Need to vent a little about Secret Pals

[Hummingbird]

Cindy - you are so loved and appreciated by me. (((HUGS))) to you and your family. You are absolutely correct in what you say. We need to play fair.

As others have said - communication is key! There is absolutely NO shame in having problems that cause delays. The problem lies in NOT talking about it or letting someone know. We're pretty flexible, loving and forgiving around here so it's ok if something comes up. Just tell somebody.

Cindy - you take care of you and yours. If you want to step down or take a break - you go right ahead! We'll still love you.

[WeSignificant]

Cindy - boy I don't like you feeling the way you are. This is completely unfair for you to have to go through this. May I make a suggestion. Summer is here (at least in CA). The kids are out of school and many will be taking their vacations. Should we stop for July and August and start sign ups again in September? Then maybe with a fresh list and a break it won't be so bad. I too remember the old days. Who was here for the very first swap? It was pastel FQ's for those of you who weren't. It was no stress, fun and easy to remember as there was only one. I think you even hosted it Cindy. I know you don't want to drop anybody but if they don't hold up their end, I am not opposed to you doing just that. I have been fortunate and received my gift every month. They have all been wonderful. But I have participated in these elsewhere and not received. It is a horrible feeling to know so many other's are receiving nice gifts and your SP doesn't follow through. They aren't big and expensive, (well their not supposed to be) but when you consider the gift of friendship they are priceless. I think when you take that away, it is really sad. Anyway, just food for thought. Valerie

[CindyB]

Val, I think it was Cindyg, I think the first swap I hosted was. . . . maybe the Fall Block Swap??! I don't even remember.

I think the first swaps I participated in were the. . . . flannel swap, maybe? (can you see me thinking here?!)

I remember being so excited about my first swaps! I also stepped in at the last minute and subbed on the Christmas block swap..... that was my first block swaps, and - boy - was I worried about the size, fabric, etc., of those blocks!

I'm now working on being more "scrappy" in my work, and having fun.

As far as the SP, I was hoping that more people would be creative and use their stash, and maybe they are! I know I don't go out and buy fabric every month, I take something out of my stash - and that wasn't intended to be part of the money spent for this.... I haven't made anything - yet - but really want to get into making needle cases, pin cushions, scissor holders, etc. Even bags - what a wonderful idea to make a 'project bag' for someone! I know I always throw a project into a plastic bag to take to the hospital when DH has to go in, and - wow - wouldn't I love to have a bag that has places for everything, maybe even a ribbon sewn in to hold my scissors, because you know you can NEVER find those, and a little ziplock or zippered pocket for my thimble (God forbid that I ever loose that - I need size small!) - you know what I mean, all of you! Even embellishments would be a cool little gift for someone, or how about those little angels that someone has sent out?! I've even got a rotary cutter case that I got on sale for $1, and someone this year will get that! I've picked up post it notes, etc., for $1 each, and get several at a time, and have a bucket that I put my goodies in...

[sewcarolyn]

Cindy-
It is fun to be creative. I have picked up items on sale too and put them away. I also found some cute F4 on clearance at a LQS for $1.00 and a geat Noah's Ark panel for less than $3.00. they are all tucked into a box and when I see that my SP likes a certain color I hit the box. I have made a few things and try to keep the cost at around $5 because with postage the entire exchange usually runs $7....
Thank-you for doing this..we all do appreciate it

[justdawne]

Big ((HUG)) Cindy!

I've always been amazed at what you accomplish and that was before I knew the depth of your DH's health issues and before the wild & crazy weather that has been happening.

It is appreciated, all that you do. If you need to stop or pause the SP then you need to do that. There are times in life that we should put our needs first and this may be a time for you to do just that.

There was a really good suggestion about confirming interest each quarter of the year. Technically we shouldn't need that as we can drop out at any time...but still, might be worth a thought. The other suggestion to resume in Sept. makes sense. People would have to sign up again. Maybe the people who haven't followed through would take the hint and not sign up again?

May did seem to be an odd month all around. Still, I'm surprised at how many people hadn't rec'd their gift. It's also surprising that each month there seem to be people who feel stiffed. I've had SPs in Australia twice and managed to get a gift to them within a calendar month - it's just not that hard. Leaves me scratching my head a little.

Anyway, before I ramble on I can just say:

THANKS!
do what you gotta do that makes YOU happy

and
I'm behind whatever choice you make.

Dawne

[cindyg]

Cindyb - I feel so badly for you and your DH with all you are going thru. Illness is stressful and you have the flooding and everything else on your plate. I know you love doing what you do for all of us with the swaps, etc. but, please, if you need a break, lets take a break. BTW - my SP's gift will be mailed tomorrow.

The forum has changed - and I sure miss the old times. What happened - did everyone get bored, busy, angry at something, what???? I know that I've been so busy at work and at home that I sometimes come on here and just read. It's hard to know when new people are going to stick around or not. But I love each and every person here and I value their input and pix and I pray for those in need. I just wish it was more like it use to be.

[sewcarolyn]

several of the posts in this thread refer to "the old days" as a new forum member can someone explain to me what is different? I think that some of us who have joined in the last few months are confused and feel that we have done something wrong.

[Marilynsgrammy]

Carolyn, I think when they refer to the olden days it was when this forum started and it was a smaller group.... us newer forum'ers aren't doing anythign wrong... it's the ones who sign up and don't follow through.....

Cindy, maybe it is a good thing to take the summer off, tend to your husband with all of you and not worry about all of us and him as well....

You havent let anyone down, you have a need and your need is to take care of your husband....

If you need a break you take one....

Chriss

[WeSignificant]

For you newer members - we appreciate every single one of you. This forum would never have grown to be as large as it is without all of you. I do not think we are complaining about the size. I think we are very disappointed in the few (new members or old) who have not followed through with their gifts. It hurts us when our fellow members are hurt and disappointed. We think of ourselves as a family and when one hurts, we all hurt. We are only making statements when we talk about the old days (or at least I am). It was smaller and we only did one swap usually at a time, or at least few enough to keep track without a calendar of some sort. I used to participate in all the swaps, there are just too many now. I will accept whatever decision Cindy makes as she is most affected when others don't come through.

[beatr]

CindyB

You are one amazing person keeping the SP program going as well as well as you do and having so many personal problems.

I sincerely hope your husband's health issues work out for the best.

I have only been participating since February 2008 but really have enjoyed it. When I get a new name I look up that persons area up on the computer and have learned so much about their little corner of the world.

Thank you so very much for your hard work.