Monday, September 1, 2008

In the Beginning, a Dream .....

A dream is a wish your heart makes
When you're fast asleep....
Whatever you wish for, you keep
Have faith in your dreams and someday
Your rainbow will come smiling thru...
If you keep on believing
The dream that you wish will come true.

It all started many years ago, in an old run-down five-and-dime on Mission Street in San Francisco. I remember the day so well. I was probably somewhere around 10 years old and my absolute favorite part of the store was upstairs – the fabric department. Mama would shop and I would stand there and just watch the ladies flip those bolts and cut, cut, cut! I was awestruck.

This particular day, a lady was cutting fabric for ME! She looked just like the mom from My Three Sons … so slim, with her hair pinned up, with a pretty apron on; I wanted to be just like her. I remember asking her if I could get a job with her cutting fabric. I just knew I could do it, after all, I had been taking sewing lessons for FOREVER! But much to my disappointment, she told me I couldn’t until I was MUCH older, like 16! Wow, that wasn’t until forever from then.

Time went by, 16 came and went. I was busy in high school, playing the piano for youth choir, and yes, ALWAYS sewing. Seventeen came, so did 18, a boyfriend, a wedding. Nineteen, 20, 21, a son. Well you get the idea. So 35 some-odd years later, a couple of houses and 5 children ….. The Quilt Shoppe was born.

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This last year has been an incredible journey for us and there is no way any of it could have come to pass without the wonderful help and support of our family and friends. Many times in our lives we often ponder "if only I knew then, what I now know ....." It is such a relief to know that even if we don't know, God does. And it is such a blessing to realize that for the last many, many years He has been working in the lives of so many individuals to bring us to today. So first and utmost, my thanks goes to Him.

There is no way I could thank everyone, but there are a few that I would like you to meet. They have been here since the beginning of this part of the journey and are each still an integral part of all the goings on.

THE FAMILY


Without a doubt the first person on my list is my best friend, my husband. He has been a wonderful support, teammate, encourager, shoulder to cry on, and the list goes on and on. There are not enough words .....




The kids - all five of them! These poor souls have sacrificed so much over the last year and have been such an inspiration. They've worked their little patooties off helping out, too. They have been wonderful helpers, each enjoying a special job here and there. I couldn't have done this without them.




COTTAGE COLLECTIONS


These are two of the most wonderful women I have ever met. Joyce is the owner of Cottage Collections, the company that designed our fabulous website. She is also the Mama Bear at Make Mine Pink. She has been such an incredible inspiration.





Katie is the "angel" from Cottage Collections who held my hand through the creation of our website. She is always there with a kind word and a willing heart to make me happy.

Thomas - Thomas is our website "techy." I suppose without him, we probably wouldn't exist. He is one of the most patient people in the world. I am always filling his email with notes starting out with, "Thomas, can we do this?"

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

THE ARTIST
When The Quilt Shoppe was in its infancy, we contacted several people to put on paper the vision we had for our logo. What an educational experience. Just when I thought this whole endeavor would go south, God sent Marci. Actually, she was already there, I just had to remove a few blinders so I could see her! From our logo, to our magazine ads and everything in between, she provides us with outstanding artwork that defines who we are.

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It will be fun to see where this blog takes us, the roads we will travel together, and the skies we will soar. One thing I know for sure: the quilting community is built on love, laughter, and a deep sense of commitment to provide and care for those less fortunate than ourselves. What a privilege it is to be a part of this wonderful community.

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

A wonderful autobiography! Glad to meet you :-)
Susan *dutchrose*

Cottage Collections said...

What a lovely Family Lani.. and a wonderful story. It's really a great way to share and let others get a glimpse into who we are. I look forward to reading more.

Thank you for your oh so kind words about all of us at CC. It's always been a pleasure working with you!
xxoo, MB

cathy said...

What a wondeful story! So inspirational. It's funny how are passions are often things we loved as children.

Susie said...

Welcome to Blogland Lani! I loved every word you wrote. You are living your dream.
Susie of The Polka Dot Rose

Patricia said...

Thank you for sharing your story. What a lovely family you have, and the saga continues.........

Pat

Cottage Flair said...

Wonderful post and background story. Best wishes with your blog.
Jennifer

Inka Smith said...

That was an awesome first post! I really enjoyed about your roots. Thanks for sharing.
Inka

Lisa McDonald said...

Lani ~

I loved the first post on your blog. I adored reading about all the special people in your family.

Lisa
www.palepinkandroses.com

Carolyn Kocman said...

nice job on the blog, lani. what a great way to start...with all of the history. brings it full circle.

Dawn-Hydrangea Home said...

What a great story Lani-and a beautiful family too!

gail said...

Hi Lani, what a wonderful first post. I am very impressed. Oh by the way, if you figure out the spacing thing with paragraphs, let me know. lol Welcome to blogland. Happy blogging...luv, gail

Francie...The Scented Cottage Studio said...

What a wonderful story and family too. Life is such a great adventure I am always waiting to see where the Lord will lead us next...

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Silena said...

Wow!!! Lani, congratulations on your beautiful first post. Your blog is amazing, as is your website. Loved learning about your dreams and the journey to where you are today. Your family is beautiful and we all recognize the friendship and inspiration that Joyce is to us all. Thank you for reminding us and thank you for the great post!!

Lilli Blue said...

Nice job. It looks great and my favorite style of writing. You have a wonderful conversational quality. Great for blogs. Good for you! Lilli

Miniature Patisserie Chef said...

Hi Lani,

Congratulations on the great blog. What a wonderful introduction you have done.

I look forward to seeing more posts!

Pei Li

Noelle Garrett Designs said...

Hi Lani,

Thank you for sharing your lovely story and beautiful family. I look forward to more of your blogging! Have a wonderful week!
Carrie

Susan - InHerOwnWords said...

Lani, what a lovely tribute to family and friends. Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful story!

SoCal Helene said...

Congratulations to your blog! Wonderful first post and are looking forward to many more, really enjoyed your story.
;o)Helene

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

Lani this was so nice to read about you and meet your family. So glad you are a part of MMP. So glad you opened the quilt shop as I will forever be a customer.
Wishing you lots and lots of success.
Hugs,
Michelle (shell)

Unknown said...

What a great post. I look forward to visiting with you often!!!! WElcome to the blog-o-sphere!!!