changing things up a bit….

lisabongean

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I have lost 4 close people in my life in the last 6 months…that is a LOT of people…and one was the worst one to lose….so being who I am and what I am like I decided it is time to do some things that maybe I have never done…or at least in the last 10 years…I am going on retreat…as a student!!! No planning, no shipping…no stressing that I forgot something…just pack up my threads and head off to Sunny Jacksonville FL…I am going to Tea & Stitches with Jan Vaine…isn’t she a pretty lady?shapeimage_2

And look at her new book that has just come out! E&PCover web view 021114We are going to learn lots of crazy stitches…We are doing a block from this fan quilt!!! CoverfanI am really excited….If you are looking to run away like I am maybe there is still room for you too! Click here Retreat …..  I bet you are wondering what else could I be doing…. I signed up for a BOM! I am making this quilt,IMG_2179 designed by Maria from Pinwheels Click Here Pinwheels BOM…when I am home I  start piecing and I do not want to quit…tonight I will piece the first 49 little blocks together that form block 1…They are very putsy and I love it…just me and my sewing machine and no directions to write…free….for a little time once in awhile, a little treat…hope my next block comes soon!!! I also started piecing the MINI…Puddle Jumping…and I am finishing up my post on the APQ quilt along quilt….I will be posting one big post…I hope no one is mad that I didn’t (more like couldn’t) fulfill my obligation at the time I was supposed to…hopefully they will forgive me and I will get another chance.  My quilt is finished and I love it…It is called Stairway to Heaven…

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68 responses to “changing things up a bit….”

  1. mel2quilt Avatar
    mel2quilt

    Good for you, Lisa! Have fun and I can’t wait to see your beautiful fan block.

    Reply
  2. Rita Nichols Avatar
    Rita Nichols

    If anyone ever deserved to change things up a bit it’s you Lisa. You have to take care of you and what better way to do it. Enjoy your new experiences.  Grandma Rita

    Reply
  3. Ann P. Avatar
    Ann P.

    Have a wonderful retreat! There is no one that deserves it more than you. Wow, that BOM looks gorgeous.

    Reply
  4. Barbara Jansz Avatar
    Barbara Jansz

    So happy ro hear you are taking time for yourself and enjoying it. God bless you and your family.

    Reply
  5. Sylvia Anderson Avatar
    Sylvia Anderson

    Lisa, I don’t know how I would cope, had I been in your shoes, but I think you are a remarkable woman, who needs a little, food for the soul, and feel this retreat is just what the doctor ordered. As someone who suffers from Panic Disorder, I just love to go to the basement, where my sewing room is, and spend hours just doing as I please, listening to a good book and creating gifts for family members. May God watch over you and guide you through the pain you have experienced.

    Reply
  6. dakuchta@comcast.net Avatar
    dakuchta@comcast.net

    Ok – I’m checking into the retreat because it looks very pretty!  Do you rent a car or depend on the shuttle to get to the UNF?   Deborah

    Reply
  7. Kathy Pedri Avatar
    Kathy Pedri

    Lisa,

    I was in your big stitch quilting class on Saturday and marveled at your ability to teach much less to carry on from day to day! I hope that this retreat gives you the time and space that you need to start to feel better! I only know that if I had gone through what you have gone through over these past few months, I would have been sitting in my closet with a blanket over my head and a vodka bottle in my hand! You go, have a great time and we can’t wait to hear from you once you are back! Hey, while you are at it, if you get a chance stop at a bar/restaurant called Nippers – It’s right on the intercoastal and have a Bad Habit! Yummy!

    Reply
  8. Phyllis Avatar
    Phyllis

    Oh, dear lady, take some time for yourself and just breathe. Enjoy your retreat time and class time. We get sooooo busy doing everything for everyone else and forget to do for ourselves. Thanks for all that you do.

    Reply
  9. Pam H Avatar
    Pam H

    So glad to hear you are taking some time to recoup and rejuvenate! We all need that! including or maybe especially, great designers. Life is messy sometimes and I’m betting that time to heal and create with no pressures, but just for the pure joy of it, is going to be a huge balm to you. Please enjoy every minute and come back refreshed and comforted!

    Reply
  10. Lin Avatar
    Lin

    Have a GREAT time, Lisa … you surely deserve it.

    Reply
  11. Carolyn Vogel Avatar
    Carolyn Vogel

    Interesting to see how our lives are moving in a parallel direction, from piecing big quilts to you getting me Into wool appliqué couple,of years ago. About that same time I joined a local Embroiders Guild and have also started to focus on stitches, either as further embellishment to wool or as crazy quilt ideas. I have not given up quilts but those have definitely moved to the doll bed or miniature size. Enjoy the time you are taking for yourself. It will make the time you give to others that much better.

    Reply
  12. svlinder Avatar
    svlinder

    You go girl – enjoy and relax and take time for yourself!!

    Reply
  13. Melanie Avatar
    Melanie

    Good for you, Lisa. You certainly deserve this retreat. Time to just think about sewing and quilting, sewing and quilting. Have a wonderful time. I love the BOM you’re working on. I also like the way you lay out each block with the fabric and paper ready to pick up and go — the thinking and agonizing over which fabric is over. Great idea.

    Reply
  14. Phyllis Avatar
    Phyllis

    Good on you! Sounds great, just join in the fun, let someone else do the thinking and take the responsibility and lose yourself in your art/passion. Enjoy your retreat and your BOM, it looks great!

    Reply
  15. Joan Avatar
    Joan

    Good for you! Have a great time and enjoy!

    Reply
  16. Carrie Avatar
    Carrie

    I’m glad to here you are taking some time for yourself! I love the title of the retreat, sounds perfect and what a wonderful setting. Its easy to get lost sewing on a fun project, love the fabric in your BOM.

    Reply
  17. Meme Avatar
    Meme

    Life is way to short , have fun checking off your bucket list. You are such an inspiration to so many of us.

    Reply
  18. Debbie G Avatar
    Debbie G

    Good for you Lisa!! No one deserves the “me” time more than you. I am sure your followers all feel the same. You are such a giving person it is time for us to “give” back to you. Please do enjoy yourself as a “student”.

    Reply
  19. Marlene Avatar
    Marlene

    Women are notorious for taking care of everyone else and not themselves so I applaud you. Do whatever it takes to keep yourself strong. And when you can do that with other women it’s even better! blessings, marlene

    Reply
  20. Anne Babb Avatar
    Anne Babb

    I hope you have a wonderful, relaxed trip! You certainly deserve it. So sorry to hear about all your recent losses. I’m amazed at all you do. You are one busy lady. I’m buying that embroidery book. Wish I could join you, but we’re headed to the Northwest.

    Reply
  21. Kim Avatar
    Kim

    Good for you that you are taking the time to do something fun just for you! Looking forward to seeing all your goodies!

    Reply
  22. Mary Ellen A Avatar
    Mary Ellen A

    Lisa…..I hope you enjoy every minute of your retreat! You share yourself and your gift of talent with so many! So it’s wonderful for you to have a chance for some TLC for you! So sorry you have suffered such losses! Blessings & hugs!

    Reply
  23. Patricia Avatar
    Patricia

    Sounds like chicken soup for the soul! Breaks for the body and soul are regenerating. So glad you are taking the opportunity.

    Reply
  24. Tana Rhine Avatar
    Tana Rhine

    Good for You! I hope you retreat brings refreshment an renewal to you

    Reply
  25. Babs Williams Avatar
    Babs Williams

    Have fun!!! Weather is beautiful in GA this week- hope you have the same in FL!!

    Reply
  26. Marcy Avatar
    Marcy

    Enjoy yourself, a retreat will make you a stronger person, I know because I have been in your shoes.

    Reply
  27. Janet O. Avatar
    Janet O.

    Sounds like you are due for a good retreat! Enjoy! (BTW, those fan blocks are gorgeous–can’t wait to see what you make.)
    Wow–that is a LOT of piecing for one block–what a cool look!

    Reply
  28. Nance Allen Avatar
    Nance Allen

    Lisa, I was so sad about your loss. I know what you mean, they just keep going. I just lost my mom and 2 dear friends in the last 5 days and still am reeling from the loss of my husband 2 years ago. I never had children so that pain is different altogether than a husband or a mom. Not to keep all this about loss. There is sunshine!

    You will love the retreat. I am headed for one tomorrow. It’s what keeps me sane. You can never have too many girlfriends! Have a great time on your retreat and keep up with those blocks of the month. I always have something handy to work on.

    God Bless you and have a super retreat.

    Reply
  29. stacy Avatar
    stacy

    Lisa,
    Great idea – self imposed time outs work wonders! Throw in a massage for yourself too! Enjoy, relax and recharge. Looking forward to seeing you in Paducah.
    Stacy

    Reply
  30. Marlene M Avatar
    Marlene M

    I say GOOD FOR YOU! Have a wonderful time – enjoy your retreat – God Bless You!

    Reply
  31. jean westfall Avatar
    jean westfall

    Good for you Lisa, hope you enjoy yourself, you deserve it!

    Reply
  32. Jody Avatar
    Jody

    Good for you Lisa! It’s good that you are taking a time out to just be a student on retreat and to sew a quilt “just for me, cause I want to”. We are all here for you, rooting you along!

    Reply
  33. Cindy Avatar
    Cindy

    Good for you!! Down time…good for the soul!

    Reply
  34. Audrea Constancio Avatar
    Audrea Constancio

    Lisa it is so good to see your are taking to well deserved time for yourself to relax and reflect on life. I love the retreat site and I so wish I could afford to go on any retreat especially with you as an attendee.

    Enjoy your BOM and your time away.

    Reply
  35. Joan Avatar
    Joan

    Good for you. We lost 8 in our lives last year (however, you suffered the ultimate loss) and this getaway will hopefully renew your spirit. Enjoy, soak in sunshine and relax. Wish I could come also. Love your fabrics and all your beautiful work.

    Reply
  36. Linda Schaefer Avatar
    Linda Schaefer

    Good for you!! You always do and think so much of others, that it’s time for you and some TLC. Enjoy, relax, have a margarita for me, and see you soon. Wait, maybe I’ll have my own margarita!! 🙂

    Reply
  37. Sharon Avatar
    Sharon

    It seems the perfect thing for you right now. Treat yourself to some wonderful time and friends and recharge the soul. Enjoy it!

    Reply
  38. Pati Beck Avatar
    Pati Beck

    Enjoy your retreat….everybody needs time to themselves and you deserve it.

    Reply
  39. Sue Avatar
    Sue

    Life has been very challenging for you. They say time heals but also remember that taking time for reflection helps too. You have many looking down from above to guide you through and also give you inspiration during the days ahead.

    Peace

    Reply
  40. Krus Lindsay Avatar
    Krus Lindsay

    Enjoy your retreat. Relax you deserve it

    Reply
  41. Sue Couts Avatar
    Sue Couts

    Have fun, you deserve it! Can’t wait to see your finished product.

    Reply
  42. Susan Avatar
    Susan

    Spoil yourself and have fun at your retreat – every now and then it’s the best medicine for what life throws your way.

    Reply
  43. Sue Bozarth Avatar
    Sue Bozarth

    Take all the time you need, Lisa! Everyone needs some down time so , please, don’t apologize! Just ENJOY!

    Reply
  44. Vickie Avatar
    Vickie

    Bless you Lisa. I lost 3 friends last year, one I had gotten to take a trip to Australia with only 6 months before she passed away. It is very bittersweet to have memories that can only be shared with that special person and then they are gone. Do what you need to do and those that don’t understand, will never get it no matter what you do.

    Reply
  45. Carol Eberhardt Avatar
    Carol Eberhardt

    Well done on all accounts, especially deciding to treat yourself to a retreat. Retreat, aptly named … stepping back -and giving yourself time to rejuvenate and learn something new. God bless!

    Reply
  46. Liz Schraeder Avatar
    Liz Schraeder

    Lisa, ENJOY… For everything there is a purpose keeping busy was good for a time and now is your time to do for yourself. I’m sending you a hug and lots of wishes for a great time!!! Love and hugs Liz

    Reply
  47. mtneedle Avatar
    mtneedle

    This is such wonderful news! Jan Vaine is a good friend of mine and I couldn’t think of a better person to go on retreat with AND to learn some embroidery tricks from. Please tell her HI from Mary in MN! 🙂

    Reply
  48. Peggy Dalberto Avatar
    Peggy Dalberto

    Lisa, Amanda and I are so glad that you are going to take care of yourself by recharging and such. Good for you.
    peg

    Reply
  49. Harriett Murray Avatar
    Harriett Murray

    You go girl!!! You deserve some fun time!

    Reply
  50. Clair Becker Avatar
    Clair Becker

    good for you,take care of yourself and get rejuvenated

    Reply
  51. Forester James Avatar
    Forester James

    I think nthis is a great idea. Love the quilts that I have done that are your designs. Every one that sees them like them. So glad you are coming to Chatt. in Sept. That is within 25 miles of me. So-o excited!!! Love you and have fun on the retreat. Betty Forester Date: Tue, 11 Mar 2014 13:11:38 +0000 To: bettyj_01@msn.com

    Reply
  52. Patttywacks Avatar
    Patttywacks

    Enjoy your retreat – I would book another one as soon as Florida is over!

    Reply
  53. Nancy Avatar
    Nancy

    Good for you Lisa! Enjoy that retreat and hope it is filled with lots of laughs while great memories are being made. HUGS

    Reply
  54. Miriam Avatar
    Miriam

    Glad to hear you are taking some time for yourself. I found stitching very therapeutic at times of loss. I have one of Jan’s books and I love it!! Thank you for letting us know about her new book.
    Have a great time at the retreat!

    Reply
  55. Diana Kiehl Avatar
    Diana Kiehl

    I think that is great! Soak it up! Give yourself a treat!

    Reply
  56. Jakey Avatar
    Jakey

    Good for you Lisa!! We all need some time for ouselves. I hope you have a wonderful, relaxing time at your retreat! Both projects look challenging and exciting! My heart goes out to you, I think you are a very stong and courageous woman.

    Reply
  57. Karla T Avatar
    Karla T

    Oh, Lisa, that is the best thing you could do is take time for yourself like that! i think you should block out time like that for yourself 3 or 4 times a YEAR!! It is so good for the soul! I hope you have the time of your life!

    Reply
  58. Mag patch Avatar
    Mag patch

    Way to go. Have a fun time. Wish I could just let go and follow your example.

    Reply
  59. Sandy D Avatar
    Sandy D

    Enjoy your time on the Retreat

    Reply
  60. Beth Esser Avatar
    Beth Esser

    Good idea.

    Reply
  61. Robin Crittenden Avatar
    Robin Crittenden

    You’ve had a hard year and I pray thst just relaxing working on your own stuff will energize you some. Look forward to your finished projects

    Reply
  62. Shari Avatar
    Shari

    Enjoy the retreat and the warm weather!

    Reply
  63. Karen Covey Avatar
    Karen Covey

    Come visit me at Cinnamon’s Quilt Shoppe while in Jax!

    Reply
  64. suejean1 Avatar
    suejean1

    Lisa, take all the time you need to show us the APQ quilt along quilt. I am sure it will be worth the wait. Awesome that you are able to take some time to go on a retreat and do something for yourself. You give so much of yourself and need time to recharge. My daughter Ashley that you met when visiting us and teaching at QGSC works for Williams Sonoma. She asked me to thank you for your post on the air fryer. Sales have been good since your post. 🙂

    Reply
  65. Karen Avatar
    Karen

    Happy to hear you’re taking some time for yourself…it’s been a really rough time…you are so admired by many…you are a wonderful inspiration for others…such strength you have! No one is upset about your not finishing the APQ quilt along with the others…we all certainly understand!! As I said, you are such an inspiration!! Thank you!!

    Reply
  66. Freda Molenkamp-Oudman Avatar
    Freda Molenkamp-Oudman

    Here’s hoping you are enjoying your time and focusing on you! Thank you for the info about the Pinwheels BOM…I had seen it at the Houston Quilt Show but couldn’t find any info about it until seeing it in your post. I just signed up so I am looking forward to making it.

    Reply
  67. Teri LaVoy Avatar
    Teri LaVoy

    Having just come back from a retreat with my quilting sisters, I applaud you for taking time for yourself. This is where you laugh, cry, get caught up on other’s lives and celebrations that are upcoming for them. Now I can’t guarantee you’ll not fall off your diet (if you are on one); get lots of sleep; come home with a finished project, but you will have a marvelous, rejuvenating time and will find a peace you may be looking for. You deserve a break so go…enjoy…and relax. Hugs to you my friend.

    Reply
  68. DaisyS Avatar
    DaisyS

    So glad to hear you are going on a retreat and joining in on some BOMs for yourself. Great projects you have chosen! There is nothing like getting in some sewing/stitching time to yourself. Makes such a difference in how you feel. I am keeping you in my prayers. You are so strong and we all appreciate you so much!

    Reply

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