Welcome to my blog. I was inspired by the book, "Blogging for Bliss" by Tara Frey.

Welcome to my blog. I was inspired by the book, "Blogging for Bliss" by Tara Frey. My goal is to share a little about my life, and a lot about my longarm quilting business, Lone Tree Designs.

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Charity Begins at Home



  This post is either sort of late, or incredibly early:)  As I was looking through photos on my computer this morning, I saw these, and they reminded me that it is never too early to get a start on charity work for the coming year.  The top picture shows dolls with their bags and clothes that my quilt guild in Central City provided for this year's Christmas of Sharing.  One lady in our guild loves to make doll clothes.  She works year round on outfits, and this year she donated about 50 outfits!  Other ladies donate money to buy the dolls, make bags, and make dolly quilts to go with them.
  The bottom photo shows some of the things that I made in the fall, including a couple of doll quilts for that project, (along with some Christmas gifts for family).  I don't do nearly as much charity work as I would like to because life gets in the way, but I am confident that every small bit counts.
  So, the title  of this blog refers to the fact that while the world at large is a mess, and there are countless opportunities for charity work, we need only look in our own back yards to find people who are hurting and need our help.  Especially during the holidays, we have ample chances to donate to organizations like Toys for Tots, Christmas of Sharing, Project Linus, Quilts of Valor, and countless others.  The question that I have to ask myself is:   "When do I actually start thinking about how I can help?"  Sadly, the answer tends to be in November when I don't have the time to really give it my full attention.
  I have been so inspired by members of my quilting community who take the time, and have the forethought, to really make beautiful donations for these organizations.  Now, there are those that tend to think "more is better" and throw all kinds of things together haphazardly because after all "they are JUST for charity" but, I am talking about those that desire to give of their time, talent, and creativity something truly special.  I love to see beautiful quilts and doll blankets made for unknown recipients who will have the joy of opening something that shows how much the maker cared for them.  This is the time of year to make plans and begin working on those kinds of truly special gifts for those less fortunate than ourselves.  We may not be able to make 20 or 30 to give away this year, but if we each made only 1 or 2 that were constructed well from nice fabrics and were beautiful to both the eye and the soul, wouldn't that be something special?