Become/Becoming

 

Today as I was listening to Inklings Institute something was mentioned that caused me to take a minute and reflect upon choosing a “Word” for 2021.  The word impression that came into my mind was “Become/Becoming”.  Actually, I guess that is two words.  But to me, they go hand in hand and so I will consider them one word.

I was amazed how quickly thoughts and goals came into my mind that would help me to become stronger, more self-assured, and a more spiritual and Christ-like person. I hurried to write them down.  I believe some of these goals will change over the year, becoming more deeply ingrained as I progress.  New ones may be added, and some may be eliminated or reworded, but at least I have a starting point in my desire to become the person Heavenly Father has always wanted me to be or knows that I am.

I hoped to become Well-Versed, experienced or skilled; more knowledgeable as I focus on Becoming in 2021.

Finished!

Several years ago after completing my cancer treatments, I thought it would be great to make a "cancer quilt" as a symbol of my struggles, challenges and successes. So, I purchased pink and brown fabric and planned on making a Log Cabin quilt design.  The center block would be the "cancer ribbon."

A few blocks were made and then for one reason or another, they were set aside.

  

Off and on through the years I would pull out the blocks and fabric, look at them, and put them away.  Finally, I decided I didn't want to make a large quilt but also didn't want to waste the fabric I had purchased.

Then I found "Remembrances" by Jo Morton and since I love the Churn Dash pattern thought I'd make her "Peppermint Twist" quilt.  I made several blocks and then like the Log Cabin blocks they got stored away.

Recently while sorting through my unfinished projects, I came upon them once again and decided it was time to do something or get ride of the fabric.  But I no longer wanted anything big, so I sewed a few blocks to those already completed and made this small table topper.  I didn't separate the blocks, just sewed them all together.

It's not my favorite combination of fabrics anymore, but at least it is finished!  

Block One Done

I recently joined the Australian Stitch-A-Long group as I have always loved the designers and have purchased many patterns and books through the years.  They are an amazing and talented group of ladies.  Many of their designs have been stitched and displayed in my home as well as given as gifts.

So, when I accidentally stumbled upon the group, I asked to join.  Now along with 16,000 plus members I am delighted to see their work and to be able to participate in this Christmas sew along.  It's also fun to see pictures posted from around the world of members.  There are some very talented ladies out there!

I just completed my first block designed by Helen of hugs'nkisses.com. and can hardly wait until next Wednesday to see what treasure will be posted.  

It's Been Awhile

Can't believe it's been four months since I posted.  You would think with being in lock down for much of that time that all I had was time to write and post.  But,
for some reason, it didn't seem like I had much to say or show.  For the longest time, I couldn't make myself sit down to the sewing machine or pick up a needle and work on my stitcheries.  I felt so isolated from everyone and everything.
I'm still not at the sewing machine although I've been doing some stitching on projects that have never been completed...and they're still not!  But, I am making progress.

With the good weather, I find myself wanting to be outside working in my yard and soaking up the sunshine.  My daughter gave me one of her gardening boxes and so I am doing some square foot gardening and loving it.  It is just right for me.  Today while out weeding, I noticed a little tomato forming, 2 yellow squash, 1 zucchini and a cucumber.  I've been picking spinach and lettuce to add to my salads, mug quiches, etc. Nothing like fresh produce!

New recessed lighting in my kitchen and dining are and living room has just been completed.  I can't believe the difference it makes.  Everything is so bright and cheerful.  Have wanted to do this for ages but took some time to save up for it.

For some time I have followed some Australian blogs and have wondered where they find their wonderful and delightful stitchery patterns.  I love many of the Australian designers and follow them by ordering or purchasing their patterns and books.  Just the other day I stumbled on the Australian Stitch-A-Long group and was so excited to join the 16,000 plus others who have joined.  As I scrolled through posts I was delighted to find patterns for many of the stitcheries I had seen posted.  Now today I printed off my first block for their Christmas project.  This has really excited me and I can't wait to get started.  So grateful these designers are willing to share their talents and gifts with us.

Ok, enough dialogue that is probably very boring.  So, here are a few of the projects I am working on: 

Postcard Cuties for Halloween from Bunny Hill Designs

More baskets from Aunt Bea's Parlor

"Written in Thread" from Bareroots

Table runner from class I attended a few years ago

Completed wallhanging from same class as above.  Now hangs in my daughters home

There are a couple of more projects in the works, but this is probably enough for now--maybe too much.

Hope everyone is staying safe and well.  We have had spikes in the virus the last couple of weeks so it's good to have projects and blogs to read!

 

Sunshine

How many times have I said, "I miss the sun?"   "I need sunshine!"

When I awoke this morning the sun was shining and I couldn't wait to open up all my windows and let that glorious brightness and warmth come in and brighten up my home and my day.   I love walking into a room and seeing how inviting it is when there is light from the sun.  Even though the temperature outside wasn't all that great, it felt warm.  I need Sunshine!  It brings me happiness and gives me energy to start my day.  Even the little birds seem more happy as they scrounge about looking for their breakfast.

Thought I'd share these lyrics as they  mirror how I feel when there is Sunshine!

It's a Beautiful Day

See the sun shinning in the window,
Time to start a new day.
Can't you hear the song bird singing?
They're gonna sing out loud and say:

CHORUS:
Cause It's a beautiful day for running in the sun,
A beautiful day has just begun.
A beautiful day, to do what I want to dooo ah-hah.
Cause It's a beautiful day just to be alive,
A beautiful day so glad that I've got
A beautiful day and I'd like to share it with you!

Look around there's a world of beauty,
From the mountains to the sea.

And there's a wonder around every corner,

Awaiting there for you and me -

Chorus:
Cause It's a beautiful day for running in the sun,
A beautiful day has just begun.
A beautiful day to do what I want to dooo ah-hah.
Cause It's a beautiful day just to be alive,
A beautiful day so glad that I've got
A beautiful day and I'd like to share it with you!
.... I'd like to share it with -- you!
.... I'd want to share it with -- you!
Yeah!.....

Greg & Steve Lyrics

Memories

This past week I have been  finishing up the last few boxes of slides that my husband has taken over the years.  Sadly, many have been thrown away as he loved taking pictures of flowers, water, mountains, sunrises, sunsets, etc.  Many were only labeled as "Unitah's", "Yellowstone", "Wasatch Mountains", etc.  Because many did not contain family or other things that held meaning to me or my children, they have been thrown away.  Just can't keep everything and need to clean out and bring closure.

Once I had the slides sorted and bagged that I wanted to keep, set up an appointment with The Family History Center and spent time there going through the slides and putting them on a thumb drive.  Now at home, I am putting them into folders on the computer. 

Not only did he love photography, but he was an avid snow skier and skied until a couple of years before his passing.  These and some other pictures I found will be made into photo's and added to the book I made for him prior to his death.

I also have a shoe box filled with reel to reel tapes which will be viewed at the Family History Center and those I want to keep will be added to my thumb drive.
I'm hoping they will contain more family activities rather than his outdoor adventures.

It is good to be making progress and fun to reminisce about the good times when the children were small and we did a lot of hiking and camping as well as hanging out with extended family.

Look What I Found!

This afternoon with clear blue skies, bright sunshine and warmer temperatures I ventured out for a walk.  It was so nice to be out and I love using my walking sticks.  I wasn't the only one out enjoying this beautiful day.  Stopped to visit with three of my neighbors who had brought chairs out and was enjoying the day with grandchildren they were tending.  Think I need to bring out a couple of chairs from my patio and sit in the sunshine as we are going to have a couple of nice days.

As I was walking down my sidewalk a little color caught my eye and I was delighted to see these sweet little crocus' poking their head up.

I wasn't sure if I would have any this year because my children pulled out so many grasses, etc. this fall that had filled in during the summer when I wasn't able to get outside.  But luckily, I am seeing several little shoots popping up.  Daffodils, tulips and hyacinths are also starting to surface.  

They absolutely delight me and I know when I see them that Spring can't be far behind.  I love that they bring color into my world after a long, cold, dreary winter void of color.  Makes me want to get out side and clean out the leaves and other things that have collected in the flower beds through the late fall and 

winter.  But, for now I will enjoy seeing what else pops up to brighten this little corner of my world. 

A little Work And A Party

Can't believe I haven't posted anything for several days, but then I guess I can as I've been busy cleaning, sorting and eliminating more "stuff".  I have to do this while I'm in the mood which doesn't happen all that often.

Spent the last couple of days going through old slides of my husbands.  He loved taking pictures of mountains scenes, flowers, family trips, etc.  After he passed, I got rid of a lot of slides that were just scenes he had taken while traveling through Europe that were not identified and didn't have any significance to the family.

Now the ones I am sorting through are of family times as well as mountains, flowers, streams, seasons, etc.  I am saving all the family pictures and will take them to our Family History Center to be put on a thumb drive.  Then I will make pictures for his nieces and nephews that he has taken of times together when they were little.  I'm not sure if they have any, but I think they will enjoy them.  Some I will add to his book that I made for him at his passing. The others of our family I will go through photo books to see if we have them and also check with my children to see if there are any they would like to have.  I'm hoping to finish going through the carousels by next week.  It will be nice to have this done as I notice that some of the slides are fading and not as vibrant as they once were.

Also spent a few days last week getting ready for our Valentine's Party.  I wasn't sure I was going to do one, but when my youngest grandson asked if "Grandma"
was going to do one, I knew I had to.  We have so much fun and of course, the kiddo's go home loaded down with sugar!

Bingo

Candy Bar Game

One of Ty's (sitting by his mother)  favorite games is stacking conversation hearts and seeing how many you can stack in 30 seconds.  Then we use them to play bingo.  Everyone gets to select a "prize" from the bowl.  Probably our most favorite game is the Candy Bar Game.  Everyone starts with a candy bar in their sack and then rolls the dice for taking, sharing, giving back, etc. the candy bars.  We have to set a timer for 10 minutes or this could go on forever.

Old Fashioned Lighter

My daughter's birthday is coming up soon and as we were all together we decided to celebrate her also.  After a dinner of Chinese food, we had brownies and ice cream.  Ty, sitting next to his mother, asked if he was old enough to use the old fashioned lighter to light the candles when I brought them and the box of matches out.  We all got a good laugh.  His brother Kohler ended up striking the matches. 

Three of my cuties

Somehow through all the pictures, I missed one of my SIL.  Will have to make sure he's included in the next party which will be our Easter Party.

Cleaning Out

Saturday my daughter and her family had some free time so they offered to help me clean out and dispose of items that have been taking up space in my basement "cutting room" that I no longer wanted.  We call the back room, the "cutting room" because that is where I cut all my fabric, store supplies and do my scrap booking, etc.  It was hard to say "goodbye" because in the back of my mind I would think, but what if I need it and now it's gone."  Thankfully, my daughter is good at eliminating items that have not been used in a long, long time.  We were able to get rid of fabric that is old and outdated and several shoe boxes that held cut squares of fabric ranging from 6" to 2".  I always thought I would use them to make quilts.  But, I no longer want to do that so decided that it would go to charity.

The metal shelving looks full still, but in reality the most they hold are empty containers and a few projects that need sorting like all the old photo boxes that have items to be shredded.  The woven basket was made by my grandfather for mother to use as a laundry basket when my parents were newly married.  He was a master basket maker and many of his offspring hold dear the different types of baskets he made. It will now sit on my fireplace and hold quilts I have made.

We were also able to work on the closets where I store containers that hold my seasonal items and more supplies.  It really felt good to see the floor of the closets clean and empty of storage containers.  There is still a lot to do for another day.  Can't believe how much stuff I have accumulated over the years and have hung on to.  But, oh, it feels so good to be making progress.  I love the space that is opening up and hopefully it will not get filled up too soon. 

Frazzled Nerves!

Today has been an unsettling day beginning shortly after I got up this morning.
I was sitting in my office at the front of my house when I hear this pop, pop sound.  It was a different sound so thought I had best investigate.  Walked down the hall and into the bedroom and as I did I saw this flash outside the window.  The blinds were closed but I could still see it which was rather scary and went to the front door to see if there was anything going on.

A neighbor was across the street walking her dog and said she had seen a flash that seemed to come from the south side of my yard/house.  And then she said I think I can smell gas.  I stepped out further and thought I could also smell gas.   My gas meter is on the south side of my house.  Called my neighbor across the street and he came over but couldn't smell anything.  Decided to call the gas company and have them come check things out just to be safe.  Later learned that if it had been a gas leak there would have been a fire that did not burn out.

The gas service man arrived fairly promptly and with his testing instruments went around the outside and inside my house, but discovered nothing.  He shut off my furnace and water heater and then went back out to do some more checking.  The man came to my door and said he thought he had discovered something.  So I went with him and we walked over to the city's electrical box and noticed a piece at the base was broken and we thought we could could smell something. 

Next phone call went to the city offices as there is a light pole at the corner of my property.  They sent out a team to investigate the electrical box and my meter, but again found nothing.  Everything seemed to be checking out.  My gas was turned back on and everyone felt things were ok.  We're thinking that maybe there was a surge in the light pole that cause the pop and flare.  Guess we'll never know for sure. 

I still feel a little on edge.  Have done a lot of praying and trying to keep the faith.  Tonight the street light came on and all seems to be in order.
My kids have been here and double checked everything and feel like all will be well.  Just hope I don't have another adventure like this in a long, long time!

It Is Finished....

....Well, the top for the Love Supreme Mystery Quit from Fort Worth Fabric Studio is finally pieced and now I need to decide what to do about quilting it.  I had thought I would hand quilt it, but I'm not sure I still want to do that.  I keep asking myself if I really want to put out more money to have someone do it for me or if I should just take my time and hand quilt it.  I love the somewhat old fashioned look of hand quilting.

I think if I quilt it I will just quilt in the "ditch" of each bock and call it good.  Since I  won't be doing anything until after Valentine's, I have time to think about it. 

February has come in like a lion here and I'm missing the milder days of January.  Yesterday we had wind and snow beginning in the middle of the night and continuing throughout the day.  We got about 6-8 inches of the white stuff.  It was hard to get an accurate measurement with the wind bowing the snow around.  Road conditions were terrible and many schools closed or had late starts.  Many businesses also opened later in the morning.  I was never so happy that I had retired this summer and didn't have to leave the comforts of my home.

We had a short break in the early afternoon and I was able to get out and do a little shoveling.  The snow was light and powdery which made it easy to shovel.   But, I only got a little ways on my driveway when two of my neighbors came and finished up.  I really appreciated their help.  They did it so quickly even with the wind blowing the snow around.

Today the sun is shining and it is beautiful out.  Temperature has warmed from 14 F to a balmy 25 F.  We are supposed to have cold temperatures for a few days and more snow.  Can't help but wonder if we are really going to have an early spring.     

Doing Some Prepping

Today I decided instead of piecing the top of my Valentine Mystery Quilt, I would do a little prepping on my January block for a Girl's Life since January is almost over.  Don't know if I'm getting slower or just paranoid about cutting the fabric incorrectly because I am only given so much and I don't know if I would be able to match or even find the fabric at my local quilt shop if I cut it wrong.  So, I measure with my ruler and then with the tape measure before I cut.  I also decided to watch the first tutorial on piecing the block and will watch the one on embroidering the piece another day.  But, I did get it all prepped and now the real work begins.

Since I embroider using a hoop, additional strips are added around the block and then will be removed when all the stitching is complete.

Also, got basket #6 traced and ready to be stitched.  So thankful for my light box.  It makes it so easy to trace the design.

Basket 6

Baskets four and five are now stitched.

Basket 4

          

Basket 5

Since we are supposed to get more snow tomorrow, I may decide to hibernate in my sewing room and piece the mystery quilt.  February is almost upon us and I would at least like the top to be done.  I may not get it quilted, but at least I can place it on my table and enjoy it. 

"X" Blocks finished

Today has been a somewhat cold and dreary day with light rain showers.  So, I was happy to hide out in my sewing room and complete week 3's "X" blocks.
It seemed like it took as long to trim all the HST to 3 inches as it did to piece
each block, but I'm happy to say the four blocks are done and I'm all caught up.

Monday the final instructions for assembling the blocks will be posted.  I  think I've figured out the layout, but will just have to wait and see.  It's been fun to see everyone's blocks as they've posted them on FB.  Many have used their own fabrics from their stash and they are quite striking.  So many talented quilters out there!

Look What Came Today!

So excited to go to my mailbox and find the long awaited package from Stitches of Love.  I signed up for their BOM stitchery, "A Girl's Life" that will go for 12 months. 

The box it came in is adorable and makes me smile.  Almost too cute to open!  Inside, wrapped in tissue was everything needed to begin... pre-printed pattern, background fabric, instructions, thread, and border fabrics for the January block.
Can't wait to get started and just hope I can keep up.  I think it's good we have a whole month to stitch before the next one arrives.  Of course, this month is half over, so I may be behind for awhile as I'm still working on my baskets and quilt blocks.

Today I also cut the fabric for week 3 "X" blocks that I am doing for the Valentine Mystery quilt.  Was able to sew, cut the HST's and press them...all
64 of them.  Tomorrow I hope to trim and start piecing the blocks together.

Snowy Day

The snow arrived on time and stayed most of the morning.  We got about 4 inches of heavy wet snow.  The scene out my door was beautiful this morning with the snow coming down.  This was taken as the snow let up.

I was able to get outside and do a little shoveling after the snowplows came by.  The sun came out later and the temperatures warmed and we did have a little melting.  Nice to see clear roads tonight.

Today was a stay-in, don't go anywhere day for me after clearing the driveway and sidewalk.  Finished basket #3 and started on the fourth one.  Love the different colored baskets and the bright flowers.

  

Still waiting for my first kit "A Girl's Life" to come.  Hope I hear from  the company soon.

Red Skies At Night....

....Sailors delight.  Red Skies in the morning, sailors take warning.  Growing up my Mother always quoted this little saying to us.  Well, I'm not sure this is going to hold true for the next several hours as we are expecting a heavy snowstorm beginning about 3:00 a.m. lasting until about 11:00 a.m.  It's hard to believe that a storm is upon us as temperatures hit the low 50's today...almost shirt sleeve weather!  Not looking forward to dropping back to the low 30's.

View out my front door

Today I was able to do a little sewing while catching up on my wash.  Have now completed week two of the Valentine mystery quilt.

Ten heart blocks finished!  This has been a fun project as the blocks have been quite simple and easy to do.  Just what I need and like!  Can't wait to see what next weeks blocks will be like.  Then the fourth week will be the assembling and finishing of the top.  If I'm lucky, it may just get quilted in time for Valentines.

Two Done!

Basket #2 is stitched and #3 is underway.  These are so fun and easy to do and I'm loving all the bright colors used.

These finished pieces will not be pressed and trimmed until all are completed.  My goal, to begin with, was to do two a month minimum.  But am hoping to do more each month as I know that once Spring arrives and I can get out to work in my yard, my time will be limited.  

Basket three is started and with the snowstorms that are predicted for the next four days, I may be able to finish this and at least get started on #4.

First Weeks......

Just completed the first weeks "O" Blocks for the Love Supreme Mystery Quilt.
Loved that they were so easy and simple to do.  The instructions and diagrams were clear and easy to follow  The blocks went together quickly once the fabric was cut. The completed block is 10.5 inches

The background fabric is fun as it has writing on it.  I think it must be German, but I'm not sure.  I would never have thought of using this, but I do like it and it makes a nice addition to the block.

Am debating about cutting the fabric for next weeks blocks so that when the instructions are posted on Monday, I'll be all set to sit down at the sewing machine.  Instructions suggested we cut out each weeks pieces and label them, but I like just cutting a week at a time.  So, depending on time and mood I may or may not cut anything until Monday.  

You've Got Mail...

...Snail mail that is.  So excited to go to my mailbox and find the fabric had arrived for the Valentine Mystery quilt from Ft. Worth Studios.  The pieces are beautiful, so bright and cheery.  This is going to be a fun new project!

There was even a little packet for some hot chocolate.  Perfect for a cool, cloudy day.  But, I think I may save it to have when I download my first pattern.  I can slowly sip it and study carefully the instructions for the first block/blocks.

fabric for blocks

Backing

Looking forward to the challenge and just hope I can get it done for Valentines!

First Project

Just completed my first project of the New Year and only 19 more baskets to stitch.

Couldn't believe how fast this little basket of flowers stitched up.  It was so fun to do and such a nice change from all the winter stitching projects I did.  Have the second one traced and will probably start on it later today.

As I was downstairs finishing putting away Christmas decorations, I decided to bring up my Valentine tub.  Not sure if I'll put Valentine's up right away, but at least I won't  have to go back down stairs and dig it out of storage.  With the gray days and inversion creeping, plus the snow we've received, it might be nice to add some Valentine decorations now.  The pinks and reds will certainly brighten up my home.