This post is filled with lots a news. Most of it good. Maybe one not so good thing, but it's not the end of the world.
This past Summer has been not so great for me and my little family. We've had quite a bit of sadness, financial issues, family issues, disappointments, and just a whole bunch of stuff not go our way. Let's just say that even with a new baby coming and a book coming out, some other things in life really haven't gone our way.
I've chosen not to talk about a lot of things here on my blog and I won't be going into any details. I just really like to keep the mood pretty upbeat around 'I Heart Linen'. The world is already filled with so much negativity and not so nice things, I figure why add more by being 'Debbie Downer' on my bloggity-blog? We all know that everyone has ups and downs in life, I just choose to keep it out of my little piece of the world wide web.
So much has happened and although I wouldn't like to go through any of it again, I am grateful for the experience. It taught me a lot about myself, my husband, and our bond as a couple and even tested my faith. God does everything for a reason. That being said, it would seem that our rainbow has finally arrived after the storm we endured.
Remember this post? Well my prayers have finally been answered! My sweet Mel has accepted a position at a company in Atlanta! So the Hales are leaving the Northeast and headed down south to the great state of Georgia! *dances a jig* This will be our last full week up North and I am sooooo ready to go! I love New York and always will, I just don't wanna live here anymore! Ta ta for now New York. I'm sure I'll be back someday. Any Atlanta folks need a new crafting buddy! ^_^ Pick me! Pick me!
More news......advance copies of my book arrived on Friday! Words cannot express how awesome it feels to see all of your hard work in print and done so beautifully. I had complete creative freedom when it came to the projects, their fabrics, colors, etc. Interweave took over when it came to the photography, the book's design and the cover.
I have to admit that there were times when I had my doubts about this whole experience. There were lot's of times I wanted to just give up and forget the whole thing. But I pushed through and made it happen and I'm so happy that I did! You've all been so supportive through your emails, comments and just plain visiting my little blog. I'm so grateful. Thank you, thank you, thank you! ^_^
The little bit of bad news is that the book's release date has been changed to December 1st. I'm just slightly disappointed and I'm sure many of you are as well. But it's still in time for Christmas and I plan on having more giveaways to make up for it! So, yay! ^_^
My last little bit of news.....
Some of you may remember that I am a member of the Block Party! quilting bee. Well, Alissa and Kristen, the co-hosts of our dear little bee, have landed a book deal with C & T Publishing! Congratulations ladies! ^_^
They will be co-authoring a book about our quilting bee and have graciously invited all the members to contribute! Everyone has agreed to participate and I'm so excited to be involved with such a wonderful group!
The book won't be released until 2011, but the Block Party! blog will be hosting a quilt along starting in November. Some of the blocks from those of you who choose to participate in the quilt along will be included in the book as well! So please do join us! You just may end up in the book! Woot! ^_^
So, lots of things happening right now. Busy, busy, busy! I will try my best to poke my head in here as much as possible along the way!
Sending you a psychic hug and a virtual plate of brownies. I'm very glad that it seems the dark clouds are passing over and hope that there are bright skies following. :-)
Thank you for reminding me that even in lousy times, something positive like experience can be gained from it and that all things happen at their own pace. I needed that today.
Posted by: CitricSugar | Tuesday, 27 October 2009 at 02:16 PM
I'm sorry to hear that you have had some difficult times, it sounds like things are starting to look up. Yay for moving out of the city, sounds very exciting. Also, can't wait to see your book, it looks great.
Posted by: Jennifer | Tuesday, 27 October 2009 at 03:18 PM
I'm so glad that things are looking brighter for your family. Also, when there's a lot going on (new baby, new city, new book...) it doesn't matter how awesome you rationally know it all is...it's just more to deal with. So the universe definitely owes you a few very uneventful months once you get settled in Atlanta and have the baby and all that. Good luck!
PS Santa's bringing me your book! Yay Santa!
Posted by: karen | Tuesday, 27 October 2009 at 03:46 PM
We have a difficult two years behind us (which I do not talk about over at the syko-blog) and still struggle to make ends meet, but we're getting there! +the dead-line for my book is next week and it freaks me out so I got some comfort reading your post today :)
I hope everything is looking better! It takes time to heal after bad times. Hugs and all the best!
I'm sure your book will be a great success, it looks so pretty!
Posted by: Kajsa | Tuesday, 27 October 2009 at 03:58 PM
yea Hales!
Posted by: Carissa | Tuesday, 27 October 2009 at 04:02 PM
oh rashida, you're going to be a housewife in atlanta, girl! i'm happy things are all working out for you and your super-cute family. i'm also glad you didn't give up on the book. good things don't come easy. all the best!
Posted by: cindy | Tuesday, 27 October 2009 at 04:09 PM
You have been busy--new baby, a book and now a move.
Good luck with everything. :)
Posted by: Liesl | Tuesday, 27 October 2009 at 04:44 PM
Congratulations and good luck for the move. It sounds like we are in a similar situation, I feel very similarly about living in Sydney. I can't wait to see the book it looks amazing.
Ps thanks for keeping the blog happy its nice to be able to have some relief from the real world when reading blogs.
Posted by: Rachel | Tuesday, 27 October 2009 at 04:47 PM
Still I'm glad that you mentioned your down side of life. All those "ever so happy"-blogs make me feel quite not so happy. Hope you understand what I mean.
Congrat to your husbands new job. I wish you and your family the best with your move. If I would live in Atlanta I for sure would shout out for you.
I love the picture with your kids holding your book. Enough reason to get it. :-)
Take care
Tally
Posted by: Tally | Tuesday, 27 October 2009 at 05:02 PM
I'm so happy that the rainbow is there for you now and wish you the best! Your blog is such an inspiration to me...and while it's always hard to hear of sad times...I'm truly amazed at the strength displayed by writing candidly about times that aren't always perfect! I'm still looking forward to your book as well...have to keep waiting a bit longer I guess! Good luck with the move!
Posted by: Sherri | Tuesday, 27 October 2009 at 05:27 PM
I cannot wait for your book. I love your blog and wish you wonderful things to come!
Posted by: Sarah | Tuesday, 27 October 2009 at 05:45 PM
Congratulations on the book(s) and the move. I'm in the One Yard Wonders, and can't wait to get to B&N at 9:00 in the morning! You'll love Atlanta, and the economy will be so much better there for you. I'm in South Carolina, and it is even more affordable here. I just blogged about a hard situation that has finally turned around (10/24/09 post). After sending it out there to blogland and getting to write out my feelings, I thought I would delete it the next day so all that personal info wouldn't mess up my crafty blog. However, I woke up to a number of comments and e-mails from ladies going through the same thing at our middle-aged time of life, and they expressed care and gratefulness to read about someone else working through the same issues. I left it there thankful that others say they have benefitted from my words. Write as you feel you must, as it looks like you have blog friends who care right along with you.
Posted by: Michele C | Tuesday, 27 October 2009 at 06:37 PM
Hey!
Yay for things turning around, boy I know that feeling!!! So I think you should look up Danielle Thompson of Thompson Family-Life. I think she is Atlanta (I could be wrong) I think you guys would make AMAZING friends. (plus I want to live vicariously through you because I would love to meet her some day!)
Posted by: Stefanie | Tuesday, 27 October 2009 at 06:43 PM
Hugs to you, Rashida! And congratulations on all the wonderful stuff that's happening. Sounds like there's a lot of change going on right now, but I'm happy to see that a lot of good is coming your way, too.
Posted by: Maritza | Tuesday, 27 October 2009 at 07:00 PM
I haven't posted or blogged in quite awhile - we've had our down struggles too. I came for a visit today - it was actually encouraging to hear that I'm not alone in the blahs. Congratulations with your book! So exciting. And your move -I'll pray that all will go smoothly.
Posted by: Ellen | Tuesday, 27 October 2009 at 07:26 PM
It is so ironic that I read your blog this evening. I had spent some "counseling" time in the local quilt shop today swapping "stories". Not dwelling mind you, just having a well deserved few moments to vent and not feel alone in such rough times for so many. It was good for all of us, and after browsing for 2 hours, and hugs to go we all felt better and ready to move on. BTW, we are in the burbs of Atlanta. I'm originally from Long Island, and so are soooo very many other people. Lots of luck, be kind to yourself, and remember you're never alone.
Posted by: SewLindaAnn | Tuesday, 27 October 2009 at 08:48 PM
I cannot wait to hold this book. The more photos I see of it the more I need it. :)
Good luck on your move. We moved from Orlando, FL to a small town in NC a couple years ago. I think it's the best thing my family has done. The kids love sitting outside on the porch and playing in the backyard with their toys. It sure beats the horrible trip to the local park we made every weekend in FL so they could play. I am not missing those days a bit.
*Hugs*
~Staci
Posted by: *Staci * | Tuesday, 27 October 2009 at 09:26 PM
Rashida! I am so happy for you! To be moving and looking forward to a brighter future. This is all good! I trust all will go well for you and your family and I wish you the best and smoothest of moves.
Posted by: mims | Tuesday, 27 October 2009 at 09:58 PM
I'm glad things are looking up for you and your family!
Posted by: Sarah | Tuesday, 27 October 2009 at 10:13 PM
It is good to be able to share that we aren't always on top of the world. Know that we all have our seasons and it looks like you are coming into a new brighter one.
Best of luck with the move. I hope it brings good things to you and your family.
And of course again congrats on the book. It looks to be fantastic and we'll all be waiting by the mailbox to get it!
Posted by: Jennalou | Tuesday, 27 October 2009 at 10:44 PM
Life isn't always as great as I want it to be, but your projects give me something to look forward to. Best of luck with the move, and I can't wait to get the book!
Posted by: Kris | Tuesday, 27 October 2009 at 11:23 PM
Rashida - so many changes for you and your family... happy to hear that you've come through the challenges and things are looking up for you. And I am (selfishly) tickled that your rainbow is leading you to join us in the ATL! Consider yourself picked as a crafting buddy! Email me!
Posted by: beevee | Wednesday, 28 October 2009 at 12:03 AM
Atlanta is a great place and the suburbs have lots of houses with yards,though you do have to look hard to find houses that aren't just like every other house in the neighborhood.
We look forward to having you here in ATL!
Posted by: Bethany | Wednesday, 28 October 2009 at 07:45 AM
Life surely throws us curves sometimes and I'm so happy that you've rounded the corner. Good luck with the book, your move and all life's other details!
Vicki
Posted by: Vicki | Wednesday, 28 October 2009 at 08:55 AM
Congratulations! On the move, on the book, on the upcoming baby and on the beautiful children you have. Please keep posting, I love, love to read you.
Posted by: Paula L. | Wednesday, 28 October 2009 at 10:03 AM
New York's loss is certainly our gain. Come on down to the ATL! The weather's fine. Congratulations on the move, new job, and the impending book. It looks fabulous. And God is so good isn't He? May He bless you with patience and perseverance. And peace!
PS those kids are adorable!
Posted by: larissa | Wednesday, 28 October 2009 at 11:30 AM
congrats on the book and the move! i can't wait to get a copy of the book. i've had a pretty rough year myself (lots of ups and downs, mostly downs) and i admire you for persevering and creating and tending to this lovely patch of inspiration on the internet. thank you and best of luck with the months ahead!
Posted by: sara | Wednesday, 28 October 2009 at 11:51 AM
The book looks awesome! I'm so happy the clouds have moved away, I know what it's like to go through tough times at home. Here's to blue skies and Georgia pies! (Just wanted to make a rhyme.) Have fun on your new adventure!
Anna
Posted by: Anna | Wednesday, 28 October 2009 at 04:04 PM
Best of luck to you Rashida!
Posted by: beki | Wednesday, 28 October 2009 at 04:08 PM
Congratulations on the book and everything else! Welcome to Atlanta...if you have any questions about living here, feel free to email me...
Posted by: Ellen Ban | Wednesday, 28 October 2009 at 04:35 PM
Congratulations on the book, the baby, surviving a tough year and coming out all the better at the end of it. I am so very excited about getting my hands on a copy of your book and will happily wait those extra few days:)
Good luck with your move!
Posted by: josie | Wednesday, 28 October 2009 at 04:46 PM
so glad things are brightening up for you. Somtimes you can be cruising along going 'heh everything is so perfect right now' and then bang things just turn bad but so long as you have people you love and who love you back, you'll be fine!
congratulations on all the good things in your life!
Corrie:)
Posted by: corrie | Wednesday, 28 October 2009 at 06:21 PM
Sending you some positive energy. When I am going through spells like that, I always try to focus on the positive. My children safe, happy, healthy? Check. I figure as long as my children are good I can handle the ups and downs of life (okay God, no testing me on this!)
I also wonder why a lot. Why can't we treat each other with respect and dignity? What happened to manners? Any hoo sorry about the ramblings. Just know that as one of you regular blog visitors your posts always put a smile on my face and I am greatful for when you do pop you head in this space. Congratulations on the book. Now it's on my Christmas list!
Posted by: Margie | Wednesday, 28 October 2009 at 09:30 PM
Welcome to Atlanta. Today is the first time I have read your blog (found the address in the Interweave catalog I picked up at Quilt Market earlier this month).
Atlanta has an active indie craft group - check out the Indie Craft Experience site. I live in Marietta, a suburb slightly north, where we have a large quilt guild (East Cobb Quilter's Guild) with talented members, including a few published authors.
I myself deal in vintage fabric, have 3 collections of embroidery patterns and several lines of quilt image stationery. Let me know how I can help you get connected here -
Posted by: Anita Tinlin | Thursday, 29 October 2009 at 10:05 AM
Welcome South sweetie !! ....Been in Atlanta for many many years and there's plenty of grass, cute little houses...and lots of "sweet tea"...Safe travels !!
Posted by: TM | Thursday, 29 October 2009 at 03:33 PM
We welcome you to the South! Just a word of warning... our tea is REALLY sweet!
Posted by: Heather | Thursday, 29 October 2009 at 03:35 PM
Rashida. I shed a little tear of sad and for joy for you when I read your post. 2009 has been similar for our family. And yes, I've not gotten into a lot of it on my blog. It just doesn't fit. But it has been a really painful year. But a joyous year too. We added a son-in-law and our first granchild. So good things, like for your new relocation, have happened to us too. I'm so excited for your book. I'm first in line. I can imagine how hard it has been to undertake this. Just getting one pattern out is such a huge undertaking! That I know. Congrats. Good things need to come our way in 2010.
Posted by: nanette | Thursday, 29 October 2009 at 04:11 PM
congrats on all the good stuff!! ..and let me tell you.. its been the hardest year of my life.. and i don't mention it at all on my blog.. so i know how you feel!! if you ever need to talk.. just drop me a line... and the book.. is now coming out on my birthday!!!
Posted by: jaybird | Thursday, 29 October 2009 at 09:19 PM
I can't wait to see the book, I know its going to be wonderful just like your blog. I'm sorry to hear about the hard times in your family, we have had our share too here and it never seems right to me to share on my blog so i understand your decision. Good luck on the move! You have a lot on your plate right now.
Posted by: shannon | Friday, 30 October 2009 at 11:19 AM
Hugs to you for those difficult times. I am glad it seems that you have so many wonderful things going on right now. I guess hopefully in the end the good things far outweigh the bad. Congratulations on your new book. It certainly looks like a must have!
Posted by: Ravenhill | Friday, 30 October 2009 at 05:49 PM
i am happy for you that mel got the job in georgia but saddened that the book wont be out for another month. i have been sooooooo looking forward to it...i guess i will just have to be patient. good luck with your move!
Posted by: susan | Friday, 30 October 2009 at 08:07 PM
Hopefully things will keep getting better for you ...
Sorry to hear about the book being pushed another month- I still can't wait to get it ;)
Good luck with the move!
Posted by: andrea | Saturday, 31 October 2009 at 07:47 AM
welcome to the south! Y'all are going to love it down here. If you lived closer, I'd be your craftying buddy!
Posted by: lovey | Monday, 02 November 2009 at 10:33 PM
Congrats on the baby, the new job, the book, the move!! Enjoy all of this newness and I am sure you'll enjoy Atlanta!
Hugs,
Sheree
Posted by: sheree | Thursday, 05 November 2009 at 11:45 AM
Congratulations Rashida! I am happy to hear that "joy cometh in the morning" has finally reached your little family. I pray for a peaceful move to ATL. I too left the big city for quieter slice of life back in Septemeber and I can't tell you how is calms my soul to be surrounded by gorgeous fall foliage and greeted each evening and morning by a nice family of deer...lol...I live in the sticks for real...anyway ENJOY!
~christa
ps i still have that sewing book you loaned me years ago. i can ship it to you if you like :)
Posted by: Christa David Beatrice Clay | Thursday, 05 November 2009 at 02:17 PM
very ironic i clicked on your blog in bookmarked list tonight. I actually in Atlanta, lovingly referred to as the ATL. With some unemployment about in my life, I find myself crafting allllll the time, and constantly looking for inspiration. I can't wait to see your book, and if you ever need a buddy....
Posted by: Sydney | Thursday, 05 November 2009 at 09:36 PM
Congratulations, Rashida! Hope you have an easy move, a smooth transition, and then a seamless third trimester :-) A new baby is the best way to find your footing in a new community, too, I've discovered. xoxo
Posted by: Kim | Saturday, 07 November 2009 at 10:07 PM
Hope everything turns out really well, sending you best wishes from "down under".
Posted by: Clair Acres | Sunday, 08 November 2009 at 10:37 PM
Congratulations on your book and exciting news about your move to Atlanta. I moved away from there (to Belgium) last year, but Atlanta was a good place to live, except for the traffic. There was a great crafty group that you might want to look up called Indie Craft Experience (http://www.ice-atlanta.com). Good luck.
Posted by: Dallas | Tuesday, 10 November 2009 at 05:40 AM
I just moved to Atlanta from Buffalo, NY. Trust me, there is gold at the end of the rainbow. I was in a t-shirt with linen pants today at the park with my kid. Life is good.
Posted by: Nicole | Sunday, 15 November 2009 at 08:24 PM