I agree, Rita. I think we must all be immersed in spring chores. It's a busy time of year, but I really need to get busy quilting again. I'm feeling pretty guilty about my lack of quilty accomplishments. I cut fabric for five quilts to take to Hawaii last winter, and I finished the top of only one. I worked a little on two others and never touched two at all. I think I was a bit overly optimistic. But then I hadn't counted on learning to play Mahjong and spending two afternoons a week doing that. I have been in a general malaise lately. I really need to get motivated.

I'm guilty too.

I dropped in on a regular basis when the forum wasn't part of Houzz, but don't check so often now.

I'm not sure why. There's no reason why I shouldn't.... I just don't.

There are always up/down times at forums. Like you, I am busy at other activities this time of year, but I always used to find time to drop in here.

Would like to hear what others have to say on this topic.

I need the cleaning fairy to stop by! I have quilts I want to finish, but just can't get to them. Sitting in my chair watching the world and animals outside go by. I should get off my rusty-dusty and go get some fleece for backing .... nah, later.

I visit several forums and they have all been slow...maybe other social media is drawing them away?

I've been posting but don't have much to say. :)

Donna

I don't know about this forum, but I've been a regular on the hosta forum for years. It's very different than when Gardenweb owned it. Lots of interesting folks went away, for one thing. There aren't as many new people with questions, which always keeps things moving, for another. Then lots of folks spend more time of Facebook these days. It's just different and not quite as interesting or engaging - nothing to stimulate conversation would be my guess.

I think gardenweb is missed my many.

bk

I've stopped in to see what's been going on but also noticed lower activity. I've been out of pocket for about a month attending to some matters of the heart and family but hope to get back to my machine next week. Sometimes life happens and you just have to step back and regroup. Carry on ladies!

I've had my Mom and Mother-in-law here for almost 2 weeks so I haven't been sewing at all. We have also been pulling out fence, and now the fence company is installing a new one. Saturday the moms go home - though I love having them - I will enjoy my quiet again - and having my sewing room back! I will get a chance to stitch in the evenings after pulling weeds during the day! I am going to my quilt group this evening and taking my mom who is a quilter, along.

Sue

I take advantage of summer to be outside enjoying my garden and sunshine. I always have a project going and my string quilts keep me busy. I joined the Finish Along to help keep me motivated to get projects finished. It definitely keeps me thinking about what I want finished this quarter. I think all forums slow down during the summer. I really like this forum over some others I have joined so when there aren't many posts, I just think everyone is busy with their own projects.

I'm wearing a knee-high surgical boot on my left foot - always seems to be in the way. It has really put a crimp on what I do. It's supposed to come off the 25th and yes, I'm counting the days.

I'm pretty new here. I posted a photo of my first quilt top in early March. And many of you responded with such nice comments about it. I was getting ready to start quilting it when my mom back east took sick. She had had pneumonia last fall, and it had returned with a vengeance. I live out west, so I went back east for a week while she was in the hospital. I came home on April 2nd and she passed away on April 7th. I flew back to Boston the next day. I haven't really felt like doing any sewing, but yesterday I was teaching my granddaughter to thread her first new sewing machine and I saw that quilt top just sitting in the corner. I opened it and I felt the same excitement I felt when I had first finished it. I'm going to try and start to quilt it this weekend. I hope things will pick up here, I really enjoy seeing everyone's projects...and I may even try that block of the month lottery thing :)

Oh, Durango, I'm so sorry about your mom. You will find quilting is good therapy!

Glass, I hope your foot/ankle is better soon!

Donna

Durango, I am sorry to hear about your mom. At a time like that, there are so many overwhelming feelings. Take care of yourself. As Donna mentioned, quilting is good therapy.

glassquilt....only another dozen days...go with the flow!

Durango, hope your mom is doing better.

Glass, it seems like it is always one thing after another. Hope you get back to your sewing soon.

Now that is is warming up we have been out on the bikes more. Also, end of the school year so more to do with the grands, and the lady I work for just had a baby, so more work for a while. I have managed to finish a few small items, but nothing large., and I have some I spy quilts ready to quilt.

So sorry for your loss, Durango. The loss of a mom leaves such a space in our lives. I hope you can find healing and comfort as you get back to your daily routines. God bless!

Durango, sorry you've lost your mom. Losses of those we love leave holes that really never go away. I wish we could lay a patch and stitch it up tight to ease that gap, but it seems that we have to rely on little bits of tomorrows and next weeks with the hope that the sunshine and joys of the new days will help to build new bridges.

Durango, so sorry for your loss. My mom is the person who taught me to quilt - and she is still quilting strong at 88. I can't even imagine not having her around. Take care of yourself! Are you in Durango, CO?? I am in Fort Collins.

Glass - hang in there with your cast! I cracked my tibia last AUGUST and I am STILL having trouble. Take care!!

Sue

Not in Durango CO, polardreams...it just happened to be the model vehicle I was driving when I created the account a long time ago....I live in NV....but I have a granddaughter in Fort Collins area (she's actually in Loveland) I absolutely love it up there...so green and beautiful.

I have been busy too with the gardens and the yard. Finally got all the plants from the greenhouse out to the beds, so I will have less work out there now. I have a couple of projects in progress at the moment. Still working on my Allietari (sp) mystery. Putting the blocks together on it. Also working on a baby quilt for my cousin's daughter who is due to have a boy in a few months. It is applique, so taking a little longer than just piecing. I have also been dragging my husband out most weekends to go hiking in the Cherokee National Forest Ocoee area which is close to here. We hiked the Old Copper Road last weekend. It was about 6 miles round trip. There are so many trails close to home here in East TN, that I don't think we will run out of them for a while.

V, love the little baby quilt! How cute! Have fun with Kate on your trip! I sure miss her around here.

Donna

Durango, I think quilting is an excellent choice of helping us while grieving. In reality, I don't think anyone who has lost their mom doesn't continue to miss her and in some cases, grieving doesn't ever end but goes to another dimension. Hang in there......

V. That is a super cute quilt!! I hope you and Kate have a wonderful vacation.

In the midst of this thread, I received my June-July issue of Quilters Newsletter. It was so timely especially in light of many of our expressions of love and caring over the loss of a loved one. There is an article titled "Death, Grief, and Quilts" by Thomas Knauer that talks about how he has come to realize the importance of quilts not only in his life but also at the time of a death. I found it to be an interesting article if you are a subscriber either in print or online.

I've been here a lot less frequently for probably the last year. Life just gets in the way, but I'm easing back into quilting. I sandwiched a batik lotto winnings and will post once complete. I think after I wear myself out gardening, I'll go to the machine to rest.

I was away and just back to catching up on things ol.

Durango - so sorry for your loss. Sewing and quilting definitely has helped me, having lost both mom and mil this past year. They both knew how much I loved to craft and sew, so when I do those things I think of them and it helps me get through things.

It just seems to be slow all over and I think it's the outside activities that's doing it for all of us.