Monday, July 23, 2012

A Pillow {and A Break} : :

Indie Pillow inspired by West Elm Kantha 
Chevron Pillows -- tutorial to come soon!! To be shared on the West Elm 
blog!

I finished my first Indie Pillow inspired by those West Elm Kantha Pillow late last week! It was so, so fun to make!! I had planned to share it, along with a final post on our 'A Question' discussion this morning. I had finally gotten the chance to spend a few hours last Thursday morning, reading through each comment, following the wonderful links you all left, and writing up a final thought.

Then, decided through lots of thinking, chatting, and listening since Thursday, throughout this past weekend, and still this morning, that I need a break!

I mentioned last week quickly that I wasn't feeling that well. I had gone to Hershey Medical Center last Tuesday to see my doctor and since, honestly I've been having a really tough time with how that all went. Added to that, in just a few weeks the kids will be heading back to school. My daughter who has been my side-kick from the very beginning of this sewing, blogging adventure, will be joining my boys. And it's all hitting me really, really hard. It has always been the plan for me to attempt to make my sewing and hopefully this blog a full-time gig for myself this Fall. I am SO excited about that next chapter! But for now, I just need to take a step back. Enjoy this time with the kids, get more rest, slow down. I know I've mentioned doing this a few times here, and then I convince myself that if I just stay positive and motivated, that if I just keep going, then one day I'll wake up and I'll feel all better. Well, sadly that's not working!

Indie ♥

Indie Scrappy-ness!!

Indie Pillow inspired by West Elm Kantha Chevron Pillows -- tutorial to come soon!! To be shared on the West Elm blog!

That is not at all easy for me to share. Of course I'm a little scared and nervous about stepping away, too. I'm sure you bloggers know what I mean?! I know I'll keep sewing. I'm certain I'll keep buying fabric! I do still plan to put together a tutorial for this pillow. I'm sure I'll still pop up on facebook and here to check in throughout the next 4-5 weeks. I also have a new fabric giveaway scheduled each weekend, along with a few others as part of some special blogging events. Please don't forget about me!!

Thank you all for your understanding! THANK YOU to everybody who is kind to me, this blog, and my sewing! I'll miss you!!

x & , Maureen

133 comments:

  1. It would be way too hard to forget the awesome things you put together. You deserve a break! Breaks always help me out creatively.

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  2. You will be missed, Maureen, but if your body (and heart) are telling you you need a break then you should take it. In the meantime, enjoy your kids and the rest of the summer, and sew just for fun!

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  3. Health and family always come first---enjoy your time away from the blogosphere. We'll all be right here when you come back. Have fun!!

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  4. take care of yourself and enjoy your little (and not so little) ones! we'll miss you, but we'll be right here when you return. {group hug}

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  5. Take care sweetie, enjoy your children and the summer.

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  6. Enjoy your break! We will be here when you get back. :)

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  7. Feel better and get the rest you need. Your blog is too awesome to forget! We will be patiently waiting for you to return.

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  8. First - WOW that pillow is gorgeous. WOW.

    Second - I'll miss your posts because I just love your blog, but I'll patiently wait for you to come back! Enjoy this time with your family and rest - I hope you feel better soon.

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  9. How could we forget about you, sweet Maureen! Enjoy your break, relax and get some much deserved rest. I hope you feel better soon. Looking forward to seeing you when you get back. xoxo

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  10. Take all the time you need and deserve! We will all be here when you are feeling ready to come back. No worries!

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  11. You have been such an inspiration to me - but I understand about taking a break and needing change - especially if you're dealing with medical issues. You will be missed.

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  12. I know I'm one of your more silent stalkers, but I just want to tell you that I will miss you, BUT...taking care of YOU is very important and needs to come first.

    So have fun with your kiddies, enjoy them before school and routine starts back up, and get some good quality R&R. (((hugs)))

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  13. Take care, Maureen!! We'll be here! (((HUGS)))

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  14. I have great respect for Hersey Medical Center!! My dad was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease shortly after moving to Carlisle, PA years ago...He's been gone 4 years now and I still have a special place in my heart for Hershey Medical :)
    I hope that a much needed break will get you back on track with your family and projects. Take the time you need-- I won't be going anywhere :)

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  15. Beautiful pillow, Maureen!

    Take that break knowing that we'll be here when you get back. :o) Hope you get some much needed rest and some memory making time with your family. Take care!

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  16. Enjoy your time with your kids, take care of yourself, and we'll all be here if/when you come back! Thank you so much for all the inspiration you've shared, both in the sewing room and in sharing a bit of your personal life, it has all been so wonderful for me to experience!

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  17. beautiful pillow!! your health and kids are more important than a blog!! we will miss you and will look forward to the fall!

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  18. Dear Maureen, we'll be here waiting for you! Take your time with your family and sweet children! Take good care of yourself! Rest, relax, enjoy summer and have fun! It's not so easy to take a brake from blogging but I hope you can - all we need sometimes holidays and to leave our mind to rest, too! I do hope you feel better soon! Warm hugs! x Teje

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  19. Enjoy your break.You know the saying a change is a good as a rest.This "holiday" may be the change you need.

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  20. Maureen, I am so sorry that you haven't been feeling well. Sometimes we all need to step away from everything for a while.Sometimes a simple break is all we need to see things in a better light. So take a break, relax and enjoy your kids while they are still young. We will miss you, but we will still be here waiting patiently for your return.God Bless and lots of hugs!

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  21. Step back, relax, recharge, spend time with the kids, and forget about us, we'll still be here when school starts :oD Of course if you could tell me what that question was you wanted to ask before then I would be grateful, the suspense is killing me lol

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  22. Great pillow! Relax and enjoy a well deserved break with your kids :)

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  23. hey don't forget this adventure should be fun for you in the first time. if you need time with your kids that the priority! we'll still be around in fall for welcomming you! blogging is a great way to share but sharing's not suppose to be bogging you, it shoul be fun, just fun! So enjoy the rest of the summer with your family, have great time full of joy and come back when you are ready!

    nice break to you Maureen

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  24. Enjoy your rest!!! Us dedicated readers understand the need for some time off. I'm hoping to score some myself soon...
    Awesome job on the pillow!

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  25. Can never forget you! Plus you have your fabric giveaways! I hope you feel better soon and I will check your sites because your projects and sewing room are so inspirational! xxooxxoo

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  26. Take it easy, enjoy the babies, we will ALL be here when you decide your ready to come back... HAVE FUN!

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  27. Have a great summer, be well, and we will be glad to see you back when you are ready! Enjoy those youngsters!

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  28. Kids are only little once! We'll be here waiting when you come back.

    And that pillow - it's spectacular!!!

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  29. Never feel bad for taking time for your family!(and your health.) Your kids are only small once, and you can't see while you're there how quickly that passes. (Mine are 28 & 24yo now! I had them when I was 5. LOL) I was a SAHM, and have never regretted a second I spent with them, and have very, very few regrets about missing out on anything material. I, for one, will be watching and waiting for you to feel better and give what you can to the blogging community.

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  30. those fabrics are the most perfect ever!!!! you did an amazing job!!!! I'm glad you're taking a break, you'll feel great! I wish I could enjoy the last few weeks before school starts more - working full time sucks! I'm definitely interested to hear about your plans to turn the 'ol blog full time. :)

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  31. Enjoy your break and take good care of yourself.

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  32. take care of yourself! enjoy the break and spend time with the love ones. and no worry, we'll be here once you come back! this blog is too good to forget!

    btw - I like your version more than the one from WE...because your pillow is handmade with love! :-)

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  33. We'll be here. Now go and take all the time you need to relax, refill batteries/recover, and above all enjoy the precious moments with your loved ones. xx

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  34. Maureen, I hope you'll feel better soon. Enjoy your break, take it easy, relax, we'll be right here when you're ready to be back.

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  35. Enjoy your well-deserved time with your kiddos, Maureen! I'll be here! <3
    And your pillow turned out so lovely. I might have to acquire some indie...

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  36. Take all the time you need and come back refreshed with your batteries charged!!

    I will miss you along with many, many others.

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  37. The pillow looks gorgeous!

    Hope you have a nice break! Sometimes you need to take a rest and take some proper you time!! =D

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  38. Take all the time you need to rest and heal yourself! I'll still be here when you come back and I bet most of the rest of your followers will be too. Enjoy!

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  39. HELLO! TAKE IT EASY/REST YOURSELF+YOU CAN COME BACK TO ALL THIS LATER>REFRESHED!
    MY PRAYERS FOR YOU, ♥lINDA

    msstitcher1948@yahoo.com

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  40. Take care of yourself, and enjoy your time with the kids.

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  41. Enjoy your time away~ and just rest. And enjoy your kiddos!

    We'll be still your faithful followers when you return!

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  42. Taking care of yourself is extremely important..for yourself and your family...we'll all be here when you return!!!

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  43. Please take care of yourself! We'll be here when you need a friend or have something to share. Enjoy those kids every chance you get. They are the best medicine of all.

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  44. As a wife, mom, grandma and business woman who has Fibro and Chronic Migraines, I know that you (((Maureen))) need to listen to your body and rest as needed. It's the toughest adjustment I had to deal with as a type A+ x 10 :) but once I started to listen, I started to feel much better.

    Prayers and Healing Light being sent your way! I know I'll be here checking back on you!

    Aloha, Ruby@RubyHawaii.com

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  45. Take care of yourself. I'm sure everyone who appreciates your awesomeness :) will still be here.

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  46. No worries Mo. No one is going to forget about you! I'm glad you're stepping back. We all need a break sometimes so don't feel bad about taking one! Your family, your health, they are right there. They are real. I always have to remind myself of that when I am stressing about getting a blog post together or editing pictures or whatever. If Clara wants to play, I need to stop and play. If my husband needs some clean pants, I need to stop and do some laundry. And if a friend invites me to lunch, I need to go. I hope you feel the same way!

    Be healthy. Get rest. Cherish your kiddos. We'll catch you on the flip side.

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  47. We'll be here when you're ready and able. Your company in blog form will always be a welcome addition to my day - no matter how infrequent or sporadic it may be at times. Take care of yourself sweet lady! And definitely savor these last few weeks with all your babes at home! xo
    Jan

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  48. I just found you, so your break will give me time to catch up on your archives! Take a rest and know we will be here when you get back!

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  49. I don't think anybody would forget about you no matter how long you take a vacation from blogging. You seem to be much loved and admired, both for your well written blog and your beautiful projects. Rest, take some time and spend it with your family, having your youngest start school in the fall will be a big change for sure.

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  50. Balance.
    May it be yours, soon.

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  51. Mo, of course we'll be here and we'll miss you too! Take care!! =D

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  52. I would love and hate to have the responsibility you feel to us and to your blog.. I only write occasionally and share my blog with a friend. Sometimes I feel like I 'should' but surely that is not the point! You write (and sew) from the heart and I would hate for you to lose that joy. So step away and take the time and we will be here for you when you are ready and needing to be back--xx

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  53. Totally understand Maureen! I have 2 at school and 1 home with me at the moment and I know when it is her turn to go I will feel very emotional and a bit empty but I also know that it will be my time to concentrate on my goals which has been put on hold until she starts school. Enjoy this time and I hope your health improves with some rest. I will check in regularly and look forward to reading what you have been up to!

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  54. No worries. Take care of yourself first. You are still an inspiration to me and many others. You have so many things on your blog already, and I haven't seen it all yet. Sometimes it's good to take a break. For example, when Pinterest first came out, I was on there all the time, pinning up a storm. I was in love. I still love it but don't go on there nearly as much (funny thing is I still get people following me). Truth is, I'm afraid of getting any more ideas until I get some of them done! Maybe you can understand what I mean. It's overload. Basically, I need to DO more before I find any more ideas I want TO DO. Take care of yourself Maureen. We'll still be here :)

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  55. Take care of yourself and enjoy every moment with your little ones before they head back to school. It surely is a new adventure for you and your little one. You will be missed but I totally understand!

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  56. Take care, enjoy your family, enjoy your life , this is coming from a grandmother that totally gets it. Our kids grow up way too fast:) will keep you in my thoughts and prayers:)

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  57. So glad you are taking a break. Family and your health are very important. Looking forward to the tutorial when you are back.

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  58. You are too awesome to forget. I am not a blOgger and just like sewing and wish I could make stuff for sale to keep my hobby affordable (like not feel guilty buying fabric) and be proud of myself to earn something Similar to your situation, My twins will go to pre-k 5 days (only 2.5 hrs) this fall, so I am hoping that could make my plan happen then. I am looking forward to see you back with more energy and awesome stuff. Take care

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  59. I totally love what you do here, Maureen. But we all need regular breaks, even from stuff we love, or we burn out. Here's wishing you a great time with your children and family and a rejuvenating rest. I am awed by the great blogs so many young moms have today and yet I know that I would not be able to keep them up. I'm older and tired-er. :) I'm really glad for you that you were able to make this decision. And I really hope that you come back this Fall... [I'd really love to see your tutorial on that pillow...] but learning to find balance is a good thing. Taking care of yourself is a good thing.

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  60. i think there's an ebb and flow to all of this... i'm still getting used to it myself, but i think there are times to step back and just enjoy/be inspired/make/live/etc. and that they balance out the times to share/connect/inspire others. i hope so, at least ;) much love to you!!

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  61. MC, you know me, I understand, I am trying to adjust going to a wheelchair when need to. Its there just staring at me. Hopefully I want have to use it for the weddings. My infusion on Wed, gave me a boost, but the Neurologist just kicked me down, We'll see if the Rheumatologist will have any helpful info tomorrow. But I seriously think you do need to take the time and help your little girl go off to school, I bet you can make her some really cool school items. I am Quilting and finally cut into all this material you had me buy, so when you come back, I bet I will have some nice colorful blocks to show you.

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  62. Always family and health first. We will be here when you're ready. Its all good.

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  63. Hey there:) You are 100% right on this. Although we love reading all your posts and being inspired by your sewing projects, we'll be here when you feel ready and able to do so again.
    But if you don't invest in those little lives around you now, you'll regret it later on. I can say this because even though the girls are only 6 and 8, I've literally blinked and they've grown without my knowing somehow. :)
    Take your time. Get REST. Your body is telling you this for a reason.
    My love and prayers are with you. And we MUST meet up this fall!

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  64. Enjoy your time, enjoy your kiddos, enjoy sewing - just for the enjoyment of it! I'm sure your body will be grateful to you.

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  65. You're an inspiration for showing up here almost everyday with something new and wonderful to share, and will be an inspiration in your absence, for having the courage to take this break! Enjoy it!! =D

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  66. Take a break! We're all slowing down this summer, and will be here when you get back! I promise not to have any fun at all while you're gone ;) And please take care of your health!! xoxo

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  67. You deserve a break, and you NEED a break. You need to rest, heal, and spend time with your family---they grow up SO fast!! Even God took a day off, you know. We will be here after school starts.

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  68. You have to listen to that inner voice of what is BEST for YOU. Enjoy your family and your break from being so busy!

    Love the pillow you put together. You chose fantastic fabrics.
    Take Care!

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  69. Your pillow is FABULOUS!!! Enjoy your break!

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  70. I will definitely watch for your return. But most important is to take care of yourself and your family. I am a grandmother of 3 and I take care of them a lot. That's why I don't get much sewing done. You have been a great inspiration to me to "step up my game". Thanks and TAKE CARE! GayleB rlbouters@sbcglobal.net

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  71. Take your break. Listen to your heart and your body. Be patient with yourself. As someone who struggles with a chronic disease, I have learned to enjoy the days when I feel good and know that on the days when I am not at my best that my body is trying to tell me something and that a better day will come. So take that break. Don't apologize. We will be here when you return. We love you and appreciate you.

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  72. That pillow is gorgeous! Enjoy your break. :)

    http://mandycrandell.blogspot.com/

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  73. Everyone understands, Maureen, so no guilt allowed. Know that you're loved, you'll be missed, and you'll be welcomed back when you're ready to return. :)

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  74. Totally understandable Maureen. Take some time off, do what you need to do and readers (fans) like me will be here when you get back :).

    Take care and enjoy this time off!

    -Q

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  75. Maureen my dear, take care of yourself and your family. School will begin soon enough and you will need us to fill your time but now enjoy your little ones. Rest, feel better. We will all be here. Don't worry about that.

    You have been such an inspiration and you always be but if you get too burnt out, you are no good to yourself, your family or to anyone. Your health is very to important to everyone.

    Take care kiddo, see you when we see you!!!

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  76. Ohh I really do hope you're going to feel better soon and that this little break will get you right back on track :) Take all the time you need, we will be there when you're ready to come back !

    (I don't really know how bad you feel and what you eat and all that but I just read a book recently about how wheat isn't good for health and I thought that I could share it with you since it is suppose to help health a lot to stop eat wheat. It's called Wheat Belly by William Davis)

    Take care of you :)

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  77. Maureen, I hope you will feel better soon. Take the time to enjoy your kids. Have a great summer. I know when you come back you'll do some fantastic creation that everyone will love. We'll be here.

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  78. OMG! How could we forget you? hehe. Please take care of yourself, listen to your body. Kids do grow up too fast. Take this time and reconnect, rest and rejuvenate. (Will be watching for your pillow tutorial.:D)

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  79. Take the time you need for you and for your family. We will be here when you are ready to return. Love how your inspired pillow turned out.

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  80. Will miss you. Take care of yourself and your family. It can be hard to send your last one to school (Idid it twice) but remember when they are ready for the next step in their lives it means you have done a good job. Take care. You're in my prayers

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  81. Im not going anywhere, I'm a subscriber:) I'll know when you come back and I'll wait patiently. Its way more important that you take care of your health and enjoy the time with your children. We all understand, don't worry
    Darci

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  82. Wait, you are human? I was beginning to wonder. Seriously, you do amazing work, and I have always wondered how you manage to keep up. I bet it can feel like a lot of pressure to keep something so amazing, well, so amazing. But life is hectic and fleeting and it is so great that you know when to take a break. We'll all be here when you come back. Thanks for all you have given us thus far.

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  83. You have to do what's best for you right now and taking a break sounds like a really good plan; it'll refresh you and your inspiration (not that you've given anyone any indication that either is lacking. :-) It's uncomfortable and and awkward to blog because you feel you have to or you should because the truth is, unless you want to blog, it just doesn't come across right. So get healthy, adjust to the new school situation, remember that you are incredible, and take care of yourself. We'll be here when you get back. Promise. :-)

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  84. xoxoxo. thinking of you dear friend, hope you are ok. wish i lived closer and could bring my sewing machine over to sew! xo!!!

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  85. Love the cushion. Take care of yourself an enjoy the summer with the family - sounds like an excellent plan.

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  86. I love your rendition of the pillow. I think this is exactly what you need! And I am not going anywhere, I love your blog and will be waiting here for you and hoping and praying you find the much needed rest you deserve.

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  87. The pillow is lovely and you deserve a good rest. Your health and family must come first - you can't survive without either. We'll see you at the other end!

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  88. The pillow is beautiful, I love it!!
    Enjoy your break Maureen, we'll be here when you get back :)

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  89. Enjoy your time with your family; we'll be here when you come back!!

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  90. Love the pillow. Your health and your family are more important~~Enjoy the break! I follow you on FB, so I will see your updates.

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  91. Maureen ~ I really love your blog, have since I started following you. Your blog is on my reader and follow you on facebook, I don't want to miss a thing!
    Please do take good care of yourself (most important) and have a lovely time with your family.
    Oh, love the pillow too ~
    elsa

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  92. Beautiful pillow!

    Take care of yourself, enjoy the break. While I'll miss reading your posts, it's so important to take of yourself.

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  93. Will be thinking of you - definitely NOT forgetting about you! It is so important to step back and take the time for what is really important - your health and your family. Good for you!

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  94. Very wise. When you feel overwhlmed, short and unwell, it is time to rest for yourself and especially for those around you. I know, after 31 years of marriange, 6 kids, 28 years of parenting and 23 years of homeschooling. We need to enjoy life now, not at some distant time. It is OK not to do it all.
    artteajannell.blogspot.com

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  95. gorgeous pillow! I love your color choices. I'm totally inspired, just need to find some time in the sewing room.... ;)

    Hope you enjoy your break and that it will offer you some needed R&R. I know, from experience, that taking everything a tad bit slower in the world often helps an autoimmune disease. :) Good Luck and enjoy these last few days of summer with the kiddos!

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  96. I am sure it is a very tough decision to make. But I am glad you are recognizing what you need to do. I am an "old" lady in this arena and I am constantly amazed at all the makers and bloggers out there that have young kids. When my kids were young, sewing and knitting were wonderful hobbies for me to enjoy.. Now that I have turned that into a business, I am loving it, but also realizing the challenges of working and living with kids. Now they are all teens and it is not much easier! No nap times or early bedtimes....and lots of air traffic control! Rest up, enjoy your family!

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  97. Enjoy your family time Maureen. Good for you!

    Love ~ Patti

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  98. Enjoy your time with your littles. I hope that you feel better!

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  99. holly @hotmail.comJuly 24, 2012 at 12:37 PM

    We all deserve and need a break and down time. Have fun with your children, take care of your health as your first priority. I (and I'm assuming everyone else) will be here waiting when you get back. And if you go in another direction, know you will be missed but understood.

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  100. Maureen your blog posts are a joy, I don't sew, just look at your stuff to hopefully motivate me to finish my own quilt I started a few years ago. Take time for yourself and children, it is the stuff that life is made of. I just realized that my kids go back to school in a MONTH!!! That is too soon for me, I like having them home. We start middle school and one is going to be in their last year at our elementary school, they are growing up! Enjoy all the little moments you can! We will all be here when you are ready to start back up on full time blogging!
    Kristi

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  101. Take care and enjoy your children. They grow up way to fast. Love the pillow too, I like it so much more than the one on West Elm.

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  102. All of the above from me too. Just holler at us on FB when you're ready to come back.

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  103. We all love you and your blog. Enjoy your much needed and deserved break. We will all be here when you get back but we will miss you while you are away.

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  104. You should definitely definitely take this time for yourself and your family. That is time you can't get back and you will never regret it. We will not forget you! You are on automatic RSS feed for me, so when you pop back up we will still be here. Go and enjoy! :)

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  105. Maureen, sometimes we have to step back and re-juvenate ourselves. You definitely will not be forgotten by me. I enjoy your blog and will patiently wait until you are ready to come back. Enjoy your time with the little ones because as we all know, they grow up way too fast. You will be missed but it is time to take care of yourself. So go and relax, rejuvenate, and slowdown a bit to enjoy life.

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  106. Your work (and blog) are fabulous. Take the time you need to refresh and have fun with your kids. They will enjoy having time with you before school starts. Even my kids love that I do lots of things with them. That will never change. You don't want to think back in a few years that you should have spent more time with them. Have fun!!! See you when you get back!!!

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  107. THe pillow turned out beautifully! Enjoy these las few weeks with your little one. My youngest is headed to half-day pre-k in 4 weeks (!!!) so I know how you feel! Bittersweet moments.

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  108. Oh Maureen, I'm so sorry that you're dealing with such crappy health issues. I find that to be the *most* frustrating thing, because we often feel so helpless when it comes to our bodies! I often have to remind myself that I can only focus on the inputs, not the outputs, and this helps bring the focus back to what I can control-- things like getting enough rest and eating foods that are good for my body. It sounds like a blog break is in order, and I hope it helps you feel rested and restored! Plus, it's so smart to take advantage of the summer months with your kids :)
    And-- I *love* that pillow!! Brilliant fabric choices!

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  109. Your pillow is just lovely. Definitely lives up to the inspiration.
    I do hope you feel better and that all goes well. Enjoy this time with your children before school and recharge. I do hope that taking a break is only a break and that you come back to us feeling like a new woman. But as much as we love hearing from you, you need to take care of you first. Be well and have fun!

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  110. Loooove the pillow. Enjoy your break. I'm going to try to scale back in August too...we'll see if it actually happens sewing-wise, but at least I'll be sewing for me and not for others in guest post form. I hope you're able to make the most of the rest of your summer, and I hope you feel better soon, too!

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  111. PLEASE take a break and take care of YOU and your family. You have an awesome blog. I look forward to seeing you return in the fall. In the meantime, get some rest if you can!

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  112. Love your pillow!
    I am a new follower, and will look forward to the fall when you feel up for new creativity on your blog again!
    You will be so glad that you took a little break before school starts... Listen to your body and rest when you can, so you can keep your body and creativity 'battery' charged up. (I have M.S. and learned how important it is to not get too busy and stressed.)

    Best,
    sue
    legato1958 at aol dot com

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  113. Blessings to you and your family! I will look forward to the tutorial.

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  114. You should feel good that so many people will miss you! Have fun!!

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  115. I just discovered you today July 25 . . . .through a PINTEREST link. I am going to bookmark and return occasionally. What a beautiful site! Enjoy your time and "recovery"

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  116. Your pillow is awesome! Love it! Love reading your blog and seeing your creativity, but it is more important that you take the time you need for yourself and family. Wishing you good things in your time away! Hope you feel better and come back refreshed :)

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  117. Take care of yourself Maureen! We'll be here when you're ready to come back! Gorgeous pillow by the way :)

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  118. I will definitely miss reading your blog, but you have to do what is best for you. Kids grow up too fast and I'm sure you want to spend every moment with them. Get lots of rest and looking forward to reading your posts when you start them up again :)

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  119. We all need a break sometimes. I had a horrible time with my hands for a while, couldn't even grasp the needle to do my hand quilting, and had to take time off to see a doctor to find out what was going on. We are still trying to work through my medical issues but my hands, thankfully are feeling wellll enough to get back to hand quilting, and so I am happily working on my quilt again. That time off was well needed, and the fact that I couldn't quilt made me want to do it so much that I just thought about all of the ideas of things I would do IF I could quilt again, and now I am having fun again.

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  120. Hi Maureen, You know you could just pretend to be European... 4-5 week break is NOTHING! And your health is VERY important for you and your loved ones (that includes your blog family too). Maybe you'll find something that does work for you and calms your symptoms. You're on my radar, so I won't miss a post. Please take care of yourself!

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  121. Maureen, moms need a break - I know just how you feel with my precious three. You will never regret taking a break, loving on your little ones, and resting and refreshing. God bless you!

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  122. Whatever you need to do for your well-being is what's most important. I send prayers of hope and healing.

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  123. Do what is right for you. I hope you know you have a deep well of love, concern, and support for you from those of us who follow along. We'll be here when you get back. In the meantime, take good care and know that many thoughts we'll be winging their way to you--probably when we are at our sewing machines, creating, or thinking about creating while we go about the more mundane things of life.

    xxx Beth

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  124. Probably it is time for "Me first." Good wishes and prayers for you.

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  125. I LOOOOOVE the fabrics that you used!

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  126. Definitely take this time for yourself. Family is the most important thing you have, I believe. And please don't worry! We will ALL still be here when you get back. I'm sorry you're not feeling well. I struggle with depression and anxiety/panic disorder. You definitely need to take a step back, take a deep breath, and focus on things that make YOU feel good. Nobody expects you to just live on your blog. You live in life!! Know what I mean? I hope it works out for you in the fall. I'm excited to see what is coming.

    I have a daughter that is 16. I'm sad that she will be an adult soon. She is more on the kid side right now and a tomboy. She is doing her own thing, but we still have our special bond, and I've actually have gotten a lot of hugs lately. Things are always changing, but it doesn't mean that it will be bad. She will love school and you get to receive all those cute drawings/paintings that she makes!

    Take care of yourself! We all love you and want you to feel better.

    <3
    karrie

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  127. PS: I could never forget about you!! You are still the highest button on my blog! If a blogger asks what sites to check out, I ALWAYS put you first. You are just there in my heart. I'm sure a lot of people feel the same way. You get way more people commenting than most of the blogs I read. You are just awesome like that.

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  128. Maureen we all support you and really wish you well . I hope that you spend the next few weeks with family and just reflect on what is truly meaningful to you in your life . What makes you happy . Forget the rest . I felt the same way about my children growing up and really enjoyed them so much when they were home with me , but as they grew I realised that I was growing with them and that each age and stage had its rewards and lovely happy times . You will get to know their friends and share that laughter in your own home with them . You will be there for them through all sorts of life experiences . I hope you feel better soon . Xxx

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  129. You will be missed but, everyone needs their own time and space. Enjoy your time with your kids and get to feeling better! Take care. Sending prayers virtual hugs :)

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  130. You will be missed but, everyone needs their own time and space. Enjoy your time with your kids and get to feeling better! Take care. Sending prayers virtual hugs :)

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  131. Dear Heavenly Father, Be with Maureen at this time. Let her find You in this time of rest. Help her to be still and Know You are God. Return her to full health and energy.

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  132. You will be missed! I have always been in awe at the amount of sewing that you get done. Take care of you. Be well.

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