Sound of a Sweet Voice

A while back I wrote the article “Before it’s too late” to encourage others to record their voice for their children/grandchildren. What a priceless gift it would be in years to come, after the voice only resonates in heaven.

I don’t know how, but through my only cousin on my daddy’s side, there is a sweet recording of his voice when he left her a message – when, how long ago, I haven’t a clue. It doesn’t matter. It’s my daddy’s voice, just like I remember hearing five months ago.

My oldest niece sent the file to me last night via email.

I didn’t hear it until this morning.

I’m still crying.

I’m grateful my cousin was able to retrieve it and share it with my niece.

I’m so grateful for Leasa, for sharing this sweet sweet message with me. She said she played it for Momma last night (because Momma couldn't open the file sent to her) and reports that hearing his voice again made her very very happy!

Once I stop crying, I know I’ll be happy, too!

"Okie Dokie" - as my Daddy would say!

Mesolthelioma Awareness

Yesterday I received an email from someone I don’t know personally. She reached out to me and asked if I would consider sharing her story – to help others. Because this is a powerful story of inspiration and hope, I’m certain she’s contacted others and asked them to share as well.

In part, she wrote:

The reason I have reached out to you is because of your blog! I am 44 and a mother to a quirky little 7 year old, Lily. She is my only child, and my whole world. When Lily was just 3 1/2 months old, I was diagnosed with mesothelioma; a type of cancer that kills most people within 2 years. As I’m sure you can imagine, the first thing that came to mind when I was diagnosed was my baby girl and how I wasn’t going to be able to watch her grow up.

After intense treatment and recovery, I’m still here 7 years later and cancer free! My journey with cancer was a terrifying one and I'd like to turn my pain into purpose and become someone that other people can look to for guidance, inspiration, and hope in situations like my own. My husband and I recently participated in a short video about my experience with cancer and I contacted you because I feel that your blog would be an excellent place to share. I’m hoping to use this video as a tool to raise awareness of this horrible little known cancer that is such a deadly killer (and sadly, 100% preventable).

I hope you take a few minutes to watch her message, see her lovely daughter, and hear from her husband.

Back to Work!

I hope everyone had a blessed Memorial Day/weekend filled with heartfelt gratitude and remembrances of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. For me – like so many of you – it was a weekend also filled creating new memories with family.

Lots of fishing (catch/release), hunting the newly spotted nutria on the tank, target practicing, playing games, watching movies, painting pictures, eating/sleeping, and a little wine drinking and cigar smoking filled the weekend here.

Once company left yesterday afternoon, I did get a short “to-do” list started before taking a very very long nap!

Now, today, like so many of you, it’s time to get back to work!

First order of business: turn “guest bedroom” back into Lanetta’s Creations studio!

How did you celebrate Memorial Day?

Embroidery Mental Block

Two years ago this past February, I sold my Grace Quilting Frame (that had been with me for years without completing one quilt)

(Picture from their website)

and bought an embroidery machine a few months later.

I ended up getting the Brother SE-400 Combination Sewing and Embroidery machine

(Picture from their website)

rather than my dream – the Ruby Viking.

(Picture from their website)

Oh, My, Goodness! I could by a used car for that price! Maybe someday, after I win the lottery!

The process of learning how to machine embroidery came slowly, then abruptly stopped. It was July of 2011, when I had to go to Dallas to be with my parents as Daddy ended up having two major surgeries in less than a month. His healing process was slow going and Momma needed help taking care of him. Once the crisis was over and I returned home, to the studio, it’s like I’ve had a mental block, lack of desire, or any interest in using the machine.

Of late, I’m grateful the desire/interest has rekindled itself. I’ve brought out the machine and placed where I can easily use it, to learn and discover its true value. A “study” of sorts begins today!

Happy Embroidering!