Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...  Thursday August 26

Outside my window...  It is afternoon and there is a slight wind 
beginning to pick up and I'm noticing gray clouds building up
over the mountains bringing the storm they spoke about on TV
last night.  Temps are warm but should drop with the storm
coming.


I am thinking...  How fun it was to have my son and 
granddaughter stop by after school today and have a little snack
with me.  Took a few pictures for her first week of school.

I am thankful for...  Good schools and teachers that provide
a good education for my grandchildren.


From the learning rooms...  Each of us will face difficult trials
and challenges in our life time.  But it is how we face them
that often shows who we really are and what we can
become.   Remember we are being molded!

From the kitchen...  Juicy, sweet, cold, seedless, cut-up watermelon

I am wearing...  White t-shirt, cutoffs, flip flops.


I am pondering these words...  "Happiness has no
expiration date".  I love that thought!

I am creating...  Memory books for my children.  (I started these
years ago and am determined to finish them this year!)

I am going...  Walking when it cools down this evening.
Didn't make it out after work this morning.

I am reading...  Just picked up the book, "The Island" by
Elin Hilderbrand from the library today.  Hope it will be good.

I am hoping...  To finish my last Thanksgiving stitchery 
tonight or at least by this weekend and get them framed.

I am hearing...  The ceiling fan circulating cool air around me.

Around the house...  All is very quiet.  Dinner is waiting to be
started.


One of my favorite things...  Hugs!   How I love it when I'm
leaving my children's homes and my grandchildren tell me
to wait for a hug.  They give the best hugs in all the world!
What is it about a hug that lifts the spirit, puts a smile on
your face and chases all your cares away?

A few plans for the rest of the week:
1.  Go shopping for new sink taps and faucet for
my bathroom
2.  Family night Friday
3.  Continue working on my children's memory books
4.  Work Saturday morning

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...
My sister, Dad holding me (one month old)
that I am using in my history.

Happy Thursday!

Nola

Mail Call!

While browsing through a catalog recently I came upon
a quilting project I had not seen before.  "Bed Runners"!
Was very enticed by the pictures and the simplicity of making
them.  Each runner could be made using precut fabrics.  Of course,
I could always cut my own, I thought.

I was telling my neighbor about these "Bed Runners" and
that they were intriguing me and I thought I'd order the
booklet.  Well, lo and behold, she knew exactly what I was
talking about and she's not even a quilter.  While on a
recent trip, the hotel they stayed at had "Bed Runners"
and lots of big fluffy decorative pillows on the beds.  Well,
I thought, "where have I been?" that I didn't know about
them.

Today the booklet came in the mail!

I absolutely LOVE all 10 patterns and can't wait to make one.
May even make some for Christmas gifts.  However, I cannot
start one until I finish the Halloween and Thanksgiving
gifts I am working on I tell myself.  Well, maybe I can sandwich one
in!  Don't think I can wait.  I know, I could make one for
my bed (especially with cold weather not too far off) to
keep my little toesies warm.

Not just sure why these Bed Runners "speak" to me, but they do.
Maybe because it's like making a "table runner" and I
love table runner's, too.

I know what I'm going to be dreaming about tonight...
Bed Runner's 1-10!

Nola

Finally, I Can Share!

Yeah!  Finally I can share a couple of projects that I
have been diligently working on...under the tutelage
of my daughter!

Last year while visiting one of our local craft shops they
had chip board albums on clearance.  Having always
wanted to do one, we purchased several to make up as gifts.
My daughter's neighbor quickly taught her how to make one.
I set mine aside thinking I had plenty of time to get to them.
Suddenly in July I realized that time was running out if I
was going to get them done for birthday gifts.

So off we went looking for paper, embellishments, etc.
And as my daughter's time was at a premium with three
small children (one a 3-month old boy) I took whatever
spare moments she had to give me help and directions and then
I'd work on things at home.

I am not really good at paper crafting, but give me a quilt
pattern, fabric, or some stitchery and I'm off and running.
So, this was somewhat of a challenge for me especially
the first one because I had to remember which paper went
with which letter, etc.  We would do the front of all the letters first
and then work backward so I wouldn't get confused.  (I do
that rather easily LOL).

Once all the letters were traced on scrapbook paper, cut
out and glued to the chipboard, picture sizes were determined
and card stock cut and added to the page.  Embellishments and
ribbon were added last.

Thanks to a very patient, talented and creative daughter  (who
continually reminded me when I didn't get things quite perfect
that "it'll be all right") they turned out very nice, I think.

This one went to my sister for her birthday.  The white that
can be seen between the letters is paper showing the size of
picture or journaling that can be used on that letter.

This one went to my friend for her birthday:

Just one of the pages:  The letter "L"

Also completed the top for "Twinkle, Twinkle" and now will
baste top and backing together so I can hand quilt it.  The
picture really does not do justice to the quilt.   Some time I've
got to learn how to take good pictures!

Also, received an email from Lisa referring me to her blog
to see what she had done with the 80's charm pack she
won here.  Check out her blog and darling quilt here:

http://amildseason.blogspot.com/2010/08/new-pink-quilt-top.html

Well, I'm off to get dinner.  Have a great day.

Nola

What Will Remind....

Today a friend left a comment on Facebook that
got me to thinking.  She mentioned that while watering her
flowers, the snapdragons still reminded her of her mother.
Then she said, "I wonder what will remind my children
of me".

As I thought about her comment throughout the day
little things kept coming to my mind that always remind
me of my mother...like cheese and nut sandwiches,
daffodils, the many beautiful pieces of art and handwork
that adorn my home, certain pieces of music, especially
piano music, beautiful sunsets, her poetry and so much more.
It has been a tender day because as I look around my home
and reflect on my life mother's influence is everywhere and
I'm reminded of the beautiful person she was and is.    

As I ponder on these things I, too, can't help but wonder
what will remind my children of me.

Nola

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...Tuesday, June 24

Outside my window...  The grass. shrubs and flowers
look so fresh and clean from the morning watering.  Pumpkins
are getting bigger and can see a couple of new little ones still
in the yellow stage.  Robins are running through the garden
looking for breakfast and hummingbirds are fighting over the
feeder.  Don't they know there is plenty for all of them?


 I am thinking...  How much I enjoyed watching the Canadian
Geese fly over head this morning as I was sweeping out the
gutter.  How I love hearing and watching them in the early
morning and evening.

I am thankful for...  A safe neighborhood to walk in and for
good neighbors who keep watch.

 From the kitchen...  Poppy seed muffins and fresh cantaloupe

I am wearing...  Outside gardening clothes:  cut off levi's and
an old blue t-shirt, flip flops.

I am creating...  Well, working on Thanksgiving and Christmas
gifts.  I guess that is creating!

I am going...  To meet with my neighbor at his work today to
finish picking out bathroom supplies so he can get started.
Also going to pick my son and his daughter up at the airport
later this evening.

I am reading...  "Escape to Zion" by Jean Holbrook Mathews

I am hoping...   To get back to writing my "morning papers".
It has been way too long since I have done this.  It just takes
5 minutes but once out of the habit it is hard to get back into
it.


 I am hearing...  The dryer running and for the first time in a long
time absolute quiet outside.  No birds chirping, no sprinklers
running, no children playing.  Nothing!  

Around the house...  Usual morning clutter,  stitchery sitting out
from last night,  bed and breakfast dishes waiting to be done.


One of my favorite things...  Visiting over the fence with neighbors.
I love it when we're outside working and take time to chat and
catch up.


A few plans for the rest of the week:
Birthday lunch
Visiting Teaching
Work as usual
Basically same old, same old

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

My sister, Carol, and me:

This picture surely brings back memories.  Need
to use this picture and write a story about my "ringlets"
for my history.


Have a wonderful Tuesday! 

Nola

Christmas Pillowcases

How is it that this morning was so cool and invigorating and by
late afternoon we were sweltering in the heat?  It's mid-August
and I'm ready for a change.  My energy level was up with the
cooler temps and I was out for a brisk walk by 6:30.  Couldn't
wait to get home and get my day going.  I felt so energized!
But, as the day wore on I could feel my energy levels dropping
as the temperature climbed.  Good thing I got an early start on
laundry and daily chores.

This afternoon decided the best place to be was in the
basement sewing.  Pulled out my "project" list, pointed my
finger and selected Christmas pillowcases.  Was able to
cut them all out and completed four pillowcases. If all
goes well, I should finish the rest tomorrow.















Wouldn't it be nice if I took time and wrapped them
before placing them in the Christmas box?  Hmm...

Also worked on my fall leaf quilt and now have half of
the scrappy leaf blocks sewn...only 28 more to go!
I may just get it done to enjoy this fall...that is if I don't
get sidetracked with other things.

Nola

At The Zoo!

My day didn't go as planned today!  Nothing I had planned
got done...except for a couple of loads of wash and a quick
trip to the grocery store.  But, the things I had planned will
always be there; however, time with my daughter and
grandson's will not.  So, when I got the phone call asking
what I had planned for the day it all went by the wayside.

I love it when I get a phone call and am invited to spend
time playing and today it was a trip to the zoo!  I love going
to the zoo!  In fact as we were driving in to Salt Lake I
thought about all the times I would call my mother and
invite her to go with us to the zoo.  She was always happy
to drop everything and go with us.  My kids loved having
their grandmother join us.  Now I understand how she felt
when invited and why "things" could always be put on hold.
I'm grateful we always made the effort to include her and
that my children include me.

A few pictures of our day:

Who's the "monkey" here?

This is all so exciting!  Ty's first visit to the zoo!
















The zoo's newest addition!  She weighed 251 pounds
when born.  Oh my!

Taking a quick lunch break!

Next best thing to being near the real thing!



















Enjoying the cool mist spray!

It is such a joy seeing everything through a child's
eye and feeling their excitement as we visit each
exhibit!















Time to call it a day!

Nola

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...  Wednesday, August 11

Outside my window...  The sky is blue, there is a warm

south wind blowing and I can hear the rustle of the 

leaves on the trees.    Almost has a fall sound.  Temps.

are in the mid 80's.  Other than the sound of the wind

it is quiet in the neighborhood.

I am thinking...  How nice it is be home from work.

I am thankful for...   The peace I feel this day.  Last

week was a little stressful.  It is nice to have the

anxiety going away.

I am wearing...  Light green slacks and white t-shirt.

I am remembering...  An special experience a friend and I

shared several months ago.  I had written about it when

it happened but never got it typed and printed off.  So

when I came across it yesterday decided I must complete

it.

I am going...  To trace off some stitchery patterns today

that I need to get working on.  The holidays are fast

approaching and I best get busy if I want to give them

as gifts.

I am currently reading...  "Band of Sisters" by Annette Lyon

I am hoping...  My son and his daughter got off on their

trip ok this morning.

On my mind...  My friend who is going through cancer

treatments.  Today is not a good day for her.  She has

a terrible burn from radiation and is now having to go

in for re-hydration treatments.  She also has shingles--

apparently stemming from a family member who had chicken 

pox.

 Noticing that... It is time for a hair cut.  Hate it when my

hair reaches a certain point and doesn't want to do what

I want it to.  

Pondering these words...  "A friend will strengthen you with

his prayers, bless you with his love, and encourage you with

his hope."

  

From the kitchen...  Nothing!  Probably should be thinking

about what to fix for dinner.  Maybe a stir-fry!

Around the house...  A little wash waiting to be tossed in the

washing machine, morning papers to be tossed, dishes to be

put away.

One of my favorite things...  Having the house all to myself

and doing anything I want to.

I am wishing that...  I had a ripe tomato to pick from my

garden.  I've eaten all that were ripe and they were to die

for!  Can't wait for more to ripen!

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

1.  Hair cut

2.  Working on projects

3.  Possible birthday lunch with my sister

From my picture journal...

Celebrating my son (Indian headdress) and

grandson's birthdays (fire fighter helmet).

Everyone got to pick out a hat to wear  for

the party instead of making one this time.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.

Nola

 http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com

Can You Help!

A few years back my sister and I saw this pattern
(Hankies For Remembrance) in a quilt magazine and




















decided we would each make one using many of the beautiful
handkerchief's that were our Mother's.  She was able to complete
hers.  But as I was undergoing cancer treatments at the time filed
mine away until I could get back on my feet.

The other day I pulled out my file containing the hankies
only to find that the magazine was not there.  I've searched
everywhere and cannot find it.  Don't know if I've loaned it to
someone or if it accidentally got thrown away.
She gave the magazine to me when she finished her quilt so
she no longer has the pattern or templates.

So I am asking and hoping that one of you wonderful quilters
might recognize it and be able to help me locate a copy.

We cannot remember the magazine but think it came out 

somewhere between 2006 and 2008.  It might even be from
2005.  The date on the back of her completed quilt is 2008.    

Any help finding this pattern would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you all so much,

Nola

Crafting Tuesday!

Tuesday was spent paper crafting with my daughter, her
dear friend who is visiting her for a few days and my friend
from Logan.















Must give a huge "Thank You" to the girl's
husbands for taking 4 days vacation time from work to
tend children so they could have some "friend time".

We had so much fun talking, laughing, snacking, painting,
snipping, gluing, etc.  My daughter taught us how to cover
and embellish clip boards,

Make a Post-It Note holder for when you need a quick
little gift,

Chip board photo albums,

And scrapbook paper covered picture frames.

She even had time to finish a few cards for her card swap.

A light lunch consisting of pita sandwiches, fresh fruit,
veggies, cold drink and an ice cream cone for dessert
gave us a quick break.

I have always been one who has to measure everything for
exactness; whereas my daughter can "eyeball" everything
and it comes out perfectly.  As the day would progress she
would tell me "it's all right if everything isn't perfectly cut,
pasted, or painted."  Embellishments can and will hide what
you call imperfections.  That soon became my mantra throughout
the day: "it's all right"!  And you know what, it was and is.  That
little saying repeated over and over however was good cause for
more laughter.

I'm sure I often drive my daughter crazy because of my "perfectionism"
as she calls it.  But, what can I say, I am after all, my father's daughter.
He was a building contractor by profession and a perfectionist
in all he did.  Also, being a quilter calls for precision and accurate
measuring.  So there, that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!
We have so much fun teasing each other and really do have a
wonderful relationship!  I'm blessed to have such a talented
daughter who is always willing to share her talents!

Hated to see the day come to end.  We really had a blast and
completed some fun projects.  Can't wait to make some of
these for gifts on my own.

Thank you, Kerri!

Can hardly wait until we can get together for another day of
crafting!

Hope your Tuesday was a super fantastic day!

Nola

New BOM

If you love snowflakes like I do, you need to

check out Dawn's new BOM, "Frosty Flakes"

snowflakes.  One snowflake will be posted every

Wednesday for nine weeks.  First one is just
waiting to be printed off.    

Nola

The Winners!

I am very excited to announce the winners of my "80's fabric"
give away.  But, first, I want to thank you all for your 
response.  As I've mentioned, I was overwhelmed, but so
excited that there would be interest in these "older" fabrics.
You guys are the best!


And now for the winners:  (Ahhh, is that a drum roll I hear?)
Congratulations! 


Blue Charm Packs:
Barb -- sweetheartsinlife.blogspot.com 
Judy -- judysfabricaddiction.blogspot.com
Jenna -- littlewhatevers-jenalyngold.blogspot.com


Pink Charm Packs:
Janet --  cariboucrossingchronicles.blogspot.com
Lisa -- amildseason.blogspot.com
Winona -- catloverandquiltmaker.blogspot.com


Blue/Pink Charm Packs:
Tonya -- tonyassewingroom.blogspot.com
Julie -- juliekquilts.blogspot.com
Ashley -- alwaysapieceofme.blogspot.com


Emails have been sent to each one and as soon
as I hear back charm packs will be mailed.


Thanks again,

Nola