That’s my Dad when he joined the Navy during World War II at just 17 years of age. I found this tiny little photo of him when I was cleaning out my Mom’s dresser drawer late last year after my Dad passed away in November. The photo itself is just 1″ x 1 1/2″. I had never seen it before and it had probably been hidden in that drawer for the better part of 60 years. He was so young and had such a long, productive life ahead of him yet to live. He left a wonderful legacy of children, grand kids and great grands. Finding this photo was a treasure. Now I keep it in my jewelry box and say “Hi, Pop!” every morning when I put on my jewelry for the day.
As I was growing up, my Dad would often say to me, “Things are looking up, kid,” whenever I was down, or faced with a problem. He looked at the bright side of life and passed on a tremendous work ethic that guides me still. I can hear him in my mind saying that phrase to me today.
And honestly, it is true. Things are looking up.
I want to thank so many of you for checking in on me after my last post here on this blog and to those of you who graciously left encouraging words for me in the comment section. I can’t tell you how much it means to me. Yes, we did have a rough start to 2015. And for about two months we went through some very trying times. As a couple and as a family, we held on tight to our faith and to each other. And we were strengthened through the trial. Now we’re coming into the light and things really are getting better and better with each passing day.
One reason I feel so uplifted is because I had the privilege to travel, teach quilting classes, and present a lecture to the many gracious and lovely members of the state guild of South Carolina this past week. I listened to their stories, their laughter and their chatter and I was lifted up and it felt as if my heart could burst with joy once again! Even though I came home quite tired after the long week, it was that “good” kind of tired. The kind where you feel really at peace; like you truly accomplished everything you wanted to do. Their friendship and southern hospitality, combined with good low country cookin’, restored me. I’m back to my old self once again. What a blessing!
So, just like my Dad used to say, “Things are looking up, kid.” Yes, Pops, you’re right. Indeed they are!
Such is life. Gotta take the good and the bad. You are a tough cookie :). Love,laughter,faith,friends,good recipe to overcome the valleys.
So happy that things are better. Nothing like time away with quilters to lift your spirits! See you soon.
I’m so glad you enjoyed your time in South Carolina. We loved having you here! I took your class in Aiken and had a wonderful time. Thank you!
I am so glad things are looking up for you! I am Cady LeBlsnc’s mother. I don’t know if you remember her but she wrote you a note with a picture of a quilt she had made in one of your Craftsy classes. We just got done working together on the quilt from the Craftsy workshop. We are having such a good time quilting together and just love your classes and patterns! Your note back to Cady has really inspired her to keep on quilting. Thank you so much!
Cady’s letter to me is one that I have kept and it is right here in my drawer next to my computer! I was so touched by her note and have thought of her often. Please tell her I said hello. I am so glad the two of you are quilting together; that makes my heart just sing!
After the dad I had today at school, I really did enjoy your blog. It gave me the boost I needed to face another day. The week after Spring Break is always hard to get back into the routine and that is for both the teachers and students.
I’m so glad to hear you are doing better. The quilting community does a lot of lift my spirits when I’m down as well!
So happy things are “looking up”! I love the picture of your dad, now I know where you get your beautiful smile!
So happy that things are better for you. Sometimes life can look rough but then thank Our Heavenly Father He always shines through for us & knows just what we need to brighten our days again. Since I’m pretty much house bound I enjoy a lot of time quilting & have more patterns I’m wanting to make but know at my age (83) I’ll never live long enough to get them all done. (Isn’t that the way we quilters do). I’m now waiting for your Mystery Quilt #3 to show up on Crafsty so I can sign up for it. God Bless you & your family.
It is so great to hear that things are getting better for you. I’m going to keep you on my prayer list for awhile longer though just to ask for your continued healing and strength of faith. I hope to one day be able to hear one of your lectures or take a class from you. You are truly inspirational. Thank you for your constant smile.
Kimberly, So glad everything is looking up for you. Life is full of ups and downs, but we manage to get through it. I love your classes! Quilting has kept me sane after retiring in 2010. Everyone seems to have their own style, and I like yours very much. I am making the flying geese quilt now, and you inspired me to even try it. Few bumps along the way, but it is for me, so the few imperfections are ok. God Bless you and your family this Easter season. Best Regards, Barbara
Hi, Kimberly. I just found your blog and signed up for it today. Also, I just finished my first Lone Star wall hanging with your helpful Craftsy lesson. I loved it. You have such a gentle, encouraging way of teaching and made the lesson so easy to understand. I’m a retired teacher and appreciate your teaching style.Your love of life and people definitely comes across. You remind me of the women in Proverbs 3:15-18 and Proverbs 31:10-31. May God bless you and your family this Easter.
Hi Faith!
Being called a Proverbs 31 woman is the highest compliment I could ever hope to hear! I want to let my faith shine through in all I do and I pray every single day to be a blessing in the lives of others. If I can do this while sharing my love of quilting, then I have done exactly what God has called me to do! God bless you for leaving such a lovely comment!