Ok, back to reality. Let's catch up from last month shall we?
First off, I'm teaching three classes this year! I would love to see you there!
I'm teaching my "Beekeeper" Pincushion
My Heart Felt Notes
and my Peter's Pumpkin. We're going to have so much fun!
I was at quilt guild the other week and had a visit from my little fan girl and fellow bunny lover, Katy. She had her grandma, Candy, bring her over so she could show me her shirt. Isn't she adorable? She is a future quilter for sure as her grandma is super talented.
And if you are wondering about the brace on my hand, it's because our cottage is finally painted!!! Wooooooo hooooo! I think it turned out really nice and the neighbors have thought so too. I do have a basket with flowers hanging on the door, but it's hard to see from this photo. It's going to be fun to take photos every year and watch as the shrubs and tree grow.
The full moon the other night was incredible. David and I went to the beach with our friends, Patty and Jim to look at it. It was so beautiful watching it come up over the ocean. The rain clouds parted just long enough for us to enjoy it.
I'm making a quilt for my brother in law, Mitchell, as a thank you for all the help he gave us on our cottage. He's a master carpenter and wouldn't accept any payment, so I thought a quilt in colors he likes would be a nice gift. Sabrina gave it the snuggle, roll and nap test. She approved.
My "Within and Inch of my Life" project is growing and growing. I haven't missed a day since my birthday on March 27th!
Here are a few of my favorites from July.
I love this tree swing in a neighbor's yard. I'm always tempted to swing on it. hee,hee,hee.
The rain has brought us many mushroom houses and villages. I could live in this one. Magical!
This month also marked four years since I rescued Sabrina from the streets in our old neighborhood.
Speaking of anniversaries, the Cuddle Puddle has turned four!
Sabrina when I rescued her and the kittens she had three days later...
Sabrina now... how a loving home can make all the difference. ;) She's my precious girl and I'm so lucky to have her in my life.
Every time I need a smile, I go back and watch a video of my cuddle puddle. Sweeeeeeeeeeet!
Deeks top, Miss Tiggy Wiggins below. They were always sleeping together and hanging out with each other as kittens.
Here are Deeks and Tiggy now. They are still as close as ever. Their mom, Jen, moved in with my friend, Shannon and life is so good for all of them!
Zeva, aka "Ziggy the Great" was the littlest and most adventures of them.
She still enjoys an adventure, but also loves taking a nap with her roommate, Allie. She's a princess living with Keith and Kim.
However, I do have some incredibly sad news to share. One of the cuddle puddle is no longer with us. I'm not going to get into what happened, but I will say that I'm so upset and feel truly betrayed by someone I trusted as a friend to care for one of my little cuddles. I guess my definition of friend and hers is different.
Shamus was such a beautiful kitten. He was the biggest of the cuddle puddle and had crossed eyes. He also loved to play the most.
His story didn't need to end.
I'm sooooooo sorry Shamus, you beautiful boy. My heart is broken.
I've learned so much about people over the past few years. They've hurt me, they've lied to me, they've betrayed me and they've used me. At 50 I have realized I can let go of people who bring me pain and I no longer have the energy to care that they are gone. I'm choosing to surround myself with people who really love me and who truly want to be in my life. One thing I've learned for sure is that sometimes, I just need to be my own superhero. The only one I can really save is myself. Wonderbun to the rescue.
See ya back here next month. Rabbit, Rabbit, Rabbit
Hugs,
Michelle
15 comments:
Oh, I share your heartbreak over your Shamus boy. I don't know if you remember, but our family had a similar story, having adopted a pregnant tabby six years ago, four days before she delivered four kittens. We were able to keep all five cats, but there was a time when we were considering homes for several of the kittens. So hearing this story--knowing how you loved each of them and did the very best you could for each of them, I hope you are comforted knowing that this sweet boy had the most loving start any kitten could, and would have carried that memory with him, every minute.
We have adopted several rescue dogs, from various situations. They have come to us with their individual personalities and histories, and we love them and welcome them into our family. But a few of them seem to have a deep well of ebullience, often in spite of what was clearly a difficult history. I've always believed that those are the ones who were dearly loved as little puppies. Whatever happened in the middle, they held onto the feeling that the world was a loving place and they were lovable; that was the gift they got from their first home. I am certain you gave that gift to Shamus and he carried it in his heart.
Sending you love. xxx Beth in Oregon
Poor darling Shamus. So sad...... I like you have been very disappointed in “people” but you live and learn xxxx
Good morning beautiful Shell!!!
First of all, WOO HOO on your teaching these courses! You seem to always be able to find work doing what you love, and I bet you are a joy to work with! Secondly, your cottage looks perfect. It appears that you and David are wonderful perfectionists, striving to get things just right, and you SCORED!
Your quilt is marvelous. You are the poet, the bard of stitchery, because you capture in such a small space, the essence of a moment with the language of thread and needle. Brilliant.
OH DO I HEAR YA about learning about the human race. I am so sorry that you had to experience the loss of an innocent pet at the hands of someone that you trusted, but evidently did not take the care you had expected him/her to take. It's one thing to have this happen by accident, but by neglect or any other means by which it could have been prevented is heart breaking. I hope that as we continue to grow in our aging process, that we can only learn to be the best ourselves; one thing I've learned by the bad behavior of some folks I've encountered is this: "Don't do what they've done to me."
BIG HUGS to you as you enjoy the remainder of the summer and skip into fall fun!!!!
P.S. - HELLO HANNAH!!!!!!
Congrats on your teaching engagements! That's just awesome. Sure wish I could be there to share the fun and give you a hug!!
Your home and quilt are simply beautiful, and I know both are and will be loved and treasured for years to come!!
I love seeing and re-seeing the cuddle puddle, but, yeah, it breaks my heart too when I hear about poor Shamus. It's always an eye opener when people disappoint. You certainly did your best and he was well loved, even if only for a short while. :(
Hugs to all!
I love Looking at the picture of Sabrina when you first took her in and the difference in how she looks now you can just see it! Her happiness and how her life just blossomed!💓💗
My heart is there with you on the loss of a kitten--and loss of a friend--I have soo been where you have been with friends--I wonder some days who 'raised' these people or did they raise themselves--how can people be so thoughtless and mean to others--ok--lets not keep going on on this subject!!!
I too still have photos I printed off of the cuddle puddle and visit them from time to time when life gets me down--so even though I was not able to adopt one--they are still a part of my life as is Sabrina and talking about Sabrina--she is a happy cat--you can see and sense that about here in your photos-so thanks for saving her and for sharing her with us!!
enjoy, diane
I can understand your sorrow about Shamus. Please don't forget that you were there for him at the very beginning and provided him with a wonderful home. I'm so happy that Sabrina is thriving and enjoying life. You were wonderful to take her in and wonderful to continue providing her with a loving home. She is a lucky cat and you are a lucky person to have her! My best to you.
So happy for you that you have 3 classes to teach, wish i could be there. :). Your home is looking fabulous. I'm enjoying following along on your "Within and Inch of my Life" project. Can't wait to see more. I was so sad when i'd learnt of Seamus, my heart broke. Love that photo of Seamus, his face looks a bit like a tigers. My goodness those 4 years have passed so quickly, only seems like yesterday that you rescued Sabrina & her cuddle puddle. So glad you gave her a home. Big hugs to you all, xx
Nice pix and stories but that brace - ouchy! Tendonitis??
People can be bad sometimes - yep.
Teaching at Houston is a feather in your cap. Wish I could attend the show and your class. The quilt is a thoughtful gift for your BIL. Sorry you’ve been hurt by others. It is tough to loose a pet. May I make a suggestion on your young plantings. In the fall and spring have them professionally deep root fed fertilized) by a reputable lawn care company.
Another triumph for my wonderful Michelle ... I wish I had the stamina to attend Houston just once, but not to be.
I can see the love you bestow on your little furries. Hannah and Sabrina have found the best home evah! So sorry to hear about Shamus. Taking care of a pet should be the easiest job a person can have.
I have let go of many "so called" friends by choice. I refuse to be friends with "mean spirited" people and/or friends that cannot nurture a relationship. I found I am better off with letting go of that struggle. As my Marty says, "How many times are you going to let people step on your feelings." A very wise man. I guess I thought I was suppose to "like" them anyhow. Ohwellll - my favorite word and highly adequate.
The cottage is looking beautiful. Lots of sweat, work, and love to get it like you want. Hope you and David are well. Let's head on into Fall and kick up our heels as we go. Summer is just too hot and full of mosquitoes. JudyCinNC thinks of you often.
Shell Dear this is such a wonderful post of news and happenings and progress on your home and inches. Sabrina loves you just as much as you love her...and so does Hannah. You are very wise to let go of people who are not true to you...I know what this feels like first hand and it hurts. You are such a giving and loving soul...xo
I so agree with you about letting go the people in our lives who bring us down. Thank you for reminding me to be my own super hero. I volunteer for Humane Society and all of my fur babies are rescues. I wish I could take them all home with me to be sure that they will have a good life.
Wish I lived closer to Houston!!!
Hi Michelle, just love your home and it looks great all painted and shiny new. I am sorry one of your kittens has passed, I think from what you say I can guess what happened and to me if you take on the responsibility of a pet then it is for life but I know some people are not like that. Someone we knew had a puppy and did not bother with it and when it was a year old decided it was not right for them and had it put to sleep instead of finding it a new home. Needless to say we did not see them after that!!!
On a happy note I am glad I do not have spiders like yours! I don't think I would set foot out of doors if we did, oh boy!!!
Hugs, Susie xx
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