12/29/2012

Turn, Turn, Turn

I am looking forward to getting back to quilting, including the BB Suffrage blocks and to my Judie Rothermel contest idea, which looks SO pretty.  My studio is so gorgeous and bright and I want to use it.  Every day, I think, am I up for it today?  

A few ornament favorites...Marcie and her daughter put the lights on this tree.  Then Muriel put on the ornaments the next day.  
I decided to stop taking chemo drugs.  What I didn't understand is that there was never any hope for a cure.  It wasn't until I went for a second opinion that the dear man explained this to me.  I wouldn't have put myself through so much misery later in this year had I understood this was not heading towards hope of any cure.   So I tried one more chemo drug, it poisoned me, and I decided to stop.  I got pain pills yesterday and am glad to have them.  I may have a few months left, really do not know.  I hope I surprisingly live on a few months longer.  

So, the daily routine is one of hoping the last chemo will clear out enough that I can quilt.  And of course I have other things to do.  I literally have angels around me helping me.  Timothy is being wonderful.  Still making me laugh.   
I don't plan to dwell on the sad part of this, in fact, this is probably the last mention of it, so I hope you don't drop me as a blog to read.  I won't be a drag, honest. 


For instance!  I had no idea The Waltons reruns were on TV.  

So I have been building a library of episodes with huge delight these past few days.  I forgot how much I loved that show.  I just love everything about it, including how they cope with being cash-poor during the Depression.

A dear friend sent me a copy of Jeanne d'arc Living Christmas, which is what my studio is like (just love the white shabby c**c like crazy):

Then what should happen but Jo Morton sent me a copy of her latest book and it is SO good.  Now I have the best inspirational books around for white with slight touches of red.  Thank you, Jo! 
 
Till next time (maybe a little piecing).

46 comments:

Jacqueline said...

Please don't give up hope. God works in mysterious ways and He will be the deciding factor in your life span.

I just had a CAT scan yesterday to see how I am doing with my cure of colon cancer. Chemo does just about do you in, no doubt about it. I had 50 hours a week, every other week for 6 months. But I am happy to say that I am doing WELL. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Lori said...

Ah shoot. After seeing loved ones so sick from chemo I understand your decision. May God's love bring you and your family peace as you go forward enjoying life.
What lovely gifts!! Now, will someone come undecorate your tree? lol

Me and My Stitches said...

This is one of the many times that I wish I had a better way with words. So, so sorry that you are not able to get the results that you deserve, and that you had to go through so much with the chemo. I hope you continue to post whatever it is that you are feeling - even if it may be a downer. It is life, unfortunately. Will be sending hugs and prayers to you.

JoAnne said...

Karen,

I will be praying for you! I too wish I had "the right thing" to say. I tend to just skirt the whole big issue and make "everyday" comments. With that in mind, I, too, was delighted to find Waltons reruns. I'm 45 and was a kid when it was first one. I remember a lot of the first episodes, but not so many of the war years, so I enjoy watching them, too. I won't drop your blog--I just found it not too long ago. Hang in there. I'm sending hugs!

Karmen said...

Karen,
I wish you the very best with the struggle for your health. You inspire me in so many ways, and now you inspire me to make every day count. I'm gonna go set my DVR to record the Waltons and call my Mom.
Karmen

quilting Deb said...

Karen-I am so sorry for your health problems...I am praying you Know Jesus and his peace and comfort during the months ahead of you. The Bible says our days are numbered by God, so we should all live each day as if it was the last one. I am so thankful you have your son, his sense of humor and support. And, as all quilters, we have the love and support of fellow stitchers. We have such kindred spirits! I hope you get to spend all your days doing the things that make you happy and with those you love. I am praying your pain pills give you strength to do all the things you have planned! God's best blessings on you my quilter friend! Deb C

quilter501 said...

I could never drop reading your blog. You are my inspiration in every way. God bless and keep you. Enjoy this time to the best of your ability. We never know how things will turn out but just live every day doing our best for ourselves and those we love. You go, girl!!!!!

KC Quilter said...

Karen, though we've never met in person, I have felt as though I know you. I love your blog and will continue to check in. You just never know what cure is just around the corner. And doctors have been wrong before. Please hang in there and keep fighting. Thoughts are with you.

Heartsdesire said...

I would never think of dropping you as a blog to read, no matter what the circumstances. How lovely of Jo Morton to send you her new book. It looks very inspiring, so perhaps you might get a little hand sewing done. Keep your spirit positive, you never know what is in store for you.

Snow Dog Quiltworks and Woodworks said...

Your blog has been a huge inspiration for me over the years, I would never stop following your lovely blog!.

Thank you for all of your sharing. I am sure there will be plenty more for you to share with us and thank you for your honesty. It is very uplifting! Take care and Happy Quilting! ~Tracy

Anonymous said...

There really are no words, right or not. I hope you can get all those awful drugs out of your system and I'm glad you have the pain meds so you can feel better. I'll keep you in my prayers.

There's no way I'd drop your blog!

Betty said...

Just went down 18 floors and walked half a mile again to try and connect with the hospital's Wi-Fi. I'll get over to E-mail next.

I thought you received some great comments. I know with Jim and Reid I have always appreciated it when people told me they cared, but didn't know what to say. I'm certainly no expert on the "right" thing to say, but we can all agree that cancer sucks and when someone we care about has to deal with it we're all sad. My hope and prayer is that you'll be around for a good while longer because I'll miss you.

Kaaren said...

I can so relate, Karen having gone through the awful journey myself just recently.

Stay strong, have faith and rely on us totally for support. I don't know how I would have made it without my blogging friends. They always were there for me to keep my spirits high.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and will be every step of the way. I'm here for you.

BIG hugs.

Gale, Ky quilter said...

I am so sorry. Please know that good thoughts are coming your way and I will continue to look forward to see what you are working on. Take care.

julieQ said...

HI Karen; I am so sorry for this turn of events, but I am hopeful for peace and comfort for you. Many hugs and love from me to you!

Jeanne said...

I have a candle lit for you. I hope you sewed something BEAUTIFUL today.
With loving thoughts ~ Jeanne

Sherrill said...

I do know what you're going thru as my dear sweet hubby lost his CA battle (brain) in August. It has been difficult going on without him and more often than not I don't want to. I pray for your strength and pain-free days.

Tazzie said...

Ohh Karen hon, this is one of those times where I would love to have one single wish, and I'd use it all on you. You're in my prayers hon, it would be so nice if I lived closer, I could come hold your hand in the hard times.
Love and hugs
Tazzie
Xox

Vicki said...

I will be looking forward to your posts and join in the others in praying for you.... For strength and peace and hope and the Waltons to see you through! Pet your fabric whenever you can, and let us know how we can help. You are an inspiration to us all! Sending love your way...xox

Julie said...

Karen, I read your blog pretty regularly, and I love you and Rembrandt. I have even been to LQ and met you before. I am so sorry to hear this news, and hope that you will get to feeling much better so that you can sew to your heart's content. My prayers are with you.

Sandra Coleman Clarke said...

Karen, My thoughts and prayers are winging their way to you and I pray that you will soon be making some beautiful quilt blocks again. I admire your work and am glad you have that sweet kitty to keep you company.
Will add you to my daily prayer list.

Sheila said...

i have thought of you often in the last few weeks, and wondered how you are doing. A brave decision to dump the chemo, but when the treatment is worse than the disease one has to weigh up the options. Seize life with both hands and live it to its fullest. I shall continue to follow your blog and rejoice in your achievements.

antique quilter said...

Karen been thinking about you alot during the holidays
spend your days doing what you love and there is always hope. WE all know stories of people who have lived years longer then they were suppose to...
I am praying your one of them...
now get out some of your favorite fabrics and play !

Kathie

andsewon said...

Karen will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Will always keep check on your blog! Now that Jo Morton book looks very enticing indeed!
Hugs!
Lola

Becky said...

What an inspiration you are! Prayers and virtual hugs your way!

Pat / Silver Thimble Quilt Co. said...

You are so loved. I will think of you everyday and would love the chance to see you. Take care my friend, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Carolyn said...

Of course, I'll be here reading and praying for you. I'm sorry that there is no cure and I'm happy for you that you've made your peace with that and will try to enjoy quilting and life. It's good to have angels around!

Handmade by Joan said...

I have been reading your blog regularly but have not commented before. I am so sad to hear there is no cure. I am praying for God's comfort and peace for you and Timothy. I think your quilting work is just beautiful and so enjoy the positive spirit you share on your blog. Hugs, Joan

O'Quilts said...

Life is so Sh-t-y sometimes!!! Hate to hear this news. Sharing it online is brave and true and healthy. I admire you for it. Sharing is healing for you and for us. The news is sad, but remember we are not in control. It is not over till it is over. Your quilting is inspiring. I just love it and cannot wait till you can do it again and share with us.

MARCIE said...

Your tree looks lovely. I am happy that Muriel got the ornaments on for you. You have a little Joan Walsh Anglund character also. Aren't they sweet! Such great books you received! I am anxious to get my hands on Jo's book. Glad the Walton's are there to keep you company. Sending love and prayers.

Pat said...

Karen, you probably don't remember me, I was in the embroidery group with Muriel at LQ. You are an amazing woman! I admire everything you do! I am sending you hugs! Enjoy all life has to offer. Blessings to you and Timothy!!

sewprimitive karen said...

Hi, Pat (above); I remember you and must answer here because you are a "no-reply" person, but want to thank you for the hugs and hope to enjoy all that life has to offer. Right now, paperwork is driving me to the brink. It's so much trouble being sick!

Karen in Breezy Point said...

My heart is breaking hearing this news about your health. I'm glad you made the decision to stop a treatment that will not allow you to enjoy life, and I am hoping you will be able to do that.

I'm excited to see what you come up with for the Judie Rothermel contest. Since I'm still getting over my disappointment over the Jo Morton contest, I will not be entering a project and I will be cheering you on-- I know that yours will be lovely!

Cyber hugs and prayers, Karen

Gretchen said...

Sending all the loving and healing thoughts your way from me and the four fuzzy ones. So happy to see you have wonderful new books, shows, and new piecing plans in the works. Taking control and doing what makes you happy is the best medicine there is. Love you, friend.

Anonymous said...

Karen, I have followed your blog for some time. You have encouraged and inspired MANY people. Though I do not understand this, I know that God is good. I will continue to pray for you and your son.

Diana said...

I followed your blog when I lived in GA and continue to follow it now in CA. I am friends with Jackie and she has told me of your health problems. I am part of a Prayer Warrior group and you are now being included in everyones prayers including mine. Now go fondle some fabric!!

Janet said...

Karen: I'm a blog reader from WV. Part of the reason I read your blog is because of Rembrandt. I want to send prayers and loving thoughts to you in your illness. I'm not a stranger to cancer but I know how encouraged I've been by others.

AnnieO said...

I have been an occasional reader and have enjoyed all you have shared these past four years since I found quilting blogs. Making such a treatment choice appears to have brought you peace and relief. Chemo obviously IS poison and so, so hard on the body and soul. You are still making plans and that gladdens my heart!

Libby said...

Oh The Waltons! One of my all-time favorites. Sometimes I think I was born in the wrong time because I so identify with that era. How I would love to have a kitchen just like the one on that show (complete with those old mixing bowls) But I must ask: Does Grandma ALWAYS have to be SO cranky? Thinking of you every day!

viridian said...

I too don't have the right words to say. I am sending prayers your way. Your blog is listed on the side of my blog and will stay there. I've been reading since about the time your found rembrandt as a kitten. Love from the Midwest.

Mary said...

Karen, I have loved reading your blog and seeing all your wonderful quilts and projects. My thoughts and prayers are with you through this test. May God give you peace...and a healing! I consider you one of my wonderful bloggy friends. Mary H in Virginia

Jeanne said...

Ah, Karen, I wish I could find words to convey how saddened I am by your news. Your blog has always been one of my favorites and I would never drop it. Your posts about Timmy always brought smiles to my face and a giggle or two. Your quilts are awesome! I will continue to pray for you as you fight this battle.

Unknown said...

I wish for you every good thing. I love your blog. My MIL was operated on for cancer. The dr. said he could do nothing. She had less than six mo. to live. I believed it and cried so. Her husband took her elsewhere. She responded and we had her for almost another twenty years. How do things work? I don't know but I am praying for you. I love your pristine work. Keep your family close. God bless you!

Michele Bilyeu said...

You and your blog and your love of hearth and home and family and passing on the love within you of all that you are, all that you do, and all that you will always be for all of us...you are a bright candle still burning ..it's flame still and forever shining. You have brought secret joys to my blog reading...the antics of Rembrandt, the precision of your work, the deep, deep love of Timmy...this flame may seem to flicker for you, Karen..but it is always there for those of us who feel its warmth and know that the catalyst of your fire lives on forever in every thought. I treasure your depths of being and strength of indomitable spirit. We all treasure you.

Laura said...

Karen keep your chin up, you are so blessed to have so many wonderful friends praying for you. I do love reading your adventures with your son. We are so blessed to have these beautiful children in our lives who can always make us smile!

Anonymous said...

I am sorry to hear the chemo doesn’t work for you dear, but do not lose hope, it is never too late to hope for a miracle, I sincerely admire you for being such a powerful woman that keeps going on even in such hard times. Take good care of yourself.


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