Words to Live By . . .

"People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they're not on your road doesn't mean they've gotten lost."

These "words to live by" were posted on the latest Hobby Lobby weekly coupon email, and they couldn't show up at a better time. You see, my niece asked me the other day why I didn't go to church, and told me that it was "bad" that I didn't go to church. You have to understand that my niece is only six, and I'm sure doesn't understand what she was saying to me. I'm certain that she's just repeating what she has heard, by someone who was obviously very narrow-minded..

I've always lived my life by the standard that I don't impose my beliefs on others, and in return, I ask that they do the same by me. I don't feel the need to go to church because I truly believe that although church plays a very important role in people's lives, it's basically a social outlet, a common bond among like-minded individuals coming together as a group to worship. Their bond is their belief, specific to the particular church or place of worship. I don't have the need to network or socialize in that way. Instead, I choose to socialize through people that have interests like mine - the love of animals via the Humane Society, and the passion for quilting by patronizing my local quilt shop. These are the two constants in my life, and I follow my heart with these passions, and in doing so, I find fulfillment and happines - like the passage above indicates.

Does not going to church make me a bad person? I certainly don't think so - and I hope that one day, my niece will be able to decide for herself what makes a person "bad" without depending upon the opinions and views of others - by opening her mind and following her own heart to fulfullment and happiness.

Breakfast, anyone?

Okay, let's just get one thing straight right away - this is NOT my cat! While I certainly have my hands full keeping their little furry selves off my countertops, I can honestly say I've never had one sit in my breakfast cereal bowl . . . not yet, anyway . . .

I was trying to find an apron pattern with lots of ruffles using scrap fabrics left over from other projects, and found that special apron pattern at The Teacher's Pet website. When I peeked inside some of her favorites links, I found Alley Cat Tales, specializing in all kinds of patterns and accessories with that certain feline theme that I've come to love so well - minus the fur balls! This sweet baby (above) is named Tucker, and if you read the story, she/he was found behind an Outback Steakhouse, all alone and cold. That's the story of my life . . . I never met a stray cat I didn't like . . . they all have a story to tell. And what they want in return is a kind word, a warm lap, and a cuddle. Anyway, isn't this photo of Tucker the best? Seems he found his perfect spot, and fits ever so nicely inside that breakfast bowl. I'm so glad that my kitties don't read my blog 'cause this would so give them ideas of their own!

Handmade Market at The Paisley Farmhouse

Four Seasons Quilt Shoppe participated in the first "Handmade Market" at The Paisley Farmhouse in Milton (GA). The tenants of the cute little "shopping center", anchored by a really great Publix with a water tower facade and stable-style doors (what imagination!) on Birmingham Road in the middle of horse country, sponsored a one-day event and The Paisley Farmhouse invited several unique vendors to sell their wares. The weather was wonderful, and the mix of artisans was perfect - handmade soaps, re-purposed jewelry, aprons, hand-knitted dolls and that wonderful handbag made from plastic trash bags that I raved about in a previous blog. Some of these vendors had never done shows before, and had been selling their products via other outlets - Etsy, Ebay, and thru their blogsites. The event gave everyone the opportunity to meet like-minded craftspeople, and to (hopefully) set the groundwork for another show in the Fall. Above is a photo of my booth, with some new quilts (left to right) - Citrus Salsa, Parisien Cafe, and Cranberry Scones with Apricot Jam. Do you notice a slight theme with the names of my quilts - kind of a "foodie" theme . . . anyway, check back with my website periodically as I will be posting the date for the next "Handmade Market" in the near future. In the meantime, visit The Paisley Farmhouse on your next trip to Milton. It's a great little shop, and I know you'll surely find the perfect gift for yourself, a friend, or a loved one!