300 and more Followers for 2011 - Thank You Giveaway from Stray Stitches

Check out this blog....
http://straystitches1.blogspot.com/2010/12/lets-celebrate-2011-with-giveaway.html

Linda has an awesome giveaway for the new year.    If you don't follow her blog.. check it out and sign up.  Here is what she's giving away...

• A full color pattern call Flying Colors designed by Georgette Dell'Orco. Isn't it beautiful. The finished quilt measures approximately 64" X 64".

Along with the pattern you will also receive.........

• 25 fat quarters and 5/8 of a yard of black fabric. That makes for a total of 7 1/8 yards of fabric (if my brain did the math correctly). Each color bundle (green, yellow, blue, pink, and purple) contains 5 fat quarters in shades from light to dark. Only the backing is not included which requires four yards.

So check out her blog and enter the giveaway and wish her a happy new year!  :)

Here's wishing you a blessed and happy new year!!

God bless and keep you,
Sonia

My latest creations

here is what I have been busy doing.... will get to rest for a little bit now.  :)

Beautifully Designed

Snowflakes falling gracefully to earth, beautifully designed. Each one different from the others; they float gently on the wind, bringing a smile to the faces of the young and the young at heart.

I'm reminded of how wonderfully created we are.  Like the snowflake we are beautifully designed and no two alike.

Unlike the snowflake we endure through the toughest of times, sometimes with grace, sometimes not and we laugh and cry at the joys of life we experience.

So the next time you see snowflakes remember you are beautifully designed a unique and wonderful creation of God's hand.

God bless and keep you,
Sonia

Milkandhoneydesigns Super Book Give Away!!

Check out this awesome giveaway from the milkandhoneydesigns blog.   Super Big Big Book Giveaway!!


If you like sewing, quilting, crafting... this is a blog to follow.  :)

http://milkandhoneydesigns.blogspot.coPublish Postm

An Awesome Giveaway!!

Do you like Thimbleberries? 

Do you like to quilt? 

How about a block a month?

Check out "A Big Giveway" at http://straystitches1.blogspot.com/2010/11/big-giveaway.html?spref=bl

Stray Stitches is a cool blog to follow.   :)


Keep Stitching and God bless and keep you,
Sonia

In honor of our Veterans

VETERANS


Valiant and honorable, 
Ever ready to serve,
Taking upon themselves the burden of war,
Even when they feel weary and worn,
Ready to take a stand and stand up for what is right,
All should remember, it is because of the Veteran,
No governmental oppression binds us in bondage, 
Serving on our behalf they have ensured our freedom!
                                   Sonia R. Parham 11/8/10

Fall back...

Today, daylight saving time ended.  It started with my getting up at 5:00 a.m instead of 6:00 a.m. due to the fact that we forgot to set our clocks back.  :)

It turned out to be a beautiful day, with clear blue skies, cool temperatures and beautiful colors God gives us each Autumn.   I did not make it up the mountain today to get pictures of the foliage but I do have a couple of pictures I took of trees in town.

Each season has a gift from God for us to enjoy.

The Winter has its crispness with frost.   It has beautiful snow as it falls as if we were in a giant snowglobe.

The Spring has freshness and newness of life after the earth has slumbered for so long.

The Summer is full of sunshine and beautiful flowers that fragrance the earth.

The Autumn... my favorite season of all... has beautiful warm colors of gold, orange, red, dark green and brown that color the earth like a big Autumn quilt.  :)

Thank You Father God, for the beautiful gifts You give us each season!

Go Hogs!!

Here is the razorback quilt I've been working on.  I will put two borders on and it will be ready to tie. 

The embroidery work was done by my friend Charlotte Koenigseder.

I am going to start on a peace sign quilt this week too. 

Leona's Quilting Adventure

Check out Leona's Quilting Adventure.  If you love quilting and also have a heart for others, she is a good blogger follow.   She also has a giveaway going on until November 10, 2010.

You can find her at  http://oneygirl-myquiltingadventure.blogspot.com/


Sonia

Update on the 2011 Butterfly Quilt

An update and another peek at the 2011 Butterfly Quilt.

Appliqued and pieced blocks were turned at the monthly Logan County Piece Maker's Quilt Guild meeting this week. 

Here is a sampling.... this is going to be a beautiful quilt!  The pieced block with the green is the one I made.   If you notice a yellow dot on the blocks it is for numbering the blocks so that we place them in the correct order when all the blocks are pieced together to make the top.

I will post more on this quilt as we go along...

I plan to post pics of a Razorback quilt I'm working on, soon.

Until next time... keep stitching!

Sonia

At Peace

As autumn sets in with cooler temperatures and the quieting down of the earth, getting ready for the change of color that will spread across land like a comforting patchwork quilt, I feel at peace.   In the early morning just as the sun is rising, hearing the birds sing the earth awake as the wind softly blows, welcoming the sunshine, I feel at peace.  Knowing I have friends, who I can go to in time of need, whether it be a physical or emotional need and whether they are nearby or far away, just knowing they are there, I feel at peace.  Most of all though, knowing I am never alone, always accompanied by my Father God and loved, regardless of my many short comings and faults, I am at peace.

Baby blue afghan

This is an afghan I crocheted for a beautiful young lady and her precious baby boy. As I crocheted I prayed for them as I know there will be times of trials and tribulations they will face. We all do. From my experience prayer has always helped me through trials and tribulations.

As I visualize my needle moving through the yarn, creating the crocheted pattern, I'm reminded of how our lives are woven by the Master's hand. We may not always enjoy the certain stitch we are in, but if we stay focused on God, in the end our design is by the Master Designer. We are a master piece designed by God!



So I pray they remember in the good and the bad times that God loves them and prayer is a direct line to Him.

Philippians 4: 4-7 (ESV) Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.


God bless and keep you and until next time...

Keep praying and stitching! :)

Sonia

Now the kits for the 2011 Butterfly quilt are done

Now the kits for the 2011 Butterfly Quilt are done.

The ladies met on Saturday the 11th, in  the community center of a tiny town called Midway. 

What looked like chaos at first turned into a smooth flowing line of cutting fabric, labeling and bagging.

They assembled the last of the kits needed for the 2011 Butterfly Quilt.  The kits were the appliqued blocks of the butterflies.  

The next quilt guild meeting is September 21 and the ladies will hand the quilt kits out with instructions. 

This is going to be a beautiful quilt!

Until next time... Keep stitching!

Sonia

How mighty His wonders!

While traveling down the road yesterday, I had to stop a time or two to take some pictures.  The awesome creation of God caught my eye.

   

Daniel 4: 2-3 (ESV)  It has seemed good to me to show the signs and wonders that the Most High God has done for me.  How great are His signs, how mighty His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom and His dominion endures from generation to generation.  

God bless and keep you,

Sonia

9/11 Poem

I wrote this poem 9/11/2002

After One Year

Heavy hearts.
Tear filled eyes.
Hearing again the shouts, the cries.
Reliving the anguish and fear,
Still so strong after one year.
We must remember,
Each father,
Each mother,
Each sister and brother.
All of which are missed and mourned.
We must continue on,
In remembrance of those gone.
It was hatred the took them.
LOVE will keep them in our hearts forever.

Sonia R. Parham

The 2011 Butterfly Quilt Adventure Continues...

8/28/10  9:30 a.m.   It's another beautiful Saturday.  A meeting is scheduled to begin.

Lanora gets up early so that she isn't late.
Sonia gets sidetracked watching Bob Ross paint on t.v.
Debbie heads out of town.
Joyce works until after noon.
Charlotte doesn't know it, but she has a hectic moment coming up.

Will this meeting happen?  But of course, the ladies will let nothing completely stop them.  They know steps need to keep moving forward in order to get the quilt done on time.

Lanora arrives first.  Sonia shows up shortly after.  Both thinking they are late only to realize they are the first to arrive.  They spread the fabrics out in their color schemes and prepare to begin cutting.

Charlotte arrives ready to work but receives a call soon after her arrival.

"I'm sorry ya'll but I have to leave.  I have to help my husband chase down a sick calf and give it a shot. I don't know how long it will take or if I'll be back." she said.

"I'll bring your stuff to you on Monday if you don't make it back today." Sonia said, as Charlotte went out the door.

Lanora and Sonia set about cutting the fabrics for the blocks. One cut at a time, the quilt project moves forward.  They accomplish a lot as times flies by.  Before they know it, it is lunch time and they are ready to eat.  They also realize they need a few supplies to make up kits for the blocks.

Charlotte makes it back.  She walks in with her lunch.  Success!  The calf was caught and the shot administered.

Sonia leaves to get lunch and supplies.  While she is gone Charlotte and Lanora finish cutting the last of the fabric.

After lunch the ladies begin assembling the kits for the pieced block.

Joyce arrives in time to help. 

They label the fabrics first then put them in resealable bags.  They will also have to add instructions for the block construction and make kits for the appliqued blocks.

They decide to meet again on September 11 to finish up the kits.  They will then hand them out at the next Logan County Piece Makers quilt guild meeting.

Good fellowship and progress makes a good Saturday indeed.

Until next time, keep stitching...
Sonia

A Psalm to God

Father God I love you.

You picked me up in my darkest hour and like the sun shone light all around me.

You are my shelter in my tossed about life.

You are my comfort in my pain.

I am amazed by Your love.

You love me though I am unworthy and travel a winding path that leads me astray.

You love me though I falter, come what may.

I marvel at Your wisdom.

You guide me, test me and teach me each day.

I lift my hands in praise and thanksgiving

for Your wonderful creations,

and the blessing You bestow,

I praise You for the times of refinement,

When You mold me to Your will.

I praise You, Father God, above all else in this life.

You breathed life into me fourteen years ago.

I remember the darkness I was in before You redeemed me.

I remember the pit You showed me when I tried denying You again.

I thank You for that vision, for showing me where the path I was on was leading.

Because of Your saving grace I am now a child of Light, a free spirit to be committed totally to You.

My Creator, my Master, I long to be in Your presence.

The 2011 Butterfly Quilt Committee begins the adventure...

8/7/10 2:00 p.m. - It’s Saturday afternoon, the sun is bearing down heating up the atmosphere as four fearless ladies set out to find the fabrics needed for a future project.


The Project: 2011 Butterfly Quilt
Pattern Designed by: Rosene Cox
Fabric of choice: Batiks
The Committee: Lanora Hankins, Joyce Core, Charlotte Koenigseder, Debbie Whitson and Sonia Parham
Destination Goals for the day: PJ Fabrics and Lovelace Quilting


Will they find what they need and will they find all that they need? Time will tell.

2:20 p.m. - PJ Fabrics: It’s a quaint little shop with a hay field across the road and bales of hay glistening in the sun. As they enter the shop they are welcomed by a nice lady name Patsy. Her shop is cool and a nice reprieve from the heat outside. They discuss the colors and quantities they need as they look through the items for sale.

3:00 p.m. - They leave PJ fabrics, happy with their find. They were able to get 7 of the 18 fabrics needed.

3:20 p.m. - Lovelace Quilting: It’s a two story blue farm house tucked away off the beaten path. Walking in they see that no one is in the store and they call out.

“Hello?”

Shortly thereafter, Jennie hurries down the stairs and welcomes the ladies explaining she had been working in the garden since morning. Smiling she asks how she can help. The ladies explain their adventure and show her the design.

“Oh, that is beautiful” Jenny said. “I like that design very much. So, what colors are you looking for?”

The ladies tell her they are looking for five shades of blue, green and purple. They also need a yellow and pink. Jennie set about helping them choose the different shades they needed.

An hour later, they have the rest of the fabric in the colors they want.

The four ladies feel as if they have accomplished a lot today and indeed they have.

Friendship and team work.  A good combination.  When you can work together, you can accomplish most anything.

Stay tuned… they will soon take on the endeavor of making up kits for the members of the Logan County Piece Makers quilt guild, so that everyone can take pride in a sure to be beautiful 2011 Butterfly quilt.

Until next time… keep stitching.

Sonia

Happy 4th of July

Myspace 4th of July Graphics
Happy 4th of July!

Be thankful for your freedom of worship, freedom of speech and freedom of life.  Never forget the blessing God has given this country.  Never forget those who have fought and gave their lives for our freedom.    Never forget!

God bless and keep you,
Sonia

Who's Teaching Who

Let no one despise you for your youth, but be the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

1Timothy 4:12

Several years back a woman I know put her son down for a nap and had to deal with him fussing and fighting against her. She finally got him calmed down enough to leave him in the bed to rest... or so she thought.

She had been doing laundry and went back to folding the clean sheets she had pulled out of the dryer. A few minutes later, while taking the sheets to the linen closet, she passed by her son’s bedroom door and heard his little voice.

"D#%$ it!” he said punching his mattress with a balled up fist and an angry look on his face. “D#%$ it," he said again punching the mattress.

Her heart dropped. She knew where he learned that.

On one hand, she was glad he only used that tiny four-letter word instead of one of the many others he had heard come out of her mouth.

On the other hand, she was mortified. She knew the words and the actions he was displaying came from what he had heard and seen from her.

The lesson drove home like an arrow straight to her heart. She realized no matter how small children are, they watch and listen to everything we say and do.

Ashamed of the example she was, she humbly went to him and told him not to say that word or punch the mattress. She told him she was sorry he had learned that from her and told him she would make a change and do better in her actions for him. She made a commitment to herself and her son that day.

She will be the first tell you, be careful what you say or do when it comes to the young people in your life. She will also tell you of the redeeming grace of God; how it has helped her improve each day in the example she leads for her children and other young people in her life.

Her son is now eighteen years old. He controls his temper well and does not use foul language. He and I had a discussion once about the use of foul language. I told him I was proud of him for not talking like that. He told me he can get his point across just as easily and more to the point by keeping his language clean than otherwise. He also said that his friends try not to use those types of words when they are around him. He may not realize it but he is being an example for his friends.

Imagine what he would be like, if his mother had not learned that lesson he taught her sixteen years ago. What if she had not made the choice to change the example she was? He would be just like she was, foul mouthed and acting out in anger.

What kind of example are you setting for the young people in your life?

Father God, thank you for helping me change. Help me to continue to live my life as a good example in word and action for those watching. Amen!

God bless and keep you,

Sonia

An Encouraging Word

Imagine if you will, an image frozen in time. The smiling face peers at you from the other side. It is a photo of a close friend that has no album or a protective sleeve but is tucked between the pages of an album. In the photo your friend is taking a short rest, his uniform blends in with the sandy arid land surrounding him. Though he is resting and a smile is on his face, his weapon is ever at the ready.

I have a good friend who is serving in Iraq. It amazes me that no matter what he sees or experiences; he always has a smile available and an encouraging word. I respect this man. He is an example of integrity, honor and dignity. He starts each day making the choice to serve in order to insure my freedom stays intact. He is also not afraid to share with me his thoughts, concerns and needs in spirit. He is a man of faith. He is there for me if I need him to pray about something and also there for me if I just need to get something off my chest.

He cherishes my friendship and thanks me often for being there for him in spirit and prayer. He knows that I pray for him daily and that knowledge helps him day by day as he goes on patrol or focuses on whatever task he may have for the day.

I try to imagine what it must be like for him in a dry and arid land with only sparse vegetation dotting the landscape. Demolished buildings and burned vehicles also decorate the land where he resides, so far away from his son and his family.

Encouraging as he may be, he has days where he is in need of encouragement. He told me once early in our friendship, that he had given up on hope or the future.

There are those that don’t get letters or support from their families. That’s how is for my friend, if it weren’t  for the contact he has with his teenage son he wouldn’t have anyone. He said that my words of thanks for his service and my encouragement to stay focused on the task at hand and to stay safe, let him know that people do care about what he and the men he serves with is doing. He told me that because of the small step of generosity I took, he no longer is in that dark place he was in.

Do you know someone serving for your freedom? If so, do you lift him or her up with encouragement and support what they are doing? It means so very much to them. It could make a difference in how they face each day. Remember, if we didn’t have those who volunteer to serve and ensure our freedom, we would not have the freedom we enjoy.

I believe it is vital that we let those who serve know they are not alone.

My Hoffman Challenge entry

A Hoffman Challenge will take place

at my local quilt guild meeting tomorrow; 6/15/10.

This little bag is what I came up with
to enter in the challenge.   It went
together fairly quickly, as tonight was
the only night I've had to work on it.

I started out using a pattern for a
fabric origamy bag with a drawstring
closure.  As usual, I changed it up a
bit with a strap and a magnetic closure.

Carry on!

Today's Verse:  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.   Romans 12:2 / KJV
 
As I read today's verse I thought of the transformation in my life since I accepted Christ as my Savior.  I am no longer the foul woman I was, unworthy of God's love.  I now know the love and grace God so freely gives to me though I don't deserve it. 
 
In that knowledge there is a renewing of mind and spirit that pulls at me to always try to prove and live my life acceptable to the will of God.  It may not always be easy, but I believe it is vital in my walk with God.  I can only grow spiritually when I put aside the old self and take up the new self fully and completely, never turning back to the way things use to be.  
 
There are times I let "stuff" get in the way of my walk with God and I get in a spiritual funk, if you will.  I am reminded, either by a sermon my pastor has given or by a word or two from a friend, that I need to get back on track with my personal walk and when I do, life seems a little easier to take. 
 
Being conformed to the world is easy.   Just let your guard down and you will see how easy it is and see how quickly the inner peace begins to fade.  
 
However, not conforming to the world is work.  It is not easy, but the fruits of that work are worth every struggle and trial you may have to go through to be set apart from the world.  Not conforming to the world is the path to true peace.
 
So, do you struggle and have trial at this time trying to be set apart from the world?  Carry on my friend.  Don't give up and don't give in to the pressures of the world.   Keep your guard ever vigilant in your walk with God.
 
God bless and keep you,
Sonia

Today as I worked on my afghan one stitch at a time I thought of how life is. Take it one day at a time. The past is in the past... let it go. The future isn't here yet, so don't worry about it. I was reminded of a scripture...

Romans 6:25 Behold the fowls of the air; for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

This scripture reminded me to not worry about what's ahead. God has it planned out and taken care of so much like my crocheting, taking it one stitch at a time... take one day at a time.

until next time...

Sonia

taking it one stitch at a time

Today as I worked on my afghan one stitch at a time I thought of how life is.  Take it one day at a time. The past is in the past... let it go.  The future isn't here yet, so don't worry about it.  I was reminded of a scripture...

Romans 6:25  Behold the fowls of the air; for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them.  Are ye not much better than they?

This scripture reminded me to not worry about what's ahead.  God has it planned out and taken care of so much like my crocheting, taking it one stitch at a time... take one day at a time.

until next time...
Sonia

In my last moments

By Sonia R. Parham  5/20/10

I walked along a path. It was smooth with no obstacles in the way to hinder my steps. It was dark, with a dim glow down low on either side.


I saw a man in the distance, tall and handsome, beckoning me to him. Out of the corner of my eye I saw movement but paid no attention to it as I was so focused on the man before me.

Whispers fell on my ears the closer I got to him. I reached out to him and he smiled. His smile sent the chill of dread down my spine. His smile was not loving or compassionate. It was arrogant and calculating.

He touched my shoulder and his hand felt as if it weighed a ton. My knees gave way under the heaviness that consumed me. My chest felt empty as my breath began to fade. He laughed at my demise.

Drifting slowly into unconsciousness I heard the whispers more clearly. “Soul snatcher’ they repeated over and over.”Soul snatcher...”

“This is it” I thought. “I’ve gone too far.” Fear clenched my heart.

“Mamma!” I cried;

“Daddy!”

No answer came.

“FATHER!!” my soul cried out in desperation.

Tears ran down my face as I lay my head down on the path at his feet, hearing his laughter as it quieted and became a cruel grunt of satisfaction. In my last moments I saw vaporous hands stretching forth as if to snatch me away.

“FATHER, I’m sorry, please forgive me!!” My soul cried out once more.

“What?” Exclaimed the man before me; His voice was now distorted with anger. “No!” he cried, “You can’t have her!”

“QUIET!” came the response; “You no longer have power over her.” This new voice was strong, powerful and full of compassion. As the words were spoken the darkness began to fade.

Strong loving hands reached down and picked me up. The heaviness that held me down fell away. My life came back to me.

The vaporous hands shrank away as the light grew. I saw the feet at which I lay backing away, stumbling in their haste.

The whispers now said “Holy God”, “Creator of all.”

I knew who held me. The fear within my heart left and peace and love took its place. Tears still rolled down my cheeks as I heard Him say “Peace my child, you are forgiven.”

“Thank you Father, Thank you!” I said as he hugged me close and carried me away from the dark path.

My Spirit, My Soul

 by Sonia Parham 4/9/02

I walk in this body of flesh,

Knowing one day I'll be free.

There was a time of darkness,

Confusion and fear,

The light ahead I could not see.

Feeling unworthy,

Knowing certain death,

Begging, pleading,

Praying for release

From the chains upon my breast.

I was then comforted,

With a soothing balm to my soul.

I'm loved,

I'm forgiven,

I'm alive.

For I was protected,

By grace through it all.

Susan J. Reinhardt's Book Giveaway

Check out the Book Giveaway Susan J. Reinhardt is doing this month.  The book is titled "The Begotton."  It is written by Lisa T. Bergren.  

It is a tale set in Italy in the year 1339.  A suspenseful tale of the war between good and evil.   Check out Susan's write up on it at her blog   http://susanjreinhardt.blogspot.com/

If you like suspense and medieval historical fiction this book is right up your ally.

Until next time... one day at a time, one word at time...keep reading and writing!
Sonia

In honor of our freedom protectors

     Far away in a distant land is a warrior protecting me and all I know, love and live for. He serves with dedication.

     At times he is weary and worn from the long hard day he has endured but that does not squelch his dedication.

     He is strong, strong in spirit and in body. Though heat of day bears down on him, he perseveres. Though the cold of night may catch him, he continues on.

     You may ask, Is he a man of integrity?

In my mind he is.

      Is he a man of honor?

In my mind he is.

      Is he man of passion?

In my mind he is.

      Is he a man of compassion?

In my mind he is.

      Is this warrior real?

Yes, he is very real.

      Every morning and night I pray for him. It may be unhealthy but it seems he is in my thoughts most of the time of late. Maybe it’s because he needs protection or maybe it’s more…something of a higher level or reason. If so; I have him covered in prayer and am with him in thought and in spirit.

      This warrior; I call him friend.

Pieces, Patches

Planning, cutting, sewing stitch by stitch.

A puzzle, artwork, I've found my niche.

Pieces, patches of every hue.

Let me sew a quilt for you.

A story can be spun and told,

In colors, pastel or bold.

In another world, I dwell.

When needle and thread I do wield.

by Sonia R. Parham

Copyright © 2009

Redesigning my sewing area

I am at the point where I need to redesign for improvement and efficiency.   My quilting area is very small so I will be going vertical.   I will post pics when I get done.   If you have any suggestions for setting up a sewing area in a small space.  Please share them.

redesigning for the good of quilting,
Sonia

Taking A Leap

The wind blew up the canyon walls lifting her hair away from her tear stained face. Her toes hung over the edge as she stood there shaking, looking down into the canyon’s depths.

The wind blew harder and rocked her back. She caught her balance and wiped the tears from her cheeks.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

“I know I shouldn’t be afraid!” she said, her voice echoing across the canyon.

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy.

“Okay, I will do this for Your glory!”

Backing away from the edge she turned and walked seven steps. Turning back, taking a deep breath, she took off running and leapt high into the air letting the wind fill the fabric of her hang glider and lift her higher.

Her laughter rang out as she glided down to the crowd waiting. The printing on her glider fabric shone in the sunlight.   JESUS LOVES YOU!




Do you ever fear taking that first step when God is calling you to do something?

Don’t be afraid.

Take that step and leap in faith, God will lift you and carry you through.




God bless and keep you,

Sonia

Unconditional

Chosen one,
Here to save,
Repent my child,
In blood 'twas paid,
Streaming red to the ground,
Thorns on head for a crown,

Joy in my life,
Everlasting peace,
Serenity; not strife,
Utmost love for me,
Savior of mine,

Sin can not conquer,
Amazing grace,
Voice speaking softly,
Enlightenment takes place,
Security I find.
             Sonia Parham   5/3/02

The Candle and its Flame

It hisses to life with an amber glow, casting small shadows on the wall. Steady and strong only to bend when the slightest change comes its way; it is ever adaptable to change. So beautiful and mesmerizing as it moves and breathes pulling you into to it‘s world. It is controllable at this point, burning low and quiet but has the potential to be become so much more. It‘s soul purpose is to burn, hot and all consuming. The wick bends under its heat as the wax melts at its onslaught. Without this wick and wax, it would be uncontrollable, consuming everything in its path, growing with each piece it consumes until there is no more.

It is a teacher of sorts, showing the importance of self-control. We are like the candle holding the flame. The flame burns hot and it’s up to us on if it burns low and quiet, mesmerizing as we move through this life or if it burns out of control consuming everything and everyone in our path until there is nothing.

From Whence I Come

I come from the dust of the earth,

From the thunder, lightening and rain,

I come from anguish and pain,

From struggles and torment,

I come from burdens carried through the darkness,

Bound by heavy chains,

I come from sunshine,

And cool breezes in the night,

I come from the smell of lavender,

Of freshly cut grass and honeysuckle,

I come from the moon,

And the stars that sparkle,

I come from waves of the ocean,

Washing in on the coast,

I come from the bird’s song,

Serenading the earth,

I come from spirit torn and freedom won,

I come from the smile of a child,

With a sparkle in her eye,

I come from joy in the heart,

And from peace in the soul,

I come from the love of a man,

And from integrity and grace,

I come from faith and hope,

From gentleness and self control,

I come from power in my times of weakness.

I come from the Creator of all.

Sonia Parham 3/4/10

Finally finished...

Finally, it is finished!! 

This is a quilted laptop bag for a friend of mine.   This was a learning experience (as most of my quilting projects are).  I believe designing a quilt and creating it is easier than following the pattern for this totebag. :)


I know the next bag I make will be easier.  With each step taken or stitched you always walk away with new knowledge.

I delivered this to my friend and she was very happy with it, which in turn made me happy. :)

Now it's time to move on the "hearts" quilt, but I have a couple of crocheted aftghan's to do first and a block of the month to keep up with... So maybe by the end of May I will be able to start on the "hearts".   The good news is all the "heart" blocks are done and ready to be pieced into a top, so half the work is done. :)

 

keep stitching,

Sonia

Nothing's perfect...

Like life, sewing is not perfect. :) 

There is always a seam that needs to be ripped out or you will see a mistake after a project is completed.

The other day, I was looking at the quilt I have hanging in my living room.  It's the very first quilt I made.  It is full of what I would now call mistakes, but in the beginning I was proud of my creation, not seeing the flaws. 

I am still proud of it but for different reasons.  Looking at my first quilt reminds me that nothing is perfect and with each quilt I learn something new.  I have also found this true with the handbags and tote bags I make.  That's the fun in creating something with your hands; it's growing, learning and accomplishing new ideas each time you work.

So the next time you have to rip out a seam...

:)  Sonia

Happy Memories

“Hannah…”

Seeing the willow tree carved on Hannah's tombstone brought memories back to her. Fuzzy memories that seemed so many years ago. Memories of playing doll house under the branches that reached so low to the ground. A secret hideaway, she and Hannah use to share.

Best friends for over 50 years Sue and Hannah had been connected at the hip. If not every day, pretty near it they spent time together. They planned each other’s weddings, their children grew up together and their families spent holidays together. When Sue lost her husband, Hannah was there and when Hannah’s husband was losing his battle with cancer Sue was right by her side.

It had only been a year and already the earth was trying to cover up the words on Hannah’s stone. Stooping down Sue wiped the leaves and pine needles away from the stone and laid the carnations she carried down next to it. Getting carnations this time of year was hard to do but she had made a deal with the local florist to make sure she had carnations each February. Carnations were Hannah’s favorite flower. Sue remembered Hannah saying once, “Did you know the first carnation on earth bloomed when Mary wept for Jesus as He carried the cross? It’s true, I learned that as a child when I went to Christian school” nodding her head as she spoke.

Sue smiled at the memory, there were so many happy memories to remember. She decided she would focus on the happy memories as she stood to leave.

Crocheted Handbag

After crocheting 4 scarfs I decided to try something new.  Here is a pic of the my first crocheted handbag.  I will be using through Valentine's day.  :)

My next crochet project will probably be a baby afghan but first I need to finishe the quilted laptop bag. Then of course I have the quilts I have planned on for the this year... maybe I can fit the small afghan in between somewhere.  :)


Until next time.. Keep creating...
Sonia

Flannel and Fleece

Here is a quilt I just finished.   It is made of flannel and fleece.   It's the first time I've sewn a quilt with flannel.  I think I will make another in the future but will make it so that it has chenille type seams and will pair it with demin. :)  If I get it done I will post it.  

I plan to make several quilts this year for different holidays.   My next scheduled quilt is a valentine quilt.  I have the blocks ready, just need to put it all together. :)   But first I have a quilted laptop bag I need to get done for a friend. 

Well I guess that's all for now.   Until next time keep crafting.   Don't forget to share your creations here.

Have a great day!!

Sonia