It’s always nice to talk about the positives rather than or before the negatives, so here I go.
Have a look at what arrived in my mail box today!
The most stunning doll quilt from Julie.
Isn’t it amazing? This is the second doll quilt that Julie has made for me and I love it just as much as the first one. We did a one-on-one swap a while back where I sent her a pair of my hand knitted socks and she sent me a gorgeous mini quilt.
Here’s the first one she sent me, hanging in my studio on the wall to the right. Gorgeous, huh?
I now have to find the perfect place for this one. Thank you so much Julie. Your gift arrived just at the right time and really brightened my day!
Because of what is going on in my life at the moment health-wise, I think that I will make only mini or doll sized quilts for the next little while. That is about where my level of concentration is at the moment, so whenever I get the urge to piece a quilt, a mini is indeed what it’s going to be!
In my last post I talked about this amazing new solid cheddar fabric but I neglected to tell you where I purchased it. I received several emails asking that exact question and I’m happy to say that I ordered it online from Sew Unique Creations. Their service is excellent and so are the products they carry. This cheddar fabric is from the new line called Centennial Solids.
Perhaps you have read about the new BOM that has been popping up around blogland. Just click on the button below and you will be magically transported to Canton Village Quilt Works where you can read all about it.
Sherri at A Quilting Life designed September’s block and here is my version made from Civil War and reproduction fabrics. Needs a little more ironing, wouldn’t you say?
Also, many of you asked where I purchased the acorn pillow pictured below that is on the love seat in our den. I found this at a country/prim shop about 8 or 10 years ago in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania on one of my travel teaching assignments.
I’m certain it was made off-shore and I doubt that there’s a pattern available. It is made from wool felt and measures about 10” square. If you’d like to try your hand at making one for your own personal use from the photo, feel free to copy it to your files. Just remember that you can’t claim it as your own design though.
And now for the lemons.
I received the pathology report from the surgeon who performed my last surgery and the results came back positive again…and they still cannot locate the primary source of the cancer. I spoke with the chief medical oncologist yesterday and he has scheduled another PET scan for the 12th of December…so you can see why I’m having difficulty concentrating on anything these days. It was his suggestion to wait 3 months to see if the cancer manifests itself somewhere else in my body. Until such time as it does, they cannot treat the unknown. We also have to allow the two incisions to heal properly before the next scan.
Let me tell you that I can certainly redefine the meaning of STRESS!
Thanks so much for caring. Giant hugs to all of you.
I'm here and thinking/praying for your health. I was just watching some news this weekend that mentioned a light that helps surgeons find the cancer... sort of an ultra-violet light. Anything to find it and remove it, right?!
ReplyDeleteSending all kinds of loving energy your way!
... forgot to mention how cute/sweet the doll quilt is! What a beautiful gift.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you and Mr. P.
I am sending more prayers to you for some good results soon. I have your blog on my favorites and everyday that I go down my list, I say a prayer for you when I see your name.
ReplyDeleteThe doll quilt is very cute and it is something to help cheer you up.
Your little quilt gift is adorable - her hand quilting is so good. I am glad you got that little beauty at a time when you needed something soft to clutch. You are doing such a fine job exuding calm at such a stressful time for you. I hope your doctors can soon pinpoint the source and get rid of it for you.
ReplyDeleteI can not imagine the stress levels you're enduring.(and your husband too). I am continuing to think of and pray for you. I'm just sitting here reeling at the turmoil this must be causing to not be able to get a handle on where this is coming from so as to be able to then move forward and DEAL with it.
ReplyDeleteThat you continue to be able to find blessings in your life and share them with us is a testament to your character, strong will and determination (even as I'm sure you don't feel strong at times).
Hugs, Diane
I am so glad the little quilt got there...I am praying for you each day, Kaaren...on my prayer calender. May God guide your doctor's hands!!!
ReplyDeleteKaaren, Please know I will continue to keep you in my prayers!
ReplyDeleteSorry you didn't get a more positive report. I hope they soon get this figured out and you are on your way to recovery soon! I can't imagine your stress levels right now. The doll quilt is stunning, hand quilted and everything!
ReplyDeleteextra hugs coming your way..........I can't begin to imagine how you are feeling right now.........
ReplyDeletetivesMy thoughts and prayers are with you. You are in my heart, and hoping you have a lot more roses in the near future! HUGS... and stitches
ReplyDeletePrayers and hugs Kaaren. I know with all that are coming your way, you will have good news next time.
ReplyDeleteWill be praying for you. That doll quilt is so beautiful! How nice for your friend to gift you with it! Like the other one, too. Hang in there.
ReplyDeleteSending positive thought and continued prayers your way, Kaaren.
ReplyDeleteDear Kaaren,
ReplyDeleteYou are in my thoughts every day when I look at the projects you have designed and are now here and there in my home. My very dearest friend has just been diagnosed and is also playing the waiting game. You two are keeping my mind very busy. Take care and take each day as it comes.Love your doll quilts. They would make nice accompaniments to table arrangements.
Thank you Kaaren for sharing all your news with us. The good, the not so good. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Love both the little doll quilts. Love, Bx
ReplyDeleteOh Kaaren...(((HUGS))) I haven't commented much, but you have been in my thoughts and prayers. Getting ready for our daughter's wedding has been keeping me busy. It's this Saturday. Anyway, just wanted you to know that so many of us are praying for you.
ReplyDeleteThe mini quilt is SO cute! Yes, I am going to do the Blogger's blocks too. I also still need to finish the Raggedy quilt!
I know how frustrating it must be for you. My cancer was not detected until it had spread to my colon and then they thought it was colon cancer. I spent more then a year in declining health. I will continue to pray for you and a positive out look.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear you have to undergo another PET, continued prayers and positive thoughts your way! How sweet to receive another gorgeous little mini! I love mini's myself, they are such a wonderful 'instant gratification' project! I really hope you get some definitive news soon, take care!
ReplyDeleteI will keep you in my prayers I would be stressed for sure.
ReplyDeleteKaaren it is not easy not knowing what is going on with your own body. I do hope that there is a solution when you get your next PET and they are able to find the source, treat it and then we can have you back with no worries over your head.
ReplyDeleteReally am sorry that you are going through this but see you have many that give you support. I am too in my own quiet way
what a lovely pick me up gift.
ReplyDeleteI can imagine the worst part must be the uncertainty. At least if you know the beast you can fight it. Thinking of you, hugs.
Kaaren - I am so sorry. You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing everything. May God grant you strength and comfort.
Blessings,
Darlene
&*%$^%!!!! I can't write what I a thinking about that cancer! As always thoughts and lots of prayers are being sent your way. Julie....my kinda friend! It is wonderful that she spent time with heart and hand to make such a special gift of friendship. (psst...she's a keeper!)
ReplyDeleteThe waiting has got to be worse than knowing something negative!! Patience is a virtue, Kaaren. Praying for you and wisdom for the drs.
ReplyDeleteSweet quilt from Julie.
I love your Bloggers BOM block!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful little quilt from Julie. :)
Thank you for the link to the cheddar fabric.
Sending you ((hugs)), love and strength as you deal with your health problems.
Keep sewing!!
Am thinking of you, Kaaren.
ReplyDeleteI can't even image what you are going through...you are still in my thoughts and prayers...take care of yourself....God Bless You...I love that little quilt..the colors are so perfect..
ReplyDeleteThe quilts Julie made for you are both gorgeous! Such beautiful colors. Making the small quilts will be very rewarding, you can have some fast finishes and try lots of cute designs. I'm sure it is very stressful waiting, it is much easier to know what the problem is so you can start fixing it. Sending hugs and prayers!
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you as I know how hard it is to wait on those test results, but to be told to "wait and see if it manifests somewhere in your body" would just do me in!
ReplyDeletePraying for good results! Love the little quilt too.
Kaaren - I just can't imagine having to wait and see...my stomach turns for you just thinking about it.
ReplyDeleteBut that beautiful little quilt is truly wonderful to brighten your day!
Praying for you!
Lucy
Julie's sweet quilt must be such a pick up and I'm glad you're still thinking abput your projects, no matter how small.
ReplyDeleteLots of blessings, parayers and love coming your way from around the world from everyone barracking for you including me.
Kaaren, I know this has to be so terribly stressful. You know we are all thinking of you and praying for returned good health.
ReplyDeleteWaiting is so hard! You're in our thoughts and prayers...
ReplyDeleteHugs - Shari
What a precious doll quilt, a fabulous gift. Hugs and prayers are coming your way.
ReplyDeleteI'm waiting for all those lemons to become lemonade! I can only imagine how stressed you are with so much "unknown". I pray that the doctors will soon be able to identify the source and can move forward with getting you back to GREAT health. I pray you are filled with God's peace and comfort and that His healing hands touch your body and remove the cancer from you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely doll quilt.
I had a friend with cancer several years ago who had a "happy dress". She wore it on the days that she was feeling a bit blue and it would help her feel happy. I think it a lovely idea, whether a dress or a top... something that you feel good in and that brings a smile to your face.
love your roses, feel for you with the lemons, but know a big hug and warm thoughts are headed in your direction!
ReplyDeleteKeeping you in my prayers. Also sending good and positive thoughts your way. Love the doll quilts. I have made a few of those and just love decorating with them. It's rewarding just being able to finish something small.
ReplyDeleteJean
Oh, Kaaren, I've been praying for you since I read this earlier today. I'm so sorry it wasn't over for you, but believing it will be a good solution real soon. Hugs and love, Elaine
ReplyDeleteDagnabbit someone needs to chase that cancer out and slam the door behind it. Sending lots and lots of healing hugs, Kaaren.
ReplyDeleteThat doll quilt is adorable. Julie is a sweetie!
Oh Kaaren! We will help you get through this, one step at a time!
ReplyDeleteThat is a cute doll quilt indeed.
Big Hug for you and Mr. PQ!
Take of yourself - and quilting, no matter how small the project, is some of the best therapy around...even just the playing with and touching of fabric is soothing to the soul.
ReplyDeleteSending gentle thoughts and prayers to you.
Your studio is lovely. Such a sweet gift!~adorable. Love how she quilted it. I, too am need smaller or fun and quick projects at the moment. I have had trouble concentrating from other distractions and the move, so I know what you mean about doll quilts. I actually ordered a little doll bed online and it's the only thing I've EVER had trouble with. Seems lost at the moment. It will turn up. I thought it would encourage me to make more of the small quilts. Thinking of you and praying for you honey. One day at a time. My granny use to always love that song and sing it with tears in her eyes at times. It got her through... BIG HUG
ReplyDeleteSending my prayers and good wishes to you Kaaren.
ReplyDeleteKaaren - you are really a sweetheart; always sharing your life and home with us. You're definitely making lemonade out of your lemon. I wish you the best and keeping yourself busy with your beautiful projects and decorating will definitely help. Take care!
ReplyDeleteThe doll quilt is lovely and I think the acorn design is lovely too. I am going to save the picture for later inspiration. I wish you well.
ReplyDeletethis is realy not helping an inpatient person,das it? nature is helping thou, becouse of all the changes in color and to next seasons. big hug and greetings
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely doll quilt. As to the lemons, fingers crossed for you! Best wishes, and happy crafting, Jenny
ReplyDeleteKaaren - - sending love and healing thoughts and prayers your way - - Also... when you have a minute.. check this out...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.cancercenter.com/complementary-alternative-medicine/laughter-therapy.cfm
With Love !
Karen
Your little mini quilt gift is delightful. I have been trying to make a mini at least twice per month so I can actually finish a project and they make me so happy because they are so darn cute.
ReplyDeleteHugs right back to you, and a ton of special thoughts and prayers.
Your journey is perilous but your attitude is inspiring. It will see you through this. What a lovely column of supportive readers you have. Love the quilt block!
ReplyDeleteThinking of you!!
ReplyDeleteKaaren, so sorry to hear the "lemons" part of the post. Prayers are going your way every day from myself and my friends here in northern Alberta. I just love the doll quilts, I am going to start doing them also, just because I am very limited in space now. Love your fall decorating too. Beth in northern Alberta.
ReplyDeleteKaaren,
ReplyDeleteI've been quiet these past few months but have been reading and am sure sorry to hear about all this cancer stuff. I have you in my thoughts and prayers and know that in God's time all will be well. I understand your stress as that would do me in waiting and wondering.
I pray that they will find the cause soon and be able to take care of it so it becomes a thing in your past.
I hope you have a great weekend. I'm in Virginia and the weather is going to be cool here so you might have a cold snap!
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I just finished up chemo for colon cancer in July. Go for CAT scan and colonspcy in Nov.. and am hoping for the best. The not knowing does weigh on your mind alot. Try to enjoy every minute you have tho.
ReplyDeleteWhat a horrible thing to have to contend with on a daily basis. I so pray they can determine the source and can turn this around to healing instead of wondering. Your spirits sound good - know that you are constantly being prayed for and thought of while on this journey and we are walking with you. I love the doll quilts - un-stressful quilting is what I call it. Getting things done is good. Judy C
ReplyDeleteI'm sure surprise mail is even sweeter right now. I love Maxine from Hallmark...use those lemons life is giving you to make Margaritas! :o) Little quilts will be perfect--sweet and more instant gratification. Take good care of yourself.
ReplyDeleteGlad you are keeping up with making quilts. Hopefully it will be a pleasant distraction.
ReplyDeleteSorry that the news is "lets wait" that is hard. But those are the cards you were dealt this time.
With that info I say keep busy, do things to keep your mind toward fun and distractions. A BOM would be good. And how about keeping up with your FFF.
Wishing you happiness and distractions....Karencg
Kaaren, un gran Abrazo para ti y mucha vibra positiva, tu animo ha de estar muy alto.
ReplyDeleteTe envío de corazón mucha Paz, Amor, Fe..
Gracias por tan maravillosa generosidad.
Besos y Abrazos
I'm sorry to hear about your bad news. It gives so much stressfull days and not much you can do about it.
ReplyDeleteIt's great you can enjoy the little things, I hope they give some comfort.
I am so glad that you are still blogging but so sorry about your unknowns. The worse part is the waiting. If you know what needs to be done, at least you can forge ahead but having to wait .... yes, stressful for sure. I'm sorry that you are having to go through all of this. As you already know, there are lots of us praying for you so something good just has to happen!!! Just wish it would happen a bit faster. Hang in there. Meanwhile, your house, really home, is just beautiful. Love the way you have outfitted it.
ReplyDeleteI sending Positive Thoughts for a Speedy Resolution to situation.
ReplyDeleteLove 'n Hugs to Hubby, doggie and to you Kaaren.
Gerry
Kaaren,
ReplyDeleteI think you need to make a lemon-aid quilt or stitching to help you put your lemons in check!
Turn this around into something positive to destroy the cancer cells.
Your gifts are lovely and to a very deserving person, I'm always glad to see a new post from you and look forward to some more new posts soon.
Take care my friend,
I'm sending hugs your way--- I know I have times when I want to say--"God-- really??? Is this what you had in mind????"...Just laugh and know he's got great plans for you.....
ReplyDeleteSuch sweet little quilts, and they look perfect in your home.
ReplyDeletePraying the lemons sweeten, hon. Thankful God is in control and you are so precious to Him.
{{{{{hugs}}}}
Jenny
xxx
You poor thing, I often think the not knowing is worse than anything else, at least if you know you can deal with it. Thinking of you and hope it is good news when it comes!!
ReplyDeleteWhat an adorable doll quilt!! Sometimes I think they're more fun to work on than anything else -- sort of an almost instant gratification when they're done.
ReplyDeleteI hope you get a result from the scan that helps them figure this out and get you on the road to wellness.
We are with you all the way. You always remain in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteYou have so many angels hovering over you......it's a wonder your hair isn't blowing!!!!
We love you Kaaren, and are with you til the end, when we get a clean bill of health!!!!
xoxoxoxoxo
I have been thinking about you. It must be so hard for you not knowing what the h&$**** is going on. Beautiful little quilt very generous of Julie.
ReplyDeleteHugs Bunny
Dear Kaaren, I'm a relativley new follower so I am just finding out about the cancer. My heart was broken to learn about one more person in my circle of acquaintances has been stricken with this horrible disease. Why do you have to wait till Dec. for another PET scan?? Can't you have it sooner or is it because of the health care system in Canada? Do you have to wait longer for tests? Just wondering?? Quilting and creating may help you focus on making lemonade for a little while.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
to you
Gmama Jane
Sorry to hear abou the lemons... but Julie's gift really is wonderful! I know it has a good home!
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I cannot imagine the stress you are going through. I hope you can continue to find comfort in the little things and find solace in your crafts.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful quilt to help you get through your day. Cancer lemons suck. Keep looking for the sugar!
ReplyDeleteI will continue to think of you and pray for you everyday, Kaaren. May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
ReplyDeleteSusannah
Ok, positives first - I LOVE the doll quilt Julie made you, how sweet is that! I'm in awe of her piecing! I think it's a good idea to concentrate on small things right now Kaaren, that way you won't get overwhelmed, it will be relaxing to you.
ReplyDeleteI'm praying the Lord directs your doctors hands, and that the source will be discovered so it can be treated - yes, I can certainly understand the stress this must be causing. You are EVER in my prayers, hon.
May you find peace during this journey. Cancer's lessons are hard and challenging.
ReplyDeleteMy husband has gone through four rounds of chemo, surgery 1 in June and then surgery 2 at the end of June; he contacted a blood infection and almost died; I spent 45 days in a hotel this summer.
Good news. His first three month scan is negative. He is electing to do two preventive chemo rounds starting next week.
If I had a magic WAND for all touched by these cancers.
Take special care of yourself and loved ones.
What a lovely and thoughtful doll quilt. Almost makes you wish you were a doll. Beautiful job.
ReplyDeleteI can not imagine the stress you are going through. I pray you find answers soon.
Kaaren...prayers for you and MR, PQ, prayers for healing, answers and peace.
ReplyDeleteThe acorn pillow is just absolutely darling. Really, it's very precious! I think I may have to try my hand at this -- thank you for sharing with us! And know that you are and will continue to be lifted in my prayers. I hope they are able to give you encouraging news soon. Hugs! :)
ReplyDeleteSending you healing hugs. I pray for you to find courage and your doctors to find your cure.
ReplyDeleteHi Kaaren.
ReplyDeleteAm new to your site and really enjoying it. Love the pictures of your house!
Have a question. What font do you use on your blog? It is so pretty and enjoyable to read.
Thanks and looking forward to you next messages to us all.
Roselyn Tuerffs
rftuerffs@sbcglobal.net
I'm continuing to remember you in my prayers. Hopefully they'll find out what is going on soon and take care of it. The little quilt is precious and I love your scrappy nine patch.
ReplyDeleteGiant hugs for you too! More prayers going out for you from Minnesota. Hopefully the thoughts, prayers, and well wishes from all your quilty followers will help get you through!
ReplyDeleteSending you a lot of hugs from the other side of the world!
ReplyDeleteWaiting is so very hard to do! Prayers and hugs sent your way. I go to a neurologists appt.next Friday that I have been waiting for since August. Hopefully they won't diagnose what my primary Dr. thinks it might be. My mind has been working overtime!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about that report. I am sure it is very stressful not knowing. Hopefully quilting will keep you somewhat distracted from it all.
ReplyDeleteSaying a prayer.
I just subscribed to your blog and now I won't miss a thing. I have been so busy lately that I have not been visiting many blogs.