Wrap Up in a Quilt

I had a wonderful time at quilt retreat ... the 12th year that I've spent a long weekend with these friends of mine!

This year I worked on getting some projects completed. One thing that's been hanging around far too long is my donation for Seattle Childrens. The quilt guild I used to belong to had an ongoing tradition of making quilts for the children staying at the hospital. I have had several tops all done and ready to finish, just sitting in my sewing room!

So over the weekend, along with several other projects, I got five of these complete! They were immediately handed off to another member of the guild, so that they can get donated right away.

Feels so good to get those projects completed and to pass on a little bit of love!

Next Up ... Baby Food

I've been working on a few things (that must remain under wraps for the time being), but wondering how to make a bigger impact. We did it with the pet food, what next?

My friend posted on Facebook last night about a commercial asking for donations of pet food. It bugged her, she kept thinking about children that weren't getting fed ... what about them? 

So Marlies, thanks for the idea! 

Between now and the end of February, please consider buying some baby food each time you go to the grocery store. Donate it right at the store or contact me and we'll donate it for you on February 28th.

We ended up with 179 pounds of pet food in January. Wouldn't it be amazing if we could donate more than that in baby food!

The challenge is on!

Just a Note

Several months ago, I received a card in the mail. It was from a woman that was quitting the quilt guild I attended. She mentioned that the guild just wasn't giving her what she needed at that point and that wouldn't be coming back; that she hadn't made any lasting friendships. But she added that she always enjoyed visiting with me and that she would miss our chats.

Now I didn't get to know her very well in the year or so she was at the guild meetings. We always said hello and chatted about what we were working on. Nothing of significance really.

Then I got that note. It made me feel so good inside! It had been sitting on my desk for months. I had always meant to send a response, but life moved on and I didn't get around to it. It really was turning into another reminder about how I often don't finish what I intend to do (working on that, by the way).

So I wrote up a little note and sent a Christmas card.

Fast forward a month. In the mail another note; just saying how she enjoyed getting the card and hearing from me ... that it had meant a lot to her!

That two minutes out of my life to write a short note meant something. I have two minutes every day. I need to remember that those could be used to make someone smile.

We Did It!

Today was the day ... the day to deliver all of the pet food from this month's drive to the Volunteers of America food bank in Everett.

Thank you all for helping me with a successful drive! We were able to gift 179 POUNDS of pet food; as well as $45 in donations!

Alison, at the food bank, was very appreciative. She confirmed that they are often short on pet food, and that it is an ongoing need. So next time you are asked to contribute to a food drive, please consider the pets of those in need!

She also told me that the VoA is looking into partnering with Pasado's Safe Haven, to help teach the food bank's clients more about pet care and safety. A positive addition to VoA's program that should have far-reaching benefits for people and their pets.

So once again, thank you to everyone who help support this effort. And a special shout out to Marianne for encouraging all of her birthday party guests to gift her with a donation for the drive!
You guys are the best!

Wrong Number

This is kind-of a silly one ... For the third time someone at a local bank left a voice mail on a secondary line at work. It's a line that isn't published and I wasn't even sure how to check the message!

After figuring that out, it was crystal clear that they were trying to reach someone with no ties to the number. So I called them back, sat on hold for about 10 minutes, to let the bank know that they didn't have the right number.

They can try and reach the person in another way and don't have to keep spinning their wheels. I hope the bank gets in touch with the mystery man and that they have good news for him!

Spectacles

I've been trying to go minimalist; you know, cleaning out what I don't need or love. I came across this bag full of old glasses - definitely don't need and don't love. I can't even see out of them anymore!

This sweet little collection got dropped off at the Lions collection bin in our local post office today!

If you have old or extra specs just laying around, be sure to recycle them! Glasses are expensive if you don't have insurance coverage; and the bulk of that is the cost of the frames. I'm sure your local post office has a collection bin too ... drop yours off next time you're out and about 😎

Watch Out!

Out running errands yesterday, I was stopped at a stop light in the left turn lane. There was a panel truck in front of me with the back door open and loose bins sitting on the floor of the van.

Oops!

I tried to get the drivers attention before the light turned, but didn't and he moved into his left turn. Watch out! the bins came tumbling! Thankfully I realized they were coming my way and held back a little.

I stopped and helped the guy pick up the bins. He said it was a "new to him" truck and he had just noticed that the latch on that door wasn't working properly ... his next stop, the car dealer!