Before We Were Yours

I read a lot of books, as you probably know if you follow my book lists (left sidebar). And once in a while, a book comes along that has a profound effect on me, that I can truly say is one of the best books I’ve ever read. This is one of those books. 

 Most of the characters are fictional, but unfortunately Georgia Tann and the Tennessee Children’s Home Society were all too real.

"Told with stunning imagery, wonderfully fleshed-out characters, and a story that is spellbinding, heart-wrenching, and uplifting. The story tells of families torn apart by a horrible injustice, and how revealing the secrets of that past can somehow reunite them. The story is told from two points of view, generations apart; Rill, a 12-year-old river gypsy, who endures unspeakable heartbreak and horrors; and Avery, a young woman from an established southern family who unwittingly unearths family secrets that have been buried for decades. The love leaps off the pages of this book, landing directly in my heart...a stunningly beautiful tale of finding our place in the world, finding the people who will love us, finding where we belong, despite the twisty, perilous, heart-aching journey that takes us home,” --Amazon Review

If you, like me, love a really, really, really good book, I recommend this one to you.

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On 08/30/2017, Barbara Anne said ...

I love to read, too, so appreciate this recommendation! Thank you!

Hugs!

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On 08/30/2017, Alison said ...

Will see if I can get hold of this. I recently read Take me with you by catherine Ryan Hyde which I think you will love too. I couldn't put it down.

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On 08/30/2017, Dolores Tanner said ...

Thank you!!! I love and value your recommendations!

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On 08/30/2017, Nicole said ...

I recently finished this book as well Susan, and loved it. It was such a compelling story, and the fact that the organization Tennessee Children's Home Society really existed for so long and had such a devastating impact on families was mind boggling. Lisa Wingate has written some earlier books, and I discovered one on my shelf by her that I am sure I have never read. Tending Roses is the title.

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On 08/30/2017, Jane said ...

I too finished this book recently and could hardly put it down. Definitely on my top 10 favorite books.

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On 08/30/2017, Jane said ...

I finished this book last month and still can't get it out of my head. Excellent writing and compelling story. Its frustrating to try to recommend this book to friends without giving away the plot. Definitely one of the 10 best I've ever read!

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On 09/01/2017, Beverly said ...

Thanks for sharing this, Susan. I will definitely put this in my to be read stack.♥

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On 10/13/2017, Wendy Schwerin said ...

Whenever I look for a "can't-put-it-down" book recommendation, I rely on your list. This one is a winner. Thanks for posting.
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Shoe Shopping

How’s a girl supposed to put her best foot forward when today’s market seems to be devoid of shoes that are both comfortable and pretty. In trying to find some new footwear, especially dress shoes, I have come upon some of the most hideous examples I could imagine. Some don't even look possible, but I guess they are. I’ve even seen women wearing some of these torture devices. Here are just a few I’ve found.

Pretty Awful in Pink

 I think not!

 

Shoe or weapon?

Is this even possible?

 

Some reptile gave its life for these. Let it sink in.

The broken-hip model

My granny had some of these back in the 40s, I think.

Ho ho ho!

I think I’ll start checking out the yard sale and see if I can find some dress shoes from the 80s and 90s.

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On 08/26/2017, Anita Edmonds said ...

And we won't even go into trying to find a comfortable and not-ugly pair of sandals. I gave up; my Birks hurt the top of my bad foot, so I just wear lace-up Keens or sneakers everywhere except church, and for that I have a pair of Keen Mary Janes. Anything that requires more than that, I just play the 'old, cranky and infirm' card and refuse to go.

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On 08/26/2017, Barbara Anne said ...

OUCH! Let's talk about the hip and back problems these shoes cause, not to mention actual injuries that occur when someone falls off of their platform shoes. All true, from my yeasrs in the ER!

I'm sticking with my Birkies.

Hugs!

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On 08/27/2017, Bonnie said ...

Try schulershoes.com
They are local to Mpls/St. Paul, but you could order online. Not inexpensive, but very well made and it is the only place I go for shoes.

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On 08/29/2017, Dolores Tanner said ...

Ho!!! One of my favorite things to do is go to the sales racks and try on weird shoes , then take pictures of my feet with them on, shoes I would NEVER be able to wear for any length of time, makes me happy and I don't have to own them.... (oh, no, don't tell me that is weird??!!)

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On 09/01/2017, Beverly said ...

The shoes so popular now just boggle my mind. I stick with my good old Merrellss.

This would be great for Pink Saturday this weekend.
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Stars Complete

All my border stars are done, all forty of them. And i have the bottom right corner of the quilt put together. Instead of sewing long star borders and joining them to the top, I’m sewing the border stars to the Ribbon stars they adjoin.

Thinking of and praying for all in the path of Hurricane Harvey.

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On 08/25/2017, Debbie Price said ...

It is going to be lovely!

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On 08/25/2017, Barbara Anne said ...

Applause!!

Yes, wishing all in the hurricance's path well.

Hugs!
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Return to the Sewing Room

This is how you can tell when Skipper is catching some serious Zs. Head covered to block out the light. At night, he sleeps in my bed, completely under the covers. But for napping, just the head has to be covered.

It has been almost two weeks since I've done any sewing. Life gets in the way sometimes, time flies, and before I know it, I've having sewing withdrawals. So today, while Anna cleaned house, Skipper, Taco and I spent our time in the sewing room. As you can see, Skipper spent most of his time in serious napping. Taco watched as I got lots of border blocks made for "Star Spangled Summer." Five more, and I'll be ready to put the whole thing together.

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On 08/23/2017, Barbara Anne said ...

Too Cute, Taco!

Well done on you star border for Star Spangled Summer!

I'm making a bazillion purple HSTs for a quilt called Black Opal from a boot titled "Spectacular Scraps" bt Judy Hooworth and Margaret Rolfe. Yes, it's all HSTs and I need my head examined! :)

Hugs!!

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On 08/24/2017, Patty McDonald said ...

I love to see pics of Skipper and hear about his antics. He hasn't made any trips to China lately. That's a good thing. You accomplish so much in sewing. It's hard to believe you haven't been sewing for a couple of weeks. Enjoy your time sewing and with the fur kids.
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Moon Shadow, Moon Shadow

I’m told we reached 94% totality here, but it was never close to dark. The light did get very soft and muted. Beautiful. I looked for the crescent shadows that I saw during the last eclipse back in the 80s, but I never saw any. I guess I just didn’t have the right trees to make shadows. Lots of people near me got pics of them. The photo at top was taken by sister Ramey. 

It was fun and exciting and nice to have CNN reporting on something besides the fall of our country. But now it’s over, and the disastrous news is back to abnormal. If you had no eclipse (partial or total) at your house, better luck next time. There’ll be another one in 2024.

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On 08/21/2017, Dolores Tanner said ...

We did, we did... am 20 miles south of Madras Oregon, had 43 secs of totality, really DID get dark and even colder... was pretty weird/strange, but one of the coolest experiences I have had.. kind of makes me want to travel about the world to go too other ones, hither and yon :)

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On 08/21/2017, Barbara Anne said ...

We got to about 90% and the light softened as did the shadows, but that was about it. Still, it was magical and the cats took note and were eager to be indoors.

Hugs!

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On 08/22/2017, Sue, a Florida Farm Girl said ...

We had just at 2 minutes of totality and it was awesome. Crescent shadows, 360 degree sunset effect, temp drop, crisp shadows, diamond effect. Wish everybody could have had the experience.
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Looking for Sylacauga

It seems sister Ramey and I can’t go anyplace without making at least one wrong turn--or at least not taking the right turn. Yesterday, Ramey had to go to Sylacauga, a town about 40 miles south of here. I decided to go with her; actually I drove--probably our first mistake.

Of course, we talk while we travel. We talk about lots of things. As I recall, yesterday we talked about everything from Donald Trump to childhood fear of bridges and lots of stuff in between.

I actually don’t recall what we were talking about when we missed our turn. But when we realized we had missed it, we were well on our way to Columbus, Georgia. 

We did finally get on the right track and Ramey was able to take care of the task she went for. By that time, we were starving. Which led us to the best part of the trip. Pizza and Pint.

Pizza and Pint, Sylacauga, Alabama: Highly recommended by the Ramey Sisters (at least two of them)

We had what I can only describe as the best pizza I’ve ever had. We ordered one Mediterranean pizza to share. It was topped with sun dried tomatoes, artichokes, olives, feta cheese, red sauce, and maybe some other things. It was all good.

Our Mediterranean Pizza looked a lot like this.

We finished that one and ordered one of their wonderful dessert pizzas. Ours had peaches and creme cheese and I don’t know what all. It was wonderful, but we could not finish that one. Ramey took the leftover peach pizza home. I’m sure it’s gone by now.

Peach Pizza

We didn’t order pints, since I was driving and Ramey was navigating. But had we chosen to imbibe, we would have had our choice among many excellent craft beers--not just your everyday Budweiser and such. Next time, maybe.

All in all, in spite of missing our turn, it was a good experience. I had to stop by the grocery store after dropping Ramey off, and I had to zig and zig all over Leeds to get to her house, the grocery store, and back home, due to road construction. And by the time I got home, I was practically dead. Well, that’s it felt like. I put up most of the groceries, did a few things that just had to be done, then went to bed at about 7:00. I don’t think I’ve ever gone to bed that early. I feel better today, and I'm thinking about the next time we go back to Sylacauga and having another Pizza and Pint experience.

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On 08/17/2017, Barbara Anne said ...

Road trip AND most excellent food - plus putting-the-world-to rights conversation! Most excellent!

We call all wrong turns and missed turns "driving adventures". Works for us!

Hugs!

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On 08/17/2017, Patty McDonald said ...

What a fun trip to get lost in conversation and forget your turn. That has happened with my husband and me. It's a trip we've made many times and know the road in our sleep. Deep in discussion we got turned around and went 30 miles out of our way. In our defense, it was late in the evening and all freeways look alike after dark. We still laugh about it but I'm sure our grown kids think we are getting senile. Sounds like you and Ramey had the perfect day.

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On 08/17/2017, LaVoice said ...

Sometimes missing a turn can be a good thing. Glad yours turned out so well. I goof all the time driving but try to keep it to myself.

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On 08/18/2017, Deb said ...

Oh Susan,my husband and I quite regularly take wrong turns and end up somewhere "new" because we are too busy chatting. We have had to learn to be quiet if we have to get somewhere on time, lol
I must admit your pizzas looked delicious and well worth the wrong turn. Now you will know somewhere to go for pizza that you didn't of before.
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More Cat Commentary

On Saturday (at least, I think it was Saturday), I bought several fat quarters, thinking to make the stars in the "Kris's Kats" quilt multicolored--pink ones, yellow ones, purple ones, etc. After getting them home and studying on them a while, I've decided that would look too juvenile. And Kris is not a juvenile, she's a full-grown adult. So back to the drawing board, I guess.

I do like the yellow very much though. I might try to get enough of it to do all the stars, and I might not. I might do shades of yellow. Or I might do shades of something else. I just don't know.

I did find a sweet cat fat to add to my collection, however.

So now, while I think about cat quilt stars, I think I'll get back to "Star Spangled Summer" and try to finish up my border stars this week. I think I have 16 to go.

Cat Sample

This is the block I'm going to use for "Kris's Kats" quilt. But I am definitely not going to use that yellow fabric. In going through my stash, I found it and decided it would be a  great color to make all the stars. But I think it's maybe polyester and, at least, a blend. The texture is awful, it's difficult to sew, and it hates my hot cotton-setting iron. So back to the drawing board on the yellow fabric.

If for any reason, you'd like to have directions for this 15-inch block, you can find it at Moda Bakeshop, here.

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On 08/12/2017, Barbara Anne said ...

Cute fabrics and love the block you've chosen. Too bad about the yellow fabric's fiber content. Not so long ago I purged all of the polyester and such from my stash. Oh, also the old new quilter cheap fabrics when I didn't know better.

Have fun finding a better yellow fabric!

Hugs!

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On 08/12/2017, Margaret said ...

How about a royal blue star? (I think kitties are color blind, so the recipient cat won't know the difference. And, hey, you're an artist, so you can do whatever you like!)
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Border Progress

Eighteen more border star blocks to go, and then I can put the whole thing together.

I'm thinking I'll start Kris's cat quilt after I finish this. Andy's cat quilt is a snowball pattern, but I think I'm going to do the hidden star design for Kris's--something like this charity quilt I make a few years ago. Maybe not so many stars.

But for right now, I have to take myself to the kitchen and start supper. Chicken and rice tonight.

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On 08/10/2017, Barbara Anne said ...

Looking good!! Love the star border and the idea for the cat quilt, too! You're cooking on all cylinders in the idea department!

Did you get my email?

Hugs!
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Bucket O' Cats

This is Prissy (aka, Butterfly McQueen), one of Andy's cats relaxing on Andy's cat quilt that I made for her years ago.

An old true friend of mine (well, actually, the daughter of an older true friend of mine), Kris, saw my daughter Andy's cat quilt and now she wants one. And guess who promised to make her one. Between laundry, cooking, and resting up between laundry and cooking, I barely have any time in the sewing room any more. I have forty-leven quilts started and more in the planning stages. But for some reason, I saw fit to take on another one--the reason being that I love Kris and want to make her a cat quilt.

I did find my bucket of cat prints. I have plenty. I could make lots and lots of cat quilts with my cat stash. But right now, I'm just hoping to get the one made.

Lots and lots and lots and lots of cat prints

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On 08/07/2017, Barbara Anne said ...

What a cute photo of Priaay and doesn't she look comfy?!

Wishing you well on your newest project!

Hugs!

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On 08/10/2017, Dee Winter said ...

I am so in tune with this post. I am a cat fabric collector, and my best friend is an enabler. She buys any she runs across. I made a couple of block of the month mystery quilts and used cat fabrics for my "plan". Have fun.
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With Apologies to Monsieur Toceau

When I told Taco that I had figured out what the awful smell in my sewing room was, I demanded that he show me just where he had answered Nature’s call. Taco looked at me with that Clint Eastwood glare of his and said, “Smell of your dog.” 

Oh Lordy! Taco was right. That overwhelming stench was emanating from Skipper, who had been lying at my feet all the time I had been in the sewing room. Apparently the dog had rolled in something unseemly in the back yard. I have cleaned him with his waterless shampoo and sprayed him down with doggie deodorant. He’s better, but he could use a water bath, which I will have to take him to the groomer to get. 

Again, Taco, I’m sorry for accusing you. I should have known you would never defile my sewing room, knowing how much I love it.

***

This is what I was talking about in reference to putting the border Friendship Stars only on the corners of the border. Maybe all four corners, or maybe just in two opposite diagonal corners. But I have just about decided to do the entire border with the little (6”) stars blocks. I really like them, and they’re fun and easy to make. If Skipper would allow me more time in the sewing room, I could get them all done in a couple of days. I need 35 more to do the entire border.

I bought a cheap pillow at Wal-Mart and used one of my thrift store pillow cases to make Skipper a bed for the sewing room so he could relax and leave me alone. He hopped on his bed, turned around a few time, jumped off and started barking at me to make me go with him downstairs. There is something about the second floor of my house that Skipper does not like. Maybe I have a second floor ghost. Who knows? 

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On 08/02/2017, Sheryl Colle said ...

It was just yesterday that our rat terrier, Annie, did the exact same thing - found something stinky in the backyard and rolled in it. I saw it on her as soon as she came in the back door. She got in it GOOD! Or BAD, as this was the case. It was dried on her shoulder, her neck, and on her head behind her ear. And there was no budging it with a wet towel!! This was going to require a full fledged bath!! And that is just exactly what she got. She is not at all fond of baths. Rat terriers seldom need baths because they clean themselves like cats. But there was no getting out of this one. I wonder what causes animals to roll in stinky stuff????? With such sensitive noses, you would think they would steer clear of messes like that! Boggles my mind!

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On 08/05/2017, Julia said ...

And my wire fox terrier too, must be the season for it! Has Taco forgiven you yet?

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On 08/05/2017, Dolores Tanner said ...

Poor, sweet Taco.... bad Skipper.....
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Days of Wine and Chaos

Well, more chaos than wine actually. The past week has been full of responsibility and driving here and there and taking care of family stuff and doing favors and I don't know what all. The most startling thing that happened (and the weirdest) is that my daughter Andy cut her thumb, a deep gash across the knuckle, with a butter knife and had to have surgery on Friday to repair the tendon. She was trying to open a paint can with the butter knife. In fairness to Andy, the butter knife had a serrated blade. The surgery went well. Andy is healing nicely, but encumbered by a big cast on her left hand and arm, which she has to wear for five weeks.

Andy's hand and arm

I've had no time to spend in the sewing room and I have missed it and needed it. I vowed this morning that I would sew at least a stitch or two today. That was before workmen and servicemen started calling and making appointments to come by. But I think I can still get in a few stitches. I'm getting a late start due to laundry and some other chores that need tending downstairs. But now I'm in the sewing room. The fan is on and the iron is heating, and I'm ready to roll.

Before all the madness commenced, I did get a couple of Friendship Star blocks created for the Star Spangled Summer border. I'm ruminating over whether to do the entire border from these blocks or only use them for the corners (maybe four in each corner) and making the rest of the border solid. They're really quick, easy, and fun to make, and I still have lots of the patriotic fabric. So we'll see.

Tomorrow I'll tell you what the next planned quilt is, thanks to Jesse.

Happy August everyone. Only two more months till my favorite time of all--October and Autumn.

 

WHAT IS THAT SMELL?

I have been bothered by some kind of strange odor ever since I sat down to make this post. I just realized what it is. Somebody has peed in my sewing room! And I know it was Taco! He has a habit of occasionally making random pees in various places about the house. I usually keep my sewing room door closed when I'm not in here. But apparently I left it open at some time long enough to allow Mr. Taco to do his thing. So now I guess sewing is out. I have to look for the pee. DANG!

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On 08/01/2017, Patty McDonald said ...

So sorry your daughter cut her thumb. She must have been using a lot of force opening that paint can.
We've had many cats but only one that, after 5 years, decided he no longer wanted to use the litter box. We took him to the vet and tried different meds. Nothing worked. He went where he pleased. We ended up putting him to sleep( no one else would have him). Hope you have better luck with Taco.

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On 08/01/2017, Barbara Anne said ...

Oh, poor Andy and having a cast on at this too hot time of year is the pits! I use a Stanley (flat blade) screwdriver to open paint cans as they have no actual blade.

Sorry about the pee smell! Hope you fiund it.

Hugs!
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