Hello my dear quilting friends...
I have been trying to find a solution on how I can manage
a 45+ hour work load in homework and still manage this blog.!!!
( I am taking a course in Digital Design)
1st thought was to
close it down completely in March of this year.
( that was not a solution..just a thought lol)
2nd thought reduce the number of days that our Guest post which will
help me in the volume of mail. ( we are at almost 2 MILLION hits in one year)
( that is a lot of mail from you and our subscribers)
My 2nd thought seemed like a better solution...
Yes agree?
SEW from this month forward, we will sometimes have 2 guests per
day on Tues, Wed and Thursdays...
This will give me time to get my homework done on my 4 days off..
( which of course is not really days off, if any of you are students) ...
I know many of you will be disappointed and I am sorry about that..
but the alternative was to close it down completely..
I am enrolled in a condensed program for just 1 year!
YOU can CELEBRATE with me, as I will be learning
some pretty amazing creative and marketing things..
( which you all will be embracing through the months)
OR you can still stick around and forgive me for this decision lol..
See, not sew bad is it?
YOU is KIND, YOU is SMART, you is IMPORTANT to me!
p.s. Theme for APRIL
What's Cooking?
( anything that you quilt for the kitchen will be highlighted
along with a very small easy healthy snack recipe for quilters)
Sew if interested on being a Guest please let me know
ASAP. The calendar will fill up Quick...
Please contact me here if interested
madamesamm@cogeco.ca with subject line APRIL -What's Cooking!
PERSONAL NOTE:
Thank you for all of your kind notes...
Really if I had time today, I would call you all...lol
But of course that would not be possible.
Sew I will simply tell you here....
YOU matter sew much to me too!
THANK YOU SWEETIES...you made my day!
I will sleep much lighter tonight!
Congratulations, Madame Samm! Learning is always an adventure! Life is always about expanding your mind!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you decided to keep up this blog. I have learned so much with your guests.
The very best to you. Please any thing but closing down. I love your blog and all the help you give us. Your guest are always great. We will stick with you and be very patient. You have helped me in so many ways. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteOh thank you for not giving up this wonderful blog you post for us all. Anything from you is so very welcome. YOU come first and your education is sew important! Blissful and Creative 2012 Dear...
ReplyDeleteFor me is it your decision. The truth is that all of us need more hours a day ... but this can not be. Thank you for your explanations.
ReplyDeleteYasmin
How kind of you to think of us. Congratulations on your continued education and I'm sure we will all benefit from it. The limited, double duty schedule is workable and a pleasure.
ReplyDeleteYou are an inspiration! 45+ hours and you keep us in your heart. I think you picked the best option for all of us..otherwise we would have nothing :) Hugs to you and congrats on school! I know the trials... End of January I will be completing a 4.5 year Apprenticeship in the High Voltage Electrical Trade..that has put our Family on hold for some events. So happy to almost be DONE!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm in my senior year of Nursing School and I understand!!! Thanks for keeping the blog up as much as you are! Good luck with school!!!
ReplyDeleteFor the month of April... I have been wanting to make a mug rug for my desk while I study, but haven't been able to find a definitive pattern. Would appreciate a tutorial, or an idea where to find a great one!
Thanks again, love the blog!!!
So...you are telling us you are only going to host 6 amazing posts each week- you slacker!!!
ReplyDeleteso seriously just kidding, bless you for keeping up the pace you have set before you. Have a great 2012. cheryl from MO
Do what you feel will do the most for you! as much as itvis nice to get a response from you after commenting, I don't feel that it is always necessary. That would be a little less time for you. Just posting a general note of gratefulness should be adequate.
ReplyDeleteBeckie in Brentwood, TN
Congrats for going back to school! I think we can all understand that you need to cut back on this blog and keep your brain open for some learnin! Glad to hear you aren't closing down the site. If you need any help with anything just let me know. I am always willing to help out!
ReplyDeleteBack to School! You is the one who is smart. We already know you are kind. And definitely you are IMPORTANT to us all as a friend and fellow quilter. So.............Whatever changes you need to make, we will all make do. At least you are NOT letting go of us completely.
ReplyDeleteLeslie
I am amazed at all you do! I work 40 hours a week and can't imagine fitting school time in. What a woman you are! Good luck to you and thanks for keeping this blog going. It's the one thing I always find time for.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on going back to school. A year will pass very quickly and we will have you (as before!!).
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with your studies, that definitely needs to take priority over your blog, and if there are people that can't deal with that then that is their problem and not yours :)
ReplyDeleteHow exciting is that!! A very big congratulations to you on beginning an exciting new journey. I personally choose to celebrate with you..
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your decision to go to school! I went back to school as an adult and had the time of my life! Not the kind of "time of my life" my younger co-students were having of course :D This will be a special year for you, and we will all be here for you cheering you on! Go Madame Samm!!!!! Go Madame Samm!!! Go Madame Samm!!!
ReplyDeleteThe best way to have a friend is to BE a friend. You do what you have to do for you, we'll take what we can get of you and you'll be back bigger & better than ever (not speaking literally of course)! Good luck with going back to school.
ReplyDeleteI've suspected for some time that you have rocket fuel in your veins to manage the load of work you do. Honestly you depress me and make me ashamed that I don't even manage to read all the woonderful tutorials.Just go go go for school!
ReplyDeleteGo for it girl. Anyone who follows I'm sure has wondered how you keep this, and your other blog, going to the level and extent that you do. As it is you are an inspiration, but now your taking additional classes, and developing and learning more, as well as keeping these blogs going, well it's just mind blowing. So, go for it girl, do what you have to do and you certainly have my blessings and thanks for all that you have done so far and are doing.
ReplyDeleteTake care and a big Happy New Year.
Good luck with your studies Madame Samm. I'm so pleased you are not closing your blog- I'd miss you too much. I always enjoy coming here. All the best for 2012. Xx
ReplyDeleteDitto to all the wonderful words of congratulations and admiration. You have begun yet another challenging and exciting chapter in your life, yet you still think of us! You are so generous with your time and expertise. I hope your new schedule will work out for you and allow you to go to the head of the class! We all wish you well...you are number one in our books!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Madame Samm! I wish you well with your study.
ReplyDeleteA very nice solution. We appreciate all you do and that you think of us when planning your life. You do not have to do that, and that shows us how much you care about us. Study hard and get good grades. We will always be here rooting for you. You is kind, you is smart and you is especially important to us.
ReplyDeleteEveryone else has said it better than I could have. Congrats on your new adventure. I'm sure it will lead you to exciting new things. To worry about us? Well that is over the top heart warming. I'm glad that this site will still exist as I have learned so much from it and you and your guest posters over the short time I have been here, but I certainly understand your need to lesson the work load. As I've told you before, I didn't know how you did all that you did and that was before you decided to learn new things. I'll be here no matter how much this is updated because YOU is important to me, to ALL OF US.
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing. Of course 3 days of you and yours is way better than 0 days of you and yours. But seriously, we all want you to be true to you first. Do what you need to do for you and we will support it, and wait patiently till you get through the course with straight A's ;)we expect nothing less you over acheiver you.
ReplyDeleteSound like a wonderful plan! Glad you're not shutting up shop :)
ReplyDeleteHappy studying, I'm sure you'll be an A+ student!
x
Enjoy your schooling Samm! We will all hang tight and celebrate with you :)
ReplyDeleteWow! How exciting! I know you'll do amazingly well. Congrats on your new adventure.
ReplyDeleteUrsula
It sounds like a very well-reasoned solution! Good luck with your studies. Sometimes less is more.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Sounds like a plan to me.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking you better do your homework young lady.. or else you will be grounded!!! #2 is definately the better option.
ReplyDeleteYou can do what you want, as long as you dont close your blog! It´s fun to learn, I wish you all the best in school! I´ll still follow your blog.
ReplyDeleteGun, Sweden
Wonderful that you are a student once again! Learning is always great.
ReplyDeleteI think your idea of consolidating is a good solution. :)
Best of luck with all of the homework!
Thank you for continuing the blog! And the best to you in your studies and your continuing adventures!! You are important to us too. Take care...peace.
ReplyDeleteMy suggestions was going to be 3 days a week like mon wed fri or something like that.But tues wed thurs works too.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on going back to school! I went to nursing school when I was in my late 40s and it was the best decision of my life. Have fun and don't stress the blog. We'll still be here when you're ready to come back!
ReplyDeleteI'll choose to CELEBRATE with you!
ReplyDeleteI think it is AWESOME that you have chosen to take some courses... Of course, I made the same choice this year! I am going to pursue my Masters of Divinity degree and will earn a Masters of Ministry along the way...
It's kind of weird being back in school at 44, but I am excited... (I'm also going to buy a new coffee grinder...)
May God Bless your endeavor! And I for one will still read every post. No disappointment here.
Paul
www.OutnumberedQuilter.com
Dear Madame Samm - while I find it difficult to understand how there could possibly be anything for you to learn.... I'm sew very sympathetic to the schedule dilemma!
ReplyDeleteBelieve it or not... I need to spend more time on my quilting anyway.
Love learning new things... A condensed year class sounds like it is packed full of info = work! I am thrilled with having 6 guests to share their knowledge. I figure if I at least learn one thing a week, it helps me evolve into a better version of me. Have fun! :)
ReplyDeleteVery wise of you! If you have two of us sharing - isn't that about 3-6 a week?! Tah Dah!!! We will all be the "winners" when we get to experience all that you learn taking these classes! My question - how on earth can YOU learn more? You should be the professor! Best of all good things to you, Dearie!!
ReplyDeleteGood for you in this new venture of yours ~ or is this better called an ADventure. HA
ReplyDeleteAnyway, my feelings are that this is good for all of us. My thoughts are that by reducing the number of tutorials etc. here it gives you more study time BUT, it also give US more time as well. If we are constantly coming here every single day where is our sewing time when we're on the computer? I see this as a definite win-win for everyone. MUCH better than to close it all down for sure.
I've been trying to find more sewing time anyway and was already myself trying to figure out which blogs to stop reading so often with some being dropped entirely. While yours was not one of those, it does help that I know I won't need to check here every single day so from me, thank you. You have helped me in what I'm already trying to do for 2012. :)
Good luck in the schooling. That's always tough and even moreso when you are in accellerated classes. Those can be killers but, at the same time, great because you can get so much more in a shorter time peroid. If you're an organized person those accellerated classes can be wonderful. I always took advantage of those types of classes while doing my computer information specialist course schedule. They were summer and short 4 week classes that crammed an entire semester worth of learning into those 4 weeks but I got the credit in such a shorter time period that I loved those. I'm sure what you're doing while not a 4 week time period, is pretty much the same but with an entire course scheduled crammed into one year vs. more than the one year. It will be tough but worth it in the end. Good luck! YOU CAN DO IT! :)
Congratulations on your new status, and thanks for including us in your schedule. If there's anything we can do to make your load lighter, let us know - we're with you 100 percent!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Madame Samm! I can't wait to see what you've learned show up on your blog. I'm already amazed at your computer graphic skills! Doing what you love!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I'm so very happy you won't be shutting this down as you have inspired me to push myself into doing more in my craft. Thank you and good luck on your studies and can't wait to see what all you will be doing.
ReplyDeleteWishing you the best in your endeavors! I hope this year is successful for you!
ReplyDeleteYou go girl! Only you could figure out a way to do it all. Congratulations and good luck with the studies. Don't forget that apple for the teacher!!
ReplyDeleteOh, Samm, what would we do without you? We love this wonderful forum you've created for us to learn from each other, and that you would even consider continuing weekly tutorials while in a condensed schedule for school... (finals week...shudder), well, all we can say is THANK YOU! Best wishes in your new endeavor!
ReplyDeleteAre you kidding Samm, how much can one person know about design? I agree with some of the comments, you could teach us all so much with what you know now. I miss you so much, I barely see you now, I guess I will just bite my lower lip and say, gosh darn it to h#$^, I want to see you more not less. Ok, I feel better now.
ReplyDeleteYou are the best. love Alex
oooh, it is always good to keep the grey cells moving so, good for you. I'll stick. Homework happens, shoot, even when we don't enroll in school courses. Bless you!
ReplyDeleteAWESOME!! Enjoy! Learning is always amazing!!
ReplyDeleteGood luck to you!!!!I'm glad you decided to keep your blog up..I read it everyday, but now it will only be three days...Don't mind that at all..You just amaze me you have such talent in design already..Again I wish you the best...
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited for you! Don't ever feel bad about blogging or a lack of blogging. I'm sure you will have a great time learning!
ReplyDeleteJennifer :)
All the best to you in your studies , so glad you took the second option and will not close down this amazing blog .I appreciate everything you do and look forward to any and all posts .Thanks. Sheila
ReplyDeleteGOOD LUCK !! How exciting ! are you sure you won't be teaching them something ??? :D
ReplyDeleteGreat idea ; and I am so glad you did not shut it down ! THANKS !!!
It seems I have arrived a little late to the party. Yes we are all celebrating YOU!! You is so kind to think of us! We will stand by whatever decision you make. Back to school, not sure I could do that, but I know you can! As many have said if you need any help in any way, just ask! xx
ReplyDeletei think that this is wonderful news! of course you will be missed on your homework days, but we will celebrate on your blogging days. and if there is anything i can do for you from southern california - please do not hesitate to ask.
ReplyDeleteenjoy your new classes. (i know...sometimes those who teach are not as entertaining as we would like...but, you can make it as enjoyable as you like all in the way you look and approach it.)
Good luck wonderful lady with your studies. And I know you will get more skillful after your classe, if it´s possible, I say
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited for you! Have fun in your classes!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Michelle
Good luck, Madame! I am from this point forward limiting my comments to only those that are truly profoundly necessary on this site and will respond to the guest on there site to ease up mail burdens for you while you're in school. can't wait to see what all this education can do for the incredible things that you ar already doing!! Hugs always!
ReplyDeleteMary Ann
Thank you Madame Samm for all you have given to us! Now it's time to give to yourself - school can give you opportunity and knowledge and all kinds of wonderful things. I applaud you for taking this opportunity and still thinking of us - you is great:)
ReplyDeleteTake good care - of yourself!
RitaMarie
I'm more than willing to go with this new schedule - I have weeks where I can't find enough time to keep up with life, leave alone read all my favourite blogs! Plus, you need to take enough time for yourself too (are you sure that 4 days will give you enough time?) Then, when your course is done, we'll hopefully all be ready to go back to the "old" schedule - and maybe we'll like the "new" schedule too, and give you just a bit more breathing space! Hope you learn lots of fun and helpful things!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your upcoming schooling. You sew inspire! I know from experience that classes for accelerated degrees can overwhelm at times, but I know you will be a success there as you are in all the many other things you have done over the years. You is SMART!
ReplyDeleteI am sew happy that you will continue this blog on an abbreviated week. Everything you have done since I first found you for the Wantobe Campaign has given me sew much knowledge. I can't truly express how much that means to me. You is Important to me and sew many others.
Thank you for being there for us and now it's our turn to be there for you!
What? I thought you would be TEACHING the class!! LOL You are a doll for thinking of all of us in this virtual community - we love you dearly and want only the best for you! Go for it! And I believe that Fabriholic may be correct....the doctors will by stymied when they try to figure out what runs in your veins --- pure, 100% premium grade rocket fuel! Just tell them to ask any of us....we'll nod and smile! Best wishes, Madame!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Samm! I think that it is great that you are taking some time for yourself. You spend sew much time and energy keeping this blog going and inspiring sew many. You are amazing in sew many ways. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI AM Celebrating WITH YOU!!!!
ReplyDeleteI hope your "new" class gives you loads of pleasure.
I will look forward to the middle of the week sew much!
Even when i don't read other blogs I read you!
Hugs
sewn seabee
FLEXIBLE is the operative word here! We don't OWN you but we sure do LOVE you..so I'm glad you found a way to work it all in. However, if the reality is more than you can handle, then ask some of those who are computer savy that have helped you in the past to step in and keep the blog going. Please don't let the blog shut down!! It is SEW much a part of my world. I don't want to be selfish but we all need each other. Use us as guinea pigs for your projects if that's possible. I used to use my students and classroom in my graduate and post-graduate work while working full time, building a house AND shuffling 3 children one as young as 3. I don't know how I did it but I was MUCH younger. Good to keep the brain cells going. I'm going back in the fall to take a Spanish class...just because.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Gmama Jane
I will mirror many of your friends comments today. Thank you Samm for keeping this blog going. You are probably not even aware how many new friendships that have occurred because of you. I have been very fortunate to have met half a dozen new quilting friends. I for one will be patient with the others and look forward to what new creative things will come out of that pretty little head of yours. I am glad you reconsidered keeping this blog active. It is my first appointment every day. My tea, you and your guests. I don't know how better it can be than that. Thank you, you are one kind lady, smart too.
ReplyDeletealways Claudette
Thank you so much for the extraordinary effort and time you put into this blog for all of us. Very exciting to be taking the courses - congrats!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Darlene
Do what you need to do for YOU! It will benefit us all in the long run, so you have all the support you need. Thank you for pushing yourself to keep this marvelous blog open.
ReplyDeleteHave fun with the course!
Sam
Dear Madame Samm
ReplyDeleteGood for you, and best of luck . I am so glad that you are not closing down the blog. I think that it is so kind of you to even consider the followers. You are a good and generous soul, and I support you 100% as will all of your friends here on your blog. You have given so much to others.
Be well and keep your eye on the prize...
cheers
maggie
What an awesome thing -- enjoy your class and do good! Haha! And I suppose I could be quilting during that time on Sundays, Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays when I would *normally* be reading the blog--it's a win/win! LOL! Best wishes to you in this new endeavor! :)
ReplyDeleteHi There! I just have to drop my 2 cents off at your door. I gotta say that I have learned soooo much AND just plain enjoyed the guest visits. So many wonderful people and so many exciting new ideas and projects learned about. BUT...the joy I have found here on Sew I Quilt would quickly be lost if I thought or felt for one mili-second that you would pass up, or feel guilty for needing to let your life unfold around you and for you as you want/need it too. Even if you find you have to shut down for a while, or even completely, my prayer would be that you would do whatever it takes to reach for your goals. Trust me Madame Samm, we will surely be here when you get back. Really BIG hugs and enjoy your Digital Design course. Your gonna knock their socks off!!!
ReplyDeleteOh Yeah for you Madame Samm..of course we will be hanging around here and just waiting to see what you are learning....Glad to here that you are doing something for you......Hugs
ReplyDeleteYou do whatever you need to do. We love you and will be here whenever you are! Can't wait to see all the wonderful things you will be learning. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteIt is absolutely fantastic message, Madame Samm. I wish You good luck!I hope this year is successful for you!
ReplyDeleteGirlfriend I think you are important and furthering your education is a wonderful aspiration. We don't live or die based on blog posts....so go do your thing and we'll / I'll be here when when ever posts are posted :) Take the pressure off yourself...all good things are worth waiting for!
ReplyDeleteMy Mother always tells me, "What's good for me is good for the universe."
Smiles,
Kelly
I think it's pretty amazing of you to continue with this blog while you're doing a condensed course in digital design.
ReplyDeleteI've learned so much and had so much fun on this blog I would hate to see it "closed for homework".... so... THANK YOU for continuing!
Good luck with your studies!
Please do not shut down this blog, what will we do without all the great inspiration you gave us. I can see myself hours and hours of fun reading through all the posts that I have missed. We will be here when you have time. Enjoy your studies and wishing you all the best. Can't imagine what you can learn more.(this is just a joke Madame Samm, because I think you know it all)
ReplyDeletethat's awesome Madame Samm! good for you - so glad you decided not to shut down the blog, a few days a week are always better than none - I had to scale back just to keep my sanity a few years ago and never regretted it!
ReplyDeleteMadame: I have a question, I'm sure you can help...:) I'm trying to view the posts for December of "every day gifts you can make in one day'...I can't find the link for these posts???
ReplyDeleteLove you Madame Samm and will always be here with you! Good luck with your course--it is part of what I teach; if I can ever help, just let me know!
ReplyDeleteYou have to do what you have to do! I went back to school when my kids were in Middle school and I was working a full time job - teaching Middle School! It is not easy! I wish you the best and we will be happy with three days of guests! Thanks for all you do and all you share!
ReplyDeleteThree days is way better than no days. This site is a huge resource for us quilters and it, and your sanity, need saving. Thanks for the hard work keeping the site running and all the best with your course...funny how we will benefit in the end with you doing the course!!!
ReplyDeleteI think it is awesome that you have the chance to take these classes and we will all benefit from them so what have we to complain about. Like the last person said, 3 days is better than 0 days. We will be here... don't you worry. :)
ReplyDelete