Here comes the sun...

Today is sunny and cool. There is a brisk breeze. The sun is warm on your face and not a cloud in the sky. It is the kind of day that makes you glad to be alive.

What a contrast to the last week (Has it already been a whole week?!?). Shock and disbelief have yeilded to hope and faith. The outreach to our communities from across the country has been so amazing. We are forever grateful to those who have helped in whatever way they could.

This week has tested our faith: our faith in God, our faith in others and our faith in ourselves. Our faith has been rewarded. God has blessed us with our lives. Total strangers have become neighbors and lifelong friends. People have reached down into the deepest, darkest parts of themselves and found light. Even people who have lost everything have given of themselves to help others.

Our quilt charity is progressing nicely. We have several commitments with the first batch of quilts on the way. I have reached out to identify children and families to serve. Please continue to pass the word. The need is great and it will take a long time to be met. The wounds run deep and the scars will take years to heal.

I am limiting dontations to finished quilts (with totes and animals) for uniformity sake. If you or someone you know would like to help, but do not quilt, consider getting together a kit package. You could donate a quilt kit with backing, batting, tote and a stuffed animal and team up with a local quilter or quilt guild to produce a completed quilt. If you are able to sew and quilt, but are not able to buy the supplies, match up with someone willing to donate a kit package. Please note that we are not set up to accept monetary donations.

I finally got my internet issues resolved. I have set up a facebook page. Please search us out on facebook: Bama Bound Quilts Charity Page. Please like the page and pass the word on about the page and the blog.

Lordy, Lordy, it's gonna be 40!!!

I looked at the weather forecast this morning and is going down into the 40's this week! Alabama weather is crazy. April (and sometimes May) is a month of all 4 seasons here. It is rainy and cool today and will be 43 tonight.

Several people have asked about how the Bama Bound quilts will be distributed. I plan to directly distribute as many of them to affected families as possible. I have several social services and law enforcement contacts to help me identify those in need. I also have church and children's charity contacts that are trustworthy. I personally want to make sure, to the best of my ability, that all the donations make it into the arms of the children of Tuscaloosa County, Jefferson County and surrounding tornado damaged areas.

Quilt 1

Here is the beginning of quilt one. I really liked this fabric. I am going to fussy cut and fuse the flower you see on the yellow diamond. This is one of 3 pannels. I am going to have a yellow and blue double border. The backing will be the blue and I will bind it with the blue fabric as well. I hope to have it completed by the end of this weekend. I bought a blue canvas tote bag that I will embellish with the flower fabric and will add a pocket for the stuffed animal.

Please don't forget to send totes and animals with your quilts. The kids may have to be mobile and will need a way to transport the quilt and keep it clean.

A Chorus of Chainsaws

A steady chorus of chainsaws have filled the air since the tornadoes have passed. These are the sounds of life. People shaping their own fate. People making their own way back to "normal." Neighbors helping neighbors. It is so comforting to know that there is still life and still hope.

Last night, my own sewing machine joined in the harmony. I bought the materials for two baby quilts and have cut and began sewing the first one. I keep thinking, if only I had a bigger stash... If only I were a more experienced quilter... If only I could sew faster... If only I could do more...

I have to stop, catch my breath and remember that all I can do is what I can do. This problem is too big for any one person to handle alone. Like most people affected on the periphery, I work, have family duties and other responsibilities.

I can do only what I can do. I am doing it with a grateful heart and prayerful lips. Neighbors helping neighbors, even if they are miles away. I think that is what really matters. We are all neighbors today.