Wednesday, July 20, 2011

One way flight

Later this summer I'll be taking a one way flight to California.  After 28 years in Pennsylvania I'm going to make the giant leap across the country.

PHL to San Elijo Hills

Why you ask?
Many reasons... but the #1 reason is family.


You see 14 years ago my brother moved to California.  It was clear pretty quickly that he was never coming back to PA.  So I've spent half of my life apart from him.  Well the time has come for us to all be together again.
Brad & Julie - Disneyland 2007

My brother was in town recently for a friend's wedding & it was great to have the four of us together.  But Karin was at home with Elijah and Aliyah.  We have only all been together so few times... and to this day we have never had all seven of us together.
7/9/11
I will miss Philadelphia.  I'll miss Rita's water ice and Wawa.


I'll miss my sorority sisters.


I'll miss Alumni events at our sorority house.

I'll miss my favorite cousin.


I will miss holiday dinners in this house. {But I won't miss getting a pie with candles at thanksgiving instead of a real birthday cake.}

I'll miss going to Phillies games.

I will miss my Philadelphia modern quilt guild.
I'll miss my LP crew that I go to all my shows with.
I'll miss my extended family.
I'll miss my friends.
I'll miss many things.

I won't miss driving in the snow.


I won't miss watching my dad try to clear the driveway. {Or trying to do it myself!}

It snows too much sometimes!

This house has a lot of memories... but I can take those with me.



I'm looking forward to spending more time with my family & making new memories.



I'm looking forward to watching Aliyah grow up. {She is walking since I last saw her!}



I'm looking forward to being woken up with hugs and kisses by Elijah.

I'm looking forward to regular trips to Disneyland.
Disney 2008 with Karin & Elijah
My parents are looking forward to more time with their grandkids... and both of their kids at the same time.

We are all looking forward to more tickle fights!!


In general... we are all just really really excited about spending more time together.

I'm also looking forward to being much closer to all the amazing quilters and friends I've already made in California.

I mean really... could you resist this face?



I didn't think so!



Of course I'm a mix of emotions.
I'm sad & happy at the same time.
I'm nervous & excited...
I cried as I called close friends over the weekend to tell them the news.  I cried as I wrote this blog post, but I'm ready for this move.  I'm so excited for the unkown... as crazy as that sounds.

My favorite quote has always been...
"Forget regret or life is yours to miss."

--
Brad,
Yes... it is "your fault" for moving to California.
But I don't blame you... I want to thank you.
I love you so much... and I'm so excited to be starting the next chapter of my life in Sunshine.  You are the best brother I could have ever asked for.  Thank you for giving me the nickname J-Bird, for believing in me, pushing me and for never letting me settle for anything but the best.

--

So...
I'll be taking a blog break as we sort, pack & plan the big move.  When I have time I'll post a photo or two & maybe a giveaway here and there.  I will be having a GIANT online shop update as I need to decide what I can take with me and what fabric/things I have to part with.  If you e-mail me & don't hear back right away please understand.  Once the move is made I'll be back to regular blogging.  Thank you all for your love & support!!



© Blog post written by Julie Herman
For more information visit http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/

142 comments:

Cheryl Arkison said...

Congratulations. You deserve the happiness that comes with this decision. But I promise, at some point you will miss the snow.

Shanna said...

I am so excited for you!! It's so important to be close to family. I'm from CA and it's just the best state :o) Good luck with all your plans and with moving!

Anonymous said...

You are making a great choice for all the right reasons. It'll be a grand new adventure (to share with your favorite people!). Smart! Godspeed!

**nicke... said...

i am very happy for you. it is a bittersweet thing thing to leave but you will make so many happy memories in your new one.

Renegade Quilter said...

Many Congrats Julie!!!!!

You are an inspiration to us all. I am so happy that you are going to be closer to your family. Plus the fact that you will be on the west coast is awesome!!!!

Love the quote as well - more people need to live like that.

Tracey Jacobsen said...

Congratulations Julie!
Change is always hard, but this seems like the best kind of change. :)

H said...

Good luck with your move - I'll keep my fingers crossed that everything goes smoothly. Take care x

Sinta Renee said...

A new adventure is a wonderful gift to yourself. Calif. has to seem somewhat like home to you after all of your trips out here, besides the fact of having family near also. And if you want snow... you can visit me! Calif has plenty of that to offer too! I will see you at Road to California in Jan for sure!

Sunnybec said...

Wow Julie I am feeling quite emotional for you, maybe it's because I am away from my family too, so know how you are feeling - we have been here for 8 years and I am starting to get homesick, maybe our next move will be back to the UK. I wish you all the very best with your move, will miss you, I always enjoy reading your blog, so Hun hurry back. Hugs Linda x

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

Yes - family! You'll do great.

Tracey said...

Congratulations to you and your family! We used to live in San Marcos and loved it there. Good luck with the move.

Unknown said...

Congrats! I hope the move goes as smoothly as it can for you.

natalie. beyond the reef said...

Family First.
Welcome to Cali!

Amy said...

Congratulations!! It's fun to start a new chapter!

~Michelle~ said...

Yay! Glad you all are coming out to Sunny SoCal!

Calico Cali Designs said...

Good luck and Have fun withe the process. Enjoy every moment with your family. I have to admit..I'm jealous. I have been wanting to move to California for a long time, and Disney is my favorite place to go. good bye snow...hello laughter and fun family times.

holly | bijou lovely said...

Good luck with your move Julie! Speakign from recent experience, moving for family is totally worth it!

Lisa Sipes said...

This made me cry.
I don't comment often, but I read religiously. Best of luck to you in your new home. I'm sure that California will be a positive experience for you and your WHOLE family!

Mitzi said...

I'm so happy for you! You are blessed to have a brother that you are so close to. Good luck on your move!

Vesuviusmama said...

Julie,
I am so excited for you! I've moved so many times in life, so I understand the mix of emotions that goes along with a move. But in my book, family comes first, and from reading your post and seeing your photos, I'm guessing that it does in your book, too. You can make a life for yourself anywhere, but there is no subsitute for spending time with people you love. Enjoy the process (if possible - moving can be SO stressful), and enjoy setting up somewhere new. You'll have lots of readers eagerly awaiting your return. Best of luck to you!

Rebecca Maples said...

Congratulations on the move! California has snow too, but here you can go visit the snow, and then go home to the sunshine, it's awesome:)

WendyB said...

WOW - This is HUGE news and so exciting! YOU GO GIRL!
~ WendyB (formerly The Fabric Quarter)

Pat Sloan said...

Excited for you! As one who has moved not only states..but countries... call me anytime.... i'll talk ya down off the crazy ledge!

noga quilts said...

Good luck to you! It's a great big adventure and I'm sure you'll have the time of your life!

Anonymous said...

Good for you and your family. Time is something you can never get back, so enjoy every minute of it. Safe traveling to you and your family.

Shelley said...

Such wonderful news! Family is so important and it's fabulous that you have this opportunity to be with them. I wish I could move to where my sister and niece are too! So excited for you on this new journey. And welcome to L.A.!

pbs said...

Good for you and your family! My daughter moved 19 hours away 2 years ago and I hope someday they move much closer to our family as we miss them so much and seeing them just 4 times a year is just not enough. What a wonderful creative family you have. Treasure those relationships!

Marieke said...

Yay! I'm excited and happy for you!

Good luck with packing and moving, and take deep breaths! Eventually the chaos will subside.

Collette said...

This made me cry a little bit. Those are all fabulous, fabulous reasons to move and I'm glad your family will be closer together. It sounds wonderful. Hang in there and you'll be there before you know it!

Tiffany said...

Noooooooooooooooooo! I was still hoping that one day I'd make the 90 min drive up to your part of PA and attend a modern guild meeting and finally get to meet you! So sad that you are moving to the other side of the country!!

So very excited for you tho, even tho I'm sad you are abandoning the east coast for warmer weather and bigger adventures :)

SarahB said...

Moving is always a bit overwhelming, but you have the best reason to do it there is. I'm happy you'll be closer to your niece and nephew, and your brother!

Jill Chapman said...

Oh my gosh that's so exciting! Moving across the country means one thing in the UK but moving all the way across the US must be a tremendous adventure.

Good luck with the packing and your new life in the sun

Sandy said...

How exciting for you and your whole family. Having a close and loving family is the best!
Will you still be at Creations Sew Clever in August?

Unknown said...

This is really all just so very exciting! You are lucky that you are young and not too tied down. I'm not gonna lie, I'm a little jelly of your ability to just pick up and go! And lucky duck, you get to go with your folks too! Godspeed, Julie!

Cindy said...

There is absolutely nothing better than family. I am SO happy for you! Things like this are so bittersweet though, aren't they? I'm sending lots of prayers and good wishes to you and your family on this new journey TOGETHER. (((BIG HUG FOR YOU)))

DianeY said...

If I couldn't live in Hawaii, I'd choose San Diego! Best of luck-you'll do great wherever you are!
Does this mean you'll become a Padres fan???

Debbie B Sam said...

WHEW! I'm so glad I got to meet you at your book signing before you ventured to the other side of the US! Mom and Dad are moving too??? Wow I'm impressed! I have never moved out of Hammonton....I think about it dream about it, but it probably will never happen! Julie - enjoy your youth! Enjoy your family and enjoy sunny CA, I'll be thinking of you here in Jersey when I'm shoveling my driveway all alone this winter! Congrats!!!

Angela Nash said...

So happy for you! Can't wait to hear all about the fun, new adventure you have ahead.

Laura said...

Welcome to California! The San Diego area is awesome. Once you get settled, come visit the Bakersfield Modern Quilt Guild! It's a 3.5 hour drive but we're an enthusiastic group and there are awesome quilt stores here!

Denise in PA said...

How exciting for you!! I am so glad I got to know you a bit and will miss you, but I know you will find great success in CA! I wish you and your family the very best and look forward to keeping up with you via blogland. Hugs, Julie!

Baskets Of Quilts said...

Good luck with the move!

Monica_C said...

OK, this made me cry. I love my only brother too, and i never get to see him nearly as much as I would like to.

Mary said...

Oh WOW! I am so happy for your entire family. I am the Brad who moved away and I know he must be thrilled to know he has has family coming to share in his children growing up. I look forward to more Elijah and Aliyah updates, too.

Paul said...

I just spoke with my little sister last night and I so wished I could hug her around the neck... She needed it, and all I could offer was a phone call.

May God bless your journey with safety and your new home with laughter and abundant joy.

Paul
www.OutnumberedQuilter.com

HRH Gigi said...

Welcome to the neighborhood! You will love the area.

What a great adventure you are undertaking - and for such great reasons. And hey, you and Eleanor will be neighbors.

VickiT said...

Oh how awesome for you. It's hard missing familly and you are very lucky that you can just make this huge decision even with the sad parts in making it quite obvious, but lucky still that you can pick up everything and move. It really does get harder to do that as you get older so yea, go for it now while it's still something you can do easily for the most part. GOOD LUCK Julie! I'm sure it will be the best thing you have done and you'll be super happy after the hard part of packing and saying those last good-byes to those you are going to miss. But, just think, you are giving those friends in PA a nice warm place to come visit in the dead of winter when they want to get away. They can come to sunny California to see you. :)

Rachel said...

WOW! All I can say (beyond family is SO important!!) is I am very happy to welcome such talent to California!!

Melissa Corry said...

Congrats!!! How exciting to be closer to family. Good Luck with your packing and your move :)

Unknown said...

Lovely post Julie - wishing you luck with the move and fun on this next great great adventure... yay life!

Alfa said...

What a nice post, I wish all the luck in your new moment.
I´ll miss you, but i´m sure you will be back very soon. kisses

MollyP said...

What a great adventure! You are so brave to move so far. I think it's awesome you are moving to get closer to your family. Most move AWAY from theirs. Best wishes with the move, packing, and everything in between. Feel free to do a mondo sale to decrease your fabulous inventory. :) Hey, I'm tryin' to help you out here.

Sew I Was Thinking... said...

Wow, thank you for sharing this with us. I'm happy that that you'll be closer to your family again and I hope you eventually grow to LOVE California just as much as you LOVE Philly. We'll welcome you with open arms... hopefully you'll make it out to one of the LAMQG meetings.

Tiffany said...

Wow, that is a BIG move! But you sound so ready for it! Good luck with everything and enjoy California!

Quilting Corner said...

I wish you well with your move. I'm a former Philly girl myself. I lived in West Philly and Wynnefield and I go back from time to time to visit family. It's good that you recognize when it's time to move on. I did and I'm not sorry.
Fondly,
Etty

Annelies said...

Oh my....we will be neighbors!!! I am so excited to think I will bump into you ( I did once at the Fabric Mart in LA)!!!!
Wishing you the best in your move. XXX

adnohr said...

After college, I packed all of my belongings in a van and left New England for San Diego. I've never once regretted it. You will love it. I'm a little farther north now, but hope to move back to north county one day. Hope to see you at the LAMQG once you are settled in.

Lexilooo said...

So exciting!

Jocelyn said...

Wow Julie, this sounds so exciting. And take it from me, you will love the sunshine and warm days. I live in Sunny Florida, and would not trade for the cold north. Enjoy your trip. We will be here when you get back to blogging.

Julie {Angry Julie Monday} said...

The weather has been beautiful here!!! Will you teach me to be a quilter? Well how to quilt?????????? Pretty please!!!

corina said...

Good luck with your move! When you miss your friends in Philadelphia, hugs from little Elijah and Aliyah will surely make you feel better! California is lucky to be getting you!

Anne said...

Congratulations! I have always thought that life is too short to life so far away from the people we cherish. I hope the move goes smoothly! Good luck with everything!

Brad Herman said...

See you soon.
:)

Mommarock said...

I moved away from the snow, to the extreme heat at this point.. I do NOT miss the snow.. some cool weather WILL come.. but not having to shovel..ahhhhhhhhhhh!!! There is airconditioning everywhere here, and it is worth it!! You will so enjoy finding new homes for all of your goodies in your new place. I enjoyed downsizing when we moved, and starting anew it was very refreshing to have new goodies in a new place!!

Heather said...

Personally I'd rather have snow than heat. Moving is hard work and stressful but very rewarding in the end when you are happy with where you are landing. Being close to family will be so fantastic for you, you look like a great Aunt to your niece and nephew!

Terry@ a quilting blog said...

Congratulations and best wishes on your move!!!

Manda said...

It's great that you are able to move and spend more time with your family! And exciting to start a new chapter of your life (in the sunshine even better!) Best of luck with all the packing and sorting!

dolores said...

Wow...wasn't expecting that post!;) Well congrats kiddo...I know my own kids are missing each other while Maria is in the UK studying but you have been apart from your brother for much longer...you are a brave girl but also wise...you gotta do what you gotta do!;)

I'm just a bit bummed cause one day...when Maria gets back she plans on moving to the Philly area and I thought...one day....one day we might meet! Oh well...guess I'll have to go to quilt market one year since you are just gonna be all big and famous and I know I'll find you there twice a year!

Yep...congrats kid....thank heaven for the internet!;)
xo

Jennifer Mathis of Ellison Lane said...

Congratulations on the big move. I am sure it will be a big change but being with family is always good!
Best of luck with everything!

Lauren H said...

WOW - huge move for you and your parents! I commend you for believing in the importance of family. I know your brother and his family must be over the moon with excitement about having you all close by.

Good luck with the move. I will miss your blogs and look forward to when you are settled and have time to design, quilt and blog!

Letterpress said...

As a fellow SoCalifornian, welcome to the south! You're in a lovely area--not too hot, with no snow (as you noted). Lots of fabric stores around here, and lots of good people to meet.

Have a safe move.

Elizabeth E.
http://occasionalpiece.wordpress.com

Linda V said...

You will LOVE the weather of San Diego county! We live inland and it gets pretty hot here and we always look forward to going to Carlsbad to visit our son and DDIL. The weather in San Diego area is about as perfect as it gets!! Praying for a safe and easy move for you and your family!
Linda
Redlands, CA

Quiet Quilter said...

Such a leap of faith...with family at the end of the rainbow...Godspeed and thank goodness for the internet..you can still keep in touch.

Paula said...

Best of luck to you on your new adventure. It is wonderful that you will be closer to family. As I get older, family becomes more and more important. Luckily for you, your quilting business will travel with you (and the weather will be more predictable for pictures). Congrats on reaching your decision, and let the adventure begin!

Carolyn said...

Welcome to California...and we have some great guilds in Orange County if that is where you are coming!! Orange county Quilt Guild is just one and there is a couple of Modern Quilt guilds too...
WELCOME to the land of no snow

Luv2Sign99 said...

Rent also inspired me to make a move, but it was only across the state. I think Jonathan Larson would be honored that his lyrics helped you take this step. Follow your dreams where ever they lead you!

Clothesline Club said...

Best of luck. I wish you all the best on your move. I don't worry about you at all and know that it won't take you long to become a part of you new home. You'll be closer to us here in SLC. If you're up this way please let us know. I really jealous that you will be so close to Disneyland. It is my favorite place on earth (next to my sewing room). Soooo, until you blog again. Take care, Tina

Dara said...

Good for you- family is really the most important thing in the whole world. All the best.

azuliverde.21 said...

Congratulations for your moving! I'm so happy for you and your familiy. You'll enjoy this change, I promise!
Big hug from Uruguay (South America)

Auntie Pami said...

Julie, I'm so happy for you! I understand how you feel. I've moved a zillion times. It's exciting and scary at the same time. Where are you going? LA? Suburb? There's so much to see & do there. Get in a car and you can be skiing, surfing or whatever. Good luck! Keep us updated and be safe--it's a long drive, but enjoy seeing America. It's great!

TheAccidentalCrafter said...

Family is a good enough reason to move and you guys are so blessed to have such close relationships. I don't envy you with the packing and all but new adventures in a new place does sound very exciting though. Good luck with the move.

Patty said...

Good luck Julie, I'm sure you will find happiness and everything you are looking for.

KatheG said...

Good for you! Nothing better than family - guess your parents are going with you, too? One winter before I left it snowed in SLO (Central CA on the ocean). The thing there is if you want snow you can go to it - it doesn't come to you. Good Luck on your move -- the the purging of stuff!

The One and Only said...

Yeah, I can't believe you're coming to MY STATE!! Even though you'll be in Southern Cali and I'm in Northern Cali, I may actually have the opportunity to meet you so if you hear someone scream your name, it could just be ME!! And FYI, I have an amazing quilt shop here in Northern Cali, which I would be happy to take you to, if you're ever up this way!!
Hurry up and GET HERE!!

Tammy said...

You will love it here! No snow, but close enough to visit it (if needed!) It will help to have your family near you..I am from Northern Cali, but love Southern just as much! And of course Disneyland is.."The Happiest Place on Earth!" So happy for you!

Jen B said...

Best of luck in your move! Sounds like it's going to be a really positive thing for you!

Angela D. said...

congratulations! you'll be just around the corner. hopefully you'll check out the San Diego Modern Quilt Guild. It is just getting started and we'd love to have you!

Sue said...

Congrats on your big decision. All the very best to you!

Deb said...

I'm excited to have you here in SoCal!

IHaveANotion ~ Kelly Jackson said...

New adventures are wonderful....Enjoy!

Smiles,
Kelly

Dorian said...

Welcome to California Julie!!! Once you get her, if you ever come up North (past Sacramento) give me a holler. Would love to meet you! Or see you in action.

Being closer to family is going to be awesome. I'm so happy for you.

Melodee said...

My sister-n-law just decided to make the same jump. She is moving from Long Island to the San Diego area and she is moving for her health reasons to be closer to family. My kids are in college, but she will get to see them more when they come home. She was nervous about the move but as it gets closer, she just gets more excited about it.

stephmabry said...

I'm a transplant from PA (near Reading) to CA (up north, though), too! Rita's Italian Ice is definitely on the list of things I miss and am looking forward to when I go back to visit in August - but there are so many great things about being here in CA. Best of luck!

Greta said...

Welcome to California! This is a wonderful place and you are coming here for wonderful reasons. Although our paths are unlikely to cross (despite the fact that we hear the Disneyland fireworks every evening around 9:30pm - and can watch them if we put our beach chairs up on the roof! - we never go there), it makes me very happy to think of you basking in the same sunshine and enjoying the warmth of your very special family.

Mrs. Monkeyboy said...

It's funny, sometimes you have to travel far to find/be "home".
I did it in 1991 coming from southern CA to the DC Metro area.
Happy travels!
You can do this!

bethanndodd said...

I have no doubt that there are wonderful adventures waiting for you in California. And just think, all of your PA friends/family are only a phone call away (I bet you won't even have to schedule it first ;)
Wish you the best! Smiles~Beth

Donna Baker said...

that is exciting! thanks for sharing all the things you'll miss/not miss! look forward to reading about your new journey!

Dana Gaffney said...

That's wonderful, your heart has been there for a while.

colleencl said...

Hi Julie -- I have been following your blog for about a year and met you at quilt market in Salt Lake this year. I live in San Diego and I think California is the perfect place for you! I can just see in your quilting that it has that so. Cal. vibe! I moved here with my husband 18 years ago and while it was hard to leave half of my family, I am so glad we moved. It is a great place to raise kids and to live ... so much to do and live outside year round. Congratulations on your big decision ... California is lucky to have you!

Josie McRazie said...

What an amazing adventure! My brother moved to Texas and we are in Illinois! I do not get to see him near as much as I would like! You will have new experiences and meet so many wonderful people! Be safe in your travels!! Hope to hear from you soon!

Diane E W said...

Any place with family is a good place to live, but I think CA will make it even better. I bet one day you will miss the snow!

Jan said...

Making decisions w/ your heart is never a bad thing!!!! All the very, very best to you Miss Jaybird! Go rock the west coast just like you did here!

cakath said...

As a NoCal gal, welcome (almost) to the great state of California! The Pacific International Quilt Show in October in San Jose, Ca is not to be missed. Also, the Bay Area Modern Quilt Guild would love to have you come visit us or teach a class, whatever we can work out. I'm Vice Pres, so consider the welcome mat out. Please check out our sites when you get a chance. Give us a shout after you get settled and feel like driving a few hours (o.k. 4 hours to get out of LA and 2 hours to get here -hehe!)
I'll share a little wisdom with you that was shared with me once upon a time: Change is inevitable, growth is optional! Good luck to you as you grow, grow, grow.

Kathleen (cakath11@gmail.com)

Vicky said...

Gosh, I cried reading all the things you'll miss with your move. But you'll be making new memories, experiencing new things, making new friends, getting to see the old friends (like me) more often, and most importantly, you'll be with your family. Good luck on the move, sweetie. Remember, no regrets!!! xoxo

Sue Edelman said...

Hiya and Byeyah....
your sunny smile and enthusiastic creativity will be farther away - but thanks to the wonders of blogs, still just a click away. Best wishes for the whole family. And don't let us ever catch you in anything but Phillies attire!!
Sue Edelman

Unknown said...

Well my love, I hated that I couldn't see you when I was in Philly. But the good news is that SoCal is on our vacation calendar quite often! So we may end up seeing each other a tiny bit more than we do now. Of course I wish you the best of luck in everything always!

Teresa Marie said...

This is so weird. I feel sad that you are moving. Even though I've never met you personally, with you being in Philly, which is only a 45 minute drive from me, I felt like we were neighbors, LOL.

On the other hand, yes, it is so exciting for you! It has to be really hard to be so far away from your brother, SIL, niece & nephew. We lived in Florida for a year between 2006-2007, and I was so homesick, as the rest of my family was still in NJ, including all three of my kids, so I know how you feel.

Keep us updated on the big move. Looking forward to hearing about your new adventures. God bless and best wishes!

Bennett and Graves said...

Welcome to Southern California Julie! Yes ALL the good things people say about it are true. No not all the bad things they say are. And you already know we have some great quilting here.
Gayle

paront1222@comcast.net said...

Ah....SOOOOOO exciting!!! I have never lived anywhere but NJ so I think this is a fabulous move!

I wish you and your family well and look forward to continuing following your blog clear across the country and seeing your "fabric sale".
Peggy

Susan said...

So excited for you and your family. Welcome to California! We quilters in the greater Los Angeles area (me included) are going to love having you here!

Teje Karjalainen said...

Hi! I'm happy for you to be able to move near to your family! Good luck for the big trip and moving! Hoping to 'see' you soon again!

QDO said...

Posting is emotional. Congratulations for the work.

Anonymous said...

I think you will always be happy that you spent time with your family. Nothing is more important. How nice that your business can move with you. Good luck.

rachel griffith said...

*sniff, sniff*

i love that you quoted rent.
and i gonna miss you practically being in my backyard.
and it's gonna take some practice not calling you at butt:thirty in the morning.
and now i need to figure out trips to the west coast.
but i love you.
and i'm happy for you.
and i'm happy that i know all the crazy, amazing potential that cali has in store for you.

Mary Anne Drury said...

Best of luck to you Julie ! I did the same thing some 27 years ago - moved from Philly to southern California (Sierra Madre - right next to Pasadena). Followed a boyfriend (now husband). We lived there for 6 years but moved back to Pa for the same reason you're moving to California - family! We were all by our lonesomes out there in California , so moved back to be near family when we were starting our own family. It's good when families stay together ! ENJOY !!!

Mary Anne Drury said...

P.S. - my husband is a die hard Philly boy sports fan - we managed to see the Phillies when they played in L.A. and also the Eagles. FYI we weren't the only ones cheering for the "visiting" team - seems there were pretty many transplanted Philly sports fans there!

Joy said...

I'm so delighted you'll be living so close to your brother again. You guys clearly have something very special. It will be fun to see what adventures you guys get up to now that you're reunited!

karen @ badlandsquilts said...

Best wishes to you and your family!

ohmymc said...

Julie, thank you for the great tutorial on bindings, congratulations on your decision to come out west. To help ease missing Philly, you can get Italian ice just like Rita's at Joe's Petrucci Italian ice (the store front even have the same color scheme as Rita's) on Harbor Blvd A couple of blocks from Disneyland. As far as Wawa,the closest steak sandwich, and subs that we found out here is at Philly's Best. They even use Amorroso rolls! My husband(who grew up there), and my my son (who is going to school there) both love Rita's and Wawa.

Sandy said...

I am so grateful that I will have my husband (best friend for 39 years),my children,(Julie aka Jaybird),Brad & Karin,and my grandchildren (E&A) in the same state for the 1st time in 14 years! This sure warms a Mother's heart! I have been blessed with an amazing family & look forward to this cross country journey & adventure that the next chapter brings! NO snow this winter is looking real good too!

Amy said...

Best wishes to you and your family on your upcoming move! Sounds to me like you are doing it for all the right reasons!!!

Dirt Road Quilter said...

Good for you! Best wishes and safe travels as you embark on this grand adventure! Just went to San Diego last week for our son's Marine Graduation. Gorgeous city and the weather...oh that lovely weather! Enjoy the journey!

CitricSugar said...

Good luck! Enjoy every minute of it.

Susanne said...

Julie, Philadelphia is a beautiful and wonderful city to visit....California is a beautiful place to LIVE : D!!!!

I have to selfishly say, I'm glad I'm only a blog acquaintance that way I still my "Jaybird Quilts" in the normal doses I'm used to ; )

GOOD LUCK with the move!! You'll adapt beautifully to CA : D !!!!

TheTrueFrancine said...

Congratulations, and good luck with your move. SoCal is my favorite place to be.

Dresden Quilter said...

I am so happy for you! Are your parents moving as well? Good luck with the move! Your niece and nephew will be thrilled.

Nancy said...

Best wishes to all of you. It will be so nice for all of you to be together and planes can bring you back for visits, too. Good luck with all the preparations and your move. Can't wait to hear more.

Janine @ Rainbow Hare said...

My very best wishes to you. I hope everything goes well. I'll miss your blog for a bit but I look forward to reading about your sewing and adventures from another part of the world, in time. Good Luck!

Kim said...

Wow......good luck and safe travels.
Have fun making a new life for yourself.

Happy Sewing

Lexi said...

Juuuulllieee, we miss you. Can't wait til life settles down for you and things resume on Jaybird quilts. You are very inspiring. I hope things work out as you want them to. It is a big change and will take a while to get used to. I think you are very brave!

Beverly said...

I miss you so much!!! I know you're excited about moving and tons to do BUT I do love your blog, you patterns and you. Miss you!

Karee said...

Your tender blog brought back a rush of similar emotions when we moved from the mitten state to the southwest. A leap of faith! May yours bring you as much joy and blessings as ours did.
F-A-M-I-L-Y

And I love the revelation of J-bird = Jaybird... very endearing.

Coisas da Laura said...

Again you got tears from my eyes!!!I am absolutely sure you will be more than happy in your new life!!!Happiness is in your hard disc!!!
Love from Brasil.
Laura.

Anonymous said...

wow I started crying as I read this post. Good for you for following heart..... you will be blessed...

leanne said...

have fun in the sun - its always nice to be with family especially when the nieces and nephews are so young - I've always lived away from my family and my youngest niece is now 22 and I've seen her a total of 10 times :( - so I'm right behind your move - look forward to your blogs when you settle in.

trump said...

Greetings from the Amish community of Lebanon county. Have a great weekend folks. Richard from Amish Stories.

Denise :) said...

Julie, I hope this finds you doing well. Congratulations on the big move! Looking forward to having you back in blogville! :)

Foolish Feathers said...

Julie, I am so excited that you will be closer to your family and that you have so many new adventures to experience in California! I heard that there is a fantastic fabric store near LA (not sure how close you will be to that) that has tremendous random fabrics (but no Customer Service so go prepared to search on your own for quite a bit of time). I cannot wait to see what CA does for inspiration for you!

Deborah said...

There's nothing like a fresh start...and family!

Unknown said...

Welcome to sunny beautiful Southern California! You're moving about 1 hour south of me (I live 15 minutes from Disneyland, used to work there).

We have a fabulous quilting community here in Southern California! Definitely hit up the Road to California in January if you aren't already planning to do so -- it's about 1-1/2 hours from the San Marcos area. And you'll be living close to Elinor Burns's shop.

I think you'll enjoy it here!

-- Colleen @ Made By Colleen

Pamela said...

I hope you are getting settled in sunny California! Moving brings with it a mix of emotions but it sounds like you have made a good decision. I miss your blog entries and hope you will be back soon!

Brakmack said...

Wow! Congrats!! How exciting (for me) to know that your amazing talent is now in California. I hope the move is going well! If you ever come to your brother's work I'd love to meet you. Take care!
Cristina
(DWA quilter)

brooknwlrt said...

WOW!!! Reading this gave me a lump in my throat and filled my eyes with tears. I see my parents weekly and I work with my sister...this really made me that I take it all for granted and forget to give thanks. Good luck on your journey.