tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21411752225650097892024-03-13T05:16:39.708+01:00Life and everything around itHeleen Groothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07713665613409062238noreply@blogger.comBlogger114125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141175222565009789.post-58137431033893604342015-04-12T17:27:00.001+02:002015-04-12T17:30:24.128+02:00Plastic bag challenge<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ErTGUEIf-lI/VSqO0-qQ6KI/AAAAAAAAA30/37xODtuhqqw/s1600/plastic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ErTGUEIf-lI/VSqO0-qQ6KI/AAAAAAAAA30/37xODtuhqqw/s1600/plastic.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I know. It's a <i>thing</i>. Started by Greenpeace. A great initiative. Easy peasy. Read all about it <a href="http://jouwmeterzee.nl/">here</a><br />
<br />
<b>Just do not use plastic bags for a month.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
All right. Done. I separate my garbage (and have done for years).<br />
There is the green container for all vegetable peelings, trimmings from the garden, coffee filters, apple cores, tea bags....you get the drift.<br />
We have the plastic hero bags for - well duuuuh - plastic.<br />
Glass goes to the glass containers.<br />
Paper is picked up by a local football club.<br />
<br />
<b>I am good at this. </b><br />
<b>Right?</b><br />
<b>Right?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Eeeeeeeeeeemmmm. NO.<br />
Turns out. I know nothing. Because if I did, I would not still be buying my fruit and veg in plastic bags. And - more often then not - the veg in question sealed in its own plastic wrapper.<br />
<br />
Now, to be fair. I get a lot of use out of those little clear plastic bags. I re-use them as garbage bags. And hang them around my whole house. Tsssssssss!<br />
<br />
Bread comes in a plastic bag.<br />
<br />
Again to be fair. My dad uses the bread bags to pick up after the dogs on their walk. So re-use here too.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My favourite yoghurt comes in a plastic pot. I need two a week.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My cottage cheese. In plastic containers. Also two a week.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The loose veg has to be weighed. In a plastic bag.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The loose fruit has to be weighed. In a plastic bag.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My granola comes in a paper box. Inside the box is a plastic bag. For freshness.....</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Milk - I use the little cartons, so easy to portion..... - tightly wrapped in plastic.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
All the stuff I use in the shower and just after. Plastic bottles, pots and packaging.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Tissues come in a plastic packet.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Toilet paper comes in plastic.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Washing detergent. In plastic.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Fabric softener. Plastic.</div>
<br />
<br />
<b>AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!</b><br />
<br />
That is not even the worst of it. No. I have a cat. The cat has a litter box. I clean that litter box everyday. And use a plastic bag to dispose her you know what! I even buy plastic sandwich bags just for that purpose.<br />
<br />
<br />
I have to confess. I am a complete and utter criminal plastic user. I use loads and loads of the stuff. Every day. I am not at all environmentally friendly. Not even close.<br />
<br />
So this is a real challenge. Follow along for the ride. And if you have any tips going. Please let me know.<br />
<br />
I need all the help I can get!<br />
<br />
Heleen<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Heleen Groothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07713665613409062238noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141175222565009789.post-73028564666537723022015-03-22T08:33:00.002+01:002015-03-22T08:33:29.316+01:00An ending<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It seems these days, I only blog with bad news. I received a phone call yesterday. On the first day of spring of all days. I told you about Buba <a href="http://lifeandeverythingaroundit.blogspot.nl/">here</a>. Everything I feared has come true.<br />
<br />
On March 21st, Buba has died.<br />
<br />
He deserved so much better and so much more. His gentle soul will be missed.<br />
<br />
His uncle called Marie (the manager). He did not know what had happened. "Buba just died" is what he said. It is so sad. This is the really hard bit. After trying to save him, alerting the proper authorities, obeying the laws of the country, asking for help. All in vain. All lost.<br />
<br />
I can only hope now that he is in a better place. Where he cannot be hurt any more. Where he will be safe and loved for eternity. </div>
Heleen Groothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07713665613409062238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141175222565009789.post-66081619889418599022014-11-30T18:36:00.002+01:002014-11-30T18:36:23.487+01:00Buba<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1jOSkPurwM/VHtVMfzuEuI/AAAAAAAAA2E/H-nBywPPT2Q/s1600/IMG_0843%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1jOSkPurwM/VHtVMfzuEuI/AAAAAAAAA2E/H-nBywPPT2Q/s1600/IMG_0843%5B1%5D.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Buba is the sweetest, most loving child you will ever
meet. Marie says that he is a true innocent in this world. He does not know how
to hurt someone. There is only good in him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Buba lives with his grandmother, his uncle and his
wife and their children. Far away in Bessumbala. We are taking him home, so we
can talk to his family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Things are not going well at this house. Buba is not
getting enough to eat. We have had to take him to hospital for malnutrition
after the last holiday. It is obvious. Nobody is taking care of him. He is
being neglected. Severely. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We stop to talk to visit <a href="http://lifeandeverythingaroundit.blogspot.nl/2014/11/isatou.html">Isatou</a> first.
They know Buba here too. They know how gentle he is. They also know how badly
he is being treated. Isatou’s mother, in all her pain and misery, stops us
before we leave. She brings a plate of food for Buba, to eat in the car. So he
at least has a full belly before going home. This gesture almost reduced me to
tears. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Buba eats. He sighs with the pure pleasure of the food.
He holds Marie’s hand from time to time. Points at the plate, shows her the
spoon. Does she see this plate full of food. Yes, she says. All for you. Enjoy.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">When we get closer to his house, he becomes more and
more agitated. He clicks his teeth continuously. He tries to get up and leave
the car. Marie lets him sit down again and strokes his head. It is
heartbreaking. If we could take him back to Second Home, we would do so in an
instant. Unfortunately, that would be against the law. And impossible for us as
well. We simply don’t have the means to offer full residential care.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">When we pick up Buba’s uncle, Buba cringes and moves
closer to Marie. We drive the short distance to their house. Greet the
grandmother. Sit down and begin the slow process of getting to the point. He
has a difficult life. His business is failing. There are lots of people to
feed. We should give him money. Fix his motor bike. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We explain that we are there to help Buba. We talk
about the fact that we need him to take Buba to the bus stop on Monday and
collect him there on Friday. The bus stop is 50 yards away from the uncle’s
shop. And maybe a mile away from his home. This proves tricky. The uncle rides
his bicycle to work and as we can see, there is no way he can take Buba on the
bicycle. Now, if we arranged for his motorcycle to be fixed……… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This is the way the conversation ebbs and flows on and
on. We should buy him a taxi, so he can have a new business and then we can pay
him to take Buba to the bus stop. Or better yet. All the way to Senegambia. His
grandmother is old, she cannot take care of Buba anymore. His wife has to visit
people and cannot take care of Buba. To keep Buba safe, so he doesn’t wander
off, he is forced to lock Buba in a room. It is after all in the child’s best
interest. If we pay him, he is willing to feed Buba in the weekends. When we
propose he gives Buba up completely, he is highly offended. Buba is his. We
cannot take him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It is highly frustrating and very painful. Especially
after having seen Isatou and her family earlier.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We put the uncle on notice. We tell him he is being
watched. That we will make sure that this situation is resolved. And we offer
him solutions. All so Buba will be safe and happy. We are even willing to be
nice to the uncle, hard as it is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">He is going to think about the options given to him.
He will get back to us. We will wait for his decision. And we will watch him.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OtAs2kxebZQ/VHtVLwS5l9I/AAAAAAAAA2A/zVufhk6raxQ/s1600/IMG_0836%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OtAs2kxebZQ/VHtVLwS5l9I/AAAAAAAAA2A/zVufhk6raxQ/s1600/IMG_0836%5B1%5D.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Heleen Groothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07713665613409062238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141175222565009789.post-57131303803514757922014-11-25T16:53:00.001+01:002014-11-25T16:53:21.890+01:00Isatou<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W3UG_qzRtl0/VHSlYmTgoqI/AAAAAAAAA1A/YVhYLY8GUHA/s1600/2013AM3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W3UG_qzRtl0/VHSlYmTgoqI/AAAAAAAAA1A/YVhYLY8GUHA/s1600/2013AM3.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We went to see Isatou. In her home in Tanji. We knew
this would be a difficult visit. Isatou is getting worse. So much so, that she
can no longer come to Second Home. She is now unable to eat by herself. Her
mother puts the food in her mouth and then moves her jaw up and down to get
Isatou to swallow the food. Her limbs are stiff and have formed weird angles.
She lies on the bed. Her mother waves a piece of cloth around to keep the flies
from landing on this precious child. She moves her eyes to say yes or no. And
she smiles. Still, she smiles the most beautiful smile you will ever see.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We enter the house. Greet the mother, the grandmother
and the great grandmother. Four generations of women in this small room. There
is so much tension and pain in this room. In the middle of it all lies Isatou.
She had her mother put on her most beautiful clothes, put on makeup and
jewelry. Braid her hair. Visitors were coming. She smiles at us as we enter. We
touch her, stroke her head, talk to her. Tell her how happy we are to see her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We hand over the diapers that have been gifted to us,
for Isatou. Tell Isatou’s mother Monday that these diapers where sent by Anke
and Marte. She nods. It is clear that she has things to discuss. She has her
bristles up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">She starts speaking to Marie, in Mandinka. I can’t
understand a word of it, but it is easy to realize what she is saying. She
points at us. Those people. We should give her more, we should make sure that
she can buy food and soap and send someone to help her take care of Isatou in
the night. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">All I can see is her desperation. Her pain. It is as
if her whole body is crying out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Please. My child. Help her. Heal her. Please, please,
please. Anyone. Do something.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We let her talk. We listen. And then we explain that
we are doing what we can. We cannot do more. We cannot heal her. Nothing can be
done. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">She knows this of course, she knows. And she cries. So
we hold her. And try to put all our compassion and all our love in that hug, because
that is all we can do for this mother, this grandmother and this great
grandmother. And for that beautiful girl that was supposed to be the future. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8lp4QcdrY8k/VHSlYr6fKYI/AAAAAAAAA1E/9FhGzZ-xtwQ/s1600/2013AM9%2BKALIDOE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8lp4QcdrY8k/VHSlYr6fKYI/AAAAAAAAA1E/9FhGzZ-xtwQ/s1600/2013AM9%2BKALIDOE.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
Heleen Groothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07713665613409062238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141175222565009789.post-30195494832732797452014-11-23T10:41:00.001+01:002014-11-23T10:41:36.717+01:00The chicken with a choice<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ts1.mm.bing.net/th?&id=HN.608019824474326222&w=300&h=300&c=0&pid=1.9&rs=0&p=0" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ts1.mm.bing.net/th?&id=HN.608019824474326222&w=300&h=300&c=0&pid=1.9&rs=0&p=0" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">One of the first things I saw, while visiting the Second Home lodge, was this
scrawny little chicken roaming the place. Very confidently. It seemed at home
there. Not afraid of the children, not afraid of the staff. Just very, very
comfortable. Our manager Marie had this little chicks eye, wherever she went. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">After laughing over this chicken catching flies (like
a dog chasing its tail) and ants (nearly breaking its beak on the pavement) and
sleeping on a self appointed bed (the handle bars of a wheelchair) for a couple
of days, I asked Marie about this special chicken. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">She happily shared the story. While picking up the
brothers Ibrahim and Bakary at their home for the first time, their father gave
Marie a chicken, as a thank you for the help Marie was offering him. Now this in
itself is a very unusual thing and a reason for celebration. He was the first
one of the parents to give us anything. <i>Ever</i>. He still gives Marie things for
the home or the other children. Every single time the boys are picked up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">He told Marie the chicken was full of eggs. And surely
enough. The chicken laid a large clutch of eggs at Second Home. They all
hatched!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The little chicks and their mother where transported
to a neighbours’ henhouse, to keep them safe. The children collect the eggs
there each morning. Most of the chickens found the henhouse delightful and are
very happy there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><i>Except one little chicken.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The morning after Marie brought the new chicks to the neighbors’
place, there it was. Outside of the
door. Waiting for Marie. So, she fed the chicken some left over rice and took
it back to the neighbours’ henhouse. The next day the chicken was waiting for
her at the door again. She smiled and took the chicken back again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This went on for four days. At which point, Marie gave
in. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The little chicken is now very happily living at the
lodge. Every morning Marie and the chicken have a conversation as the chicken
has breakfast. The chicken is watching over Marie and Marie is watching over
the chicken. It is part of the family now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>This chicken got to choose</b></span></span></div>
Heleen Groothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07713665613409062238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141175222565009789.post-9886245352348869322014-08-30T09:26:00.002+02:002014-08-30T09:26:44.939+02:00What would I say?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Late yesterday evening. Well, it was actually really early today. Anyway, I read <a href="http://www.deblogacademie.nl/verbeter-de-wereld-in-een-zin/">this blog</a>. Written by one of my very favourite bloggers out there. I read her blog every week.<br />
<br />
In this one, however, she asked a question that had me pondering all night. Sign of some really good writing, right there. What would you want on your tombstone? One last chance to change the world in a sentence.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Good question!</span><br />
<br />
So, I thought about it. Reading her blog and her reasons for stating her epitaph (you have to read her blog for yourself to find out, I don't want to spoil it for you) over and over again.<br />
<br />
My initial reaction? I don't want to be buried. So, no grave and no stone. No. I want to be turned to ashes and then given to the wind. So I can tap people on the shoulder as a little flake of ash. Maybe share a bit of their lives. Driven by the wind I will be going places. That is what I want.<br /><br />
But.<br />
<br />
There is something like last words. A legacy. So the question remains.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What would I say to change the world?</span><br />
<br />
Would I want something funny? Something like that guy from Disney? His stone reads:<br />
"<i>That's all folks" . </i><br />
Something that brings a smile to faces?<br />
But what? Something like:<br />
<i>"Still quilting"</i><br />
Somehow, it doesn't feel right. It doesn't feel like a good use of those last words.<br />
Something to sum up my life.....Well, that would still be the Still Quilting one.<br />
No. A lesson than, for the future. Lessons learned in a (hopefully) long and wonderful life. Imagine?<br />
<br />
And still, the question remains.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What would I say to change the world?</span><br />
<br />
Something I believe in whole heartedly. Well, it is my legacy. So it would have to be right? But what?<br />
<i>People are essentially good.</i><br />
<i>You can be anything you want to be.</i><br />
No. that would be an opening for a discussion. Which is fine in daily life, like Twitter.... Not as an epitaph.<br />
<br />
The more I thought about it, the more it became clear to me that I already know what I want it to read. What I want people to know. The only thing that I can do for myself and wish upon others.<br />
<br />
So are you ready?<br />
<br />
Here it is:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Live lovingly!</span><br />
<br />
If you live lovingly, it would be impossible to hate. It would be impossible to harm others. It would be the most normal thing in the world to help each other. To welcome the refugees. To tend the sick. To help the poor.<br />
<br />
Now wouldn't that be an amazing legacy?<br />
<br />
<br />
Lots of love,<br />
Heleen<br />
<i><br /></i></div>
Heleen Groothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07713665613409062238noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141175222565009789.post-32202893285159948632014-05-14T10:25:00.002+02:002014-05-14T10:25:40.611+02:00And then what?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As of this Sunday it is now six months after the first stroke. Yes. That is right. I had a second one exactly three weeks later. Again on a Sunday. This time I went to hospital with an ambulance wailing loudly and flashing its lights. The procedure in the hospital was basically the same.<br />
<br />
The first one shook me up badly. The second one scared the @#$% out of me.<br />
<i>Literally.</i><br />
The fear was so overwhelming that I could not move for weeks.<br />
<br />
I was convinced that I would have another one, and then another one. Sundays were particularly scary. I was shaking uncontrollably over my entire body. So my family doctor gave me some tablets to calm down. Turns out, the shaking was a side effect of the medication I was given to lower my cholesterol. Funny that. I stopped taking them (on orders of a cardiologist) and a few days later I felt a lot better!<br />
<br />
After the three weeks point had been met, I started to get a bit less scared. There where still a lot of tests to be done and doctors to see. So that was my start to the new year. Tests and hospital visits. They confirmed that I did have two strokes. Both had caused brain damage. As to the reason I had the strokes:<br />
<br />
<b>Nothing was found. </b><br />
<br />
I will say that again.<br />
<br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Nothing was found.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
You would think that that is good news. And it is, obviously. But think about it. It happened out of the blue. <i>Without any reason</i>. So what would stop it happening again?<br />
<br />
This is what it did to me. It made me fearful.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
There were other things of course. My mouth was damaged, so I was biting my lip, cheek and tongue constantly. That got infected (since I didn't feel it, and did not pay attention to it). And the slurring of course. That too. And some difficulty swallowing. All that was corrected with speech therapy. Which is a lot more fun then you would think!<br />
<br />
My arm was weaker. No feeling (but able to move, very important that) in my hand. That means I had to be careful with hot water and knives..... It is getting better.<br />
<br />
My behaviour had completely changed. I became mean. Really mean. And I was combative. Fighting with everyone. That was one of the nice effects of the brain damage. Luckily, that has now gone. Completely. Well. I do have some sharper edges. But that is not a bad thing, most of the time.<br />
<br />
I am still not smoking.<br />
<br />
<i>So. What did I do all that time? </i><br />
I quilted. What else would I be doing? I sat, and I quilted. It was good therapy for my hand too. Bonus!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aYzTvuNTsLw/U3MmPEbbVlI/AAAAAAAAAxg/V5hZp_UC0KY/s1600/DSCN0252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aYzTvuNTsLw/U3MmPEbbVlI/AAAAAAAAAxg/V5hZp_UC0KY/s1600/DSCN0252.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So you can see the size. And the things I made people do for me! My poor dad and my neighbour......</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0aJJdZ2alyE/U3MmadKO8SI/AAAAAAAAAxw/Td1eXILHy_o/s1600/DSCN0253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0aJJdZ2alyE/U3MmadKO8SI/AAAAAAAAAxw/Td1eXILHy_o/s1600/DSCN0253.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
.<br />
<br />
In the hospital the second time, I started to put together the top for my mystery quilt. It doubled as a great big handkerchief. Soaking up all the tears nicely. Turns out, quilting helps with anxiety as well. I managed to put together the entire (2,50 x 2,50 meters) top in just six days. Yay for panic. I hand quilted it in six weeks. And now I sleep under it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_tNofffrs_Y/U3MiteTsKHI/AAAAAAAAAw8/OmfTiHC-uFk/s1600/IMG_0212%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_tNofffrs_Y/U3MiteTsKHI/AAAAAAAAAw8/OmfTiHC-uFk/s1600/IMG_0212%5B1%5D.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My cat likes helping me with hemming the binding.....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0yCoE5kEhwI/U3Mi5HzuD3I/AAAAAAAAAxE/-euSRgD69dQ/s1600/IMG_0218%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0yCoE5kEhwI/U3Mi5HzuD3I/AAAAAAAAAxE/-euSRgD69dQ/s1600/IMG_0218%5B1%5D.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is hard to get a good picture of such a large quilt!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IMBMoUNccZ0/U3MjAr2XmII/AAAAAAAAAxM/jDFCB9hqg1E/s1600/IMG_0134%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IMBMoUNccZ0/U3MjAr2XmII/AAAAAAAAAxM/jDFCB9hqg1E/s1600/IMG_0134%5B1%5D.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I had loads of projects in between. A quilt for my other nephew, the new mystery, gifts (to make up for my behaviour). I will share all in the next weeks. I promise.<br />
<br />
Till then.<br />
Lots of love,<br />
Heleen<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Heleen Groothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07713665613409062238noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141175222565009789.post-1798587753147154922013-11-15T15:52:00.002+01:002013-11-15T15:52:59.409+01:00You had a what?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="postbody" style="background-color: #f7f7f7; border: 0px; clear: both; color: #555555; float: left; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.48em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 533.515625px;">
<div class="content" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; min-height: 3em; outline: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />I was supposed to go on a quilty retreat with my sister. Unfortunately, it turned out a little different. I had been feeling bad, since the day before. But I was not going to cancel our trip. Not bloody likely. </div>
<div class="content" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; min-height: 3em; outline: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.4em;">My sister came to pick me up, looked at me and said. I am not taking you anywhere. The corner of your mouth is drooping down and you have a slurr in your speech.</span></div>
<div class="content" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; min-height: 3em; outline: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-style: inherit;"><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />So we called the doctor. He wanted to see me immediately. I still was oblivious of what was happening. My doctor thought "</span><i>it would be a good idea for a neurologist to take a look". </i>Also fine. Then we could get in the car and start our journey right after that.<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="font-style: inherit;">We didn't have to wait in the hospital. A doctor was waiting for us at the door and I was shoved onto a bed. With astonishing speed a load of tests were done. CT scan, blood tests, can you touch this, do you feel that.....</span><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="font-style: inherit;">I had to stay. Just for the night. I send a whatsapp to my family, stating that the reason they were keeping me was purely to prevent any claims for damages in the future. </span><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="font-style: inherit;">They kept me on the stroke unit the entire night. A calm space. Lots of white. A place where you don't really know that time is still passing. A place where they could keep a close eye on me. Wires, sticky patches, things going beep and pling, blowing themselves up and deflating again. In the course of the night, some of the controls where reduced. All that noise did mean I could not follow their well meant advice (</span><i>Get some rest)</i>.<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="font-style: inherit;">In the morning, several people appeared at my bedside. The bed I was still nog allowed to leave.</span><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="font-style: inherit;">I was still convinced that nothing serious was going on. They probably needed the beds filled and I was going home that day.</span><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="font-style: inherit;">Then the neurologist came by. This was high, that was too low, the next thing not completely right and my mouth was still drooping down. She looked at me and very calmly and clearly told me: </span></div>
<div class="content" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; min-height: 3em; outline: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-style: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="content" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; min-height: 3em; outline: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i>You have suffered a stroke. That is why your mouth is drooping and you have trouble speaking. </i></div>
<div class="content" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; min-height: 3em; outline: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /></i><span style="font-style: inherit;">I couldn't speak for a moment. This was not what I was expecting at all. I was not allowed to go home. I was going to have to be monitored. Perhaps tomorrow.</span><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="font-style: inherit;">My parents came to see me. Tears started to flow. I could not explain why or why I could not stop. I just wept. For a long time. And then I felt better.</span><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="font-style: inherit;">Later that day I was moved to a regular ward. Thank heavens. Other colours then white. The nurses where great. I was even allowed to go to the bathroom by myself.</span><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="font-style: inherit;">Peeing with the door closed. Bliss.</span></div>
<div class="content" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; min-height: 3em; outline: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div class="postbody" style="background-color: #f0f0f0; border: 0px; clear: both; float: left; line-height: 1.48em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 533.515625px;">
<div class="content" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; min-height: 3em; outline: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />So I had a stroke. At 43. Tests are going to follow to see what happened, and where and why. I was allowed to go home on Wednesday, with a load of pills and appointments.<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />I am as well as can be expected. The droopy mouth is correcting itself. I do the exercises. Talking is only difficult when tired. Which makes everything difficult. Concentrating is very difficult too. Looking out the window is fine too. I am still very tired.<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /></div>
<div class="content" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; min-height: 3em; outline: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="content" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; min-height: 3em; outline: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
For the good news: <br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />I stopped smoking on Monday. It is now Friday and I have not smoked.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Heleen Groothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07713665613409062238noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141175222565009789.post-74677690989662771342013-09-23T09:45:00.000+02:002013-09-23T09:45:04.799+02:00Happy mail<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Some weeks are just amazing! I had gone to my <a href="http://www.quilterij.nl/">hoard enabler</a> last week. And before you start, I had to go! There was a new edition of <a href="http://www.completecraft.com.au/next_issue?cid=12523">Homespun</a> waiting for me! So, I really did not have a choice.....<br />
<br />
Now, that was a fun visit. I signed up for a new mystery quilt......My sixth one in a row! The latest one will end next month, when we finally get the instructions to put it together. So, you see....I did not really have choice there either! It provides me with at least on piece of great mail every month. Besides the fun of watching it come together of course!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sa_RM4j58GM/Uj_s2y0zkgI/AAAAAAAAArU/QI1c_3Mi7lQ/s1600/DSCN0221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sa_RM4j58GM/Uj_s2y0zkgI/AAAAAAAAArU/QI1c_3Mi7lQ/s200/DSCN0221.JPG" width="200" /></a>When I came home there was mail waiting for me. Two envelopes! Both from THE STATES!<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Enigmatic!</span></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GAq4PsZj5bs/Uj_sr0bw8hI/AAAAAAAAArM/X4tNLBqkC2E/s1600/DSCN0223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GAq4PsZj5bs/Uj_sr0bw8hI/AAAAAAAAArM/X4tNLBqkC2E/s200/DSCN0223.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The first envelope contained my winnings from the Hexi Hop! Just look at those exquisite FOLDED hexies! Now, I have to find a tutorial to do that too! She even included a half hexie ruler! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vOfHPgN55Lc/Uj_s-S1u3NI/AAAAAAAAArc/ExpIwWEB-yw/s1600/DSCN0222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vOfHPgN55Lc/Uj_s-S1u3NI/AAAAAAAAArc/ExpIwWEB-yw/s320/DSCN0222.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Thank you so much <a href="http://www.quiltscapesqs.com/">Deonn</a>! I absolutely LOVE my gift! I will show of anything I make with these goodies!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0eYEfCIIr0U/Uj_tM9mWTaI/AAAAAAAAArk/eolRJRbpnUg/s1600/DSCN0224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0eYEfCIIr0U/Uj_tM9mWTaI/AAAAAAAAArk/eolRJRbpnUg/s320/DSCN0224.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
The second envelope contained a pattern! Another gift! This one from <a href="http://creative-notions.com/">Vicky</a> . I had commented on her entry for the Hexie Hop. I loved her pincushion. And she send me the pattern!<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>How sweet is that?</i><br />
<br />
I also received an email this week..... I am being allowed to test a pattern! So a trip to the local fabric shop was in order there too!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
All in all, I've had a fantastic week. When it comes to quilting.....there are enablers everywhere and boy, am I grateful for them all!<br />
<br />
Lots of love,<br />
Heleen</div>
Heleen Groothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07713665613409062238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141175222565009789.post-88793286429798000552013-08-29T09:55:00.004+02:002013-08-29T09:55:54.725+02:00Mystery time!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
With all the sunshine that has been falling on us here..... I admit freely that the last thing I have been wanting to do was blog! I wanted to be outside..... stitching. I will try to keep you updated a bit more, though .... I think....<br />
<br />
All these pictures show my progress on the mystery quilt by Françoise Maarsse. Find out more details <a href="http://www.quilterij.nl/">here</a>.<br />
Still two more parts of the mystery to be revealed, but I am completely up to date now!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tt0Vj_eNWHI/Uh74GK3W62I/AAAAAAAAAow/9_Rx71UqRuo/s1600/DSCN0201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tt0Vj_eNWHI/Uh74GK3W62I/AAAAAAAAAow/9_Rx71UqRuo/s320/DSCN0201.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Four of these in total. Little borders.... but where will they go?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ngALkLIiVQ/Uh74h5_pAVI/AAAAAAAAAo4/5xkQLguuM5A/s1600/DSCN0204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ngALkLIiVQ/Uh74h5_pAVI/AAAAAAAAAo4/5xkQLguuM5A/s320/DSCN0204.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">These are really hard to photograph! They are waaaay to big to fit anywhere!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ReOcNSCWAyE/Uh75xkzS9lI/AAAAAAAAApY/vyI0-zG0wF4/s1600/DSCN0208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ReOcNSCWAyE/Uh75xkzS9lI/AAAAAAAAApY/vyI0-zG0wF4/s320/DSCN0208.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">All four together.... imaging half of them again, that is their actual size! <br />The garden fence isn't big enough</span>!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IkBXwBimm4U/Uh75-N4bS5I/AAAAAAAAApg/ZJENKb0EIjQ/s1600/DSCN0206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IkBXwBimm4U/Uh75-N4bS5I/AAAAAAAAApg/ZJENKb0EIjQ/s320/DSCN0206.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Where there is a quilt..... there has to be a cat, right?<br />My monster thinks so, anyway!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BMjTyGtIo9w/Uh76qEp-EMI/AAAAAAAAApw/P4yo7Q4Py60/s1600/DSCN0210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BMjTyGtIo9w/Uh76qEp-EMI/AAAAAAAAApw/P4yo7Q4Py60/s320/DSCN0210.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Four of these too.... borders again.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
More to come in other posts! If there is any where you live, enjoy the sunshine and have a wonderful day!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Lots of love,</div>
<div>
Heleen</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Heleen Groothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07713665613409062238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141175222565009789.post-86745668542647299172013-08-01T06:00:00.000+02:002013-08-01T07:49:32.055+02:00Welcome one and all!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Sew we quilt" src="http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz269/madamesamm/hohohobutton_zps6db0ae48.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Especially to all you Ho-Ho-Ho hoppers! </h3>
<br />
First a huge thank you to Mme Sam and Carol for hosting yet another fabulous bloghop!<br />
<br />
So, I had been procrastinating. A lot. More to the point; I didn't feel like Christmas lately. So I planned a week. A week with nothing else to do then<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">CHRISTMAS!</span></div>
<br />
I started by compiling a list of what I would like to do this week. This involved much research..... I read through a pile of magazines and books, while stretched out in the sun.<br />
<br />
Of course, this was the week that a genuine heatwave smothered our little country. Go figure. But, who cared about that, when inside the snow was falling and the log fire was burning. Well, metaphorically that is. <i>Not really! That would be silly.</i><br />
<br />
Are you ready? Here we go.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tNMZzcDLHrI/UfeDXit69CI/AAAAAAAAAoY/P1KzAh00woI/s1600/2013-07-30+10.44.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tNMZzcDLHrI/UfeDXit69CI/AAAAAAAAAoY/P1KzAh00woI/s640/2013-07-30+10.44.49.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the completed projects in a huge pile!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Yes. All that in one week! I started of with some trees. Just to get in the spirit of things.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hxEB5-KjxYw/UfeBt8RlsXI/AAAAAAAAAnA/EqQXSzQMpKo/s1600/2013-07-30+10.33.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hxEB5-KjxYw/UfeBt8RlsXI/AAAAAAAAAnA/EqQXSzQMpKo/s320/2013-07-30+10.33.21.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
After the trees, I had to add some mice.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5VyLE7AALx8/UfeBjsX7GLI/AAAAAAAAAm0/c0ay7_7owT0/s1600/2013-07-30+10.34.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5VyLE7AALx8/UfeBjsX7GLI/AAAAAAAAAm0/c0ay7_7owT0/s320/2013-07-30+10.34.16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Both patterns were in a book by Tilda. Jul.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Iwr7FN5iQI/UfeBuIMJMzI/AAAAAAAAAnE/qKAY37sxdTM/s1600/2013-07-30+10.34.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Iwr7FN5iQI/UfeBuIMJMzI/AAAAAAAAAnE/qKAY37sxdTM/s320/2013-07-30+10.34.52.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I love them!<br />
<br />
Next came some birds. With bells. So they are pretty noisy! Five of them form the doorhanger.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kHGsP8sIaFo/UfeCCkAwRjI/AAAAAAAAAnM/x9DXXMpvbLo/s1600/2013-07-30+10.37.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kHGsP8sIaFo/UfeCCkAwRjI/AAAAAAAAAnM/x9DXXMpvbLo/s320/2013-07-30+10.37.43.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2cp0-H93gE/UfeCHwwxGOI/AAAAAAAAAnU/bezMLvMyncY/s1600/2013-07-30+10.37.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2cp0-H93gE/UfeCHwwxGOI/AAAAAAAAAnU/bezMLvMyncY/s320/2013-07-30+10.37.29.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Some Christmas baubles. I made four of these and they are HUGE! Both the birds and the baubles I found in Simply Vintage, the autumn 2012 publication.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ka7EqyP-shE/UfeCQQsU1EI/AAAAAAAAAnc/iwQ57CSTJQc/s1600/2013-07-30+10.38.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ka7EqyP-shE/UfeCQQsU1EI/AAAAAAAAAnc/iwQ57CSTJQc/s320/2013-07-30+10.38.38.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ILd9iPvcFa8/UfeCcQdz8ZI/AAAAAAAAAnk/enR9PA1-M3k/s1600/2013-07-30+10.39.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ILd9iPvcFa8/UfeCcQdz8ZI/AAAAAAAAAnk/enR9PA1-M3k/s320/2013-07-30+10.39.15.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7qEloM-E10U/UfeCxa7hEoI/AAAAAAAAAn8/mCFEgJIuX10/s1600/2013-07-30+10.39.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7qEloM-E10U/UfeCxa7hEoI/AAAAAAAAAn8/mCFEgJIuX10/s320/2013-07-30+10.39.46.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fl8dSaPoa0I/UfeCuZTcSvI/AAAAAAAAAn0/z5M45tNUiZM/s1600/2013-07-30+10.40.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fl8dSaPoa0I/UfeCuZTcSvI/AAAAAAAAAn0/z5M45tNUiZM/s320/2013-07-30+10.40.10.jpg" width="240" /></a>Then, something to get the turkey out of the oven safely.... My own pattern (if you can call it that). There is a little bell on there, so everyone can hear when that big bird is done!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YQIawzcXjk0/UfeDBgLZAWI/AAAAAAAAAoE/Y7yyWeQHljQ/s1600/2013-07-30+10.40.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YQIawzcXjk0/UfeDBgLZAWI/AAAAAAAAAoE/Y7yyWeQHljQ/s320/2013-07-30+10.40.41.jpg" width="240" /></a>So, where there is an oven mitt there has to be an apron! I found an excellent tutorial for the apron <a href="http://www.cottonandcurls.com/?s=ruffled+apron">here</a>.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7-O31TBeW9Y/UfeDNbkBkTI/AAAAAAAAAoM/66Fu3UT2oAE/s1600/2013-07-30+10.41.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7-O31TBeW9Y/UfeDNbkBkTI/AAAAAAAAAoM/66Fu3UT2oAE/s320/2013-07-30+10.41.48.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
And then lastely, the board. This is another pattern from Simply Vintage. The mistake you can see was completely mine.<br />
<br />
Thank you for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed my Christmas projects. I know I did. Go and see all the other hoppers today and make sure to let them know how much you love their projects!<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #00b050; font-size: 14pt;">August 1<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://vroomansquilts.blogspot.com/" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;"><b><span style="color: #5f497a;">Vroomans Quilts</span></b></a><b><span style="color: #5f497a;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://abyquilt.blogspot.com/" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;"><b><span style="color: #5f497a;">Abyquilt</span></b></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://macdonaldspatch.blogspot.com/" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;"><b><span style="color: #5f497a;">MacDonald’s Patch</span></b></a><b><span style="color: #5f497a;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://lifeandeverythingaroundit.blogspot.com/" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;"><b><span style="color: #5f497a;">Life and Everthing Around It</span></b></a><b><span style="color: #5f497a;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://hillvalleyquilter.blogspot.se/" style="color: #876ebb;"><b><span style="color: #5f497a;">Hill Valley Quilter</span></b></a><b><span style="color: #5f497a;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://travelingquilter.blogspot.com/" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;"><b><span style="color: #5f497a;">Traveling Quilter</span></b></a><b><span style="color: #5f497a;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://www.quiltinglines.com/" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;"><b><span style="color: #5f497a;">Quilting Lines</span></b></a><b><span style="color: #5f497a;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://reluctantquilter.blogspot.com/" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;"><b><span style="color: #5f497a;">The Reluctant Quilter</span></b></a><b><span style="color: #5f497a;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #5f497a;"><a href="http://www.pigtalesandquilts.com/" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #5f497a;">Pig Tales and Quilts<o:p></o:p></span></a></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://teatimecreations.blogspot.com/" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;"><b><span style="color: #5f497a;">Teatime Creations</span></b></a><b><span style="color: #5f497a;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://ravelly1-quiltzblog.blogspot.com/" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;"><b><span style="color: #5f497a;">Ravelly1</span></b></a></div>
<br />
Lots of love,<br />
Heleen<br />
<br /></div>
Heleen Groothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07713665613409062238noreply@blogger.com78tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141175222565009789.post-30745431920075546902013-07-25T09:05:00.002+02:002013-07-25T09:05:44.790+02:00Christmas in July is mostly HOT!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-weL6DOA8g4Q/UfDNjDWf4hI/AAAAAAAAAmc/xnagQ8mJWVs/s1600/DSCN0173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-weL6DOA8g4Q/UfDNjDWf4hI/AAAAAAAAAmc/xnagQ8mJWVs/s320/DSCN0173.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
For years I have been wondering what it would be like to prepare for Christmas in the smouldering heat. Well...... Now I am beginning to get a clue. It is mostly HOT!<br />
<br />
I am participating in the HO HO HO Bloghop, that starts next week. After much procrastination and "I have to get started, but don't really want to", re-arranging and clearing out my craftspace, getting caught up on the mystery and the Sweet Hearts, I had no more excuses.<br />
<br />
I finally got to it.<br />
<br />
I resolved to have a <b>whole week</b> with nothing but Christmas on my mind.<br />
On Sunday I set in a deckchair with loads and loads of magazines and books. Sifting through projects and possibilities. Picking things to make. Making lists of stuff I would need.<br />
On Monday I got started.<br />
<br />
<i>In the middle of a genuine heatwave of course!</i><br />
<br />
Halfway through it now and today..... The felt t is coming out!<br />
<br />
Come and check back next week to see what I did!<br />
Heleen</div>
Heleen Groothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07713665613409062238noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141175222565009789.post-8613265133398597952013-05-08T16:03:00.000+02:002013-05-08T16:03:04.074+02:00Mystery part 6 AND 7!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Yes. I did that. Again. Not such a big leap this time, though. Part 6 and 7 comprised of much the same things! So, I finished them both. Loads of time left now...... The new part will not arrive until the beginning of June!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VXreCRBk7kA/UYpVP5aHXqI/AAAAAAAAAkk/wtHsJ4yGVzI/s1600/DSCN0162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VXreCRBk7kA/UYpVP5aHXqI/AAAAAAAAAkk/wtHsJ4yGVzI/s320/DSCN0162.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This was the part that took the most time. Time to think I mean..... Or to procrastinate.... I was so sure it would not work, I could not get started.<br />
<br />
But I did.<br />
<br />
It was a "crown" for the outer borders! Appropriately I started the appliqué on April 30th. <i>The day we got our new King</i>!<br />
<br />
I am incredibly proud of myself for pulling this one off! I was not able to appliqué anything round (or roundish) at all. And now this! I made 8 of these.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QWRtdw5EwxE/UYpVTF8cwNI/AAAAAAAAAks/9zbSk8fmIzo/s1600/DSCN0163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QWRtdw5EwxE/UYpVTF8cwNI/AAAAAAAAAks/9zbSk8fmIzo/s320/DSCN0163.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four appliquéd hearts, these are beginning to feel routine!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BiQyUiqf8Zk/UYpV7p7jhrI/AAAAAAAAAk8/1BCNoc9qVbs/s1600/DSCN0165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BiQyUiqf8Zk/UYpV7p7jhrI/AAAAAAAAAk8/1BCNoc9qVbs/s320/DSCN0165.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And four more appliquéd hearts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I did do a lot of counting during these assignments. I had to do 8 crowns. Each had 9 pieces (that had to be drawn, cut, basted, ironed, placed and appliquéd). That makes 71 pieces. Then there were 8 hearts to appliqué. (That is really easy for me now..... since the Sweethearts challenge is still alive and kicking!) That makes 79 pieces in total (since the background was already cut). And 104 triangles to cut. So that makes a total of 183 pieces to do......<br />
<br />
I wonder if I am the only one that does this? Really shameful is that I keep on counting throughout ..... (I did ___ so now I only need ___ more). Is that weird? Well, moving on.....<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AuuKk_0LEEU/UYpWPEJ5vuI/AAAAAAAAAlE/tABncYqCGXg/s1600/DSCN0166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AuuKk_0LEEU/UYpWPEJ5vuI/AAAAAAAAAlE/tABncYqCGXg/s320/DSCN0166.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
I also did a lot of other things (of course). But I will save them for another post!<br />
<br />
Lots of love,<br />
Heleen</div>
Heleen Groothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07713665613409062238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141175222565009789.post-7189475218825591722013-04-14T16:44:00.004+02:002013-04-14T16:46:19.940+02:00Sweethearts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
An update. I am still on track. One heart every day....well, not every day.. but definitely seven hearts each week. That means that (as of today) there are 104 hearts in the quilt-to-be.......<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V2PAMbstQqg/UWq3a5FqPwI/AAAAAAAAAj4/llteE6ouvFo/s1600/DSCN0159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V2PAMbstQqg/UWq3a5FqPwI/AAAAAAAAAj4/llteE6ouvFo/s320/DSCN0159.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is really growing fast!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Something is starting to happen with these hearts. They create conversations and swaps (ooooooh that is a nice fabric..... you know what happens) all around. In my direct environment (sister, mum, friends, neighbour, etc.) seven people have now hopped on the hearts train! I have no idea how many people are participating, but it would be fun to find out......It is becoming more and more fun. Should you wish to hop on board too, the pattern is available (for free) <a href="http://sweetheartsquiltsandmore.blogspot.nl/">here</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I mentioned in my last post that I did a lot of stitchery. This one is - appropriately - named Sisters. I made it for my sister, it will probably become a pillow for her garden...... But I am not sure yet. The pattern was another freeby from <a href="http://www.red-brolly.com/">Red Brolly</a>. I love, love, LOVE that site....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JLsKHFF0TOs/UWq3UagIxfI/AAAAAAAAAjg/6Ii_PcOL8Rc/s1600/DSCN0156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JLsKHFF0TOs/UWq3UagIxfI/AAAAAAAAAjg/6Ii_PcOL8Rc/s320/DSCN0156.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Another completed stitchery. Another freeby! This one is part of a series. A quilt along, hosted by Shelly Pagliai. The blog focusses on the diary of Hazel Ilene. It is a brilliant read and some really amazing blocks. This is block 4 of the Summer Wildflowers. Find out more <a href="http://hazelsdiary.wordpress.com/about-this-blog/">here</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YQ2mcs2Ew5s/UWq3VDeakxI/AAAAAAAAAjo/vG4L9WpvJqE/s1600/DSCN0158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YQ2mcs2Ew5s/UWq3VDeakxI/AAAAAAAAAjo/vG4L9WpvJqE/s320/DSCN0158.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Lots of love,<br />
Heleen<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
Heleen Groothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07713665613409062238noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141175222565009789.post-29331779797671443482013-04-09T20:14:00.001+02:002013-04-09T20:14:17.664+02:00Mystery part 5 and other things<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So, I'm back! I lagged behind for a while with the blogging thing. Then I made a bunch of pictures of the stuff I had been making and blogger wouldn't let me post (and brag) about it!<br />
<br />
But some really clever people have been working on the problem and it is all better now! YAY!<br />
So - finally - I can show of some of the things I made<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_5BhrsMV2Jo/UWRWiujDG4I/AAAAAAAAAiw/NwEFNBHKnEk/s1600/DSCN0144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_5BhrsMV2Jo/UWRWiujDG4I/AAAAAAAAAiw/NwEFNBHKnEk/s320/DSCN0144.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This bag was super simple to make and is so much fun to use. The pattern was graciously provided by <a href="http://www.red-brolly.com/">Bronwyn Hayes at Red Brolly</a>. Please go check out her site. It is full of great patterns and ideas. You will thank me.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wZqJRysL7WU/UWRWlpHEhaI/AAAAAAAAAi4/jPIxT00Zn8Y/s1600/DSCN0146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wZqJRysL7WU/UWRWlpHEhaI/AAAAAAAAAi4/jPIxT00Zn8Y/s320/DSCN0146.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The next pictures are from the mystery. And yes, I am completely on track. I have already received part 6 and need to get started on that.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sjkr54At570/UWRWm2VkRvI/AAAAAAAAAjA/8T00FmCoFW0/s1600/DSCN0145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sjkr54At570/UWRWm2VkRvI/AAAAAAAAAjA/8T00FmCoFW0/s320/DSCN0145.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four of these flowers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sskMQIJdvGo/UWRWqrPSWPI/AAAAAAAAAjI/FTuDEEMevg8/s1600/DSCN0148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sskMQIJdvGo/UWRWqrPSWPI/AAAAAAAAAjI/FTuDEEMevg8/s200/DSCN0148.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-26DYYodBKZ8/UWRWq2sDRmI/AAAAAAAAAjM/doWYOrZvHAU/s1600/DSCN0147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-26DYYodBKZ8/UWRWq2sDRmI/AAAAAAAAAjM/doWYOrZvHAU/s200/DSCN0147.JPG" width="200" /></a>These are the borders that will make this quilt 2.50 x 2.50 meters. --><br />
<--This picture shows the part I had to do this time (four times). I shouldn't have had to do all of that appliqué..... I however, made a mistake in part four and had to go for a do-over.......<br />
<br />
There was also a lot of stitching (when you are checking out Red Brolly, look for the Easter sampler). I will get around to showing you all of it soon. I promise.<br />
<br />
Lots of love,<br />
Heleen<br />
<br /></div>
Heleen Groothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07713665613409062238noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141175222565009789.post-17798973264554614182013-02-26T10:02:00.000+01:002013-02-26T10:02:32.501+01:00More sweet hearts!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Another challenge this year. <a href="http://sweetheartsquiltsandmore.blogspot.nl/">Francoise</a> was the inventor of this year-long thing. Following the houses that swept the quilting world last year, she came up with the Sweet Hearts. Check the link for all the information and even the pattern!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mj7JQ_oqL54/USox-uq2ywI/AAAAAAAAAhU/10UOQgXLNPY/s1600/DSCN0128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mj7JQ_oqL54/USox-uq2ywI/AAAAAAAAAhU/10UOQgXLNPY/s1600/DSCN0128.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W-0M9L3kYkM/USoyFwU4G9I/AAAAAAAAAhc/89-3xMdjXus/s1600/DSCN0127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W-0M9L3kYkM/USoyFwU4G9I/AAAAAAAAAhc/89-3xMdjXus/s1600/DSCN0127.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>Much like anything else, I fell behind! Catching up seems to be my theme for 2013 and I do not like it! But - just like the mystery - I am now completely caught up and have made all my hearts! I even put them together!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I will be sharing the hearts each day via Instagram and Twitter.<br />
<br />
Lots of love,<br />
Heleen</div>
Heleen Groothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07713665613409062238noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141175222565009789.post-6173208947135502112013-02-24T16:23:00.001+01:002013-02-24T16:23:22.495+01:00Mystery catching up!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cBfKfYgmTG0/USovP1N9-hI/AAAAAAAAAgw/6dYGOhe0w8Q/s1600/DSCN0136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cBfKfYgmTG0/USovP1N9-hI/AAAAAAAAAgw/6dYGOhe0w8Q/s1600/DSCN0136.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>I do know that the mystery starts in November..... It is just that for me, this mystery started half way through January! By the time I realised I was getting very behind, I had four (yes <b><i>FOUR</i></b>) parts waiting for me. That just meant one thing. Playing catch up.....in a <b>BIG</b> way! I am happy to report that I have now caught up and all four parts are done. They are resting in the pink box of mystery. Their home until November!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This year's mystery is titled Sweet Hearts. <i>Who could resist that name? </i>As I have proven, it is not to late to start the mystery. Check at <a href="http://fabricwonderland.blogspot.nl/p/mysterie-carrousel.html">Françoise's site</a> for all the information.<br />
<br />
So what did I do? In part 1 it was mostly prep. Cutting a lot of things and generally preparing for the appliqué that came in part two. In part three there were lots of little blocks to make and some more appliqué to do. Part four brought more appliqué and four borders to sew. It does not sound like much, but it took me a long time to get it all done. Some pictures of the results below.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TrH89h-jiHE/USovK6_nUmI/AAAAAAAAAgg/4Ax5FY0Py2M/s1600/DSCN0126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TrH89h-jiHE/USovK6_nUmI/AAAAAAAAAgg/4Ax5FY0Py2M/s1600/DSCN0126.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part three all 16 of them!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5K57kf4QN3E/USovN-rkIPI/AAAAAAAAAgo/9w5Ilzbcuk4/s1600/DSCN0130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5K57kf4QN3E/USovN-rkIPI/AAAAAAAAAgo/9w5Ilzbcuk4/s1600/DSCN0130.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part 1 - 4 Cutting, prepping and appliqué</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l3mUTQKaCA0/USovR0TAa2I/AAAAAAAAAg4/bQt5BvUdArQ/s1600/DSCN0135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l3mUTQKaCA0/USovR0TAa2I/AAAAAAAAAg4/bQt5BvUdArQ/s1600/DSCN0135.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part four</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I will try to keep on track and keep you informed on the progress of this mystery. And by the way, the other mystery is almost finished. All put together, well, it still needs two border put on.....I will get there!<br />
<br />
Lots of love,<br />
Heleen</div>
Heleen Groothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07713665613409062238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141175222565009789.post-86528718520502925152012-10-07T10:17:00.001+02:002012-10-07T10:17:36.935+02:00I've been busy!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
Yes, I have been. I've been working on part 11 of the Caroussel quilt.....not finished yet! But, if you can't wait for me, check out what it should look like at <a href="http://fabricwonderland.blogspot.nl/">Françoise</a>. She designed the whole thing. And yes....she finished part 12 already! No pictures here, still just a pile of blocks! Gorgeous blocks, but still.....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.red-brolly.com/logo/Grab-button-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.red-brolly.com/logo/Grab-button-logo.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I've also been working on the <a href="http://www.red-brolly.com/red-brolly/2012/10/the-wish-quilt-block-six-part-two.html">Wish quilt</a>. Just the stitchery for now......I'm almost ready to start putting the blocks together. No pictures yet......but the link will also show you the whole quilt. You can still join in! Just hop on over to <a href="http://www.red-brolly.com/">Bronwyn</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wdne_mfn2Qo/UE-0UXzzULI/AAAAAAAACMg/sPMdTsV305c/s1600/Hop%2BBlog%2BPicture%2Bfrom%2BSamm.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Leafs Me Happy Schedule" border="0" height="304" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wdne_mfn2Qo/UE-0UXzzULI/AAAAAAAACMg/sPMdTsV305c/s320/Hop%2BBlog%2BPicture%2Bfrom%2BSamm.png" width="320" /></a>Also quilt related....I've been following a blog hop over at <a href="http://www.cherryblossomsquiltingstudio.com/2012/09/leafs-me-happy-schedule.html">Cherry Blossoms</a>. She is the official cheerleader of this hop. And an amazing hop it is! Not surprisingly, it lead me to a lot of new blogs to explore and loads of fun projects I will just have to try! Lots of great poems and saying about fall, giveaways and - of course - amazing quilting! The link will take you directly to the master schedule, so you can see what I am talking about. However. Be careful.....I've been experiencing some side effects due to bloghopping. You will find yourself cheering on all those quilters, so much so that you can't stop leaving cheery, supporting comments on any blogs, Facebook, Twitter and even in real life! I also experienced an awe for the season I normally detest! So, be careful out there!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In other news. The <a href="http://www.antwerpenbanjul.com/">Antwerp to Banjul Challenge</a> has started again. You can follow "our" teams over at <a href="http://kalidoeherewecome.nl/">Team Kalidoe</a>. No less then four cars and one motor are driving all the way from Antwerp (Belgium) to Banjul (The Gambia). The vehicles will be auctioned off on arrival. All the teams have been working round the clock, to get as much sponsoring for the drive as possible. All that money means that the <a href="http://stichtingsecondhome.nl/">Second Home Foundation</a> will be one step closer to its goal! Amazing.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/c67.0.403.403/p403x403/564147_414089435311529_97783122_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/c67.0.403.403/p403x403/564147_414089435311529_97783122_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Tonnie, in his other life also a board member of Second Home. Now he is a rally driver!<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, we just had to go say goodbye to them all...... in Antwerp! Great fun. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On the same day my godchick - who is 15 already....- left for Bordeaux to spend a week with a French family in a school exchange programme.....She will do great (I've heard from her, the family is very nice and there is a two mile long shopping street)!<br /><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So that is what I have been doing lately..... I will be back soon with some quilt related pictures!</div>
<div>
Lots of love,</div>
<div>
Heleen<br /><br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Heleen Groothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07713665613409062238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141175222565009789.post-3001255507906439972012-08-26T17:18:00.000+02:002012-08-26T17:18:05.265+02:00Mystery part 10!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am still on schedule! I finished part 10. It was supposed to be some "light assembly work". Well....I did not have to cut a lot of fabric, but still it took me some time to get it all done. Results:<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AeObbjoVFng/UDo6E_fh21I/AAAAAAAAAfE/aIGEkxIWh5A/s1600/DSCN0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AeObbjoVFng/UDo6E_fh21I/AAAAAAAAAfE/aIGEkxIWh5A/s320/DSCN0085.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Attaching two triangles to an existing block. It now forms a new triangle..... Not so much hard work involved, since the pieces were all ready.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yzZCliWYhag/UDo6VJGHBqI/AAAAAAAAAfM/3MMbJsPQLas/s1600/DSCN0087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yzZCliWYhag/UDo6VJGHBqI/AAAAAAAAAfM/3MMbJsPQLas/s320/DSCN0087.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The whole stack of them.....32 in total! It took some time......<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1NopTatNBUI/UDo6iJNWM2I/AAAAAAAAAfY/YyGbOZ5yBSE/s1600/DSCN0088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1NopTatNBUI/UDo6iJNWM2I/AAAAAAAAAfY/YyGbOZ5yBSE/s320/DSCN0088.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This one just had one triangle attached to it. 8 times.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C46Qqh8G5Vk/UDo68qnav_I/AAAAAAAAAfo/eYNomeZygAQ/s1600/DSCN0090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C46Qqh8G5Vk/UDo68qnav_I/AAAAAAAAAfo/eYNomeZygAQ/s320/DSCN0090.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Same as the last one. 8 triangles added.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I also had to cut a further 8 triangles. The good thing about all this is that my pink-box-of-mystery is almost filled up....which in turn means that I will soon find out how to fit all the pieces together! In part 12 we get to piece the whole top together and finally see what the mystery looks like!<br />
<br />
Lots of love,<br />
Heleen</div>
Heleen Groothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07713665613409062238noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141175222565009789.post-11033447382809933352012-08-07T09:58:00.000+02:002012-08-07T09:58:09.823+02:00The diet, an update<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have to be completely honest.<i> I've managed to fall of the wagon a few times.</i> Not hugely, but still. I fell of.<br />
<br />
<b>An example</b>: I went to The Gambia in April. Since this diet makes you eat fresh, raw vegetables a lot I knew that was not going to happen. You can of course eat raw vegetables there, it's just that the weight loss will be a lot less comfortable. And so will your holiday! So I decided before the trip that the diet would not be a part of it. I managed to gain only a pound, so that was not that bad.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.gentblogt.be/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/20071209_chinees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.gentblogt.be/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/20071209_chinees.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The <b>biggest</b> example: Last week I had a huge migraine attack and felt so sorry for myself that I had chinese food. Well, after the headache left the building and took the nausea with it that is. Then for desert - as you do - I needed ice cream.....<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.yummyinmytummy.nl/images/dsc_01613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.yummyinmytummy.nl/images/dsc_01613.jpg" width="320" /></a>The day after, my niece turned 13 and my sister made here a cloud cake (chocolate and whipped cream, what is not to love!). I had promised myself a piece of that weeks ago, and so I did. And then the diner that day. It came from McDonalds, need I say more? Not on program...... Still, even with me stuffing my face with all the wrong things, I did not gain any weight. Mind you, I didn't loose any either....<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
To keep motivated, I reward myself with shopping money. If I stay on program the whole week, I get to put € 10,00 in my big jar. I'm really looking forward to the shopping trip after I'm done. All new clothes (the old ones really don't fit me any more, but this time in a good way!). Falling of the wagon means that I do not get that money. For some stupid reason, this really works for me. I want that money!<br />
<br />
It<i> is</i> becoming more difficult now. The weight loss has slowed to a very gentle crawl now and is sometimes not there at all. I know this happens, but boy is it a pain in the ......well you know. Especially since I know I've got 10 kilograms (22 pounds/1,5 stone) to go! It gets a bit daunting for me. I'm starting to detest some of the stuff on the list (balsamic vinegar, yuck), but I find ways around it..... My body is opposed to almost all movement, so my exercise is made up with my very carefully build up physiotherapy exercises. It is not easy to balance the need for extra movement that way. Ah, well: A diet is not supposed to be fun, right?<br />
<br />
However, the day after the two days before I climbed back on the wagon. After all, I managed to loose 22 kilograms (48 pounds/3,4 stone) since January 31st. Not to shabby! And that is the most motivating thing of all. I <i>am </i>losing weight!<br />
<br />
Lots of love,<br />
Heleen<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Heleen Groothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07713665613409062238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141175222565009789.post-34618375554999747592012-07-31T11:50:00.000+02:002012-07-31T11:50:09.982+02:00Making your very own ironing mat<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Both my sister and I were looking for a new ironing mat. She because of the big <a href="http://onsnieuweoort.blogspot.nl/2011/12/is-het-geen-plaatje.html">move</a>. She simply could not find hers anywhere. Lost in all the boxes of fabric and stuff.....<br />
<br />
Me because my darling cat decided the mat was much more use as a claw sharpening tool..... Strangely the manufacturers of this item did not take pets into account while designing their mat. Ah well, it was an oldy anyway. Time for a new one!<br />
<br />
Looking for prices (<i>expensive</i>!), delivery times and measurements (not what we wanted) we found several tutorials for making one ourselves. We chose this tutorial from <a href="http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.nl/2009/01/tabletop-ironing-pad-tutorial.html">Little birdie secrets</a>. It sounded like fun, so we ordered materials instead of a completed mat. On Thursday we planned our quiltdate and got started.<br />
<br />
Even if <i>some people</i> (I won't name names, but you know who you are) have a complete disregard for the diet the other person is on....
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-80I-VReuAJQ/UBZGLOcMpbI/AAAAAAAAAew/oRF3XUv3W64/s1600/Snoeppot+marieke.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-80I-VReuAJQ/UBZGLOcMpbI/AAAAAAAAAew/oRF3XUv3W64/s320/Snoeppot+marieke.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
It was really easy work..<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-olWYaxme79E/UBZGILOIzoI/AAAAAAAAAeo/uf4osRFIoiw/s1600/Marieke+aan+het+werk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-olWYaxme79E/UBZGILOIzoI/AAAAAAAAAeo/uf4osRFIoiw/s320/Marieke+aan+het+werk.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister has no fear of the machine....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6438UlBpKcY/UBZGE22x6iI/AAAAAAAAAeg/swYNDSZaTPQ/s1600/Af+en+toe+een+steek+teveel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6438UlBpKcY/UBZGE22x6iI/AAAAAAAAAeg/swYNDSZaTPQ/s320/Af+en+toe+een+steek+teveel.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have no fear of ripping stitches....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The sun was shining with all it's might, so we could do some of the glueing outside! Even the fact that - yes - we did have to rip out some stitches at some point (we decided to use regular binding <i>next time </i>we do this), did not really matter that much!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
After stitching the binding, we now have two completed, (almost) identical ironing mats. Lovely!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6h9B_-4i-7o/UBZGBYGHIgI/AAAAAAAAAeY/Rl5GPWGleR0/s1600/DSCN0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6h9B_-4i-7o/UBZGBYGHIgI/AAAAAAAAAeY/Rl5GPWGleR0/s200/DSCN0075.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It folds away!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6y1EgnD4c64/UBZFtfEmWVI/AAAAAAAAAeE/6SzJThccEsQ/s1600/DSCN0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6y1EgnD4c64/UBZFtfEmWVI/AAAAAAAAAeE/6SzJThccEsQ/s200/DSCN0073.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TqUyg7IayoA/UBZF3TsnYHI/AAAAAAAAAeM/gYXrwIJdiQE/s1600/DSCN0074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TqUyg7IayoA/UBZF3TsnYHI/AAAAAAAAAeM/gYXrwIJdiQE/s200/DSCN0074.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iron-on-side</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Lots of love,<br />
Heleen and her sister!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>Heleen Groothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07713665613409062238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141175222565009789.post-40231158690219086992012-07-30T10:23:00.005+02:002012-07-30T10:23:52.204+02:00Bunny, bunny, bunny<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gP4fJdfYUlg/UBZDzwUsyDI/AAAAAAAAAdw/SxkMeWrPYVA/s1600/DSCN0079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gP4fJdfYUlg/UBZDzwUsyDI/AAAAAAAAAdw/SxkMeWrPYVA/s320/DSCN0079.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Well, technically it should be hare, but <i>hare, hare, hare</i> just doesn't have the same ring to it......<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c1ZXjgX9huM/UBZDogWNWhI/AAAAAAAAAdo/r_uEW6_lDDA/s1600/DSCN0077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c1ZXjgX9huM/UBZDogWNWhI/AAAAAAAAAdo/r_uEW6_lDDA/s320/DSCN0077.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I made these for a friend. She is hosting a street quiz this year and since her street has the word hare in the name, she thought it would be fun to have these little guys as prizes. It took me a few times to get it right. The first try looked more like a cat or a really ugly mouse than a hare. So I started again, and again.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x8zNabEjWTc/UBZD_WSHDuI/AAAAAAAAAd8/vYyFDgUsxqA/s1600/DSCN0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x8zNabEjWTc/UBZD_WSHDuI/AAAAAAAAAd8/vYyFDgUsxqA/s320/DSCN0076.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bunny tails for the hares......</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was over the whole hare concept ages before I finished the required 6, but a deal is a deal. So here they are. All six. Ready to go be a prize!<br />
<br />
Lots of love,<br />
Heleen<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Heleen Groothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07713665613409062238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141175222565009789.post-61661614577419286442012-07-23T17:06:00.002+02:002012-07-23T17:06:59.997+02:00A birthday gift from years ago<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Back when I just started quilting - which is 6 years ago already, jeez..... - I was given a beautiful quilt kit for my birthday. A <a href="http://www.petraprinspatchwork.com/">Petra Prins quilt</a>. White box, tissue paper, fabrics held with a ribbon, the works. A stunning gift.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8VBjvQ5jncs/UA1nZ9DjT1I/AAAAAAAAAdM/h9LPsfa9z64/s1600/DSCN0069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8VBjvQ5jncs/UA1nZ9DjT1I/AAAAAAAAAdM/h9LPsfa9z64/s320/DSCN0069.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up close</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Naturally I was completely intimidated by the thing. And so it landed in a storage cupboard. Every once and a while I took out the box to look at all the pretties in there and <i>you know</i>, just say hello. In my mind, the quilt kit became more and more difficult and almost impossible for someone with my limited quilting knowledge........<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RSQcglnHhRU/UA1nNqW3nLI/AAAAAAAAAdE/rp-12Dgp1Kw/s1600/DSCN0070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RSQcglnHhRU/UA1nNqW3nLI/AAAAAAAAAdE/rp-12Dgp1Kw/s320/DSCN0070.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helper holding up the quilt, dog not really interested....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, finally I decided it was time to tackle it! I was going on holiday and was in desperate need for some blocks to take with me. Trembling I took the box out of its cupboard and started.....<br />
<br />
<br />
The pattern turned out to be- wouldn't you know - really easy. It took a few days to do all the drawing and cutting, but by then I had a very satisfying stack of blocks to complete. I just love it when there is a pile of pieces waiting to be turned in to blocks. I just have to pick up my bag and continue with some stitching. Heavenly! I took the blocks to The Gambia and actually stitched some there and on the plane!<br />
<br />
The blocks came together with ease. They formed beautiful rows and the rows came together to make this fabulous quilt top!<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">It looks every bit as good as the box promised! And now, sandwiching and quilting!</span><br />
<br />
Lots of love,<br />
<br />
Heleen</div>Heleen Groothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07713665613409062238noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141175222565009789.post-11547479647808498282012-07-20T10:51:00.002+02:002012-07-20T10:52:32.416+02:00The NEW mystery!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I know, it is July and the new one doesn't get going until November. But still, I could not get it out of my mind. The name for the mystery - Sweethearts - was enticing enough for me. Then I found out that the new mystery was appliqué, which was a bit scary I admit that <a href="http://lifeandeverythingaroundit.blogspot.nl/2012/06/applique-phobic-do-what-i-do.html">freely</a>. So, I was in doubt. The fact that I was already behind on the current mystery and am still quilting the one before that did not really help.<br />
<br />
But then, oooooh I saw the fabrics at <a href="http://fabricwonderland.blogspot.com/">Françoise's new place</a> and she told me that the appliqué in question was more than suitable for my kind of cheating. And those fabrics were actually soooo beautiful. And I need stuff to do anyway, when everything else is finished, and those fabrics......<br />
<br />
In short, I could not resist. Tell me the truth, could you resist this?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JXyb4BU0OoA/UAhSVt8zgQI/AAAAAAAAB7s/nuiPPv-cf_A/s200/sweet+hearts+pakket.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JXyb4BU0OoA/UAhSVt8zgQI/AAAAAAAAB7s/nuiPPv-cf_A/s400/sweet+hearts+pakket.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Lots of love,<br />
Heleen</div>Heleen Groothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07713665613409062238noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141175222565009789.post-12573019243592104222012-07-14T17:24:00.002+02:002012-07-14T17:24:44.152+02:00Mystery Carrousel part 9<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gKE8Uae9wq4/UAGMonlnR3I/AAAAAAAAAcQ/JjNOXKOi_LI/s1600/DSCN0062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gKE8Uae9wq4/UAGMonlnR3I/AAAAAAAAAcQ/JjNOXKOi_LI/s320/DSCN0062.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;">There is an upside to falling behind! I got so used to </span><i>having</i><span style="background-color: white;"> to piece or cut every day in order to catch up, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I'm already done!</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
It was helpful that it has rained virtually non-stop here. Nothing else to do but sit in my rocking chair (yes I am that bad) and piece, piece, piece!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dCg5bgWEJL4/UAGNE25colI/AAAAAAAAAcc/v3PdDyrIaJ0/s1600/DSCN0061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dCg5bgWEJL4/UAGNE25colI/AAAAAAAAAcc/v3PdDyrIaJ0/s320/DSCN0061.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
All eight blocks together. Looking at them, I thought maybe ....one day....I'll make a whole quilt like that. Hopefully I will not find another message from Françoise, telling me I got it wrong.....</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I also cut 64 triangles and stored them in the pink-box-of-mystery. No doubt I'll find out what to do with them some time......</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The little mystery quilt required some assembly, so no new blocks there. This is what it looks like now:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m_ihITy-ST0/UAGNiweKlFI/AAAAAAAAAcs/cjcxfNNeFuw/s1600/DSCN0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m_ihITy-ST0/UAGNiweKlFI/AAAAAAAAAcs/cjcxfNNeFuw/s320/DSCN0058.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm regretting the choice of Christmas fabric here. I might have to remake the whole thing in some nice, bright colours. Then again, I might not..... But, that is just what a mystery is. No clue what the thing is going to turn out to be. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Lots of love,</div>
<div>
Heleen</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>Heleen Groothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07713665613409062238noreply@blogger.com1