New beginnings. . .

over the past year, I personally have had to deal with a lot of emotions and self growth.  Normally self growth comes when you think you can't handle it, when it's so challenging you want to give up and just fall back into the "safe" old routines/habits that were easier even though they might have been unhealthy.

Yet, I prevailed.  I became stronger and happier about who I am and where I'm going.  I've become a better mom and wife.  Got lost and found my way.

In this year long process I have decided to move to Tennessee with my girls to embark our new lives with happiness, hope, love and family.

Saying goodbyes was the one of the hardest things I have ever done.  I have never moved from a place of my own free will - while it was very empowering, it was sad at the same time.  My friends in Maryland (and one traveling friend) have been the best support system I have encountered in my lifetime and I know they will remain that way as I travel on.

I was surprised over and over the past month as I say my goodbyes with hugs and gifts from people.  I am humbled and blessed to have such beautiful people in my life and I never realized how I touched their lives as well.

I want to share (show off) my gifts and the talents of my friends to do these things totally obvious to me knowing....I'm still dumbfounded how "they" did this and I knew nothing!

Today's gifts sharing is the quilt from Patches Quilting, where I have been employed for over 3 1/2 years (and continue to work via computer here in Tennessee).  Each block was done by one of my co-workers, the top was pieced by my boss -Jackie, it was quilted by Eleonore (the shop's longarm quilter) who put everyone's name in their block, it was designed by Sharon and bound by Carolyn.  Needless to say, when it was presented to me, I bust into tears.

(click on images to see detailed)

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My goals are simple, work, play and enjoy life - - oh yeah, get back into quilting and blogging - - I have missed my online friends as well!