Monday, February 17, 2014

Blessings


On January 29th, I received the phone call at work. My dear Uncle Jack was being transferred to hospice care. I left work to go to lunch alone to have some time to process this news. As I waited for my luch and tried to eat, I flipped through my Blog reading list looking for distraction...


Later that evening I received a second call. 
He had passed away peacefully - all too quickly and all too soon.
  

As we mourn Uncle Jack's passing at the age of 77 and as we mourn our loss,
I am trying to focus on the blessings, 
How blessed that I was to have him for an uncle.
How blessed to have his stories and humor that always added smiles and laughter to our family gatherings growing up.

Focusing on the blessings rather than the loss, when possible.

Back to that lunch and flipping through my blogs...
As I did, my name caught my eye...
Faye was having a giveaway to celebrate her 1,000 followers and I had won!
I looked around the restaurant to see who I could share this won, but no one was there and so I was temporarily distracted and pleased!

In a jiffy, my package arrived despite the nasty weather on both sides.
The photo at the top of the post shows how sweetly it was all wrapped.

And inside I found:

Faye's sweet card and tag, some wonderful linens,


some needles, buttons and pins and this wonderful little supply bag.
I opened it slightly  so that you can see the wonderful lining fabric and the sweet spool zipper pull.
And if that all wasn't enough!
 

Can you believe this incredible project bag?
Oh my goodness gracious! The stitching, Stacy Nash design and colors are perfection. The lining is the same as the supply pouch and the zipper pull is a tiny stork scissors. And look at the incredible scissor fob with the buttons and scissor charm. 


Here is the whole shebang. I was so blessed to win this incredible giveaway on such a difficult day.
Faye does beautiful finishing work for others and I already knew the impeccable workmanship as I had received a pouch that Faye finished as a gift from my Bittersweet Sister, Wendy.

Thank you Faye! I will treasure them always.

I had also won a few giveaways around the holidays and hadn't had the time to blog about them. 


A sweet kit from Ginger of Prairie Moon Primitives.


A lovely kit from Nancy of Victorian Motto Sampler.


A wonderful selection of wools from Laurie at The Wooly Red Rug.


And blog reader Deb was oh so kind to send me a wonderful assortment of wools, wool felt and an incredible wool kit for a loon table mat - one of my favorite birds!
Thank you ever so much Deb!

With all these many blessings, my intention was to create something special for a giveaway, but as always time ticks away so quickly...
I do want to pass it on, so let's have a giveaway.
The winner will be selected through a random number generator on Friday.
The winner will win one item of their choice from my Etsy shop. Click here to take a peek and let me know what you would choose.
As always, my giveaway is open to everyone. Simply leave a comment on this post or send me an email to pgagliardi9@hotmail.com with "Etsy giveaway" in the subject line. 
Let me know if you are a follower of my blog or my Etsy shop and you will receive an additional entry.

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."
~Romans 8:35,37

Rest in eternal peace, my dear Uncle.
My daily prayers are with my dear Aunt Barb (and my Mom) as they travel through this difficult time.

Blessings, Patti


46 comments:

Samplings from Spring Creek said...

How wonderful you can focus on the blessings of your Uncle's life and his influence on your life.

Stitchers are just the best!

Lauralee @ The Eclectic Stitcher said...

So very sorry to hear about your loss ~ and glad to hear you focus on the positive impact on your life!

And Holy Moses ~ what a lovely package from Faye! She is an exquisite stitcher!

Have been reading your blog and gaining inspiration from your projects for years, and I adore your Etsy shop.

Lauralee >^.^<

Jonette said...

So sorry for your loss. I just lost my aunt after a week on Hospice. Love all of your things you won. I am a follower and love all of your things on Etsy. Especially like the Hearts Abloom mat.

Anonymous said...

I follow your blog and check your etsy shop. Your work is an inspiration! So sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved uncle. Just keep those wonderful memories in your heart. -Paula S.

susiedele said...

Hi Patti, I'm sorry for your loss of your Uncle Jack. Sending thoughts of heeling for your family.
I guess my favorite thing at your Etsy store is the Hearts Abloom mat but I would be happy to own any of your wonderful offerings. Thanks bunches for the chance.

Susie

Simple Pleasure said...

HI Patti
I am truly sorry to hear of the loss of your dear uncle. There seem to be more losses than usually being shared by our blogging friends. You are so blessed to have wonderful memories to cherish...I will say some prayers for you, too.
Please enter my name for the giveaway...I am a follower, too.
Busy Hands...Happy Heart
Patricia

Simple Pleasure said...

PS
Forgot to tell you to enjoy all those wonderful wins!
Patricia

Mugwump Woolies said...

So sorry for your loss, Patti. Hope you will find comfort in your many warm memories. My goodness that is a wonderful project pouch from Faye...what a lovely gift! Lots of fun goodies! I am a follower and would love to be included.
Take good care,
Robyn

Pamela said...

So sorry to hear about your uncle. Enjoy those precious memories!

What wonderful goodies you won! I love the project bag Faye made. The colors are so beautiful!

Thank you for the giveaway! Please enter me for a chance. I am a follower.
Pam

annie said...

I'm sorry for the loss of your Uncle, but thankful the Lord blessed you on this difficult day! Love the things you received, Wow how great and generous everyone was to you. The Hearts Abloom was the loveliest in your shop, but the sweet butterflies are lovely too. Please count me in, I follow you.

Lynn said...

Hi Patti...so sorry to hear of the loss of your uncle. Memories are precious..... <3

jan said...

Everyone can learn from the way you are remembering your uncle. I am sure your fond memories are very comforting to you.

You did win quite an impressive set of giveaways. Faye's needlework is beautifully detailed and finished.

I follow your blog, and if I were to choose my favorite item from your etsy shop, it would be the blue ticking sewing box. ...jan r. in VA.

Lynn said...

Oopps forgot to ask....can you pls include me in your giveaway.....thanks soooo much.

denise said...

so sorry for your loss. don't you just love the little pinkeep from Ginger? i got one of those,too. i would love to win the ladybug pinkeep. i follow your blog. Denise[cheermom1954@aol.com]

Faye said...

Winnings for a most deserving person.... Hold Uncle Jacks memories closely in your heart~

Barb said...

Hearts Abloom is so charming, as is the ladybug pinkeep. Thanks for sharing your blessings.

Unknown said...

My sincere condolences on the loss of your Uncle Jack. From your short description, he sounded like a wonderful man. I am a follower of your blog and would love to win the Key to My Heart fob. Take care. Connie Moser2

Anonymous said...

Hugs Patti, so sorry to hear of your loss.
That sure is a nice lot of goodies you received...enjoy!
Thank you so much for a chance at your give-away! It's so hard to choose just one item, everything is wonderful. Though because I'm a bit of a vintage nut, I would choose the Vintage Crochet pot holders. They are so sweet!
Maureen
mgw070 at shaw dot ca

Anonymous said...

Oh, I'm happy to say I am a follower! Thanks Patti!
Maureen
mgw070 at shaw dot ca

PriviesAndPrims said...

I would definitely pick the Frosty Friends Framed Picture!

I follow your blog and I also favorite your etsy shop.

Blessings,
Doreen
priviesandprims [at] yahoo [dot] com

Kathy L. said...

So sorry to hear of your loss. I hope your memories help ease the pain.

Your goodies from Faye are wonderful!

I love your blog and look forward to all your posts. I would love a chance to win the sewing book from your etsy site.

Kathy

MartyG said...

Patti, I am so sorry to hear about your Uncle Jack. My thoughts are with you and your family.

What a nice surprise to win the lovely giveaway from Faye. It was lovely.

I would love to be entered in your Etsy giveaway. Hard to chose. The antique ticking sewing bowl or Frosty and friends would be two items I would love. Sorry if I mangled the names. It is late and my mind is like a sieve.
MartyG

Marilyn said...

Sorry to hear about your Uncle Jack, my condolences.
I think you hit the Motherlode for winnings! lol
What great goodies you received.
I would like to enter your giveaway.
I am a regular follower of your blog.
Marilyn

Chris said...

I am so sorry for your loss.
What lovely things that you have received from other bloggers.
Peace.

Mary @ Neat and Tidy said...

Sorry to read of your uncle; it's never easy to lose someone.

I recently found your blog and took the time to read backwards several pages. I love that you include a Scripture at the end of your posts!

Your etsy shop is very cute. I love the Frosty and Friends! All your things are very cute. Keep up the good work with your blog!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing the pictures of your Uncle Jack.Likely you will create memories of him with stitches. Joan

Charlotte said...


My heartfelt sympathy.

I have 2 favorites in your Etsy shop - the silhouette pillows and the Log cabin pillow. I guess I could be forced to choose if my name was picked.

Charlotte

jennifer768 said...

Patti,I am so very sorry to hear of your Uncle Jack passing.My husband and I both lost uncles in the last month,it is hard to say good bye.Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Congrats on the lovely wins.Faye certainly is a talented lady.

Please include my name in your drawing.I would love anything you have made,so it would be nice to be surprised if I am blessed enough to be chosen.LOL! Big hugs,Jen

linda said...

So sorry for the loss of your Uncle. You will find happy memories of him popping into your mind. Faye is such an inspiration as are you! Two of my favorite blogs! Please include me in your give away. May you find gentler days ahead.

Carrie P. said...

so sorry to hear about your uncle.
Congrats on all your awesome wins. thanks for a chance to win your giveaway. I wanted to tell you that I appreciate the verses that you share.
I am a follower. If I were to win I would pick from two things. I love the Christmas pillow or the antique ticking box.

Judy said...

I am very sorry for the loss of your uncle. It sounds like you have many wonderful memories. Congrats on your wins. Such a beautiful collection of things from Faye. And to arrive on a day when you needed a bright spot. I would love to be in your drawing. I really like all of your items, my favorite would be Frosty Friends or Peace on Earth sewing book. Thank you so much for the opportunity to win one of your handmades.

Judy Heartland stitcher

Three Sheep Studio said...

It is so hard to lose someone we love. I am glad you have wonderful memories of your Uncle to dwell on.

Oh my, what lovely items you have won ! My all time favorite in your shop is the ticking sewing basket.
Just beautiful ;)
Rose

Kellie from Indiana said...

What a win, and a light at the end of the tunnel. I am a follower, and I could use the sewing box. My stuff ends up everywhere. Plus its gorgeous!

Nancy said...

So sorry for your loss. I love the May Basket pillow or the ticking sewing box. I do enjoy your blog. Nancy P.

Nancy in MT said...

Patti, I'm so sorry for your loss. The best to you and your family during this difficult time.

Nancy In MT

samplerlover said...

So sorry to hear about the loss of your Uncle. Its always very sad when we lose somebody special

I'm have been a follower for a long time and always enjoy your blog. There are 2 things that I love in your etsy shop. I love your Hearts in Bloom mat and also The Ticking Sewing Basket.

Lillian Carol said...

Patti,
So sorry for the loss of your beloved Uncle Jack......just lost a dear aunt, hard times. I truly admire your blog and look forward to each and every post. I am a follower and check your etsy shop quite often. It it's hard to chose bust I do like the ticking sewing box, lovely work.
Lillian Carol

BumbleBeeLane said...

So sorry for your loss. Glad you reacived a blessing the same day as well. Would love a chance. I'd pick the may basket pillow. Warm Blessings! Amy

Tina McFadden said...

Pattie, I am so sorry for your loss. Keep comfort in the memories we have of our loved ones.
I love reading your blog posts and all the sewing adventures you have. Tina

Kathy R. said...

Hi Patti. Sorry to hear of your loss, but you are right to focus on the blessings his life brought. You have some lovely things in your shop - I think the Winter into Spring is my favorite. I am very anxious for that to happen. Things are finally melting here. Thanks for the giveaway.

Friendship Crossing said...

So very sorry to hear of your uncle's passing.
What wonderful wins you received!!
Was just checking to see if I was already a follower of your Etsy shop (and I was) but didn't realize that you and I are b'day buddies! We share the same day and so does Peggy Lee of Ky. Sampler! How cool is that??

Fingers crossed, I love to win your Frosty Friends framed pic ~ how adorable is he??

Thanks!
Tanya

Primstitch said...

Patti, So sorry about your Uncle Jack, sounds like he was a special man!
Wow, have you been a lucky girl with all of your wins! You deserve it, though, since you're always so generous in sharing with your admirers!
i would love a chance to win anything that you have made ~ I collect needle books & especially love the Peace on Earth!
Hope your weather improves soon!! Debbie :)

Von said...

So sorry to to read of the passing of your uncle. May all your wonderful memories bring you comfort in the days ahead. Hugs.

basketsnprims said...

Patti, I am so sorry to hear of the loss to your family. You have wonderful treasures from market and winnings from bloggers. I am awaiting a couple of new things I have ordered from market. I would love to enter your giveaway though I may be too late. With this horrible weather in Michigan we have lost power and internet a few times. I am so longing for spring.
pam

saltandpepper said...

So sorry to hear of the passing of your Uncle.
I have been reading your blog for some time and also like your Etsy shop. I like the ticking sewing basket and the wool Valentine hearts mat. I also liked the pink and brown marking sampler you had awhile back but no longer see it listed. ~Chris

Roberta said...

So sorry to hear about the loss of your uncle. He must have been a wonderful man and I hope you and your family are comforted by your memories.