Needs a new home

A year and a half ago I bought a Handi Quilter Sweet Sixteen sit down quilting machine. In that time I have not quilted many quilts, but have come to the realization that I don't love long arm quilting. Since having surgery after breaking my right wrist, I find that machine quilting has been taxing. To the point that I've not been doing much sewing or quilting.

So if anyone is interested, or knows of someone who would be interested, please contact me. The machine comes with table overlay for glide, upgraded cabinet with hydraulic lift, opens to 61" wide x 35" deep. Separate Bobbin winder, extra bobbins, needles, cone threads, Horizontal Spool Pin to use with regular thread, DVD, and Instruction manual.

 I have the original boxes and will drive a reasonable distance to deliver but would prefer you to come and try the machine and pick up. I live in central Florida.

A Reckless Love

A Reckless Love by Beth White is an exciting and inspirational historical romance, book 3 in the Daughtry House series. But you didn't have to read the first two to enjoy this story.

Being the "baby of the family" Aurora Daughtry, has a good business head at nineteen. She is determined and single focused. Especially when it comes to Federal Deputy Marshal Zane Sage.
Their interactions are at odds, he being a man of few words, and she doesn't have any trouble speaking her mind. I laughed out loud at some of the bantering. But I love how this romance played out.

There was some great  dialog.

"Miss Daughtry - " 
Oh, stop calling me that. If you're going to keep bossing me around like- like one of my brothers, then you might as well call me Pete like everybody else."
"But he couldn't call this vivid, sassy porcelain doll "Pete." 

"After a moment, she heard his step behind her. "You, Aurora Daughtry, are a manageing femaile."
She laughed. "I know. That makes me happy too.:

"I told you, she sent me. I think she trusts you. In fact. I'm sure of it. though I don't know why."
I imagine she's aware I'm scared to death of you."
Oh really?" She skipped a step, and Zane took the lamp from her.
Here, you're going to set us both on fire."
She sighed. "I'm pretty sure that's already happened."

Joelle swung her feet to the floor. "They don't mean  to be so stupid. They just can't help it. "She smiled. "You'll learn to overlook the stupidity and find the things he's good at."

A totally enjoyable read. Engaging and inspirational. A sweet clean romance. The times were full of hope and yet there was still turmoil in the deep south. I loved how Beth writes her characters with such depth of feelings. Zane is a wonderful hero, and Aurora is a delightful southern belle. Definitely a 5+

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

Daybreak

Wordless Wednesday

My Corner of the World

Our World Tuesday

Skywatch Friday

A Dazzle of Diamonds

 

A Dazzle of Diamonds by Liz Johnson is one of the best romance novels I have read recently.

Returning to Savannah Georgia, this story features Penelope Hunter and Tucker Westbrook. Two best friends since, forever. Tucker is running for sheriff while PJ holds down the fort of the Savannah convention center. But things get a little unsettled, when Tuckers opponent brings to light a charge against the Westbrook family. When word gets out that his ancestors were part of stealing a treasure, PJ and Tucker find themselves in a quandary. Tucker trying to rescue his good name, and PJ almost losing her job because of her association with Tucker. The best friends start faking a dating situation, more to prove Tuckers worth. Things get out of hand in a hurry.

Aunt Shirley plays a key role in helping them discover where the treasure is hidden. Bringing Caroline's Civil War diary to light. Her love story parallels PJ's and Tuckers.

But the best part was the beautiful way these two young people fall in love with one another. Having known each other for 25 years, the realization startles them, as they each wrestle with emotions they never knew they had. We all struggle with self doubt at times, and Johnson has a way of telling this story with feeling and an open heart.

This is an all together delightful clean romance. Learning to trust God's plan in every situation.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

Independence Day

"Blessed is the Nation Whose God is the Lord" (Psalm 33:12)

Happy 4th

I love to bring out this table topper to decorate my table for the Fourth of July.

I started with the three large star blocks, and then improvised and finished the table topper.

Happy Independence Day!

Out of the nest

Four years ago, I embarked on a new adventure. Many have gone before me, and many have much more experience than I had. But still, the moment arrived that has been heralded through all generations.

I became a grandmother.

It has not been taken lightly. Our youngest son and his wife became the proud parents of a little girl. One who quickly wrapped each one of us around her little finger.

The thing that filled my mind as I was introduced to this next generation was the fact that the moment we are born, we begin the journey of being pushed out of the nest. Our first push comes from the birth. Snuggled deep inside a woman, a baby is bound by the safety of the womb. For nine months, the baby listens to the ever beating heart and grows in the  miraculous way God has designed. Then the moment comes, when the surge of pressure pushes the baby out into the cold and sterile world. Feeling the emptiness of warmth and security, the baby cries, seeking the comfort it was nestled in for months. People bundle the baby and the child learns to find comfort in the love being shown.

 Deut. 32:11  Like an eagle that stirs up its nest,
that flutters over its young,
spreading out its wings, catching them,
bearing them on its pinions,

We nurture our children with the necessities of life. But as with all living things, the baby will grow, and experience even more pushing. The inborn need for independence starts early. Learning to roll over, to sit up and eventually walk, each event pulling away from the safe bounds of security. Then the day comes when school becomes a big part of the child's life.  More independence is needed to further their development. Learning to make friends and how to conduct oneself with peers and teachers. And as many parents can testify, the years will fly by and it soon becomes evident as the child becomes a young man or woman, the nest becomes smaller and the world becomes larger.

On taking that leap sometimes we fall before we soar. Yet the greatest leap comes when we put our faith in the Lord, and walk in accordance to the example Christ has set before us.

Phil 3:12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.

		Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,
		I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
		Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.
		Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
		Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.
		For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.

New life brings new hope. We know not what tomorrow brings. My humble prayer is that our grandchildren will walk by faith, not by sight.