Notes from the Patch

My Garden of Eden

Our beautiful Eden roses are just beginning to bloom.

They are so big and heavy that they remind me of huge pink grape clusters drooping under their own weight.

Although they bloom off and on all spring and summer they are never as gorgeous as they are right now during this first bloom.  I look forward to them all winter and every morning as I pull out of the driveway I glance over to the brick wall that runs between us and our neighbors to check their progress.

I got up an hour early this morning to finish reading Heaven is Here by blogger Stephanie Neilson.

Reading Stephanie's blog after her accident helped me so much during the time I was caring for Jeff and preparing myself to live the remainder of my life here on earth without him. I know so many of you are going through tough times and I want to recommend this book to you as a source of hope and inspiration.

Stephanie writes about her life after a plane crash where she was burned over eighty percent of her body and how her faith, family and community helped pull her through some unbelievably horrific times. She reminds us that it's what's in our hearts that really matters and urges us to be kinder and more compassionate to one another. 

I love that.

In this crazy, busy world, it's our love and compassion and our connection to one another that really matters. With a positive attitude, our faith in God, and the love and support of our family and friends, we can do anything. It is possible to once again find joy through our pain and sorrow.

Have a wonderful Wednesday my friends!

Encourage one another,

 

 

 

 

The Reason for the Season

It's just days before Christmas and the stress in some of our customers is palpable as they scurry about trying to get everything done.

Tuesday we had three customers standing at the door before we officially opened at ten.  As we let them in from the cold they apologized and thanked us as they grabbed a quick gift card or a yard of fabric to finish last minute projects.

About mid morning a young mother came in with her three small children. As she strolled her baby through the store her two preschoolers made their way to the toys and began quietly playing together.

I overhead the five year old say to his sister, Excuse me, may I play with that toy? She happily handed it to her big brother and continued to play.

As I checked on the mom to see if there was anything I could help her with I told her what I had overheard and complemented her on her young children's kindness towards one another. She smiled and admitted she had reminded them to behave themselves before coming in the door.

A little later Barabara asked the four year old if is she was excited for Christmas and Santa Claus. She replied, Christmas isn't about Santa. Christmas is all about Jesus!

As you rush about to cross those last to dos off your list and put the last stitches on your gifts, I hope you'll stop and remember the words of one very wise little four year old.

Christmas isn't about Santa, Christmas is about Jesus.

Merry Christmas my friends.

Be kind to one another and share,

 

Life as I see it

Things always work out in the end. If it hasn't worked out yet, it's not the end.

Let me start by saying I'm typically not a worrier. I tend to trust that in the long run everything will be just fine. Oh yeah, sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and start thinking of things that are going on in my life and worry a bit, but usually in the morning I realize how silly that was.

The thought of losing my manager, Amanda has been hard on me. I love that girl just as many of you do. I've watched her grow from a young inexperienced girl living at home with her parents to a married woman with a beautiful home of her own.

From the day Bill and I introduced Amanda to her husband Lang I've known this day would come - the day she'd leave me to stay home to rock her babies. As much as I want that for her (just as I wanted it for my own kids) I knew I would  miss her sweet competent spirit here with me every day.

The good thing about making a baby is that it takes time. Time I've needed to prepare myself both physically and emotionally for the day Amanda would be leaving.

As the months have clicked by and Amanda's belly has grown, I've slowly reclaimed some of the jobs I'd relinquished to her and found some wonderful, capable women to step in to help.

I've hired Becky Rhodes to head up the Bernina side of our business. Becky's knowledge and love of Bernina is as amazing as her laugh is infectious. Becky and I have some exciting plans in the works and it is our number one goal to continue to provide our customers with expert advise as well as continuing education on machines, software and sergers.

With Becky here everyday I was feeling more comfortable (and sleeping much better) but still felt like I could use just one more person to round out our team. This morning Andy Stewart came in with her resume in hand. She said she'd been praying about a part time job and several people had urged her to apply at Strawberry Patches.

This afternoon I hired Andy. It seems God answered two prayers when He sent Andy to me - hers and mine.

So things have worked out. As I see it, it's not the end but a bright new beginning.

A beginning for Amanda as she starts her new full time job as a mother, and a beginning for me who, with the love and support of a fabulous team will continue to help, inspire and encourage you our valued and cherished customer.

I am blessed and humbled in the knowledge that God hears our prayers. He blesses a young couple with life's greatest gift and He hears this woman's 3:00am prayer for strength, courage and the help she needs to carry on.

Encourage one another,

 We are getting together on Sunday, August 28  at 2:00pm to shower Amanda with love here at the store. We would love to have you join us.

 

 

 

 

Heaven is for Real

I don't read many books.

Oh, every time we leave for a vacation I buy one.

Bill just rolls his eyes. He knows I have good intentions but he also knows me. I never finish a book.

Well, hardly ever.

I stopped by Target after work last week. I needed some cosmetics and decided to just walk though the book department.

You know, as long as I was there.

This was on the end cap and caught my eye.

                                                                       photo from Amazon

Less than two hundred pages. Doable.

20% off. Fair.

#1 best seller. Why not?

Worst case scenario is it would end up on the book shelf with all the other well intentioned books I've bought but never finished.

Heaven is for Real is the true story of a four year old boys trip to heaven and back. He tells of meeting long departed family members and describes Jesus, the angels , how "really really big" God is, and how much God loves us. This simple book offers a glimpse of the world that awaits us where "nobody is old or wears glasses".

It just may change the way you think about heaven, or even earth for that matter.

For me it just confirms what I know.

Heaven is for real!

 Here's a short video of Colton and his mom and dad on the Today Show:

 

I recommend Heaven is for Real to anyone who has lost a loved one and looks forward to the day they'll be reunited.

Encourage one another,

Squirmy Worms in the Strawberry Patch Oh, No!

Worms in the strawberry patch usually spells trouble, but not in this case!

I met with the most delightful young woman on Friday.

Candice Doyle.

Remember that name.

I usually have good instincts about people and I have a feeling someday lots of people in the sewing world will know her name.

They say it's a small world and this just proves it .

When Candice was about nine she took sewing lessons at Strawberry Patches. I can't say I remember her from back then but I sure can't get her out of my mind now.

While shopping Quilt Market in Salt Lake City Candice was working in The Quilted Fish booth. I was freaking out over all the fabric party hats and adorable stuff in the booth while Candice politely answered my questions and took my order.

                                                              photo by The Quilted Fish

As we chatted (and I freaked) Candice casually mentioned that she learned to sew at Strawberry Patches when she was a little girl and lived in Bakersfield.

WHAT? Now I was really freaking out.

Talk about a small world.

Are you still with me?

I'm getting to my point.

I promise.

Fast forward to a month or so ago. Candice called for an appointment to show me her pattern line - Squirmy Worm Studio (cute name huh?). Can't say I remembered at the time of her call that I'd met her before (hey, I'm old and remembering stuff isn't my strong suit), but for some reason* I agreed to meet with her. (I usually don't agree to meet with people who call to show patterns because I'm super picky and I feel terrible when they drive a long way to show me things I don't want - very awkward!).

What was I saying... Oh, yeah. Candice.

Anyway, we were super busy when she called and I jotted down: Candice - late afternoon - July, 15 and promptly forgot about it (no surprise there).

Friday morning I told the girls that I was working with that I had an afternoon appointment with a new fabric rep, but couldn't remember what company she was with, just knew her name was Candice (that memory thing again). So when Candice showed up at the appointed time with her patterns to show me I was a bit surprised.

No fabric.

PATTERNS!

I took a deep breath and smiled as she laid them on the table. How was I going to politely tell this beautiful young woman that had traveled so far that I didn't want any patterns?

But to my absolute delight I did want her patterns.

                                                         Photo by Squirmy Worm Studio

All of them!

                                                             Photo by Squirmy Worm Studio

And models too.

                                                           Photo by Squirmy Worm Studio
 

Candice's patterns are simple, practical, modern and professionally done. I love them. I think you will love them too.

                                                                       Photo by Squirmy Worm Studio

Candice is a delightful young woman with an undeniable inner glow who has dreams of becoming a full time designer. I have a feeling she will. I also know I will do everything in my power to encourage her.

Encourage one another,

 

* Just as I believe it's a small world I also believe everything happens for a reason. I believe Candice took classes at Strawberry Patches fifteen years ago and was working in that booth so that someday I could be in some small way a part in her realizing her dream. I look forward to collaborating with Candice in the future.

Encouraging one another

One of the blogs I read every morning is Donna Boucher's, Quiet Life. Her photography is my inspiration and my "Encourage one another" at the end of my blog posts was "borrowed" from her. Although we have never met, she does so inspire me. Today's  post especially touched me and I wanted to share.

 

"With enough hard work and dedication, dreams can become a reality".

                                                                                Patricia Zhou

 I believe that.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Encourage one another,

 

Progress report

As most of you read this post I'm on my way to Los Angeles for some display pieces and gift items for the new store.

Today they are framing the classroom and Friday I meet with three different flooring companies for bids. Lumber for the cabinets has been purchased and the saw dust is flying. Things are definitely coming together!

My office is stacked with boxes fIlled with some of the most exciting new buttons, flowers and embellishments. We've all been sewing up a storm to finish fresh new models and gifts to fill up our wonderful new space.

I guess you could say this new store is a total leap of faith for me. Faith that in these hard economic times you will continue to support my unconventional quilt store. Faith that things will continue to get better, that women will always want to sew and will always delight in finding carefully selected fabrics, trims and embellishments. Faith that there will always be buyers for fabulous sewing machines and beautifully made sewing furniture.

I have faith in the future of this industry just as I have faith in this country.

What I'm not so sure of however, is whether or not I can keep all of these exciting plans and merchandise under raps for another five weeks!

Encourage one another,

*************************************************************************************************

Update:

I had an unbelievable day shopping for the store! I found so many fun things and I can't wait for everything to start arriving.  I can't remember ever having so much fun. Sure hope you all like them too!

 

Journey to the rainbow

Everyone has their share of life lessons. Sorrow, loss, uncertainty, triumphs, sickness. We all have our share. It is how we handle them and learn from them that defines us and helps us become who we are.  It is my hope that by sharing the journey I can help and encourage others.

Recently I was given the opportunity to grow my business by moving  into a much larger, more visible space within our shopping center. Negotiations went on for over two months. Yes, I was moving. No I'm staying where I am. I fought with some ugly feelings of pride, envy and jealousy.  I struggled with patience. Finally I just surrendered, remembering that ultimately it's God's timing, not mine. I knew that everything would be fine, whatever the outcome.

During this whole process I had even briefly considered retirement. After all, I've been doing this for most of my life and some people seem ready to put me out to pasture. Then, last weekend I received two amazing emails. (I'd like to believe they weren't by accident). One was from a blog reader who shared my story and journey with Jeff and ALS with a friend whose son had been recently diagnosed with ALS. She said my story gave her friend courage and strength. The second was from a first time customer who found us by accident when she came to the shopping center for cupcakes and discovered something even more delicious at Strawberry Patches. It's through these encounters that I am reminded that I'm not done yet. I love this business of helping and encouraging one another. Of providing a happy place for women to come together to grow and learn and comfort one another when the journey gets rough. Right now I can't imagine my life without this important part of me called Strawberry Patches.

So, anyway, today I signed a lease on a wonderful big new space. I'm beyond thrilled and quite frankly a bit exhausted! After all, it's been  a long and emotional journey . But I'm in a good place. Confident and secure that The Great Flood of 2010 was just the beginning of a plan that was yet to unfold. It was the nudge that I needed to move me to this exciting new chapter of my life.

I'm committed to be better and to do better. After all, life's journey is about becoming everything you were meant to be. I know without a doubt that I'm meant to be here for you just as you all are always here for me.

I can't wait to show you our fabulous new space and the exciting things we have planned!

And you know what? I believe through every hardship there's always a rainbow.

Sometimes you just have to be patient and wait for it.

 

Encourage one another,

 

Out of the mouths of babes

I wanted you all to read the comment left by Kara to my last post. 

Dearest Captain, As I have learned and can testify, my greatest gifts, blessings, and growth have risen out of my unknown moments (weeks, months). If I had -planned everything, I would not be who I am today because I am so limited in what I can see happen. I love that God is SO much bigger than us, our problems, our expectations! No one ever has the situation that God cannot handle or hold in His hands. Even when God reveals some answers, I believe that He uses these things to stretch our hearts, challenge our patience with faith in Him, and keep us excited about His amazing plan for Him. Above all, sit in the TRUTH that He does have you in His hands, in His plan and even though it takes an extra measure of trust today, tomorrow you will look back and smile at His glorious provision. Lay it at His feet, He always provides wisdom, peace, & joy...He might be waiting for you to lay the issues down. Love you!

God has blessed me by bringing such amazing women into my life. Kara is truly an old soul. Not yet thirty, but so wise. She constantly amazes me with her faith and wisdom. I wanted to share this because I know many of you have questions about your life, your future or your relationships. 

I love you too Kara!

Encourage one another,

PS Kara: I have given this to God. Are you kidding me? You know me. I delegate everything!

 

What I'll Remember

I know someday I'll look back on the Great Flood of 2010 and remember how in the early hours of the Friday after Thanksgiving a plumber was summoned when water was discovered spewing from the roof of our store. By the time we arrived for work our ceilings had caved in and our carpets were soaked. There was moisture in our walls four feet high. It was a disaster of epic proportions. At least for me.

I'll remember how the next four days were so emotional as we worked to put our little store back together all while continuing to carry on a business during some of the busiest days of the year. It was exhausting. It was frustrating. And quite frankly I sometimes wondered if it was all worth it. Dealing with disaster recovery services and landlords who seemed to have more important things to deal with than my little problems. Finding yet one more thing that was ruined and adding it to a list that was growing about as fast as my fortitude was waning.

I've always believed that things happen for a reason. (The reason for our flood was a frozen copper water line that hadn't been properly weather proofed. But I'm not talking about that). I'm talking about the good that can come from bad things.  Yes, even when there is a flood, there is an ark in the form of friends willing to pick us up and carry us through the storm.

We can dwell on the flood or we can remember the blessing of that ark and the promise of a rainbow. It's our choice.

Just to keep it real here, I admit I had my share of tears. I was angry that my neighbors cooler and air conditioners always leak on MY store and not theirs. I was angry that the cooler lines hadn't been properly wrapped and leaked on my space. I was angry that my vacuum was clogged with wet and crumbled ceiling tiles and my phone lines didn't work and I was totally pissed off at the property manager who wouldn't man up and take responsibility for his pipes and his plumbers screw up.

But as the carpet started to dry and the last of the mess had been sweep away I started shifting my focus from the bad to the blessings. The offers of help from customers, family and friends. The afternoon latte and delicious hot soup brought in by an employee. The  beautiful bouquet of roses. I'll always remember the love.

On Wednesday I posted about our ALS quilt and a new wave of love came pouring in. I'm talking about a whole different kind of flood here people.

And then this. Oh my! I hardly feel worthy of the outpouring of love!

As I think back over the past year I am so glad I've shared my sometimes bumpy life's journey with you all because it has brought us all together and allowed us to know a bit more about what makes us tick. You've shared your faith, your love and your own story. You've prayed and bought raffle tickets and supported a little boy who is working through his grief by raising money in his daddy's memory.

You've picked this broken hearted momma up time and time again and carried me. And that, my friend, is what I choose to always remember.

Encourage one another,