Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Quilting Friends are the Best!

On Monday evening, five of my best-est quilting friends and I got together for what I thought was going to be a casual, girls-night-out dinner.

 Well it was that...and M-O-R-E!

 I was the last one to arrive, not because I was late but because...as I was soon to find out...they had a surprise for me.

 Just recently, I celebrated my one year anniversary of being cancer-free.  Not a huge milestone, but a significant one nevertheless.  Both Darlene and Gail...two of the gals in our quilting sisterhood...are also cancer survivors and can relate as to how each and every day is truly a gift after fighting the disease.

 And speaking of gifts, this is what was presented to me at our dinner gathering.
     
A friendship quilt!  

 I was caught totally off guard.  When I realized what it was and it's significance,  the tears just started to flow, not only because of the sentiment attached to the quilt but because of the thought and effort that went into making it.

 Here is my initial reaction...caught on camera.  It's a good thing there's no sound.
All the blocks are individually signed by my friends.

 Here is Darlene's block...
Debra's block...

Nora's block...
Gail's block...
and Rose's block.
Aren't they all gorgeous?

 Can you imagine my reaction when I saw the label on the back of the quilt?

If you guessed that I lost it again, you guessed right.

 Darlene's Mom hand quilted it which made it even more special.

If there is any doubt in your mind that quilting and blogging friends are the best, doubt no more.  

 My deepest and most heartfelt thanks once again to Darlene, Debra, Gail, Rose and Nora.  You gals are the best...and I am blessed and honored to have you as friends.
on

78 comments:

  1. Francis GortmakerMay 15, 2013 at 7:07 PM

    Happy anniversary! Wishing you all the best, Francis.

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  2. TarnyiaMay 15, 2013 at 7:16 PM

    Absolutely gorgeous and gorgeous ladies as well xxx

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  3. Vroomans' QuiltsMay 15, 2013 at 7:19 PM

    Well I cried too - just lovely of them and what a treasure - many blessings.

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  4. julieQMay 15, 2013 at 7:20 PM

    Wonderful, Kaaren!! The quilt and that you are cancer free one year!!

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  5. Darlene DMay 15, 2013 at 7:35 PM

    It was our pleasure for sure my dear friend! <3

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  6. WoolenSailsMay 15, 2013 at 7:38 PM

    What a wonderful gift and surprise. Congratulations on your first year anniversary and prayers that each year you continue to be cancer free.

    Debbie

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  7. antique quilterMay 15, 2013 at 7:40 PM

    Happy a ny. I am so thrilled for you and yes have tears in my eyes. Just so happy for you

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  8. sandi sMay 15, 2013 at 7:52 PM

    Good friends are wonderful! I'm so happy for you to have good friends.

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  9. Quilting BabciaMay 15, 2013 at 8:02 PM

    Well, that brought tears before I even read all the way through, and I don't know any of you! Congratulations and best wishes from another survivor - 16 years and counting! Quilting buds are the best!

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  10. Janet-Olde Crow PrimitivesMay 15, 2013 at 8:22 PM

    What a wonderful surprise and what a great anniversary to be celebrating. Love the quilt.

    Janet

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  11. Joyce CarterMay 15, 2013 at 8:32 PM

    Oh, Kaaren Your quilt is just beautiful! Congratulations on your one year anniversary. And what a special gift to have from your friends for such a wonderful occassion! I am crying tears of joy as well. May God always bless you. Hugs.

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  12. AnonymousMay 15, 2013 at 8:37 PM

    SEW special...you have awesome friends. I'd have loved to see your face behind that quilt.

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  13. Chookyblue......May 15, 2013 at 8:48 PM

    that is just wonderful news.........and what a lovely quilt to celebrate with........

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  14. MaryMay 15, 2013 at 8:49 PM

    How wonderful. Happy Anniversary.

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  15. KatieQMay 15, 2013 at 9:04 PM

    It's a lovely quilt, but the sentiments that inspired it are truly beautiful. Your friends are a treasure and so are you.
    Congratulations on your one year anniversary. I wish you blessings and health and many more anniversaries.

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  16. AnonymousMay 15, 2013 at 9:08 PM

    Congratulations Kaaren! And what a wonderful gift given by very special friends!

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  17. KrisMay 15, 2013 at 9:09 PM

    What a wonderful anniversary party and so happy you have such wonderful friends!! Life is best with good friends!!!

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  18. tink's momMay 15, 2013 at 9:14 PM

    Wonderful friends. I cried just reading about your gift. Can only imagine how you reacted.

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  19. SusannahMay 15, 2013 at 9:19 PM

    Oh..it is a gorgeous quilt! I am sure it means so very much to you and has touched your heart. Close friends are wonderful!

    Susannah

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  20. Teatime CreationsMay 15, 2013 at 9:29 PM

    Oh how wonderful. One year to celebrate and to be able to celebrate with such special friends Sew perfect... Congratulations.

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  21. GinetteMay 15, 2013 at 9:30 PM

    Quilting buddies are the best! What a wonderful surprise! Congratulations on one year, here's to many more!

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  22. RobinMay 15, 2013 at 9:38 PM

    How wonderful you on both fronts! Congrats on your one year anniversary.

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  23. BevMay 15, 2013 at 9:46 PM

    Awwww...you deserve it! It's wonderful to have such great friends who love you! So glad for your anniversary. XOXO

    Cheery wave from
    Bev

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  24. MerilynMay 15, 2013 at 9:47 PM

    What a wonderful heart felt gift of love and support!!!!!
    These girls are truly special, no wonder you lost it...LOL!!!! Every stitch a hug, every block a rock to lean on, good for them, and good for you!!!!!!! Oh! yes and many more years of health, stitching and happiness!!!!!

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  25. DebiMay 15, 2013 at 9:49 PM

    What lovely, thoughtful friends you have. And they are pretty talented quilters too! Congratulations on your anniversary and I wish you many, many more.

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  26. NancyMay 15, 2013 at 9:52 PM

    What wonderful friends and what a great anniversary. One year cancer-free is good news! Beautiful quilt, beautiful friends.

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  27. LesleyMay 15, 2013 at 10:07 PM

    Kaaren, your quilt and its sentiments are fantastic! What a wonderful gift to receive from your friends...I can imagine it was a pretty emotional supper. Congrats on a wonderful anniversary and i know you will continue to enjoy this wonderful group of friends!

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  28. Little PenpenMay 15, 2013 at 10:15 PM

    That is so precious!!! I love each block and congratulations on a special anniversary for you!

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  29. Janet O.May 15, 2013 at 10:32 PM

    What a priceless treasure--from priceless friends!
    I LOVE that they caught your reaction on camera--so cute!!
    Congrats on the year of being cancer free, and here's to many more!

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  30. SandyMay 15, 2013 at 10:37 PM

    What a wonderful surprise...and such caring quilty friends. You should have shown a picture of you holding it for all to see!

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  31. JocelynMay 15, 2013 at 10:49 PM

    What special friends! And such a beautiful quilt to celebrate being one year cancer free!

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  32. renitaMay 15, 2013 at 10:52 PM

    happy Anniversary! You are blessed not only with good health but also with good friends. Enjoy your quilt-a beautiful gift! Renita

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  33. renitaMay 15, 2013 at 10:53 PM

    happy Anniversary! You are blessed not only with good health but also with good friends. Enjoy your quilt-a beautiful gift! Renita

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  34. celkaleeMay 15, 2013 at 10:58 PM

    What a wonderful milestone. It represents a your perseverance and strength. What amazing friends. Friends are anchors our lives, you are well grounded with this talented group.Bravo!

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  35. AnonymousMay 16, 2013 at 12:12 AM

    So happy that you have crossed the 1 year milestone. There will be many, many more!

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  36. JaneMay 16, 2013 at 12:32 AM

    That's FANTASTIC!!!! Congrats on the milestone....here's to many, many more years of being cancer free!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  37. annieMay 16, 2013 at 12:48 AM

    Praise God for that milestone! And for having such loving friends! Bless them & you!!! It is just beautiful!

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  38. SharonMay 16, 2013 at 1:17 AM

    Yes, this is a special time for you, one year is a huge deal. I'm 4 years today, and every day is a blessing. Quilter/blogger friends really do rock!

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  39. LindahMay 16, 2013 at 1:18 AM

    What a wonderful surprise for a very wonderful event!

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  40. DarleneMay 16, 2013 at 1:42 AM

    Wonderful keepsake from the heart and hands of friends. Nothing better than that. ((Hugs))

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  41. KristyMay 16, 2013 at 2:21 AM

    Special friends and a special quilt. Plus you even made me cry! :-) That really was a wonderful surprise. So glad you shared with us too. Congrats on your one year anniversary! K-

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  42. NoelaMay 16, 2013 at 2:47 AM

    What a beautiful gift from special friends. Congratulations on your one year anniversary. Hugs......

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  43. Robin at The Primitive HutchMay 16, 2013 at 3:31 AM

    Congrats on one year of being cancer free!!!
    So sweet of your friends to make you such a Beautiful gift.
    Blessings
    Robin

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  44. Teresa F.May 16, 2013 at 4:37 AM

    What a wonderful gift. Friends are one of the best things in the whole world! I'm very happy for you, may this anniversary be repeated for many many years.
    Hugs,
    Teresa

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  45. Yolanda LapeiraMay 16, 2013 at 4:56 AM

    Congratulations Karen for your aniversary and for your friends. To have great friends, you have be a great person.
    Kisses from Manresa (Barcelona)

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  46. EvaMay 16, 2013 at 8:24 AM

    Congratulations on your one year anniversary Kaaren. How great to have such loving friends, I so love all the different blocks and color theme used. It is a masterpiece for a momentous occasion. God bless.

    Eva
    Dartmouth, NS

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  47. ShelleyMay 16, 2013 at 9:10 AM

    Yeah, one year cancer free!! doing my happy dance for you Kaaren:) isn't it just the bestest feeling to hear that news :)

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  48. TeresaMay 16, 2013 at 9:11 AM

    I am so happy for you, and tears welled up in my eyes when I read the about the thoughtful gift from your friends. The friendship of other women in our lives is a blessing indeed.

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  49. AnonymousMay 16, 2013 at 9:27 AM

    What lovely friends you have, and what a special friend you must be for them to want to go to all that effort :)
    Congratulations on your 1st anniversary.

    ukcitycrafter@live.co.uk

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  50. CalicojoanMay 16, 2013 at 9:50 AM

    A well deserved gift, I would say. I am sure they were all tears of joy! Congrats on this milestone. You are blessed with wonderful friends.

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  51. JudyCinNCMay 16, 2013 at 10:11 AM

    A truly beautiful treasure from your friends and a glorious milestone for you - thank you for sharing with us and reminding us how much we all love and need our friends. The handpainted box to Mary was absolutely gorgeous as I so admire and love seeing your art. Judy C in NC

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  52. BarbaraMay 16, 2013 at 10:28 AM

    Wonderful friends celebrating with you on a treasured year of health! A beautiful reminder of how much you are loved......and by all of us too!

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  53. MimiMay 16, 2013 at 10:39 AM

    So nice. Friends are the best.

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  54. Needled MomMay 16, 2013 at 12:25 PM

    What a wonderful and heartfelt surprise!!! I would have been sobbing right along with you. Friends are the best.

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  55. BodenseefelchenMay 16, 2013 at 2:05 PM

    I cry and I am very happy for you. God bless you and your wonderful friends.
    Angelika from lake constance

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  56. Kindred QuiltsMay 16, 2013 at 2:11 PM

    What a wonderful surprise gift for you, and a great way to celebrate 1year cancer free... with very special friends! Health and happiness to you always!

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  57. Linda CrosbyMay 16, 2013 at 2:53 PM

    Happy Anniversary Kaaren!!! Wonderful friends and a wonderful gift.

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  58. Susan KaneMay 16, 2013 at 3:20 PM

    You have special friends! And awesome quilters! Congratulations on your anniversary!

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  59. CandaceMay 16, 2013 at 10:22 PM

    That is the best anniversary of all, Kaaren. Celebrating it with friends you love and who all do and love what you do so very well - Quilt! Friends do make the world go round!
    Cheers!

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  60. CladdaughquiltingMay 16, 2013 at 10:54 PM

    What a beautiful, thoughtful gift! Thank goodness for good friends! Congratulations Kaaren on your 1 year anniversary. Wishing you many more!

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  61. LurlineMay 16, 2013 at 11:01 PM

    Blessings!
    Hugs - Lurline.

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  62. Cose en la Toje by LauraMay 17, 2013 at 10:36 AM

    Enhorabuena por tus amigas y por tu aniversario de lucha contra el cancer. Espectacular y precioso quilt. Besos.

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  63. CindyMay 17, 2013 at 1:33 PM

    You're just liked and loved and admired by so many, Kaaren. You're truly a wonderful, dear person who deserves "life" and all its blessings.

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  64. LouiseMay 18, 2013 at 11:28 AM

    What very special friends your group are. This post touched my heart this morning! Hugs to you..

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  65. Margs Primitive QuiltsMay 18, 2013 at 11:44 AM

    Friends are truly the best. Congratulations on your Special Anniversary... something to celebrate for sure. The quilt is just beautiful....

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  66. JaniceMay 18, 2013 at 10:19 PM

    What wonderful friends and a beautiful gift. Congratulations on your one year anniversary!!

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  67. JanetMay 19, 2013 at 5:13 AM

    Aw, that's so wonderful. You deserve all the best that's for sure.

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  68. Lynn - JnL4GodMay 19, 2013 at 12:13 PM

    Kaaren - what a wonderful celebration. Congrats on your one year and to many many more. You are so kind and giving and I'm so happy that you have friends near by that can bless you like they did. I got all teary eyed just reading about it. I really liked each of the blocks too - what neat designs. Blessings, Lynn

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  69. MarieMay 19, 2013 at 7:18 PM

    What a wonderful group of friends you have! The quilt is beautiful. I wish for you continued health! :)

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  70. KarenMay 20, 2013 at 9:25 AM

    Congratulations on the one year anniversary of being cancer free. What a wonderful way to celebrate!

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  71. SueMay 21, 2013 at 11:19 AM

    Congratulations, your quilt is lovely, what lovely friends you have!

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  72. edyBMay 21, 2013 at 3:24 PM

    A beautiful gift from your friends to help you celebrate this milestone. I'm so happy for you.
    Keep stitching and smiling.
    Hugs from New Mexico!

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  73. Pam in ILMay 21, 2013 at 11:47 PM

    What wonderful friends and a wonderful gift! I've been thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers.

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  74. suzMay 22, 2013 at 1:39 PM

    How wonderful! I got a bit teary just reading this! I'm so glad things are going well for you!

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  75. CélineMay 23, 2013 at 7:44 AM

    Hy, it's very nice !

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  76. SmultronboMay 24, 2013 at 5:46 PM

    Huge gratz on the anniversary and you got some awesome friends there. Take care and thanks for sharing.

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  77. Kathy in FLJune 2, 2013 at 12:51 PM

    Great news on your tests! My vote for the name of the pattern is "Safe Harbor".

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  78. Kathy in FLJune 2, 2013 at 12:53 PM

    Great news on the results of your tests! "Safe Harbor" gets my vote for the name of the pattern.

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