The Quilting Girl on Paying it Forward

Sally presenting the Quilt for Heart to the winner, Cindy R.

Not everyone loves quilts. I myself was impartial to them until my friend Candice challenged me to make one. I was instantly hooked!

Despite the (sometimes) frustrations inherent in cutting, piecing and quilting, in the end you can hold your “Warm and Cosy”, the product of many hours of your persistence and labours, and know that it will give you or its recipient many years of warmth and comfort! Every quilt is personal.

We personally support Heart and Stroke because so many of our family members have been affected by this disease. This year’s quilt was made up of 12 stars representing all of the people in many of our lives who have been affected by heart disease and/or stroke: Mother/Father, Sister/Brother, Grandma/Grandpa, Aunt/Uncle, Niece/Nephew, and Friend/Neighbour.

Our raffle winner this year is Cindy R. from Wasaga Beach. When I delivered her quilt, she told me that she would be donating it to Simcoe Hospice where her Mom is a new resident. One of the comforts they offer residents is fresh quilts almost every day.

Again, to all who supported the quilt draw a heartfelt thank you. Heart disease, Stroke, Cancer….please remember to donate when and where you can; every bit counts.

Cindy… you have given me more than I gave you.

God Bless.

Sally
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guest blogger, Sally Pennock is a quilter who took it up earlier this year.  This was her 4th quilt.  If you would like to make a donation to support our fundraising for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, click here to access our secure online donation site, moralesBcause.  Thank you.

It's been a hell of a year! 7 things I learned.

It started with unbridled optimism.  Unrealistic at the time but you have to start somewhere.  After the year of managing downward in 2009, there was only one way to go and that was up.  A year later we're popping the champagne celebrating a 'year lived well '.  I share my learning from the painful - sometimes - experiences:

1. Never EVER give up.  There is no rationale for this, and no school teaches it.  The only sure way to learn this is to experience pain and work out of it. 
2. Focus on what is important.  My family is the most important and treasured thing to me.  I embraced this big time in 2010.
3. Plan for the future.  No you can't predict it but you are a dam sight closer to achieving what you want if you have a vision of what you want.
4. Change gears quickly when the S hits the fan.  I don't mean slow down, I mean change NOW!  The S doesn't get any cleaner or shallower the farther you slide in.
5. Ask for help.  Duh!  
6. Life is not good or bad...it just is! Stop trying to explain it or blame it.
7. Keep moving.  Running actually.  Without running I'd be dead.

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

The Reggae Marathon rocks!

A fabulous time had by all at the Reggae Marathon last week in Negril. My second time in Negril and did the 1/2 marathon this year. And this year was even more special: I got to run with one of my sons, Courtney and he even let me keep up with him.

I'll never win the overall event but if I keep it up I will likely qualify for an age group medal in a few years. That will keep me moving.

Maybe I should have worn the the Lightening Bolts.

This is an article that appeared recently with details of the race. Green, Mondon rock Reggae Marathon
You can also check out the Reggae Marathon Blog for up-to-date stories and more pictures.

Thanks for your support.

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

Reggae Marathon | Negril, Jamaica | Whatsonwhen

Two weeks away now from the Reggae Marathon. I'm still hobbled with an injury to my right foot but with a little rest, deep massage and a little 'medicine' I will press on.

Reggae Marathon | Negril, Jamaica | Whatsonwhen

Until next time...

that running guy