Need to vent a little about Secret Pals

[quilterbee]

It was like a close little neighborhood where everyone knew everyone. Swaps were held by several people, not just 1. Maybe 2. Conversations were mostly quilting related although we certainly shared the rough times,too. We sent gift all the time, I shipped out about everyday. It was so fun! SewCarolyn ond all you others bring a wonderful spark to the group. It's something else we are talking about.

Please, scroll down and read my first post. I spoke as blunt as ever and that post sums up what I mean. Amie

[BamaGirl]

Amie,
I think you hit the nail on the head about the moonlighting/5 minutes a day members. I see names on some of the swaps and the SP exchange that I *never* have seen before since. I think that some people may see a swap and think, "Oh, that sounds like FUN!" and then just join on a whim, then just forget all about it. Of course, not ALL new members are like that--- acutally we were *all* new members to start with--- but when you only see a name on a swap, and then never again, I think that is what has happened...

Oh, well, whatever it is, it is too bad...

Cindy, I know that organizing and keeping up with the SP swap every month is a HUGE undertaking. We appreciate you for doing it, but I would certainly understand if you want to take a break from it--- especially since it is becoming more burdersome. You certainly need to make sure you have time for *you* and your husband! Whatever you decide to do is fine with us, and we all understand!

Maybe a Summer break would be a good idea. I am probably going to ask to have my name taken off the list for a few months. I just have SO much going on right now that I think I need to s-l-o-w d-o-w-n a little.... I have really enjoyed the SP exchange and gotten to know some really NICE ladies through it!

Thanks so much for all you do!!

Gwen

[SewSew]

I is sad that a great idea has turned into such a difficult situation. Cindy, has been a wonderful help and inspiration and has managed to take care of us as well as her DH all this time. Maybe it is time to take a break from the SP swap and reconsider if and when to start up again. I hate to see this wonderful effort to create a sense of friendship die out but, I don't think that it should be such a hardship for one person to have to answer to everyone when she has and is doing such great things.

We all love you Cindy, but we do not want you to feel that you have to continue if you feel that you need a break.

Ann

[teacupdelights]

Please don't get the wrong impression. There are legitimate complaints when participants (new or old) don't follow through with their commitments.

I've been on this forum for quite a while...my first swap was the blue flannel FQs, and first project was the Christmas Stockings for the troops in Iraq. There are many members here whom I have grown quite fond of over the course of time. New faces are always welcome, as they say "Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold."

I have signed up for a number of swaps and reached a point where I have had to stop due to my desire to meet the commitments I have already made. So I am limiting anything further, and making more things for my family and friends and planning for the holidays, etc.

It's tempting to see attractive offerings and not want to "miss" them, but like with everything else in life, you have to draw the line and set some boundaries. I think it was Robert Frost who wrote that "good fences make good neighbors".

There's room enough for all who want to participate. Some will move on, some will stay. But for me, I am very glad for QIAD and the kinship many of us feel. Recently a number of new swaps have arisen from various members and I'm glad to see that.

I particularly enjoy the Secret Pals and hope it will continue in one form or another.

Hugs to all,

Carol

[SewSew]

I too have loved doing the Secret Pal Exchanges and I hope that we can all figure out some way to continue this great fellowship effort that CindyB started.

Ann