To my readers...

This will be a personal post, but one I want to share with my readers, to say thank you.


First, a bit of background:  I was born with a condition called lymphangioma.  When I was born it wasn't so bad, but I did have a few surgeries and some pain.  In 2007 I had a follow up surgery to address some issues that needed to be corrected.  Unfortunately complications from that surgery have left me with debilitating pain, blood clots and the loss of most of the use of my left hand.  I had to quit my 5 year banking job, and grew apart from many of my friends.  I don't expect people to understand constant pain, and I know its hard to believe me when I cancel plans all the time because of it.


So the last year or so, I've felt very alone.  Then, a few months ago, I discovered that I loved quilting.  I don't even know why I started, or what inspired me at first, but I knew the minute I picked up my first fat quarter that I was in love.  I started getting out of bed more, just to sew for even 15 minutes if thats all I could manage.  I feel creative and productive for the first time in over a year.


Then I started blogging.  I've always loved to write, but I didn't have anything to write about that I felt others would like to read.  Now that I've discovered the online quilting community I don't feel so alone any more.  It might sound cheesy, but it's how I truly feel.  Not only do I have people to share my work with, but every day I find a new blog with ideas and beautiful works of art from people who have something in common with little ol' me.


So to my readers, I say thank you.  And to those who blog, thank you too.  I have something to look forward to daily now.  Even as I sit here in pain I can read others' blogs and get lost in the beautiful projects that I see.  Its so good to have something I can focus on beside my disability.


Ok, enough sappy stuff - just wanted to thank the people who need thanking in my life!