12 January, 2010

The 3-UP Challenge

I have a head start on Christmas 2010 thanks to a sew-a-thon retreat weekend! Pictured here is a pile of Chrismons, I finished making them up on Friday night, all that's left is to close the opening on the sides. I can check this task off the list! I pieced together a Christmas table topper and all the blocks for a second one; one to keep, one to give away. And lastly, eighty nine-patch blocks for a Christmas quilt, awaiting assembly into a top. It's made from a Moda "Layer Cake" stack and two yards of a solid. I just read a quote from Bob Perks: "it's not enough to begin, you must always follow through"; how true. I will. Getting a step ahead carries its own weighty responsibility. With that in mind I have developed this, the 3-UP challenge, and have issued it to myself for 2010:
1. Step UP. In order to set projects in motion they have to be addressed in the first place. I've already done that by simply beginning.
2. Catch UP. This is something that needs some attention from me; I couldn't possibly catch up to the pace of some of my Bee buddies this weekend, they are human piecing machines! But, I do possess a competitive spirit and that level of productivity does spur me on like nothing else. I can attempt to catch up in that respect; as well as catch up with my friends and their lives, nurturing friendships has enormous value and adds so much joy and happiness to daily living.
3. Keep UP. Keep up the pace, keep up with others. This is the hardest part, this is the follow through. I know that I can do it, as long as I remember, and adhere to, the first two steps. There may be more UPs that I've ignored, but this is enough for me, for now; it's only January and I have the rest of the year to work my plan and watch the results pile UP!
Life is Good!

6 comments:

Karen Newman Fridy said...

um...gee...I can't catch up or keep up with YOU!! :)

It was fun for us all to be together...it makes for a great time every time, and we all get things done (especially laughter, the most important thing on the agenda!)

*karendianne. said...

I dig this approach. Very creative and full of thought.

Trudi said...

What a great way to approach the new year! Looking forward to seeing the pile up of finishes!

Teresa said...

The Chrismons are so pretty and TINY.

Melanie said...

I guess I'm a blog stalker--- since I seldom comment, but I'll totally charmed with the nine patch you are working on...Can you talk about it more? Pattern? Layer cake? Is that muslin for your solid... There is just something classic about muslin....

Nan said...

I noticed your comment on Karen's blog, and I was thrilled to see you are back to blogging! I have missed your words of wisdom and your marvelous outlook on life. I still have not gone back to my blog - the jury is still out on that one.
I am in love with your 3-UP philosophy. It speaks to me very strongly. I have felt like a boat without a rudder lately, and this is just what I needed. I hope I may make use of it in my life, too.
Hugs to you and, of course, Hannes!