Thursday, January 01, 2009



Happy New Year!
(scroll down to read about my Lil Sis)

May 2009 bring you health, wealth and happiness! I especially wish you many hours of enjoyment with your needle and thread.

I'm very excited about 2009 because I'm making much needed changes in my corner of the world. I've been self employed for 6 years and in 2008 the demands of my time with this business became beyond stressful. I have decided to close my business. I, also have a part time job and plan to continue working two days a week for awhile until I decide what the next chapter in my life will be. This decision was not an easy one for my sweet and supportive hubby and I to make but it's the right decision for us. I'm really looking forward to enjoying a much needed respite. I especially looking forward to many, many hours with my needle and thread. :-)

My Lil Sis :-)

I received the sweetest package from my Lil Sister, Tammy! You may have noticed in comments that Tammy and I leave for each other that we refer to each other as Lil Sis and Big Sis. In fact, I've gotten a couple of e-mails in the past asking whether or not Tammy and I are really sisters. LOL No, we're not sisters in the true sense of the word but if I could pick a little sister it would be Tammy!

Let me share the "Sister" story! Last January I called The Country Loft in California to sign up for the Primitive Four Seasons BOM and I got to speak to Joanne (aka JAM - designer of the patterns). I told her that Tammy had told me about the BOM and she said that Tammy had just been there. So, later in the day I sent Tammy an e-mail and asked her what she was doing at the Country Loft. LOL She responded with "How did you know I was at the Country Loft today?" I told her that she needed to be careful because Big Brother is always watching - LOL - she said she knew that but in her case it was "Big Sister" (Me). And, we became Lil Sis, Tammy and Big Sis, Darlene. I hope that one day I will have an opportunity to travel to Southern California and give my Lil Sis, Tammy a real hug - she doesn't know how much I adore her. :-) Please don't tell her - she'll be very difficult to live with. LOL

So, here's a picture of the treasures and goodies that my Lil Sis, Tammy sent to me. I love everything and will enjoy everything for years to come!

Tammy, thank you so much for the wonderful package.



Thank you for stopping by to visit - please come again because you know I love it when you do!

In Friendship!

21 comments:

Lurline said...

HJope your 2009 changes are all good - i am sure they will be. I enjoyed the story about Big Sis and Little Sis!
Hugs - Lurline♥

Busy Little Quilter said...

That's a sweet story about you and Tammy.

I, too, hope your changes in 2009 will be good. I'm sure they will be.

I don't think I have ever told you this before, Darlene, but I love your blog. I have learned so much from you and often refer to it when I have a quilting question. You're going to laugh at this...my guild has a block of the month every month. Recently one of the ladies in my guild presented us with the block for the month. I made the block, but it didn't come out the correct size. It drove me crazy. I went to your blog, read your instructions on how to make sure you have a quarter inch seam, and tested my quarter inch with an index card. My machine was doing everything it was supposed to do, but the block still was too small. The next day I went to guild and found out that everyone else had the same problem. Come to find out the lady that wrote the block pattern had one of the measurements wrong! Everyone's blocks were too small! At least now, thanks to you, I know how to test to see if I have a perfect quarter inch!

I look forward to another year visiting your blog! Happy New Year!

Threeundertwo said...

What a fun story!

I hope 2009 is a wonderful year for you. It sounds like you are on the right track with some positive changes in your life.

Abby and Stephanie said...

Isn't it wonderful and amazing the friendships we've made through blogging? What a wonderful package of goodies. Wishing you lots of peace and happiness in 2009!

antique quilter said...

OH Darlene I am happy for you making changes in your life that will make your life better.
You will find another job and in the mean time enjoy your quilting time!
looking forward to seeing all those projects you have been wanting to work on!
What a neat story about Tammy
very cute!
Love your presents, that candy cane is wonderful...
as well as everything else.
someday I will go to Calif too and meet these ladies and shop, shop, shop at the Country Loft
Kathie

Lissa Jane said...

good luck with turning over a new leaf.. I can only imagine how hard it is to be self employed with the demands on your time, I have worked for my friend for many years 'doing her books' and I am aware the long hours you gotta work!
Oh my, I loved what your 'sis' sent you, how spoiled you are, but of course you deserve it!

Happy New Year to you and best wishes...


Lissa
Australia

Carol said...

I know how hard the decision was to give up your own business...but trust me, life will be just grand without all those worries and demands on your time. Life truly is GOOD! Love your package from your Lil Sis Tammy...aren't those Joe Joe's about the best things ever! Happy New Year!

julia said...

Hi Darlene,
though I believe the decisions you made were hard to do I hope they were the right ones & the new year will bring only the best for you.
It's so nice to have such caring and thoughtful blogging friends - the pressies you got are so sweet ;o)
Happy new year,
Julia

Unknown said...

I'm so happy for you with the decission both you and Ron have made. I'm sure that will make for a very happy Darlene!!!! Now you'll have the time to do the things you enjoy most. Happy New Year.

Karen said...

Cute story!
It sounds like you are making a good decision about dropping some of your work obligations. Maybe not financially but stress wise. I hope you get much sewing time for yourself now.

Libby said...

Wishing you only the best in the new year *s*

Thimbleanna said...

How funny about the Big Sis and Lil' Sis! I've finally caught up with all of your Christmas posts -- whew! You've been a quilting madwoman! I hope all your changes are good and that you have a Very Happy New Year!!!

Wendy said...

Happy New Year to you! What a cute story to share with us. Tammy is a real sweet heart and such lovely gifts.

I look forward to our continued friendship in 2009.

Pat said...

I am glad that you made a very difficult decision. I am sure that you will be a happier Darlene. Happy New Year. May 2009 bring only the best to you and your family.

julieQ said...

Happy New Year to you! I hope all your changes bring you much joy and peace. Wonderful package from your sissy!

Anne said...

Love the story about you and Tammy. I haven't been blogging very long but feel like I have made some lasting friendship. It took me a long time to decide to start a blog and I'm so glad I did. Good luck in whatever your new ventures bring you.

Carrie P. said...

What a great story. Isn't it so nice to make a really good friend that you feel like she is family.

Ginger Patches said...

Happy New Year Big Sis!!! So now our secret is out lol!! I am so glad that you are closing a stressful chapter of your life. Not an easy decision but I just know that there will be good things in store that you can't even imagine right now :)
I'm so glad you like your goodies :) Now about the difficult to live with part...lolol!!
Oh and yes pleassssse come to Ca. please...puhleeze!!!! That would be sooo much fun!!
Great big little sister hugs to you big sis :)

Nan said...

I love this story - it's so sweet! The gifts from Tammy are adorable.
I am hoping the changes you seek bring you nothing but happiness and fulfillment, my friend! Oh, and more time for ME!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Ginormoose H'moosies, ???

Anonymous said...

A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR to you, and Ron, dear Darlene !

And a friendly BIG (((HUG))) to you, + smiles of course ;>)

XOXOXOXOXOXO
NADINE

Patti said...

Wishing you the best of luck in your new venture. I hope you find your retirement - or should I say semi-retirement? - as much fun as I have.

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