Thanks Everyone!

Thanks so much for all your wonderful comments and
interest in the 80's fabric give away.  It is now closed
and winners will be announced on Monday, August 2.
Please be sure you are not set at "no reply".

I apologize if you have not received a "thank you" for your
comments, becoming a follower and posting on your blog
about the give away from me.  Things got a little busy here.
I have tried to visit blogs and send emails, but haven't reached
everyone.  Hopefully, as things settle down I can do that.

It has been interesting to note where you all are from.
Responses have come from Argentina, India, Ireland,
Romania, England, Ireland, Canada, Australia and
of course here in the states.  Aren't quilters just the best!

I wish I could afford to send you each a charm pack.
But, that isn't possible.  So, I'll just wish each of you
"Good Luck"!
Nola

FOR TODAY...Thursday, July 29

Outside my window...  Storm clouds have passed by and sky is
clear and the sun is brightly shining.  Birds are singing and running 
through my garden.  Just saw a hummingbird checking out the 
feeder.  Apparently, it's empty.  Will need to fill it when done here.


I am thinking...  I should go out and work in the garden now that it
is cooling down a little.

I am thankful for... A great work environment and awesome 
co-workers.  They're the best!
  
From the kitchen...  Bacon and tomato sandwiches, fresh veggies.
I am wearing...  Green cut-offs, t-shirt, flip flops.

Pondering these words:  "Each of us is walking the road of our life's
journey which is composed of countless smaller ones...The 
destination your choose will determine the road you take.
Your every road in life will be a toll road.
Believe in yourself in the face of the challenges along the roads
of your life.
Learn to enjoy the journey."
BYUI Devotional..."I Take My Journey"
Dennis B. Neuenschwander


I am going...  To have company this weekend.  My dear friend
from Hawaii, who is serving a mission in Salt Lake, will be
spending time with me. 


I am reading... Nothing!  I can't believe I don't have a book
handy.  But I told myself no reading until house is ready for
company and yard work is done.   

I am hoping... To start writing in my gratitude journal my
SIL gave me for my birthday.  She titles it, "A grateful heart."


I am hearing...  My neighbor mowing his lawn.


Around the house... Downstairs is all clean and ready for
my guest.  Fresh sheets on the bed, clean towels in the
bathroom.  A little favor on the bed.


One of my favorite things...  Chocolate/Vanilla twist
ice cream cone from Arctic Circle.


A few plans for the rest of the week:
1.  Mop kitchen floor, clean bathrooms, vaccum  and
grocery shop before company comes.
2.  Close Give Away
3.  Play with my friend
4.  Get ready for company on Tuesday


Here is picture for thought I am sharing...
Sunset taken at the ponds below my home.








Nola

Give Away Notice!

Just wanted to let everyone know that I will be closing
the Give Away Friday, July 30, one day early.  I have
company coming and won't be available Saturday.
The winners will be posted on Monday, August 2.
Thank you for your interest and participation.  It
has delighted me that so many of you would be interested
in this fabric.
Nola

Good Advice!

Today while working down stairs once again putting unfinished
histories, photo albums, scrapbooking things away for upcoming
company, I leafed through a folder containing thoughts and
articles that I've been meaning to file or get rid of.  This little
cartoon popped up and....

....I wondered if it was a omen (is that the right word)
 regarding my "things I should do" instead of the things
"I want to do"?  Guess each day I really should select one
"should do"item and work on it whether it gets completed
or not...such as writing my history, completing the children's
baby books, updating photo albums,  etc.   Even if I just spent
15 minutes, well maybe one hour a day, I bet I could cross off
several things on that list in no time!  Wouldn't that be something!

Mmmmm.  Maybe I best take that Good Advice To Heart!

Nola

...And what did you do today?

That's what my sister-in-law asked when we talked today.
What did I do today?

Went school shopping with my daughter and her boys.
Can't believe it is time to start thinking "School".  I'm
still back somewhere in June.  But, we have found that if
you don't get in on the sales early, you miss out.  We
picked up pencils, glue sticks, marker's, paper, etc.  And,
of course, I always need a supply at my house for when the
grandkids come.  Then it was off to check sales on pants and
shirts.  Great prices but sizes were already limited.  Does everyone
wear the same size?  Or do stores only stock a limited supply of
the sizes we were looking for.

In between shopping, baby sitting while Mom and son visited
the dentist worked on my BOM that is due Aug 1, and made a few
of these HST.  I had seen the tutorial by Missouri Quilt Company on
You-tube for HST and decided that since I had all these 5 inch squares
cut I'd try their method for making the HST.  Oh, my!  It was so easy
and quick.

In no time at all I had 144 little squares made.  Now my problem
is what to make with them?  Guess I'll have to thumb through
some quilt magazines for quick and easy ideas.  Could do scrappy
pinwheels, bear tracks, churn dash, baskets as they all call for HST.
Hmmmmm

Anyone have suggestions?  Maybe give them away? (lol)
It's always so fun to get some new insights.

Nola

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY  Friday, July 23


Outside my window... It is evening and starting to get dark.  How
I hate to see the days getting shorter.  I love the long, light evenings.
The temperatures are dropping just a little and the sky is picking
up that evening cast.  I see a few lights coming on in neighbor's
houses.

I am thinking...  About my visit today with my friend who is
undergoing cancer treatments.  She is having radiation and
a chemo drip (24/7) for 6 weeks.  Made her a little "friendship
bag"  following Rachel's tutorial (http://www.psiquilt.com)
and filled it with little goodies that I found helpful when I was
doing my chemo treatments plus a few uplifting articles to read that
gave me strength, made me laugh, and appreciate life.


I am thankful for... Friendship!  I have been so blessed by wonderful
friends from my early years to the present.  Many have come into
my life for a short time but have touched my life in a special way.
I often credit "good friends" in part for who I am today and their
wonderful influence and acceptance of me.  
     
From the learning rooms... Life is precious and we need to make the
most of it.

From the kitchen...  My favorite drink chilling in the fridge--
Lemonade!

I am wearing...  Levi cutoff's and a white t-shirt

I am creating... A new memory book for my granddaughter   

I am going... To watch the "Day's of '47" parade in the morning
in honor of the pioneers entering the Salt Lake Valley.

I am reading...  My cancer journal in hopes of sharing with my
friend something that may be uplifting or helpful to her.  It has 
been hard reading it today because it brings everything back.
And, yet it makes me feel good that I got through this refining
process.

I am hoping...  To get a little yard work done early tomorrow so
I can watch the parade and play with my family.

I am hearing...  The ceiling fan above me and the nightly news
on the TV

Around the house...  Things are settling down for the night.
Most everything is picked up and put away from the days
activities.

One of my favorite things...  Watching the little birds in my backyard,
especially the baby robins.  I have had so many wonderful experiences
observing these birds through the years.  And, I've learned a few
things along the way also.


A few plans for the rest of the week:
Not much set in stone as it is Saturday already
and it is a state holiday.
Celebrate and play with my family

Nola

A little of this, A little of that...

And nothing really accomplished.

Had such good intentions today when I got home from
work.  Nothing was needing my attention until later
this afternoon, so thought I'd continue working on my
Twinkle, Twinkle quilt.  Had got this far yesterday:

All I had left was the outside border.  Now you wouldn't think
it would be that difficult.  But......

...I couldn't decide what to do for the 3 1/2 inch outside
square.  And, then couldn't decide if I liked the border
print or not.

Had wanted to use just the floral part and because I didn't
purchase enough will now have to use the floral and little
squiggly thing cutting the fabric the width of the fabric.
Went up town to see if I could purchase more of the floral,
but it is all gone!  So now I'm not sure what to do.  Could
possibly use the navy/tan horizontal stripe???? (doesn't show
up very well in the picture.)  However, it doesn't really speak to
me.  Think it would almost be better as a corner block.
Guess I'll just let it sit out for awhile and maybe some
inspiration will come!

Since I couldn't finish that decided to pull out my blocks for
my fall scrappy leaf quilt I started last year.  I was so sure
that in a year's time I could get it done.  Is it done and to the
quilter's?  NO!

But, I did get the scrappy stripes sewed around these.
All the leaf blocks were finished last fall so maybe if I
really get busy I can get it done.  Just have to persuade
myself to do two or three blocks each day.  Now that
shouldn't be all that difficult, right?

Happy Thursday!

P.S.  Thank you all for your response to the give away!
It makes me so happy that there is interest out there for
these fabrics.  Just wish I could afford to give everyone
a charm pack.  There's still plenty of time to enter if
you haven't done so yet.
Nola

GIVE AWAY!

You're invited to join in my 1980's charm pack giveaway.

There will be nine (9) 5-inch charms packs given away:
          ....3 Mauve
          ....3 Country Blue
          ....3 Mauve & Blue Combination
          (42 squares in each charm pack)

For up to 3 chances to win:
          1.  Leave me a comment (that's all you really need to do
to enter this give away)
          2.  Mention in your comment that you already are or
have become a follower of this blog
          3.  Tell others on your blog about the give away

Closing date will be July 31

Winner's will be selected through "True Number Generator"
http://www.random.org

Good luck!

Nola

What do you do in 100 degree heat!

...Why you go shopping, what else?

Had such a fun day today shopping with my friend
who has been away.  We always have such a good time
and seem to find way too many things that call to us
asking to be taken home.  And of course, today was
no exception.

Found some darling "orphan" fat quarters on sale and
purchased a few that I thought would go with the other
fabrics I have been collecting for my "Sunbonnet Sue"
quilt that I hope to make someday!  (Sorry the red's look
like mauve.  I've really got to learn how to adjust color)

I am not usually a brown person, but these were too
gorgeous to pass up.  (Sorry that they look black!  Don't
know what I did in taking the photo.  But trust me they are
a beautiful brown!)
When I saw the one had blue with it, I knew they
were a keeper!

Although I am not ready for fall everyone else seems to
be.  Fall, Halloween and Christmas fabrics seem to be
on display earlier and earlier every year.  It is frustrating because
I'm not sure what I want to make and if I don't purchase
the fabric now when I go back in the fall it is all gone.

So when I saw this"Awesome" charm pack by Moda and
the bolts of fabric that go with it, I couldn't resist.  Think I
may make a fall purse with it.

Think I really need to stay away from the fabric shops!
But, I tell myself, you can never have to much fabric.
If a disaster strikes I can always use it to barter with, right!

My friend gave me this lovely pattern from Bird Brain
Designs:  "Love Me, Love My Cat" Quilt and stitchery.

She knows how I absolutely adore cats!
Each block is so fun and they make me smile when I
look at them.  Will make a lovely fall and winter evening
project.  Thanks so much, JoAnn, for the pattern and a
fun day!
http://www.birdbraindesigns.net

Well, must be off to put my new treasures away.

Nola

Where has my Saturday gone?

Up bright and early this morning for work.  Somehow 
that just doesn't seem right.  Isn't Saturday for sleeping in?
Now that sounds so good, but try as hard as I can, I
can NEVER sleep in.  This internal clock goes off 
at 6:00 a.m. or earlier and no matter how hard I try to
go back to sleep, it's impossible.  But, if I were really
honest with myself, I would admit that I am a morning
person and really do enjoy getting a early start on the day
and being able to enjoy the quiet of the morning.


Was hoping to make it to a 2nd cousin's funeral today, but
with work and the distance of travel, it just didn't pan
out.  So, my daughter and her family came by and did
my yard:  mowing, edging and trimming my cherry bushes
while I got to cuddle baby Ty and play with his brother's.
They take such good care of me and I so appreciate all they do.


Then finding a few quiet moments decided it was time
to get back to my sewing room and finish the 3 1/2
inch blocks for "Twinkle, Twinkle" miniature quilt.

All 16 blocks are sewn, pressed and trimmed and I
was able to complete one 9 inch block...

...Before time ran out and now I'm off to a
wedding reception for my neighbor's daughter.  Wasn't it just yesterday she was one of my Young Women?   
And, now she's getting married.  Where does time go?
"It flies on wings of lightning" as the song says.
Happy Saturday,Nola

Another Giveaway

Just heard from Darlene at SewCalGal and she is giving
away a collection of beautiful Mary Engelbreit fabrics.
Check out her blog for details.  The fabrics are delightful.

http://sewcalgal.blogspot.com

Check back here next week for details about the 80's fabric
giveaway.

Busily cutting....

Nola

I'm going for it!

Wow!  I am overwhelmed and so excited at the same time
that so many of you wonderful quilters would want
some of the 80's fabric I have.  It makes me happy to think
these little squares will be going to "good homes"!
Thank you so much for your wonderful comments and
interest and sharing this with your blogging friends.  I will try to
respond to each of you, but it may take some time.
I will get busy now planning, organizing and setting
up the giveaway, so please check back next week for
details.
Have a great day!

Nola

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...July 14


Outside my window...The sun is high in the beautiful blue

sky and my garden is looking "right perky" from this morning's

watering.  Temperatures are warming up very quickly.

I am thinking...  My grandson's and daughter will be here

shortly for lunch.  We'll eat outside if it isn't too hot!

I am thankful for...  My sister who followed her prompting

to call me.

I am wearing...  Tan capri's and a blue and white checked shirt

and flip flops.

I am remembering...  That I forgot to pick up a wedding card

at work today.  Must remember for sure tomorrow.

I am going...  To cut more 5 inch fabric squares this afternoon.

I am currently reading...  Actually just picked this up at the

library on my way home from work, Susan Wittig Albert's book,

"The Darling Dahlias and the Cucumber Tree".

I am hoping...  There will be an interest in my 80's fabrics

and I can share them through a give away.

On my mind...  That if there is an interest in fabric I've

got to get busy cutting and organizing a give away.

Noticing that...  The house is so quiet and even feels empty now

that my daughter and her boys have left.

From the kitchen...  ”Paintings” on the fridge left by my grandsons

for me to enjoy.

One of my favorite things...  Spending time playing and crafting

with my grandchildren.

I am wishing that...  That I had the boundless energy 3 and 7

year olds have. 

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

1.  Cutting 5 inch squares

2.  Cutting 5 inch squares

3.  Cutting 5 inch squares

4.  Trimming my cherry bushes and weeding

5.  Continue working on birthday gifts

6.  Cutting 5 inch squares

From my picture journal...

Started this earlier
but stopped to play this afternoon.
Now, I really must get busy!

Happy Wednesday,

Nola

Want some 80's fabric?

Decided I would work in my basement where it is cool

this afternoon cutting more of these:

...And these:

...into 5, 4, and 3 1/2 inch blocks, plus strips.  As I was cutting these

the thought came into my mind that I was never going to

get this fabric all used up.  So, why not ask if anyone out

there in blogging land would be interested in some 80's

fabrics.  I have baskets and some bolts of fabric left from

my business and really have been trying to use it up.

For a long time I couldn't face looking at all this fabric

that was left.  So, it was boxed, covered and stored for

a later time.  Well, that time has come!  With the help of

friends, we have been making pillowcases, pillowcase

dresses and scrap quilts for charity.  But, there is still 

soooo much that needs to be used.

So am wondering if there would be any interest in making

up some 5 inch charm packs and having a give away.  I

know many of you are involved in charity work and perhaps

could use some extra fabric.  Perhaps you love the 80's

country blues, mauves, peaches and greens and would love

to create something with them.

As you communicate with other quilting bloggers I would

appreciate it if you would mention my desire to share this

fabric with others.  Would appreciate your response to this

idea and any others you come in contact with.  Leave me

a message here and if there is enough response, I'll get

busy cutting!  Am thinking the charm packs could be a

mixture of the above colors (blue, mauve, peach, green)
or just one color??? 

Let me know what you think, one color or mixed,
good idea or not!

Thanks,

Nola 

A few little purchases!

Why is it I have no self-control once I enter a quilt shop.
I can go to the grocery store or almost any other type of
store and have good self control and can even be quite
conservative in my spending.  But, enter a quilt shop and
it's like every ounce of control flees.

Today my friend Laurel and I headed south to "Pine
Needles" quilt shop which is always my downfall.  Seldom
do I enter that I don't find something that I just have to have.
Before leaving home I told myself that I would just pick
up Pine Mountains July's monthly "hang up" pattern and kit
and look for some fabric for a project I am working on.  Even took
a few of the blocks to see if I could find some fabric.
Did I find fabric?  NO!  But I did see some absolutely
gorgeous new bolts that had recently come in.

Found a birthday gift (sorry I can't show it) and a delightful
Halloween charm pack from Moda (Halloween Night) that I will
put away with my pattern and other fabric I've collected for Crabapple
Hill's Hocuspocusville stitchery that I hope to get done sometime!
(http://www.crabapplehillstudio.com)
Also picked up the July pattern from "Bareroots, Little Stitches."  

Now if I live to be 150 I should be able to get all these projects
finished!  Mmmmm that is if I can have a little self-control when I
enter a quilt shop!

Hope you all have better self control than me!

P.S.  Just have to add a little note.  Was just visiting a friends
blog and she is having a give away.
Karen is giving away some of her beautiful, hand made
nature cards.  Check out her website:
(http://www.kaholly.blogspot.com)

Nola 

Celebrating Life!

Tuesday's Daybook

For Today, July 6
Outside my window...  The sun has set, the neighborhood is
beginning to quiet down.  Temperatures are in the 70's.

I am thinking...  That I really don't want to go to work 

tomorrow.  Can't I just stay home and play?

I am thankful for...  My son-in-law who came and edged

my yard and rehung a blind this evening.

I am wearing...  p.j.'s.  Just got home from a wedding

reception and didn't want to stay dressed up.

I am remembering...  The wonderful, busy weekend

we shared as a family and extended family celebrating the 
4th  on Saturday and being with my daughter and her family,
friends and extended family as their baby was blessed Sunday.

I am going...  Shopping for tile and a new counter top

for my bathroom.

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

 

I am hoping...  To get curtains washed and rehung

tomorrow.

On my mind...  A dear friend whose daughter just

passed away after an 8-year battle with MS.

Noticing that...  A few toys from my grandchildren's

visit today need to be put away.

   

Pondering these words...  "Genuine friendship is like
good health; its value is seldom known until it is lost."

   

From the kitchen... Chilled Strawberry lemonade. 

Around the house...  The evening news keeping me

company. 

One of my favorite things...  Fireworks!  How I love

sitting in the backyard with family watching our city's

outstanding fireworks display.  Even more fun is setting off 

our small assortment of fireworks and watching my

grandchildren's excitement and enthusiasm!

I am wishing that...  A dear friend will be ok.  She

has just been diagnosed with cancer and I'm very worried

about her.  It's going to be a rough ride!

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

1.  Continue working on a birthday gift.

2.  Birthday celebration

3.  A little quilting

4.  A little stitching

5.  Actually, the rest of the week is somewhat open

but I'm sure it will fill up quickly.

Nola

Pledge of Allegiance

Every year for some time now, I take time to view/
read Red Skelton's "Pledge of Allegiance". (see post
below for link)  I have
loved it ever since I heard it years ago while working
for KSL Radio.  The sound recorders or whatever
they were called at the time made me a "reel-to-reel"
tape (Wow, does this ever date me!) Of course,
that no longer works so I now have a hard copy and
always listen to it on You tube or wherever I can
find it.
Just thought I'd share it with you and wish everyone
here in the states a "Happy 4th of July"!
How grateful I am for the freedom's we enjoy.  May
we never take them for granted!

Nola

Red Skelton's Pledge of Allegiance

Oh, What Do You Do In The Summertime?

I love that children's song because it reminds me to take
time to enjoy the summer.  Its days are fleeting and will pass
me by if I don't plan for them.  Just like summer quickly
passing by, my grandchildren are rapidly growing up and
soon this precious time we have together will be replaced by friends,
sports, and other things.

So today was another "Grandma" day.  My son had to
work and I got to spend the day with my granddaughter,
picking her up at her other grandmother's after I got off
work this morning.

A picnic lunch was served on the patio and then we enjoyed
a little playtime in the sandbox where my little "chef" prepared
the most amazing and delectable offerings from "Italian
Meatballs and Spaghetti" to "Strawberry Cake topped with
cream and a cherry" plus "raspberry muffins" and more!

Plans had been made earlier to pick up her cousin, my
grandson, and go to the matinee of "How To Train Your
Dragon", an absolutely delightful movie (which we had
seen a few months previously).  But that didn't matter.  We
all loved it more the 2nd time...It was just the idea of spending
a lovely afternoon together.

After the movie it was home to their families!

My day was a little richer for the fun, silly, giggly

time we shared!  We must plan another "Grandma"
day soon before summer passes us by.

  Love these grandchildren!

Nola