terrific T-Shirt Quilts. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was pretty excited to spot the book at the Bear Patch Quilting in White Bear Lake, Mn.</td></tr>
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Even more thrilled that my design "Got Spirit" appears beginning on page 21! I used t-shirts from Iowa State University and created a design that formed the letter "I". That design gave me some great negative space on both sides to do some fun quilting. I traced out the letters "I S U" and added a bit of wool batting underneath before quilting to allow them to stand out amidst the quilting.</div>
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I also added some design inspiration using other letters that might represent your school too! There's great information for you in prepping those t-shirts if you'd like to make a quilt of your own!</div>
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Here's a sneak peek at a few other t-shirt quilts you'll find in the book.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checkmate by Jackie White</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winning Combination by Jamie Mueller</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cBWvBhtRGgkgANuDEwS6h74UJHMVikydW1OO8Td-KPxbPeEd8abRKMeEE4qXJU3PPmBXj5apckoHLZOPMl4ezGa1JJvjQmB7z-pkyZWskHAVafdg93aWntNnQe__C-KtQF50-5KediU/s1600/image3+%25288%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cBWvBhtRGgkgANuDEwS6h74UJHMVikydW1OO8Td-KPxbPeEd8abRKMeEE4qXJU3PPmBXj5apckoHLZOPMl4ezGa1JJvjQmB7z-pkyZWskHAVafdg93aWntNnQe__C-KtQF50-5KediU/s320/image3+%25288%2529.JPG" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Road Trip by Melissa Kelly</td></tr>
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Once again, I'm giving away a copy of this book and I'll be choosing a winner from comments left here on the blog. </div>
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Penny Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141838153958707105noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173943293903105833.post-51454467256188179572016-03-10T20:09:00.000-08:002016-03-11T05:23:33.345-08:00Honoring a WWII Veteran<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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At Christmastime, my favorite second grade class in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, created the quilt blocks shown here for me to use in a quilt that would honor someone in the military. <br />
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We started this project of making our "Thank You for Your Service" quilts a couple of years ago and so far we've gifted our quilts to deployed soldiers.The first year to a soldier who was deployed in Afghanistan and last year to a married couple deployed in Iraq.<br />
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This year we decided that our recipient would be a local White Bear Lake resident and WWII veteran, Bob Clemens. With a little help from Bob's wife, Mary Nell, Bob thought he was just coming to the school to speak to the second graders about his time in the military as a pilot. He had no idea we were about to surprise him with our special quilt.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bob Clemens</td></tr>
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The students could not have been more excited about Bob's visit! Sitting on the floor of the commons were several of the second grade classes all ready to hear Bob tell them about his experiences flying planes during the war. We also learned that Bob was an only child, and because of that, he had the option of not going to war. (I'd never heard that before) Instead he chose to serve his country and enlisted in the Air Force in 1942. He became a pilot and flew 50 missions in 1944 in about a three month time period.<br />
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The kids got to ask questions when he was done speaking...I think my favorite question was "Was it scary flying airplanes since they had just been invented?" <br />
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And then of course...the best part....we got to surprise Bob and tell him about our very special quilt project and present it to him. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Receiving his quilt</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such an honor to be able to say "Thank you for your service".</td></tr>
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We also knew that on Friday, March 11th, Bob will be celebrating his 92nd birthday. Not only did we all sing him Happy Birthday, he was also presented with 92 Birthday cards made by elementary students as well as a book of letters of thanks, written by John's second graders.<br />
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It was truly a beautiful and emotional event that I feel honored to have a part in ...<br />
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Thank you for your service, Bob....from the bottom of our hearts.Penny Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141838153958707105noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173943293903105833.post-24187761142260789672016-03-06T05:49:00.000-08:002016-03-06T05:49:16.603-08:00Finding my inner artist...with Melissa Marie CollinsToday I had the absolute pleasure of spending the day at Delve MIY in Cedar Rapids with my quilting friend and artist, Melissa Marie Collins.<br />
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Melissa and I had a connection long before we ever actually met in person. It was her fabric "The Healing Tree" that I had used in one of my quilts that was so meaningful to me. We met at Quilt Market shortly after and I sought her out so that I could share my healing story with her...and she shared her story of creating the healing tree.... An opportunity for me to thank her for her creation...and validation for her that what she created and sent out into the world served the exact person she had hope it would. It was truly a beautiful and emotional exchange that neither of us has ever forgotten.<br />
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Melissa invited me to come down and spend a day with her in the studio at Delve MIY to learn some of the painting techniques that she uses to create her designs. </div>
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Delve MIY, owned by Stephanie Brandenburg, is in the restored Cherry building in the New Bohemia District in downtown Cedar Rapids in an area of the city that was hit hard by the floods in June 2008. The building houses several artistic businesses including photography, ceramics and a yarn and floral shop. The hallways are filled with art from local artists.</div>
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One step inside Delve MIY and it's a true explosion of art and color. The fabrics are gorgeous and inspirational and mingled with an eclectic blend of antiques. It's absolute eye candy in every direction you look. </div>
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To learn more about Delve MIY , Frond Studios and their designs <a href="http://cbs2iowa.com/news/local/delve-turns-art-into-fabric" target="_blank">click here</a>. You'll find a link to their website there as well.</div>
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Today...I did some drawing...some coloring...and some painting...tapping into my inner artist. It truly felt like I was on a scavenger hunt, finding clues and messages along the way in support of my journey to find Joy again.</div>
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Just to make sure we didn't take ourselves too serious...</div>
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we ended our art session with a bit of a Mardi Gras themed bubble fest....and lots of laughs.</div>
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Before leaving Cedar Rapids we took a quick walk through the <a href="http://newbocitymarket.com/" target="_blank">NewBo City Market</a> which houses multiple vendors offering homegrown items and a multitude of ethnic foods fixed fresh right before your eyes.</div>
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and then a quick walk through <a href="http://brewhemia.com/" target="_blank">Brewhemia</a> a local cafe and bar who's walls were boasting art from none other than Delve MIY. It was there that Melissa ran into a lifelong family friend, sitting in his favorite spot at the bar reading a book. Melissa casually asked about the book and picked it up and opened it to this page....another message for us today.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6SWwRt1d1iss4X-ktdHlPgtaQhF87Ty4y3hlEku4LHQrDtas1-6b6bWYDbGWocscv6fddW6MVyDQUQlbpE_KmD_ldN1gInqP1v1IFfbrfhmajEohghoGqw2e6k3oxYkuwmudpi9EOFkQ/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6SWwRt1d1iss4X-ktdHlPgtaQhF87Ty4y3hlEku4LHQrDtas1-6b6bWYDbGWocscv6fddW6MVyDQUQlbpE_KmD_ldN1gInqP1v1IFfbrfhmajEohghoGqw2e6k3oxYkuwmudpi9EOFkQ/s320/FullSizeRender+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We grabbed some dinner before I left Cedar Rapids and I swear to you we ate the best sweet potato fries in the world. In the world, people!! These can be found at <a href="http://www.batasrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Bata's Restaurant</a>. If you love sweet potato fries...you must go...and please take me with you.</div>
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As we were seated in the restaurant, and talking about how meaningful the day was for both of us...I looked up and this was my view from the table.....a beautiful message to carry home with me...</div>
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and one I wish for all of you as well.</div>
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Penny Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141838153958707105noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173943293903105833.post-80418731491582429512016-02-10T05:57:00.000-08:002016-02-10T05:57:50.787-08:00Book Release -Block Buster Quilts - I Love Log Cabins!What a thrill to finally be able to blog about the release of this book! A compilation of Log Cabin Quilts from a variety of designers. <br />
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My contribution to "I Love Log Cabins" is a Chevron design. I used Kona Cotton solids in Navy & White and added an accent of Lime. The quilt is crisp and clean and fun!<br />
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Here's a sneak peek of a few more of my favorites that you'll get in this book.....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqygHj0_1mU9YBF3RG1Kucrebd5NCSha85z5qpMiJxbhkei2gEOcz8PhZVox9RsnJuUgCs_bbXPw6qFM7E3fmY8MwxuDIiyfmcEcoST6qe45uZpI5vc-9njwjHhfdTD71eZeWOai0aBE/s1600/Red-Licorice-Garden-by-Jill-Finley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqygHj0_1mU9YBF3RG1Kucrebd5NCSha85z5qpMiJxbhkei2gEOcz8PhZVox9RsnJuUgCs_bbXPw6qFM7E3fmY8MwxuDIiyfmcEcoST6qe45uZpI5vc-9njwjHhfdTD71eZeWOai0aBE/s320/Red-Licorice-Garden-by-Jill-Finley.jpg" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Licorice Garden by Jill Finley</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq54oi9EU2LeOJyTFfvOsS6foCZ5DItzWnGZBhdxohxLs_OWMeerwo4ky9U8OCYmc4j5uWHbF2XpT0dVBEbRBuwgKD3HnOsssoSf4jyy6unS5KNsWv9PK2g0xRguLx0DYwAiJid9Sb1E4/s1600/Blocked-In-by-Melissa-Corry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq54oi9EU2LeOJyTFfvOsS6foCZ5DItzWnGZBhdxohxLs_OWMeerwo4ky9U8OCYmc4j5uWHbF2XpT0dVBEbRBuwgKD3HnOsssoSf4jyy6unS5KNsWv9PK2g0xRguLx0DYwAiJid9Sb1E4/s320/Blocked-In-by-Melissa-Corry.jpg" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blocked In by Melissa Corry</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJlERhEczcUqHZ1fL8aucEYcwlzCTXgFqSjV_CfuorOxr2Suss_Bd6TX_-BgKGzQZilzY7O65jmmHEnNonuDs-of-lj67MSi7SqdgJZyxsSD5ZN6Rn-0-EYUPp3B2DLjteTQsTmhFdyI/s1600/Rockin-the-Rainbow-by-Jackie-White.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJlERhEczcUqHZ1fL8aucEYcwlzCTXgFqSjV_CfuorOxr2Suss_Bd6TX_-BgKGzQZilzY7O65jmmHEnNonuDs-of-lj67MSi7SqdgJZyxsSD5ZN6Rn-0-EYUPp3B2DLjteTQsTmhFdyI/s320/Rockin-the-Rainbow-by-Jackie-White.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rockin' the Rainbow by Jackie White</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcY5TUlxyJYYTjBHgGp-fS2MvFXuuUfFndq3DI13FKSyMgyzWaBkywf9dZ42AZLkoA11OsZe2sm-xFevFH7PqzCsyxmuGmGbzDDFdEeu-NoxTcj2MTWUwMF57ng1PtWB84lf9DkOzq3g/s1600/Scrappy-Courthouse-Steps-by-Lissa-Alexander.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcY5TUlxyJYYTjBHgGp-fS2MvFXuuUfFndq3DI13FKSyMgyzWaBkywf9dZ42AZLkoA11OsZe2sm-xFevFH7PqzCsyxmuGmGbzDDFdEeu-NoxTcj2MTWUwMF57ng1PtWB84lf9DkOzq3g/s320/Scrappy-Courthouse-Steps-by-Lissa-Alexander.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scrappy Courthouse Steps by Lissa Alexander</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaXHLI_5ELTgFHYFIjssGMVvnt3Z5p7yA3D_T7fNaDoeM5LQnqgjGfPm2o66DG3C9u1UW7EktlYUNi0JhFnnsib33FmiYIToYTlpzocdPUbkr2BkeDpgSqXPMQYv4rlzfkcPF89p365LU/s1600/Very-Berry-by-Brigitte-Heitland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaXHLI_5ELTgFHYFIjssGMVvnt3Z5p7yA3D_T7fNaDoeM5LQnqgjGfPm2o66DG3C9u1UW7EktlYUNi0JhFnnsib33FmiYIToYTlpzocdPUbkr2BkeDpgSqXPMQYv4rlzfkcPF89p365LU/s320/Very-Berry-by-Brigitte-Heitland.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very Berry by Brigitte Heitland</td></tr>
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Want to win a copy for your very own? Leave a comment here on my blog for your chance to win! For another chance at winning your own copy head on over to the <a href="http://blog.shopmartingale.com/quilting-sewing/block-buster-quilts-i-love-log-cabins/" target="_blank">Martingale</a> blog today.<br />
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Penny Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141838153958707105noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173943293903105833.post-58392292725632627692016-01-06T19:34:00.001-08:002016-01-06T19:36:58.846-08:00A Promise Fulfilled...Through the Holidays.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been trying to write this blog for well over a week now and every time I sit at the computer the words...well...they just don't come. Maybe because I think I should have something profound to write...and I just don't. Somehow...the holidays came...and went...and we got through it....together.</div>
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December 26th....Boxing Day....St Stephen's Day. The day we fulfilled the promise to take Don back to the top of the mountain. There was laughter....and tears....it was emotionally challenging and due to the heavy rains from prior days...it was physically challenging as well.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Foley family ready to climb the mountain with me.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flooding made for a few challenges...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arm in arm...we made our way up the mountain.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along the lake.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were hearts all along the path.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I held him close...against my heart...with every step.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We decided the very spot where he stood to take this photo would be the perfect place to leave him.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As I walked away...I turned around to take one last look....and this is what I saw. <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">On New Year's Day we held our family Christmas. We created a "Memory Tree" with ornaments that reminded us of Don. Everyone shared their story...or memory.</span><br />
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One of the things that Don and I had done in previous years was to send money to the kids and have them find a way to bless others and share what they had done at our Christmas gathering. This year, I included the grandkids and sent them money as well to use to bless someone less fortunate. It was great to hear how many different ways they had found to make a difference in the lives of others. From thanking those who had to work on Christmas by delivering cookies, to donating to the memorial scholarship....donating to a GoFundMe account....etc. Click on the "Christmas donation" link below to hear Finn telling me about what he and his Mom did with the money.<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sk0ZyDu1qqo" target="_blank">Christmas Donation</a> <br />
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To those of you who sent messages of love and support over the holidays...I thank you. <br />
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<img src="webkit-fake-url://79d59c20-e03c-4103-920a-01371694851b/imagejpeg" />Penny Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141838153958707105noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173943293903105833.post-23170782331194422015-11-04T12:56:00.000-08:002015-11-04T12:56:23.810-08:00To honor him...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWY50oBUEGQfsy68mf6WpFKLGGtls_Xx5j8h7hO96lDcdbrm1Jr7eLCYcr4b5N2Le0aKDvSYhP1udzLpT6natzYUCHt-HlJp3W2AvqDnd_5CAKnRjSqKhw9a5jlq78j3kDbIFR5cMRk8A/s1600/IMG_1160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWY50oBUEGQfsy68mf6WpFKLGGtls_Xx5j8h7hO96lDcdbrm1Jr7eLCYcr4b5N2Le0aKDvSYhP1udzLpT6natzYUCHt-HlJp3W2AvqDnd_5CAKnRjSqKhw9a5jlq78j3kDbIFR5cMRk8A/s320/IMG_1160.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There was a moment in those first days when we were asked as a family if we wanted to do some sort of memorial in Don's name. That question came in the midst of one hundred other questions that needed to be answered...at a time when you can barely think beyond getting through the next few minutes. We knew we wanted to do something that would honor the man he was...and the life he lived.. but just weren't sure what we wanted to do and so the obituary mentioned a non specific memorial fund.</div>
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On the evening of the visitation, Susan Callanan, the director of the PTA (<i>physical therapy assistant</i>) program at North Iowa Area Community College, approached me to pay her condolences. She shared with me how much she and her students appreciated Don's participation in their program. He not only mentored students, but he had also filled in as instructor for her in the past. It would take a couple of days before her words came back to mind and the decision made to create a scholarship fund in Don's name to benefit the students of the program.</div>
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Don always said that he knew in high school that he wanted to be a PT. He worked hard to achieve that goal and loved helping people. One of the things I admired most about him was the pride in his face when he would tell someone he was a physical therapist and the passion he felt about his profession. <i>(I finally understood that pride when I was able to tell people that I am a quilter....)</i></div>
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The memorial scholarship will be awarded annually to a second year PTA student. We are working towards a goal of this being an endowed (self sustaining) fund and I'm thrilled to say we are more than half way there. </div>
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Anyone who'd like to contribute to the fund may do so by contacting the NIACC Foundation at 641-422-4386 or via email at foundation@niacc.edu. </div>
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<br />Penny Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141838153958707105noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173943293903105833.post-70609386321527187782015-09-03T10:13:00.000-07:002015-09-03T10:13:08.510-07:00The Sum of Who We Are....I remember vividly at my Mom's funeral, the pastor talking about her "legacy". It was a word I'd never applied to anyone that I loved before. I remember when he said it, I looked around and I saw my family...her family....her sons, their wives, their children... her great grandchildren....and my own children. Legacy. More specifically...my Mom's legacy. And that word became much more beautiful to me.<br />
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A few years later, I sat with my Dad during the last eighteen days of his life. I held his hand as he took his last breath. I remember so many people paying their respects and each one had a different story as to who he was in their life. "He was my Little League Coach"..."He and I were on a bowling team"..."He was my Fishing buddy"...."We went hunting together"..."He and I worked together"...."He helped me on my farm"...."We played Slo Pitch Softball on the same team"...and most recently and likely his largest claim to fame "He was The Hot Dog Guy". Every Summer he helped run a hot dog stand in the parking lot of the convenience store where my Mom was manager. Everybody knew...and loved my Dad. I remember thinking then how he was so many things to so many people in his life. The sum...of who he was...was so much more than just my Dad.<br />
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I had that knowledge...and yet...never thought to apply it to those still in my life.<br />
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Like my husband. I'm asking myself over these past two weeks....why couldn't I or didn't I see that in him before this. Why did it take his passing...and people coming to pay their respects and tell me how he had affected their life in a positive way for me to see....and realize...the sum of who we are is just so much more than what's right in front of you today. He was many things...to many people.<br />
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Don was an incredibly hard worker and took his responsibilities very seriously...sometimes annoyingly so. Me, a fly by the seat of my pants personality, would throw him a lot of curve balls at times that brought on that "deer in the headlights" look that I came to recognize as his fear of not being responsible. Sometimes that trait....was hard to deal with...and we would clash. It was deep rooted. He...was deep rooted. And I know he struggled...as we all do...with feeling like we are "enough" some days. He liked order....and schedules that didn't change once they were set....and there were times when he stood his ground and was unwilling to compromise his position. It wasn't always easy...in fact some days were really hard. But, it wasn't the total sum...of who he was.<br />
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He was a Physical Therapist who loved helping people. Even though he was incredibly frustrated with the current state of our medical system...he was "old school" in that regard. He believed that the care of the patient and what was best for the patient should always be the first and foremost consideration of their treatment. Not what type of insurance they had...or had not. And certainly not what some rule maker at Medicare decided was an appropriate amount of "minutes" for treatment. He firmly believed that in most cases, it wasn't just about treating an injury, or rebuilding strength in a muscle...but that listening to a patient...hearing them...was also a part of their treatment. There were days he would come home and say " My schedule really sucked today. But, this patient, who had no movement before, stood up on their own today...that was awesome. " And so I knew he would go back the next day and do it all over again. 1) Because he was responsible 2) He loved seeing people get better because of his guidance. Sometimes we would see people on the street or in a store who had been his patient and they would stop him and show him how well they could move...their shoulder...their knee. Always struck me as funny.<br />
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In his role as Physical Therapy, he was a mentor. To his co workers...to students who did rotations in his office. He liked to challenge them. He took pride in sharing what he knew.<br />
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He was a photographer. He studied photography nearly every day. He read books...he watched YouTube videos...constantly wanting to improve his skills. He was a member of the Professional Photographers of Iowa and went to their annual Spring & Winter conferences. Always looking for ways to improve his skill. He truly felt like he just didn't have the "artistic eye" and strived to find that piece to add to his technical skill.<br />
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He used that skill to give back and would routinely set up a "Senior Photo" day at local nursing homes. Combining his photography skill and his PT background, he knew just how to position each resident and it never mattered to him that their cognitive or physical abilities were compromised. He photographed them with dignity and respect. He gave them each their own 5x7 print. Many times we would receive letters or phone calls from family members saying it was the last photo they had of their loved ones. <br />
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He loved his Photo Club. He was a founding member and Board President. Another role he took very seriously. He would spend hours preparing lessons to share his knowledge of photography...or Photoshop...or Lightroom. He taught...he was a mentor there as well. I lost count at how many people shook my hand or hugged me at the visitation who were a part of that group and said how much he had helped them grow their skills. He often spoke to me in a language of Fstops and apertures that I truly didn't understand, even though I wanted to...I just couldn't comprehend. Sometimes I would be taking a photo and he would ask "what are the numbers when you look through the viewfinder"...and I would eyeroll and say "No clue"....and then he would eyeroll. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photo of Don's won best pic in his photo clubs contest in July.<br />
Taken high on a mountain in Killarney National Park in Ireland last June.</td></tr>
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Over the years there were a multitude of hobbies...that came and went...all with the same sense of responsibility...the thought that if he was going to do it...he would do it right...he would give it his all to be the best at it that he could be. <br />
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He loved his family. He struggled at times to "make sense" of them/me and their/my decisions but in the end supported us all however he could. He was proud of every one of our kids...and loved being a Grandpa. <br />
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Finally...at the end....Don was a donor. He was unable to donate vital organs because of the nature of his own death, a dissecting aortic aneurysm. He was, however, able to donate his eyes. And even though he insisted his eyes had no "artistic" abilities....the gift of sight is a beautiful thing to think about. He was able to donate bone and connective tissue. The beautiful letter we received from the Iowa Donor Network says that this will benefit individuals with various orthopedic and neurosurgical conditions. The very kind of patients he spent his career working with.... The letter states it could also help children with severe bone fractures and bone cancer. He would love that. <br />
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Soapbox: If you're not currently listed as a donor on your driver's license...please consider doing so.<br />
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The title of my post today...The Sum of Who We Are....is a reminder to myself and to you that the person sitting across from us...the person we see when we look in the mirror...is so much more than what's in that one moment...that small glance. Maybe the person who passed you on the wrong side of the road this morning on your way to work, that you swore at and decided was a total jerk...just got that phone call...the one that says "you need to get here". Maybe the waitress you don't want to tip because she has just a bit too much attitude or isn't paying you enough attention...can't stop thinking about how she's going to pay her rent.. or feed her children. Take a step back...try to see beyond what/who is before you. The bigger picture.....<br />
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The sum of who we are....is just so much more.<br />
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<br />Penny Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141838153958707105noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173943293903105833.post-23534047958748910512015-09-01T06:13:00.000-07:002015-09-01T06:13:04.144-07:00Family...is everything.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you're thinking the last thing you would want to do on the day of your husbands funeral is have a photo taken...you would be absolutely correct. </div>
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But...to honor him, the photographer....my husband...their Dad...their Grandpa...we did just that.</div>
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We realized it was the first time all six kids were together in about three years...and we were still missing and thinking of a few family members (grandies Ava & Cason...and husband, Ben) </div>
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This is our family. </div>
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This is how I made it through these past days. Together as a family...we made tough decisions. I am in absolute awe of the strength and courage and support these six adults were able to provide to me as well as each other as we walked through these unchartered waters. We all hurt...we cried together...we laughed together as we shared stories. </div>
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Together...as a Family....We said Good-bye.</div>
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A few weeks ago in July, some of you may remember I hosted a Gramma Camp with 5 year old granddaughter, Taelyn. (many of you asked if you could sign up) </div>
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One night, as Taelyn was falling asleep...just out of the blue she asked me</div>
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"Gramma, why does Grandpa wear such colorful shirts?"</div>
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It made me laugh and I thought then how funny it was for a five year old to take notice of something like that. A couple of weeks later, Josh & Laura came to visit with Ava & Cason. Cason, age 4, was sitting on Don's lap one evening and out of the blue said "Grandpa, why are you wearing such a bright colored shirt?"</div>
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How funny...that in their young eyes...his bright colored shirts had made such an impression. </div>
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(on a side note...Don hated shopping for clothes and I bought his shirts...but he did love it when I brought home great colors)</div>
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In light of those comments....Brandi found bright colored balloons that the older grands were able to decorate for Grandpa, and they sent those skyward before the service. This too, we were able to capture. Thank you, Missy Huling for taking these photos for us...Don would be proud...he would likely tell me what he may have done differently and spoke in that foreign language of Fstops and apertures that I struggled to understand...but proud nonetheless.</div>
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Thank you to each and every one of you who has reached out via phone, email, text, sent cards and contributed to his memorial fund. Many also stopped by with food and supplies to get us through those first days. We thank you so much for that love and support.</div>
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Thank you also to my Quilt community. The outpouring of love I have felt from all of you has been incredibly overwhelming. </div>
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Don loved to teach...whether it was photography or physical therapy and we are in the planning stages of creating memorials that allow him to continue to share his knowledge for the things he loved.</div>
<br />Penny Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141838153958707105noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173943293903105833.post-17216825623036747542015-08-26T20:17:00.001-07:002015-08-26T20:36:02.406-07:00No Words...Still...no words.<br />
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But I wanted to share the slide show that was put together by the kids...I know it's long...and yet in some ways it doesn't quite seem long enough.<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCZt4GZCxb8">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCZt4GZCxb8</a>Penny Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141838153958707105noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173943293903105833.post-29223342785879362332015-08-19T06:45:00.002-07:002015-08-19T06:45:26.934-07:00Milwaukee Irish Fest - Quilts of Valor Presentation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After spending the weekend sharing our Irish quilt exhibits from National Quilting Week of Ireland at the Milwaukee Irish Fest, we found a special way to say thank you for allowing us to be a part of this amazing Irish celebration.</div>
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I approached Brian Witt, the Director of the Cultural Exhibit area about the possibility of presenting a few Quilts of Valor to veterans who are also volunteers at Irish Fest and he was quick to say yes! We surprised three gentlemen with red, white and blue quilts at the end of the festival. One of the quilts was made from star blocks that were collected by Carol Cricenti from quilters across the country. The other two quilt tops were made by Carol and all three quilts were machine quilted by me. The Quilts of Valor program was started back in 2003 and had awarded over 100,000 quilts to our very deserving veterans since that time.</div>
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I'll be the first to admit that I was quite naïve about the sacrifices our soldiers make until 2004 when my own 18 year old son, Josh, joined the Air Force, and the word "deployment" became a regular part of our vocabulary. Finding a way to give back and support our military has become something very important to me. Carol, a long time supporter of our military, has "adopted" hundreds of soldiers over the years in the Soldier's Angel program (including Josh) and is now a quilter (thanks to my influence) and leads a Facebook group of over 400 quilters in creating quilts for veterans.</div>
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We were able to present Ed, a 90 year old WWII veteran, and Mike, a Viet Nam War veteran with their own Quilts of Valor on Sunday night as a part of the Scattering, the finale event of Irish Fest. On Monday before leaving Milwaukee, we also presented Bruce, another veteran of the Viet Nam War, with his own Quilt of Valor as well. </div>
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What an amazing opportunity ...honor...and privilege to say Thank You to these three gentlemen!</div>
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Penny Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141838153958707105noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173943293903105833.post-29657382701312138272015-08-10T13:19:00.002-07:002015-08-10T13:19:57.963-07:00My Soldier's AngelMay to October of 2009, during my son Josh's second deployment to Iraq, we signed him up for the Soldier's Angel program. He was "adopted" by a gal, Carol, who worked for the organization and who had adopted many soldiers. She was diligent in her role and sent lots of letters and packages to deployed soldiers, including Josh, who was deployed as a K9 specialist at the time and she even sent goodies for his dog.<br />
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Josh and Carol also chatted often via Facebook as well and one day he told her "I have someone you just have to meet. I think you and my Mom would be great friends."<br />
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He "introduced" her and I on Facebook and one amazing friendship began. Carol and I chatted often as well. As a mom of a deployed soldier, the fact that she was sending my soldier "love" during his deployments touched my heart in a way that is difficult to describe. <br />
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Carol and I havesince traveled to Ireland together on three occasions. She's been to Iowa to visit me and I've been to New Hampshire to visit her. I've even gotten her hooked on quilting and its no surprise now that she's making Quilts of Valor to present to veterans.<br />
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Funny thing is...she and Josh have never actually met...until today. I had the pleasure of surprising him with Carol's arrival. This Momma's heart is so happy to for us to have this time to share together.<br />
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<br />Penny Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141838153958707105noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173943293903105833.post-54750991712606393392015-08-01T10:11:00.000-07:002015-08-01T10:16:12.133-07:00New Martingale Release - A Bit of Applique <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've just downloaded a copy of A Bit of Applique by Amy Struckmeyer, a new Martingale publishing release, and I have to say I'm really enjoying this book. Applique is not my first love...in fact...I've been know to avoid it. I'm on this kick of forcing myself to try new things. Amy's book has several small projects that don't seem too intimidating so I chose the Retro Flower Tote to make and it's turning out really adorable. The instructions are easy to follow with plenty of pictorial shots to help along the way.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Bit of Applique by Amy Struckmeyer</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amy's Retro Flower Tote</td></tr>
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I dug through my scrap bin and found a few leftover layer cake pieces from one of Vanessa Christenson's Moda lines (Simply Colors by V&Co) which worked perfectly for the flower petals. I found a bright golden yellow for the center and now I'm just getting to the point of creating the lining. The "hard part" (for me..applique) turned out to not be so hard at all and went quite quickly. I'm thinking I might just have to make another Retro Tote Bag! There are also instructions for turning flower into a pillow. Really cute.<br />
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Penny Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141838153958707105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173943293903105833.post-3713467537540816662015-05-26T05:12:00.001-07:002015-06-12T04:27:39.562-07:00Ireland - A Healing Place for MeThis week I am preparing to leave for Ireland, and to be honest, my giddiness level is currently over the moon! I make lists and lose lists...have started packing and am taking so many prizes and giveaways I'm not sure I've got room for clothing....<br />
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Nikki Foley (The Sewing Shed) and I are launching the first ever National Quilt Week of Ireland, June 1-7, and I could not be more thrilled to be able to be there and share this week with her. This is something we planned almost two years ago so watching it come to fruition has been amazing. Our goal was to find a way to celebrate quilting and quilters in Ireland that is happening all around the country. As we were planning we were joined by our friend and quilter, Paula Rafferty, who has jumped right in to help us promote and plan events. We've got lots of exciting things planned for our trip...some quilt related as well as some time to just enjoy Ireland and all it has to offer...so stay tuned for a few more blog posts.<br />
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If you know me it all, you know that it was just a few years ago that I took my first trip to Ireland and fell madly...head over heels in love. There is something so incredibly magical and spiritual about the Emerald Isle and I love that I get to share that with all of you. <br />
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I have written previously about a project that I was involved with a couple of years back...a Block Exchange that included a few quilters from Ireland, Canada and the U.S. It was my first ever block swap (and actually the only one to date). This past November I was invited to Chicago to share the story of my quilt with the wonderful Mary Fons, in a This Is My Quilt episode. Mary and her sister, Rebecca (who got hitched this weekend...Happy Wedding Rebecca!) were amazing hosts, making me feel so comfortable and welcome from the moment I arrived. You couldn't ask for two sweeter girls...but then...if you've met their Momma, Marianne Fons, then you know they come by it quite naturally. I also got to meet my FB friend, Heather Kinion (aka: @fire4hairlady on IG) who helps with filming. If you've watched Mary's "Quilty" shows then you'll be familiar with her!<br />
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This quilt has so much deep meaning for me. Not only does it tell the story of the connection I have with Ireland, but as I say in the video, it's the first quilt of my own that I completed on my Innova shortly after starting my own business. To me, it represents an amazing part of my quilting journey, a reminder that stepping out of our "comfort zone" and taking chances can be a very good thing! It's that movement from "Can I?"...to "I think I can!"....to "I know I can!"...to "I did!! " <br />
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Click the link below to watch the video "This Is My Quilt".<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_KyOoNHHxY">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_KyOoNHHxY</a>Penny Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141838153958707105noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173943293903105833.post-48107088265779942432015-05-22T12:53:00.002-07:002015-05-22T12:53:16.738-07:00A Little Bit of Quilt Market - LECIEN FABRICSHow is it even possible that it's already a week past Quilt Market....??? <br />
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I made a To Do List yesterday of all the things I need to get done before I leave for Ireland next week and promptly lost it. I know I hadn't added "Write a Blog Post" on it...but it seems like a great thing to do while I sit here and try to remember where I've put the list.<br />
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Every quilt show and/or quilt market I've ever attended, I feel as though I always meet someone new who becomes very special to me. Quilt Market Minneapolis was no exception. The Wednesday before market opened, I spent some time helping to set up the Innova booth (aka: the best longarm you'll ever find!) and our booth was directly across from LECIEN FABRICS. If you're not familiar....sit back and enjoy while I introduce you with some pics of their booth and their beautiful fabrics.<br />
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LECIEN, a Japanese company, also offers precuts with a bit of a fun twist in the names. Ten inch squares are called Origami Squares and the rolls of 2.5" strips are known as Sushi Rolls. Their booth was a so bright and colorful and with the employees dressed up as Ninja's (or maybe they're real ninja's) , it was a lot of fun to have them as "neighbors" at the show.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Yoko from LECIEN FABRICS (aka: Super Ninja Fabric Girl)<br />
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Here's the L's Modern line in the "WARM" color way. My pics just don't do them justice. They are truly some great prints that will be so fun to incorporate into some new quilt designs I've been working on!</div>
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L's Modern also has a "COOL" color way that is just as yummy! Look at these beautiful colors!<br />
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If you love earthy tones....they've got a great Basics Line for you called Woodland.<br />
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And then....I know, right.... There's more! Some retro 30's inspired prints are available too!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Retro 30's</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flower Sugar<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Minny & Muu</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petit Fleur</td></tr>
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Are you swooning? I totally swooned.....and can't wait to put these fabrics into a quilt!<br />
Penny Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141838153958707105noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173943293903105833.post-10315456757242977442015-04-30T15:32:00.000-07:002015-04-30T15:32:00.283-07:00Totally Twitterpated with This New Tool!I spent last week at the AQS show in Paducah. It was my first time attending that particular show and we had such a great time! "Work" is awesome when you get to spend your time with great friends!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1kg6BL0GnETnAaxGaMe_VxK0yQs2Oq-WRZ86ui5NHLdzs7D3rJ-GvIgHCsZ-c4OE1p30dpirQDfxSp771iJzo2j_uOFs6_0n2993vG-RXf2G3ld27eHNNvmAAHO54Mfr7j_oTILRere8/s1600/11173415_10155517730005711_7567217924534700089_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1kg6BL0GnETnAaxGaMe_VxK0yQs2Oq-WRZ86ui5NHLdzs7D3rJ-GvIgHCsZ-c4OE1p30dpirQDfxSp771iJzo2j_uOFs6_0n2993vG-RXf2G3ld27eHNNvmAAHO54Mfr7j_oTILRere8/s1600/11173415_10155517730005711_7567217924534700089_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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In between the crazy rushes of customers, I did get an opportunity to get out and check out a few other vendors and came across this new tool that I just had to bring home with me!</div>
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I own two "rotary" style cutting mats and hate them both. One has a metal base that is glued on and not only falls off, but has a major dip in the middle, so makes cutting a challenge. The other is a smaller one that falls apart every time I use it. I won't mention any names of who they're made by...but lets just say they both leave a lot to be desired. K?</div>
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But look what I found at the <a href="http://www.comequiltwithme.com/" target="_blank">Come Quilt With Me</a> booth!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkz574S42srGKB4ymg3eew7O2GkzVtK6XQZ9IWdsL7hbx8s2OMeNtvb2rvT7auk1RiBXEynMWZ2PViA5hZ89Do-A__jJPk9BvCPaGWUefx4nUZxytX37J02yKxpbmC8_9gVP7xPC_4lPY/s1600/IMG_3104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkz574S42srGKB4ymg3eew7O2GkzVtK6XQZ9IWdsL7hbx8s2OMeNtvb2rvT7auk1RiBXEynMWZ2PViA5hZ89Do-A__jJPk9BvCPaGWUefx4nUZxytX37J02yKxpbmC8_9gVP7xPC_4lPY/s1600/IMG_3104.JPG" height="256" width="320" /></a></div>
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This rotating cutting mat is solid and made with ball bearings and spins like a charm!...There's no dip in the middle or falling apart when you spin it as with the other "not to be named" products I own.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_xLCwxOYNZpSz7qE6EMGftaO7pYnwOilbgWhnnZ513k8dywxdX0zdeeRQbmkdtvrU2kQVItah4YFVmvS2tYw_4U3iZTVNWGJA8af9UlxjkM8KDxtHpQFbgQGzgzQJ59sQHNW33LTcQM/s1600/IMG_3103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_xLCwxOYNZpSz7qE6EMGftaO7pYnwOilbgWhnnZ513k8dywxdX0zdeeRQbmkdtvrU2kQVItah4YFVmvS2tYw_4U3iZTVNWGJA8af9UlxjkM8KDxtHpQFbgQGzgzQJ59sQHNW33LTcQM/s1600/IMG_3103.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Working on a Row by Row Experience project last night for a local shop I just had to test out my new tool! I am 100% twitterpated! I snapped a few pics, and if you need to see it in action, Pat at <a href="http://comequiltwithme.com/product-category/tools/" target="_blank">Come Quilt With Me</a> has a short little video on her website.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi558Sb2Nw4NvLfXOnk2_6oDLmE1gGkeSPPWfw6S9NE3DjxVkO0OyjuPPWpllZ9ZTA3mumheZNGIDYz66N-5qV8WVvGuy3s_T1RSLTKoGYd8PtX8XsPNCqOqTrxltREVBZ-ULZQCHUGW10/s1600/IMG_3105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi558Sb2Nw4NvLfXOnk2_6oDLmE1gGkeSPPWfw6S9NE3DjxVkO0OyjuPPWpllZ9ZTA3mumheZNGIDYz66N-5qV8WVvGuy3s_T1RSLTKoGYd8PtX8XsPNCqOqTrxltREVBZ-ULZQCHUGW10/s1600/IMG_3105.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I know this tool is going to get a lot of use in my studio!</div>
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Penny Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141838153958707105noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173943293903105833.post-61460502373221446562015-04-27T06:12:00.002-07:002015-04-27T06:15:02.073-07:00Graphic Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After spending a week at AQS Paducach, I got home last night to my preview copies of the next <a href="http://www.mccallsquilting.com/quickquilts/issues/index.html?current_issue" target="_blank">McCall's Quick Quilts June/July</a> issue which features a quilt named Graphic Garden designed, made and quilted by me using the REcollection line by Katarina Roccella for Art Gallery Fabrics....as well as another quilt designed by the fabulous Gerri Robinson (Planted Seed Designs 2) that I made and quilted using her new fabric line called Steel. (Red Rooster Fabrics)<br />
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My quilt can be found on page 42 of the magazine and is also being offered as a kit if you'd like to make one for yourself! This is another quilt I designed using EQ7 and to create those great angles I pulled out my 45 Degree Diamond Dimensions Creative Grids Ruler. I love having such great quilting tools! If you've not tried Art Gallery Fabrics yet...you must....run to your local quilt shop and get yourself some! The feel fantastic and will certainly feed your fabric petting addiction. Quilters what I'm talking about....<br />
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Gerri's quilt, Gold Dust, can be found on page 12 of the magazine, and is a stunner! Her new fabric line, Steel, is a fabulous modern metallic line that is nothing less than swoon worthy!<br />
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<br />Penny Barneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141838153958707105noreply@blogger.com0