Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Sunshine Squishies!

Bringing  a little sunshine into someone's day is one of the greatest gifts we can give :)  I have someone I know who's going to need lots of sunshine over the next 6 weeks.  I am talking about my blogging friend Kaaren.  Kaaren is the host of the blog The Painted Quilt and is one of the most generous people, giving us free patterns every month.  Any way, Kaaren has started radiation and chemo this week and will be away from her home 5 days a week for the next 5 1/2 weeks taking her treatments.

As most of you know, my husband went thru cancer treatments last summer and I KNOW how long and lonely the days can be after your daily treatment is done.  I thought "we need to find a way to cheer Kaaren up on those long days!"  So, here's what I'm proposing...I am going to send to Kaaren's home address weekly a thinking of you or funny card and something squishie like a FQ or something.  Then, when she gets home on the weekends, she has little bundles of sunshine to open or she could take them with her to the hospital and open them there.  If you would like to participate, that would be wonderful!  Just leave me a comment I can reply to and I will email you her snail mail addie and her favorite kinds of fabric. How often you send is up to you but once or twice would be nice.

So often,  the chance to send cheer and sunshine comes only after we've found out someone has been sick!  Kaaren has been very courageous in sharing her illness on her blog with us and I hope you will join me in helping her to keep her chin up! 
****Update: Please note-- If you don't have a blogger account or have your account set to No-reply, I cannot email you Kaaren's info.  You MUST include your email address in your comment to me.  I have been very humbled by all those wanting to join in...Thank you so much!***
God Bless, and Happy Stitching,

120 comments:

Anonymous said...

I agree! I will be sending squishes too! Wonderful post! I'll help spread word and hope others do as well. I can't imagine how lonely it must feel to be away from home among strangers receiving treatments. I do know the frustration as a fellow blogger feeling the need to "do something" to make it better...this is perfect!

WoolenSails said...

I love the idea and in the process of making something new that fits in an envelope, so I would love to have her address and give back some of the love that she has given so many.

Debbie

ritad said...

I think you have had a lovely idea, I would like to participate.

Linda H said...

Count me in too Shelley!

Anonymous said...

http://www.quilthollow.com/2012/01/pass-it-on-sunshine-squishes-for-kaaren.html

Cathi said...

Fabulous idea! Count me in!

Phyllis said...

I would love to be included in this lovely idea. I love Kaaren's work and look forward each month to the FFF. Please email her snail mail and thank you for a wonderful idea.

sunny said...

Like you, I've recently been down this road with my dh, and I know what it's like. I was already planning to send a weekly card, so I'm glad you're inspiring others to do so, also! And I just got an idea so I'm off to the sewing room.

martha said...

i would love to send her a sunshine moment card. how can i help .i believe i would need an address to send cards. i also participated in making the blocks for her quilt. martha from minnesota

Lynn said...

I've loved Kaaren's freebies, in return I'd like to join in!

Sharon said...

Please count me in. I think she is strong and courageous and I know how tough the fight is, been there, done that!

~Laurie~ said...

Please count me in also - I will need Kaaren's address. Thanks:)

Carol said...

Count me in too. I would love to send squishys to Kaaren to cheer her up.

Loris said...

I'm here by way of Quilt Hollow and would love to join in sending some cheer to Kaaren. She is a generous one and I'm praying she is strengthened and comforted as she goes through this treatment.
Thanks for such a great idea!

Cheryl said...

Wonderful idea! Please count me in.

Jana said...

I love this idea and would like to have her address and to know her favorite kind of fabrics.

Theresa said...

This is a lovely idea and I'd love to join in and send a little sunshine to Kaaren in the mail.

tpott said...

Please include me, it's a wonderful idea. I've been there myself, I think a surprise when she comes home is a terrific idea. Just to let her know how many friends she has and that we care would be such a comfort. Thanks for offering to do this, I'd love to help. ;-> Toni Anne

Grandma M said...

Great idea. Please include me.

Janet O. said...

I would love to help bring some sunshine to this very gracious woman! Count me in!!

Carol said...

That's just wonderful...Count me in!

julieQ said...

YOU betcha girl...I will send some squishies! I already have her address...thanks for the nudge!

Sue Tokash said...

I know how tough the battle can be and how just a little thing can be a real pick me up. Please count me in.
~Sue

Mrs. Sew and Sew - Karen said...

Yes, please include me. I will need her addy also. Thanks Karen!

Marge said...

I would like to add to Kaaren's small ray of sunshine. Please add me to the list to receive her address. I read her blog always. Thanks for thinking of the kindness.
Marge

Sharon@LoftyQuilts.com said...

I would love to send something. I don't recall seeing if she's mentioned; does she have a favorite color?

Anonymous said...

LOVELY IDEA!
WOULD LOVE TO SEND KAAREN A 'QUILTY GIFT! PLEASE ADD ME TO YOUR ADDRESS LIST! THANK YOU SHELLEY ♥

Jo said...

I'm also here via Quilt Hollow and would love to participate.

Jo

Dianne Mitzel said...

I would love to join in this sweet project..you are a super friend to think of this, quilters are the best!

Valerie Z said...

Looking forward to sending Kaaren a pick me up and would love to have her address! Her favorite flavors of fabric would also be appreciated! Quilts surely are the best in the world! Sending good wishes that your husband, and you, are doing better as the days go by!

Darlene said...

Absolutely wonderful idea! I will get squishies together and send them over the next few weeks.

Carrie P. said...

What a great idea. I was going to put a card in the mail next week but you know what I think I need her new address since she moved into her new home. I think I know the fabrics she likes but you can send that info too.
I have been reading her blog for years now and have even done some of her freebies. She is so sweet.

Michele T said...

Fantastic idea... I would like to send a bundle of sunshine too!

Monica said...

I'm totally in for this!

Sandi said...

Think that's a great idea! I'd be happy send her best wishes and squishies, along with my prayers for her speedy recovery!

marie said...

I read Kaaren's blog even though I don't have one of mine own. I'll love to send her cards and some 'surprizes'. Her tastes are similar to mine, but enclude her fabric choice just to be on the safe side. Thanks for thinking of this. Marie

Rose Marie said...

Could you please send me her address .... I have two cousins going through radiation and chemo; but they are close to home for their treatments. It would be very hard to stay away that long every week.

Wendy said...

Count me in !! Thanks for thinking of your dear friend, sometimes just the smallest gesture of kindness and thoughtfulness makes all the difference in someone's life.....
Blessings,
Wendy P.

Diane said...

Yes I would love to join in supporting Kaaren. I so admire her strength.
Thank you for giving us a way to do this for her.

Granny Anne said...

I too would like to send her some sunshine. Please add me to her mailing list!

Anonymous said...

Please include me.

Me and My Stitches said...

Count me in!

paulette said...

I'm sew in!! The postman is going to hate us!! heehee
Thanks for doing this! Fantastic idea!
Paulette

Sue said...

This is a great idea.... I know Kaaren personally and she is being very brave. Count me in... I already have her address.

Janet said...

I'm so glad you thought of this!! I haven't missed a First Friday Freebies, since she started posting them. I would love to send her cards and squishes. Thanks again for thinking of this!

Debra @ Life is a Stitch said...

Yes, please, send me her address as I'd love to send her a Quilter's smile or two.
Thanks,

SueC said...

Kaaren's blog was the 1st one that I followed so I would love to help send some cheer to her! Please let me know the address & thanks for doing this for her!

Debi said...

Yes please include me and send me her mailing address. I will post this on my blog later today.

Deb said...

Count me in, anything to brighten her day makes it worth while.

Jan Maree said...

It would be my pleasure to send a bit of Aussie sunshine her way - count me in please!

Amy said...

I'd love to - just send me the details!

Suztats said...

yes, please include me. Thank you.

Laura said...

Please count me in!

d_lindgren@sbcglobal.net said...

Please honor me with the opportunity to send some quilting love from California.

sew.darn.quilt said...

What a wonderful idea! Please send me the details, I'd like to send some Canadian prairie warmth ;)

hugs,
Carolyn

Paula said...

What a thoughtful idea. Count me in. I do need details on the address.
Thanks for being so thoughtful.

Maxine said...

Please count me in. I made a block for Kaaren's quilt some months ago. Am happy to do this, too.

jayne said...

Would love, love, love to send a SMILE her way...I have followed her journey and keep her in my thoughts always...just need the address :)

The Queen Bee said...

Please send me her info. She has been such an inspiration and I'd love to send her a warm wish or two.

Pam

onlymehere said...

I've followed Kaaren for a long time and would love to participate! I missed out on the quilt so I look forward to this.
Cindy

Vail said...

I would like very much to participate.

Vail in tn

grandmarockton said...

WOULD love to share with Kaaren, so SUNSHINE. Do onto Others as you'd LIKE done

Kathy H said...

I would like to help too. Kaaren is such a wonderful person and it would be nice to do something for her.

Wendy said...

What an awesome idea! Please count me in, I would love to send some sunshine her way!

marypat said...

What a wonderful idea! I'm in!

Leo said...

I would be happy to send her some niceties ... I guess she won't mind them coming from a stranger.

Linda said...

Wonderful idea. Count me in.

Cheryl said...

Oh please, please, please count me in. Having watched and been close to friends going through the same thing I know the more support the better. So wonderfully thoughtful of you.....you are a good friend.

Myra said...

I would love to send Kaaren a squishy hug. :o) Please count me in.

Ginny Worden said...

Very thoughtful,and I would really like to participate .Sometimes it is the little things that help.

Just Ramblin' said...

Please count me in. As a breast cancer survivor, I know how much a little note or card can mean when you are going through chemo which is not always easy. Her being away from home makes it even that more difficult. Thanks for thinking of us this and allowing us to participate. Nola

PiecefulChaos said...

Count me in too! I've followed Kaaren's blog since before she started the FF Freebies and she is such a generous beautiful person, I'd love to let her know I am thinking of her - i will need her address - thanks!

Anonymous said...

I enjoy Kaaren's blog & would love to participate. Please send me her address. Thanks
Mona
mobo657@aol.com

Jeanne said...

Anything for Kaaren! I think this is a great idea. I'd love to help.

Sue-Anne said...

Hello, I have gotten to know Kaaren through blogging and even though we live at opposite ends of the planet, I consider her a friend. I read about your idea from Mary's blog and would be grateful if you could send me her address so I can send a little package of sunshine from Australia to her. Thank you for thinking of and organising this.

Cristina said...

Vorrei mandare il mio pensiero a Karen, grazie per questa stupenda idea.

critina.simo@alice.it

a presto
cristina

Kate said...

I love your idea, and would be happy to send some special treats to Kaaren. Please send me her address. Thank you so much!

Anonymous said...

Great idea - father went thru this and "sunshine" helps. Count me in.

Gina wvcelt@yahoo.com

P.S. Please let me know if she has a fav color, etc of fabric.

Mumbly52 said...

I would love to join in! There is nothing like a group of quilters! :)

Sew Create It - Jane said...

Please count me in...I've been following Kaaren's blog for some time and would like to show my fellow Canadian my support.

Melody said...

I'd love to send a little something too.

Janet said...

I could have sworn I already signed up for this, but I don't see my post here. So trying again - yes I would love to send Kaaren a little bit of sunshine. Please send me her info.

Anonymous said...

Ohhhhhh What a wonderful gesture for such a wonderful lady. I have stopped by Kaaren's blog many times & would be more than willing to send her a little something in the post. Please forward her address to me at: tisha@fsmail.net.
Many thanks: Katisha Morrell, Nottingham, England.

Shannyn said...

What a wonderful idea. Please send me
her address so I can add to her joy.
Best,
Shannynk@gmail.com

Marsha B said...

I would love to help out by sending Kaaren a card and some little goodies! Thanks for the chance to join in.

Karen said...

Shelley, Thank you so much for this!

When I read Kaarens blog entry I wanted to send her something, but do not have her address.

COUNT ME IN !!!

karengcg89@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I would like to shower her with homemade cards made especially for her.

My address is:
skmester@msn.com

Keep It Thimble said...

Great idea! Count me in - keepitthimble@gmail.com.

terry said...

What a wonderful idea. Have been following Kaaren's blog for some time now and feel like I know her. Would love to give her some sunshine and squishies at this difficult time. Please send me her address.

Terry

LesQuilts said...

Hi Shelley!
I'd love to send some love to Kaaren too!
Thanks for organizing!
Take care, Leslie

Teri said...

I would love to send Kaaren some get well wishes...and a bundle or two. I know how fun it is to get a pkg. in the mail. With all the packages she gets....it will help her get thru this ordeal with a smile.

Sandi said...

Hi Shelley,

Please add me to the long list of people wanting to wish Kaaren well.

She is such a great giving lady that deserves so much support.

From the other side of Canada I send her love and support.

Sandi in New Westminster B.C.

grammajudyb said...

I love the idea. Please send me Kaaren's address. I have been where she is now, except I was lucky enough to have my DH or my sister with me while away from home. Still, it was lovely to have cards and rememberances when we got home.

My Life and Quilting said...

Hi Shelley... What a sweet idea.... Karren does deserve something to keep her going through... What a sweet friend you are to get this going for her... You can count on me... My Hugs and Prayers to Karren and I will be praying for her sor speedy recovery.... Hugs

Sherill said...

Yes, please count me in. I have been following Kaaren's blog and would like to join.

Gmama Jane said...

Please include me by sending Kaaren's address. I'm certain she would be doing the same for anyone of us! The stitching community is so full of love and support.
BLESSINGS
Gmama Jane

linny said...

I have been a follower of Kaaren's blog for a long time now & have all her First Friday Freebies. She is such a generous lady, I would love to send her some 'squishies' from down under.
Lyn.
lyn.robyn.smith@gmail.com

Darlene B said...

I would love to send Kaaren some love. I always look forward to her blog entries and pics of her beautiful home decorating. If you could send me her address, I would be most appreciative. Thanks for organizing this great "squishie love fest!"

MamaT said...

Count me in! ttmarler@yahoo.com

JudyCinNC said...

I have been sending "Thinking of you E-Cards" by Jacqui Lawson to Kaaren - and would also love to send other little surprises if you would please send an address. Judy C

Jackie Nelson said...

Count me in,too
jknelson26@triad.rr.com

Saskia said...

What a great idea! I like to join, too. Just because I know from my own mother's fight with cancer, (she's is not going to be better, but want's to stay with us as long as she can) how this kind of support lights up the day.
Thank you for organizing this!

Anonymous said...

This is a wonderful idea. Count
me in. She has been so generous with her patterns.

Marge

Anonymous said...

I just left a comment. and forgot
my e-mail address. It is "jcbyrne8@yahoo.com.

Marge

Anonymous said...

I would love to send Kaaren all the good wishes, prayers and goodies.....My sister just finished six weeks of treatments, radiation and chemo, but only had to travel 20 miles to her daily adventure. It would be so much harder to endure not being in your own bed. Please include me...

The Mayo Family said...

Oh my count me in.
I can not imagine being away from home & family during this time...
I would love to encourage her & her hubby! I know from my family & going through this,(with my sis) as you do it's a trying time.
Our prayers for all...
How is your hubby doing still getting better?
I tried to get on the other day---however I am thinking the internet has a mind of it's own lately! :)
Blessings~
Lori

mayo4him@yahoo.com

linda said...

I'd love it if you'd send me her address. Thank you for doing this.
Encourage one another, and build each other up! 1Thess 5:11

Heartsdesire said...

I love Kaaren's blog and am always thrilled with the free patterns she gives us each month. Please send me her address as I to would like to send something her way. I've been thinking of her everyday and wondering how she is feeling. This is a wonderful way for all of us to send some sunshine. Thanks for putting this together, Shelley.

Diane said...

I would like to join you in sending Kaaren some sunshine. Send me her address and I will send her something today. Thank you for this opportunity.

barcord said...

I dont believe in coincidences only God incidences :-) I follow Kaaren's blog and was just thinking I would love to have her snail mail add. so I could send her some little thing. I clicked on your name in her comments list, and there were 127 or so. Isnt God Great. x x x

Yvonne said...

I would love to send her some love too!

Françoise69 said...

Please, send me her address.

Thanks

Gayle said...

I'd also like Kaaren's address please.

Karen said...

I'd love to have Kaaren's information. I've been sending emails but would love to end something "tangible"!

Betsy said...

Thanks for the opportunity to "pass it on". Please forward me Kaarens address.

Kris said...

I would love to send some Squishies to Kaaren!! I was forfunate to be part of the signature quilt that was sent to her several months ago!! This is one strong lady and a wonderful example to each of us to how we can work with the trials given to us in this life!! Thank you f or this opportunity!! Kris

Esther said...

Would love to have her address.

Penny from S.C. said...

Please send her address. I have another friend going through this after having a double mastectomy. This is a great idea. Thanks

Denise said...

What a thoughtful act of kindness. I would love to send Kaaren some care packages. Thanks for her address.
Blessings to you, denise :D

Teresa said...

If I am not too late, I would like to send something to Kaaren. She leaves sweet notes for me on my blog and I am always so pleased to hear from her.