Well, I made it!! Today I celebrate five years in remission from Multiple Myeloma. Yesterday I gathered with about 60 members of the Sisters of Stitch group to celebrate with a party. For presents I asked each guest who would like, to bring a book for a five year old boy or girl, which will be donated to the Royal Children’s Hospital School Library. We had 50 books donated and there’s more on the way. WOW!!! And Noelene who is the most beautiful Hardanger artist, made me a cake in the shape of 5, surrounded with lots of mini cup cakes. It was so beautiful. With much laughter and the odd tear, I celebrated with my two sisters and my delightful crafty friends, my good health and good fortune in the lottery of life.

So much has happened for me, since my bone marrow transplant in June 2005. Firstly, I’ve become so much more aware of how important friends and family are; I’ve become more sensitive to the needs of others (friends and strangers); and I’ve realised that change doesn’t come about by wishing, it happens when you DO something. Hence my involvement in the set up and continuation of various craft and quilt groups over the past 4 years. I love my groups, the fellowship and collective care and concern from each and every member is simply food for my soul.

I’ve been editing and writing for this Bellaonline Quilting website since October 2007, and the joy that it brings me, each day, knowing that just like me, quilters from all over the world are enjoying the reading, seeing, thinking and doing that goes with quilting, can sometimes be delightfully overwhelming, and I thank you for that. I love the feedback I get from my readers through the forums and the email address, be it critical or congratulatory – it’s nice to know that you are finding the Bellaonline Quilting site a good companion on your quilting journey.

So, what now for the next five years? Lots more of the same I’m sure, and I hope I can continue to inspire everyone to make the most of every day; don’t worry about things you can’t do anything about; and act on those where you can make a difference.

I posted another poem from Jenny Riley my quilting friend from Mooloolah, who has given me permission to post her poem here for you. It’s about cat’s and quilting and here’s the link: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art9683.asp

Because of this very auspicious day I’m going to give you double the gifts I normally share, I do hope they are of interest to you. So here we go…

http://www.merrimentdesign.com/guest-towels.php Here’s a way to jolly up your guest bath towels

http://carterquilter.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/purple-stars.pdf Purple stars quilt - gorgeous and very easy instructions

http://www.psiquilt.com/2009/05/block-o-strings-tutorial.html a stringy block tutorial.

http://craftygemini.blogspot.com/2010/02/make-your-own-fabric-labels-for-free.html great for quilt labels too

http://domesticgoddessadventures.blogspot.com/2009/08/cute-cupcake-wrappers.html not quilting, but I love this idea.

http://okanarts.blogspot.com/2010/06/walleyed-dachshund.html Dachshund anyone?

http://craftedition.blogspot.com/2010/05/thread-rack-tutorial.html I need one of these!!

http://www.joyfulabode.com/2010/06/06/how-to-make-a-dog-bed-step-by-step-with-photos/ Make a dog bed for your special pooch.

http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com/2007/03/thumb-tack-tutorial.html fabric thumbtacks? What will they think of next?

Well, my dear quilting friends, I will bid you farewell for this week. I do hope this email brings a big smile to your face, and a big, soft, squishy beat to your heart. Till next week, take care and remember to have fun quilting.
Cheerio for now

Judie Bellingham, Quilting Editor
http://Quilting.bellaonline.com

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