Well, somehow the blog went off the rails after I made a simple comment that I wasn’t in the mood to stitch patriotic lately.
In my post from earlier this week, I wrote about cross stitch pieces that were coming out at Needlework Market. Many of the designers featured patriotic things and I said I really wasn’t in the mood to stitch them because of everything happening in the world as of late.
I guess that somehow landed a spark with some of you. I got a few comments and an email. All are pretty much not happy with me saying that I’m not in the mood to stitch patriotic pieces. Thankfully, a couple of you left a comment that was kind.
Hey friends…I am also not in the mood to stitch Fall right now.
I am not in the mood to stitch zodiac.
I am not in the mood to stitch a full coverage piece.
I am not in the mood to stitch on Aida.
I am not in the mood to stitch Christmas.
I am not in the mood to stitch anything that needs beads over the stitching.
I am not in the mood to stitch many of my WIPS.
I am not in the mood to stitch anything that is hard to finish.
I am also not in the mood to stitch a giant amount of over one, but I have a piece that needs it, so I’ll likely have to suck it up and do it.
There are TONS of things I am not in the mood to stitch for whatever reason there is…it’s not Fall, I don’t like beading, over one is hard. There are LOTS of reasons.
No one is saying anything to me about not being in the mood to stitch these things…No one called me out because I am not in the mood to stitch Christmas. I really don’t think I need to be called out for not being in the mood to stitch patriotic.
This comment: In years to come whoever is enjoying your cross stitch pieces will love them and most likely be unaware of the current political turmoil.
My kids are all history buffs. All of them competed in National History Day. Of the five kids, we’re been to Washington D.C. for national competitions three different times. They watch the news, they know. I’d put either of my boys against anyone to know more about the political climate right now. We have family members on both sides of the fence, and we can have productive, intelligent conversations about it without a bunch of discord. We can respect each other’s opinions.
Plus, I label all of my pieces on the back.
This is Seeking Refuge from The Scarlett House.
I love this piece. Here is the label on the back.
Notice the writing saying, “Stitched in 2020 as Covid first hit.”
I label my pieces. My kids would know.
I also want to point out the saying on the piece. “When the world seems to be out of control, I find a way to nurture my soul, Seeking Refuge with needle and thread, the angst and anxiety I no longer dread“
I stitch for relaxation. The pieces I have under my needle are relaxing pieces. I would much rather be stitching this…
This was listed as one I was thinking of purchasing. This is much calmer and more of something I would like to be stitching in the near future.
This comment, “...this is still the 250th anniversary of the birth of the greatest country in the world. I don’t want to get political, but do hope that you consider why the celebration and not the why not.”
This is my great (many years back) Uncle. If you don’t know him, his name is Samuel Huntington. He signed the Declaration of Independence. One of his brothers was my grandfather (many greats ago). My uncle was also the president of the Continental Congress.
He was there in real life, in real time. Our family is and has always been very proud of that. Trust me, we know the whys…we know the why nots. We were raised to be proud of our forefathers, and we are.
This one got me probably the worst. “I am sorry to hear you are so unpatriotic. Patriotism means supporting and loving our country and what it stands for. Patriotism is honoring those who have fought and died for your freedom.”
This is the picture out my front door.
One of the first things we did when we moved here was put up a flag. There is ALWAYS a flag there. Gee, I thought that flying a flag showed patriotism. Maybe I’m wrong about that.
Also, does this person regularly read the blog? I am very supportive of the quilts Ray makes for the Veteran’s Day program. I’ve written posts about going to the Veterans’ Day program here in town. I buy poppies. I’ve written about my dad serving in WWII. I have NEVER said anything on the blog or indicated that I wasn’t patriotic.
The funniest thing of all is that I don’t think the commenters even read through the whole post. The other pattern I planned on purchasing was this…a patriotic piece. Did the readers look at the picture to see the pears had patriotic symbols and words on them?
I will be stitching them in a couple of months, when I’m in the mood!! In fact, I already ordered the red linen.
Another comment: We — you and I — may not agree on politics, but we must agree we love our country. I have said in previous blog posts and will say again. I am not democratic. I am not republican. I have always voted for the candidate that I feel will do the best job. I voted for both Bush…and Obama. I feel no one party is all right, no one party is all wrong. Nothing I said gave any indication that I didn’t love my country.
It saddens me that so much was read into a simple comment about not being in the mood to stitch patriotic. It’s days like this when I wonder why I blog.
My Mama always told us that if you can’t say anything nice don’t say anything. Some people need to remember that!
Well said!!
I am old. I remember when everyone had the right to their own opinion but people could discuss politics without resulting in hating each other…sadly, those days seem to be gone. I’m sorry people read into that simple comment…and I certainly understand wanting to stitch something that will soothe your soul! Please don’t let a few people ruin your day…I sure miss the times when people were kind! (I grew up in MN when we were called “Minnesota Nice.” Those days are gone!
It is so unfair and unfortunate that folks feel license to bash you on your blog. I so enjoy your blog and would never, never think to post a negative comment. You give so much of yourself on the blog and I look forward to your posts. Please don’t let the negative comments, which are unjustified, get to you. Hugs!
I agree!
Sew what you like. Try never to sew what you don’t.
Don’t let trolls dictate your attitude toward the blog. Those of us who read it regularly love your posts and respect your right to express opinions if we agree or not, even when the haters are louder than we are.
Well said Dr. Kay Walter. Compare how many of us are following you to how many rude and uncalled for comments you got. Most of us love you and respect you, regardless of politics. You keep me going sometimes when things get hard, and you inspire me for dealing with health issues. Please don’t think about stopping the blog, you write it for people like me, a scrappy quilter who actively makes community quilts and loves the fellowship of all of us you bring together for that purpose. Hugs and love,
Well said Linda. I feel the same way about Jo’s blog. I love to hear about your family, friends and quilts. I admire your stitching but my tired eyes would not allow me to do that. I can still admire the talent you have for stitching without being in the mood to stitch or the ability, I enjoy reading about it and looking at your finished projects. I also am in awe about how you deal with life’s set backs, like your health and Kramer’s death.
I agree with Dr Walter, and Linda and You ! I too read the blog because I enjoy it ! Don’t let the trolls ruin your day ! I love reading your blog ! Please don’t stop ! I look forward bro all of them!!!❤️❤️
Thank you
I was “in the mood” to try embroidering a strawberry on linen fabric, having only ever used Aida. Bought Carolina linen, tried 4 stitches and am no longer “in the mood”! These eyes weren’t having it. My daughter can have the linen–maybe the whole kit!!
Wow–Never would have believed that cross stitching could become political! I get you, Jo. Just because we will be inundated with red, white and blue craft projects this year doesn’t mean that’s what we have to do. A lot depends on our decor, our mood, our likes and dislikes — Sheesh! True patriotism lives in our hearts and in what we do in our communities.
Ugh. If people don’t like what you wrote…they can just leave. You aren’t a politician or a newspaper editor. And true patriots love their country…and because they love it, they want it to be better. We may disagree on what “better” looks like! LoL I don’t feel like making patriotic quilts any more because I’ve had a problem with reds running.
Stitch what you love and enjoy the process. No one has the right or power to tell you which pieces you “should” work on! There are many of us who deeply love our country and for that reason are disturbed at some of the things being done in our name. Loving our country doesn’t mean we can’t see areas where improvement is needed. Please don’t let the trolls get you down!
So sorry to hear that your comment was blown so out of proportion. It’s your right, for whatever reason, to stitch all or none of everything out there. Period.
Sew what you like and say what you like. You have a right to feel and speak however you want and that is patriotic as well. Take care and enjoy some happy stitching!
I usually tend to read the quilting posts only as I don’t do cross stitch. But I happened upon this one based on your FB preview. I think you are entitled to stitch on anything you want whenever you want. I also crochet and have enjoyed when Kayla used to blog about that. Ironically, today I started a patriotic string-pieced table runner I want to give as a gift. Sadly, I have to start early to be able to get it finished, quilted on my domestic machine and bound. But I have also been known to still be piecing Christmas quilts/gifts in December tho, lol. Quilt On and Stitch On, Jo. Do what makes YOU happy. We’re all trying to get thru these times together.
I love all your daily posts! I completely understand not being in the mood to stitch certain things, but when your mood changes or you see the right kit, you can’t wait to start it! “LET THEM” and move on, don’t give the naysayers a second thought!
I’m so sorry some people felt they had the right to try to make you feel bad. I so agree with you, we all have our reasons for what we want to stitch. It’s personal. Please don’t stop blogging, I so look forward to reading you each evening. Hugs,
Oh my word! I never gave a second thought to your comment about not being in the mood to stitch patriotic! This is not a political blog- thank goodness! How can people make comments like that on a quilting/stitching blog! And, it’s YOUR blog. If they don’t like it they can stop reading. I have been reading your blog since before Kramer was sick and I feel like I know you and your family. I know very well that you and your family are patriotic. And besides, I’m not here to judge whether you are or not. I just want to read about quilting! I’m sorry people are so rude!
Jo, many people aren’t happy with what is happening in the US today and they have a right to that opinion. I’m sorry you have to bear the brunt of some nasty comments. It would be wonderful if we could all get along and agree to disagree. Hating people, rioting, and harming others for their beliefs, no matter what “side” is wrong! You keep stitching what you like and try to ignore the nasty comments.
Some folks are so temperamental these days. I agree with you, some days we are just not in the mood for_____. Fill in the blank. Today, I wasn’t in the mood to stitch a project that i had gotten out yesterday to work on. Big deal. But on a lighter note, when one of my grandsons was about 6 years old his favorite phrase was “I’m not in the mood”. We all tried not to laugh, but it now has become a catch phrase in our family! So, i guess what I’m trying to say is never feel you have to justify why you write something. You do You!
Hi Jo, I found a Nashville Market release that spoke to me called
Little Liberty Sampler by Siren Stitchworks. It is of the Statue of Liberty and the poem that is on her base is stitched to frame her. I understand the “not in the mood” comment. I’m not in the mood to stitch things out of season. I like fall pieces in the fall etc. This is your blog and you are writing this for you and thankfully, you let us follow along. Keep doing what you do. No need to explain yourself. I thought the patriotic string quilt that you and Kelli are making as a wedding present was a great idea. Can’t wait to see it take form!
Sweet sweet Jo just tell the haters, trouble makers, drama queens or whatever they are to just get over themselves ad stitch on, Girl. Until they are buying your fabric, thread, charts and whatever else is needed pay them no attention. Your regular blog readers knew what you meant. We all have a day we’re ot in the mood for something. It’s called life so accept it or get over it! Leave JO alone. I too am not in the mood for patriotic and I have made about 25 or 30 QOV quilts. I just need a change for a minute. That doesn’t mean I don’t love this country ( maybe not all the strife and toil of now). My heart bleeds red, white and blue but I like other things too!
To the person who suggested that Jo wasn’t patriotic. Shame on you for surmising that when all she said, was she didn’t feel like stitching patriotic now, with everything going on. I don’t quilt but I read everyone of Jo’s posts. I adore cross stitch. I am happy to read about her cross stitch and other items and finishes. The world is full of crazy, awkward situations right now and people need to step back and take a breath. As a Canadian, do you think I am happy with what’s happening?? No, but one thing is for sure, Jo is very much a patriot!!!!!!!!!! And I admire her for it!❤️
Words escape me, but I feel I need to comment. My husband is a retired Fed from a three-letter (unnamed) agency. We live in the DMV (DC/MD/VA) and hope to move back to the Midwest, my home area, soon. We still many friends employed in different levels, ranging from quite senior positions to low level recent college grads positions, to fed employees to political appointees, all employed in the Fed gov’t. They represent, both sides. I have yet to host one who isn’t….. fill in the blank. So, please be kind with your opinions and know EVERYONE IS SUFFERING, and for many different reasons. Go to your silo to hear the echos, unless you’re and willing to be civil and listen to the other perspectives. But LISTEN. And, RESPECT OTHERS, even if you disagree.
Dear Jo, Your blog post is the highlight of my long work day. I know you are patriotic. I am, too. But I prefer to stitch samplers and little cute rabbits and hearts and Christmas ornaments. I get lots of ideas from your posts. Ignore the mean people in the world. Just know you are so loved by the rest of us.
In the immortal words of Charlie Brown… GOOD GRIEF!!!
THIS is whats wrong with the world… everybody is on a hair trigger just waiting to go off on SOMEBODY about SOMETHING!
I understood exactly what you were saying and what you meant and didnt give it another thought, Jo. You dont need to defend or explain yourself and i feel really sad that you felt you needed to here.
And this might be a good time to remind people that THIS IS YOUR BLOG.
So, if one CHOOSES to be offended by THEIR INTERPRETATION of what they THOUGHT YOU SAID… then maybe its time to QUIETLY EXCUSE YOURSELF (with a little civility and decorum, please) to find another place in cyberspace where you might be happier.
Im sorry, Jo – your life, quilting, cross stitch, cooking, family, and everything else that you share with us here just ARENT POLITICAL.
You are loved and appreciated and i thank you for taking the time out of your life each day to blog even when sometimes you might rather be doing something else (like quilting or cross stitch)!
April in Iowa
Loving our country and honoring the freedoms our forebearers fought and died for means loving that people can openly express how they feel about our country: love it or hate it or any of the grey area between the two.
Jo, I love your blog and I look forward to all of your posting. I don’t do needlework, but I learn a lot about it from following you. I doubt I will ever give it a try since I have a lifetime of quilt projects to work on. I still enjoy the blog, quilting, stitching, books, family gatherings and your small-town life. Keep on blogging, I would miss you.
So glad we live in the good ole USA and can say anything we please.
Well almost !!!
But it seems that some people can never get that through their heads. I always say I never talk about politics or religion because you always have a few who turn it around and express their opinion or as I say “Bite your head off.”
I would say the majority knew you were not being political.
You are going through enough to worry about that conversation.
Do not worry about it, stress is not good, I know I’ve been through it too.
As I said before, glad we live here in the USA to be able to voice your own opinions as you wish.
This is your site and we know you can say what you feel, if you don’t like it, get your own site.
Gee lighten up people !!!!
Take care of yourself.
Wow. Says much more about them than it does about you. People need to stop judging and be nice. If you can’t say anything nice….just scroll on. Love your posts: stitching, quilting, family stories, and especially your upbeat attitude towards life. Don’t let them get to you.
I look forward to reading your blog every day. You’ve inspired me to get my projects organized so I don’t waste valuable stitching time. I’ve also “discovered” Primrose Cottage’s Quaker series… Sewing Quaker, Patriotic, Hot Chocolate, thanks to you. lol Yes, I added them to my stash! Anyway, you keep doing you. I like reading about your family, various projects, and recipes.
Good evening Jo.
I appreciate your comment this evening. For people to make an assumption of your patriotism because you aren’t in the mood to stitch patriotic pieces is just so lame. I’m with you Jo. Stitch what you want and when you want. It’s your time your piece. I have seen lots and lots of your pieces and never have I ever once based anything you stitch on patriotism. Don’t stop blogging because of people’s comments. They should learn to be respectful and if they don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.
I never could understand how people can criticize what other people write in their blogs. It is your blog and you should be able to write anything you like. If a person disagrees, either let it be or don’t come back. I just bet it’s no ‘skin off your back’. And for all those patriotic people who felt the need to state their feelings, this is America – the land of the free where we are suppose to have freedom of speech plus other freedoms.
I’m with you Jo!!!!! I am an avid user of cloth bags for shopping and have been since the mid 80s. I cannot bear to use my patriotic flag bag. I fear, living in a fire Red state, that people will think I agree with this ridiculous Administration. I am Patriotic to my immigrant core. This is not the USA I love and am proud of……and I do not want anyone to think I support current thought processes.
You have an amazing family participation in the establishment of this great country and how awesome it is so important to your children that they invested so much of their education time to history.
Anonymous online “slapping” people has been encouraged by this Administration and it is sickening that people feel so entitled to do so. I’m glad you’ve called them out. May they spend at least 30 seconds considering their behavior!!
May you have a fabulous and Blessed Friday :-)
I’m a military wife. I’m so sad that the country my husband served proudly for 20 years has been taken over by rapists and criminals. This is no longer a difference of opinion, this is the slow demise of our beloved country.
I’m having a really hard time being excited for our country’s 250 birthday knowing what Trump has already done, and will liking continue to do.
Keep up the good work Jo!
Hear hear.
Penni, I agree!
I’m sick of being called “unpatriotic” for not supporting this corrupt administration. I never will. I support my country and fellow countrymen, not a political party.
Wow, it is amazing you have such illustrious forebearers! I am descended from early settlers to both Canada and the US, but no such names appear in my family tree. I got what you meant when you said you weren’t feeling it, I have to be in the mood for whatever I decide to cross-stitch or sew. I’m sorry people had to jump on you for expressing how you feel. Isn’t that what Freedom stands for?
I honestly have a very hard time understanding anyone who felt they needed to criticize you for what project you felt like stitching or not stitching. I would never even consider your not being in the mood for another patriotic design as being unpatriotic. I guess that makes me unpatriotic too since I haven’t been in the mood to make QOV quilts for a while! Just know that your blog is one of the few that I follow regularly, love quilts you make, enjoy seeing your stitching projects even though cross stitch isn’t my thing and enjoy your family stories. You keep things real so keep on keeping on and don’t let the nitpickers get you down.
The ones who negatively commented are not all of your readers. You have a lot of fans who understand your perspective. I like red, white, and blue quilts (and needlework) but you can only have so many.
I, like you, fly a flag. My late husband was a Navy veteran. I love my country, but I don’t like some of the things going on right now. But I’ll stand for all the patriotic songs and wave my flag.
Keep being you, Jo!
Love all you accomplish and share, quilting, cross stitching, cooking and even your fun outings and loving family!!
Glad you put the “negative Nellies” in their place. Love all you do!!
Jo, when you said you were not in the mood to stitch heavily patriotic themed pieces, many things went thru my mind. You have stitched several in the past year or so, current events might be weighing on your mind (and there are many both here and abroad) and I hoped things were not a heavy weight for you. I am not a big red/ white/ blue person. I do decoration for the 4th of July and there are occasions we fly our flag. These are OUR choices and are NOT a means to reliably determine our patriotism. A parent can be disappointed with a child’s decisions/choices at which time the parent provides guidance, discipline or space for them to learn their lesson. True patriots are like parents…we are not required to like everything. We need to question and challenge government in order for our country to improve. Your comment was not unpatriotic….it was simply a moment of honesty. Thank you for that. And thank you for writing the ONLY blog I have EVER followed or read. I hope the love everyone has sent, helped to chase away the dark clouds.
I’m sorry that people took your comment the wrong way. I guess I can get bashed to, as I’m not in the mood to make anything patriotic either. But I will be stitching on my Long Dog Sampler using blue thread LOL I know it’s easier said than done, ignore them. For those of us who have read your blog for years, we get the “in the mood” when stitching.
I am sorry a few unwelcome comments have to distract us from your sincere , genuine, humble comments about your stitching and quilting, Please don’t take them seriously, I doubt they read your entire blog that day , nor regularly read it. Your blogs are refreshing and I look forward to them ….. please keep it up!
dear Jo, i very rarely write comments on anything, but this has to be said. please don’t give up sharing with us, your blog is the first thing i read with my coffe every morning and i promise you, you and i don’t agree on everything and it just doesn’t matter at all. as for those people who think they should make negative comments, as my kids say, put and “X” on them and keep on keeping on.
Jo, I hate that this happened to YOU! I’m furious that you take such care to not divulge your political views and someone had to make this safe space, political. I have followed you since Kramer was ill and you’ve not once made political commentary so I don’t know why anyone thought it would be OK to do so, no Matt how veiled. But I do find that some people take it very personal when you don’t agree with them politically. They are a minority. Love is the majority here on this blog
interestingly I am unable to recall this comment. Now, as I think about it my comment would be wondering whether with the way you chronicle all your stitching that will be going to your lovely family will yo regret not having pieces commemorating the 250 for your family ??? The next thought is knowing you are thrifty will you be going for the after celebration sales ???
How did I miss this kerfuffle ??
I did read that person’s comment after they wrote it and if I had been able to respond to them I would have. It makes me cross that people have to be so opinionated. You carry on stitching what you want and please don’t stop blogging because of one ignorant person.
Rude people will always be rude. They get on their high horses over something they misunderstood. Ask me how I know! They blow everything out of proportion and upset others. I guess if they didn’t add their little diatribe on your blog, they’d be doing it to someone else (probably do – they are on a mission to make people unhappy as they are themselves).
This is your blog, you say what you wish, share what you wish. I appreciate all your work, your kindness, the fun. If they don’t like it then they don’t have to follow you.
Have a super day and don’t listen to them. Much love from across the pond. xxx
I read your blog each morning. I place a patriotic quilt that I made on my bed each July. Thank you for your intelligent, well said response to those who read hate into your ‘mood’ comment. I am most unhappy with the many citizens of our country who chose hate and intolerance, but I refuse to allow their attitudes to influence my belief that our country, our democracy, will survive this period in history as it has survived many other hate filled times. I live in Arkansas, am 79 years old, and have voted in every election since I was 18.
A little late to the conversation but sadly, there are some that just can’t keep well enough alone. So many things taken out of context. One little sentence out of an entire blog and the world explodes. Sheesh is right. Sadly, it’s happening in the quilting world also.
Standing with you, Jo. Keep blogging.
Love and prayers
I’m in the mood for those who do for others and kind people such as yourself. Not in the mood for unkind people.
Although I no longer quilt I’ve been following your blog before you moved to your house.
Wow! Who would have thought such a simple statement could cause such a ruckus. :( I totally agree with your list of “not in the mood to stitch” things. We stitch what we want when the mood strikes, not because it is politically or religiously correct. I love reading your blog and wait on some to read just before I start my work day. Keep on keeping on!
Jo, I feel the same way you do. I stitch to relax and to get away from life’s stresses. Looking at a US flag or anything like that while stitching is only to keep me thinking of the current situation our country finds itself in. This not saying I am not patriotic. I live in Minnesota and most people may not realize what life is like here right now. My daughter is adopted from South Korea and came home to us when she was 4 months old. She has nightmares of being detained and sent to Korea. She does not have any type of criminal record. She earned her masters degree at the age of 22. Pretty impressive. She only goes out to work and to get gas in her car. Any other time, she is with me (a white woman). I am afraid to say anything because I don’t want it traced back to me and them realizing I have a child of color and thus harming her. This is not the America that I want to live in.
I am so sorry this is happening to you Patty. It simply is not right.
Dear Patty – I (also a Minnesotan) am so sorry that this is happening to you and your daughter. Please know that there are many, many of us who are truly appalled about all of this happening to our fellow humans, no one should be terrorized like this.
Dear Patty, My heart breaks for you and your daughter, and the many, many people that are being traumatized. It is happening in Idaho too, ICE is driving the streets and arresting parents as they come and go from dropping their children at daycare, during commuting hours, and where they gather as families; when and where the most responsible people in our community can be found. It is unfathomable and disgusting. Know that in this deep red state, the tide is shifting. People aren’t flying their politically aligned flags anymore, the ones they flew for 9 years. They’ve come down. Rarely, do we see them now, when they were previously found on every, at least. People are not pleased, support is waning. Small consolation, I know. But there are so many people here that are making calls and showing up and raising hell. Even in Idaho. It gives me hope. I hope it gives you some too. Hugs to you and your family.
Oh my gosh, don’t stop blogging over a comment. Iowans are a tough breed. I know I am one. Only transported to Michigan now. I look forward to hearing all about your stitching life and family life. Most people have common sense but then there are a few that go off the wall…..take care
I really enjoy reading your blog as well. I did not take offense or feel politically charged by your comment of not wanting to stitch anything patriotic. I too, am not feeling it, but usually get in the mood closer to June…I make a QOV (at least one a year) to be presented at our quilt guild. After putting so much effort into it, I don’t feel like seeing red white and blue for another 6 months, lol.
I just wish everything wasn’t related to politics. Just remember, haters gonna hate, but we love you, Jo….don’t let the negativity deter your contribution to encouraging legions of quilters, stitchers and crafters to continue no matter what.
While I can’t find anything additional to say about all this, I want to add my support for you. You would spend all day today reading supportive messages if each of us sent a brief note. You share about you and your life and struggles and adventures and that is why we read your blog EVERY DAY! Hugs to you Jo.
I’m so sorry you received negative comments on your post…I told a friend back in 2025 when Lexington was celebrating the start of the Revolution that I wouldn’t be fired up by any celebrations for this particular anniversary. Sadly, I won’t be around for the next but the 200th was great.
Honestly, you invite use into your home, we are the visitors and owe you our best behavior.
I agree with everything you say. People need to be nice to each other at all times. I follow every thing you post. You are a wonderful person and have such a good heart. You take care.
Julie
wow, so sorry. i too will stop and check my moods for “pc” status first before sharing!
I am always amazed when someone feels the need to tell someone else how they should feel, what they should do, who they should love, that they should eat green beans, or that they should cross stitch something patriotic if they aren’t feeling like doing it(I’m not) – like it was somehow their business. For instance – I like to quilt, but I have many friends who don’t but I would never tell them that they SHOULD quilt. That’s weird. Anyway – you were much more kind in your response than I would have been lol. Thank you for all you do. Sherry
Dearest Gentle Reader (if you know you know)… time for some real honesty, if you don’t like what Jo offers on her blog, go elsewhere. NOTHING gives you the right to chastise or lay into her because she does not align with your rigid views of what it means to be a patriot, or because she is not in the mood to stitch something. It is most certain that more of this country is distressed by the current political environment than is not, or more precisely the utter destruction of the very rights this country was founded on. It’s a sad year, our 250th year, that so much of what made this country a beacon for hope, has been destroyed.
Jo, your blog has given infinitely to the quilting community across the expanse of this country. You have facilitated a network of giving and generosity that has touched countless people so far beyond your scope of understanding, beyond anyone’s scope of understanding; you haven’t just made ripples in the pond, you have made waves in the world with your love and generosity. I honestly would have been more surprised if you were someone that wasn’t concerned by what we are seeing… because someone that can give so selflessly as you have, by their very nature, is someone that cares deeply for others, for strangers, for their neighbors—near and far. I have always appreciated you so much for that.
To anyone that took offense to your simple statement about your current feelings, they need not subject themselves to your blog (a nice was of saying my favorite 2-word phrase). Your blog is yours, your blog is you, and it is and always has been an example of love, grace, fortitude, strength, and selflessness. We need more people in the world like you. Carry on being you.
Also, your rich and long family history is amazing! We need more parents teachings our children civics and history such as you and Kramer did! Kudos to both of you and your kids for knowing.
Always enjoying you, and distressed in Idaho
Laurie
I am sorry you received negative comments. I enjoy your blog. I agree with you follow your own feelings on what and when to work on something. LOL otherwise our labels might as well say “Mrs. Jones was making this quilt in these colors so I did too!”
I get it :D
I made a Crown of Thorns quilt for my sister. It was gorgeous. And I swore I never wanted to make another HST ever again! Fast forward to the next big quilt – a floating star quilt with, you know it, HST’s, LOL.
It’s good to take a break now and then.
Have an incredible weekend!!
Jo, I support you. This is the United States of America where we have freedom of speech. Thank you for your blog posts – I enjoy them immensely.
Hi Jo—first, a big hug to you from all of us blogees who so enjoy being your virtual friends. I moved (very suddenly!) into a retirement community and missed the hoorah stuff about patriotism. Went back to find and read it. Don’t take it to heart. Some people have a very limited understanding of patriotism , and they are in no position to judge your own patriotism with their definitions. Ignore them.
Like you, I am not feeling like stitching patriotic themes. I am put off by the hype around the 250th. Seems awkward and often hypocritical to me.
My love of and gratitude for my country are immense. So is my anxiety about the bitter divide over ideas that I once thought were immutable in America: liberty, justice, the rule of law, honesty, caring for one another and loving our neighbors as ourselves.
I wholeheartedly agree. I don’t understand why people feel compelled to comment on others’ choices and tell them they are wrong in their feelings or opinions. I doubt these same people would say it in person. If you don’t like something, SCROLL! I also don’t feel proud of our country and its actions now. I have lived overseas and see how revered the USA was. Not sure it is right now.
Hi Jo,
I read your blog regularly because I enjoy seeing your projects and meeting your family. I live in Canada , but come originally from England. It is most disrespectful for anyone to tell you what they think in a negative way. I agree with Susanne Scheurwater, another of your Canadian fans. As so many of your readers have said, if you don’t like it, don’t read the blog.
I am upset to see that ignorant readers are upsetting you, but I thank and admire you for calling them out on there actions.
There are many people who are not happy with politicians right now, but your comment was in reference to a project, For crying out loud what is wrong with people these days ?
From the comments I have read today , the vast majority of the comment writers support you wholeheartheadly. Don’t let a few extremists spoil the joy you give to so many of us Jo.
Chris In Ontario, Canada
Jo,
I am really wondering just how a sweet, kind widowed lady, who’s FIGHTING CANCER gets cyber bullied on her own blog! I’m thinking there’s a special place for these types of people. Just because one has an opinion, doesn’t mean that opinion should be shared. I read the blog that you posted the comment on, said out loud, “I feel you, Girl!” And proceeded on with the day. Apparently these people are not seasoned followers, or they would have known just how patriotic you and your kids are. Please know that your true fans know what you meant and agree with you, love to you and yours. And please don’t let these negative Nancys get you down, just shake your head and don’t give it another thought! As we say in the South, “Bless their hearts”.
Yes, Tiffany. Bless their pea-picking little hearts said with the appropriate drawl and eye roll. There are many comments about what is going on that people should make in the appropriate places like town halls, public debates, etc., but not on Jo’s blog. Jo’s blog is something that she shares with us from kindness and caring. It has helped me through a lot of things. I am having to catch up on and am late to comment. So, excuse my delay. JO, KEEP DOING JO. We care for you bunches and bundles (to use another old phrase). Remember that always.