Last week I dove off into a pity pool created by my tears and emotions... Sorry! I'll share why... hopefully just a short synopsis.
Never did I get breakfast in bed... even when they were old enough to do so. Sure, I got the gifts that were made in school and a few years I got flowers. And I cannot forget the time when they were teens (one in college/one in HS) and had a custom ring made for me from some orphan earrings. Best gift from them, EVER! (even though I had to then cover an overdrawn account or two🙈) And I received a beautiful necklace from our youngest and her new husband the year they were married.
But I have to be honest that there have been more bad Mother's Days than happy/pleasant ones. I have never been after grand gifts from any of them... just a little special "hey! Thanks!"
I could go on but... 'nuf said! I can't turn my attitude around if I stay in the pit.
So... this year I decided I would not wait on any special gift or recognition from any of them and did a little retail therapy for myself. I follow Jen at The Dizzy Quilter and saw that she had an unusual "thimble"... a fidget ring actually. After doing all of the hand quilting on the teal quilt (and knowing I have the red quilt waiting in the wings), I decided that I wanted to give such a thing a try.
I guessed at the size. Knowing it needed to be smaller than my regular ring size I finally settled on one of the smallest I could find available- size 5. It was delivered Friday... the same day as the latest Elm Creek Quilts book that I won through a giveaway on Instagram arrived. **happy dance** for happy mail!
While I was shopping, I sent off a little Mother's Day gift for our youngest daughter... the one that has struggled with infertility. She is a mom... her babies are simply in heaven. 👼👼👼👼👼👼
After finishing my scrappy green/tropical print table topper I was bored with the greens... I pulled out the applique project I started last July and decided that I would finish it as a gift for my Mom. Ta-da!
With that complete, I fiddled with more green scraps for my RSC hexagon project as well as the "Fractured Emeralds" quilt. I've put a good dent in the green scrap bin and have even had to pull a few small pieces that really belonged in the bin but were still in the stash. This gem is ready for borders and then quilting. 💚
Moving on to the Sew & Tell feature of the week... Margo at MY Quilts & Crafts shared an interesting improv piece using denim... here's what she had to say about it.
Working with denim materials is limited in some way. I'm thankful for my sister-in-law for giving me her old jean pants in many different colors but I limited myself to a few. I’m using different parts of the pants such as the edge of the pocket and even the ends of the legs.
Head over to her blog to learn about the process she is using.
Happy Mother's Day to all the moms -- wannabe moms, birth moms, stepmoms, bonus moms, adoptive moms, mentor moms and spiritual moms. And especially to friends for whom this holiday will be hard. Friends who will be standing by gravesites this Mother’s Day. Friends whose moms haven’t been a part of their lives in many years. And those who have challenging relationships with their moms, who try to navigate Mother’s Day with grace but some necessary distance... Have a blessed day!
I think Mother's Day is nearly as difficult for some as Valentines Day is for singles... If you are not a fan of MD... You are not alone... and I am praying for you!
I hope you join the party... as well as visit a few others that are participating and make friends!
Keep Piecing,
Melva
Linking with:
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Sending you a hug, Melva! I hope today was a good day and you did things just for you. Your new thimble and the Jennifer Chiaverini book (I love her books!) are the perfect treats for yourself! I've been working with green this week, too - sometimes I love it and sometimes it totally frustrates me! Have a great Monday!
ReplyDeleteMother's Day and many other holidays and special occasions can be tough when our expectations don't match with reality. It sounds like you found a positive to solution for yours. Well done.
ReplyDeletemothers day is full of so many mixed emotions for our mothers and our children.
ReplyDeleteMD is so hard for me, left by my mother at birth, abusive adopted mother, and unable to have children myself. Also it is too close to my birthday as well. This year my soul dog, my poodle son died of cancer at age 7 and I can't even pretend to be a mother. There, I'm in the pity pool too! I couldn't be in better company than you, and thank you for writing such an honest post. It's good to not be alone. Love, LeeAnna
ReplyDeletefur kids are the best. my heart goes out to you. hugs.
DeleteHugs from me - another mom who dreads MD every single year. I had my own pity party yesterday, and should have taken myself out for some retail therapy.
ReplyDeleteagreed on the mother's day scam. finally enjoying it now that my kids are 30+ and i can request "me time" without paying for it later ! (ie standing in line for a cold brunch, doing laundry after weekend camping, shopping for my mil) i got 2 yards of fabric this year. couldn't be happier. and yes, mothers come in all forms, .... teachers, healthcare workers, pet parents, friends. anyone who cares.
ReplyDeleteNo need to apologize for you feelings…they’re yours and no judgement here! 😊o glad your thimble and books came in! Fun!
ReplyDeleteSo happy for your daughter and her babies!
Your tropical print appliqué is lovely! So colorful! Congratulations on a fun finish! Beautiful Fractured Emeralds quilt! Nice job!
Happy Stitching!
Your new thimble looks beautiful and elegant! I love your gift to your mom too, the appliquéd project is lovely. Thank you for sharing and linking up, hugs.
ReplyDeleteMother's day is a challenge for many.... I tend to just buy myself something, lol! Your projects are lovely... Thanks for joining in on Home Matters Linky Party! I will be featuring your post this week! #HomeMattersParty xx
ReplyDeleteThanks for the feature of the week. You made my day!! I hear what you say and I’m with you on not waiting. My hubby is great, always has something for me. I can’t say the same about my two kids. They were good when they lived at home. When they are on their own, it’s kind of depending on how they feel. But I don’t dwell on that. Quilting is more fun. Hugs. 💐💐
ReplyDeleteAll the feels Melva!!! I know I am a week late - but hugs to you!! I'm glad that you took the time to take care of yourself this year
ReplyDeleteI understand your feelings. It's definitely a bittersweet holiday, but then, many of them are depending on circumstances. Your applique project is nice and I love your green RSC project!
ReplyDeleteMothers Day can be hard for some, just like birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, when family dynamics are difficult, or you have suffered loss. Sending you a big cyber hug from New Zealand, take care of yourself, and your daughter too, who has lost her babies.
ReplyDeleteI came back to see your neat green scrap quilt. I originally linked up but didn't read, as I have similar feelings for the day as you, Melva. Coming back though I read what you wrote and can relate. It's a Sunday and my DH is busy leading worship. Our children are all out of state. Fortunately I still have my Mom and can celebrate her. She even gave me a Mother's Day card this year.
ReplyDeleteSuch an honest post! I love that you found a way through Mother's Day that worked for you. Love that new thimble ring. Thanks for sharing on my weekly show and tell, Wednesday Wait Loss.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.inquiringquilter.com/questions/2025/05/07/wednesday-wait-loss-432
Melva there are many of us who have reasons like you, for Mothers Day not being a favourite holiday. I for one forgot it was that day last weekend. Thank you for linking with To Do Tuesday, for hosting Sew and Tell and for sharing all that you do on your blog. 🤗 Carol
ReplyDeleteI forgot to tell you I love the scrappy green quilt and your fidget ring/thimble. 😁
ReplyDelete