The Hardest Place

Pause

Thinking “Here goes nothing” could be the start of everything. We’ve all dropped anchor in places that suited us for a time.  It’s comfortable…..it’s easy…..but then the day comes when we sense it is time to experience new and different things, to step out of our comfort zones, to choose courage and embrace the changes and challenges that come with entering the unknown.This summer, I hope you have the courage to take some risks, to try new things and to keep calm in a seemingly ever-changing world.Courage is contagious.  Every time we choose courage, we make everyone around us a little better and the world a little braver.Without risk, I wonder if we can ever experience growth?Something to think about.  Happy Stitching! Love, Karen

One random act of kindness at a time. Celebrated on February 17th, National Random Acts of Kindness Day has grown in popularity each year. It is celebrated by individuals, groups, organizations and even QUILTERS nationwide to encourage acts of kindness.Kindness is one of the most forgotten, yet most wonderful gifts you can give. It heals wounds and brightens days. It brings us together and reminds us that we are more similar than we are different. Sometimes it’s easier to be cold and distant and harder to be warm and vulnerable. Choose kindness always. Be an encourager. Be someone who helps others. Give love. Have compassion. Stay humble. It is the little acts of kindness that make the biggest difference.So this month, I’m asking you all to carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.One of my favorite quotes is from Maya Angelou…..People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.Now, be kind and go change the world. From my heart to yours,Karen xoxoxo

Family might be defined as a group of people who are related to each other, but it’s more than that.  It’s a meaningful connection, an experience. It’s an incredible and unbeatable bond – created by mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends.  It’s comfort in a world of uncertainty. It’s a shoulder to lean on. It’s a source of inspiration. It’s love and support. It’s that warm and fuzzy feeling. It’s safe.  It’s wonderful and it’s necessary.It’s here.  In this community.  This community of quilters who we have related to, learned from, laughed and cried with, bonded with, shared inspiration and crazy ideas with and who we love.In 2012, we started with an idea about an extraordinary place in our tiny little town filled with laugher, charm, personal style, love…….and fabric.2019 marks our 7th year in business thanks to you.  We’ve grown a lot since then, but some things have never changed:We’re unapologetically feminine, we adore color and take pride in being clever.  We think of our Heart Blossom family as a community of interesting souls living interesting lives and are so grateful that we have connected and are sharing our common bond of color, fabric, friendship and so much more.Thank you for your continued love, support, kindness and inspiration.  Thank you for taking our hand and being part of the Heart Blossom family.With love from my family to yours,Karen

Have you ever really thought about that?  I had the opportunity to share a cocktail with a friend this weekend and in typical fashion, we day dreamed from the living room and vowed to keep each other on a path to hopefully discover our destinations someday.  Where or what that is, neither one of us knows, but the journey getting there will certainly be a blast. Or at least I hope so. I think to wander off the beaten path is evidence of having the faith to follow one’s heart.  It takes a courageous soul to carve their own path, do their own thing, explore, try new things and satisfy their own curiosities.  It makes me believe that the value of life is in the journey, and not necessarily the destination.Quilts, like friends, are different, colorful, fun, warm and comforting – we don’t all use the same pattern or follow the same path – but our creations, like our friendships, are all masterpieces.  They are unique and beautiful in their own way and we wouldn’t trade them for the world. At least I wouldn’t. Believe in yourself and your ability to succeed no matter where your path takes you.  Follow your heart, stitch your own path and enjoy the journey. Even if it takes you to the living room with a friend, a girly drink and a plan swirling in your head.  You’re not lost. You’re just wandering down your own path and I think it’s awesome.Not All Who Wander Are Lost.  Remember That. Happy Stitching, Karen

A strange and unexpected gift, but a gift.  What started out as a day I planned out just perfectly...

Every time she came to visit, she brought me fat quarters that she happened to find. Now, she wasn't a quilter and didn't just "happen to find" them. I knew better. It made me smile and I never said anything other than thank you. And I made her a quilt. But my favorite memory is when I was in the hospital after having my second son. I could hear them coming down the hall, giggling between themselves and telling the sweet nurses how excited they were to be seeing me and that no, I wasn't expecting them, it was a surprise. They came bursting through the door and the room came alive instantly, like magic. There was a gift bag with at least 25 outfits inside, because she couldn't decide and just bought them all. I still have them. Once we had oohed and aaahed over the outfits, I noticed a suitcase on wheels and had to ask if they were staying, since they had traveled a long way to get to us. Turned out it was a Bloody Mary bar smuggled in in a suitcase so the nurses wouldn't know. They set it up and we toasted that new little bundle of blue! Until the nurses came in and busted up the party. We laughed for years after and I will never forget the kindness that surrounded her always. She spent so much time caring for others, she forgot about herself. Stage 4 ovarian cancer, they said. I can beat it, she said. A few weeks ago, I called to set up a lunch date. What's your hurry, she said, I'm in remission and we've got time. I emailed her instead to catch her up on my job, the quilt shop, my boys, who she called her boys, and the Bloody Mary bar. Turns out she wasn't in remission, but protecting my heart. She passed away yesterday. hen I told the boys last night that Ellen has passed away, my youngest asked why I called her just Ellen. Not following, I asked him to explain. He thought her name all these years was Robin Ellen. Rob and Ellen always visited and sent birthday and Christmas presents, but to him, the two became one, and that's how he knew them. Instead of Rob and Ellen, he knew her as Robin Ellen. Rob never came without Ellen and Ellen never came without Rob and if you say it fast, he's right. got a message at work yesterday letting me know and as I stared out my window with tears running down my face, there was a robin sitting on the window box outside my office window. Now I understand why. o, buy the fat quarters, make the lunch date, hug your friends and do something nice for someone. That's what Ellen would do. Thanks for the memories, my friend. xoxoxox

Confidence is something you create within yourself by believing in who you are.It's just you, your mind and your machine.  What you do and how you combine the 3, is up to you.ream of color combinations, warmth and love.  Close your eyes and think of something different.  Be you.  Express you.  Have confidence and see what happens.  If this girl can, you can, too.ake a deep breath and get creating!  I can't wait to see what you come up with.....Karen

As I look back on 2016, I realize I've learned a lot and have so much to be grateful for.  I learned things don't always turn out like you think they should or how you plan.  I've learned you can get through anything with the right people by your side.  I've learned that friends are truly lifes treasures.  Sometimes they know us better than we know ourselves.  They are there to guide and support us; to share our laughter and our tears; to frantically help make samples and kits when you have lost all hope of finishing EVER!; their presence reminds us we are never alone - and for all of that I am grateful.  With the New Year here, many of us have set goals and made plans for the year.  Me?  Nope.  I'm going to wing it for another year and continue on my crazy journey!  It just works better that way for me.  Whether I know you from the quilt shop, from my day job, from my kids' school or sporting events, my community or if you're part of my family - thank you for being in my life......my heart is full.As we look into 2017, take some time to slow down and be grateful.  Take some classes; try a new technique (wool - embroidery - paper piecing....the possibilities are endless and oh, so fun!); meet new people; be inspired and be present.  Look around and see all the good people in your life and be grateful.  I know I am.This is the beginning of anything you want.  It's your journey.  Happy New Year!With a grateful heart always,Karen