Thursday, April 28, 2011

A Wide Range Of Emotions


I have often lamented that we cannot close our ears with as much ease as we can our eyes.
~Richard Steele

So much for my quiet days of last week.  Last week the school across the street was on Easter break so there were very few cars going down our street.  No buses bouncing through the pot holes.  Only the daily visit of the mailman.  This week all of that noise is back.  My noise pollution is made up of the diesel engines of the buses and delivery trucks.  And the daily visit of the bass from a stereo blasting from a car as they wait for their child to be out of class.  In addition to all that, they have started working on the house next door.  It has finally sold after a year of being empty.  The previous owners walked away but only after leaving the inside in need of much repair.  So now I also listen to a nail gun and an electric saw, not to mention the dropping of wood and occasional loud voices.  The lovely sounds of construction.  Oh, and don't forget the daily barrage of car alarms that all of the teacher's cars seem to have.  No wonder the mocking birds around here can mimic that sound so well - lol!

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

Karaoke

National Karaoke Week is celebrated the fourth week of April. How is it celebrated? Easy! You go out and sing or even better, purchase a karaoke machine.
There are various disputes about who first invented the name karaoke. One claim is that the karaoke styled machine was invented by Japanese musician Daisuke Inoue in Kobe, Japan, in 1971. After becoming popular in Japan, karaoke spread by Hideo to East and Southeast Asia during the 1980s and subsequently to other parts of the world.
In Japan, it has long been common to provide musical entertainment at a dinner or a party. Japanese drummer Daisuke Inoue was asked frequently by guests in the Utagoe Kissa, where he performed, to provide a recording of his performance so that they could sing along on a company-sponsored vacation. Realizing the potential for the market, Inoue made a tape recorder that played a song for a 100-yen coin. Instead of giving his karaoke machines away, Inoue leased them out so that stores did not have to buy new songs on their own. Originally, it was considered a somewhat expensive fad, as it lacked the live atmosphere of a real performance and 100 yen in the 1970s was the price of two typical lunches, but it caught on as a popular entertainment. Karaoke machines were initially placed in restaurants and hotel rooms; soon, new businesses called karaoke boxes, with compartmented rooms, became popular. In 2004, Daisuke Inoue was awarded the tongue-in-cheek Ig Nobel Peace Prize for inventing karaoke, "thereby providing an entirely new way for people to learn to tolerate each other."

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BLOCKS RECEIVED

Yesterday I received an envelope from my Block Swap Adventure swap partner for April.

Charlene made me TWO blocks.  Aren't they wonderful?  I just love the pattern and the fabrics she used.  When I first saw them they immediately reminded me of a summer picnic.  Thank you so very much, Charlene!!

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ANOTHER WIN

Don't hate me, but yesterday I received another squishy with a something I had won last week.

Staci, from The Confused Quilter, had a giveaway featuring B. Bumble & Co. patterns and I won this fantastic pattern called The Shop Hopper.  Linda Winters designs such cute patterns but I think this is my absolute favorite and can't wait to make it up.  Thank you, Staci!!!

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MORE MAIL
Yesterday I received an envelope that I wasn't expecting.
As a thank you for sending them my star blocks for the Just One Star project, Moda sent a little thank you card and a little packet of 2 1/2 inch squares.  That certainly was unexpected but much appreciated.

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DISAPPOINTMENT

On March 13, 2011, I won a giveaway from Material Girls Quilts.  I was thrilled.  It was the first time I had won a fat quarter bundle.  This is what was pictured with the giveaway blog....
It wasn't exactly specified which one you would win but stated there would be three winners.  I kept waiting for the package to arrive.  I contacted one of the other winners as we are blogging friends - she hadn't received hers either.  We began emailing Material Girls (separately) and received back an assortment of different excuses.  Nothing for over a month. We sent of 5 emails each.  Finally, on Monday, I received a plain brown envelope with no return address.  It looked a little dubious but I opened it.  Inside was this....

7 fat quarters - coordinated by color but not by designer or company.  Now I don't know about you, but I was expecting one of the first fat quarter bundles pictured above.  I think they finally sent me these in an attempt to shut me up.  They were probably tired of receiving my emails.  I don't usually complain and will shrug off something if it never appears.  But to picture something that you are giving away and then have it be nothing like that is basically lying.  It's deceptive and could be considered fraud.  (See Sharon's blog, Vrooman's Quilts, for further information about the legal side.) 
I hope none of you ever have something like this happen to you.  But if you do, don't just sit on it.  Let your voice be heard.  It is the only way to prevent others from doing something similar.

===================================

BALTIMORE BLOCK

Yesterday evening I put the final stitches in another Baltimore Block....

This is block 3.  I had a little trouble with the points on the pineapple tops but I'm still pleased with how it turned out.  I'm definitely still on the learning curve for hand applique.  I have been using the glue stick method but I think I might try the starch method for the next block.

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I will finish the baby quilt. All I have to do is sew on the binding and then hand stitch it.

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GIVEAWAYS

The Raspberry Rabbit is having a celebration giveaway.  To help celebrate 700 followers they are giving away several different books.  This giveaway ends Sunday, May 1.

Just One More Stitch is having a giveaway.  You could win a jelly roll of your choice from 1 Choice 4 Quilting.  This giveaway ends Sunday, May 1.

Jackie's Art Quilts is having a giveaway.  Jackie is giving away 5 beautiful fat quarters.  The winner will be drawn on Thursday, May 5.

Diary Of A Quilter is having a sponsored giveaway.  Jackie from Canton Village Quilts is giving away a fat quarter bundle of Art Gallery Oval Elements collection.  This giveaway ends Sunday, May 1, at midnight MST.

Blacksheep's Bit Of The Web is celebrating her fourth year of blogging with a giveaway.  He will be giving away "nice prize and leave it at that".  This giveaway ends Friday, May 7, at 3:00 pm PST.

Stray Stitches is having a fantastic giveaway (if I do say so myself - lol).  You could win....

these lovely 10 fat quarters.  This giveaway ends Sunday, May1, at 8:00 pm PST.

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FINAL THOUGHT

Wow!  This post was long.  Sorry about that. There was just so much to share.  And, of course, there was also my ranting.  If you have stuck with me through the entire way, thank you!  Aren't friends wonderful?  They put up with you no matter what kind of mood you are in.  They will share your happiness, your sorrow, your grumpiness, and even your bragging.  Friends are priceless.  I have enjoyed sharing my life with you.  But I especially enjoy sharing your life through your blogs.  They are what get my day started.  I visit some of you while eating my lunch.  Others I read just before bed. You have all enriched my days and expanded my knowledge.  Thank you!

A good friend is a connection to life - a tie to the past, a road to the future, the key to sanity in a totally insane world.
~Lois Wyse

Be thankful it's Thursday - another day for creating!

33 comments:

Toni said...

Ahhh Karaoke, not my cup of tea!

Wonderful fun stuff in the mail, and I don't hate you for winning all the time....you just are more diligent at finding and participating in giveaways...you can't win if you don't play :)

I read the Material Girl on Sharon's blog, just horrible...is this a private blog or a shop?

Have a great day and hopefully you can create some positive noise influence inside your home to block out the negative stuff outside!

Barb said...

Love your mail and blocks...and yes, that would be a little disappointing to receive those few fabrics after being promised something else...sorry.

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Morning dear lady - I know the noise is not pleasant, I laughed about the mocking birds immitating the car alarms though!
I love those blocks you just got and I too thought of 'picnic', they are delightful. Your pineapple block is fine - at least you are tackling your applique and I like that you are trying different techniques.

And Lizzie (the 3rd party of the give away) finally got her FQ's - like us, a mixed bag of fabrics and designers in a plain bag/no address. She also posted the experience on her blog. Thank you ladies for standing united.

~Carla~ said...

I just found your blog last night and LOVE it! You post about so any great things, it's a treat to read! I've added you to my reader so I never miss a post! :)

That is disappointing about the giveaway, especially that you had to continually email them! :( On the upside, the fabric you received is very pretty!

Hilachas said...

I was so happy for you when I saw that you had won. Again, haha. I'm glad for you but think it is just horrible what the Material Girls did. I enjoy blogging and entering the giveaways but I never thought someone would be so dishonest. Why not just NOT have a giveaway 4col!

Have a better day today.

Mommarock said...

That is quite disappointing that you didn't receive what you were expecting in your win. I have won before, and then never received my winnings. It is quite the let down. I should have kept better track of my winning.. but just expected that that sender would be like all of the other great quilters out there and sent what they said they were going to send. When you are a new quilter, and you win.. you get rather excited that this bundle of fabric is going to be coming in the mail.. and you tend to sit and wait for the mailman to bring you something in the mail.. and then it doesn't come.. major bummer!! I tend to LOVE my fabric.. A LOT!!!!!!!!.. And when it is a surprise.. it is even more luscious.

Kelly O. said...

sorry you were disappointed. I looked at the giveaway and it is quite ambiguous... they show the photos but don't in word say what you've won and even in the winners post they still didn't say what they'd be sending...I don't know that it is necessarily malicious but I do agree that they were misleading those of us who entered. I think it was an unfortunate misunderstanding and simply their negligence in taking the time to post properly what it was you were winning...

Jodi said...

Hmmm, I entered that giveaway, too. Not only to be disappointed by the misleading, but for them to take so long to get back to you! Very poor PR! I'm sending my SIL your little thing about karoake - she loves it!

Anna said...

I've had one giveaway that never arrived. I asked and was told she couldn't find it. I quit following the blog because I felt she used the giveaway to get followers and then didn't keep her end of the deal.

Maria said...

After reading about the noise around your home it makes me appreciate living on 5acres even more.Very peaceful.
Yes I also love your picnic blocks. very refreshing looking.
Sorry to hear of the trouble with not receiving the right giveaway. Just not right.

Kathy H said...

I think your pineapple block turned out great. I have not started any baltimore quilts yet because of the precision involved. I like the folk art type right now because if part of the block isn't ina precise area, it's still ok. I would like to try the baltimore block one day, maybe when I improve. I also liked the red and blue blocks you received. It reminded me of a picnic quilt also. I would like to make one like that.

Kathryn said...

I had to be a pestering winner once also. It does take the joy away. I think those offering a giveaway should have it ready with an envelope, and be prepared to drop it in the mail within a week. Otherwise they just create ill will toward themselves.

Impera Magna said...

Thanks for sharing about The Material Girls Quilting problems. I'll be sure to remember that name and never order from them or associate with them in any way whatsoever!

Boo on them...

:p

Shannon said...

I am sorry that you had to deal with such a sneaky bunch of people. That was not right of them to do that to you ladies. I am glad that you got at least something but I agree a fat quarter bundle whould have been better. Yes friends let you be you, who ever you are that day. Hang in there!!

Donna said...

Absolutely love the blocks Charlene sent you. I see 4th of July!

Bummer with the giveaway prize. I played bingo at Christmas, won a daily prize and never received anything. This was a supposedly reputable shop sponsoring the event. Makes one wonder!

Megan Harmeyer said...

I'm glad to hear that the house next door finally sold - I hope these neighbors are better than the last two! The swap squares are pretty and I agree with you on the picnic blanket coming to mind. Sucks that what you go for that giveaway didn't match their pic - I hate when people aren't honest with you. I LOVE the Baltimore block - I am anxious to see what the finished product will look like.

PolkaDotClassic said...

I love your pineapple block!!
I hope all that noise will be over soon and have quite days again.
summer is comming and school will be over soon :)
Sorry about your winning dissapointing! It as a very misleading giveaway

I hope you have a better
Sewing Day
Marta

Joanna said...

I think your Baltimore quilt is going to be a treasure. You seem to be doing it so well. I live across from the grammar school I attended and love hearing the kids in the schoolyard, but have the same problem with nutty parents blasting their radios. They also think nothing of partially blocking my driveway while they wait for their kids. And I have neighbors who love fire works. Easter Sunday they put them into plastic Easter eggs and they exploded. I was picking up plastic pieces in my yard and silently cursing. I think they're nuts! Sorry about your disappointing giveaway win.

WoolenSails said...

I entered one that stated I was getting a fat quarter of each new fabric, I got a jelly roll, but not complaining;)
I have never used a roll, so it will be nice to be able to just cut off for squares and go faster for me. I have some small quilts planned for it.

I think your pineapples came out nicely. I did one with wash away and it is so stiff. Someday I will finish it.

Debbie

Staci said...

Noise is not nice! I'm sorry you are living with so much of it!
Wow! What a tale about the fq giveaway win. I read the post at Vrooman's quilts, too. Guess Material Girls should plan on losing some customers! What a rotten thing to do!
Glad you had those pretty blocks to console you!

Talin's Corner said...

It's a shame that you had to go through that ordeal. Not that it makes it better, but I think the package you received is quite pretty, I hope you will be able to use it. And I love the Baltimore Album block. I always think I will make one, but never do...too lazy I guess.

Catskill Quilter said...

You and Sharon did us all a service by sharing what happened in that giveaway! I wanted to tell you that I read your blog every day, and I always look for the quote at the beginning! Great blog! Love it!

Jeanette said...

What a shame about that giveaway. Most disappointing for you. The blocks you received are gorgeous & your pineapple block look lovely. Happy Stitching,

sunny said...

What beautiful blocks! Sorry your prize was such a disappointment. I once waited for a verrrrry long time for a prize, but i was rewarded with a doubl-prize, so it was worth tht wait. Better luck next time! I'm off to read Sharon's post.

Canadian Kristin said...

Love the two blocks Charlene sent you... great colour choices for making the pinwheels stand out!

Doh! I totally forgot to mail my "One Star" blocks. Hooray for the teeny little charm pack, so cute!

BOOO! To Material Girls for the scam giveaway! They should be ashamed. I'm hoping they are just backordered and embarrassed and send you the right prize! Shame on them! It's good you shared that, with online companies we don't know unless we bloggers share our experiences.

And... could you pick my lottery numbers, please?!?! You are having a GREAT win streak!!! Congratulations!

Barbara said...

I'm glad you shared your disappointment with Material Girls. I wonder how some people live with themselves! The rest of your squishies were delightful.

Nancy said...

Wow, Linda. I can't believe that someone would do that. I hope they finally send you the right prize. The good news is you got some awesome blocks. I just love the colors in the blocks you got in the mail. And they do look like a picnic.

Peach Rainbow said...

Sorry to hear about the disappointment, I read Sharon's post too. Thanks for letting us know.

Anonymous said...

I love your Baltimore block. The more points you do, the better you'll get. I use just regular needle turn, no starch, no glue, just turn with a toothpick and stitch.

Robin (RsIslandCrafts) said...

I received the little mini charm pack from Moda also. I was so surprised. I sent my stars to help a worthy cause and never expected anything in return (except for the warm feeling). I've always known that Moda was a wonderful organization but this is like the cherry on the top.

It really is a shame about the give away. I went and read the post. Since there was no mention of what they were giving away I would have expected to receive what was pictured also. If that wasn't their intention then they should have mentioned it. Plus, you shouldn't have to repeatedly email them to check on your prize.

There has been 2 or 3 times in the past that I haven't received a prize that I won. After a couple emails it felt like I was begging for something that I won and gave up. I thought it was a moral thing but didn't realize that there was also legal consequences involved. I can't imagine not following through with a give away on my blog.


I love blog friends :)

Anne said...

Sorry that your noise pollution has increased. I suppose I can't complain about the loud cars across the street from my house. Speaking of birds mimicking noises, our parrot, Jack, can perfectly imitate the alarm on our motorhome that sounds quite loudly if my husband forgets to raise the stabilizers. Jack can also recreate our microwave's times-up beep, and he often yells, "Shut up," whenever our Quaker parrot squawks.

Speaking of contests, recently I invested quite a bit of time writing an entry that included three key words because the blogger promised to award prizes for creative efforts. I didn't assume that my entry would be chosen, but after the contest ended, the blogger announced that she'd couldn't make up her mind, so she utilized random-number dot org to pick winners. I wrote a blog entry to express my displeasure, but I never posted it.

I avoid controversy because I can't handle the stress involved, but on Monday, I'd stepped up to defend my nephew. He works in the movie industry (special effects). My sister had phoned our local newspaper and had a reporter/assoc editor write a story about my nephew's success. A nearby college, where he'd earned his degree, had recently honored him. The reporter, a woman, had phoned my nephew to gather details, and he told her not to print one specific role he had not performed on a particular movie. Anyway, the article's headline hailed that my nephew had indeed performed the role.

My nephew was upset, so I told him I would write a letter to the editor to clear up the matter. Lo and behold, this reporter blasted me via email! My very carefully worded and non-threatening letter didn't name her or accuse her (she hadn't written the headline). I was very upset, so I phoned her, calmly explained the situation, and even said she could scrap my letter. Whew!

My letter was published the following day.(Several friends told me that my letter was gracious and shouldn't have provoked the woman.) Anyway, the woman again berated me via email. She was, as my mom used to say, "mad as a wet hen!" Needless to say, this hasn't been the best week of my life!

Material Girls said...

I am truly sorry you were disappointed in your free prize. It wasn't just a color coordinated bundle it was Delilah by Free Spirit. I posted those pictures but didn't state that those were the prizes my bad. I had a crazy March and April and do apologize for the delay. We truly are honest and are sorry that you were disappointed.
Nadine

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

What a bummer about the 'giveaway' you didn't really get. Too bad a few people mess it up for most of the good ones. I really like the blocks Charlene sent you. They are great. I'd love to find the block pattern. I have lots of reds and blues I need to use. That pattern would be great.

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