The Kindness of Friends and Strangers

I had a couple of wonderful surprises last week. While attempting to take pictures of my latest bag I kept getting an error on my camera (this is NOT the wonderful part!) This has been happening off and on for a while now, usually turning it off and on again solved the problem but slowly the memory card was getting filled with garbage files that couldn't be removed. Still, there was room for more pictures and it would work, but I knew it was on it's last legs.

While attempting to send pictures to Tyanne, even turning the camera off and on did not solve the problem. I sent the picture I had and told her that if I could get the camera to work I'd send some more. My mind was reeling. I'd been depending on the digital camera exclusively for some time now. I could buy some disposable cameras for pictures of the kids, though I knew that I would rarely fill them and then they would sit forever before I'd actually get them developed. What would I do about my blog! I knew it would just not be the same without pictures. I received an email back from Tyanne, who offered me a camera she was no longer using. Two days later, I received this box in the mail. Not only does it keep my picture taking going, this is a much nicer camera than the one I've been using. A big bonus is that Ruthie's eyes are no longer closed in every picture! I think it's something in the way the flash works, it's not causing her to blink.

Another kindness bestowed on me was by my wonderful friend, Bren. I don't have a scanner and have had so many people expressing an interest in Ruthie that I've been really wanting to tell her story. All the early pictures were photographs, though, so I mailed some of them to Bren and she scanned them and emailed them to me. As soon as I have the time I will tell her story, with pictures, thanks to Bren!

Ruthie's mama is a wallflower. I'm very shy when I don't know people (but if I'm comfortable, I'll talk your ear off!) It's been a little disconcerting that we get SO much attention whenever we are out. Ruthie draws people like a magnet and slowly I'm getting used to that. It seems many of the comments I get have to do with her and through her I'm getting to know some wonderful people. Once such person emailed me (I just realized I hadn't asked her if I could use her name so I don't want to violate her privacy.) She had been following my blog and wanted to send me a few things. I received this in the mail two days later. Nine wonderful quilting patterns. And a day or two later, a package with these. I've already gotten so much pleasure from both the patterns and the magazines, dreaming of projects to be started as I finish some current ones. Knowing I have some fun things waiting in the wings is really helping to keep me focused on table toppers and other started projects.

Speaking of table toppers, two are finished now and the third should be ready to mark and baste later today. I have pieces already cut for a 4th and hope to make a serious dent in the 16 needed before I burn out on them and need to take a break.

Today or tomorrow I plan to take another look through my stash to see if I can find something for the album quilt and if I don't have anything I can keep an eye out for sales and ideas. This morning I walked to the bank and stopped at a small market on the way back. Lucas walked along and picked up rocks for an AWANA project. I'm home for the day now and aside from a few chores there is nothing else sheduled for the day.

I want to say a big thank you again to the friends and strangers who have blessed me over the last months, with tangible things in my mailbox and with intangible prayers and good thoughts. I cannot tell you what a difference it makes to know that there are others holding us up.

Happy Quilting and may God richly bless you all!

Sue