It's Hard to Say Good-bye...

 

Picture of Cordova in the Summer!

Those of you who have read my blog these past seven months know how I love the small isolated community I'm fortunate enough to live in.  You've heard how it is only possible to arrive by air or by sea.  Mr. DillyDally has always said that living here is like living in a Nat'l Park, without the restrictions.  I, too, love the natural beauty and resources that cradle this little gem of a community.  I often refer to Cordova as Alaska's version of Garrison Keillor's Lake Woebegon...the people...the relationships...a place where the community really did help raise my children...where friends become family...a place where many are impacted by the actions of one...where we share our joy, concerns, and sorrows.

We have been fortunate to have had two quilt shops in Cordova for the past three-plus years.  They each offer a wide variety of fabric, patterns and supplies, yet differ from one another.  Yes...this small isolated town of about 2000 year round residents...is a quilter's version of heaven on earth.  

Sadly, tomorrow we say good-bye to one of those shops, The Alaska Fabric Camp.  No...they were not a victim of the economy...nor had the owner become burned out...but life does sometimes throw us a curve ball...and we must rearrange our lives around what is most important...often that means something has to give.  Such is the case with the owner of the Camp.  

The Camp introduced us to a treasure of quilting experiences...I especially have enjoyed Moda and all their precuts.  When we heard of or saw a new product or pattern, she would order it for us.  There were classes, workshops, birthday parties, baby showers, potlucks, Saturday brunches and Friday Happy Hours.  It was a place where you could always find a smile...encouragement...support...friendship.  We feel the loss...

 

The Camp owner is making the right decision...for all the right reasons.  Yet...our quilting community is altered...it's hard to say good-bye...change is difficult to accept...but behind every cloud, the sun really is shining...

 

...now...the Camp's owner will have more time to dillydally with us...we welcome that...and we thank her for all the ways in which she enriched our lives...the memories of the Alaska Fabric Camp will always be warm, just like the quilts it inspired...