A Pink Halloween

Today we celebrate Halloween and the last day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month...which makes complete sense, because cancer is extremely scary (but it is definitely not a trick or a treat). I'm going to spend my Halloween afternoon training (indoors at the gym because it's raining again) and prepare for the Komen 3-Day which will be here in less than a week. Now that I have kicked my head cold to the curb and finished a GIGANTIC deadline, I have been able to get back to training and I am feeling ready for the 60-miles in Dallas. Before writing this post, I was reflecting on my journey thus far and my last minute preparations...and I am  excited to share that I am just shy of reaching an astounding $5,000...and although I am probably not going to reach my fundraising goal this year, I am beyond touched by the incredible support I continue to receive year after year - I am tremendously blessed and grateful! Seriously - I am close to being speechless and touched beyond belief - a HUGE thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged both me and my fellow teammates - I am so very thankful - this wouldn't be possible without you. I am feeling so very blessed to have so much love and support! I can't believe I leave for Texas in a few short days - I have been gathering all the needed gear and getting it ready to pack - it will be here SOON...

To read more about the Komen 3-Day, my reasons for walking, and/or support me and my fellow teammates on this incredible journey, visit: http://www.the3day.org/goto/Belinda - thank you for helping me make a difference!

Okay, so after all the "pink" talk, I haven't forgotten about Halloween or my fellow needleworkers/quilters...here is a little Halloween collage featuring many of your favorite spooky Blue Ribbon Designs...

Happy Halloween to all my friends, family, and followers - I heart you!

Something Extra Special

Today I received a lovely, heartfelt message from Lisa Y. - she sent me a photo of her "Red Rosies and Pink Posies" framed finish that won her a first place ribbon at the Juniata County Fair in Pennsylvania - isn't it gorgeous?! - I absolutely LOVE it matted and framed. What makes this prize winning piece even more special - she stitched this BRD design while going through chemotherapy last year for breast cancer. Lisa has shared with me that she struggled to stitch when she was going through chemo, but her framed finish reminds her where she has been and gives her strength (GREAT NEWS - she is now doing good). I was so very touched that Lisa shared some of her story and a photo of her blue ribbon winning entry with me (and allowed me to share it with you!) - it truly makes my heart smile I hope this post will encourage and inspire you, as it did me! Lisa - you are just one of the MANY reasons I walk - you will be in my heart as I make the the 60-mile journey again this fall...

Most of you know I walk in Susan G. Komen 3-Day events and I designed this exclusive "pink" piece as a fundraiser in 2013 with ALL proceeds benefiting the Komen 3-Day. This November, I am walking the 3-days 60-miles in Dallas and I have created another exclusive design for fundraising - I hope you will consider making a donation to help me reach my goal - every little bit helps - and I have quite a bit of work to do to meet my hefty goal this year!

To see my fundraising page and read a little bit about my journey, visit: http://www.the3day.org/goto/Belinda

To read about my fundraising design for 2014 ("Five Houses of Hope") and find out how you can obtain a copy of this exclusive design, visit: http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/2014/08/five-houses-of-hope-my-2014-komen-3-day.html

Five Houses of Hope - 2014 Komen 3-Day Fundraising Design

If you are interested in my exclusive 2013 fundraising design, the same rules apply - follow the instructions for the 2014 design, just put "Red Rosies and Pink Posies" in the subject line of your e-mail. For more information on "Red Rosies and Pink Posies", visit: http://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/2013/07/red-rosies-and-pink-posies.html

Red Rosies and Pink Posies - 2013 Komen 3-Day Fundraising Design

Thanks to everyone who has been following me on my 3-Day journey of training and fundraising - your support, donations, and encouraging messages/comments mean the world to me!

From California With Love...

Hello friends! This is just a quick post from California to let you know I completed the Komen 3-Day walk...it was an UNBELIEVABLE three days and I am extremely proud to report I walked every single step of the 60-miles. It was an AMAZING, challenging, fun, (at times) painful, and breathtaking experience...filled with memories that will definitely last a lifetime...and YOU made that possible. I will make sure to tell you all about it and post photos upon my return - but until then, here are a few snapshots I took on my smartphone along the way (please excuse the quality)...

Team Twinkle Toes right before the opening ceremonies...

My home for the event...

The view from our tent...

Memorial tents at our 3-Day camp...

San Diego Police Department decked out in pink - they made our journey
very fun and safe! They were absolutely wonderful....

Members of SDPD entertaining and uplifting us on the walk...

Our view at Petco Park (home of the SD Padres) as we crossed the finish line...

Because of your generosity, and the support of all of my donors and team members, I raised over $8,300 to help end breast cancer...our small, but mighty team Twinkle Toes (five walkers and one medical crew member) raised just shy of $30,000 for this important cause...and the San Diego event (2300 walkers and 425 crew members) raised an OUTSTANDING $6,100,000! I cannot thank you enough for your support, love, and encouragement - I am so very touched by your generosity and kindness.

I also want to take a moment and express my sincere gratitude to those of you who made cash donations to our team captain for expenses, to those of you who sent care packages to me before the trip, and to those of you who sent sweet treats with notes to me in camp - you helped lighten the financial burden and truly enhanced my experience - I am forever grateful.

YOU made this INCREDIBLE journey possible and I thank YOU from the bottom of my heart. Together we ARE making a difference!

If you made a last minute donation and are waiting for "Red Rosies and Pink Posies", I will send the chart to you as soon as I return to Iowa (thank you for your patience!)...I will also be answering outstanding e-mails and inquiries at that time...

xoxoxo

Pink Halloween

Today we celebrate Halloween and the last day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month...which makes complete sense, because cancer is extremely scary (but it is definitely not a trick or a treat). I decided to spend my Halloween afternoon on a training walk and prepare for the Komen 3-Day which will be here in just two short weeks. Now that I have kicked my head cold to the curb, I have been able to get back to walking (just fewer miles) and I am feeling ready for the 60-miles in San Diego. While I was walking this afternoon, I was reflecting on my journey thus far and my last minute preparations...and my phone chimed with the BEST news...our Team Twinkle Toes (five fabulous walking members and one amazing medical crew member) hit the big $25,000 fundraising mark....yep, we surpassed $25,000 with two weeks to go!!! I am also excited to share that I, personally, am just shy of reaching an astounding $8,000...which I REALLY hope to surpass...anyone think I can reach $10,000 in the next two weeks (where is a corporate sponsor when I need one?)??? WOW - I am almost completely speechless and touched beyond belief - a HUGE thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged both me and my fellow teammates - I am so very thankful. I also want to take a moment and express my gratitude to those of you who have made cash donations to our team captain for expenses - those gifts are helping to make our financial load lighter and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Who knew how expensive this journey would be??...from shoes and socks to camping gear to medical aids to round trip airfare...then gas expenses to get to San Diego, hotel fees, shuttle fees, towel service, meals...the list goes on and on. I am feeling so very blessed to have so much love and support! I can't believe I leave for California in a week and a half...and I am shipping out most of the walk necessities tomorrow (with only one suitcase for my flight, I am not wasting any of my allotted 50 pounds on a sleeping bag, air mattress, and pillow...or drop cloths, flashlight, clothes pins, cinch sacks or any of the other walking necessities)...because we all know I pack like a girl. I have been gathering all the needed gear for months and after my walk this evening, I got it all boxed up for the trip to California...one more thing off my list...and now it all seems so real...two weeks from tonight I will be in San Diego getting a good meal and (hopefully) a good night of sleep before our 5:00 AM arrival for the opening ceremonies...

To read more about the Komen 3-Day, my reasons for walking, and/or support me and my fellow teammates on this incredible journey, visit: http://www.the3day.org/goto/Belinda

Okay, so after all the "pink" talk, I haven't forgotten about Halloween or my fellow needleworkers...here is a little Halloween collage featuring many of your favorite spooky Blue Ribbon Designs...

Happy Halloween to all my friends, family, and followers - I heart you!

Honesty, Beauty, and Grace

About a month ago, I did a blog post explaining one of the reasons I am walking in the Komen 3-Day next month (60 miles in 3 days)...in this earlier post (for those of you who did not already have the sincere pleasure of knowing her) I introduced you to Cathey (or "Pumpkin" as most of the blog community knows her). At the time, Cathey was knee deep in complications from Stage 4 Breast Cancer - and she was blogging about her diagnosis with honesty, beauty, and grace. The news of Cathey's passing reached me yesterday evening and has quickly spread throughout the needlework community - Cathey's dear friend Katie has been contacting her friends and fellow needleworkers with this heartbreaking news and has done several blog posts honoring Pumpkin (visit http://kscott77.blogspot.com to read a little more and see some beautiful photos of Cathey).

Cathey and I had several email conversations since I made my post in September, and I wanted to share a couple of these notes with you - they show what an extraordinary person she was - how loving and caring she was - and how she put everyone else's needs and feelings above her own....

From: 'Pumpkin'
Sent: Sunday, September 08, 2013 1:18 PM
To: Blue Ribbon Designs
Subject: [Samplings From A Blue Ribbon Girl] New comment on One of the Reasons....

Pumpkin has left a new comment on your post "One of the Reasons...":

Dear Belinda, I just read your post and to say that I'm speechless is an understatement. I am SO honored that you thought of me. Out of all the other women out there, I can't believe that my name is the one that came to your mind. I respect anyone who goes out there and walks/runs for those they love. I know you will achieve your goal and I will be thinking of you. I only wish we lived closer so that I could take you out to lunch and give you a great big hug ;o) ((((HUGS)))) Cathey
Btw - I love your design! So full of versatility. Beautifully done! 
_______________________________________________________________________

From: Blue Ribbon Designs

Sent: Sunday, September 8, 2013 6:54 PM

To: 'Pumpkin'

Subject: RE: [Samplings From A Blue Ribbon Girl] New comment on One of the Reasons....

Hi Cathey,

Your blog posts have touched me deeply - I think about you each and every day - I truly admire you and definitely feel you are an inspiration. I am the one who wishes we loved closer, so I could take YOU to lunch and brighten your days. Know I am sending good vibes your way...you got this...

I am attaching a copy of my "pink" project just for you - I hope it makes you smile.

Keep being positive...and if you EVER need an ear, seriously, I am here for you...you will be in my thoughts and my heart when I do the 60-mile walk in San Diego in November!

xoxo,

Belinda

_________________________________________________________________________

From: Cathey Magill [mailto:chinbit@ns.sympatico.ca]
Sent: Monday, September 09, 2013 2:47 PM
To: Blue Ribbon Designs
Subject: Re: [Samplings From A Blue Ribbon Girl] New comment on One of the Reasons....

Oh Belinda!  I’m completely shocked!  You didn’t need to do that.  I actually opened your email late, late, late last night but had to wait to respond because I was just too emotional...  I am so happy to receive your special pattern :)  And that’s what it is, special.  Hopefully I will have time to stitch at least something from it.  After looking at it over and over again, I do have an idea in mind...

Would you mind if I ‘borrowed’ your picture of this design or if you sent it to me by email?  I’d love to write a post on my Blog.  I won’t mention that you sent me the pattern as a gift if you don’t want me to.  I know some people are very sensitive about that sort of thing >:o( .

I feel very small though for not sponsoring you though :(  You’ve gone and done something so kind and generous.  I hope you don’t think that I’m being ungrateful.  You see, I send a monthly donation to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and have been doing so for almost 12 years now.  I hope you understand...

I can tell you one thing I would like to see in the future.  I know runs like this raise the money for breast cancer research and that is the most important but after having Edwin I’ve realized they’re missing something.  How great would it be to have a program to help out new/single/low income mothers who are diagnosed?  I’m extremely blessed because my parents just picked up and moved down here to help us out but what if you had no one?  DH and I have been talking about this for awhile now and I wish there was someway to set up a foundation.  Maybe if I win the lottery very soon!  LOL!

Listen, I have babbled on for way too long.  It might be the pain medication so please forgive me if I’ve said something that’s offended you!  Does the warning Do Not Operate Machinery apply to computers as well?  ;)

Big hugs,
Cathey

This conversation continued in several more messages, but you get the point...Cathey had a beautiful soul and truly touched lives...she was a rare shining star. I am honored that I had a chance to get to know her...and I am honored to walk 60 miles for her in November...and I will keep walking until there is a cure...

...and now for something that would make Cathey smile...

Thanks to the love and support of my dear friends, family, and the AMAZING needlework community, I have reached my fundraising goal of $7,500 for the Komen 3-Day!! Yes, I am happy dancing!! I am so very touched by the show of support and the notes I have received - thank you so very much. I can't even begin to express my gratitude - I am overwhelmed by your kindness, love, and genuine support. I have heard from several people that I should raise my goal higher...that I might get more donations if I was still working to reaching my goal...but I think all of you know that no matter what my thermometer reads, I will still be trying to raise funds for breast cancer education and awareness - my goal will always be "more"...if you haven't already, please consider making a donation - no amount is too small...and of course, no amount is too large....we CAN make a difference....and don't forget, my "Red Rosies and Pink Posies" needlework chart is still available to those who make a donation of $15 or more. You can read all about my journey, see my progress, and make a donation by visiting: http://www.the3day.org/goto/Belinda 

I will continue to train and raise funds...and I plan to take every step of the 60 miles - for Cathey, for my many supporters, for the survivors, and for the fighters...

One of the Reasons...

Over my ten plus years in the needlework industry, I have had the sincere pleasure of "meeting" stitchers from across the globe...corresponding with those that share my passion for needle and thread is truly a gift and a blessing that brings me so much joy! Many of you have become dear cyber friends and we keep in touch through our blogs and social media, with floss and specialty threads connecting us across the miles.

I had the pleasure of "meeting" Cathey (or "Pumpkin", as many of you know her) years ago...and if you haven't checked out her blog Pumpkin Patch & Co. - then you must visit now! We aren't best friends, but I feel I have gotten to know Cathey over the years via her blog and messages that we have exchanged. She is an amazing needleartist and photographer...but more importantly, a generous, kind, and beautiful person, wife, and mother.

Many of you know I am walking in the Komen 3-Day in San Diego in November...and you want to know why I am walking...and why this particular cause is important to me. Some of you have been following me on my journey and totally "get it" - the response I have received has truly been incredible...and while there are definitely those who are negative about the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and have very strong political views, the majority of the messages I have received have been extremely positive. So, to answer the question: why am I walking?? The answer is simple - just read a few posts from Pumpkin's blog and you should understand (seriously, click on the link and go read now). You see, Pumpkin is just like you and me - she has a beautiful family and she loves her needlework...only, she is at Stage 4 Breast Cancer with incredible amounts of complications (and her blog is honest and beautiful and tells it like it is). I am walking for Cathey...and the dozens of you who have sent me messages that you are battling or have battled breast cancer...and the dozens of you that have sent me messages that you have watched a loved one suffer. Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and is the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. I am walking for those who are currently fighting, I am walking in memory of those who have lost their life to the disease, and I am walking to celebrate the lives of the millions of survivors - it is that easy - I walk because I can.

I hope that gives you a little more insight on "why" I am walking - I try to always keep my blog light, fun, and creative...but Cathey's recent blog posts have touched me deeply and I wanted to share them with you. Please follow her blog...and send good thoughts, vibes, and prayers her way - from experience, I know support and love from the needlework community is a definitely a source of strength and encouragement!

For now, I am back to my training and preparation for November...it is coming up fast. Thank you all for your love, support, and encouragement - and for helping me get closer to my fundraising goal - it is within reach - and I have 70 days left to obtain it! My special "pink" design "Red Rosies and Pink Posies" with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the Komen 3-Day is still available - you can read all the details here: http://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/2013/07/red-rosies-and-pink-posies.html

Overwhelmingly Blessed...

I am feeling overwhelmingly blessed today. There must be some sort of friendship intuition happening for me this week, because I have been surprised (and choked up) multiple times this week. Most of you know I have been busy training for the Komen 3-Day Event (60-miles in 3 days) taking place in San Diego this coming November...I am so excited to be walking 60-miles with my fabulous Twinkle Toes teammates to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and education. You, my friends, have overwhelmed me with your generous donations and messages - my heart is full. To date my fundraising efforts have reached an incredible $5765...that is 77% of my goal, with 99 days to go...I am so unbelievably touched by your outpouring of support and encouragement!

I am also choked up about two surprises that arrived on my doorstep this week. First, I received a brand new pair of shoes...yes, I said shoes (aren't they AWESOME?!)...and I honestly can't tell you how much these were needed. These shoes are usually good for 350-400 walking miles...and my current pair had approximately 600-650 (maybe more) miles on them...and yes, I was planning on replacing them in the very near future, but these shoes come with a price tag and I have been saving my pennies. About a week and a half ago, after a 10+ mile walk, I removed my shoes to have a large open blister on the back of my foot...I had completely worn the material down on the inside of the heel of my shoe and had no idea how bad it was rubbing until I took off my shoe to find a blood soaked sock. Needless to say, I had to take a week off training to let it heal. So, when these new shoes arrived on my doorstep, I squealed like a little girl - they came when I needed them the most...and left me completely speechless. Then today, I received another surprise in the mail...an aerosol spray of TRISLIDE. I have not tried this product before, but I am always up for anything that will stop hotspots and blisters from forming on my feet. I usually use Body Glide, but can't wait to try this TRISLIDE and see how effective it is!...what an extremely thoughtful gift. I also received an e-mail from a dear friend asking me what was on my list of needs for the walk, because she wants to send me a care package...seriously, I am so very thankful. I am truly touched by all the love and support coming my way...

When I started this journey, I knew it would be challenging, I knew it would be costly (shoes, airline tickets, gear, hotel, the list goes on and on), and I knew it would be time consuming (my average walks are 2 - 3 hours)...but I knew in my heart this was something I needed/wanted to do. I had no idea how I was going to raise the required funds to walk or how I was going to afford the needed gear and travel...but with the love and support of my friends, my goal has become obtainable. You are all incredible...and so very special...thank you.

For those of you wanting to know more about my exclusive needlework design for this worthy cause ("Red Rosies and Pink Posies"), it will be available until November...and you can read all about it here:
http://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/2013/07/red-rosies-and-pink-posies.html

I'm now off for a Thursday evening walk...I must break in my fancy new kicks and try out the TRISLIDE...I hear the fresh air calling my name...

Friendship Friday

This week has been full of deadlines and goals for me...and truth be told, I have been pretty much overwhelmed by my ever-growing Blue Ribbon Designs to-do list, household chores and yard work, and our two dogs. It seems my schedule is always full and I can't find the balance I so desperately need. Today, however, I took a break from the craziness and enjoyed "Friendship Friday"...a Friday where I meet two of my very dear girlfriends (Mary and Lorrie) for lunch and just relax for a couple hours...and today was made even more special, as we were celebrating Lorrie's birthday!  We met at one of our favorite restaurants "On The Border" for a little Mexican fiesta...we had fabulous food and spent some much needed time catching up  - conversing about our lives and families and everything in-between...and afterwards, Lorrie opened her birthday gifts.

I always have fun working on birthday gifts for my close friends...and although I usually sew and quilt many of my presents, this time I changed things up a bit. I decided to make Lorrie a little friendship photo album, with pictures from our recent road trips and outings. I used chipboard tags and covered them with pretty scrapbook papers and added the photos...using one of my favorite gadgets - a 5" Xyron Creative Station (OMG - I love this fancy little machine that makes pretty much anything adhesive)!  I also used a 1.5" Xyron Create-A-Sticker to adhere chipboard buttons, laces, trims, and rick rack. Yes, I adore these Xyron products...and wish I had more of their fabulous crafting supplies - do you hear me Xyron?? - I heart you (no affiliation, their stellar products just make my crafting life better)! It was so much fun printing out the photos and then working with my stash to decorate this fun friendship book...digging through ribbons, laces, trims, and buttons always brings me joy!

I also decided to stitch Lorrie a pendant. This from Milady's Needle, titled Quaker Pendants II - it is stitched over-one on 36-count fabric...and then I backed it with a piece of retired Blackbird Designs sampler fabric stabilized with fusible interfacing. This is the second one of these pendants I have made for a gift...I think I need to get an additional pendant, so I can finally make one for myself!

I also have to share this book with you - I purchased this book for Lorrie months ago, after we had a discussion on using vintage handkerchiefs in sewing projects. This lovely book has fabulous ideas for using those special antique hankies, laces, doilies, and ribbon you may be holding on to...

It was a lovely luncheon and we all commented on how we need to do it more often...in fact, I think every Friday should be "Friendship Friday"....

Tonight, after an evening walk, I am hoping to finish up the last set of needlework smalls for my upcoming new releases. I am getting ready to send out a large printing order and I am crossing my fingers I can get all the files and photography completed this weekend (or early next week). There are new designs on the way and I can't wait to share them with you!

Finally - I am truly touched by the AMAZING response I have received for "Red Rosies and Pink Posies" - the support, encouragement, and beautiful e-mails I have received are heartwarming. Your generosity is beyond compare - and I sincerely thank each and every beautiful soul who has made a donation and/or spread the word about this special design and my fundraising page for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day! I still have until November to meet and surpass my goal...and (for those of you who have asked) my special exclusive design for donors will be available until that time. Please continue to help me spread the word...and I will continue to train and work hard to make sure all my supporters proud!

Weekend Wrap-up

"Red Rosies and Pink Posies" a Blue Ribbon Designs
chart exclusive to those who make a donation on my
Komen 3-Day fundraising page. For details:
http://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/2013/07/red-rosies-and-pink-posies.html

First of all, I have to start by thanking everyone who has made a donation on my fundraising page supporting my Komen 3-Day 60-mile walk in November - the response has been tremendous and I am overwhelmed and humbled by your kindness, generosity, and HUGE hearts. I have received the most touching e-mails and correspondence and I thank you all! I also want to thank those of you who have shared my Facebook posts, blog post, and tweets with your needlework friends - I REALLY appreciate you helping me spread the word by telling your friends about "Red Rosies and Pink Posies", my Blue Ribbon Designs "pink" design exclusive for donors. Thanks to all of you, I have surpassed the required fundraising amount of $2,300 and I am well on my way to surpassing my goal of $6,000...in fact, at this time, I have passed the $4,000 mark...which is so thrilling - it is making me quite emotional just thinking about it. I have always said that needleworkers are incredibly generous and have the biggest hearts...and this truly proves my point. Please help me keep the momentum rolling and the donations coming in...working together we can all make a difference!

For those of you who have made a donation and received the PDF of Red Rosies and Pink Poises, Elegant Stitch has put together a linen/thread package to support the chart and are giving a substantial discount. They are only making a limited number of these linen/thread packages and this special offer ends next Friday, July 12th. For details, visit: http://www.elegantstitch.com/what%27s%20new.htm and read the news for July 3rd. Lois at Elegant Stitch is a dear friend, captain of the Twinkle Toes team (and a breast cancer survivor), and has been extremely supportive of this special "pink" design!

Next up - as I continue my training and fundraising, I have to start putting together all the needed supplies for the walk...including several more pairs of shoes (which are extremely expensive, so if you are in the "shoe business" and can help me out, please let me know!). My husband is on sleeping bag and air mattress duty...and I have a list of other needed items to pack. I have already purchased my airline ticket for California, so things are really starting to come together. In the coming weeks, I will be posting new items in my Etsy shop to help with all the expenses...I will keep you updated when they will be available.

In other news, I found out earlier in the week that Blue Ribbon Designs made the cover of the 2013 Just CrossStitch Ornament issue, due out in early September. My ornament ("Redbirds Rejoice") is just below right of center...two redbirds on pine branches with the words "Hope", "Joy", and "Love". Look for this magazine favorite in your mailbox, or at needlework shops and newsstands later this year...

And finally, here is a fun video of our kids, Schazti (German Shepherd puppy) and Simba (Shih Tzu)...Schatzi is learning to "shake paw" and Simba is watching and wanting in on the treats/action...

I hope you are enjoying this July 4th weekend...and keeping cool in the summer heat!

"Red Rosies and Pink Posies"

As many of you know, I am participating in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day in November – I'll walk 60 miles in San Diego, CA over the course of three days with my fabulous "Twinkle Toes" team members and hundreds, possibly thousands of other women and men....all of us with a common goal to raise funds for breast cancer research, scientific programs and community-based breast health and education programs. I started my journey, fundraising, and training last November...walking over 800 training miles to date...and I plan to take every single step of the 60 miles in 3 days this fall! All walkers are required to raise at least $2300.00 to participate...but my true goal is actually $7,500 (I know it seems outrageous, but I believe it is totally doable!)...

So, here is where my new "pink" design "Red Rosies and Pink Posies" comes into play...it is an exclusive Blue Ribbon Design, available only to those who donate a minimum of $15.00 to my fundraising page (all proceeds benefit the Susan G. Komen 3-Day)...my gift to you for supporting me and this incredibly worthwhile cause.

First I will tell you how to get this very special design...please read the instructions carefully:

1. Visit my fundraising page: http://www.the3day.org/goto/Belinda.
2. Make a minimum donation of $15.00.
3. Send me an e-mail (designer @ blueribbondesigns.com) with "Red Rosies and Pink Posies" in the subject line. The body of the message can be as simple as "I made a donation".
4. I will verify your donation and reply to your message with a PDF attachment of the design.

Easy Peasy!

If you made a donation before I posted this information, simply follow steps 3 and 4 and I will get this special design sent to you, as well - you are not required to make an additional donation.

Please note, it is not feasible for me to sit at the computer all day and respond immediately - please give me 24-hours to reply to your message - I promise to respond to your message as soon as possible. Also, this gift is only available as a PDF file via e-mail, following the instructions above - I will not be mailing printed charts.

About this exclusive design:
"Red Rosies and Pink Posies" is a sampler box-top (also suitable for framing) and three needlework smalls (scissor fob, pin pillow, and needlebook tag). The PDF chartpack is set-up like all my printed Blue Ribbon Designs and includes: a color photo, charting for each of the four pieces (sampler for box-top and three needlework smalls), stitching instructions, stitch diagrams, complete finishing instructions for all four pieces, template for needlebook tag, and alphabets/numbers for personalization. You will need Adobe Reader to view/print the e-mailed chart and contents. 

The PDF chartpack will include a complete supply list and a listing of finishing materials...the model was stitched on 40-count "Linen" hand-dyed fabric from Weeks Dye Works with Weeks Dye Works cotton floss (DMC conversions are provided). I used a pink wooden craft box I found at Michaels (ArtMinds Pink Craft Box from Michaels – 218559 UPC 400100983584 – approximately 8" H x 8⅜" W x 1¾" D)...but several other options are listed for those who cannot find the exact box or do not have a Michael's in their area...and remember, you may need a different size of box, should you stitch the design on a different count of fabric (or you may choose to frame the design).

One more thing, please remember: "Red Rosies and Pink Posies" is protected by copyright law and is meant for personal stitching only by the donating recipient. I kindly ask, please do not share, email, or post the PDF file on the Internet; if your friend(s) would like to stitch this design, please encourage them to visit my fundraising page (http://www.the3day.org/goto/Belinda) and make a donation to the cause...after-all, ALL proceeds are benefiting the Susan G. Komen 3-Day. Thank you for respecting my copyright.

Finally - please help me spread the word...if you like the design or think your friend(s) would like it, please share a link to this post on your blog, Facebook, message boards, or other social media...I would really appreciate it!

You can read some of the reasons I decided to take this journey on my fundraising page. I'll be keeping all of my donors in mind, and in my heart, as I walk 60 miles in San Diego in November....in fact, I plan to have a complete list of all donors with me for motivation - if you are making a donation honoring a loved-one or you are a fighter or survivor, please note that in your e-mail - I would be proud and honored to walk for you! Thank you so much for your love and support...

Stitching and Swimming

Happy Friday friends and followers! I have been busy finishing up my "pink" project...and details on how to obtain this very special design will be posted in the near future (stay tuned!)...for now here is a sneak peek at the finished project titled "Red Rosies and Pink Posies"...

I also thought I would share a short video with you today...this was taken last weekend at Raccoon River Park. My husband and I took Schatzi to the lake for a swimming lesson, and here is just a bit of what I got on tape...she is learning quickly and does like the water! She is growing like a weed - last week at her vet visit (14 weeks) she was 35 pounds...