Notes from the Patch

A Tale of Kindergarten and Bernina Club

This past week has been a doozy: A quick trip to Ventura a week ago Saturday to haul stuff home - (it looks like our house there has finally sold). Back to Ventura on Monday afternoon to welcome spring break kids from snowy Kansas. Back to Bakersfield Wednesday afternoon for Bernina Club Wednesday night and Thursday morning then back to Ventura Thursday afternoon to see kids off Friday morning. Bill and I returned back in Bakersfield Friday about noon to immediately turn around and join our other kids for three days in Las Vegas. With all the stuff going on with selling our beach house Bill suggested we might want to cancel the visits with our kids. My answer was an emphatic, "No! When kids want you in their lives you'd best be showing up". All righty then.

One of the other things I've been passionate about lately is Bernina Club. If you read this post you know that we officially have a new Club President and I am no longer the one in charge. Here's proof:

Dear Suzanne:

I wanted to thank you so much for last night’s Bernina Club and share with you a personal story of what the evening meant to me.  You see, my baby is almost five.  My husband and I have been searching for the right answer as to what to do next school year.  She’s an August birthday, so if she started school in the Fall, she would be 4 and turn 5 at the end of the month.  I know it doesn’t sound like much, but looking forward, it’s the difference in sending your baby girl off to college at 17 almost 18 versus late starting kindergarten and sending your baby off to college at 18 almost 19.  As a mom of 3 boys, I’m ashamed to admit it’s different for a girl, but it just is.  And then there’s the decision to do private school or Laurelglen.  Up until a few years ago, all of my boys were in Stockdale Christian School.  There’s just too many options and I have been searching for the right answer knowing the decision had to be made by April 2^nd. 

 

You might be wondering why I’m telling you this, and what does this have to do with Bernina Club, so here it is.  I believe in divine guidance and that everything happens for a reason;  I now know what we’re doing next year and I owe it to Bernina Club.  You see, I woke up Monday morning, read your blog, and called Barbara.  I told her I wanted to go to Bernina Club Wednesday night and I couldn’t go alone. She had to go with me (I’m really insecure at times).  I didn’t know why, after all these years, I chose this month to want to go, but I just wanted to go and I couldn’t explain why.

 

 Jump to Wednesday morning.  I was at Laurelglen School counting money for a fundraiser I was leading (I’m the only fool I know who volunteers at a school with no children there) .  There’s a lot of changes going on at the school and change brings uncertainty and fear, thus my reluctance to send my angel off to the big bad world of Laurelglen school.  While there I heard through the rumor mill that Mrs. Wortiska was moving from 1^st grade down to kindergarten (hot dog ‘cause I heard she’s the bomb).  I made a beeline to the Principal’s office to give her a proposition she wouldn’t be able to refuse (she already knew what I was thinking about regarding public vs. private) …….very kindly, I explained that hearing that Mrs. Wortiska was going to be in kindergarten was enough for a girl to consider enrolling her angel there if she was given some kind of guarantee that the angel would be placed in Mrs. Wortiska’s class.  The principal nicely smiled at me and when I was done whining, she explained that the kindergarten teachers themselves did the assessment and put the classes together; she had nothing to do with it.  I thanked her and walked away wondering what to do next.  I’ve never met Mrs. Wortiska; I think I kinda knew what she looked like, but I had never personally met her. I’ve just heard what a great teacher she is and that all of the smart people (like me of course) want their child in her class.  I was left plotting how I would approach her and when that would take place.  She didn’t know me from Adam.  I was afraid she would think, “who’s this crazy lady coming in my class demanding I be her daughter’s teacher?”

 

Fast forward to Wednesday night’s Bernina Club.  During “show and tell” I saw a woman in the back that looked very familiar (no name tag).  I leaned over and asked Barb who she was; she told me it was Sally Wortiska.  Hot dog, I knew my reason for being there. It was my opportunity to introduce myself and talk to her.  After I finished sewing my ruffle, I stood up, and she was there behind me.  I took the time to introduce myself and explained to her what was mulling over in my head.  We had a wonderful conversation and I felt an incredible peace that I was to send my angel to school this school year and enroll her in Laurelglen.  I just felt like all of the questions I had were answered and I felt a sense of relief.  (I’m bringing tears to my own eyes typing this.  That’s how much the evening meant to me).

 

There’s no absolute guarantee that we will get Mrs. Wortiska, but I feel at peace with the decision.  It’s one of those things that when it feels right, it just is.  And I owe it all to Bernina Club…………  thank you for using your business to bring women together for their personal success whatever that may be.

 

Kristen

Thank you Kristen for taking the time to write me. I know without a doubt that God has His hands on my business and your letter proves it.

Encourage one another,

Twenty 12

I've been thinking a lot about my word for 2012. You know, the one word that summarizes what I want to work on to better my life in the coming year.

This year my word is simplify.

sim·pli·fy  (smpl-f)

tr.v. sim·pli·fied, sim·pli·fy·ing, sim·pli·fies To make simple or simpler, as:

a. To reduce in complexity or extent.

b. To reduce to fundamental parts.

c. To make easier to understand.

Simplify summarizes what I hope to accomplish in my life perfectly! Let me be clear. I'm not striving for a simple life, there is nothing simple about me - just ask Bill! What I hope to accomplish is to reduce the extraneous things in my life so I can fully enjoy the things that matter to me most.

Here are my plans:

1. This year I will strive to simplify my life by cleaning the clutter from my office, my sewing room and my closets; my life in general. I really want to feel and be more organized!

2. I will strive to list what I hope to accomplish and revel in the satisfaction of crossing off those lines one. by. one.

3. I will document my experiences and share my feelings more regularly here on my blog through words and (better) photos.

4. I will simplify my life by remembering that people are more important than things. That holidays aren't just about elaborate decorations and shopping lists but about spending quiet time with the people I love.

5. I want to eat simple, healthy foods (not necessarily those pictured here - sorry Peggy) and continue to strive to eat a sugar free diet.

6. I want to take more long walks on the beach and capture the simple beauty in nature through the lens of my camera.

7. I want to sip and savor this life to its fullest and share it with people I love.

8. I want to simplify my life by unplugging more often from computers, iphones, ipads, televisions and radios. In this crazy busy world I want to find quiet moments to reflect.

So, for me tonight there will be no crowded parties and fancy gowns. I will simply surround myself in the comfort of good friends and the man I love and toast to a bright and promising New Year.  

Cheers!

Encourage one another,

One more thing. I couldn't let this year go by without thanking you all for gathering here and encouraging me through your comments. As corny as it may sound, my life has been forever changed because of this blog. Your coming here means so much to me. Thank you! xo 

   

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.

 

 

 

 

Today...

...I woke up early and sipped my coffee while reading some of my favorite blogs. Pretty much my normal routine except   this one from Rhonda Farrer really resonated with me.

Today I was inspired by the list. I realized I have been neglecting to focus on those things that I hold so dear. Thank you Rhonda for the reminder!

While I finished my coffee I clicked on the television to get the local morning news, just as I always do, but a rerun of Oprah on Bob Greene's book, 20 years Younger caught my attention. It inspired me to get Bob's book and order Lancer skin care products. (I'll let you know how that all goes - you probably won't recognise me next time you see me).

Today I drove to Fresno to meet with other quilt shop owners from the Heart of the Valley Shop Hop and was uplifted by their excitement over our upcoming shop hop. We laughed and shared our plans and some of the surprises we have in store for you. Let's just say this years hop includes clowns, quesadillas, a baked potato bar, mini cupcakes, snow cones and  tons of awesome free stuff. 

Today I rejoiced as I finally made arrangements for private photography classes - something I've wanted to do for over a year! I can't wait to share my (hopefully) improved photographs with you!

So, how was your day?

Mine was pretty much awesome.

Encourage one another,

 

 

 

 

 

It's showtime!

My little  bees worked themselves nearly to death Wednesday bringing the last of the storeroom stuff over from the old store, organizing the new storeroom and setting up the classroom. By the time they finally buzzed home for the night the new store sparkled.

I cranked up the stereo and stayed to work on some last minute displays and to take some photos to share with you. As pretty as the store looks in the daylight I think it is absolutely magical at night.

But you'll have to take my word for it because as I packed up to go home I accidentally locked my camera and my office keys in my newly keyed office. Yikes! I'll be calling the locksmith first thing  this morning because everything we need to run our cash register is in that locked office and I have a feeling from reading your comments, we just may have a few visitors for today's grand opening. = )

This whole move from inception to completion has been an amazing experience for me. Everyone has worked so hard to make it happen - on time.

The shopping center owner who insisted on putting in an all new ceiling, those fabulous double doors and then last night came the news that he was going to put park benches in the breeze way for the husbands who waited for their wives as they shopped!

Dennis, my cabinet maker who literally and figuratively made the store. Those cabinets are the jewels in this quilt shop. Dennis has worked insane hours to get this done on time and I am forever grateful for that. I don't know if you all know that Dennis is Beverly's husband. She is my talented friend who makes all of the children's clothes that are in the store.There is so much creative talent in that family that it's ridiculous!

Then there are the bees. Those girls who are so much more than employees. They never left my side until the job was done. They slepped and scrubbed and carried and climbed. I could have never done this without them, nor would I have wanted too. We laughed and sang and even danced a few times and they made it fun...as fun as moving 5,000 bolts of fabric can be. I love these friends who work with me every day!

So for the first time in six days I'm going to put on something other than jeans and an apron and swing open those double doors and welcome you all to our new home.

Welcome to Strawberry Patches!

Encourage one another,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hanging on

Today was, well...a bit overwhelming.

After the umpteenth phone conversation with claim adjusters, disaster recovery experts and property managers I hung up the phone, put my head in my hands and cried.

I don't know if it was the overwhelming realization of the situation that suddenly hit me or the overwhelming smell in my office that reminded me of cat pee, but whatever it was I bawled.

Then I pulled myself together, went into our water stained bathroom, wiped the mascara from my cheeks and went back to removing wet ceiling tiles from our dark dank storage closet. 

My good vacuum is ruined from sucking up wet crud. The phone lines work about half the time, I can't find anything that used to live in my office and  my hair is frizzy from the humidity.

Pity Party of one. Your table is ready.

The bright side of all this is that blog readers come in and tell us they can't tell that anything has ever happened and everyone has just been so wonderful:

Amanda and Kara  worked so hard on Friday to get things under control.

Jane risked the health of her washer and drier with the laundering of quilts and chair pads. 

Chris offered to wash and dry all our soaked bolts of fabric.

 

Driving to work this morning this song from Annie came to mind:

 

Corny. I know. But that's just how I get through these things - look for the good and trust that tomorrow will be better.

Yeah, the sun will come out tomorrow. I just hope it is really hot and helps dry up some of this water!

Encourage one another,

 

 

 

Driving thoughts

Where do you do your best thinking?

The shower? While falling asleep? During exercise?

Some of my best thinking is done while I'm driving.

Thursday night after work, as I headed toward Ventura for the weekend, I thought about all of the wonderful people who touch me every day.

I thought about Irene who stopped by the store just to tell me about a fun gift idea then ran home  to bring me a little sample so I could try it out.

I thought about  Nancy and Candice who shared their tutorials here on my blog and I thought about all of the ladies who took the time to share their great gift ideas with us.

As I climbed the Grapevine I thought about all of the generous people who came to Bernina Club and shared  prayer quilts and isoletes and pillowcases that they lovingly made for strangers who needed some comforting.

I thought about Genel who drove forty miles down a narrow canyon road in a restored old boat of an Oldsmobile because her car had a flat tire and she knew I'd be disappointed if she wasn't there.

I thought about Barbara who after winning our drawing for a $30 gift certificate gave it back to me for ALS.

I thought about Rory who popped in just to make sure that I'm doing okay even though she's still grieving the loss of her precious grandson.

And as I pulled off the 101 and turned on to Harbor Boulevard, I thought about how lucky I am to be surrounded by such an amazing group of caring and sharing women.

Women who drive me to be better. To be a better business woman, a better friend and a better person.

I just wanted you to know.

 

Encourage one another,

 

 

 

 

The sweet life

  

Because I wanted my first photo on my new blog to be turquoise and pink...

And because the stuff in my life just keeps hitting the fan...

I want to remember all of the sweet people in my life that bring me flowers and cards (oh the cards) and hugs and brownies and sweet rolls and... and...FANS!

So here's to love and friendships and a new blog.

Life is sweet! 

Feel the breeze.

Encourage one another,

 

 

 

Getting me some Bow Tucks

Remember last Monday when I told you about Patty D and how she made me an incredible bag and wouldn't let me pay her and had me bawling right there in the middle of my store in front of customers and employees?

Well. As promised. Here are the photos now that I've been reunited with my beloved camera. (Have I ever told you how much I love my Nikon? Oh, yeah. I guess I have. Never mind then).

I told you it was fantastic. Would I lie?

Oh, and the fabric? Well, Patty quilted it herself starting with this.

And the handles? They're faux leather and OMG POLKA DOT!

The bows. The tucks....

...Vera Bradley eat your heart out.

Oh. And look at that yummy brown canvas on the bottom there so it won't show the dirt. Because you know how we are. getting dirty and all...

The detail. The colors. The pattern.

Perfection I tell you.

 

Inside there are tons of little pockets to help keep all your junk er necessary stuff organized and within quick reach.

It just occurred to me that I may have never told you that we have some wonderfully talented ladies that we can refer to you if you might need a little sewing done. Whether it be making or finishing a quilt, making handbags, bumper pads and dust ruffles, kids clothes, custom embroidery. Whatever. We can hook you up with the best of the best. Because it is my life mission to ...

Encourage one another.

 

I've been a bit exuberant in my posts of late. Must be due to my reunion with my camera. So don't miss the previous post on donut making.

Torn between two lovers

Hello lover, I'm back.

I'm ending my two year affair and I'm back.

Back to doting.

Back to bringing you flowers and lighting pretty smelling candles.

I've missed you.

You've waited patiently for my return; watching me leave you every Friday and not returning until early Monday morning.

You knew I was leaving you for someone else and yet you waited.

This week I discovered that you are my one true love.

We have history you and I.

I'm sorry that I've neglected our relationship and I promise to make it up to you.

I'm back.

My clean room home tour continues tomorrow. I've been working my buns off and despite a few set backs I have just about finished cleaning my way through the house.

Show and tell tomorrow...

Encourage one another,