Simple & Sweet : :

I can't thank you enough for all the kind words and advice so many of you left me yesterday. I read every comment and felt, more than anything, lifted up by your support and encouragement. I had originally decided that I wasn't going to share what's currently happening with my health, especially after having such an amazing Quilt Market experience. I didn't want to spoil the news and excitement of it all. I came back feeling SO good. Then immediately to have what feels like my whole system just crash on me, has really got me down, which is what brought on yesterday's post. I've been dealing with some pretty severe Autoimmune issues for as long as I've had this blog. That's not a coincidence. I've turned to being creative and sharing my passion for it to get me through it all, without ever dreaming what it would turn into. I don't feel a pressure to continue on the days I'm struggling from my readers, my sponsors, or any contract I've signed. The pressure comes from ME. Each day that passes that I don't spend being productive, creative, and happy is one I feel I've wasted. There's being tired and needing rest, which I think I have no problem conceding to and feel I get plenty of. Then there's what I'm dealing with now, which is an exhaustion and fogginess that leaves me feeling defeated before the day begins. I don't want to be overcome by my grief and illness, I want to succeed more than ever despite of it. I do need to learn to give myself a break on the days I don't. Yesterday, you all reminded me of that and I can't thank you enough. I feel much better today, like a weight has been lifted. Today I'm going to continue working on my sisters pillows at my new pace, without worry or guilt for how behind I feel I am. I'm going to continue counting down the days to when my fabric collection arrives at my door with excitement, which with perfect timing should be right when I can take my medication again.  I'm going to do some of that "selfish sewing" that so many of you mentioned in the comments yesterday. I definitely don't do enough of that! I'll continue to update you all on what's going on, without feeling embarrassed and shy, because pretending it all away just isn't working anymore. But first I want to share a few photos of what I made yesterday. Just a sweet & simple set of whole cloth pillows, quilted with Aurifil, bound in a solid navy.









Such an easy project, but still I managed to create something rewarding that is beautiful and special for my sister. A good reminder that sometimes the grand plans, long to-do lists, and big goals can be forgotten for awhile. That sometimes simple is exactly what's needed to bring the joy and magic of making back to our days and hearts.

Thank you all again!  ♡  Maureen