Happiness Is...

...Finishing my quilt top and backing a day ahead of
scheduled pick-up by Cheri.  Everything is pressed,
trimmed, threads plucked off, folded and on hangers.
It feels soooo good!  Wasn't sure I was going to make
it with all that has been going on lately.  The backing
is really fun, at least I think it is.

As I said when I started this quilt it was going to be a
way to use up baskets of left-over fabric and also to
make a dent in the bolts I still have from my business.
The backing is a fun stripey print and one that I have
held on to until just that right project came along.  It
is perfect in the sense that it combines most all of the
colors I have used on the top.  And, the wonderful thing
is that there is only 2 yards left on the bolt...just enough
for a small project.

Having completed the quilt I was able to get back to
my "Pinwheel Sampler" blocks and completed number
7 and decided what I would use for block 8.  Will work
on it after my BOM class tomorrow.  (Well, maybe
after the house is cleaned and the lawn mowed...if I'm
not too tired!)  Had hoped I could get it done to send with
Cheri but it will have to go with her in June.

Also, completed stitching one Mother's Day gift.  Have
been working on it nights and finished it about 12:30 a.m.
while at my son's baby sitting his daughter.

Happiness is...Crossing off one more thing on my long,
long list of "to-do's".  Actually, two things...
Nola
(Pictures will be posted later)

Almost Forgot "Daybook"!

Got so excited about my quilt that I almost forgot it
is Tuesday and I need to post my Daybook entry.



For Today:  Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Outside my window... Evening is approaching and with the

strong winds and dirt in the air, it seems later than it really is.

We have a high wind warning until midnight which is ushering

in a rain/snow storm that will be lingering for a couple of days.

I am thinking...  How nice it is to have my sewing machine

back.

I am thankful for...  My home which keeps me snug and

warm and protected from the elements outside.

I am wearing...  My p.j.'s.  Decided it was time to relax

and put on something comfortable.

I am remembering...  That I need to make a phone call

before it gets too late.

I am going...  To bed early as its back to work in the

morning. 

I am currently reading...  Some quotes on the 

Constitution of our country that was sent to me by a

friend.

I am hoping...  To get the borders on my quilt

tomorrow after work and baby sitting.

On my mind...  The impending storm.  

Noticing that...  My mouth feels much better.

Glad to get my dental work completed.

Pondering these words...  "Attempt to be creative

for the joy it brings.  ...Being creative will 

help you enjoy life.  It engenders a spirit of

gratitude.  It develops latent talent, sharpens your

capacity to reason, to act, and to find purpose in

life.  It dispels loneliness and heartache.  It gives a

renewal, a spark of enthusiasm, and a zest for life."

...Elder Richard G. Scott 

From the kitchen...  Nothing I hope.  Everything's

cleaned up and put away for the day. 

Around the house...  Things are settling down, 

all is rather quiet except for the wind outside.  Time

to turn on the lights and close the blinds. 

One of my favorite things...  Getting a surprise

in the mail.

I am wishing that...  Time was not going by so

quickly.

A few plans for the rest of the week...

1.  Complete quilt

2.  Tend grandchildren

3.  Work on stitcheries

4.  Clean and organize my closet

5.  Update my journal

6.  Yard work, weather permitting

From my picture journal...

I love the fresh, bright colors of the spring
flowers blooming throughout my yard.  Hopefully,
this coming storm will not destroy their fragile
beauty.

Nola

Almost There!

After having my sewing machine in the shop for over a
week for some repair work and a tune-up, I was afraid
I might not get my "Dutchman's Puzzle" top finished
by this coming weekend so my friend could take it
home with her to quilt.

But, it's looking more and more like I'll make it.  Just
finished all the sashing and the border fabric is being
pre-shrunk.  Once it's dried and pressed the borders can
be cut and sewn.  Then, will just have to sew the
backing and wahoo!! It will be ready for quilting.

Really glad I decided to go with the navy for sashing.
Think it really sets the blocks off!

Almost have my BOM cut out so I can stitch it up
for Saturday's class.  That first Saturday sure seems to
roll around quickly.

Well, off to see if my fabric is ready to press.
Nola

Gratitude 122-140

Today as my son called to tell me he got the
position at work we'd all been praying about,
I was reminded that it had been some time since
I had added to my "1,000 Gifts."  So a few more
expressions of gratitude....

122.  Birth of a new grandson
123.  Marriage of Myq and Joann
124.  Brian was able to transfer to another
team at work thereby allowing him to keep
the same work schedule so he can be with
his daughter.
125.  That my daughter is doing well.
126.  That I am finally over my lingering
cough.
127.  Hives have disappeared
128.  To have my sewing machine back
and in good working order.
129.  That spring has arrived.
130.  The smell of freshly mowed grass.
131.  Sprouting leaves.
132.  Spring flowers.
133.  Neighbor's cottonwood tree has been cut
down.
134.  Added light to my garden.
135.  Early morning walks.
136.  Being invited to sit and cuddle Ty.
137.  Recognition from Ty.
138.  Thursday's one-on-one time with my
granddaughter.
139.  Grandma's "Day Out" with my grandchildren.
140.  April's rain that brings "May Flowers".  

CONGRATULATIONS!

Just a quick post to say "congratulations" to my son
and his new bride and to say "thanks" for including
me via web cam in their plans.  They were married
yesterday (April 22) in Taiwan.

Such a joy to see my son so happy and to have
Joann, who loves him so much, become part of our
family.

Hopefully I can get a picture to post.

So very happy today!
Nola 

Simple Woman's Daybook

Rita, I tried to leave you a message but you are set to "no reply"
so I hope you get this.  Thanks for stopping by and visiting.  
Let me know if and what fun things you found on "Bird Brain
Designs."


For Today:  Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Outside my window...  The wind is beginning to pick

up.  We are supposed to get strong winds today blowing

in a storm for tonight and the next couple of days.

However, the skies are blue and the sun is shining.

I am thinking...  That I should go outside and do a little

more yard work while it is still cool and there is a breeze

to keep me cool.

I am thankful ...  That I have the health and strength to

help my son and daughter with their children right now.  

I am wearing...  Levi cutoff's, tee shirt and flip flops.

I am remembering...  How my mother always wished she

lived closer to her two daughters so she could spend time

helping with her grandchildren.  How we would have loved

having her close.  It wasn't until in her later years that she

was able to be closer and then we included in every way we

could.  The grandkids adored their "Grandma Nina".

I am going...   To (hopefully) pick up my sewing machine

today.  Then I'm off to play with grandchildren again.

I am currently reading...  Mary Jane Clarks book,

"It Only Takes a Moment".

I am hoping...  We can set up a web cam so I can be part

of my son's wedding half way around the world.

On my mind...  Other son's job interview.

Noticing that...  My neighbor's magnolia bush is in full

bloom and how beautiful it is.

Pondering these words...   "The small and simple things 

you choose to do today will be magnified into great and glorious 

blessings tomorrow. Living each day as 'an example of the 

believers' will help you to be happy and more confident. "  

Ann M. Dibb

From the kitchen...  Breakfast of sliced pears, cheese and

toast. 

Around the house...  It's very quiet.  Clock just chimed

the hour.  But with the windows and patio door opened, I'm

hearing the sounds of several different birds and the

neighbors dog barking.

One of my favorite things...  Sitting outside on the patio

each morning (on good days) eating my breakfast and reading 

for a few minutes.

I am wishing that...  That I could be in Taiwan with my

son.  But I am excited for him and know that I will be going

to NZ or he and Joann will be here in the fall.

A few plans for the rest of the week...

1.  Pick up sewing machine

2.  Try to find a few minutes to get sashing and border

on quilt

3.  Tend/play with grandchildren.  Help daughter.

4.  Stitch on gifts for Mother's Day

5.  Yard work

From my picture journal...

My cherry bushes in full bloom.  They have been so

beautiful this year and the honey bees have been so

very busy.  Am hoping that we may get some "little"

cherries this year...that is if we don't get a frost.

(Sorry about the shadow--thought I was out of the way)

Have a wonderful day!
Nola

No Fun!

No fun going to the dentist!  Had a small piece of a tooth
break off a while ago and after visiting with my dentist, it
was decided I would need to have a crown.

So, today I spent an hour in THE chair and am still feeling a
little tender.  He had to build up the tooth by doing some
picking, drilling, tapping, etc.  NOT FUN!

But, I survived.  One more visit and we'll be done!  And
my pocket book will be broke!

Think I'll take a Ibuprofen tonight.

The only great thing about today was spending the afternoon
and evening cuddling my new little grandson while Mommy
took care of his big brothers.  Daddy is on a business trip so
I get the privilege of helping out and my assignment today
was to cuddle Ty! Certainly made up for the "not so fun time"
at the dentist's office.

Think I'll call it a day and get that Ibuprofen.

Nola

More Wonderful Mail!

I was so excited to get my mail just a short time ago and
find this package in the mailbox with an Australian
postmark!

Knowing what was inside,I could hardly wait to get in
the house and open it.  This is what I found...

I was fortunate to be one of three lucky winners of her
new pattern "Scandinavian Christmas" giveaway!
See her blog of April 9.
(http://www.lynetteandersondesigns.typepad.com)

They were tied together with a cute fabric bow and
her tag!

I was so excited when I received an email from Lynette
telling me I had won a set of her patterns.  I was jumping
up and down!  I fell in love with these the minute I saw
them on her post.

Each time I look at the patterns they make me smile they
are so delightful and whimsical.  I can hardly wait to go
shopping for just the right fabric.

I  only hope I can do justice to her beautiful designs!

Thank you so much Lynette for the patterns and for
sharing your wonderful talent with all of us.

Happy As Can Be...

Nola

"Oh, People You Meet...."

...In a Quilt shop!"

Yesterday after I picked up my granddaughter from school
we stopped in "Quilter's Haven", a local quilt shop.  I
needed to find some border fabric for a project and she
agreed to help me look if we went next door to "Spanky's"
for an ice cream cone after.  Sounded good to me!

She was such a good helper and we did find what I
needed.  However as we were rounding a display of
fabric we were met head-on by a man and woman.  They
came right toward us and did not veer to the right or the
left.  We came to a stop and as I looked more closely
was shocked, surprised, delighted to see it was my niece
and her husband.  "You're supposed to be in Alaska!"
were the first words out of my mouth.  I had not seen
them in 15 years or more.  So this was a wonderful
surprise.  Her comment:  "I thought that was your voice
I heard and we had to check it out."  Yep!  It was Aunt
Nola!

You just never know what you might find in a quilt shop!

Look what came in the mail today!

















My order from Bird Brain Designs!  
(http://www.birdbraindesigns.net)  
I was so excited!  This is what came:

  














Tea Towels and "Redwork Kitchen" stitchery patterns.
I fell in love with these when I saw them and just had
to stitch them.  Am thinking that I may even work up
a little redwork sampler after stitching the towels.  (They
are going for gifts!)

Also bought a trial page of "Transfer-Eze".  Just print
your pattern onto this and then press it to your fabric.  No
more tracing patterns before stitching.  Am anxious to
see how it works and if it does, I'll be buying more!

If you have never been to their website, check
it out.  They also have several free patterns that can be
printed off.

Isn't it wonderful how things work out to keep one busy.
Sewing machine still in shop, but stitchery is now keeping
my fingers busy!

Stitchingly yours,

Nola

Yeah, Sunshine and Blue Skies!

Woke to an absolutely beautiful day today.  Snow has
melted, no rain or wind, skies are blue and temperatures
are climbing upward.  Perfect day to play with a friend...
after work that is.

My friend came down from Logan and we went
shopping for our "Snowbound" (http://bunnyhillblog.com)
BOM background fabric.   The fabric line (Rural Jardin by
Moda) just arrived at our local quilt shop and I can't believe
how fast it is flying off the bolts.  Need to get some fat
quarters for future projects.  The fabric and designs are
absolutely beautiful!

We also spent time laying out our "ATisket A Tasket"
(http://bunnyhillblog.com) blocks with fabric we have been
collecting.  Think we've made some fun selections.

And, since my sewing machine is being serviced, perhaps I
can get one block started and also work on some stitchery
projects that have gone by the wayside while I have been
busy finishing my "Dutchman's Puzzle" quilt.  I need to
have the sashings and borders on so my friend can take it
back to NE the first of May and quilt it for me.

I love this change of weather, but in some ways I'm a little
sad to see the winter leave because it means that I'll be
outside more.  Find I just can't be in the house when the
weather is nice.  And, yard work is calling me.  Will have
to make sure time is set aside for sewing and stitching.
May have to take my sewing machine out on the patio and
work on projects instead of hibernating down in the basement.

Nola

 

Simple Woman's Daybook

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Outside my window... Evening is coming on.  Snow has

melted from last nights storm.  Sky is partly cloudy.

I am thinking...  How lost I am going to be for the next

week without my sewing machine.  It's in for a tune-up.

I am thankful for...  My health.  As I visited the Dr.'s

office yesterday to get my port flushed and I observed

those there getting their chemo treatments, I was so

grateful that I have been blessed to be in remission.

   

I am wearing...  Normal daily wear.  Thinking I may need

to grab a sweater as it is a little cool.

I am remembering... My son that is getting married in

a few days and wondering where all the years have gone.

  

I am going... To try and get a head start on "Mother's

Day" gifts.  Have several ideas in mind, just need to make

a decision.

I am currently reading... My latest quilt magazine.

I am hoping...  That there will be no serious problems

with my sewing machine as I need to get my quilt top finished

so my friend can take it back to NE with her to quilt for me.

On my mind...  To make a mental note to make sure all outside

taps are off as water is being turned on Thursday.

    

Noticing that...  There is a beautiful sunset outside.

Pondering these words...  "Yesterday is always with us, yet

yesterday is always gone." 

  

From the kitchen...  Spaghetti, garlic toast and green salad

Around the house...  House cleaned and organized so I

can play tomorrow.

One of my favorite things...  White chocolate covered pretzels.

I am wishing that...   It was time to go to bed.  I've had a busy

day and am ready to hit the pillow.

From My Picture Journal...

They've survived two snowstorms, a rainstorm and 

strong winds.  I love daffodils and just wish they lasted longer.

Nola

Welcome, Ty

Introducing my newest grandchild, "Ty",
born April 2.


















One proud Grandmother!
Nola

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, Tuesday, April 6, 2010


Outside my window... Snow is melting and skies are
clearing.  Temperatures are in the low 30's.  Woke
to about 7-8 inches of snow this morning.
  
I am thinking...  How fun it has been being with 
my two grandson's these past few days.

I am thankful for...  The safe arrival of my new

grandson and that his Mother, my daughter, is doing

well. 

I am wearing...  Pink tee shirt and pink floral shirt

with levi's, socks and slippers.

I am creating...  A poem for my new grandson

I am remembering...  What it was like having an

emergency "C" section with my daughter and how things

have changed over the years.

I am going...  To put my feet up and just relax this
evening.

I am currently reading...  Nothing.  Just picked up

new reading material from the library this afternoon.

I am hoping...  To finish the sashing on my "Dutchman's

Puzzle" quilt tomorrow.

On my mind...  Catching up on my journal entries 

for the last few days.

Noticing that...  The tree branches so loaded down with

snow this morning are now bouncing back as the heavy,

wet snow has slipped off and is now piled on the ground.

Pondering these words... "We become what we think about

most of the time."  

From the kitchen...  Hamburgers, green salad

Around the house...  Vacuuming-Done; Washing-Done;

Dusting-Almost Done; Dishes-Done.

I am hearing...  The results of "Dancing With The Stars"

One of my favorite things...  Snuggling my newborn

grandson.

I am wishing that...  I had the boundless energy

of little children

A few plans for the rest of the week...

1.  Complete top of quilt

2.  Start 3rd Catalicious Stitchery

3.  Work on "Pinwheel Blocks"

4.   Spring clean and organize Bathroom cabinets

5.  Stitch "Love Is" Block  

  

From my picture journal...

April's gift this morning...Heavy, wet snow.
Looking out my bedroom window.

From the patio...an absolute "Winter Wonderland"!

Happy Snowy Tuesday,

Nola