29 November, 2007

Calm Resolve... Yes, That's The Ticket!

It's quiet here. My Mom and Dad have returned to Massachusetts after being here a little over two weeks. The time we spent together was fun, as it always is, but this year with my MIL being ill and ultimately being hospitalized the day to day activities were continually being altered or even postponed. Timing is everything and this just couldn't be helped, but they pitched in and did chores around here for me and filled in as needed while we prepared for Thanksgiving. Looking back now I wish we could have entertained them a bit more than we did. We did make a flying trip (in the car!) to Mary Jo's (fabric paradise) one morning, I picked up some necessary tote bag supplies for a church project in the making and Mom found some pretty fabrics for her current quilt. I think she was inspired to do some string quilts, too, after seeing some of my flimsies. I'm ready now to make my to-do lists, organize my time and open up Santa's workshop for full-time (and maybe even over-time) Christmas gift creating! For some reason I can't get myself motivated to begin on these tasks in June, I certainly admire people who can. I've decided on a new tactic; this year's sewing and embroidering marathon will be approached with calm resolve. I have all the necessary supplies on hand. I still have an adequate number of days, I'll take them one at a time. I refuse to make myself and those around me crazy.My daughter and son in law came and cooked for us this weekend, beer can chickens on the Holland grill. They were delicious! We watched the Auburn-Alabama game (War Eagle!) together with my parents and finished up the rest of the Thanksgiving pies... Apple, Cherry and Pumpkin. I am posting this photo to illustrate the position that I choose NOT to take in preparation for Christmas, the headless chicken approach! I've done that before, it doesn't help one little bit except to raise the stress level. Instead, I am adopting this position, learned from my best little furry buddy:
He has the right idea! (He's going to miss the extra laps to snuggle on now that his grandparents have left.) He searched high and low for them yesterday. Hannes approaches everything in life one day at a time with calm (unless his dinner is late!) resolve and a great big loving spirit.

...I'm going to try and do the same...
Relax, breathe, and know that you are loved!
Life is Good!

7 comments:

Quiltdivajulie said...

Marvelous post ~ Hannes and Angel (our cat who graces us with her furry presence and adores scratches behind the ears) would get along just fine! Here's to the real meaning of the holiday season...

SuBee said...

We can learn a lot from our littlest friends, can't we? Be loving, be faithful and take lots of naps! LOL -- Hannes absolutely has it right!

Unknown said...

Thank you to remind us that we have some time left before Christmas. I tend to get a bit panicky (I have to send most of my presents!) but Hannes put me back into pace. The cat who adopted us has exactly the same attitude:
power napping, eating, power napping! Take care.

Libby said...

Each year I promise myself to be ready for the holidays months in advance *s* Never seems to happen.

CONNIE W said...

Sounds like you have things under control there. I too do not wish to be a headless chicken these days. It's stressful enough!

atet said...

Oh my -- I'm trying to do the same, though ask me in another couple of weeks and I may be closer to the chicken. I have my projects organized, I know where I can cut projects if necessary -- I just need another me!

Salem Stitcher said...

Hannes has the right idea. Slow down and enjoy the moment. I have to remind myself of that every year about this time. What gets done, gets done...what doesn't probably didn't matter that much anyway.