tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20050372731844676402024-02-18T18:48:52.664-08:00from blank pages...Diane Bohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649721277737051930noreply@blogger.comBlogger757125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005037273184467640.post-71798378482886827132018-11-20T09:48:00.001-08:002019-10-01T11:49:16.949-07:00A New Blog. A Fresh Start<br />
Well, I did it. I started a new blog. It's not all set up yet (depending on when you go check it out), but I think a fresh start is exactly what I needed.<br />
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With my previous photo hosting site kicking all my photos off my blog, among other things, I just feel like this blog is going to take a lot of work to clean up and get back up to where I would want it to be.<br />
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I don't have time for that right now. But I want to blog. So I'm starting over. and so far so good! :)<br />
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You can find my new blog here:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://fromblankpages.com/blog/" target="_blank">https://fromblankpages.com/blog/</a></span></div>
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Super easy to remember, right?! I hope you'll come say hi! And bear with me as I finish setting it up and finalizing the final tweaks. :) <br />
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Happy Thanksgiving this week!!<br />
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ps. Are you wanting the best discounts of the year? There is still time to join the Creative Lounge ( my ~weekly newsletter) and get some killer sales delivered right to you inbox!<br />
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sign up here: <a href="http://fbpnewsletter.com/">http://fbpnewsletter.com</a>!<br />
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Happy Quilting & Happy Creating!</div>
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Diane Bohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649721277737051930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005037273184467640.post-13756659267251800972018-05-18T14:45:00.000-07:002018-05-18T14:47:08.374-07:00A Year of Change. A quick summary of What's Up.<div style="text-align: justify;">
As I've been fighting the exhaustion of a new baby (did I mention I had my little Grant 6 weeks ago!! Time has flown!) I've been thinking a lot about life and how I want to simplify and focus on the things that are MOST important. The tricky part is figuring out what the MOST important things are...</div>
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The last few days I've been reflecting on the past 12 months of my life, though it all started about a year and a half ago, when we moved to North Dakota. It's been a good change, and a blessing. But I realized quickly that I didn't know how to handle the blessing I had received... something I've prayed for almost a decade for... I'm more used to the blessings that come with the struggles, not the blessings that come with ease.</div>
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It's been nice to have ease, as I feel like ease is what we've been blessed with living here. But I don't know ease.</div>
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I never once in my life have known ease. My life has been more like scratching and clawing and fighting to keep my head above water and rise to overcome the challenges that have seemed to come one after another after another, like the waves of the ocean. Now my life is a pond that barely gets stirred... ok. that's a lie. I still have plenty of challenges, but their different... and I don't know different. ;) I mean really, who does, right?! We're only used to what we're used to. Not different.</div>
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Anyway.... lots of change. Lots of decisions. Lots of refocusing. Lots of letting go.</div>
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Life has brought many changes and challenging blessings over the last year, and especially the last few months. I feel like we are now walking forward down a different journey, though I love it and couldn't be more grateful for the life I live.</div>
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Here are a few things that have happened:</div>
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:: New awesome baby! We sure love this guy!!</div>
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:: The few months before baby came, all my life was was appointments at school, evaluations, doctor visits, and more appointments.</div>
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It all started when my 2nd grader's teacher invited me in for a meeting. I thought it would be just him, but actually included about 8 other people. They noticed some reading difficulties, and after testing and evaluations, we've found that he has dyslexia - not their terminology, but that's what it is.</div>
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He now has an IEP, and I'm hopeful that moving forward we can continue to get him the help he needs to have a successful school experience. I also found some amazing resources by Diane Craft (I think that's how she spells it) that I'm going to try with him over the summer and hopefully we can see some awesome progress and reduce the strain and make things easier. I'm really grateful for friends and their support and input. And I'm SO grateful for the amazing team at school that has reached out to me to get him the help he needs. We are SO blessed to be at this school and I couldn't be more grateful for their support.</div>
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:: more of the appointments and evaluations and appointments were for my oldest.</div>
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The results are in. He is on the autism spectrum. If the term Asperger's was still used, that's where I'd categorize him. I've "known" through my instincts since he was about 4. He turns 10 today, and it's taken us this long to get the support and answers I've been looking for to have a final answer. He's been diagnosed as ADD/ADHD before in the past, but it never made sense to me and I just couldn't settle with that. I'm glad I didn't.</div>
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Knowledge is power, and I'm so happy to have answers and knowledge so I can narrow my focus on where to turn for answers and direction, instead of continuing to look down every street and ally to figure out what is doing on.</div>
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He also has auditory processing disorder. Poor kid. Add that to the list of horrible vision, asthma, allergies,... he just doesn't get a break.</div>
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We're working on a 504 for him, and hopefully it will be carried over and picked up as he goes through school. Crossing my fingers he will always have such an awesome team fighting for him and backing him up!</div>
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I thought his teacher he had last year was amazing and how could he ever get a better teacher?! But then his teacher this year has opened the doors to possibilities I never thought would be possible with him! For the first time in probably his life, he is laughing, joking, carrying on and leading conversations with me. He's doing SO AMAZING!!!!!!! He's happy and we're happy, and he is absolutely excelling in school. So now that the school year is coming to an end, it's a bit terrifying to think what will come next year... and then it's off to middle school (AhhhhH! complete terror!)</div>
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But it's been good. Answers are good. And I'm so grateful to be walking this road with so many amazing people. We truly are blessed. I can't say that enough.</div>
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:: 6 kids. what a wild ride. "what did I get myself into?" "what am I doing?" "how am I supposed to..." What an adjustment. I'm hopeful that with the lack of options to do anything else, I will rise to the occasion and be a successful mom to 6 awesome kiddos. At the moment I find myself looking into the future and thinking, wow! I'm going to be amazing! because really, if you are taking care of 6 little individuals, how can you be anything but?!</div>
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NOT boasting of myself here, because I'm definitely not there yet. But I have faith that God will turn me into something amazing, because I know if I try to do this on my own, the only thing I'll be doing is falling flat on my face day after day after day. I know He is capable... I just hope I'm willing to follow.</div>
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Anyway, writing that all out, it kind of feels like, "meh. no big deal." but really it is. I feel like for the first time in my parenting life, I've been 100% focused on my kiddos and their needs, and it's been an awesome feeling. My heart is full and I'm excited to continue on that path.</div>
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It's always a challenge to find the balance, because bills still have to get paid, and money still needs to be saved, and life still needs to be lived and enjoyed, and we need to have hobbies and outlets and eat food. Because a life not lived is not a life at all.</div>
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It goes back to my word for the year,</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">BEAUTIFY</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">to find beauty where ever I am, in whatever I'm doing, in whatever form it comes in. </span></div>
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I still think about this word all the time and I'm so glad I chose it as my word for the year. It's allowed me to do things I normally wouldn't, to try things I didn't feel good enough at to try before, and allowed me to enjoy the process and be proud of the abilities I have in the moment.</div>
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For example, I letter in my journal and doodle. BEAUTIFY frees me from the expectations that what I do must be x good, or I shouldn't do it at all. It gives me freedom - like dancing in the rain, to be who I am and what I am, and just enjoy what is.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Enjoy what is.</span></div>
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for what it is.</div>
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And that has allowed me so much freedom and joy in my family. My family isn't perfect. I'm not perfect. We have our challenges and trials. But they are beautiful. My children are beautiful and dynamic and wonderful. And I love them! I love where we are and what we do. </div>
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I'm learning to take one step at a time. To do little by little. And after lots of littles and lots of steps, it all adds up... and one day we'll be there. One day I'll reach my goals and make it to the top to view the glorious sunset of my life overlooking the life I lived.<span style="color: #0000ee;">..</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0000ee;">Alright, time for dinner. ;) And to celebrate a birthday! :)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0000ee;">Here's my yearly check-in and share. lol. I'll be back again. sometime. </span></div>
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Diane Bohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649721277737051930noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005037273184467640.post-4753831538775951742018-04-30T14:48:00.000-07:002018-05-01T11:34:15.555-07:00Birthday Sale: Alphabet Patterns!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>This post is part of the 7th Annual Birthday Celebration. 6 days of your favorite patterns marked 50% OFF! Sale selection changes daily, and every purchase enters you into the giveaway for this 36-Fat Quarter bundle!! Read more about it <a href="https://fromblankpages.blogspot.com/2018/04/announcing-7th-annual-birthday.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </i></div>
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Popping in really quick to let you know today's patterns!<br />
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<a href="https://fromblankpagespatterns.com/sale/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">ALL of my alphabet patterns!</span></b></a></div>
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I also wanted to share a few of my favorite projects from <a href="https://fromblankpagespatterns.com/creativegallery/" target="_blank">The Creative Gallery</a> on my website!<br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/laura_zuckerkuss/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="595" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBHq2_yM1jN6J-lWf-gIBGk5_EcYjmC6QZRk6jjp85Ovpku80Gf2a3TrVp7t4dKSVc1Ts8y8Z6nY1j4VpwB5Bbguthmcdrt713hWdigpHoufgoG3hkPLlWitaqYNntYwb2OvxCECSQ9DA/s320/MFA%252C+Laura%252C+laura_zuckerkuss.png" width="320" /> </a></div>
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My First Alphabet Pattern by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/laura_zuckerkuss/" target="_blank">@Laura_zuckerkuss</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/Midwesternbite/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="598" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqID3opcQKIKzDTgWhDW7tx8hd2omPtmkczOsDBAYkBdxV8UkIvbnAXdmDp5kURcz8RWOKHT6uplGcTs0ExOEnfIq9V7zbl6mcdCkH0QUSvUx-QnCSf6Mo8vOsOMhp0jNGkdFTSPuwjGv/s320/MFA+Numbers%252C+Joanna%252C+Midwesternbite.png" width="319" /> </a></div>
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My First Alphabet Numbers by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/Midwesternbite/" target="_blank">@Midwesternbite</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/mgsquaredcreates/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="596" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTqv3WuzgH7Xmrqf6sRBA7gcruggFKod5SLFlCn4TjAzAu41tWEuyNWuQHq0q6Qd8lanhRkN9DFDOd5A6m1bkHlYydqmos9Ip15nKDkk3UhM5pGPu_FljuqYks5iDG1uaUAcsqXj_vm4F/s320/My+ABC%2527s%252C+Melissa%252C+mgsquaredcreates.png" width="320" /> </a></div>
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My ABC's by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mgsquaredcreates/" target="_blank">@mgsquaredcreates</a></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="714" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MwNIz7G7stcb0zYNyqRcEIwv2bNNzuj4G9sEqrRVjjO8HJWPRmoJk5buyaYAQ9A-cWbJ0fmYDwCMZeR55eUkKf2r0BTHYXNi50TmxRaaQ8mEEv6lTPvDBp3O0LvgnkDaWFynZGkpSzRy/s320/My+ABCs+by+Sarah%252C+sewingintheannexe.png" width="320" /></div>
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My ABC's Number and Punctuation by Sarah</div>
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Pouches, pillows, quilts, and minis! I love them all!</div>
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Be sure to check out more projects made me with my pattern in <a href="https://fromblankpagespatterns.com/creativegallery/" target="_blank">The Creative Gallery</a>!</div>
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Thanks for celebrating with me! I hope you enjoy these amazing discounts. </div>
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Come back tomorrow to see which patterns are on sale tomorrow!</div>
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Diane Bohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649721277737051930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005037273184467640.post-2273383322710221582018-04-25T06:59:00.001-07:002018-04-26T07:19:50.601-07:00Announcing the 7th Annual Birthday Celebration!!<span style="font-size: large;">You're Invited!</span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">7th Annual Birthday Celebration</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Date: Monday April 30th - May 5th</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Place: <a href="https://fromblankpagespatterns.com/" target="_blank">fromblankpagespatterns.com</a></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #4a5555;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">For the past 6 years I've done some kind of celebrations sale, giveaway, something fun, to pass some awesome deals onto you for my birthday. This year I kind of spaced it as we were all wrapped up in anticipation for the arrival of our new little baby (which I need to blog about!). But even though the celebration is a little delayed, I'm still just as excited to share with you.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXdb_rA2DzT7ZUUdGPtB2T7ezXHfdMfxElDflLjOnVqq-q7JaT04p_YnRsdOSTmWPx2NQN6-41ly4TQ6MmOsTNNR5YMxd6oY2zZNHI_k9bKXXIbpuIkho-5Uhyphenhyphen_1udOsKQ6EwoLzzQy6Kp/s1600/Happy-Birthday-Cake-Mini1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="114" data-original-width="521" height="87" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXdb_rA2DzT7ZUUdGPtB2T7ezXHfdMfxElDflLjOnVqq-q7JaT04p_YnRsdOSTmWPx2NQN6-41ly4TQ6MmOsTNNR5YMxd6oY2zZNHI_k9bKXXIbpuIkho-5Uhyphenhyphen_1udOsKQ6EwoLzzQy6Kp/s400/Happy-Birthday-Cake-Mini1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #4a5555;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">This year I turned 36. We also had our 6th child, so I wanted to somehow tie in those numbers to the celebration. Here's what I came up with:</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #4a5555;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Everyday for 6 days I am putting 3 different patterns, or collections, on sale! The individual patterns will be on sale for <b>1 DAY ONLY</b>! And the prices will be discounted to a whopping <b>50% OFF!! </b>No coupon necessary.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #4a5555;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">If you've been around long enough, you know I NEVER do discounts that steep, and I'm not sure I'll ever do this again... which means if you've been eyeing some of my patterns, this will be the BEST time to scoop them up! (FYI). </span></span><br />
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<b>"How is this party going to go down???"</b> you ask?<br />
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Let me tell you!<br />
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Everyday a new set of 3 patterns will go on sale (prices will be discounted - no coupon necessary!). The sale will start at 12:01 am on the given day and end at 11:59 pm of the same day. Each day a different set of patterns will be on sale. And everyday will be s surprise!!<br />
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<b>"What's the best way to make sure that I don't miss a day??"</b><br />
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After the day is over, the patterns that were on sale that day will not be on sale again (well, not for 50% OFF!) So you don't want to miss a single day!<br />
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The BEST way to make sure you don't miss a day is to become a Creative Explorer (aka sign up for my newsletter!). I will be sending out daily emails directly to your inbox with the days patterns! This is the best way to be notified because there is no messing around with algorithms, or playing the lotto with whether the social platform of your choice wants to show you my posts or not. You could also just visit my website each day, but you might forget... an email is the easiest way to receive the reminder and check out the patterns for that day.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can sign up <a href="http://eepurl.com/bLCiAv" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</span></div>
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(plus when you sign up you'll get an awesome birthday present for your birthday!)</div>
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I will also do a quick blog post each day to help direct you to the patterns that are on sale that day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIWBdzlCjpt4jN7CSzI1IQgkXRAPm766O1M02uJ7pW5mtY6Ndy2l3xSvuc0NjrUqEi83HnVK3usMRq1hGj8TSareCoaeGlEhc9gh9YhveZvCBDl6ve1opIN0GXImBKfNLaewNYKDVeE_8/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant2-500w.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIWBdzlCjpt4jN7CSzI1IQgkXRAPm766O1M02uJ7pW5mtY6Ndy2l3xSvuc0NjrUqEi83HnVK3usMRq1hGj8TSareCoaeGlEhc9gh9YhveZvCBDl6ve1opIN0GXImBKfNLaewNYKDVeE_8/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant2-500w.png" /></a></div>
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To make the celebration even better, I've put together this awesome fat quarter bundle to give away at the end of the sale!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmtnJNKoZ2NSm6r6K9vKk-MBOSCO5RMeloHy2S6axDuXI-6Kco5zRBh9AweJEvePhJnxsqu40nddTQGQdBzqfs44zVPRYYKuAKb-CrJdmfPpLb874xCpDQkVsHC1NaRMyaNaUNWq7LKwf/s1600/20180426_090007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmtnJNKoZ2NSm6r6K9vKk-MBOSCO5RMeloHy2S6axDuXI-6Kco5zRBh9AweJEvePhJnxsqu40nddTQGQdBzqfs44zVPRYYKuAKb-CrJdmfPpLb874xCpDQkVsHC1NaRMyaNaUNWq7LKwf/s640/20180426_090007.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
36 fat quarters for my 36th birthday!<br />
(That's 9 yards of mostly all out of print fabrics!) </div>
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I pulled some of my favorite prints from some of my favorite designers, including Tula Pink, Anna Maria Horner, Lizzy House, Amy Butler, Sandi Henderson, Joel Dewberry, V and Co, Denyse Schmidt, and Heather Bailey.<br />
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As a thank you for participating in my sale, every <a href="https://fromblankpagespatterns.com/product-category/pdf/?ref=Diane" target="_blank">pattern you purchase</a> will give you one entry into the giveaway! (Entries are for items purchased, not by order. So you can purchase 3 patterns in one order and get 3 entries.)<br />
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I will tally all the purchases throughout the week and randomly draw one winner on Monday May 7th. I'll mail the package by the end of that week. Giveaway open worldwide!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKx-GVIhziQh1yi9-rb2o6TaMTWQkqNjhymzo4O2_d0IwrJRZl0d-sDODC0d_JcWz4YmTQfR2oaBxcCU6Vw73MacnxqK9tgYZirE3B14SHG49XkQNND0VMOUt5olnXiI2nviQs1G9UVKv/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant3-500w.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKx-GVIhziQh1yi9-rb2o6TaMTWQkqNjhymzo4O2_d0IwrJRZl0d-sDODC0d_JcWz4YmTQfR2oaBxcCU6Vw73MacnxqK9tgYZirE3B14SHG49XkQNND0VMOUt5olnXiI2nviQs1G9UVKv/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant3-500w.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I hope you'll come join me in the celebration!!</span><br />
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<i>Don't forget to <a href="http://eepurl.com/bLCiAv" target="_blank">sign up for my newsletter</a> to get your daily sales reminders. (Other than during the birthday celebration, I typically send out emails 1-4 times a month. So don't worry about getting too many spammy emails! Yuck!)</i></div>
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Diane Bohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649721277737051930noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005037273184467640.post-76277021982079297422017-12-19T11:28:00.001-08:002017-12-19T11:28:09.605-08:002017 is Almost Over!! Get it Before it's GONE!I don't know if you subscribe to <a href="http://eepurl.com/bLCiAv" target="_blank">my newsletter</a>, but one thing I have really enjoyed doing each year, is sending out a FREE birthday pattern to my newsletter subscribers on their birthday!! It's like a little birthday gift from me to you, and I look forward to changing out the patterns each year! (Because it's not really a gift if I keep giving you the same present each year! right?!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfgnJiY4SXNkTOriu19uX0WC0OGAvu1xfbMcCGEnp7H928FgJF1n2dwQmdBg4INx3OwiD3kcFBWlfY2qvANRo5k5f6O0dk-MbUUTQfxVlo9qgEI1o5LHRyypD8dcAqQ09RKrJB4Tcop1m/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant1-500w.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfgnJiY4SXNkTOriu19uX0WC0OGAvu1xfbMcCGEnp7H928FgJF1n2dwQmdBg4INx3OwiD3kcFBWlfY2qvANRo5k5f6O0dk-MbUUTQfxVlo9qgEI1o5LHRyypD8dcAqQ09RKrJB4Tcop1m/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant1-500w.png" /></a></div>
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For 2016 I sent out my Birthday Cake Mini pattern<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsxT_EqvgpumamIpOynUanGtKddsnZ8j5G6DcNBrj-UGTCWWkKSgoNJPM-cg4rZ5bfM3JUEBKC9PM5ndGKjgJ9fUQlquZ1mp6ZNR5rXM0GU3MxMW01KVylFM_H5Jpx_Y9ThTh5hQSIQZF/s1600/Birthday+Cake+Mini.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="481" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsxT_EqvgpumamIpOynUanGtKddsnZ8j5G6DcNBrj-UGTCWWkKSgoNJPM-cg4rZ5bfM3JUEBKC9PM5ndGKjgJ9fUQlquZ1mp6ZNR5rXM0GU3MxMW01KVylFM_H5Jpx_Y9ThTh5hQSIQZF/s400/Birthday+Cake+Mini.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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For my birthday in 2017 I did release the pattern for one day in my shop, but otherwise it still isn't available anywhere else.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIWBdzlCjpt4jN7CSzI1IQgkXRAPm766O1M02uJ7pW5mtY6Ndy2l3xSvuc0NjrUqEi83HnVK3usMRq1hGj8TSareCoaeGlEhc9gh9YhveZvCBDl6ve1opIN0GXImBKfNLaewNYKDVeE_8/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant2-500w.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIWBdzlCjpt4jN7CSzI1IQgkXRAPm766O1M02uJ7pW5mtY6Ndy2l3xSvuc0NjrUqEi83HnVK3usMRq1hGj8TSareCoaeGlEhc9gh9YhveZvCBDl6ve1opIN0GXImBKfNLaewNYKDVeE_8/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant2-500w.png" /></a></div>
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For 2017 the free birthday pattern is my Rise Above Geometric pattern!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgupVRns2ilMmZFB5vYv57DOTbXP8Dp9xvM35ObjYGQYzuVICr39aCtDLNyNrR4W_gss20KxUMYNc_OlHIE2fV5KFk67BbzbrW2NRO_MnlW3KsONZyLziiyRLpWuIlcln-kNKL9NFYe5zub/s1600/Rise+Above+Geometric+CO.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1592" data-original-width="1600" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgupVRns2ilMmZFB5vYv57DOTbXP8Dp9xvM35ObjYGQYzuVICr39aCtDLNyNrR4W_gss20KxUMYNc_OlHIE2fV5KFk67BbzbrW2NRO_MnlW3KsONZyLziiyRLpWuIlcln-kNKL9NFYe5zub/s320/Rise+Above+Geometric+CO.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is my favorite pattern from my <a href="https://fromblankpagespatterns.com/product-tag/rise-above/" target="_blank">Rise Above series</a>, and I've loved being able to save it for just my newsletter subscribers! (I LOVE to spoil my newsletter subscribers!!! ;) ;) )<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKx-GVIhziQh1yi9-rb2o6TaMTWQkqNjhymzo4O2_d0IwrJRZl0d-sDODC0d_JcWz4YmTQfR2oaBxcCU6Vw73MacnxqK9tgYZirE3B14SHG49XkQNND0VMOUt5olnXiI2nviQs1G9UVKv/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant3-500w.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKx-GVIhziQh1yi9-rb2o6TaMTWQkqNjhymzo4O2_d0IwrJRZl0d-sDODC0d_JcWz4YmTQfR2oaBxcCU6Vw73MacnxqK9tgYZirE3B14SHG49XkQNND0VMOUt5olnXiI2nviQs1G9UVKv/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant3-500w.png" /></a></div>
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Anyway, 2017 is almost over, and while I don't have any set plans for what I'll do with this pattern in 2018, I do know that time is running short for getting it as a FREE pattern!<br />
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If you want to, you can <a href="http://eepurl.com/bLCiAv" target="_blank">sign up for my newsletter</a> and I'll be sending it out one last time on Dec 31st! (If you're birthday is between now and then, you'll probably get it sooner, but for everyone who has a birthday earlier in the year, you'll get it on the 31st! I don't want anyone to miss out!) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjes2AQkuc32yFy3VwFuoE8ggCIxg-yO1npUzoSfId84Vi2het4GYMsgFZCxKcOxiRwUFX-pwtj1ytO96Yqdnb5SJZNJMNPSPcDuEgFGZSI7qgZw7PCXzUPCayIPKVYo-zoHgM4v1TwnNMB/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-PlantCenter-500w.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjes2AQkuc32yFy3VwFuoE8ggCIxg-yO1npUzoSfId84Vi2het4GYMsgFZCxKcOxiRwUFX-pwtj1ytO96Yqdnb5SJZNJMNPSPcDuEgFGZSI7qgZw7PCXzUPCayIPKVYo-zoHgM4v1TwnNMB/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-PlantCenter-500w.png" /></a></div>
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Be sure to stay tuned for the NEW birthday pattern for 2018!!<br />
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And.... if you were participating in the Rise Above QAL this past summer, due to morning sickness it has been postponed but will continue in early 2018! Stay tuned for more details!! <br />
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Diane Bohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649721277737051930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005037273184467640.post-83293846341516697952017-12-18T09:53:00.001-08:002017-12-18T09:53:14.497-08:00What's the Word??? Brainstorming for 2018<div style="text-align: justify;">
Have you ever picked a word to be your
theme word for the year? I have been picking a word for the last few
years and I really love it! I usually forget about it somewhere in the
middle, but always come back to it again by the end. </div>
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I
find that having a word for the year helps me have something to focus
on as I make goals and plans throughout the year. It gives me a
foundation to base my attitude and perspective on, and anyway, I've
already started to plan my word for 2018!</div>
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I haven't narrowed it down to one word yet, but here's the gist of what I want it to be...<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li>Beautify
- make things beautiful (my life, my home, the spaces around me,
relationships), but also find the beauty that is already there. </li>
<li>Be positive, find the positive in everything</li>
<li>Be happy</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
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This morning I found this quote and told my husband that I need to make this my motto<br />
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I've
started noticing recently that I've become really negative. I never
thought of myself as a complainer or a downer, but then I started
noticing how I always had something negative to say about almost
everything... yuck! That is NOT how/who I want to be. So I'm determined
to be more positive and stop the negativity in it's tracks. No one needs
that...<br />
<br />
I'm hoping that focusing on the beauty in my
life, and adding more beauty to it, will help increase my positivity
too! Since I think most of the negative talk and thoughts are based
around all the things in my life that I'm not happy with. Like how much
weight I've gained this pregnancy, our dumpy house that is too cramped
for the number of people living in it (it's really not bad, but we are
definitely noticing that we definitely are ready for something bigger!
and by dumpy - it's things like the kitchen and bathroom counters
detaching from the walls, or floor boards that weren't painted before we
moved in - or are covered in paint splatters. We moved in to a real
fixer upper, and while they did a great job cleaning it and painted the
entire house, and since moving in they replaced the carpet on the main
floor and the basement, so it's WAAAAAYYYY better than it was, but
there's not much we can or want to do to make it nicer than it is. It
really does need a lot of work, they definitely didn't take care of it,
which is whatever. but we live here, and we're making do with what we
have. ;))<br />
<br />
Anyway, it's those kinds of things. So
instead of complaining and/or being unhappy, I want to just change my
focus and be happy with where I'm at, change the things I can, and find
joy and beauty in the rest. <br />
<br />
So now to find the perfect word that sums it all up...<br />
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What word are you choosing for 2018? Do you like having a word for the year? I'd love to hear your opinion about it!<br />
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Ps.
At the beginning of this year my husband found out about having a word
for the year and was really excited about it because he loved the idea!
He thought I'd love it too, until I told him I'd already been doing it
for years. And I KNOW I told him about my words in years past, but I
guess sometimes they have to learn about it from somewhere else to
realize what a great idea it is. Haha! I just have to tease him about
it. ;) His word for this year was "Thoughtful" I'm excited to see what
he chooses for this coming year. <br />
<br />
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Diane Bohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649721277737051930noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005037273184467640.post-50443635912825427642017-12-15T15:46:00.002-08:002017-12-15T15:46:56.302-08:00A Day in the Life...This happened today.<br />
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(not my car. my fault.)</div>
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I'm so mad, depressed, emotional. It was nothing but dumb and I have nothing else to say.<br />
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It's just one of those days.<br />
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At least I am getting my blog post in for the day! ;)<br />
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I hope your day is going much better!!<br />
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Diane Bohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649721277737051930noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005037273184467640.post-90002010095178848072017-12-14T12:15:00.000-08:002017-12-14T12:15:23.304-08:00December GoalsIn an attempt to not be overly busy or overwhelmed this month, I have decided that I don't want to start on any new projects, add anything to my to-make list, or add to my WIP list in any way. Instead, my goal is to finish up the *almost finished* projects that have been sitting in a pile for months on end, which ultimately consists of quilt and minis that have been basted but not yet quilted, and I think one that is just waiting for the binding. I'd love to start the new year off with a fresh slate and not be overwhelmed with things I still need to finish.<br />
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So here's my list of quilts I'd love to finish this month...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfgnJiY4SXNkTOriu19uX0WC0OGAvu1xfbMcCGEnp7H928FgJF1n2dwQmdBg4INx3OwiD3kcFBWlfY2qvANRo5k5f6O0dk-MbUUTQfxVlo9qgEI1o5LHRyypD8dcAqQ09RKrJB4Tcop1m/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant1-500w.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfgnJiY4SXNkTOriu19uX0WC0OGAvu1xfbMcCGEnp7H928FgJF1n2dwQmdBg4INx3OwiD3kcFBWlfY2qvANRo5k5f6O0dk-MbUUTQfxVlo9qgEI1o5LHRyypD8dcAqQ09RKrJB4Tcop1m/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant1-500w.png" /></a></div>
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My Taurus Gemini quilt!<br />
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I actually finished quilting this one last night! I thought it would take me quite a while longer so I am full on celebrating the accomplishment! LOL! I am going to attach the binding today, and then I'll slowly hand stitch it on when I'm just sitting around. (uh... when does that ever happen??? haha!) <br />
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I'm super excited for this one because it's going on my bed!! This is finish is just in time for the cold winter we're quickly diving into here in North Dakota!<br />
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I'll share more about this one, and closeups on the quilting (which I'm so happy with how it turned out!) when it's actually complete. Fabric is Tucker Prairie by One Canoe Two. The light greys are by Lizzy House. I used my <a href="https://fromblankpagespatterns.com/product/taurus/" target="_blank">Taurus</a> and <a href="https://fromblankpagespatterns.com/product/gemini/" target="_blank">Gemini</a> patterns together and love how well they play together!<br />
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80's Geese charity quilt<br />
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This only needs the binding and then I can send it on it's way to warm someone in need. Since it's a charity quilt, I'll finish the binding by machine so it'll be sure to last a long time. Should be an easy finish. I'm going to do the binding at the same time as I do the one for my Taurus Gemini quilt.<br />
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All of these blocks were made and donated by my wonderful pattern testers!! Love how the scrapiness came together so beautifully! Pattern: <a href="https://fromblankpagespatterns.com/product/80s-geese/" target="_blank">80's Geese</a> 12 inch blocks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKx-GVIhziQh1yi9-rb2o6TaMTWQkqNjhymzo4O2_d0IwrJRZl0d-sDODC0d_JcWz4YmTQfR2oaBxcCU6Vw73MacnxqK9tgYZirE3B14SHG49XkQNND0VMOUt5olnXiI2nviQs1G9UVKv/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant3-500w.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKx-GVIhziQh1yi9-rb2o6TaMTWQkqNjhymzo4O2_d0IwrJRZl0d-sDODC0d_JcWz4YmTQfR2oaBxcCU6Vw73MacnxqK9tgYZirE3B14SHG49XkQNND0VMOUt5olnXiI2nviQs1G9UVKv/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant3-500w.png" /></a></div>
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Rise Above quilt<br />
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<i>Some of the blocks still had paper on the back of them when I took this photo. Can you tell?? It's interesting how the light reflected so differently on the ones with the paper. ;)</i></div>
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This has been waiting to get quilted since June or July. I have some fun quilt ideas for this one, and with having some practice quilting all my other quilts recently I think I'm ready to tackle it.<br />
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The fabrics for this quilt are Mirage by Alex Anderson. I think they fit so perfectly with this quilt!!!I love how the <a href="https://fromblankpagespatterns.com/product/rise-above-base/" target="_blank">Rise Above</a> pattern is so great for highlighting specific prints! I used the Simple Sashing pattern for the sashing between the blocks. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjes2AQkuc32yFy3VwFuoE8ggCIxg-yO1npUzoSfId84Vi2het4GYMsgFZCxKcOxiRwUFX-pwtj1ytO96Yqdnb5SJZNJMNPSPcDuEgFGZSI7qgZw7PCXzUPCayIPKVYo-zoHgM4v1TwnNMB/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-PlantCenter-500w.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjes2AQkuc32yFy3VwFuoE8ggCIxg-yO1npUzoSfId84Vi2het4GYMsgFZCxKcOxiRwUFX-pwtj1ytO96Yqdnb5SJZNJMNPSPcDuEgFGZSI7qgZw7PCXzUPCayIPKVYo-zoHgM4v1TwnNMB/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-PlantCenter-500w.png" /></a></div>
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Zodiac Quilt<br />
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I'm not sure how to quilt this one yet, but I'm thinking of doing something fun! We'll see what I come up with. Just needs quilting and binding!<br />
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Fabrics are all by Sandi Henderson, pulled from my stash that I've been building for a while. Patterns are all 12 of my <a href="https://fromblankpagespatterns.com/product-tag/zodiac/" target="_blank">Zodiac BOM</a> patterns. <br />
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My First Alphabet - Alphabet mini<br />
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I debated quilting this by hand, but I think I might do matchstick quilting in the background instead. That's going to take a while, but I think it'll be worth it!<br />
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Fabrics are all Anna Maria Horner. Pattern: <a href="https://fromblankpagespatterns.com/product/my-first-alphabet/" target="_blank">My First Alphabet</a> - 6 inch <br />
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<br />
Star Fruit baby quilt<br />
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<br />
I really want to try some graffiti quilting on this one, which I'm super intimidated by... hence the delay in finishing it. Any tips???<br />
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Fabrics are Alison Glass. Solids are Kona Cottons. Pattern: <a href="https://fromblankpagespatterns.com/product/starfruit/" target="_blank">Star Fruit</a> - I didn't piece the complete blocks so that it would look more like a border. I love that about paper piecing - how easily you can modify a block to adjust the design by simply piecing multiple sections as one piece. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKx-GVIhziQh1yi9-rb2o6TaMTWQkqNjhymzo4O2_d0IwrJRZl0d-sDODC0d_JcWz4YmTQfR2oaBxcCU6Vw73MacnxqK9tgYZirE3B14SHG49XkQNND0VMOUt5olnXiI2nviQs1G9UVKv/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant3-500w.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKx-GVIhziQh1yi9-rb2o6TaMTWQkqNjhymzo4O2_d0IwrJRZl0d-sDODC0d_JcWz4YmTQfR2oaBxcCU6Vw73MacnxqK9tgYZirE3B14SHG49XkQNND0VMOUt5olnXiI2nviQs1G9UVKv/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant3-500w.png" /></a></div>
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Dusk<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVBSTW_b7SrVfG4QzMbamH0CbaTt3x6XsID3_t2TYPldyLFpmi8BbqhaJ9u7yByVaVbzmaLR8exUEK_cYpO8io0Md5kdFQvhD1TF0mlqwald4mPFChxIq3-FfZUMgD1TnGxF0ZR6Rtf5P1/s1600/Dusk-Color-Wheel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVBSTW_b7SrVfG4QzMbamH0CbaTt3x6XsID3_t2TYPldyLFpmi8BbqhaJ9u7yByVaVbzmaLR8exUEK_cYpO8io0Md5kdFQvhD1TF0mlqwald4mPFChxIq3-FfZUMgD1TnGxF0ZR6Rtf5P1/s400/Dusk-Color-Wheel.jpg" width="397" /></a></div>
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I keep going back and forth on this one too... hand quilt or machine quilt? I have another dusk mini that I'm hand quilting but I'm not really happy with it. I might just undo the stitching and quilt it by machine, and then hand quilt this one instead. I like having a hand quilting project that I can take to scouts and work on while I wait for my boys, so I don't plan on finishing this one this month, but I'd love to get started.<br />
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Fabrics are a mix from my stash. It took FOREVER to find the perfect color wheel from what I had available. ;) This one measures 18 inch square. Pattern: <a href="https://fromblankpagespatterns.com/product/dusk/" target="_blank">Dusk</a><br />
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My other Dusk block I'm working on:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3SqQ1Gu1CJjRYPDjlW81PXrsXshAPtEGJ5jriFJp5WSwbm2JNerRolYJ4xY8v1bSAopjh7LijAroMGmD4yZdyvUmhvKVSPekcVcKqGpkp1NgmhJ_p6tWiGCQh1qKwmU0tLXIar7Ap26DF/s1600/20170503_201050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3SqQ1Gu1CJjRYPDjlW81PXrsXshAPtEGJ5jriFJp5WSwbm2JNerRolYJ4xY8v1bSAopjh7LijAroMGmD4yZdyvUmhvKVSPekcVcKqGpkp1NgmhJ_p6tWiGCQh1qKwmU0tLXIar7Ap26DF/s400/20170503_201050.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<i>This was the first version of the pattern, which I really LOVE with those white parts, but it was WAY too bulky in the middle so I decided to take them out. Maybe one day I'll add them back in. ;)</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjes2AQkuc32yFy3VwFuoE8ggCIxg-yO1npUzoSfId84Vi2het4GYMsgFZCxKcOxiRwUFX-pwtj1ytO96Yqdnb5SJZNJMNPSPcDuEgFGZSI7qgZw7PCXzUPCayIPKVYo-zoHgM4v1TwnNMB/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-PlantCenter-500w.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjes2AQkuc32yFy3VwFuoE8ggCIxg-yO1npUzoSfId84Vi2het4GYMsgFZCxKcOxiRwUFX-pwtj1ytO96Yqdnb5SJZNJMNPSPcDuEgFGZSI7qgZw7PCXzUPCayIPKVYo-zoHgM4v1TwnNMB/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-PlantCenter-500w.png" /></a></div>
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That's everything in my pile for now... I also have the <a href="https://fromblankpagespatterns.com/product-tag/rise-above/" target="_blank">Rise Above</a> charity quilt, but I still need to remove the paper and baste it, so I'm not going to count it in this batch of *quick finishes*. Though it is on my list of finishes for the new year. <br />
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<i>haha. The only picture I could find was from before I sewed it together. ;) All blocks are made by my amazing pattern testers!!! </i></div>
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I hope that if I can finish this stack of projects (uh... looking back at my list I realize that it's quite the list for half a month including holidays. lol. oh boy...), I'll be able to take a deep breath and it'll be like a weight off my shoulders, and hopefully give me a more pleasant start to the new year. Crossing my fingers!! ;)<br />
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Do you have any end-of-year goals you're hoping to accomplish?? I'd love to hear what they are!<br />
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Diane Bohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649721277737051930noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005037273184467640.post-58326457596774762202017-12-13T08:39:00.000-08:002017-12-13T08:39:01.582-08:00Made It: A Quilt for Mom<div style="text-align: justify;">
Well, blogging everyday hasn't been a thing, but I have a good reason for it... Last week I traveled to sunny St. George, UT to visit my sisters and my mom! It was such a wonderful trip!!! I missed out on the crazy blizzard here in North Dakota - don't worry, I didn't cry about it. lol. And my husband was absolutely amazing with the kids while I was away! I told him that they all seemed to do better without me. But he adamantly reassured me that they prefer having me home. ;) haha. </div>
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We stayed at my sisters house, and I just love her family! Her kids are getting so big! (as is always the case when you don't see them often enough). I was also able to visit with some of our very good friends from when we lived in Iowa, as well as some of our best friends (that I served with while on my mission) and Neil got to know after we got married. My heart was so full!! I don't think anything beats being with the people you love! Although eating at my favorite restaurants and getting out and being able to hike around was also very refreshing and refueling for my soul! </div>
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I bought my tickets to fly out to Utah a few months ago, and in the meantime my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and moved in with my sister. When I realized that I would get to see her while I was there I knew I needed to make her a quilt!!! This was 2 weeks before I left... so from planning and designing what I would make, paper piecing 12 blocks, completing the quilt top, basting, quilting, and sewing on the binding, it was definitely a miracle that I was able to do all of that in such a short amount of time! (I attached the binding before I left and was going to sew it on the rest of the way while I was there. I got it half way finished on the flight out there, and then I didn't pick it up at all while I was there - so I brought it back home with me. duh! I did show her, but I didn't want to leave it unfinished.... now it is completely finished, so now I need to mail it out to her. good grief. lol. my husband just rolled his eyes at me when he saw it still in my bag.) </div>
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Anyway, here it is...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-R0ShswkyWa1j-296VliFbs9SxPD6pd63Fza-DOUNUsgaEo3KY8cgLdp8b3C3wc46lK8toOyNYt5LDJWIYm1WvS9fMO9p-zxTQulsMMaPPNZXAdkKZ3F9wwf334QgXge8d3NL7mAClVb/s1600/Mom%2527s+Taurus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1318" data-original-width="1001" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-R0ShswkyWa1j-296VliFbs9SxPD6pd63Fza-DOUNUsgaEo3KY8cgLdp8b3C3wc46lK8toOyNYt5LDJWIYm1WvS9fMO9p-zxTQulsMMaPPNZXAdkKZ3F9wwf334QgXge8d3NL7mAClVb/s640/Mom%2527s+Taurus.jpg" width="483" /></a></div>
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I used my <a href="https://fromblankpagespatterns.com/product/taurus/" target="_blank">Taurus pattern</a>. For the outside edges I pieced all the outer sections as single white pieces. It's hard to tell in the photo, but I have a darker and lighter grey that twists between the blocks going down the quilt.<br />
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When I think of my mom I instantly think of red, orange and yellow. Not my usual color palette, but I'm happy with how it turned out!<br />
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This was my first idea, but the more I looked at it, the less I liked it... though I do still actually like it a lot. I don't know if the border of the image shows up, but this design would have simply gone down the left third of the quilt (not right on the edge, but not centered). <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_ew8_kphwYmpLiVb6Uj905R6viCpZByTCVJRUdxTxcxw0VRqIm7ehRGCWJCZOpHCmpij8Pk_m-q4X0XAmh8BOVHr1yWL9ENY7ojkoEBYZbczb1N1akStlhjs6_Av0X_VkFgEO3qlzrj4/s1600/Mom%2527s-Quilt4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1263" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_ew8_kphwYmpLiVb6Uj905R6viCpZByTCVJRUdxTxcxw0VRqIm7ehRGCWJCZOpHCmpij8Pk_m-q4X0XAmh8BOVHr1yWL9ENY7ojkoEBYZbczb1N1akStlhjs6_Av0X_VkFgEO3qlzrj4/s400/Mom%2527s-Quilt4.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
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Maybe I'll make it with this layout another day.</div>
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My mom started her chemo on Monday, so please keep her in your prayers if you will! <br />
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Diane Bohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649721277737051930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005037273184467640.post-64542883009791532152017-12-02T10:00:00.000-08:002017-12-03T05:26:22.017-08:00Made It: Outreach QuiltWhen I first started this blog back in 2010 (hard to believe it's been that long!!) I sorted all my posts with different labels in the titles of the post, like Made It - for things that I made, Fab Finds - for things I found that were awesome and wanted to share (this was before Pinterest), Our Story - for family posts, Photography - self explanatory, Sewing Basics, etc. Last night as I was thinking about what I would blog about this month, I decided I wanted to bring those back. I probably won't use all the same ones, but I like the concept. (So here's a little introduction to why those will be in my titles - and it'll make it easy for you to filter through the posts you want to read and know what to expect as you do. What do you think about that?!) <br />
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Today we have our quilt guild meeting (North Star Quilters Guild), and we are turning in all the quilts that we've made in the last 6 months for the Outreach program. Outreach donates the quilts to foster kids in the area. (I love this!!)<br />
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Earlier this year the satellite group that I'm in, Modern Makers, made two charity quilts to donate. I quilted and bound one of them, and just finished it just in time! - like this week. Nothing like a deadline for good motivation to get something finished. ;)<br />
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Here's the quilt we made:<br />
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For the quilting I used the book Walking Foot Quilting Designs by Melissa Marginet (I met her when our guild went up to Winnipeg in May for our guild meeting - she's super nice!!) I love the book! There are so many great quilting ideas and instructions. And I love how the quilting fit the quilt. It's a great book if you want to check it out! Lots of designs you can do with the comfort of your walking foot - no FMQ! I love the possibilities!<br />
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Now to go get ready so I don't miss the meeting!! :)<br />
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Have a wonderful Saturday!!<br />
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Happy Quilting & Happy Creating!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHITTeauZX2MRm32UBMGkqyTJEF4beHzoCdVEfJ365OPrpYpeu1pS9k-nSGMv0GmQdfcssE6XO52cl49ntOmJEaJyMtnN062B8lbZA8t5y4ueg7I7-cQCngTo5Hr6bkjwh3AwoliNqZmq/s1600/FBP-Signature1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHITTeauZX2MRm32UBMGkqyTJEF4beHzoCdVEfJ365OPrpYpeu1pS9k-nSGMv0GmQdfcssE6XO52cl49ntOmJEaJyMtnN062B8lbZA8t5y4ueg7I7-cQCngTo5Hr6bkjwh3AwoliNqZmq/s1600/FBP-Signature1.jpg" /></a></div>
Diane Bohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649721277737051930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005037273184467640.post-47217454748415893952017-12-01T12:10:00.002-08:002017-12-01T12:10:30.418-08:0031 Day Blog Challenge! <div style="text-align: center;">
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I just saw this 31 Day Blog Writing Challenge in a Facebook group I'm in and I just had to jump at the opportunity to join in! I used to blog a lot. But my frequency in blog posts has definitely died down over the years. Even though it's not something I've really given a lot of time to, it is something that I <i>really</i> want to get back into!</div>
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This challenge is the perfect opportunity to get back into the habit of blogging...<br />
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<a href="http://muppin.com/wordpress/index.php/the-2017-31-day-blog-writing-challenge/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="http://muppin.com/wordpress/index.php/the-2017-31-day-blog-writing-challenge/" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyWN-FxQDbKtE4xmqhny4C66Ypdg2AXcgNmnSng8OiuaYUrSl0faud45AqPNdTORUDZXLpbtPOnuH3QgGz7KZ1QL_uHOtqd0lG-EcAdieRIC_crNnQtG9OC_1aiBiqV3ML6TKMKHq_s1H/s320/BlogChallengeYr3-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The gist of the challenge is to blog everyday for 31 days... doing it during December, potentially the busiest time of the year, means that if I can make it happen now, I can make it happen anytime of the year. (I'm not planning on blogging on Sundays.)</div>
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I don't really have a plan about what I'll blog about, but I'm excited to explore the possibilities and hopefully find my voice again.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfgnJiY4SXNkTOriu19uX0WC0OGAvu1xfbMcCGEnp7H928FgJF1n2dwQmdBg4INx3OwiD3kcFBWlfY2qvANRo5k5f6O0dk-MbUUTQfxVlo9qgEI1o5LHRyypD8dcAqQ09RKrJB4Tcop1m/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant1-500w.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfgnJiY4SXNkTOriu19uX0WC0OGAvu1xfbMcCGEnp7H928FgJF1n2dwQmdBg4INx3OwiD3kcFBWlfY2qvANRo5k5f6O0dk-MbUUTQfxVlo9qgEI1o5LHRyypD8dcAqQ09RKrJB4Tcop1m/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant1-500w.png" /></a></div>
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My first thought is that I hope that I'll be able to figure out how to finally settle in to the things I've been wanting to share but have lacked confidence in expressing. I've actually been thinking about this a lot lately, how I feel like when it comes to me and social media, it's like a roller coaster ride. At times I probably share too much of the struggle and real life experiences, and then I go for months feeling very introverted and closed off, not wanting to share anything at all. I think the problem is that I can't decide how I want to use social media as a tool. Sometimes I feel like it should be all business, but I just can't do that....It's not who I am. So then I don't know how to balance the business with real life and still be professional and not just some crazy lady. lol. I'd prefer to find a more consistent and comfortable spot, wherever that happens to be on the spectrum, so we'll see! The struggle is real!</div>
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Last night I was talking to my husband about something, telling him that I felt like a little fish in big waters. He told me the nicest thing. He said, "of all the things I know about you, one is that you are really good at adapting." It doesn't sound like a compliment, but to me it really is! It really boosted my confidence that I can tackle any challenge. So maybe *forcing* myself to blog everyday, will be just the push I need to adapt to my personal challenges that I've been facing when it comes to blogging. I'm rather excited! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIWBdzlCjpt4jN7CSzI1IQgkXRAPm766O1M02uJ7pW5mtY6Ndy2l3xSvuc0NjrUqEi83HnVK3usMRq1hGj8TSareCoaeGlEhc9gh9YhveZvCBDl6ve1opIN0GXImBKfNLaewNYKDVeE_8/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant2-500w.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIWBdzlCjpt4jN7CSzI1IQgkXRAPm766O1M02uJ7pW5mtY6Ndy2l3xSvuc0NjrUqEi83HnVK3usMRq1hGj8TSareCoaeGlEhc9gh9YhveZvCBDl6ve1opIN0GXImBKfNLaewNYKDVeE_8/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant2-500w.png" /></a></div>
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So here's to blogging!! If you want to join in, be sure to hope over to <a href="http://muppin.com/wordpress/index.php/the-2017-31-day-blog-writing-challenge/" target="_blank">Muppin.com</a> for all the details as well as to see who else is participating!<br />
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Now to go take a quick nap so I can hopefully get over my cold!! ;)<br />
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Have a wonderful weekend!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHITTeauZX2MRm32UBMGkqyTJEF4beHzoCdVEfJ365OPrpYpeu1pS9k-nSGMv0GmQdfcssE6XO52cl49ntOmJEaJyMtnN062B8lbZA8t5y4ueg7I7-cQCngTo5Hr6bkjwh3AwoliNqZmq/s1600/FBP-Signature1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHITTeauZX2MRm32UBMGkqyTJEF4beHzoCdVEfJ365OPrpYpeu1pS9k-nSGMv0GmQdfcssE6XO52cl49ntOmJEaJyMtnN062B8lbZA8t5y4ueg7I7-cQCngTo5Hr6bkjwh3AwoliNqZmq/s1600/FBP-Signature1.jpg" /></a></div>
Diane Bohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649721277737051930noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005037273184467640.post-33041043702624433692017-10-10T15:17:00.000-07:002017-10-10T15:17:27.694-07:00What a Wild Ride This Year Has Been!!Hi again! It's been a while... as is the norm around here. ;)<br />
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If you've been following my blog this year, you'll know that this year has been quite the roller coaster ride! With moving and quitting my job, then not quitting my job, and lots and lots of having no clue what I'm doing with my life (is this what a mid-life crisis is like?! I kind of hope so, just so it can be over soon. lol.)<br />
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Anyway, here's another twist I wanted to share with you... I sure didn't expect this to be on this years agenda. Though I will say, I am (we are) very excited about it!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxyKCVCRkSEimDVbKHqAIujBBOZKvaQr--i4fm1ZGBMStJeftI2MSVrH0VgWz-UqqtcDLBZzOgwFUnnXYjYmQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHITTeauZX2MRm32UBMGkqyTJEF4beHzoCdVEfJ365OPrpYpeu1pS9k-nSGMv0GmQdfcssE6XO52cl49ntOmJEaJyMtnN062B8lbZA8t5y4ueg7I7-cQCngTo5Hr6bkjwh3AwoliNqZmq/s1600/FBP-Signature1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHITTeauZX2MRm32UBMGkqyTJEF4beHzoCdVEfJ365OPrpYpeu1pS9k-nSGMv0GmQdfcssE6XO52cl49ntOmJEaJyMtnN062B8lbZA8t5y4ueg7I7-cQCngTo5Hr6bkjwh3AwoliNqZmq/s1600/FBP-Signature1.jpg" /></a>Diane Bohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649721277737051930noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005037273184467640.post-58035537157108234952017-09-20T07:11:00.000-07:002017-09-20T07:11:13.275-07:00Come Celebrate with Me!!! Last October I began my journey of building my own website from the ground up! It was a long process full of triumph and frustration, and after almost a year it is <i>finally finished</i>!!! I am SO excited!<br />
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On Monday I announced my new website to my Newsletter subscribers, and after working through any last minute kinks, it seems to be running smoothly and I want to share it with you too!!<br />
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But before I invite you over, I want to walk you through a little tour (I'm not adding pictures.... but instead links so you can click over and see for yourself!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfgnJiY4SXNkTOriu19uX0WC0OGAvu1xfbMcCGEnp7H928FgJF1n2dwQmdBg4INx3OwiD3kcFBWlfY2qvANRo5k5f6O0dk-MbUUTQfxVlo9qgEI1o5LHRyypD8dcAqQ09RKrJB4Tcop1m/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant1-500w.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfgnJiY4SXNkTOriu19uX0WC0OGAvu1xfbMcCGEnp7H928FgJF1n2dwQmdBg4INx3OwiD3kcFBWlfY2qvANRo5k5f6O0dk-MbUUTQfxVlo9qgEI1o5LHRyypD8dcAqQ09RKrJB4Tcop1m/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant1-500w.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #4a5154;"><b><span style="font-size: 24px;">Let The Tour Begin! </span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://fromblankpagespatterns.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D4591dc2a4152f345321f29530%26id%3Dc2d43c49c3%26e%3D592ab74f20&source=gmail&ust=1506001468608000&usg=AFQjCNE33OWiUb_KzOM93PuYpBUZVaLS7A" href="http://fromblankpagespatterns.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4591dc2a4152f345321f29530&id=c2d43c49c3&e=592ab74f20" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #acc75a;">Home Page:</span></a></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #4a5154;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">This does look somewhat familiar to my old site, but better. My favorite part: Thanks for my great customers and their awesome feedback and comments! While I do try my hardest to make the best patterns I can, "you don't have to take my word for it"... you can go ahead and take someone elses! I know I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you sharing your own opinions about my patterns with your friends. So here's a huge hug and high five of appreciation! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://fromblankpagespatterns.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D4591dc2a4152f345321f29530%26id%3D2745eb1250%26e%3D592ab74f20&source=gmail&ust=1506001468608000&usg=AFQjCNGVPugqoAqxQZ9WV_kH-s5rOdKxXg" href="http://fromblankpagespatterns.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4591dc2a4152f345321f29530&id=2745eb1250&e=592ab74f20" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="From Blank Pages YouTube"><span style="color: #acc75a;">Creative Gallery:</span></a></b></span><span style="color: #4a5154;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"> </span></span> <br />
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<span style="color: #4a5154;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">Selling and showing off my patterns is fine, but what I really <b>LOVE</b> is seeing what <i>you</i> make with them! I am so thrilled to showcase the projects and blocks you have made with my patterns in the Creative Gallery, so everyone can see! A huge shout out to everyone for letting me showcase their beautiful projects!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4a5154;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">How the page works: Simply click on the name of a pattern, and it will open up to showcase the projects made with that pattern!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4a5154;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">It's fun to scroll through them all!! PLUS it's a great place for inspiration and ideas! You can also follow </span></span><span style="font-size: 18px;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://fromblankpagespatterns.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D4591dc2a4152f345321f29530%26id%3D1bc779e853%26e%3D592ab74f20&source=gmail&ust=1506001468608000&usg=AFQjCNH08w_HH-aBJuX5xos0CK_dSHBSmQ" href="http://fromblankpagespatterns.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4591dc2a4152f345321f29530&id=1bc779e853&e=592ab74f20" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #acc75a;">the link</span></a></span><span style="color: #4a5154;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"> at the top to send me <i>your</i> project photos so I can add them to the gallery too!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://fromblankpagespatterns.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D4591dc2a4152f345321f29530%26id%3D4c48e87297%26e%3D592ab74f20&source=gmail&ust=1506001468608000&usg=AFQjCNFqoSXUt8aycJ9MJSHUqya-R-BpEg" href="http://fromblankpagespatterns.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4591dc2a4152f345321f29530&id=4c48e87297&e=592ab74f20" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="From Blank Pages YouTube"><span style="color: #acc75a;">Product Page:</span></a></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4a5154;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">Another place where you can take a peek at people's projects is on the individual product pages! I have linked this product page to the </span></span><span style="font-size: 18px;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://fromblankpagespatterns.us12.list-manage2.com/track/click?u%3D4591dc2a4152f345321f29530%26id%3De82630366c%26e%3D592ab74f20&source=gmail&ust=1506001468608000&usg=AFQjCNEIxem-eUrT_wjK_v8bi3Q9XV4jOw" href="http://fromblankpagespatterns.us12.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=4591dc2a4152f345321f29530&id=e82630366c&e=592ab74f20" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #acc75a;">Celestial Star pattern</span></a><span style="color: #4a5154;">. </span>If you scroll down the page just under the description you will see where it says, "<b>See what others are making</b>" and if there are more than 4 images, you can click to the right or left of the image row to scroll through to see all of the projects! (Hover over the outer edge of the first or last image and little arrows will appear that you can click on to scroll.)</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #4a5154;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><u>Other features on the Product Page:</u></span></span></b> <br />
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<span style="color: #4a5154;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">To the right of the main image there are </span></span><span style="font-size: 18px;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://fromblankpagespatterns.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D4591dc2a4152f345321f29530%26id%3D0aa950b51b%26e%3D592ab74f20&source=gmail&ust=1506001468608000&usg=AFQjCNHfGiH_u9xhEpVBmrdvs1No4_l-VQ" href="http://fromblankpagespatterns.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4591dc2a4152f345321f29530&id=0aa950b51b&e=592ab74f20" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #acc75a;">Categories</span></a></span><span style="color: #4a5154;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"> and Tags. You can click on these to find more patterns that fit the different descriptions. Want some more ideas of what patterns make </span></span><span style="font-size: 18px;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://fromblankpagespatterns.us12.list-manage1.com/track/click?u%3D4591dc2a4152f345321f29530%26id%3D905a9dd2e6%26e%3D592ab74f20&source=gmail&ust=1506001468608000&usg=AFQjCNEgLWUdUP2fX6_dL1hxDH6EUVX2VQ" href="http://fromblankpagespatterns.us12.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=4591dc2a4152f345321f29530&id=905a9dd2e6&e=592ab74f20" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #aac75a;">Perfect Mini Quilts</span></a></span><span style="color: #4a5154;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">? Click on that tag! Or what if you are looking for a </span></span><span style="font-size: 18px;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://fromblankpagespatterns.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D4591dc2a4152f345321f29530%26id%3Db53d0f0fad%26e%3D592ab74f20&source=gmail&ust=1506001468608000&usg=AFQjCNGivKTvbo4qvbQptlxV963MSM2c0Q" href="http://fromblankpagespatterns.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4591dc2a4152f345321f29530&id=b53d0f0fad&e=592ab74f20" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #acc75a;">star</span></a></span><br />
<span style="color: #4a5154;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">pattern? These are a great way to help you find just what you are looking for! <i>(These are suggestions only, and other patterns might also fit these descriptions that are not labeled under the category you're looking in, so keep them in mind as you look around.)</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4a5154;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">Another great place to refine your search is under the images, next to the description tab is a tab that says <b>"Additional Information"</b>. That tab gives you all the details about the pattern: Blocks sizes, what's included, Please Read notes that are important to know for a particular pattern, Fabric requirements - where applicable, etc. It's a good place to look if you want to know what you are buying!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4a5154;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">Under this same tab you'll notice that you can click on the different block sizes. This is fabulous if you are looking for a specific size block for your project! </span></span><span style="font-size: 18px;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://fromblankpagespatterns.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D4591dc2a4152f345321f29530%26id%3De7d3bae2f7%26e%3D592ab74f20&source=gmail&ust=1506001468609000&usg=AFQjCNESiEAkWsRNGczfS0V7zmPyzWm1AQ" href="http://fromblankpagespatterns.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4591dc2a4152f345321f29530&id=e7d3bae2f7&e=592ab74f20" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #acc75a;">12 inch</span></a></span><span style="color: #4a5154;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"> is the most common, but sizes range from anywhere from </span></span><span style="font-size: 18px;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://fromblankpagespatterns.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D4591dc2a4152f345321f29530%26id%3Da06324c33b%26e%3D592ab74f20&source=gmail&ust=1506001468609000&usg=AFQjCNEjN5RPXfCjOUtLqLngGd9s3x3V1A" href="http://fromblankpagespatterns.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4591dc2a4152f345321f29530&id=a06324c33b&e=592ab74f20" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #acc75a;">3 inch</span></a></span><span style="color: #4a5154;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"> to </span></span><span style="font-size: 18px;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://fromblankpagespatterns.us12.list-manage2.com/track/click?u%3D4591dc2a4152f345321f29530%26id%3D44c4e08f9d%26e%3D592ab74f20&source=gmail&ust=1506001468609000&usg=AFQjCNEwMgAkGDbvKhbfWYmEJDLQDg9f3A" href="http://fromblankpagespatterns.us12.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=4591dc2a4152f345321f29530&id=44c4e08f9d&e=592ab74f20" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #acc75a;">24 inch</span></a></span><span style="color: #4a5154;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">! And the </span></span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://fromblankpagespatterns.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D4591dc2a4152f345321f29530%26id%3D00359345a9%26e%3D592ab74f20&source=gmail&ust=1506001468609000&usg=AFQjCNEkTUueeeeO4g2eIvcctkTHUEhs5Q" href="http://fromblankpagespatterns.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4591dc2a4152f345321f29530&id=00359345a9&e=592ab74f20" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #acc75a;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">Bundled</span></span></a><span style="color: #4a5154;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"> means that you can purchase multiple sizes in one listing - which saves you money if you want the variety for different projects down the road! Clicking on these shows you all the patterns in that available size or with the specific feature. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4a5154;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">You'll notice there is one more tab: <b>Reviews</b>.</span></span></div>
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If you have used any of my patterns, and feel so inclined, I invite you to leave your own review of the pattern so others can know what you think! It would be most appreciated! <i>(While of course I hope that it'll be a good review, I am more than happy to discuss any issues or concerns that you have with any of my patterns so I can help resolve any problems you might have had. I always want you to have a positive experience, and am happy to help you do so!)</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://fromblankpagespatterns.us12.list-manage2.com/track/click?u%3D4591dc2a4152f345321f29530%26id%3D15f1a7b291%26e%3D592ab74f20&source=gmail&ust=1506001468609000&usg=AFQjCNFUGHni1rzp1KhukYOcJ5EkwNTLSg" href="http://fromblankpagespatterns.us12.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=4591dc2a4152f345321f29530&id=15f1a7b291&e=592ab74f20" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #acc75a;">Gift Cards:</span></a></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4a5154;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">Another thing I'm excited about is the new option of Gift Cards!!! Now you can get your favorite quilter exactly what they want, even if you don't know exactly what they want! There are varying amounts available and you can always purchase more than one to get the dollar amount you want to gift!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4a5154;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">Please note: <i>Coupons do not apply to gift cards. The purchaser is more than welcome to use coupons when checkout out with his or her gift card, but they cannot be double couponed (is that a word??). Sorry for the inconvenience - just make sure they sign up for my newsletter so they can get the best coupons to use!</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://fromblankpagespatterns.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D4591dc2a4152f345321f29530%26id%3D60a3451b8e%26e%3D592ab74f20&source=gmail&ust=1506001468609000&usg=AFQjCNH2fC9ZpQiUSO9zRQeTY2TQSEuo-A" href="http://fromblankpagespatterns.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4591dc2a4152f345321f29530&id=60a3451b8e&e=592ab74f20" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #acc75a;">Past Purchase Access</span></a></b><span style="color: #acc75a;"><b>:</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4a5154;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">I know some of you have been waiting for this feature!! and here it is! With this purchase I will import all of your previous From Blank Pages pattern purchases into your account so you can have access to all of them in one place forever! (Patterns purchased on sites not listed are not available for this.)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4a5154;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">If you know that you've only purchased patterns from my old shop, or from my Etsy shop, or Craftsy, then you can purchase those individual imports. Or you can purchase the bundle and I will search all sites for you to make sure you have all of your patterns!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14px;">Coupons do not apply to Past Purchase Access.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4a5154;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #555555;">Ok, I just have <b>3</b> more things I want to share with you!!!<br />
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After you have created an account and purchased a pattern, or a few, there is an awesome downloads section in your account!! Here you can see all of your patterns in one place and download them any time you need! Isn't this great?! It makes it so much easier to use your patterns as you don't have to keep track of those cumbersome emails! Yay!<br />
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Here is what my <a href="https://fromblankpagespatterns.com/my-account/downloads/" target="_blank">downloads page</a> looks like. ;)</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4a5154;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #555555;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #555555;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #4a5154;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #555555;"><img border="0" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="1207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7VUoLHNnhkqm1Ml2TTJu-z66DqVh26LcPFydf_2Kf8T8sw-DpKuvPFLcPqa2FZRSQm-lLRJB5_n1EWnS6Z1bLbhaK2lCAB_UlimQPRVesHHG_sl6SWdpLRNaeRiMPsq0y1NlLpBxBToN/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-09-18+at+8.33.47+PM.png" width="500" /></span></span></span></span></div>
You can see that it shows every product I've ever purchased ;) and the download link is right there!! No more searching through emails or clicking through orders to see what you have.<br />
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<span style="color: #4a5154;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #555555;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #555555;">Another thing is the awesome search bar at the top of the page!!<br />
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As you start typing your search term it will automatically bring up matching listings to what you are typing! The more you type the more it will narrow down the results. But how cool is this right?! Makes it so easy to find just what you're looking for!</span></span> </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #4a5154;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #555555;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #4a5154;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #555555;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPsLyRax61fmbsmBVG1V1d2hD-gT7MX5K_bbIWeJIW3tE7B_YTZeW7hTUfa7TLvpKB_9dsmYrdzYRbFQ-JtTp-7h0x9BLw7KeEIzmyr0tSuQ6W_Dubk6c8Hoz9JbRYdXFwKg7YZopmfHw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-09-18+at+8.34.12+PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="358" data-original-width="653" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPsLyRax61fmbsmBVG1V1d2hD-gT7MX5K_bbIWeJIW3tE7B_YTZeW7hTUfa7TLvpKB_9dsmYrdzYRbFQ-JtTp-7h0x9BLw7KeEIzmyr0tSuQ6W_Dubk6c8Hoz9JbRYdXFwKg7YZopmfHw/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-09-18+at+8.34.12+PM.png" width="500" /></a></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4a5154;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #555555;">And last of all, and something I didn't share in my newsletter, is the <b><a href="https://fromblankpagespatterns.com/news/" target="_blank">News</a></b> page (you can always find the link at the bottom of the page if you want to find it later). Here I'll be sharing tips, tutorials, and other info and resources that have to do with my patterns and my website! It'll be a good place to visit every now and then to see what's new and what's going on! I already have already shared a great resource that hopefully you'll find helpful there, so be sure to check it out!</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #555555;">So what do you think? How did you like the tour? How do you like the site?! I hope you'll spend a few minutes looking around!!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #555555;">And if you happen to find some patterns you'd like to get along the way, I want you to enjoy a little savings as a <b>Thank You</b> from me to you for celebrating this little (big to me) achievement with me!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 24px;">Use code: <a href="https://fromblankpagespatterns.com/" target="_blank"><b>CELEBRATE</b></a><br />
and save 25% OFF your entire order!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12px;">(excludes gift cards and Past Purchase Access)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 24px;">Expires <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_463315047" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Sept. 30th, 2017</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLnw0xvnpDXUXQs9SK4ePUi5B2wtCuMMHPYC-UwL8hyphenhyphenquTYgqkg803GejJPnBqKD0EBpUyPbtHY_QCeKkCxj9gs3PdjrRZOVcM4YcUgW0SXXwUju3LOrxDAehYlSxg0V6F-_neMZPI44Z/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant-500w.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLnw0xvnpDXUXQs9SK4ePUi5B2wtCuMMHPYC-UwL8hyphenhyphenquTYgqkg803GejJPnBqKD0EBpUyPbtHY_QCeKkCxj9gs3PdjrRZOVcM4YcUgW0SXXwUju3LOrxDAehYlSxg0V6F-_neMZPI44Z/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant-500w.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #4a5154;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">I hope you enjoyed the tour! And I hope you enjoy the new site! It's hear to stay for the long haul and I hope it will become a great resource for you in your quilting adventures! Thanks for sharing this moment with me!<br />
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Until next time, have a wonderful week! and </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #4a5154;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">Happy Quilting & Happy Creating!</span></span><br />
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Diane Bohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649721277737051930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005037273184467640.post-26410571691741331542017-09-18T21:00:00.000-07:002017-09-20T07:15:31.173-07:00Christmas Caroling Row Along: A Midnight Clear<div style="text-align: center;">
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Thank you for stopping by today! I am so excited to share with you my Christmas Caroling Row, as part of the <a href="http://www.seamstobesew.com/christmas-caroling-ral-announcing-newest-sponsors-all-the-bloggers/" target="_blank">Christmas Caroling Row Along</a> hosted by the amazing Marian of <a href="http://www.seamstobesew.com/" target="_blank">Seams to be Sew</a>! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2UZRHhwR50IhPVSqvIIdnJ9G9NGrUJjkaSQVCbzTdSWHSQRgcNIRPtx6MlhhOgl-Jhh1V_4oF19ghQieZH3lpBFpSJrc8j294vvGZ4ZxwB3ViAqLdIj3sLSg51qvqA_Lc8oQBIZ9OLzXP/s1600/CCLogo-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="578" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2UZRHhwR50IhPVSqvIIdnJ9G9NGrUJjkaSQVCbzTdSWHSQRgcNIRPtx6MlhhOgl-Jhh1V_4oF19ghQieZH3lpBFpSJrc8j294vvGZ4ZxwB3ViAqLdIj3sLSg51qvqA_Lc8oQBIZ9OLzXP/s320/CCLogo-2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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After I share with you my row, I have some awesome giveaways that you won't want to miss!! So don't forget to keep scrolling! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIWBdzlCjpt4jN7CSzI1IQgkXRAPm766O1M02uJ7pW5mtY6Ndy2l3xSvuc0NjrUqEi83HnVK3usMRq1hGj8TSareCoaeGlEhc9gh9YhveZvCBDl6ve1opIN0GXImBKfNLaewNYKDVeE_8/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant2-500w.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIWBdzlCjpt4jN7CSzI1IQgkXRAPm766O1M02uJ7pW5mtY6Ndy2l3xSvuc0NjrUqEi83HnVK3usMRq1hGj8TSareCoaeGlEhc9gh9YhveZvCBDl6ve1opIN0GXImBKfNLaewNYKDVeE_8/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant2-500w.png" /></a> <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A Midnight Clear</span><br />
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I designed my row from the Christmas Song, <i>It Came Upon a Midnight Clear</i>. A song I've always loved, and which also lended itself greatly to being able to design something that I love (and after living in flat North Dakota for 9 months now, I am also greatly missing...) mountains, forests and beautiful crisp winter skies!</div>
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<b>Measures 12 inch x 36 inch</b></div>
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<b>The entire row is foundation paper pieced.</b></div>
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If you have never paper pieced before, or even if you have, you can view my video tutorials for how I paper piece, how I use my cutting templates (which are a tremendous help - especially with a pattern of this size), and more tips on my YouTube channel <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/fromblankpagespatterns" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</div>
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This pattern is packed full of instructions, diagrams, pattern templates, cutting templates (for easy fussy cutting, easier piecing, and minimal fabric waste!), and lots of coloring pages to help you plan your block just right before you cut into your precious fabrics!</div>
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Here is my row<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaxgyx3LoP9x0cPj73oIcVLAN8a7uQ6bqUjatGVeMM0V15sg5nGUYG4ma_sO0uQJCesiGLa9pnj02bqwHh8WaQMakw2JNB_V1JX9PweMV6fyNHHi_GN70bMVOZqH7A3Ra5HU9-2cy4IahU/s1600/A+Midnight+Clear+by+From+Blank+Pages.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaxgyx3LoP9x0cPj73oIcVLAN8a7uQ6bqUjatGVeMM0V15sg5nGUYG4ma_sO0uQJCesiGLa9pnj02bqwHh8WaQMakw2JNB_V1JX9PweMV6fyNHHi_GN70bMVOZqH7A3Ra5HU9-2cy4IahU/s640/A+Midnight+Clear+by+From+Blank+Pages.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I decided to make my block a little playful and added some villages to the mountains along with a little nature and animals. I've been having a lot of fun with fussy cutting lately, which is fun for adding images, as well as getting your lines and textures (like in the trees to line up)!</div>
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Northcott was so kind to send each of the designers some fabrics, and can I just tell you how nice they are to work with?!! I received the whitish print that I used for the snow, a similar green that I used in the trees, the medium blue in the sky, and a fun snowflake print that I'm going to put on the back when I quilt this!</div>
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Aren't these beautiful?!!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>You can download the pattern in my shop, <a href="https://fromblankpagespatterns.com/products/midnight-clear/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>OR get it on Craftsy <a href="https://www.craftsy.com/quilting/patterns/a-midnight-clear/511959" target="_blank">HERE</a>! </b></span><br />
It will be FREE until Tues September 26th, so be sure to grab it now!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKx-GVIhziQh1yi9-rb2o6TaMTWQkqNjhymzo4O2_d0IwrJRZl0d-sDODC0d_JcWz4YmTQfR2oaBxcCU6Vw73MacnxqK9tgYZirE3B14SHG49XkQNND0VMOUt5olnXiI2nviQs1G9UVKv/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant3-500w.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKx-GVIhziQh1yi9-rb2o6TaMTWQkqNjhymzo4O2_d0IwrJRZl0d-sDODC0d_JcWz4YmTQfR2oaBxcCU6Vw73MacnxqK9tgYZirE3B14SHG49XkQNND0VMOUt5olnXiI2nviQs1G9UVKv/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant3-500w.png" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Check out the other designers and their rows that have also been released today, and don't forget to enter their giveaways!</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.jadedspadecreations.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Jaded Spade Creations</a><br />
<a href="https://websterquilt.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Adventurous Applique and Quilting </a><br />
<a href="http://szycieuli.blogspot.co.uk/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">UlaSewing / SzycieUli</a><a href="http://fromblankpages.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><br />
</a></div>
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You can find the full schedule <a href="http://www.seamstobesew.com/christmas-caroling-row-along-schedule-rules-and-how-tos/" target="_blank">HERE</a>. Please note, all patterns are FREE for the first week only! Though some designers will be keeping theirs free indefinitely, not all will be, so don't miss out!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLnw0xvnpDXUXQs9SK4ePUi5B2wtCuMMHPYC-UwL8hyphenhyphenquTYgqkg803GejJPnBqKD0EBpUyPbtHY_QCeKkCxj9gs3PdjrRZOVcM4YcUgW0SXXwUju3LOrxDAehYlSxg0V6F-_neMZPI44Z/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant-500w.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLnw0xvnpDXUXQs9SK4ePUi5B2wtCuMMHPYC-UwL8hyphenhyphenquTYgqkg803GejJPnBqKD0EBpUyPbtHY_QCeKkCxj9gs3PdjrRZOVcM4YcUgW0SXXwUju3LOrxDAehYlSxg0V6F-_neMZPI44Z/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant-500w.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> 3 Giveaways:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Enter all 3! Please read the giveaway guidelines at the very end of this post. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_uH3-81u4aWFLoznMVQqXdzGCX7TAPeg5Qr9iq2_KDp0RCQeEQMWIeOYsBZjWj1t7RvDWy_ZTwuWAGkUjEVpwJByggDabQq8omKK_K7s7RmuRj5Ow2CuBj972FEYLnl8StUht1-3Qq9-/s1600/GiftCard.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="717" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_uH3-81u4aWFLoznMVQqXdzGCX7TAPeg5Qr9iq2_KDp0RCQeEQMWIeOYsBZjWj1t7RvDWy_ZTwuWAGkUjEVpwJByggDabQq8omKK_K7s7RmuRj5Ow2CuBj972FEYLnl8StUht1-3Qq9-/s320/GiftCard.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> <b>$50.00 Gift Certificate </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">from <a href="https://www.thebrokeneedle.com/" target="_blank">The Broken Needle</a></span></div>
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Shipping is worldwide! so everyone can enter!</div>
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You can read more about this prize <a href="http://www.seamstobesew.com/?p=13" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Starts September 19, 2017 / Ends September 26, 2017</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTB2xsORtVfRlnj1Xn6M9j8XQ2mvYZPN3fMKICZ6rAOJ4C3DaWwPg7c5vFEWi6AZnd5It20HQ5CfQ4tBFljtTNdDIdG-VhhAgj4zWWijk5BxZA4AWp_Ns7wbI8BTDln-wv3fdUV6a7afud/s1600/The+Broken+Needle.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="860" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTB2xsORtVfRlnj1Xn6M9j8XQ2mvYZPN3fMKICZ6rAOJ4C3DaWwPg7c5vFEWi6AZnd5It20HQ5CfQ4tBFljtTNdDIdG-VhhAgj4zWWijk5BxZA4AWp_Ns7wbI8BTDln-wv3fdUV6a7afud/s320/The+Broken+Needle.png" width="320" /></a> </span></div>
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="1343370f225" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1343370f225/" id="rcwidget_2mhlwuot" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">1 FQ bundle, 2 yards total fabric </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">from Northcott </span></div>
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Fabrics are from an assortment of different collections, valued at $20.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Shipping is worldwide! so everyone can enter!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can read more about this prize and see the fabrics <a href="http://www.seamstobesew.com/?p=13" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://www.seamstobesew.com/?p=13596" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Starts September 19, 2017 / Ends September 26, 2017</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Calibre Art 18x24 Mat</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">from Calibre Arts</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Value $59.99 </span></span></div>
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Shipping via Amazon, USA Only</div>
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You can read more about this giveaway HERE. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Starts September 19, 2017 / Ends September September 20, 2017</span></div>
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Thank you so much for stopping by! Best of luck on the giveaways! And I hope you enjoy the pattern!! </div>
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I can't wait to see what you make! You can share your project with me on my website <a href="https://fromblankpagespatterns.com/gallery-submission/" target="_blank">HERE</a>, or if you are on <a href="http://instagram.com/fromblankpages" target="_blank">instagram</a>, use <a href="http://instagram.com/explore/tags/fbpAMidnightClear" target="_blank">#fbpAMidnightClear</a> and <a href="http://instagram.com/explore/tags/fbpPatterns" target="_blank">#fbpPatterns</a> and I'll be sure to see it! You can also join my Facebook group <a href="http://facebook.com/groups/fromblankpages" target="_blank">HERE</a>! </div>
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Happy Quilting & Happy Creating!!</div>
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<br />
<b>Rules and Guidelines For Giveaways</b><br />
Please take the time to read it.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">1. Giveaways offered by sponsors are assigned to the various bloggers for their featured day.<br />
2. There are no prior announcements on who is doing which sponsor except to the sponsor themselves.<br />
3. You'll have to visit the blog or the featured blog to enter the giveaways.<br />
4. Not all giveaways can be entered at Seams To Be Sew.<br />
5. I will start announcing winners on September 12, 2017, and finish announcing winners on October 12, 2017.<br />
6. In most cases, the blog where you won at also will announce their winners.<br />
7. You must give a valid email address when you enter the giveaways, any email returned to me, loses the ability to win automatically.<br />
8. With the exception of Show and Tell Day, all giveaways run for approximately one week.<br />
9. You are given 3 days to answer the email, if you do not answer within 3 days a new winner will be drawn. Check those spam/junk mail folders, you may miss that winning email if you don't do so because there are no exceptions to this rule.<br />
10. If you are notified that you are a winner, in most cases, you will need to provide your name, address, city, state, zip code, country, telephone number, and email address.<br />
11. In some cases, you will be asked to comment on the blog to enter the giveaway... do the right thing and thank them for the time it took to create the pattern, thank them for the pattern and...<br />
12. Thank the sponsor by buying their products for the giveaways. This helps them continue to offer great prizes for these types of events. You can also comment on their social media pages. Even if you don't win, letting them know you love their products is a huge incentive and they really do love hearing from you.<br />
13. No purchase whatsoever is necessary.<br />
14. You must be 18+ in order to win a gift.<br />
15. You are responsible for claiming and paying any tax owed on the value of any gift that you win. Prizes valued at $500.00 should be claimed.<br />
16. All winners are chosen at random.<br />
17. All winners will be announced on the blogs via the Rafflecopter entry form and/or post by the blogger at the site where they won and here at Seams To Be Sew. All winners must allow for their first name and first initial of their last name to be announced on this blog.<br />
18. Odds of Winning a prize are based on a total number of rafflecopter entries during each week and in total for all giveaways.<br />
19. This giveaway is void where prohibited by law.<br />
20. Participating bloggers may enter any of the giveaways.<br />
21. The word giveaways in the rules and guidelines are also known as sweepstakes.<br />
22. Most of the giveaways are international shipping this year in some cases, you will be asked to pay for shipping your giveaways.<br />
23. I am not rich and I do not ask sponsors for money, they provide prizes only.<br />
24. If they shipped the prize to me, you will be asked to pay for shipping. All giveaways will be shipped that are in my home within 48 hours of my having heard from you.<br />
25. An invoice will be sent to you via Paypal, and shipping will take place via Paypal, so your Paypal email will be needed to send the invoice. You will receive a tracking number except for overseas shipments. All shipping will either be first class which averages out at 2.77 to 4.00 up to 13 ounces. Paypal fees are added to that amount to cover that fee. All fabric bundles from Michael Miller, Hoffman, and Moda will be shipped via Priority Mail to protect the fabric itself.<br />
</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <i>Please note, every effort is made to protect the prizes. They go into a plastic bin when I receive them, and it is covered by an air tight cover. I have a dog in my home and I have a smoker in my home, so I do everything possible to protect the prizes.</i></span><i><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Most companies are very good about getting prizes off to customers quickly also, but some companies are overseas, so please allow all sponsors a 2-week time period before you report to me that you still haven't received your prize. When the company is overseas, it can take 6 weeks to 90 days for an item to also arrive.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Whether or not you read the above, the rules for giveaways are in place to protect everyone. I do not want to hear you didn't read them, they will be posted on my blog daily during each featured day. There is no excuse for not reading them.</span></i><br />
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Diane Bohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649721277737051930noreply@blogger.com87tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005037273184467640.post-23052659254205503472017-09-01T16:11:00.001-07:002017-09-01T16:11:58.428-07:00#QuiltsForHarveyAfter watching the devastation in Texas last weekend, which is still continuing, from Hurricane Harvey, I couldn't sit and do nothing any longer. If you follow me on Instagram and Facebook you've probably seen my posts.<br />
<br />
After contacting many people and joining forces with Melinda (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/mel_is_a_swapaholic/" target="_blank">@mel_is_a_swapaholic</a>), I wanted to create this blog post as a reference post for anyone who is looking for ways to donate to those affected by Harvey.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfgnJiY4SXNkTOriu19uX0WC0OGAvu1xfbMcCGEnp7H928FgJF1n2dwQmdBg4INx3OwiD3kcFBWlfY2qvANRo5k5f6O0dk-MbUUTQfxVlo9qgEI1o5LHRyypD8dcAqQ09RKrJB4Tcop1m/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant1-500w.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfgnJiY4SXNkTOriu19uX0WC0OGAvu1xfbMcCGEnp7H928FgJF1n2dwQmdBg4INx3OwiD3kcFBWlfY2qvANRo5k5f6O0dk-MbUUTQfxVlo9qgEI1o5LHRyypD8dcAqQ09RKrJB4Tcop1m/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant1-500w.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">MONETARY DONATIONS</span><br />
<br />
First I want to say that probably the most urgent thing they need right now, besides water, is money. Money to help provide the resources that are most needed for food and water, or to meet other needs.<br />
<br />
Starting a few days ago, through this Sunday, Sept. 3rd, 100% of my pattern sales will be donated to those affected by Harvey! So hop over to my shop and grab some patterns while you donate to a good cause!!<br />
<br />
If you are on Instagram, you can also check out <a href="http://instagram.com/explore/tags/patternsforharvey" target="_blank">#patternsforHarvey</a> and check out the other designers who are donating their sales, or a percentage of their sales, to Harvey. Though I think some are today only, so pay attention to that.<br />
<br />
You can also donate to the <a href="https://www.redcross.org/donate/hurricane-harvey" target="_blank">Red Cross</a> or <a href="https://www.ldsphilanthropies.org/" target="_blank">LDS Philanthropies</a>, where 100% of the donations go to helping those in need. There are many other organizations you can donate to as well, but be sure to be careful to make sure that 100% of the donations truly go to the cause you are donating to!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIWBdzlCjpt4jN7CSzI1IQgkXRAPm766O1M02uJ7pW5mtY6Ndy2l3xSvuc0NjrUqEi83HnVK3usMRq1hGj8TSareCoaeGlEhc9gh9YhveZvCBDl6ve1opIN0GXImBKfNLaewNYKDVeE_8/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant2-500w.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIWBdzlCjpt4jN7CSzI1IQgkXRAPm766O1M02uJ7pW5mtY6Ndy2l3xSvuc0NjrUqEi83HnVK3usMRq1hGj8TSareCoaeGlEhc9gh9YhveZvCBDl6ve1opIN0GXImBKfNLaewNYKDVeE_8/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant2-500w.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">FINISHED QUILTS</span><br />
<br />
If you have finished quilts that you would like to donate, here are a few different places that are accepting quilts and will be delivering quilts to those in need:<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Quilt Haus</b><br />
<br />
You can find them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/QuiltHaus/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, and here is their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/QuiltHaus/posts/1410546948982948" target="_blank">original call for help</a>, in case you aren't on Facebook,<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
HURRICANE HARVEY RESPONSE: <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/harveyhelp?source=feed_text&story_id=1410546948982948"><span class="_5afx"><span class="_58cl _5afz">#</span><span class="_58cm">HarveyHelp</span></span></a><br />
Our wonderful charity quilting group, HUGS, , has always responded quickly and effectively to urgent needs in our region. We supplied literally HUNDREDS of quilts and blankets to evacuees and victims of Hurricane Katrina, the Bastrop fires, etc.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
We are now setting up a response to the continuing devastation on the Texas coast, from Corpus to Rockport, and continuing to the heart-wrenching developments in Houston.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
WANT TO HELP? (PLEASE??!!) We are accepting donations of fabric, quilt tops, orphan blocks, backing fabric, batting, gently used quilts, and even cash donations to supply as many quilts as we can, as quickly as we can, to those displaced and suffering from this disaster. We also welcome ALL long-arm quilters familiar with HandiQuilter machines to use our machines in the shop to quilt the tops we have. Quilt binders will be needed, too! As well as people willing to machine wash the finished quilts and add a HUGS label to them. All efforts and contributions will be enormously appreciated. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
We ask that you please consider giving of your time, talent, and treasure to help those who are so adversely affected by this historic event. Our classroom and HQ machines will be available for HARVEY HELP from Monday - Thursday this week for anyone who wants to donate their time to this worthy effort. Thank you, from our hearts. Warm and comforting HUGS to all.<br />
#HarveyHelp<br />
EDITED TO ADD: The instant, widespread, and heartfelt responses to this post bring me to tears... quilters **and TEXANS** are such amazing human beings!</blockquote>
<br />
You can find updates in their facebook group, and just today they posted that they have already distributed 32 blankets and quilts so far and have 12 more ready to go. Plus many other that are in the progress.<br />
<br />
You can mail your quilts to:<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g">Quilt Haus<br />
Attn: <a class="_58cn" dir="ltr" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/harveyhelp?hc_location=ufi" target="_blank"><span class="_58cl">#</span><span class="_58cm">HarveyHelp</span></a><br />
651 N Business IH-35<br />
Ste 510<br />
New Braunfels, TX 78130</span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g"><br />
</span></span> <span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g"><br />
</span></span> <br />
<b>Sew Special Quilts</b><br />
<br />
Sew Special Quilts is on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sewspecialquilts/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sewspecialquiltsktx/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. You can find their website <a href="http://www.sewspecialsa.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a>. <br />
They are a quilt shop, with locations in San Antonio and Katy, TX.<br />
<br />
They are collecting pillow cases and quilts to donate.<br />
<br />
<span><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span>Sew Special Quilts</span></span></span></span></span><br />
21800 Katy Freeway Ste. 100<br />
Katy, TX 77449<b> </b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Quilters Candy Box</b><br />
<br />
You can find them on Instagram (<a href="https://instagram.com/quilterscandybox" target="_blank">@quilterscandybox</a>), and their website <a href="http://quilterscandybox.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
They are accepting finished quilts and will donate them where needed.<br />
<br />
Please contact me for their address at this time.. :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>CraftHope</b><br />
<br />
You can find them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/crafthopetogether" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, and here is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1116423585161619/?acontext=%7B%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D" target="_blank">their event that they created for Harvey</a>,<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="_4-u3 _5dwa _5dwb _57_-">
<span class="_38my _5803"><b>Details</b></span> </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
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<span class="_4n-j _3cht fsl" data-testid="event-permalink-details">When Hurricane Katrina hit and people were being sent to Austin I was one of the first people to show up at the Convention Center to help them. I quickly joined the Red Cross and worked nonstop with them for weeks. I had to do something. This was pre-Craft Hope and I felt helpless. </span></div>
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<span class="_4n-j _3cht fsl" data-testid="event-permalink-details"><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_59a99848835285158125085">
I have friends who are still trapped in their homes in Houston as I type this. They are flooded in and have been now for days. I have prayed relentlessly for them and thousands others who are also trapped and/or last their homes already. The videos and photos are the saddest, but we can help. We can do something and that something will matter to someone -- or lots of someones. </div>
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<span class="_4n-j _3cht fsl" data-testid="event-permalink-details"><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_59a99848835285158125085">
Here comes Project 30 :: Quilts for Houston! I'm aski<span class="text_exposed_show">ng that you spread the word on this one so we can get as many as possible.</span></div>
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<span class="_4n-j _3cht fsl" data-testid="event-permalink-details"><span class="text_exposed_show"> <b>Project details:</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="_4n-j _3cht fsl" data-testid="event-permalink-details"><span class="text_exposed_show"> <i>All items MUST be handmade</i></span></span></div>
<span class="_4n-j _3cht fsl" data-testid="event-permalink-details"><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_59a99848835285158125085">
<span class="text_exposed_show">Quilts</span></div>
</span><span class="_4n-j _3cht fsl" data-testid="event-permalink-details"><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_59a99848835285158125085">
<span class="text_exposed_show">Crocheted/Knitted Blankets</span></div>
</span><span class="_4n-j _3cht fsl" data-testid="event-permalink-details"><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_59a99848835285158125085">
<span class="text_exposed_show">We need blankets of all sizes - from baby blankets to quilts that will fit an adult or two</span></div>
</span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show">Right now there is no deadline on this project. I know quilts are one of the greatest crafting labors of love and you guys have all of the time you need to get them made. I will make sure they get delivered.</span></div>
</span><span class="_4n-j _3cht fsl" data-testid="event-permalink-details"></span><br />
<span class="_4n-j _3cht fsl" data-testid="event-permalink-details"></span><br />
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<span class="_4n-j _3cht fsl" data-testid="event-permalink-details"><span class="text_exposed_show"> I've partnered with one of my friends who is flooded in her house and can't leave. Once the floodwaters recede we will meet up and take them to a local fire department so that the local firemen can donate them for us to families who lost their homes. </span></span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">There is a delicate system of checks and balances when it comes to natural disasters and donations and I want to guarantee they go to the right folks who need them. </span></div>
</span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show">Please join us in making quilts and blankets of all sizes for the victims of that big bully Hurricane Harvey.</span></div>
</span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show">Mail them to me at:</span></div>
</span><span class="_4n-j _3cht fsl" data-testid="event-permalink-details"><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_59a99848835285158125085">
<span class="text_exposed_show">1130 Masquerade Dr.</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">Midlothian, TX</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">76065</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">USA</span></div>
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</blockquote>
<b><br />
</b> <b>The Linus Connection</b><br />
<br />
You can find their website <a href="http://www.thelinusconnection.org/" target="_blank">HERE</a> with info and updates. <a href="http://www.thelinusconnection.org/2017/08/quilts-for-hurricane-harvey-evacuees.html" target="_blank">THIS POST</a> has specific info regarding donations. They are also on Instagram (@thelinusconnection).<br />
<br />
They deliver quilts to children only, so something to consider depending on the finished size of your quilt(s) - guidelines for sizes are listed in the image below or on their site, including mailing address. <br />
<br />
Here is what you might see going around social media: <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8dPD0kw01-Pm5x_ON25zOP9_CbZe9bhzV8VCKVTYLi_xctbEf0qGvinQcOajYS5RztlTgaFsQv0EzCpvoiyu-gJHk8wdT7vOTwfs_iNeBprQ5dce1oOcR9GwnX_8NaqcOaDyuGC2yqFs/s320/linus+quilts+for+harvey.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKx-GVIhziQh1yi9-rb2o6TaMTWQkqNjhymzo4O2_d0IwrJRZl0d-sDODC0d_JcWz4YmTQfR2oaBxcCU6Vw73MacnxqK9tgYZirE3B14SHG49XkQNND0VMOUt5olnXiI2nviQs1G9UVKv/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant3-500w.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKx-GVIhziQh1yi9-rb2o6TaMTWQkqNjhymzo4O2_d0IwrJRZl0d-sDODC0d_JcWz4YmTQfR2oaBxcCU6Vw73MacnxqK9tgYZirE3B14SHG49XkQNND0VMOUt5olnXiI2nviQs1G9UVKv/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant3-500w.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Other Quilty Donations</span><br />
<br />
If you don't have finished quilts to donate, but would like to contribute other supplies, quilt blocks, fabric for backing, binding, batting, or money to help pay for shipping costs, AND/OR your TIME there are options for you as well!!<br />
<br />
I have teamed up with Melinda (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/mel_is_a_swapaholic/" target="_blank">@mel_is_a_swapaholic</a> on Instagram), and you an email us at QuiltsforHarvey{at}gmail{dot}com and let us know what you have and what you are willing to contribute. Please include in the subject line which items you're willing to donate (see the list below). It will help us sort through the emails. :)<br />
<br />
Here are all the things we are collecting (mostly Melinda is collecting things, she is seriously AMAZING!!!):<br />
<ul>
<li><span title="Edited"><span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BYSOzONj8hY/?taken-by=mel_is_a_swapaholic" target="_blank">Quilt Blocks</a>: any bright colored
10 inch (finished- 10.5 inch unfinished) Half Square Triangle blocks</span></span><span title="Edited"><span> </span></span></li>
<li><span title="Edited"><span>Orphan quilt blocks </span></span></li>
<li><span title="Edited"><span>Batting</span></span></li>
<li><span title="Edited"><span>Backing fabric</span></span></li>
<li><span title="Edited"><span>Binding fabric</span></span></li>
<li><span title="Edited"><span>Thread </span></span></li>
<li><span title="Edited"><span>Long arm/quilting services<b>*</b></span></span></li>
<li><span title="Edited"><span>Quilt tops<b>*</b></span></span></li>
<li><span title="Edited"><span>Partial Quilts </span></span></li>
<li><span title="Edited"><span></span></span>Shipping expenses - to get the finished quilts to Texas</li>
</ul>
<br />
<span title="Edited"><span><span title="Edited"><span>Is anyone else who is collecting quilts and blocks? Please let us
know. We would love to join forces with you! </span><br /><span> </span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span title="Edited"><span><span title="Edited"><span><i>"Thank you
in advance for any and all help. Ive had so many people offer to help.
I'm completely overwhelmed!"</i>-Melinda</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
Most recent update from Mel (8/30/17):<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span title="Edited">"I've spent several hours taking inventory of everything that people have said they are donating and sending my way. (Still working as I type this out.) We have lots of partial and complete quilt tops as well as multiple blocks coming. We are in need of backing fabric, binding, thread and money to ship the quilts to Texas. If you can donate any fabric, please DM me and I will send you my address. If you cannot send fabric, but would still like to help, you can send money via PayPal to QuiltsforHarvey{at}gmail{dot}com <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/quiltsforharvey/">#QuiltsforHarvey"</a></span></blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<b>*</b> I will be coordinating quilt tops with those who offer their quilting services. <u>PLEASE INCLUDE</u>:<br />
<ul>
<li>If donating quilt tops: how many quilt tops you have to donate, and if you have backing and binding fabric to go with it.</li>
<li>If donating quilting services: how many quilts you'd be willing to quilt, so we don't send too many your way. </li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>You can email us at</b> QuiltsForHarvey{at}gmail{dot}com</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Monetary donations to help pay for shipping quilts to Texas can be sent to the same address. ("<span title="Edited"><span>Any money leftover after the quilts have been
shipped to their new Texas homes will be sent to local animal shelters
that have taken in animals who were abandoned during the floods.</span></span>")</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Thank you!! </b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLnw0xvnpDXUXQs9SK4ePUi5B2wtCuMMHPYC-UwL8hyphenhyphenquTYgqkg803GejJPnBqKD0EBpUyPbtHY_QCeKkCxj9gs3PdjrRZOVcM4YcUgW0SXXwUju3LOrxDAehYlSxg0V6F-_neMZPI44Z/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant-500w.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLnw0xvnpDXUXQs9SK4ePUi5B2wtCuMMHPYC-UwL8hyphenhyphenquTYgqkg803GejJPnBqKD0EBpUyPbtHY_QCeKkCxj9gs3PdjrRZOVcM4YcUgW0SXXwUju3LOrxDAehYlSxg0V6F-_neMZPI44Z/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant-500w.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Side Note:</span><br />
<br />
As I put out the call to help, and as I've contacted others to work with them, while my desire to help and give is tremendous, my biggest concern has also been for those who are helping us out on the receiving end of the finished quilts and donation items. Especially since I am not in Texas and able to help directly, I don't feel like it's my place to send a bunch of "work" for someone else to take care of. It's been in the forefront of my mind to consider the time and effort will be needed to make this process smooth and enjoyable. I have no way of knowing what help will be there to help finish quilts, and do not want to overwhelm anyone with more projects than they can possibly handle.<br />
<br />
The people, quilts shops, and organizations in Texas have stepped up in tremendous ways to help and donate and be a part of the process. But we must be careful to remember that they also have families and homes, and are also in the midst of the chaos that is going on along the gulf coast at the moment. With that in mind, please consider the following: <br />
<br />
In an effort to be as helpful as possible and lessen the burden of those on the receiving end, please try and finish as much as possible your quilts so that we can more evenly distribute the work among us. I know there are some steps that we simply cannot do on our own, and that is why we have each other! Do not let this stop you from donating, but perhaps before you send a huge stack of orphan blocks, or fabric scraps, ask yourself, "could I bring these any closer to a finished quilt before I send them???" and do your best to try! The more we can do, the quicker these groups will be able to finish the quilts and get them in the hands of those who need them! Rather than bombarding them with more WIPs than they can physically and mentally handle.<br />
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That being said, if you have things to donate at any level of the process, we ARE asking for them! So please contact us and let us know what you have and we will send you an address to send them to! :)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">OTHER RESOURCES</span></div>
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I want to share a few more resources that I have come across to provide aid to any in need! Hopefully this info will find itself in the hands of those who need it:</div>
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://justserve.org/">JustServe.org</a>: Do you want to be on the ground helping? Check out Just Serve.org and you can find needs in your area. They have a special link for helping in Houston and the surrounding area. </li>
<li>Please share this information with anyone in our community who needs assistance. </li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Our church, along with numerous others, current<span class="text_exposed_show">ly
have a hotline available to submit work orders for specific need
requests related to the damages and for cleanup efforts. By calling the
hotline number, a volunteer will take down the information you need and
create a work order and then attempt to send a volunteer crew out to
help. This includes removing carpet, cutting down tree limbs, etc.</span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
<br />
Obviously there's still difficulty getting crews into the neighborhood,
but this will allow us to start the rebuilding process, and they will
come as they are able. The volunteer groups will come from the LDS
Mormon Helping Hands, Catholic Charities, Etc.<br />
<br />
Hotline numbers:<br /> 800-451-1954<br /> 844-965-1386</div>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<ul>
<li> </li>
<li><img alt="Image may contain: text" class="spotlight" height="640" src="https://scontent.ffar1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/21106904_10213802934331361_4226296202869326238_n.jpg?oh=f4ad40fa3027aa445bedc16f8ae80964&oe=5A193808" width="384" /> </li>
</ul>
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Thank you so much for your help! For your huge response to the #QuiltsforHarvey request! And for simply being awesome!! I love this quote, and have been so blessed to witness so many of the helpers step to the call to action to help!! Thank you!! </div>
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<img alt=""When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.' To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother's words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers so many caring people in this world." Fred Rogers" class="_mj _25 _3x _2h" height="640" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/80/aa/7d/80aa7d342975e8f54745ec9cdf688dd1.jpg" width="512" /> </div>
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Thank you for being the helpers!!! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHITTeauZX2MRm32UBMGkqyTJEF4beHzoCdVEfJ365OPrpYpeu1pS9k-nSGMv0GmQdfcssE6XO52cl49ntOmJEaJyMtnN062B8lbZA8t5y4ueg7I7-cQCngTo5Hr6bkjwh3AwoliNqZmq/s1600/FBP-Signature1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHITTeauZX2MRm32UBMGkqyTJEF4beHzoCdVEfJ365OPrpYpeu1pS9k-nSGMv0GmQdfcssE6XO52cl49ntOmJEaJyMtnN062B8lbZA8t5y4ueg7I7-cQCngTo5Hr6bkjwh3AwoliNqZmq/s1600/FBP-Signature1.jpg" /></a></div>
Diane Bohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649721277737051930noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005037273184467640.post-47988548121410489152017-09-01T08:49:00.000-07:002020-04-07T10:24:19.984-07:00Seams to be Sew: Christmas Caroling Row Along!I'm so excited to share with you the <a href="http://www.seamstobesew.com/christmas-caroling-ral-announcing-newest-sponsors-all-the-bloggers/" target="_blank">Christmas Caroling Row Along that Marian of Seams to be Sew</a> has organized and put together! I joined as a designer in the spring wanting to do something fun and new-to-me. I am amazed at all the hard work that Marian has put into this and it's definitely something you won't want to miss!!! The rows that everyone has designed are gorgeous! And the giveaway prizes are, well, I wish I could win them ALL!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLMoaMUgJZZf6jLqMzz19_TxFo4gT25YKfcxnAFJF_KIJuX-ClYlzx0U5SoZ1b5hXOnHoNvBIWhd9ysei418hddOefq2G0Cu4DqT8y5t3wiGFxFsAZjcGk0AtBQSuOAYAQcgDAxAHfIMSs/s1600/CCLogo-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="578" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLMoaMUgJZZf6jLqMzz19_TxFo4gT25YKfcxnAFJF_KIJuX-ClYlzx0U5SoZ1b5hXOnHoNvBIWhd9ysei418hddOefq2G0Cu4DqT8y5t3wiGFxFsAZjcGk0AtBQSuOAYAQcgDAxAHfIMSs/s400/CCLogo-2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Please read <a href="http://www.seamstobesew.com/christmas-caroling-row-along-schedule-rules-and-how-tos/" target="_blank">THIS POST</a> for all the details, rules, and guidelines to the Row Along!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfgnJiY4SXNkTOriu19uX0WC0OGAvu1xfbMcCGEnp7H928FgJF1n2dwQmdBg4INx3OwiD3kcFBWlfY2qvANRo5k5f6O0dk-MbUUTQfxVlo9qgEI1o5LHRyypD8dcAqQ09RKrJB4Tcop1m/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant1-500w.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfgnJiY4SXNkTOriu19uX0WC0OGAvu1xfbMcCGEnp7H928FgJF1n2dwQmdBg4INx3OwiD3kcFBWlfY2qvANRo5k5f6O0dk-MbUUTQfxVlo9qgEI1o5LHRyypD8dcAqQ09RKrJB4Tcop1m/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant1-500w.png" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Christmas Caroling Row Along Schedule</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Tuesday, September 5, 2017</span></b><br />
<a href="http://quiltingaffection.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Quilting Affection</a><br />
<a href="https://www.anypattern.com/blogs/quilt-applique-blog" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Any Pattern</a><br />
<a href="http://justletmequilt.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Just Let Me Quilt</a><br />
<a href="https://chittenden.co.za/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Quilt In Piece</a><br />
<a href="http://kissedquilts.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Kissed Quilts</a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Thursday, September 7, 2017</span></b><br />
<a href="https://daydreamsofquilts.blogspot.ca/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Daydreams of Quilts </a><br />
<a href="http://www.seamstobesew.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Seams To Be Sew</a><br />
<a href="http://www.beaquilter.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Be A Quilter</a><br />
<a href="http://createinthesticks.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Creatin’ in the Sticks</a><br />
<a href="http://funthreads.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Fun Threads</a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Tuesday, September 12, 2017</span></b><br />
<a href="http://sewincrediblycrazy.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Sew Incredibly Crazy</a><br />
<a href="http://www.masterpiecequilting.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Masterpiece Quilting</a><br />
<a href="http://www.sugarlane-designs.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Sugarlane Designs</a><br />
<a href="http://www.happysewingroom.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Happy Sewing Room</a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Thursday, September 14, 2017</span></b><br />
<a href="http://bdieges.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Barbara Dieges</a><br />
<a href="http://www.cynthiasark.blogspot.com.au/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Cynthia’s Creating Ark</a><br />
<a href="http://quiltedsnail.blogspot.com/">The Quilted Snail</a><br />
<a href="http://www.seamstobesew.com/christmas-caroling-row-along-schedule-rules-and-how-tos/Just%20Let%20Me%20Quilt" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Ms. P. Designs USA</a> <br />
(sponsored by <a href="http://justletmequilt.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Just Let Me Quilt</a>)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Tuesday, September 19, 2017</span></b><br />
<a href="https://www.jadedspadecreations.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Jaded Spade Creations</a><br />
<a href="https://websterquilt.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Adventurous Applique and Quilting </a><br />
<a href="http://szycieuli.blogspot.co.uk/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">UlaSewing / SzycieUli</a><br />
<a href="http://fromblankpages.blogspot.com/2017/09/christmas-caroling-row-along-midnight.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">From Blank Pages</a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Thursday, September 21, 2017</span></b><br />
<a href="http://www.martinalatimer.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Martina Latimer</a><br />
<a href="http://www.quiltfabrication.blogspot.com/">Quilt Fabrication</a><br />
<a href="http://patchworkbreeze.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Patchwork Breeze</a><br />
<a href="http://www.pattispatchwork.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Patti’s Patchwork</a><br />
<a href="http://loreen.typepad.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Miss Loreen’s Schoolhouse</a></div>
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<b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Tuesday, September 26, 2017</span></b><br />
<a href="https://chittenden.co.za/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Cheryl LaPlante</a><br />
(sponsored by <a href="https://chittenden.co.za/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Quilt In Piece</a>)<br />
<a href="http://blog.morningglorydesigns.net/" rel="noopener" target="_blank" title="Morning Glory">Morning Glory</a><br />
<a href="http://pamperedpettit.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Pampered Pettit</a><br />
<a href="http://funthreads.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Fun Threads</a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Thursday, September 28, 2017</span></b><br />
<a href="http://www.pg-mmd.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Mountain Meadow Designs</a><br />
<a href="http://quiltartdesigns.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Quilt Art</a><br />
<a href="http://madebymarney.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Made By Marney</a><br />
<a href="https://reneechester.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Renee’s Quilting Addiction</a></div>
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<b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Tuesday, October 3, 2017</span></b><br />
<a href="http://www.teachpany.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">MaryMack’s Blog</a><br />
<a href="https://kathyskwiltsandmore.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Kathys Kwilts and More</a><br />
<a href="http://pamelaquilts.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Pamela Quilts</a><br />
<a href="http://www.duckcreekmountainquilting.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Duck Creek Mountain Quilting</a><br />
<a href="http://heleenpinkster.nl/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Heleen Pinkster</a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Thursday, October 5, 2017</span></b><br />
<a href="http://www.seamstobesew.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Seams To Be Sew</a><br />
<a href="http://adreamandastitch.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">A Dream and A Stitch</a><br />
<a href="https://www.upstairshobbyroom.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Upstairs Hobby Room</a><br />
<a href="http://bethstrand.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Words & Stitches</a></div>
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<b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Tuesday, October 10, 2017</span></b><br />
Show and Tell Day<br />
Bloggers will be announced at a later date</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIWBdzlCjpt4jN7CSzI1IQgkXRAPm766O1M02uJ7pW5mtY6Ndy2l3xSvuc0NjrUqEi83HnVK3usMRq1hGj8TSareCoaeGlEhc9gh9YhveZvCBDl6ve1opIN0GXImBKfNLaewNYKDVeE_8/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant2-500w.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIWBdzlCjpt4jN7CSzI1IQgkXRAPm766O1M02uJ7pW5mtY6Ndy2l3xSvuc0NjrUqEi83HnVK3usMRq1hGj8TSareCoaeGlEhc9gh9YhveZvCBDl6ve1opIN0GXImBKfNLaewNYKDVeE_8/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant2-500w.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Check out these amazing Sponsors!</span></div>
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<a href="http://calibreart.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Calibre Art</a><br />
<a href="http://www.northcott.net/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Northcott Fabrics<br />
</a><a href="http://bdieges.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Barbara Dieges</a><br />
<a href="http://www.thebrokeneedle.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Broken Needle</a><br />
<a href="https://storefront.unitednotions.com/storefrontCommerce/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Moda Fabrics</a><br />
<a href="https://www.anitagoodesignonline.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Anita Goodesign</a><br />
<a href="http://www.aurifil.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Aurifil</a><br />
<a href="http://www.junetailor.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">June Tailor</a><br />
<a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Fat Quarter Shop</a><br />
<a href="http://www.hoffmanfabrics.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Hoffman Fabrics</a><br />
<a href="https://justanotherbuttoncompany.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Just Another Button Company</a><br />
<a href="https://www.amybradleydesigns.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amy Bradley Designs</a><br />
<a href="http://www.electricquilt.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Electric Quilt</a><br />
<a href="https://www.michaelmillerfabrics.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Michael Miller</a><br />
<a href="http://www.hobbsbatting.com/">Hobbs Batting</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ctpub.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">C & T Publishing</a><br />
<a href="https://purpledaisiesquilting.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Purple Daisies LLC</a><br />
<a href="http://www.martellinotions.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Martelli Notions</a><br />
<a href="http://www.inspiredled.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Inspired LED</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ackfeldwire.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Ackfeld Manufacturing</a><br />
<a href="https://daydreamsofquilts.blogspot.ca/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Daydreams of Quilts</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ottlite.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Ottlite</a><br />
<a href="http://www.clover-usa.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Clover Needlecraft, Inc</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKx-GVIhziQh1yi9-rb2o6TaMTWQkqNjhymzo4O2_d0IwrJRZl0d-sDODC0d_JcWz4YmTQfR2oaBxcCU6Vw73MacnxqK9tgYZirE3B14SHG49XkQNND0VMOUt5olnXiI2nviQs1G9UVKv/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant3-500w.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKx-GVIhziQh1yi9-rb2o6TaMTWQkqNjhymzo4O2_d0IwrJRZl0d-sDODC0d_JcWz4YmTQfR2oaBxcCU6Vw73MacnxqK9tgYZirE3B14SHG49XkQNND0VMOUt5olnXiI2nviQs1G9UVKv/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant3-500w.png" /></a></div>
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As you can see in the schedule, I'll be posting my row and pattern on September 19th. I'm really excited about how it turned out and I hope you'll like it and have as much fun with it as I have!<br />
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All of the rows are quite different with a good mix of traditional pieced, applique, and foundation paper piecing methods. Some are more traditional in design and others are more modern, and I think all-in-all, they will make some beautiful and fun Christmas quilts, or even just banners, wall hangings, or table runners, etc. <br />
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Be sure to check back, and visit all the other designers to see their amazing rows as well as their giveaways! You won't be disappointed!! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHITTeauZX2MRm32UBMGkqyTJEF4beHzoCdVEfJ365OPrpYpeu1pS9k-nSGMv0GmQdfcssE6XO52cl49ntOmJEaJyMtnN062B8lbZA8t5y4ueg7I7-cQCngTo5Hr6bkjwh3AwoliNqZmq/s1600/FBP-Signature1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHITTeauZX2MRm32UBMGkqyTJEF4beHzoCdVEfJ365OPrpYpeu1pS9k-nSGMv0GmQdfcssE6XO52cl49ntOmJEaJyMtnN062B8lbZA8t5y4ueg7I7-cQCngTo5Hr6bkjwh3AwoliNqZmq/s1600/FBP-Signature1.jpg" /></a></div>
Diane Bohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649721277737051930noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005037273184467640.post-25093667120980569992017-07-21T12:47:00.001-07:002017-07-21T12:48:55.564-07:00Did you hear about the Rise Above Quilt Along??!!!Since "quitting" my job a few months ago, I have come full circle right back to my job! Didn't see that one coming! ;) But I couldn't be happier! I feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and have a completely different perspective on life and for my job. Sometimes it's not what we do that needs to change, but how we see it.<br />
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That's what quitting my job did for me. It made me see it differently. And for that I am grateful!!<br />
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That being said, the last month or two has been BUSY!! I finished up my <a href="https://fromblankpagespatterns.com/collections/rise-above" target="_blank">Rise Above patterns</a>, which are available <a href="https://fromblankpagespatterns.com/collections/rise-above" target="_blank">HERE</a>. And you HAVE to check out the <a href="http://instagram.com/explore/tags/fbpriseabove" target="_blank">#fbpRiseAbove</a> and <a href="http://instagram.com/explore/tags/riseaboveqal" target="_blank">#RiseAboveQAL</a> tags on Instagram to see the beautiful blocks that everyone is making!!<br />
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AND... last minute I decided to host a <a href="https://fromblankpagespatterns.com/pages/rise-above-qal" target="_blank">Rise Above Quilt Along</a> to go along with the patterns! It started on Monday, so at the close of the first week, I am loving it so far!<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfgnJiY4SXNkTOriu19uX0WC0OGAvu1xfbMcCGEnp7H928FgJF1n2dwQmdBg4INx3OwiD3kcFBWlfY2qvANRo5k5f6O0dk-MbUUTQfxVlo9qgEI1o5LHRyypD8dcAqQ09RKrJB4Tcop1m/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant1-500w.png" /></div>
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A few weeks before I decided to host the quilt along, I was thinking about what I love most about quilting. At the top of the list was the people! I love the socializing and meeting so many different people who have similar interests and love fabric and quilting! :)<br />
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This is something I've really been missing lately. I loved(d) Flickr, and of course that changed a long time ago. Then I loved Instagram, but especially lately, I feel like the social involvement has declined significantly. It probably doesn't help that I haven't been posting as much, but that's just it - unless I stay hyper active, then I don't get the involvement that I used to before they changed it. Facebook is, well, it's Facebook. I love my newsletter - it's the one place where I can share with everyone who is actually interested and wants to see what's going on, but it's mostly one sided. There just doesn't seem to be a happy social platform anywhere... <br />
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Then I thought about how much I loved hosting my <a href="http://fromblankpages.blogspot.com/2014/07/celestial-star-quilt-along-schedule-and.html" target="_blank">Celestial Star Quilt Along</a> in 2014, and how fun it was to "hang out" with everyone who was joining in! But I also thought about how busy I was behind the scenes, and how I didn't actually get to hang out with anyone, though it was still a blast! I decided that I wanted to do that again, with all the perks and without the busy work.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Introducing the <a href="https://fromblankpagespatterns.com/pages/rise-above-qal" target="_blank">Rise Above QAL</a>! </span><br />
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<a href="https://fromblankpagespatterns.com/pages/rise-above-qal" target="_blank"><img alt="https://fromblankpagespatterns.com/pages/rise-above-qal" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2fYePTnp4iFIz-FvyVXg9q8TGLD09Xvyt6x2wW1Bjmul-gw4L1OKG7ZBukHT72r_VTLWpz9F4Hi1DcrTxmfHVZovX0FXPcGdVK1EjAMPNcxTIzl_oKbA5SDiY2cckIHvEVU4a0VP48e8/s400/Rise-Above-QAL1-1000.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is a laid back, go at your own pace, meet new people, make beautiful things, and have fun quilt along!! And there are a few giveaways! ;)<br />
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Read more about it <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%EF%BB%BFhttps://fromblankpagespatterns.com/pages/rise-above-qal" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
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Do you want to get the patterns?!! Here are some coupons you can use!<br />
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<a href="https://fromblankpagespatterns.com/collections/rise-above" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNX36Xc0KKtxs0IXAkEdOIhJnGFlE1uLM6bYWCOVvlEAn6rra7SZHL3w9cr1AE8LJy_1I-oHA7jSw4BkHYhUy5dZIw9elmF-phkn3tpiz29HG3HK34AY609HFsQvVdVl4Ql7E8P1wNaz71/s400/Rise-Above-Sale.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Coupons expire Friday 7/28/17 - just one week left!</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIWBdzlCjpt4jN7CSzI1IQgkXRAPm766O1M02uJ7pW5mtY6Ndy2l3xSvuc0NjrUqEi83HnVK3usMRq1hGj8TSareCoaeGlEhc9gh9YhveZvCBDl6ve1opIN0GXImBKfNLaewNYKDVeE_8/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant2-500w.png" /> </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A little about the Quilt Along:</span></div>
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Rather than making lots of tutorials and instruction posts, I am focusing on the social aspect of quilting. I do have tutorials on my blog and <a href="http://youtube.com/c/fromblankpagespatterns" target="_blank">YouTube</a>, as well as all the many other tutorials all over the interweb, and while I'm more than happy to share my tips and help you along, I'll assume that unless you say something, that you've got this! ;) </div>
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To keep it simple, updates will be found on <a href="https://fromblankpagespatterns.com/pages/rise-above-qal" target="_blank">this page</a>, but all events and social gatherings will take place on Instagram using <a href="http://instagram.com/explore/tags/riseaboveqal" target="_blank">#RiseAboveQAL</a>, or in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/fromblankpages/" target="_blank">my Facebook group</a>! </div>
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What I do have planned are: </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Weekly progress and meet and greet prompts! </span></div>
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I'll post a picture with a photo prompt and question, and then you can post your photo and answer the question! A fun way to get to know each other and share what you're doing!</div>
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Here is this weeks prompt: </div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHWS8Noi5BIBT1CZzcbmqIfswdezBh-xReP_ETqkizNJ256IJ3ApFC2SrDECC_GGTQ-QK6piK-sH35hxs7tpIav7shMXqDr3mw-eM0OpTwkTvV5u7OYpYNN1V1PIq8nEQLcEEV_7fpl5B/s400/Rise-Above-QAL-WK1.jpg" width="398" /></div>
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I am indecisive and picked these 6 balloons as my favorite! ;) You can read my facts on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BWqxjqNlUkR/?taken-by=fromblankpages" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and/or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/fromblankpages/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. Thursday night Virtual Quilt Nights!</span> </div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8cQGGcICQAAemqCaZWax-JImzMRWY9Euut5Oc9dVjx7u9euWz76IQguJbdlRc6SQ3QZLGs2jQQfdbeZIjS99aG88xKfWinr3CUnSrE_nVUtiQYgfSzcxHVMmPu1rjoA-veZ3oiVrA64S/s400/Rise-Above-VQAL.jpg" width="398" /> </div>
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We had our first one last night, and I might have had the most fun, I thought it was a blast! </div>
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The point is to share what you're working on, and your progress through the night, and then following the hashtag (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/riseaboveqal/" target="_blank">#RiseAboveQAL</a>) or in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/fromblankpages/" target="_blank">Facebook group</a>, chat/comment on each others posts! It's a fun and simple way to meet new people, share what you're doing, and have fun! </div>
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Since we can't all get together in real life, this is a fun way to include conversation while we work in our own places across the world! (Which for me means that I hardly get anything done, because I'd always love to chat over quilt. ;) But it's worth it! I love it!!)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I will be doing this every Thursday night from 8-10 pm CST. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Come join in the fun!!!</span> </div>
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Even if you aren't working on your Rise Above blocks, it's a fun little event! I loved getting to know new people! :) And of course, if you are in a different time zone, you can adjust your hours accordingly, although that's when I'll start it, and you can keep hanging out with others even after I go to bed. :)<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKx-GVIhziQh1yi9-rb2o6TaMTWQkqNjhymzo4O2_d0IwrJRZl0d-sDODC0d_JcWz4YmTQfR2oaBxcCU6Vw73MacnxqK9tgYZirE3B14SHG49XkQNND0VMOUt5olnXiI2nviQs1G9UVKv/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant3-500w.png" /></div>
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The quilt along goes until October 2nd, which is nice and long to allow for time during the busy back-to-school and last minute summer holidays and everything else!<br />
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I hope you'll come join me!! <br />
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And until then, </div>
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Happy Quilting & Happy Creating!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHITTeauZX2MRm32UBMGkqyTJEF4beHzoCdVEfJ365OPrpYpeu1pS9k-nSGMv0GmQdfcssE6XO52cl49ntOmJEaJyMtnN062B8lbZA8t5y4ueg7I7-cQCngTo5Hr6bkjwh3AwoliNqZmq/s1600/FBP-Signature1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHITTeauZX2MRm32UBMGkqyTJEF4beHzoCdVEfJ365OPrpYpeu1pS9k-nSGMv0GmQdfcssE6XO52cl49ntOmJEaJyMtnN062B8lbZA8t5y4ueg7I7-cQCngTo5Hr6bkjwh3AwoliNqZmq/s1600/FBP-Signature1.jpg" /></a></div>
Diane Bohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649721277737051930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005037273184467640.post-87388902886967847252017-06-30T10:04:00.000-07:002017-06-30T10:32:39.780-07:00A heads up would have been nice... #blogproblemsWarning: a little rant... <br />
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If you are reading this on your computer you might be able to see a whole bunch of these all over my blog:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitlXHsCGLxo9NhsLELIf9FBEKoK3vOYB7VqE2IH6gKpRw8pA2kfhJgALa3zkFnXG_9n3FdVhZ8KpwDZZsPMtDp-698X0Li2m8uEkE2vJBY_2WaOe_C3R_UxTJ77C7iHgmcqmVekP34Bk0l/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-06-30+at+11.43.44+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="292" data-original-width="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitlXHsCGLxo9NhsLELIf9FBEKoK3vOYB7VqE2IH6gKpRw8pA2kfhJgALa3zkFnXG_9n3FdVhZ8KpwDZZsPMtDp-698X0Li2m8uEkE2vJBY_2WaOe_C3R_UxTJ77C7iHgmcqmVekP34Bk0l/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-06-30+at+11.43.44+AM.png" /></a></div>
I have almost all of my sidebar images and branding images, and some blog post photos hosted over at photobucket. I've had them there for years (since 2008). It's been great! (I used to use flickr, but then they changed and I couldn't load a simple photo anymore so I stopped using them a long time ago.)<br />
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Anyway, a took a look at my blog today and saw a whole bunch of these!!<br />
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ug. that's ugly.<br />
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So I went over to photobucket.com/p500 and took a look at what upgrading entailed. First of all I couldn't look at anything for a good 5 minutes because I kept getting overrun by popup ads, which also entailed signing up for a new account that I didn't want and didn't mean to do. Frustrating to say the least.<br />
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I finally got logged in and took a look... $399 a year to put my pictures on my blog (or $39/month). I don't even pay that much for my Shopify store! Sticker shock is an understatement, especially with no warning what-so-ever that my pictures would suddenly be gone and that I might need to come up with another plan for hosting my images if I don't agree to pay them the big bucks. An email might have been a nice courtesy to your potential customer, Photobucket. <br />
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Perhaps their their reasoning behind this suprise tacktic is knowing that no one is going to want to leave their site filled with the above images, and so out of sheer laziness or lack of immediate options, they suppose everyone will just sign up. And perhaps they will...<br />
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Me, not so much. Photobucket, you're out.<br />
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Why am I sharing this? Because unfortunately my blog is going to be ugly for a while. I don't currently have the time to replace all my images at the moment... so for hopefully a short time, this is what you'll see. I'm sorry. Hopefully everyone reads this on their phone and then it won't be a big deal. ;)<br />
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So here is my disclaimer... ugly blog. please don't judge a blog (my blog) by it's appearance. <br />
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Update: I just looked and saw that they are going to delete my account in 2 days! What??!! I get they would do that to people who never log in or use the service, but I do. And it makes me even more confused that they wouldn't inform me of any of this! anyway.... just a little frustrating. I will now never recommend Photobucket to anyone.<br />
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Otherwise, happy weekend!!! :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHITTeauZX2MRm32UBMGkqyTJEF4beHzoCdVEfJ365OPrpYpeu1pS9k-nSGMv0GmQdfcssE6XO52cl49ntOmJEaJyMtnN062B8lbZA8t5y4ueg7I7-cQCngTo5Hr6bkjwh3AwoliNqZmq/s1600/FBP-Signature1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHITTeauZX2MRm32UBMGkqyTJEF4beHzoCdVEfJ365OPrpYpeu1pS9k-nSGMv0GmQdfcssE6XO52cl49ntOmJEaJyMtnN062B8lbZA8t5y4ueg7I7-cQCngTo5Hr6bkjwh3AwoliNqZmq/s1600/FBP-Signature1.jpg" /></a></div>
Diane Bohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649721277737051930noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005037273184467640.post-46893928799776900422017-06-09T22:54:00.003-07:002017-06-09T22:54:49.368-07:00"I want today to be about me" + MistakesThings have been pretty busy around here lately. A few weeks ago we got our carpet replaced, which meant that our cabinets were in the garage, which to me was the perfect opportunity for me to sand them down and paint them white. That was the worst idea I've ever had! lol.<br />
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Sanding off varnish and stain is the worst task ever. ever ever. ever ever ever. I never want to do that again. lol. Then after sanding them down, the wood was <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BUedL0HliE4/" target="_blank">SO BEAUTIFUL</a> so I decided that I should stain them white instead of painting them, so I could still see the beautiful grain.<br />
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I can paint. I know nothing of stain. I spent too much money buying exactly what I didn't want and what <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BU-Wlj3Fygw/" target="_blank">didn't work</a>. I ended up just painting them white. Had I stuck with my decision to paint them I wouldn't have had to sand them down as much as I did. Anyway... it was a learning processes. I learned, so I don't regret it, but it was exhausting.<br />
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I finally finished them a few days ago and we brought them back inside. Last night as I was loading them back up I suddenly realized that we hadn't secured them back into the wall. suddenly as in it was falling on me. It was scary. It happened in slow motion. It was like one of those sudden super powers I-could-lift-a-car-to-save-my-baby moments. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BVEFkRalOGM/" target="_blank">Those suckers</a> are HEAVY!! I was somehow able to turn around and push it back to the wall... as things fell off on me. Something landed on my head, and the rest on my lower back and around me. There were a few glass jars that broke (though I didn't get any cuts). My big toe was bleeding, but that was it.<br />
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I was in shock after it happened. I was shaking for quite a while and as that wore off the pain came full force. My hands, arms, shoulder, lower back, knees (from being pressed so hard into the carpet), my feet and ankles. ug. It was the worst.<br />
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I ended up going to bed early, and my hubby gave everything a good rub which helped a lot. He is so sweet and was a good friend to hang out with me. It didn't seem like a big deal, but my emotions were a <strike>little</strike> lot crazy. It was traumatic.<br />
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This morning I was still pretty sore, and as we dropped my hubby off at work I wished that he could stay home. "I know life isn't about me, but I want today to be about me." I cried a little. It was hard to have gone through a hard thing, still hurting and sore, and knowing that I had to suck it all up and take care of everyone else. That I was "fine" in everyone else's mind and they all moved on. But I didn't feel fine.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfgnJiY4SXNkTOriu19uX0WC0OGAvu1xfbMcCGEnp7H928FgJF1n2dwQmdBg4INx3OwiD3kcFBWlfY2qvANRo5k5f6O0dk-MbUUTQfxVlo9qgEI1o5LHRyypD8dcAqQ09RKrJB4Tcop1m/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant1-500w.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfgnJiY4SXNkTOriu19uX0WC0OGAvu1xfbMcCGEnp7H928FgJF1n2dwQmdBg4INx3OwiD3kcFBWlfY2qvANRo5k5f6O0dk-MbUUTQfxVlo9qgEI1o5LHRyypD8dcAqQ09RKrJB4Tcop1m/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant1-500w.png" /></a></div>
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After washing the dishes I had an epiphany. I was overwhelmed with gratitude. I realized that while I wanted the day to be about me, that has to come from someone else. not from myself. I can't make today about me - that's just being selfish. That's closing myself off to everyone else. I can't give, love, make the world a better place if I am focused inward. If I am focused on me.<br />
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If today was going to be about me, it had to come from someone else. Which also isn't something I can demand or wait for.<br />
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I was grateful that I wasn't having a pity party. I was grateful that despite, and perhaps because of, my recent experience, I could still give and do things. I had the thought that because I'm not focused inward on myself, that means that I have all this power and emotion to focus outward and give to the world! I can create and serve and do something awesome! And that is WAY better than getting distracted on myself.<br />
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I love this quote from this recent conference talk,<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“Service,” Amy testifies, “saved my life. Where I ultimately found my
strength to keep moving forward was the happiness I discovered in trying
to relieve the suffering of those around me. I looked forward to our
service projects with great joy and anticipation. Still to this day it
seems like such a strange paradox. You would think that someone who was
bald, poisoned, and fighting for [her] life (battling cancer) was justified in thinking
that ‘right now it is all about me.’ <u>However, when I thought about
myself, my situation, my suffering and pain, the world became very dark
and depressing</u>. <b>When my focus turned to others, there was light, hope,
strength, courage, and joy.</b> I know that this is possible because of the
sustaining, healing, and enabling power of the Atonement of Jesus
Christ.”</blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/04/trust-in-the-lord-and-lean-not?lang=eng" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> Trust in the Lord and Lean Not, Bonnie H. Cordon, April 2017</i></span></a></div>
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It's so true. How many times do we get so distracted on our current, or past, plight that we fall down the spiral of depression, discouragement, and doubt. I'm grateful that I didn't go that route today.<br />
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Instead I found joy in putting my house back together, spending time with my children, holding and squeezing my cute little girl who is growing up too fast! I found joy in service, I found joy in the mundane. I found joy in being kind to the maintenance guy who was here for hours today (and I'm so happy they are finished with everything! Our list of things to fix is now whittled down to one: replace the carpet in the basement! Wahoo!!)<br />
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Anyway, I realized that there is TOO MUCH beauty all around us to not keep our eyes open wide and focused on the outside. Whenever I scroll through my phone, or think of my task list... I miss so many precious moments, so many interactions and connections.<br />
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I realized that those connections with my children and my husband, with my friends and those I love, with people I don't even know, are all what I want more of in my life! Those are what makes life precious. Those connections and relationships make life worth living. Those are what feed my soul! <br />
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I feel lucky and blessed to be at a place where my relationships are no longer tainted with resentment and pain. I'm no longer controlled by how others treat me, or how I feel/percieve that they are treating me (which is often incorrect anyway). Healing that has taken time and learning and growth, and most of all, and always, takes forgiveness. Even when it hurts so bad, forgiving - sometimes opens the wounds wider, but always makes way to perfect and complete healing that can only come through the Savior!<br />
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If you haven't listened to this, <a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/savior-heals-without-scar-sheri-l-dew-123?autocomplete=true&variant_id=113052-audiobook-mp3-" target="_blank">The Savior Heals without A Scar</a>, (it is free with a 30-day trial of the Deseret Plus audio subscription if you don't want to buy it. I think it's worth it. I LOVE their new Plus subscription. I'm always listening to things). it is by far the best listen to ever!!! It is one of my most favorite messages I've ever heard! (not an affiliate. just being sincere.) This message has made the struggle and the pain, and the journey so much more bearable, and I have since come to recognize those times when the Lord opens my wounds just a little wider so that He can heal me without a scar. It is truth, and I am grateful for this knowledge. If you would like to know of my many experiences with this, feel free to ask. I'm happy to share! But first listen to this! It's awesome!<br />
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One thing I've been working on this evening is a secret... ;) but I've been working on it, and I'm a little burned out. I decided to pull out some recently finished quilt tops to motivate me to keep going, and instead I found <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BVJSYgmFjc9/" target="_blank">a mistake</a>! So what did I do? I shared it on Instagram! lol.<br />
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I instantly got comments like, "never tell/show people your mistakes", "no one will notice", "it'll be our secret". There is absolutely nothing wrong with these comments. I've made these comments plenty of times to others. But tonight it hit me differently then it has before.<br />
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I thought, "why can't I show people my mistakes? Why is that so wrong???" and "who cares if someone notices? should I be ashamed of my error?" I tried really hard to get the placement just right, but I have an error. Does that mean my quilt is now less special, and less worthy of love and appreciation? "Why should I keep it a secret?" I just shared it on Instagram. Not that I have a billion followers, but it's definitely not a secret anymore (although it might be with their algorithms. I'd probably have to pay IG $40 to show it to anyone. lol.)<br />
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I hope I didn't offend anyone with my responses, but it actually felt freeing to share my mistake and hoping that everyone sees it! I realized just how perfection oriented our society has become, that we all have to live under this false blanket of perfection, and if we make an error, we definitely don't make it public. "How dare you be imperfect and be in my presence?!" <br />
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Woah! I am definitely not perfect, nor do I or have I ever claimed to be. I like to make beautiful things, I like to be creative, I like to work hard and do things to the best of my ability, but I have no shame in admitting my mistakes. I have no shame in being imperfect. I hope I'm not the only one that feels this way.<br />
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Why can't we share mistakes? What keeps you from sharing your imperfections?<br />
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Who decided that my feed has to be all staged fake perfect photos and experiences? Who doesn't use their seam ripper? who makes a quilt with absolutely no mistakes?! I'm sure there are people out there - they are the queens and kings of quilting, but I bet more than not, they just don't share their mistakes, or they have had years and years of practice so their perfection is well earned!! Hats off to them for their hard work! <br />
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In the past, like even a few months ago, I felt paralyzed into not sharing a mistake. I would be the shame of the universe if I were imperfect, or said the wrong thing, or shared a photo with a hair out of place. What is that??? It's rubbish is what it is.<br />
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How did I overcome that? By remembering who I am. By reminding myself that I am a mother, a wife, a daughter of God. That I have great worth and value in those things, and that is where I should focus my worth. Not on what some stranger, or even a family member, thinks of me. My worth does not fluctuate with an increase or decrease of followers or email subscribers. I found my place in my life, and what is important to me. I became passionate about what is important to me, and stopped being passionate about what is important to someone else.<br />
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Stepping away from my business was the best decision I ever made! (even though I'm still doing a lot with it.) Letting go of EVERYTHING in my life was so empowering. Life is so busy and so distracting, and like this morning, it's easy to forget that what is important is outside of ourselves. What other people think of us does not belong inside of us, and if we are too busy focused outward, and if all of our energy is going outward - giving our best and our love to the world, then those thoughts will never make their way in. What a fantastic feeling!<br />
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Anyway, just some random rambling because it's been a while. ;) Blogging has been such a great outlet for me lately, and I've missed it these past few weeks. Time to make more time for it again!<br />
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I hope you have a wonderful weekend!!! </div>
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Go love someone and it will be great! (and if they don't love you back, because sometimes that happens and it stinks, know that it's ok to love people even if they don't love you back! It's not up to anyone else who you love!!! Especially the person you love. You just love them anyway! It's more fun that way anyway, when your love for them is not tied to their love for you.) ;)<br />
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Love You!! (especially you! yep, you who is now going to unfollow me! ;)) </div>
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Diane Bohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649721277737051930noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005037273184467640.post-14982132357823076772017-05-17T08:26:00.000-07:002017-05-17T08:26:50.958-07:00Life = Opporunities in Disguise<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last week was rough. really rough. I felt like I had made all this progress and life was starting to make sense and that I had *found all the answers*, and then it was like being back at square one. Anxiety and emotions can really play a number on you. But it wasn't all bad! As in years past, in the rough times I LOVE to quilt! It's so therapeutic and gives me some great time to meditate. My recent trip to Winnipeg totally restored my sewing mojo, and the timing couldn't have been more perfect! (I'm almost finished with my Gemini/Taurus quilt top! wahoo!!)</div>
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I hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day! (for all you women out there!) It's a come-and-go holiday for me. Sometimes I'm excited for it to come, and some years I'm ready for it to go. away. forever. :p Sunday was rough. I love my children and my family, but there are so many factors, I think for many of us, that can really make the day tip one way or another. </div>
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My son was feeling pretty sick in the morning and I was like, "Yes! Now I don't have to go to church. I can stay home with him and sulk." Luckily church isn't until 1 pm, so that gave me plenty of time to realize that because of my mood I NEEDED to go to church. And I'm so glad I did. It was the best Sunday I've had in a very very very long time! The Lord is so good to us when we do what He asks, even when it's not always an enjoyable experience. I know church is always where I need to be, and I go, and He does bless me. But I struggle with church. I struggle with the culture, and I struggle with, well, myself I guess (and my social anxiety - it makes me so paranoid and uncomfortable. blah.) Anyway, it was definitely a tender mercy for me. </div>
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That experience mixed with a few others made me realize a few different things. Here's my random list of thoughts:</div>
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1 - I'm pretty negative. I like to think I'm positive and hopeful and upbeat, but I realized that I really do tend to find something wrong with one thing or another, more often than not. I also like to think that I am good at inspiring and encouraging others. I <i>want</i> to be an inspiration so it's easy to think that I am, but I'm not.</div>
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2 - I like to think I'm a pretty awesome mom. But I'm not. I really suck at this mom job. I really stink at the wife job. What I think in my head often does not reflect what is really going on in life, or in anyone else's head. Just because I have a desire to do all these great mom things, but I don't actually do them, doesn't make me great - just like in number 1. (talk about a reality check. haha.)</div>
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3 - I want to be more positive. I want to be a good mom. I want to be a good wife. I want to inspire others. I want to have a good life and be happy. But I don't know how to do any of these things. I do think that a huge part of doing these things is gratitude. So I'm going to start by being more grateful. </div>
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4 - Sometimes I feel like I can't be happy all the time. With all the bad things going on in life, being happy all.the.time. is fake. It can't be real. My life has been trial upon trial, and I wouldn't trade them for the world. Now we are in a place in life where I feel so content with our situation and our future. I see hope and possibility, but it's so foreign to me. I don't know how to be content. I realized that I feel like contentment is wrong. But then I realized this weekend that it's not. Obviously. But it's so foreign to my entire life story, so it's something I'm becoming acquainted with, and so far it looks like we could have a good relationship together! ;)</div>
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5 - I've never really been one for labels. I quilt, but I'm not a quilter. Quilting doesn't define me. I used to rock climb all the time, but I wasn't a rock-climber. Basically, I DO something, but that doesn't mean that I AM that thing. I don't want to be tied to one thing. I want to do <b><i>everything</i></b>! I want to be more than a definition. Which I think this has all been fine and dandy. But I realized that by not taking on any titles, I slowly became nothing. I lost all confidence in myself and in all of these areas of my life. </div>
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I realized this past weekend that it's ok to BE something. It's ok to define myself by something. It's ok to be defined by a LOT of things! And if I can say that I am something, a mom, a wife, a daughter of God, a quilter, THEN I can be confident in being that thing! </div>
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I've read blog posts before that talk about this, about how people list in their Instagram bio, "I am this and this and this" and how limiting that is. I agreed with it. And while I still do. I also see the other side. That I can be proud to be so many things (or be proud in being just a few things). And that is something to be excited about! I think this builds on my earlier items too. That if I know WHO I am, then I can actually be good at it, and I can enjoy it! </div>
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I'm not saying that we should use labels to judge or limit ourselves or others, but rather we should use them as spring boards. To launch us into the sky and see how far we can go with it! Can you imagine a runner at the Olympics saying, "I run, but I'm not a runner. It's just something I do." Uh, no way! They totally are a runner! It's ok to BE something! Because then when you recognize that, it gives you room to be passionate about it! To love it! To live it! And when you have passion, you will be good at whatever it is you are passionate about! (I think that is something I definitely lost... my passion for quilting. My passion for a lot of things.)</div>
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AND I strongly believe that when we don't hide our talents and abilities and who we are, we give room to and allow others to do the same - connect with who they are and their abilities and talents. Wouldn't the world be awesome if we were all passionately excited about what we did?! Not to compete or compare, but to enjoy!</div>
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Last one: </div>
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6 - One thing in the LDS church that we really cherish is our gift of free agency. We believe that God has given each person on the earth their own agency to choose for themselves, and that God will never take that away. I LOVE my agency! I HATE feeling like I don't have a choice. Sometimes I get caught up in knowing that I am, let's say, a mom, and suddenly I feel like I don't have a choice and I HATE it. That because I have children I have to be a mom, and I no longer have a choice. Rather than loving and serving my family and children, it's drudgery. "I don't want to be their slave!" is what I've thought in the past. lol. It's that ridiculous?! (Yes. But I also know I'm not the only one who's felt this way. ;) ;) and that's ok.) </div>
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Anyway, I realized that it's always my choice. And that rather than a "HAVE to do", or a responsibility (which it is), I can look at it as an <i>opportunity</i>. Instead of doing something grudgingly - which usually also means doing a horrible job, I can look at it as an opportunity to do. I can wake up in the morning and instead of thinking, "ug. I don't want to get up. I don't want to get everyone breakfast (which my kids are actually quite independent in that area. It's kind of awesome!). Ug. I don't want to do laundry or clean the house." I can instead think, "I get to take care of and love little people today. I can clean my house and take pride in a nice home - the home I <i>want</i> to live in. (opposed to living in a gross home that I don't want to live in)." etc. </div>
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Maybe that seems all fluffy and whatever. And it probably is. But it's also realistic. I can realistically live my life in a way where I see every challenge, every chore, every task, as an opportunity to bless, love, and serve. I can see these moments as an opportunity to become the good person that I want to be, to actually become the person I think I am - but I'm not because I don't actually do these things in real life. I can see these opportunities to help improve the world around me, instead of just gripe about how awful it all is on Facebook. I can do something about it! How awesome is that?!</div>
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It's amazing how just a change in perspective can change something so completely. </div>
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All in all, I'm feeling pretty good this week! I'm excited for new goals and a new focus. I'm excited for <i>all</i> the opportunities around me! To try to actually BE the person I want to be, and not just pretend that I am. It's kind of exciting!! </div>
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I hope you have a wonderful week!!<br />
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I'm going to try to take pictures of all of my Gemini and Taurus blocks tomorrow (it's too cloudy today) and I will post them on my blog once I do! :) I can't wait to share!!</div>
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Diane Bohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649721277737051930noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005037273184467640.post-37164252599160482002017-05-08T08:49:00.001-07:002017-05-08T08:49:18.262-07:00Merging Realities<div style="text-align: justify;">
When I first started quilting and selling patterns, I never told anyone. Heck, I didn't tell anyone what I did for the first 4+ years that I designed and sold patterns (I started 6 years ago). Maybe I told a few people, but it was a "separate life" than my day-to-day interactions with people. And most people that I did tell, didn't really understand what that meant, so it wasn't a big deal to them. I don't like attention or feeling like I'm a big deal. Cause I'm not. I have a job just like everyone else, and this is what I do. </div>
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(Did I mention that I HATE attention??!!) It's funny because I really do love to get up in front of people and teach, or talk, or whatever. I love to share what I know and do. I love talking with people and getting to know them, and sharing our talents with each other. But please don't praise me. Don't applaud me. Don't make me stick out from the crowd. </div>
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Here's an example of what I'm referring to, I had a job right before I had my first baby, and at our last group meeting before I quite, the boss/owner thanked me for all the work I did and the contribution I made to the company - in front of everyone. They all clapped. I stared at the floor. (ug. can I please hide under my chair?! Get me out of here! lol.) </div>
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That about sums me up.<br />
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When we moved here I joined the quilt guild right away, as well as the modern quilting satellite group. I loved it! Everyone is SO nice!! A few of the girls knew right away that I design patterns, and as we'd go to different meetings, one friend was so nice and would introduce me to everyone. AND THEN she'd tell everyone that I am a pattern designer! Suddenly I went from just a new girl to a <i>designer. oooohhhhh!!</i> "Ug. I don't know how to handle this." I know I make a bigger deal of it than it really is, and I'm sure that people really don't suddenly think that I'm some big deal. But it feels like it. Because suddenly all eyes are on me. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
This last weekend we went to Canada and joined the quilt guild in Winnipeg. It was awesome! I had such a great time! For show and tell I brought my Celestial Star quilt top. I got lots of ooh's and ahhh's. So much so that it totally threw me off and as I tried to talk about it, I felt like I just became a jumbled mess. (not again). I'm really not this insecure, I promise. I really do know how to present myself and be normal in front of groups of people. lol.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIWBdzlCjpt4jN7CSzI1IQgkXRAPm766O1M02uJ7pW5mtY6Ndy2l3xSvuc0NjrUqEi83HnVK3usMRq1hGj8TSareCoaeGlEhc9gh9YhveZvCBDl6ve1opIN0GXImBKfNLaewNYKDVeE_8/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant2-500w.png" /></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #0000ee;">A</span>s I was talking to my new friend Deb, I realized that what really throws me off is that all of a sudden, just like that, I have two very separate realities that have collided head on! </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have my in-person interactions that I'm totally cool with. (I do have social anxiety, but as long as I feel at least a bit of control over my situation, I'm good). And then I have what used to be my online reality. I can share whatever online, and when the attention comes, I can safely hide behind my computer or phone screen. Which as I write this, gives me that sense of control in my social interactions.... which makes me wonder if all my problem is, is my social anxiety. That in situations like the one in Canada this past weekend, I lose all control and I'm like Ahhhh! </div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKx-GVIhziQh1yi9-rb2o6TaMTWQkqNjhymzo4O2_d0IwrJRZl0d-sDODC0d_JcWz4YmTQfR2oaBxcCU6Vw73MacnxqK9tgYZirE3B14SHG49XkQNND0VMOUt5olnXiI2nviQs1G9UVKv/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant3-500w.png" /></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Anyway, what I originally realized and was going to write about, was that I somehow need to get used to the idea that I do something remotely awesome (because seriously, I can't deny that I LOVE my job and that it's pretty fun). But I don't want to get proud and arrogant about it. How do you deal with/handle doing something super neat and be able to still act normal when someone else gets really excited about it?! How do you not get weirded out and when others compliment you. (seriously, I'm not sure that's something I ever learned. Usually I say thank you and we talk, but I feel so disconnected from anything positive that people say about me. And I'm learning to be disconnected to the mean comments (like today. someone commented on an old YouTube video that I was smacking my lips or something and that it was kind of annoying. I told him thank you for letting me know so I could pay attention to that in future videos, and suggested that maybe turning down the volume would help. lol. It totally shocked me at first, as it does when out of the blue someone takes a dig at you. but whatever, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt that he wasn't being a jerk (like some comments I HAVE received... people can be so rude.)) Anyway...</div>
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What I was saying, is that I need to learn to be comfortable with these two realities being one. Learn to put myself out there and be comfortable with that.</div>
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I talked with my hubby about this last night and I realized that while I want to maintain the focus on my family, I want to learn to fit in and balance my business. It's interesting how God sometimes directs us to different paths - not to stay on that path - but so that we can then make it to an entirely different one, that we wouldn't have gotten to if we hadn't taken that detour. </div>
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I was reading <a href="https://www.lds.org/blog/why-it-will-all-work-out" target="_blank">this article</a> this morning and I loved this quote from it,<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>We can’t see the future. That’s what makes the unknown so scary.
Sometimes sticking with what we know, what we’re comfortable with, what
we can see, feels like the safest bet in life. But that’s not how God
intends for us to grow. Sometimes life requires us to take a leap of
faith, especially when it comes to overcoming our fears.</i><br />
<i>“The
natural man and the natural woman says there is no way I’m taking this
step. There is no way I’m moving into the darkness until the light moves
and I can see where I’m going,” taught Elder David A. Bednar in the
video “<a href="https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2016-03-0019-being-an-agent-to-act?lang=eng">Being an Agent to Act</a>.”</i><br />
<i>But the requirement for faith is that we act first.</i><br />
<i>“Most
of the time we think, ‘Well, give me the power and then I’ll act,’”
said Elder Bednar. “But the Savior’s gospel teaches that first we act
and then the power comes. We don’t know where to go. We don’t know what
to do, but my trust in Him enables me to act.”</i> <span style="font-size: x-small;"> - Why it Will All Work Out, <a href="https://www.lds.org/blog/why-it-will-all-work-out">https://www.lds.org/blog/why-it-will-all-work-out</a></span></blockquote>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Over the weekend as I thought about my current struggles, I stepped back from them for a moment and had to laugh. Seriously? What am I even struggling for??! It's all in my head. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
I decided that I'm going to stop complaining and I'm going to start enjoying. I don't know what's in my future or where I'm going, or what it's going to look like. But like the quote above, that's ok. As I trust God, I don't have to know. I can have faith that He will lead me, and I actually think that sounds pretty exciting! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjes2AQkuc32yFy3VwFuoE8ggCIxg-yO1npUzoSfId84Vi2het4GYMsgFZCxKcOxiRwUFX-pwtj1ytO96Yqdnb5SJZNJMNPSPcDuEgFGZSI7qgZw7PCXzUPCayIPKVYo-zoHgM4v1TwnNMB/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-PlantCenter-500w.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjes2AQkuc32yFy3VwFuoE8ggCIxg-yO1npUzoSfId84Vi2het4GYMsgFZCxKcOxiRwUFX-pwtj1ytO96Yqdnb5SJZNJMNPSPcDuEgFGZSI7qgZw7PCXzUPCayIPKVYo-zoHgM4v1TwnNMB/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-PlantCenter-500w.png" /></a></div>
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I thought of this quote a lot over the weekend too,<br />
<br />
<div class="full_quote">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear
is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our
darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the
world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people
won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children
do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our
own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do
the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence
automatically liberates others."</h3>
Marianne Williamson<br />
<span>Author, Lecturer</span></blockquote>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's true. I'm not really afraid of failure. I've failed enough in life, had enough struggles, hit rock bottom so many times - I have that down packed. Struggle and I are good friends. It's the comfort, the ease, the light and being great that terrifies me. Since we moved here, I lost my life long friend of struggles and trials. And suddenly I've moved in with something better, but different, and we are taking our time to get to know each other. I hope we can become friends sooner rather than later though. ;) And this doesn't just apply to me. I honestly believe that each and every one of us has greatness in us! We all have amazing potential!! And I totally believe that only God can lead us to that. He knows it, He sees it in us, and as we follow Him, He will bring it out of us. That's kind of scary. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I learned last year that I am nothing without Christ. With all my health problems, I know that even breathing and getting out of bed is possible only because of the grace of God. Knowing that made me feel like I was nothing. But I am learning that despite my own shortcomings, I do have greatness in me. I have something that no one else does. Which sometimes it's scary and uncomfortable to be different, but different is also what makes life exciting and beautiful! Embracing that in myself takes faith, and that's ok. Scary is all relevant right?! It doesn't have to be a bad thing. It's all in our perspective. </div>
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So bring on the opportunities and let me learn to be comfortable with uncomfortable. ;) lol. <br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfgnJiY4SXNkTOriu19uX0WC0OGAvu1xfbMcCGEnp7H928FgJF1n2dwQmdBg4INx3OwiD3kcFBWlfY2qvANRo5k5f6O0dk-MbUUTQfxVlo9qgEI1o5LHRyypD8dcAqQ09RKrJB4Tcop1m/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant1-500w.png" /></div>
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Have you ever felt like this in your life? What did you learn from the experience? I'd love to hear your story!<br />
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Diane Bohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649721277737051930noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005037273184467640.post-74070343996074573122017-05-05T09:30:00.001-07:002017-05-05T09:45:01.517-07:00What now??? Let's eat fruit.As I've stepped away from my focus on quilting and my business, I've been left with an empty hole, feeling an overwhelming lack of purpose and need in my family. The need I was filling previously for my family (adding supplemental income that was greatly needed as my husband moved up through the ranks. I am so incredibly proud of him, and grateful to him for the hard work and sacrifices he's made while going through school and those necessary but not ideal work environments to get us to where we are now. I think it's easy to see the exceptions of success in the work place as the norm, and get discouraged by our own personal paths that we must take to get to where we want to be. Life is hard, sometimes - most of the time, we have to put in a lot of sweat and tears to be where we want to be. AND I will add, that even when someone's life <i>looks</i> easy, there is so much behind the scenes that we don't see, so we really shouldn't compare. at. all.)<br />
<br />
Anyway... back to what I was saying, I am at a point in my life that is a complete role-change. As I've talked to other people, I recognize that I am not the only one. With parents whose youngest child is about to start school, so they are going from constant mom, to having a huge chunk of their day freed up; or others whose children are going off to college; or some who have health issues that have forced them to adjust their life style, hobbies, and everything else! And I can't forget to mention those who have recently moved - I think I fit this one particularly well. ;) It's been reassuring to know that I'm not the only one that is dealing with this.<br />
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But even though I know I'm not the only one feeling this way, I still want to figure out what to do with my life, and my time. <br />
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The other day someone mentioned the Fruits of the Spirit.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/gal/5?lang=eng#" target="_blank">Galatians 5:22-23</a><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="verse chunked" data-aid="128391989" id="p22">
<i><span class="verse-number verse"><span class="chunk hl-yellow 14807FF1-D2E3-4911-A1C6-4FAD9B2AFC37 hl-id-43339632" id="chunk230000">22 </span></span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 14807FF1-D2E3-4911-A1C6-4FAD9B2AFC37" id="chunk230001">But </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 14807FF1-D2E3-4911-A1C6-4FAD9B2AFC37" id="chunk230002">the </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 14807FF1-D2E3-4911-A1C6-4FAD9B2AFC37" id="chunk230003">fruit</span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 14807FF1-D2E3-4911-A1C6-4FAD9B2AFC37" id="chunk230004"> of </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 14807FF1-D2E3-4911-A1C6-4FAD9B2AFC37" id="chunk230005">the </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 14807FF1-D2E3-4911-A1C6-4FAD9B2AFC37" id="chunk230006">Spirit</span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 14807FF1-D2E3-4911-A1C6-4FAD9B2AFC37" id="chunk230007"> is </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 14807FF1-D2E3-4911-A1C6-4FAD9B2AFC37" id="chunk230008">love</span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 14807FF1-D2E3-4911-A1C6-4FAD9B2AFC37" id="chunk230009">, </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 14807FF1-D2E3-4911-A1C6-4FAD9B2AFC37" id="chunk230010">joy</span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 14807FF1-D2E3-4911-A1C6-4FAD9B2AFC37" id="chunk230011">, </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 14807FF1-D2E3-4911-A1C6-4FAD9B2AFC37" id="chunk230012">peace</span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 14807FF1-D2E3-4911-A1C6-4FAD9B2AFC37" id="chunk230013">, </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 14807FF1-D2E3-4911-A1C6-4FAD9B2AFC37" id="chunk230014">longsuffering</span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 14807FF1-D2E3-4911-A1C6-4FAD9B2AFC37" id="chunk230015">, </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 14807FF1-D2E3-4911-A1C6-4FAD9B2AFC37" id="chunk230016">gentleness</span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 14807FF1-D2E3-4911-A1C6-4FAD9B2AFC37" id="chunk230017">, </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 14807FF1-D2E3-4911-A1C6-4FAD9B2AFC37" id="chunk230018">goodness, </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 14807FF1-D2E3-4911-A1C6-4FAD9B2AFC37" id="chunk230019">faith</span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 14807FF1-D2E3-4911-A1C6-4FAD9B2AFC37" id="chunk230020">,</span></i></div>
<div class="verse chunked" data-aid="128391991" id="p23">
<i><span class="verse-number verse"><span class="chunk hl-yellow 14807FF1-D2E3-4911-A1C6-4FAD9B2AFC37" id="chunk240000">23 </span></span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 14807FF1-D2E3-4911-A1C6-4FAD9B2AFC37" id="chunk240001">Meekness</span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 14807FF1-D2E3-4911-A1C6-4FAD9B2AFC37" id="chunk240002">, </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 14807FF1-D2E3-4911-A1C6-4FAD9B2AFC37" id="chunk240003">temperance...</span></i></div>
</blockquote>
Something about the way they said it, and mixed with how I've been feeling and what I've been thinking about, made me look at these attributes in a new way.<br />
<br />
As I started doing different activities throughout my day, I started noticing the <i>fruits</i> of my actions. I started to notice answers to questions I wasn't asking, but ones such as, "how does this make me feel?" and "how does this activity affect me and those around me?"<br />
<br />
As I compared my answers to the fruits of the Spirit as stated in Galatians, I began to realize that as I did things that invited the Spirit into my life, or that were in and of themselves good activities, I reaped the fruits of the Spirit as well. I was happy, I felt joy, I was more patient with my children, we had more fun together, I had peace, I felt better.<br />
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As I did things that took away value from my life (not bad or sinful things, but for me it was the things that were a distraction - like too much time on my phone looking at Instagram or Facebook, or things like that, that really had no meaning or value), those same fruits and feelings weren't there. I was more impatient with my family and those around me, I wasn't happy, I didn't feel lifted and strengthened, I didn't feel renewed - I was grumpy, had anxiety, felt tired and unmotivated.<br />
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I realized that while my fruits might not always be the same as the fruits of the Spirit, everything I do <i>does</i> produce fruits of their own! And those fruits are either desirable, or not so desirable - and sometimes not wanted at all. It's been interesting to pay attention to that.<br />
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This is really been a huge blessing to me as I evaluate the things I do and then feel empowered to make a difference in my own life - by changing my actions AND the activities that I choose to participate in, to create the life that I want to have.<br />
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I love this quote by Thomas S. Monson,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoP8jJlv9_AqSzwqA0Zhc7YB5LoMqcSxI0p_yYEuKN6Os2b0AGKjxwdiGBtBGTKtZyrCuu3BA2uAMiAa9KlYAyrLffdHLtuAYo-9BpZcRNPoR-kK_f6Y1MgaEtZBGKmMc58Vx7tVCyfgC/s1600/AlexaZDesign.etsy.com+Happy+life.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoP8jJlv9_AqSzwqA0Zhc7YB5LoMqcSxI0p_yYEuKN6Os2b0AGKjxwdiGBtBGTKtZyrCuu3BA2uAMiAa9KlYAyrLffdHLtuAYo-9BpZcRNPoR-kK_f6Y1MgaEtZBGKmMc58Vx7tVCyfgC/s320/AlexaZDesign.etsy.com+Happy+life.jpeg" width="256" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can purchase this print <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/244241579/happy-floral-print-lds-quote-happy-life" target="_blank">here</a> (I did. I'm hanging this in my kitchen! I Love it!): (not an affiliate link) <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/244241579/happy-floral-print-lds-quote-happy-life">https://www.etsy.com/listing/244241579/happy-floral-print-lds-quote-happy-life</a></div>
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Is it always easy? No. Do I always choose the best activities? No. Is every day now a fairytale? Nope. But I'm learning. And learning takes time, and I am learning to be patient with myself, and <i>that</i> is an awesome feeling and fruit of the Spirit.<br />
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<br />
As I think about the above section, I also think about the following scripture in <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/moro/7.6,10-14,16,19?lang=eng#p5" target="_blank">Moroni 7:12-17</a><br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="verse highlight chunked" data-aid="128358175" id="p12">
<i><span class="verse-number verse"><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d hl-id-54967948" id="chunk130000">12 </span></span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130001">Wherefore, </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130002">all </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130003">things </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130004">which </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130005">are </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130006">good</span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130007"> cometh </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130008">of </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130009">God; </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130010">and </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130011">that </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130012">which </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130013">is </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130014">evil</span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130015"> cometh </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130016">of </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130017">the </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130018">devil; </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130019">for </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130020">the </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130021">devil </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130022">is </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130023">an </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130024">enemy </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130025">unto </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130026">God, </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130027">and </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130028">fighteth </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130029">against </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130030">him </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130031">continually, </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130032">and </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130033">inviteth </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130034">and </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130035">enticeth </span><span class="page-break"></span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130036">to </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130037">sin</span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130038">, </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130039">and </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130040">to </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130041">do </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130042">that </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130043">which </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130044">is </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130045">evil </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 35936753-eca6-498a-8a2d-990b733dab0f hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk130046">continually.</span></i></div>
<div class="verse highlight chunked" data-aid="128358176" id="p13">
<i><span class="verse-number verse"><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk140000">13 </span></span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d hl-blue e8535ecb-2b76-48c0-87eb-214e27d2339f" id="chunk140001">But </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d hl-blue e8535ecb-2b76-48c0-87eb-214e27d2339f" id="chunk140002">behold, </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d hl-blue e8535ecb-2b76-48c0-87eb-214e27d2339f" id="chunk140003">that </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d hl-blue e8535ecb-2b76-48c0-87eb-214e27d2339f" id="chunk140004">which </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d hl-blue e8535ecb-2b76-48c0-87eb-214e27d2339f" id="chunk140005">is </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d hl-blue e8535ecb-2b76-48c0-87eb-214e27d2339f" id="chunk140006">of </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d hl-blue e8535ecb-2b76-48c0-87eb-214e27d2339f" id="chunk140007">God </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d hl-blue e8535ecb-2b76-48c0-87eb-214e27d2339f" id="chunk140008">inviteth </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d hl-blue e8535ecb-2b76-48c0-87eb-214e27d2339f" id="chunk140009">and </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d hl-blue e8535ecb-2b76-48c0-87eb-214e27d2339f" id="chunk140010">enticeth </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d hl-blue e8535ecb-2b76-48c0-87eb-214e27d2339f" id="chunk140011">to </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d hl-blue e8535ecb-2b76-48c0-87eb-214e27d2339f" id="chunk140012">do </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d hl-blue e8535ecb-2b76-48c0-87eb-214e27d2339f" id="chunk140013">good</span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d hl-blue e8535ecb-2b76-48c0-87eb-214e27d2339f" id="chunk140014"> continually; </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d hl-blue e8535ecb-2b76-48c0-87eb-214e27d2339f" id="chunk140015">wherefore, </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d hl-blue e8535ecb-2b76-48c0-87eb-214e27d2339f" id="chunk140016">every </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d hl-blue e8535ecb-2b76-48c0-87eb-214e27d2339f" id="chunk140017">thing </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d hl-blue e8535ecb-2b76-48c0-87eb-214e27d2339f" id="chunk140018">which </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d hl-blue e8535ecb-2b76-48c0-87eb-214e27d2339f" id="chunk140019">inviteth </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d hl-blue e8535ecb-2b76-48c0-87eb-214e27d2339f" id="chunk140020">and </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d hl-blue e8535ecb-2b76-48c0-87eb-214e27d2339f" id="chunk140021">enticeth</span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d hl-blue e8535ecb-2b76-48c0-87eb-214e27d2339f" id="chunk140022"> to </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d hl-blue e8535ecb-2b76-48c0-87eb-214e27d2339f" id="chunk140023">do </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d hl-blue e8535ecb-2b76-48c0-87eb-214e27d2339f" id="chunk140024">good</span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d hl-blue e8535ecb-2b76-48c0-87eb-214e27d2339f" id="chunk140025">, </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d hl-blue e8535ecb-2b76-48c0-87eb-214e27d2339f" id="chunk140026">and </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d hl-blue e8535ecb-2b76-48c0-87eb-214e27d2339f" id="chunk140027">to </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d hl-blue e8535ecb-2b76-48c0-87eb-214e27d2339f" id="chunk140028">love </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d hl-blue e8535ecb-2b76-48c0-87eb-214e27d2339f" id="chunk140029">God, </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d hl-blue e8535ecb-2b76-48c0-87eb-214e27d2339f" id="chunk140030">and </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d hl-blue e8535ecb-2b76-48c0-87eb-214e27d2339f" id="chunk140031">to </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d hl-blue e8535ecb-2b76-48c0-87eb-214e27d2339f" id="chunk140032">serve </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d hl-blue e8535ecb-2b76-48c0-87eb-214e27d2339f" id="chunk140033">him, </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d hl-blue e8535ecb-2b76-48c0-87eb-214e27d2339f" id="chunk140034">is </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d hl-blue e8535ecb-2b76-48c0-87eb-214e27d2339f" id="chunk140035">inspired</span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d hl-blue e8535ecb-2b76-48c0-87eb-214e27d2339f" id="chunk140036"> of </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d hl-blue e8535ecb-2b76-48c0-87eb-214e27d2339f" id="chunk140037">God.</span></i></div>
<div class="verse highlight chunked" data-aid="128358177" id="p14">
<i><span class="verse-number verse"><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk150000">14 </span></span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk150001">Wherefore, </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk150002"><b>take </b></span><b><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk150003">heed, </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk150004">my </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk150005">beloved </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk150006">brethren, </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk150007">that </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk150008">ye </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk150009">do </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk150010">not </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk150011">judge </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk150012">that </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk150013">which </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk150014">is </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk150015">evil</span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk150016"> to </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk150017">be </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk150018">of </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk150019">God, </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk150020">or </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 1ec5cffe-a6cd-481d-bc2e-c28c8c00cdca hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk150021">that </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 1ec5cffe-a6cd-481d-bc2e-c28c8c00cdca hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk150022">which </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 1ec5cffe-a6cd-481d-bc2e-c28c8c00cdca hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk150023">is </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 1ec5cffe-a6cd-481d-bc2e-c28c8c00cdca hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk150024">good </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 1ec5cffe-a6cd-481d-bc2e-c28c8c00cdca hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk150025">and </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 1ec5cffe-a6cd-481d-bc2e-c28c8c00cdca hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk150026">of </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 1ec5cffe-a6cd-481d-bc2e-c28c8c00cdca hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk150027">God </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 1ec5cffe-a6cd-481d-bc2e-c28c8c00cdca hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk150028">to </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 1ec5cffe-a6cd-481d-bc2e-c28c8c00cdca hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk150029">be </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 1ec5cffe-a6cd-481d-bc2e-c28c8c00cdca hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk150030">of </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 1ec5cffe-a6cd-481d-bc2e-c28c8c00cdca hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk150031">the </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 1ec5cffe-a6cd-481d-bc2e-c28c8c00cdca hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk150032">devil.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="verse chunked" data-aid="128358178" id="p15">
<i><span class="verse-number verse"><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160000">15 </span></span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160001">For </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160002">behold, </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160003">my </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160004">brethren, </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160005">it </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160006">is </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160007">given </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160008">unto </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160009">you </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160010">to </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160011">judge</span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160012">, </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160013">that </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160014">ye </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160015">may </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160016">know </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160017">good </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160018">from </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160019">evil; </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160020">and </span><span class="chunk hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160021">the </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 2d1b7b8a-2964-4400-8437-a28382d508fc hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160022">way </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 2d1b7b8a-2964-4400-8437-a28382d508fc hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160023">to </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 2d1b7b8a-2964-4400-8437-a28382d508fc hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160024">judge </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 2d1b7b8a-2964-4400-8437-a28382d508fc hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160025">is </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 2d1b7b8a-2964-4400-8437-a28382d508fc hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160026">as </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 2d1b7b8a-2964-4400-8437-a28382d508fc hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160027">plain, </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 2d1b7b8a-2964-4400-8437-a28382d508fc hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160028">that </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 2d1b7b8a-2964-4400-8437-a28382d508fc hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160029">ye </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 2d1b7b8a-2964-4400-8437-a28382d508fc hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160030">may </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 2d1b7b8a-2964-4400-8437-a28382d508fc hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160031">know </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 2d1b7b8a-2964-4400-8437-a28382d508fc hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160032">with </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 2d1b7b8a-2964-4400-8437-a28382d508fc hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160033">a </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 2d1b7b8a-2964-4400-8437-a28382d508fc hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160034">perfect </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 2d1b7b8a-2964-4400-8437-a28382d508fc hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160035">knowledge, </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 2d1b7b8a-2964-4400-8437-a28382d508fc hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160036">as </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 2d1b7b8a-2964-4400-8437-a28382d508fc hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160037">the </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 2d1b7b8a-2964-4400-8437-a28382d508fc hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160038">daylight </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 2d1b7b8a-2964-4400-8437-a28382d508fc hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160039">is </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 2d1b7b8a-2964-4400-8437-a28382d508fc hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160040">from </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 2d1b7b8a-2964-4400-8437-a28382d508fc hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160041">the </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 2d1b7b8a-2964-4400-8437-a28382d508fc hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160042">dark </span><span class="chunk hl-blue 2d1b7b8a-2964-4400-8437-a28382d508fc hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk160043">night.</span></i></div>
<div class="verse highlight chunked" data-aid="128358179" id="p16">
<i><span class="verse-number verse"><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170000">16 </span></span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170001">For </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170002">behold, </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170003">the </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170004">Spirit </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170005">of </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170006">Christ</span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170007"> is </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170008">given </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170009">to </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170010">every </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170011">man</span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170012">, </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170013">that </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170014">he </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170015">may </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170016">know</span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170017"> good </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170018">from </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170019">evil; </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170020">wherefore, </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170021">I </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170022">show </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170023">unto </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170024">you </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170025">the </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170026">way </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170027">to </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170028">judge; </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170029">for </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170030">every </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170031">thing </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170032">which </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170033">inviteth </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170034">to </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170035">do </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170036">good, </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170037">and </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170038">to </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170039">persuade </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170040">to </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170041">believe </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170042">in </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170043">Christ, </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170044">is </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170045">sent </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170046">forth </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170047">by </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170048">the </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170049">power </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170050">and </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170051">gift </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170052">of </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170053">Christ; </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170054">wherefore </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170055">ye </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170056">may </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170057">know </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170058">with </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170059">a </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170060">perfect </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170061">knowledge </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170062">it </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170063">is </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170064">of </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk170065">God.</span></i></div>
<div class="verse chunked" data-aid="128358180" id="p17">
<i><span class="verse-number verse"><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180000">17 </span></span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180001">But </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180002">whatsoever </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180003">thing </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180004">persuadeth </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180005">men </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180006">to </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180007">do </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180008">evil</span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180009">, </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180010">and </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180011">believe </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180012">not </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180013">in </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180014">Christ, </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180015">and </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180016">deny </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180017">him, </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180018">and </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180019">serve </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180020">not </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180021">God, </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180022">then </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180023">ye </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180024">may </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180025">know </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180026">with </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180027">a </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180028">perfect </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180029">knowledge </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180030">it </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180031">is </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180032">of </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180033">the </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180034">devil; </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180035">for </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180036">after </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180037">this </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180038">manner </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180039">doth </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180040">the </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180041">devil </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180042">work, </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180043">for </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180044">he </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180045">persuadeth </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180046">no </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180047">man </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180048">to </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180049">do </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180050">good, </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180051">no, </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180052">not </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180053">one; </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180054">neither </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180055">do </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180056">his </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180057">angels; </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180058">neither </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180059">do </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180060">they </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180061">who </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180062">subject </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180063">themselves </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d" id="chunk180064">unto </span><span class="chunk hl-pink 10202982264022462215 15719170189860678732 hl-u-red de0c0a42-6067-4e6d-87c3-c53c7c4b749d hl-id-54967948" id="chunk180065">him.</span></i></div>
</blockquote>
<br />
I keep thinking of this scripture (italics and bold added) as a warning as I'm trying to decipher my actions and whether they are bringing forth good fruits or bad fruits. Because I think it's too easy to justify what we <i>want</i> to do with what is actually the best thing to do.<br />
<br />
And I will add, that I am finding that it's not even my actions that are the good and bad, but rather the timing of my actions. I think more than figuring out <b>what</b> to do right now in my life, I'm really learning <b>when</b> to do it. I have no doubt that I'll get back to quilting and designing, but the question is more of a <u>when</u> and <u>how</u>, than a what. Which is a reminder of just how tricky and clever the devil is, to take a truth, or a good thing, and spin it just enough - add that little white lie - to make it bad. (We must really keep our eyes wide open so we aren't deceived!)<br />
<br />
The world around us definitely does not help in this regard as well. This is such a great reminder of that, <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/14.27" target="_blank">John 14:27</a><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="verse highlight chunked" data-aid="128393205" id="p27">
<i><span class="verse-number verse"><span class="chunk hl-yellow 11076221213902940402 hl-id-64622789" id="chunk280000">27 </span></span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 11076221213902940402" id="chunk280001">Peace</span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 11076221213902940402" id="chunk280002"> I </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 11076221213902940402" id="chunk280003">leave </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 11076221213902940402" id="chunk280004">with </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 11076221213902940402" id="chunk280005">you, </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 11076221213902940402" id="chunk280006">my </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 11076221213902940402" id="chunk280007">peace</span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 11076221213902940402" id="chunk280008"> I </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 11076221213902940402" id="chunk280009">give </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 11076221213902940402" id="chunk280010">unto </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 11076221213902940402" id="chunk280011">you: </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 11076221213902940402" id="chunk280012">not </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 11076221213902940402" id="chunk280013">as </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 11076221213902940402" id="chunk280014">the </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 11076221213902940402" id="chunk280015">world </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 11076221213902940402" id="chunk280016">giveth, </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 11076221213902940402" id="chunk280017">give </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 11076221213902940402" id="chunk280018">I </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 11076221213902940402" id="chunk280019">unto </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 11076221213902940402" id="chunk280020">you. </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 11076221213902940402" id="chunk280021">Let </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 11076221213902940402" id="chunk280022">not </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 11076221213902940402" id="chunk280023">your </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 11076221213902940402" id="chunk280024">heart </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 11076221213902940402" id="chunk280025">be </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 11076221213902940402" id="chunk280026">troubled</span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 11076221213902940402" id="chunk280027">, </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 11076221213902940402" id="chunk280028">neither </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 11076221213902940402" id="chunk280029">let </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 11076221213902940402" id="chunk280030">it </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 11076221213902940402" id="chunk280031">be </span><span class="chunk hl-yellow 11076221213902940402 hl-id-64622789" id="chunk280032">afraid.</span></i></div>
</blockquote>
<br />
This has constantly been on my mind lately. The things of God, good things, are not given as the world tries to give them to us. But peace, love, strength, they all come in a different way. It's been pretty amazing to see this in my life and notice the remarkable difference between God and the world around us - and what that world is turning into. (I have a story to go along with this, but I'm realizing just how long this post is getting, so I'll save it for another day, I hope.)<br />
<br />
<br />
Here is one example of this though, not necessarily in regards to evil and the devil, but in regards to the fruits of the Spirit.<br />
<br />
The other day I was stressed and had some anxiety, so I turned to quilting, like I have done so many times before. (It's my therapy.) :) Anyway, I had a moment of relief and it felt good to be doing something for me. But I also feel like I was trying to force a "me moment" into my day where it probably didn't belong (let's face it, it's hard being a mom 24/7! Nuff said.) So I was thinking, yep, this is a GOOD thing!<br />
<br />
Then my son needed my help with something, or kept interrupting me asking me for something that he couldn't have, I can't remember. It wasn't a big deal, but I realized that I was being very impatient with him. And then it was like a flashing neon light that what I was doing at the time was not bringing the fruits that I want to have in my life and in my family.<br />
<br />
Now, before you think I'm all crazy calling quilting evil, that's not the case at all. What was wrong though was my distraction from what really mattered. I had lost my focus on my duty as a mom and as a caring person. I was being selfish and that was not the right time of day for me to have a moment to myself.<br />
<br />
It's hard to be a mom, and give all day long. It IS important that we care for ourselves and take time to take care of ourselves, physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally. Something that I am really working on and learning right now as I am trying to eat better and start exercising again, and learning to take better care of myself. BUT it is also important that we don't sacrifice the wrong things for those right things. This is a hard one, and I know there is no one-size-fits-all answer, except to do your own self-evaluating and follow those fruits of the Spirit to see how it works best in your own life and in your own family.<br />
<br />
<br />
One more example to add to my novel ;) : Instagram and Facebook<br />
<br />
I love the connections with people and those are definitely good. For me, I am finding that everything else about it is bad. A lot of the pictures leave me discouraged and feeling like I need to catch up. I feel frantic like I need to achieve some level of success or activity or accomplishment to be happy. I don't feel empowered, strengthened or renewed. On days I limit Facebook and Instagram, I feel MUCH better about myself and the world around me.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKx-GVIhziQh1yi9-rb2o6TaMTWQkqNjhymzo4O2_d0IwrJRZl0d-sDODC0d_JcWz4YmTQfR2oaBxcCU6Vw73MacnxqK9tgYZirE3B14SHG49XkQNND0VMOUt5olnXiI2nviQs1G9UVKv/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant3-500w.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKx-GVIhziQh1yi9-rb2o6TaMTWQkqNjhymzo4O2_d0IwrJRZl0d-sDODC0d_JcWz4YmTQfR2oaBxcCU6Vw73MacnxqK9tgYZirE3B14SHG49XkQNND0VMOUt5olnXiI2nviQs1G9UVKv/s1600/FBP-Divider-Line-Plant3-500w.png" /></a></div>
<br />
Sometimes we have to embrace the bad - not evil, but trials and hardships - to recognize and receive the good. Just like working out is hard in more ways than one, the benefits are so numerous!! It makes us healthy and strong - and not just physically, but also mentally and emotionally. So we also can't judge hard things, aka trials, to be bad (reference the scripture above from Moroni). They are good, and if we look closely, we will recognize that the fruits of our trials are actually pretty amazing! That is, IF we handle them correctly. If we choose to overcome, they are awesome. If we fall prey to them and give in to bad choices, they can be quite detrimental. But eve then they can be turned around for our good through Christ.<br />
<br />
I have SO many experiences that are examples of this. I will share one that happened this week.<br />
<br />
I shared this on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dianerbohn/posts/10158533683310527?comment_id=10158536541150527&notif_t=feed_comment&notif_id=1493741102477299" target="_blank">Facebook</a> on Tuesday,<br />
<br />
Today on the way home from school my 4 year old was almost hit by a
truck. I honestly do not know how he wasn't. I asked if he saw it
coming, and he said when he did that he just ran faster. The only
explanation I can come up with is that he must have been carried by
angels. The truck didn't even slow down. There is just no way he could
have ran fast enough, the timing was too perfect for a disaster. I am
eternally grateful that he is OK!! <span class="_5mfr _47e3"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v8/f40/1/16/1f62d.png" width="16" /><span class="_7oe">😭</span></span><span class="_5mfr _47e3"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v8/f40/1/16/1f62d.png" width="16" /><span class="_7oe">😭</span></span><span class="_5mfr _47e3"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v8/f40/1/16/1f62d.png" width="16" /><span class="_7oe">😭</span></span><span class="_5mfr _47e3"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v8/f40/1/16/1f62d.png" width="16" /><span class="_7oe">😭</span></span><span class="_5mfr _47e3"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v8/f40/1/16/1f62d.png" width="16" /><span class="_7oe">😭</span></span> It's the second time on<span class="text_exposed_show">e
of my kids was almost hit at this same cross walk. (The first time
someone talking on their phone drove AROUND the car that stopped to let
my son cross. The lady who stopped followed the person around for a
while trying to let them know what they did but they didn't even care. I
have no words. We only live half a mile away from the school, and the
busiest road we cross really isn't that busy, but man is it turning out
to be scary.) To say the least I've been nothing short of an emotional
wreck all day! First I yelled and then I bawled, I don't even know how
to deal with this. my kids think I'm crazy. Once they were in bed I
found some relief and solace (It's either therapy or escapism) in
creativity. I started working on my <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/fbpriseabove?source=feed_text&story_id=10158533683310527"><span class="_5afx"><span class="_58cl _5afz">#</span><span class="_58cm">fbpRiseAbove</span></span></a>
patterns again and came up with this star design. I'm excited to finish
these up so i can play with these patterns! Now I better get to bed
before I puke, I still feel so sick about what happened. And grateful. I
am SO grateful that God is watching over my little ones. <span class="_5mfr _47e3"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v8/f55/1/16/1f607.png" width="16" /><span class="_7oe">😇</span></span><span class="_5mfr _47e3"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v8/f6c/1/16/2764.png" width="16" /><span class="_7oe">❤</span></span><span class="_5mfr _47e3"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v8/fe/1/16/1f622.png" width="16" /><span class="_7oe">😢</span></span> I've hugged all my kids a hundred times today.</span><br />
<br />
(Here is the pattern I worked on...) :)<br />
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<br />
<br />
Anyway, that was a really scary experience. It gave me major anxiety all week. Wednesday I completely shut down and could barely function. It was so bad. And even still, when it's time to pick up the kids from school, my anxiety levels rise.<br />
<br />
But as I think about this experience and the miracle that occurred, I keep feeling like instead of having anxiety, I should be rejoicing to know that Heavenly Father is watching over my children. This should be an experience of great comfort and peace. But I haven't had the faith to feel that peace. Though it's getting better, and the more I express my gratitude for the miracle, the better I do feel.<br />
<br />
I was talking to Neil and how we like to think that we have faith that our children are being watched over, and that's such a warm and happy feeling. But until something like this happens, we don't actually ever know if they really are.<br />
<br />
So like I said above, the trials we face aren't bad. I think that instead of trials, they should more appropriately be named "opportunities to see the Lords hand in our lives". They are like little windows to heaven that He opens so He can bless us and reveal the fruits of our faith. (If you have gone through hard things, I hope this doesn't make you mad or offend you. I have had a hard life and have gone through a lot of hard things, so as someone who doesn't like to give an opinion on things that I don't know anything about, I do feel overly qualified to speak on this subject of trials and perspective. I love you! And I hope instead of being painful, that my thoughts can be a source of peace and hope for you in your trials.)<br />
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When Hunter was a baby there was only ONE song I could sing to get him to calm down and stop crying, especially at night, <a href="https://www.lds.org/music/library/hymns/we-thank-thee-o-god-for-a-prophet?lang=eng" target="_blank">We Thank Thee of God for a Prophet</a>. Up until the last year or so, I sang this song to him every single night before bed - that's about 8 years of singing that song. I've sung that song so many times (and I still don't know if I know all the words. lol.)<br />
<br />
Anyway, one of my favorite lines in the song that applies to this is,<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"We doubt not the Lord nor His goodness. We have proved Him in days that are past."</i></div>
<br />
I'm sure there have been times in the past where we have proved the Lord and His goodness in our lives, or that He has proved it to us. Do not doubt those miracles and blessings. <b>Do not forget them</b>. The Lord is good to us, and as He has been in the past, He will be in the future. He is an unchanging God. What changes is us - our hearts soften or harden. Our surroundings - the world today is not the world of yesterday. And the world tomorrow will not be the world of today. But we can be sure that the Lord will help us through, no matter the circumstances. Just as He has before.<br />
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<br />
It's really been amazing to me to realize just how much power I have to control the happiness in my own life. There will always be outside forces that will influence us or act upon us, but no matter what is going on around us, we are the ones who control what comes out of us. If we choose goodness and the things of God, then it will be those good fruits that come from us. If we choose evil, or simply not the good fruits if you don't want to be so extreme, then the fruits we produce will not be good. And just think, if everyone produced good fruit, the world would be a beautiful orchard!<br />
<br />
That might seem silly and unrealistic. But if you think about it, how many people actually want to eat bad, spoiled, rotten, bitter fruit? I don't know anyone that would do that willingly. Most of the people I know prefer to be around the good fruits. It tastes better, it smells better, it looks better. (I'm not saying this to turn it into a popularity contest.) But if we produce good fruits, then others will be attracted to those good fruits, and that example spreads.<br />
<br />
I've seen it in my own life. As I've focused on my own actions and working harder to be better myself, those around me have ALWAYS followed behind me. Not always - sometimes they actually end up no longer being around me at all, which also isn't necessarily a bad thing (like people unfollowing me on Instagram. lol. I'd much rather have no one follow me than have angry followers who are mean and spoil my day. haha.)<br />
<br />
So if you want others around you to produce good fruit and do good things, the only thing you have to do is produce good fruit yourself. It seems too simple to be true, but it is. PLUS, that is absolutely the <i>only</i> thing we have control over anyway - our own actions. I can't even make my husband produce good fruits if I wanted to, luckily he does on his own, so I don't really have to worry about that.<br />
<br />
Pointing fingers at others, blaming, anger, resentment, being unwilling to forgive or show compassion - those things will never bring forth good fruit, and like the saying goes, "one bad apple spoils the bunch." Don't be the bad apple to spoil those around you and thus self-sabotaging your own life.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br />
<div data-aid="28767828" id="p6">
<i>“Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?”</i></div>
<div data-aid="28767829" id="p7">
<i>“Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruits; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.</i></div>
<div data-aid="28767830" id="p8">
<i>“A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit; neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.</i></div>
<div data-aid="28767831" id="p9">
<i>“Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” (<a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/7.15-20?lang=eng#14">Matt. 7:15–20</a>.)</i></div>
</blockquote>
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<br />
I want to quickly say thank you to those who have comment on my previous posts as I share my thoughts and experiences through my "new journey" in life. Your encouragement and support has been more appreciated than you'll ever know! I'm not really sure why I'm sharing all of this, besides that I just want to. I have no idea if anyone is interested in even reading it and following along, but I want to keep sharing anyway... so thank you for your kind words, because it encourages me to do so. Thanks for your love!<br />
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Diane Bohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649721277737051930noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005037273184467640.post-13702578527096087512017-05-01T08:56:00.000-07:002017-05-01T09:02:23.194-07:00The Struggle is Real...I posted <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dianerbohn/posts/10158528367710527?comment_id=10158530283545527&notif_t=feed_comment&notif_id=1493647397691358" target="_blank">this</a> on Facebook last night:<br />
<br />
"Ugh. You guys, I'm struggling so bad. I usually don't post things
like this, but I can't find the answers, and I need some help, and
maybe you have them, or at least some insight. <span class="_5mfr _47e3"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v8/f57/1/16/1f609.png" width="16" /><span class="_7oe">😉</span></span> <br />
<br />
"Moving to North Dakota has been a complete role change for me, which
is awesome. My heart is overflowing with gratitude for all the
blessings we are given each and every day! As well as the wonderful
friends we've made already! But despite all the good I am so lost. I've
felt like it's time to let go of certain aspects of my life, and doing
so is proving to be a tremendous blessing already! But I am struggling
to find my purpose, my identity, my worth, and what brings me joy and
meaning. <br />
<br />
"I know what depression is, and this isn't it, I'm
just having a serious identity crisis. It's getting to the point where
I'm struggling to enjoy church (feeling like I have no role or purpose
there is hard) and instead of coming home feeling uplifted and renewed i
feel conflicted and deflated (no issues with the church itself or
anyone there, it's just me and a part of this struggle. And i don't
think that even if i had a role to play, that that would fix this).
It's affecting my faith (not my faith in that I'm losing faith, but I'm
struggling with having my faith apply to me and putting it into action
for myself, if that makes sense). <br />
<br />
"I have been focusing on
serving and giving to others and do find joy in doing so, and I feel
like I've been good at not thinking about myself and i haven't been in a
self gratifying or a selfish "what about me" mood. I've also let go of a
lot of the control instincts that i have had in the past, aka
unrealistic expectations, and feel at peace with accepting life and
people as they are. So all in all, life is awesome! So then what is my
deal??? Why do i feel like i don't belong in my own life? <br />
<br />
"Have
you ever felt this way? Or dealt with similar struggles? What did you do
to get through them or overcome them? I pray and study and listen. But
when i hear others speak in confidence about who they are and that they
know their purpose it feels like they are speaking a different
language. It has no connection to me. <br />
<br />
"I feel like I've always
been secure and confident in myself, even when i did have low self
esteem, i still had a strong sense of who i was, what i wanted, and
where i was going. I feel like this is the first time in my life that i
have no idea who i am or what I'm doing or where I'm going. It's the
worst... i know God has a plan for me, but He sure hasn't let me in on
it yet. <span class="_5mfr _47e3"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v8/f57/1/16/1f609.png" width="16" /><span class="_7oe">😉</span></span>
and with these feelings of inadequacies and self doubt, it's hard to
feel like i can successfully be on His errand to do whatever my purpose
is. It's hard to go throughout the day and try to accomplish anything
feeling like this. It's hard to be happy beyond the moments of happiness
(like life is good when I'm interacting and active, but then when I'm
not I'm just there. And there's nothing.) Ramble ramble. <span class="_5mfr _47e3"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v8/f34/1/16/1f914.png" width="16" /><span class="_7oe"> </span></span><span class="_5mfr _47e3"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v8/ff2/1/16/1f615.png" width="16" />"</span><br />
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<br />
I'm so grateful to so many friends and wonderful people who responded with words of love, encouragement and insight. You truly lifted my spirits!<br />
<br />
This morning I received an email, my husband concluded that God sent it to me, "He knows how to reach you." he said, by emailing me. lol. But let me explain.<br />
<br />
A few years ago I suddenly started getting these "thoughtful mind" quote emails. I received them every day, and they were <i>amazing</i>!! Always uplifting, and just what I needed to hear that day. Quotes by Mother Theresa, Gandhi, Mark Twain, Thoreau, etc, and a bunch of people I didn't know who they were. I don't know how I got on the list, but I liked them so I didn't mind. Then one day they stopped coming. Again, weird. Over the last 2 years or so, I've randomly received 2 or 3 quotes in my inbox, except they've always been when I've been at a really down point, or a point where I've struggled and felt like I can't find the answers. So I call them my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/miracleinboxquotes/" target="_blank">#miracleinboxquotes</a>, as I've tagged them on Instagram. :)<br />
<br />
This morning I received this quote,<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 1.1em; font-weight: bold;">“</span>Doubt is not the opposite of faith; it is
one element of faith.<span style="color: black; font-weight: bold;">”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 1.1em; font-weight: bold; padding-left: 12px;">―
Paul Tillich
</span></div>
<br />
Again, right on topic for what I needed! and oh so random.<br />
<br />
I have no idea who this Paul guy is, and I was curious for the context of his quote, so I googled it. I found two links that I've been reading which have been incredibly insightful.<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1888454424"><br /></a>
<a href="http://soulofpsychotherapy.com/defining-faith-paul-tillich-faith-doubt/">http://soulofpsychotherapy.com/defining-faith-paul-tillich-faith-doubt/</a><br />
<br />
This one discuses how without doubt - or room for the unknown, we would not need faith, because all things would be certain. The mysterious provides opportunity for faith because it provides separation from the known, and gives us place to not carry faith ourselves, but rather be carried by it. I appreciate the separation they use from religion, but rather speak about it in a spiritual sense - whether it's referring to specific beliefs in a superior being or simply the workings of the universe. They quote Tillich again in saying,<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>“An act of faith is an act of a finite being who is grasped by and turned to the infinite.”</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Paul Tillich from <i>Dynamics of Faith </i></div>
<br />
It's a really article and I welcome you to read it as it's very insightful.<br />
<br />
Going along with this same concept that doubt is not a negative thing (as often it is perceived as especially in the Mormon culture.) While we were living in Idaho, Sheri Dew came and spoke to us (I LOVE her! She is so amazing! and such a powerhouse of knowledge and insight. I want to be just like her. but in my own way. ;)) Anyway, she discussed that doubts and questions are not bad if we are willing to look at the right sources for answers. And that is key. We must look at truth to find truth. We will never find truth in places where truth cannot be found.<br />
<br />
At the end of this article it does sum up that Tillich does not believe in certain infinite truths - in which this relationship of faith and doubt would not exist. I do believe that there are certain truths out there that we can and do know are certain, and yet our lack of complete understanding of these truths can still hold true to his perspective. Such as, I am certain that Jesus Christ lives and is our Savior and Redeemer, yet I do not understand how that is possible or how that completely influences my life. So while I have a sure knowledge of the fact, there are is still room for faith and that separation that Tillich discusses. It provides an interesting and refreshing approach to faith and doubt. (It goes without saying that there are aspects of doubt that can be damaging and limiting, so we must be careful when approaching this subject. Perhaps it's when doubt limits our faith is when we need to stay away, but when our doubts provide opportunity for faith - is when it is beneficial and powerful, as Tillich explains).<br />
<br />
The other link I found was to this book, <a href="http://afterall.net/books/faith-and-doubt/">http://afterall.net/books/faith-and-doubt/</a><br />
<br />
I seriously love this synopsis,<br />
<br />
<div class="article-meta">
<b>John Ortberg</b> (Zondervan: Oct. 2008), 192 pages.
</div>
"What if the most important word is the one in the middle? We often
think of doubt as the opposite of faith, but could it actually
strengthen our relationship with God? According to John Ortberg,
best-selling author and pastor, the very nature of faith requires the
presence of uncertainty. In this refreshingly candid look at a life of
faith, he traces the line between belief and unbelief: less a dividing
line between hostile camps than a razor’s edge that runs through every
soul. His findings point us toward the relief of being totally honest.
<b>Questions can expand our understanding, uncertainty can lead to trust,
and honest faith can produce outrageous hope.</b> Written from Ortberg’s own
struggle with faith and doubt, this book will challenge, comfort, and
inspire you with the truth that God wants all of us — including our
doubts." (bold added)<br />
<br />
Isn't that awesome?!<br />
<br />
I think, at least for me, I come across a hard point in life, or a stumbling block, and I through my hands in the air and think "that's it! I'm done for. I can't possibly get past this or live until I figure this out." Isn't that silly?! It sounds so absurd. But that's how I feel. This is such a different place for me right now and it's really thrown me off in many ways. Though it's not bad. I'm not in danger, I'm not making dumb decisions sabotaging my life. So why is it so difficult?!<br />
<br />
One friend mentioned, "sounds like you have reached a new opportunity to find more purpose and more talents than you have!" and I think that really hits it on the head.<br />
<br />
When we feel like we don't know who we are, isn't that really just the perfect opportunity to explore and figure it out?! Now instead of feeling so discouraged, I am starting to feel hopeful and excited! I'm also feeling a bit lazy and tired... so I'm not necessarily motivated to do all the work, but how about we just call it play instead of work. I'm so tired of working. ;)<br />
<br />
I do feel like I'm at a crossroads of possibilities and I have the world at my fingertips to explore. Perhaps it's my own expectations of security that is throwing me off, instead of embracing the idea that I have absolutely no idea who I am right now! (mental reminder to self: new is not always bad). <br />
<br />
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<br />
So, it's pretty random that I'm sharing all of this on my blog. One thing I've talked to my hubby about recently is how when I started blogging and found the online blogging world of modern quilting, I noticed that as bloggers became more successful their "voice" changed. The way they wrote on their blogs became a little more stifling, and their individuality or personality started to fade away. I don't know that that explains is perfectly, but as they turned more to business minded, the personal connection seemed less. That was something I didn't ever want to lose. But of course I totally lost it. And I think when I did lose it, that's when I started losing the passion for my own business.<br />
<br />
"Walking away" from my business, from the expectations and demands, has been absolutely the best thing for me! I don't doubt that I'll keep at it in some way or another, but for now it's been totally freeing and refreshing to take a step back. One thing I've decided that if I do come back, I don't want to take back that mindset of running a business. It's a balance that I don't know what will look like, but I want to feel free to post things like this, and share what I want when I want. I've mentioned this desire before, but I just felt like I couldn't even though I wanted to. Like it didn't *fit* with running a business so it would be a bad idea to do it. Whatever... it's my blog, my space, I'm not here to impress anyone. ;P I'm just here to live life and love it! and to share that with anyone who wants to love it with me. <3 br=""></3><br />
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<br />Diane Bohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649721277737051930noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005037273184467640.post-91027846966432476802017-04-24T09:28:00.000-07:002017-04-24T14:48:28.517-07:00Finding PurposeOne thing I've really been struggling with is finding purpose, and my place, in life. I've felt like I really need to know what defines me, as if I need my answer to be on some big billboard for all the world to see. (It sounds dumb saying that out loud, but I wouldn't be surprised if I'm not the only one that feels something along these lines. I think there are a lot of us who want to be noticed, want to feel special, and want to know that we are making a difference in the world and the lives of those around us. Not necessarily for the whole world to see, but at least in our own little place of the world. And sometimes it's hard to not have the appreciation or acknowledgment splattered right in front of our face.) The funny thing is, is that I hate getting acknowledged for the things I do. I hate the attention, and being singled out. It makes me so uncomfortable. (Humans are such complicated beings. lol.)<br />
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This morning I woke up thinking, "if I didn't feel like I had purpose before, now I really don't feel like I have purpose. What am I going to do?"<br />
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Yesterday at church our lesson in Relief Society (the women's organization, and is also the third hour of the day for all women 18 years and older) was from the Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Gordon B. Hinckley, <a href="https://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-of-presidents-of-the-church-gordon-b-hinckley/chapter-7-the-whispering-of-the-spirit?lang=eng" target="_blank">The Whisperings of the Spirit</a>.<br />
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In the lesson he quotes Elijah,<br />
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<i>“And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake:</i></div>
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<i>“And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice” (<a class="scriptureRef" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/1-kgs/19.11-12?lang=eng#10" target="_blank">1 Kings 19:11–12</a>).</i></div>
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Gordon B. Hinckley goes on to say,<br />
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<i>Such almost invariably has been the word of God as it has come to us, not with trumpets, not from the council halls of the learned, but in the still small voice of revelation. Listening to those who seek in vain to find wisdom and who declaim loudly their nostrums [or cures] for the ills of the world, one is prone to reply with the Psalmist, “Be still, and know that I am God: …” (<a class="scriptureRef" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/ps/46.10?lang=eng#9" target="_blank">Ps. 46:10</a>) and with the Savior, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” (<a class="scriptureRef" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/11.15?lang=eng#14" target="_blank">Matt. 11:15</a>.)</i></blockquote>
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Another thing I've been thinking about this morning, and for the past few months, is how I really can't do anything without Christ. I definitely learned that lesson last year with all of my health problems. It was a very humbling and spiritual experience to begin to see just how much the Lord helps us every moment of every day of our lives. Every breathe I take every day is a blessing, and I'm grateful for this life that I have been granted to live.<br />
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But on the flip side of that, I've since been struggling with, "well, if I can do nothing without Him, then what/who am I?" I've felt very worthless and lost. It's been rather discouraging.<br />
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This morning as I've thought about these things, yesterdays lesson combined with my other thoughts, I was reminded that we are the offspring of our Heavenly Father, and as such, we have the same attributes and characteristics as He does.<br />
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Here's what I realized,<br />
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If the Lord is not in the large and boisterous world, with fame and glam, and riches and glory, but is instead in the still small voice, then that must be my place also. I don't need fame and recognition and glory. I can find joy and purpose in the quiet, mundane, and simple acts of service that often get overlooked and unnoticed. Because isn't that exactly what the Lord does every single day? How often do His works and miracles get overlooked, unnoticed, and even demeaned and rejected? Am I in bad company if I seek to keep my place among what the world would call the "nobodies"?! Not.at.all.<br />
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I found that in all of our moving, and with all the people we've met, and in all my observations, that the cream of the crop is really among the quiet and simple, those who don't shout for attention, but rather live their lives the best they can and focus their attention on the doing what good they can - not on getting the attention of everyone else.<br />
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Ramble: Which for me, this is also a reminder that the whole idea of "getting more followers" or more subscribers, or more whatever, has never been something that's made me happy or fulfilled. It can be exciting, definitely! And humbling, and mind boggling. lol. But that is also not where I want my focus to get caught up in. Counting numbers is not joy. The people are joy. not numbers. and I feel like in my business, I've really lost that connection with the awesome people that I've been blessed to meet - who I wouldn't have met without my business, but I also haven't been able to foster those relationships. Anyway...<br />
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I have also experienced in my own life, that as I do the little things like washing the dishes or cleaning my home, or doing the laundry, that it is in those simple acts of service in creating an atmosphere of love and comfort for my family, that I do find great joy and satisfaction in doing those things. Granted they are not on the top of my list of things I <i>want</i> to do. And they often get neglected. And now that I am not focusing my attention on my business, my husband better not get the idea that I'm now going to spend 100% of my time cleaning and organizing and I will suddenly become the *perfect* housewife. lol. But it's still hard to feel satisfied with that sometimes. And I still find myself wanting to do more.<br />
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Anyway, I also realized this morning that with my struggle of feeling like I can't do anything on my own, that perhaps that doesn't have to be a bad thing! Perhaps that is the BEST thing I could learn and utilize. And that perhaps instead of feeling of little or no worth because of it, instead I can find the greatest <span style="color: #0000ee;">possibilities</span> as I team up with the one who overcame all things and can do all things!<br />
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I love the scripture, <br />
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="verse-number verse">13 </span>I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.</span></i> <i>(<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/philip/4.13?lang=eng#12" target="_blank">Philipians 4:13</a>)</i></blockquote>
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Isn't that such a glorious statement?! Oh how easy I forget... <br />
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So here's to throwing out all of the <strike>business standards</strike> <span style="color: #134f5c;">expectations</span> that I slowly adopted over the years (you know, like you can't write a blog post if you don't have perfect photos, or any phtos at all, oops I just broke that one!) ;) All of which are in fact very good rules, and I'm not dissing them. (For a long time I thought it was the rules or guidelines that were restricting me, but then I realized today that it was the self-imposed expectations that I placed on myself. Expectations of what my business should look like, things I should post or shouldn't post (posts like this one), etc.) But for me they became restrictive - a list of don't do's, and I felt like the more I followed *the rules* the more I lost myself and who I was, and the less I shared the exact things that I have to offer that make me who I am. It's not a bad thing, it's just now who I am.</div>
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After all my thinking this morning, I have decided to not try and figure out who I am. I'm not going to try and find my purpose or my role in this life. I'm not going to try and define myself or what I want to do.<br />
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Instead I'm going to take each moment as it comes. I'm going to find what I can give and give it. I'm going to focus on Christ, and live with Him. I'm going to show up and see what happens! I can do nothing on my own, but I can't wait to see what I can do with Him by my side! After all, our weaknesses are not bad, they are possibilities and potential just waiting to happen,<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span class="verse-number verse"></span>And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them. (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/ether/12.27?lang=eng#26" target="_blank">Ether 12:27</a>)</i></blockquote>
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Let the adventure begin!<br />
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<br />Diane Bohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649721277737051930noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005037273184467640.post-27098288299438639842017-04-22T22:31:00.000-07:002017-04-24T09:28:32.492-07:00Hello! and goodbye...I looked at my blog the other day and realized that I haven't posted anything since December.<br />
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"Oh, oops." Maybe I should fix that.<br />
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First let me fill you in on all the happenings around here...<br />
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First of all, we moved. From northern Idaho to North Dakota. We found out right around Christmas time, started packing the first of January, and left Idaho on the 14th. We arrived in North Dakota and stayed in a hotel for a week and then moved in to our new place.<br />
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We absolutely LOVE it here! We missed the really cold weather, and by now it's actually starting to warm up, so weather wise, it's been great! And definitely not as bad as we had thought it would be. Though I'm going to wait until next winter before I make any set-in-stone judgements about the weather. ;)<br />
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The Mr loves his job! Like sersiously, it's a really really great job! I feel too lucky for him to be so blessed, I'm afraid I'm going to jinx it if I start telling everyone we're staying for ever! Though I really hope we do. At least for now. ;)<br />
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The kids LOVE school! I LOVE their school! When I first got them registered they had me meet with the principle which I thought was strange. But as I sat with her and she told me all about the school and their programs and schedules and well, everything, I literally started crying. "How in the world did we ever get so lucky to get in a school this amazing?!! I didn't even know this existed!" Those were my exact thoughts. What a blessing! Over the last few months, they still love it and we love it, and it's a great experience! Yay! Tommy even started speech therapy there and he LOVES it! And his teacher loves him! It seriously couldn't get any better than this.<br />
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I am really loving it here too... though with everything so good, I'm feeling rather out of place.<br />
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We have moved a LOT since we've been married. This is our 8th move in the 10 years we've been married. So we've got the moving thing down. And this isn't just like around the corner moves. I think only one move was in the same town, and one other move was still at the same job but different city. We've been all over Utah, Iowa, Florida, Northern Idaho, and now North Dakota. But with all those moves, while they've all been an adjustment, this one has thrown me off my rocker.<br />
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All the other moves were a change in location and in our place of residence, but my role was the same, my stress and pressures were fairly the same, the needs of me were the same. I knew who I was, and what I did, and what I needed to do to contribute. But this place is different. Suddenly my stress is gone, my burdens and baggage are gone, I've gone through a lot of healing of my past over the last year or so, and I feel like I'm in a really really good place emotionally and mentally and spiritually. I'm getting back into eating better and exercising, so physically I'm doing better as well. I've even started taking anxiety medicine, which has taken the edge off and it feels awesome! I really don't know what could be better....<br />
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Except despite all of this I feel completely lost. I don't have the pressure and stress that I had before to work and run my business. For the first time since I started my business, I don't have to. We aren't in a crunch or a need for that extra income - which really was my driving factor behind running it. And now that that's gone, I'm not sure what to think. about my business. about me. about anything.<br />
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About a month after we got settled in I went through this period where I absolutely hated my job and I hated quilting. I hated it. I resented it. and I was just so mad. While I've enjoyed the journey, I've also gone through a lot of trials and struggles, dealing with issues from my past, dealing with current issues at the time, dealing with my fabric addiction, stress, being a tired mom, life in general, and lots of health problems. It's been a really hard and exhausting 6 years.<br />
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But then I realized that it's not the quilting that I hate. But rather that quilting really was my therapy, my relief, my escape, my distraction, my solution. It was woven into everything I did and everything I dealt with so tightly, that I feel like I am now having a hard time separating those experiences from the activity of quilting and designing.<br />
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It also makes me sad, because while it's helped me, I also feel like because of it (but really because of everything else that happened in life) I missed out on a lot of life. I feel like I missed out on my kids being little. I feel like I missed out on friendships and relationships. I definitely missed out on sleep and being healthy and taking care of myself.<br />
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But now, for the first time, I feel free from this. I feel free from everything. It's a miracle and a blessing, and I find that I am really really tired. and as much as I want to enjoy it, and where I'm going and all the opportunities that are presenting themselves to me since we've moved here, which really are so awesome. I'm not excited about them. It's cool, and I'm grateful. But I don't have the passion that I once did.<br />
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I've wrestled a lot with what I should do and where I should go next. I definitely want to focus more on my family and taking care of myself. I want to take time to do the things in life that I've always wanted to do. I don't want to over commit myself and be run by deadlines and work - controlling my life and limiting the things I can do and enjoy. Over the past however many years, I've been tied to my work. A prisioner in my home because I had too much work to do that I couldn't go have fun, or even just relax (which I really didn't want to do at the time anyway, and with my little kids, I couldn't really go anywhere anyway - a huge part of the reason why I started quilting in the first place. Because I was stuck at home with my kids and quilting gave me something to do.)<br />
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Anyway... as much as I've thought about it, I can't figure out what to do. I could keep designing patterns, but I'm really struggling to find the purpose in that. How would that better the world? How am I bettering people's lives by designing patterns? What difference does that make? I want to do something meaningful, and I can't see how what I do as a pattern designer and running my business matters to anyone else.<br />
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So then what???<br />
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I'm writing this post for a few reasons. One, because maybe if I put this out there and share my struggle with the world, then just maybe I'll find my purpose or an answer, or at least a point in the right direction.<br />
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Two, because I want to test the waters and see what it would be like to quit my job and just walk away. So, with this post, that's what I'm going to do. I am going to say goodbye to my job and to quilting. I'm not sure for how long. It might only be a month, or a week, but maybe it'll be a few months, a few years or forever. I don't know! I do have some things I'll be sticking around for, but I want to cut the ropes 100% at least for a bit to see what it feels like. I've tried to continue to write and design patterns, and now I need to try quitting, so I can compare the two and know which is the right answer for me at this point in my life.<br />
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So that's it! I'm done! I know that I have a few things that I said I'd be doing, like the extra sashing patterns for the Zodiac BOM, but I'm not going to be doing them. I apologize for setting up that expectation, but that really was over my head to begin with. I bit off more than I could chew with that. I did finish the Simple Sashing pattern, and that was really all I was going to provide anyway when I initially said I'd do the sashing pattern. If you're mad at me, I'm sorry. But I need to walk away from this right now.<br />
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Otherwise, I don't think there is anything else out there that I still have left hanging commitment wise (unless I've chatted with you today, Marian if you happen to read this. I'm still on for that.)<br />
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But otherwise I'm checking out! I'm not even going to say I'm on vacation, because a vacation for me is more work than not being on vacation, so I'm not even going to try to complicate it.<br />
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And now I don't even know how to end this... I don't know how to walk away from something. especially this. lol. This has been my life, constantly in the back of my head every day. But I'm kind of excited! Maybe I'll start posting on Instagram again. And maybe I'll start being more social again. Maybe I'll come up with some really cool thing to start doing... or maybe I'll just sleep a lot and go to bed early, and spend a lot of time cooking really healthy meals, and working out, and next time you see me I'll be all muscly and fit. haha!<br />
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I don't know. But I'm sure whatever it is, will be awesome!<br />
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Thanks for hanging out with me! I obviously still love ya! and hope to see all the cool things you'll be doing and making. (and I guess I should say, that I'm keeping my shop open. And I'll still have my patterns for sale... and you can still tag me and such. But I'm going to stop playing the role of this business woman, and just be me again. No more marketing, no more selling, no more newsletters for now. And like I said, maybe I'll be back sooner than later. I don't know.)<br />
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Ok, enough rambling.<br />
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Have a good night! and I'll see you around!<br />
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<br />Diane Bohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649721277737051930noreply@blogger.com10