29 December, 2021

It's A Wrap!

And just like that, it would seem, another Christmas has come and gone... or has it? We're still in the Christmas season and these days following Christmas Day can be just as much of a gift as the day itself! In my "rush, rush, hurry, hurry" frame of mind during those days leading up to the 25th I had to back-burner a few things that I had really wanted, and fully intended, to get done before the big day. I was disappointed in myself instead of granting some self-permission to recognize the fact that I had totally over-planned. Christmas came anyway; it didn't matter that I hadn't completed the table runner, baked all of the cookies, or finished the book that I had planned to get read so that I could start on new ones. Yes, Christmas came and went and it was just as wonderful! Mr. G and I decided to grant ourselves a "grace week"; here we are today, smack-dab in the middle of it. Our grace week has consisted of a total reprieve from schedules and deadlines. It's amazing what can occur when breathing space is freely granted. 
Reading time becomes unhurried and meaningful.
The cookies baked from that long-chilling dough taste all the sweeter. 
That deconstructed table runner became a whole...
...which is now quilted, trimmed and, maybe, could even get binding attached today, we'll see. 
If not, it will wait. What gift can you give to yourself this Christmas? It's not too late; no, not at all.
Merry Christmas!
Life is Good!

10 comments:

Mary Etherington said...

I’ve read your book and it’s very good!

Nancy Near Philadelphia said...

Such an important post, Mia G. Thank you for it. Also, the table runner is magnificent.

Dotti in CT said...

Runner is beautiful!. Such a bright and happy one. Just finished. “Oh William”. By Stout, she wrote Olive Kitteridge. The “grace” period gave me permission to read two books in three days. What a treat! Happy New Year! Dotti from CT

Quiltdivajulie said...

Love the concept of a grace period. Lovely photos, too.

Sherrill said...

OH, I LOVE that runner!! So cute! And those cookies look yummy. I've continued with my reading each day..got a stack from the library so don't want to hang onto them too long. HA

cityquilter grace said...

great idea....i set aside this week as "magic week" to get a few things accomplished that will clear the deck for starting the new year...putting things away, clearing out and off to the thrift, general organization mentally and plenty of breathing space...enjoy your time!

Janet O. said...

It has been a busy, full month and I have loved this "in between" week to relax--and do lots of reading! :0
The table runner is awfully clever, and very festive.

Lindah said...

The rickrack on the table runner is perfect. What a good idea.
And the grace week idea is a keeper, for sure.
Blessed New Year to you all.

Tanya said...

I'm going to add your next to last sentence to my journal as my Word for the Year is WAIT. "...it will wait." I am not the only one waiting... my projects are too.

Susan said...

I enjoyed The Children's Blizzard and hope you did as well. My grandfather was a survivor of the blizzard. He was about 12 at the time and was working on the family farm when the storm came up. My aunt told me that he was able to make his way back to the house by following a barbed wire fence. She went on to tell me that this was not too long after the Civil War and that there was not much barbed wire available at the time. I had never thought about how the Civil War affected manufacturing.