28 May, 2011

Time To...

... try out a few new burp cloth designs.
... add the binding to a quilt that has been a long time waiting, patiently folded on the back of the sofa.
...hem a pair of slacks.
... add an embroidered dedication label to a newly completed baby quilt.
...read.
...make two dinners, one to keep and one to share.
...weed.
...fill the bird feeders.
It was liberating, this weekend, taking, and having, the time to accomplish all of these "back burner" tasks. That figurative stove top is fairly uncluttered once again this morning. Saturday was spent attending two memorial services, one in the morning and the second in the afternoon; both were inspirational services for selfless lives well-led, faith models each, who continue to teach and guide me. I am blessed to have known them; and rejoice today that they are whole and healthy once again, having joined the saints in the Church Triumphant. This weekend has fine-tuned the lens through which I view the time I have each day, and how it is spent. I'm more conscious of making every minute count, each one is a gift to be used (not squandered and impossible to save for later), with an ever grateful heart.

Life is Good!

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25 May, 2011

Need To Know

I couldn't access my blogger account anymore. I could, however, get to my Gmail, and since they're set up within the same account this was supremely frustrating! I sent off a frantic e-mail to my daughter-in-law for assistance and she telephoned me right away; suspecting it was my browser she put my son on the phone to walk me through the diagnosis and cure. When he learned I was still using Mozilla Firefox he immediately got me started installing Google Chrome, he explained that what I was using had been good... back in 2006! Now, Google accounts are happier using the Google browser; that made sense to me. I asked him why he hadn't advised me to make this change sooner, his response: "you didn't need to know until now". That's the very best way to describe my computer skills (or lack thereof), I'm on the "need to know" plan; and that's absolutely good enough for me.

Life is Good!

The Adventure Continues

... the smocking adventure, that is. I'm moving forward from geometrics to "picture" smocking; that is, recognizable objects. Saturday was my first Picture Smocking class, two simple items were the objective: a heart and a duck. The duck contains a thread color change in the wing, that was a huge step! I happily showed my completed work to Mr. Goodneedle. He was proud of my accomplishment. He recognized the duck as exactly that, he thought the heart was a strawberry (always a good guess). OK, I suppose to be a successful picture smocker the objects need to be recognizable to those beyond the smocker herself.

Life is Good!

24 May, 2011

May 24, 1975


36 years ago today
our journey as husband and wife began; it only grows sweeter, and better, each and every day forward.

What a pair.

Life is Good!

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23 May, 2011

Wrapped In Love...

Their quilts sat folded on the front pews yesterday morning, ready for presentation to our congregation's high school seniors. Following the sermon hymn our graduates, and their parents, were asked to come forward to be recognized; as a church family we celebrate with those who are taking another step in their faith and life journeys. The quilts were presented with these words:
"Graduates, there was a day when your parents held you in their arms and rocked you to sleep. They cuddled you in a blanket to keep you warm, safe and comforted. Very soon you will be launching a new life, away from the safety and security of this home, family, church and community. As you go out into the world, may this quilt be a reminder of your parents’ love and the nurture of this Christian community. The peace of the Lord be with you always.
Congregation: And also with you.
Let us pray: Wherever you wander, no matter how dark the night, may the warmth of this quilt,
the love of your parents, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the prayers of this church, the power of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you now and forever. Go with God’s blessings. AMEN".

What a send off, wrapped in love~
Life is Good!

22 May, 2011

Let There Be...


... WATER... and it was GOOD!

Look carefully at the center of the pot in the picture. Can you see it? Water bubbling out? This weekend my clever husband has equipped my outside pots with sprinkler heads. What could be better? They're all hooked up to a timer, that's what! No more lugging hoses and watering cans. This is a brilliant move... all the more time for quilting!

Life is GOOD!
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19 May, 2011

Scars, Cracks and All

I use this Grabbit magnetic pincushion every day, I have had it since I began quilting in 1983. I remember those first, few, tools that I acquired and still have them, somewhere, but it's the Grabbit that shows the outward scars of our 28 year journey together and still proves one of the most valuable tools in the sewing room today! It serves silently, yet reliably; even after many unexpected, crashing trips to the floor. It exists today in one piece only through the magic of super glue and electrical tape! There were a few times that I considered replacing it with a bright and shiny new one but I never did, a replacement might be prettier but it wouldn't work any better. When I see this tool now it reminds me of my relationship with God. God calls me to serve, calls me to discipleship, not because of any outward perfection but just the way I am; scars, cracks and all! How often do I ignore, or second guess God's call and think that if I read the Bible more, or joined in one more service project, contributed to one more charitable cause, that then I would be ready and better prepared to serve Him? That's not the way it works, God's call isn't based on conditions. When He calls me, he expects me to serve and I know most assuredly that he'll provide whatever "tape" or "glue" that is needed to be held together. I don't see my broken and battered Grabbit as one bit less serviceable than on that very first day, I am blessed to understand that God thinks of me that very same way too!

Life is Good!
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18 May, 2011

Serendipitous Shoes

I found these shoes online while searching for something else... serendipity! Made from recycled rice bags, these "green" patchwork shoes are extremely appealing to this quilter. C'mon, you think they're cute too, right? Has anyone worn these, or seen them in real life? The Internet reviews are good but I'd love an honest to goodness testimonial. Anybody?

Life is Good!


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17 May, 2011

In Stitches On Saturday

The embroidery machine was humming with past weekend at The Strawberry Patch! Some custom burp cloths were created, as well as two onesies and a small tote bag that were personalized for my grandson. Strawberries (my first attempt at "picture" smocking!), blossoms and rick rack were added to Lucy Ann's smocked summer dress during the evenings after the machine was shut down and it was time for handwork. I'm happy to be finishing up the prep-work on the last three (of 16!) quilts for presentation to our high school graduates at church this coming Sunday. Sadly, Sundance has been collecting dust while the other machines have been logging in hours of their own, I'll have to do something about that and get her back on track soon. Yep, there's a bright light shining at the end of the over-commitment tunnel and I'm glad to report that it's NOT an oncoming train.

Life is Good!
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16 May, 2011

Need More Time?



Nothing like a trip to the local discount department store to reveal products I didn't even know existed, (imagine that, apparently this is an "as seen on TV" product, too!) and time saving products, at that! Just think of the mere moments you can shave off your morning routine by not having to actually bend to clean your feet while showering! Just adhere these suckers to the bottom of your shower (don't miss this safety tip, particularly if you're accident prone like me) and you're good to go! Who knew? What will you do with all your new-found time?

Life is Good!
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13 May, 2011

It Takes A Clever Person...




...to sprain their foot in Smocking Class! Yep, I'm clever that way. It's a mild sprain and I'm getting along just fine today. The moral of this story: DON'T stand up and take a step if there's any chance that your foot is asleep! It doesn't end well.

Life is Good!

12 May, 2011

Keeping Busy!

A dear friend shared this cartoon last week, it was entitled: "the first senior moment, why dinosaurs are extinct!" I can relate to this feeling. I've been so busy lately that I do feel like all those really important things are quite possibly passing me by without me even noticing. And yet, will it ever be different? I find myself rationalizing within my own head... "when I finish this, this and this then I'll have time for that, that, and that"... but, will I? I imagine myself as a hamster on a wheel with no jumping off point; run, run, run. I was loading my car the other day after Quilt Ministry at church when a friend stopped and gave me a big hug. She thanked me for all that I manage to get done! That comment took me by complete surprise; and then, (as if I wasn't surprised enough!) I heard myself tell her, in reply, how much I love to keep busy! I did a quick mental inventory on the drive home. She was right, I do actually get things finished, it's so easy to lose track. No, I'm not a caged rodent running aimlessly; some days it just feels that way. But, I was speaking the truth, too... I do enjoy keeping busy, I am blessed that way. Hopefully, I can stay organized enough not to miss the Ark when it floats by!

Life is Good!


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11 May, 2011

Tell Me Why...

... I am addicted to this show. For the life of me I do not know why; but, rest assured, I never miss an episode on Friday nights! I'm drawn... like a moth to a flame, with similar life endangering consequences. Watching this show drains me, I feel bad all day on Saturday thinking about the sad and tragic tale reported the night before. This show bothers me and affects me, much like "Snapped" (another one I tune in to watch with regularity on the Oxygen network). I love happy endings, and stories where the human spirit triumphs over adversity. These shows demonstrate neither of those attributes. This is my own personal conundrum, if you can tell me why I watch these shows I'd love the input. In the meantime, if it's Friday night, you know where I'll be.

Life is Good!

10 May, 2011

Meet My New Mascot

This is "Mendy", my newest mascot and Studio companion! (Don't worry, Hannes, she doesn't take up much room and you're still my #1!) My sweet daughter-in-law inherited her grandmother's impressive Tom Clark gnome collection and she generously decided to give this one, precious Mendy, to me! I discovered the following information published about my new-found friend:

Mendy likes to sit close to Thimblena, her mother, when she does the darning for the family. Thimblena is teaching her how to sew. Mendy wants to be able to help her mother with all of the mending. Mendy is sitting on a small spool and is holding a strawberry pincushion that is used to sharpen needles. Her coin is from Sweden and her hat was a special gift from her grandmother(it was actually my mother's sterling silver thimble).Mendy and her brother Bobbin always have a double birthday party because they are twins.

Thanks, honey, I love her; she's perfect, and so are you! Now, if I can get Mendy to cast a spell on my UFO's and turn them into finished quilts. Oh, yeah, she's a gnome not a magician!

Life is Good!

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08 May, 2011

Sweet Dulcimer Tones

We had the unique opportunity on Saturday evening to attend a Dulcimer concert at a local church. The concert was actually the culmination of a Dulcimer festival which included workshops and performances over the weekend. If the truth were known, I'd have to admit that my husband went along reluctantly, to humor me. Happily, he left with a whole new appreciation for what can only be described as the music of angels. You can click here to listen to a bit of what we heard performed by the incredibly accomplished Karen Mueller (pictured). I was familiar with the instrument shown here, the Mountain Dulcimer, and quickly learned to fully appreciate the gorgeous sounds produced on the Hammered Dulcimer as well as the Autoharp; not only by Karen but also by the extremely talented Anne Lough. It was an evening that will long be remembered; certainly, if there is music in heaven this is it.

Life is Good!

07 May, 2011

Happy Mother's Day!

Life is GRAND!...and the out-take...
Gregory: "What does grass taste like, Lucy Ann? You try it first and let me know."
Mason: "I've had some, it's not all that tasty; they'll figure that out on their own."
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05 May, 2011

Retreat Report

1. A bright and breezy baby quilt for a brand-new great niece. This pattern is available through the one and only Salem Stitcher.

2. A pile of pinwheels to separate a flock of chubby chicks.3. Borders added to a long-ago abandoned (but not forgotten) Halloween wallhanging.

I didn't accomplish as much as I had hoped, but I am happy with the results nonetheless. My voice has returned and I am feeling more energetic, life goes on... and, yes, it is all GOOD!

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