It's the most wonderful time of the year...

This is it - Christmas decorations for 2009! What a whirlwind the past six weeks have been. I will spare you the gruesome details, but let us just say there was a great deal of socializing involved...not one of my strong points in life! That is not to say I am antisocial just, well, private!
As many of you know, I walk just about every day. Last week I felt like pushing myself a little more. Generally I walk about 3.5 miles each day. Now, remember we are new here and not knowledgeable as to the ins and outs of the nearby park where I walk (which in plain talk means I don't have a clue as to where I am going!). So, I decided I would follow the path (yes, it is paved so do I still call it a path?) and cross over at the next little bridge beyond where I've previously walked, which I did. L-o-n-g story short, this was my longest walk yet...six miles! It was exciting that I was able to walk that far, considering when I first started walking I was walking about a block! I did take the next day off so as to recuperate.
Christmas is low key at home this year, as you can tell by the photo. Those are oranges David and I did as part of the table decorations for the food served at the John Doan concert. Look him up online. He is quite the musician and very passionate about what he has to share.
Today I am taking several of my things to a local art gallery! We shall see how that goes. I like being able to talk to folks about my work and what materials and process I use in its creation. It is exciting, nonetheless.
Happy holidays to you all. I am looking forward to 2010. New patterns, new designs, and for the first time...drum roll please...I am teaching a class at Honey Run Quilt shop here in Chico in February!
Travel safely, enjoy the company of family (I know, that is pushing things!) and friends and keep the joy of the season alive in your heart all the year long.

No Pouting Here!

Just a peek at what I am working on for this coming Saturday's show...my interpretation of a pattern from Reet's Rags to Stitches. Let me know if you like it!

A Quick Check-In

Okay, so it would seem that I have fallen off the face of the earth...not so!
I did, however, travel from California to Virginia to do a lovely little folk art show with my dear friend, Joan. It was a lovely way to spend a week of my life. I do so appreciate Joan and her dear spouse, DJ. They treat me with such love and kindness! Thank you to them.
On the last day of my visit I could feel it, yes, a cold, or something kin to it! So, off to the store I went and loaded up on preventatives. Luckily for me they headed it off - or so I thought! I forged ahead getting ready for the Annie's Star Quilt Guild show last weekend (my first venture into this new territory and boy, was I scared!) and by Saturday afternoon I was worn out and totally voiceless! Home I went and straight to bed. Sunday (I was alone in the booth until 1:30 or so) was interesting in that when folks learned I was without voice, they quietly tiptoed out of my booth, leaving me to heal, I guess! AUGH!
Well, it was a nice show and I was received, rejoiced and appreciated. Phew!
This week has found me back in my workroom creating for next week's show at the Honey Run Historical Covered Bridge (from 10-4 on Saturday, November 7). I am looking forward to spending a day in this bridge. I'll bet it has stories to tell as it was constructed in 1896!
The cold still lingers on, but each day is better than the day before and I am stitching away, wondering where the time goes and occasionally expressing my gratitude to David as he does whatever he can to help me get ready.
Thanks for reading, leaving your comments and supporting my creative madness!
Happy Halloween!

Ramblings of the Thread Kind

Oh my, oh my, oh my! What a weekend it was at Alden Lane Nursery in Livermore, CA. This show is just so magical - set in old oak trees in the nicest nursery I have ever been in. The quilts float in the gentle breeze, their colors marching proudly-it sends a tingle right down your spine-that's for certain! Be sure to come next year, as the guest artist is none other than Sue Nickles and the dates are September 25-26, 2010.
It was wonderful visiting with all the folks who stopped by and share their excitement over the joy of the day. Yes, it was a hot one, but better than cold, blowy and rainy! I did get to meet and talk with Jeff Krause, from The Round Top Collection out of Houston, Texas. He was there with his (TDF) metal creations for the garden. He even took several of my pieces home with him!!! I know...too exciting!
Well, it is time to come back to reality. My reality is...in two weeks I leave for Virginia to do the folkart show my dear friend Joan heads up twice a year. It is just the salve my heart needs and I return with my soul soothed and my spirit ready to soar fully again. Having said that I need to get my stitching fingers going again, because four days after I return from Virginia, I am part of the Annie Star Quilt Guild quilt show here in Chico! Oh my, oh, my, oh my!
Please leave me a comment and thank you for stopping by!

The Falling Leaves Drift by my Window

Here we are, wondering where has the summer gone? I did wonder on those days of 100 degrees (+) if summer would ever come to an end! It was official on Monday, last. The lifeguards were finished making certain no one broke any of the posted rules at the pool. Their summer job was no more. This caused me to reflect on the passing of one season into another.
There are already leaves gently cascading downward and finding their way into the flower beds. They are nestled in amongst the ripening tomatoes which still cling to the vines. Soon the leaves will cover the entire lawn, fill the gutters, perfume the air with the fragrance only a leaf in the fall has and make that noise that only leaves do as you walk through them.
Still, turning my attention toward pumpkins and (gasp!) Santas just eludes me. I have done a few autumnal things, but, for some reason I just do not want to give myself to the embrace of fall. The truth is I know once I acknowledge autumn is here, Christmas and all it's madness is not far behind.
This all feels new and unknown in our new town. We have been here now for two full months. As we were unpacking and determining what would go where, it seemed as if we would never be done. There are still a few unfinished things to attend to, but, for the most part, we are finished making our new home.
Now it is time to turn my attention to our fall show schedule and finding out where exactly did I put those display pieces and all the things I take on the road with me. On September 26 and 27, you will find us at Alden Lane Nursery in Livermore, California. This is the second year for us vending there. I am so looking forward to the beauty of that setting. We are in the exact same spot as last year - right next to the birds!
I hope they like the birds I am bringing this year. I have always enjoyed the symbol of birds and what they represent. They certainly are master architects! I have been blessed to stumble upon several nests. They grace a shelf in my studio and I find comfort and beauty in them.
The birds pictured above (will be at the show and for sale) are made from one of my patterns. I will have several new patterns available there for the first time. Six new patterns in all! Five are a series to make individually (each pattern has four sections!) or as a whole. You can even punch needle them in just a little bit of time. They make terrific gifts or just a little something to spiff up a hat, tote, lapel, or a package. You know me, I have lots of ideas for how to use things - but that is another whole blog!
So, until next time, I hope you are filling your life with things and experiences that mean something to your soul. Come see us in Livermore from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Thank you for spending time with me today. Be sure to bookmark and or subscribe to my blog so you can see just what I am up to!

Anyone seen a missing Muse?

Yes, it would seem my Muse has fled. Gone. Left no forwarding address. There have been others who have tried to tempt me, but they are all short-lived. They are each here for a few moments and then gone before the first stitch is taken, the first stamp inked, first words written.
I know she will return. When she does I shall embrace her with open heart and together we shall whirl, twirl, and dance our way into what will look like chaos, but is actually the remnants of creativity unleashed.
This is a pillow I did manage to get together, using a vintage piece of crochet work I found on the bottom of a heap some time back. It is stuffed with sawdust. Don't you just love the saying? The wings of the birds are stitched using both black and red together. I just love the effect that gives. I also used that same technique for the leaves and the branch. It provides subtle shading without using expensive designer thread. Let me know what you think of this little pillow.
Until I catch a glimpse of my Muse, I will fill my days with other things, knowing full well it will be for the best. Thank you for continuing to read!

I'd like to be an Artful Blogger!

Yes, that wonderful magazine by Somerset Studio found it's way into my hands just last Sunday. Mind you, this is not the first copy of that particular magazine I have treated myself to...I just became more aware that I could improve my blog...maybe! Whatever becomes of this desire I have I am in awe of the fabulous blogs out there.
What I do not comprehend is how do these artists have time to make such lovely blogs, tweet, mother (or father), cook, clean, garden, take lovely photos at dawn, often maintain a website, go grocery/yard sale/flea market/estate sale/thrift store/craft/quilt store shopping, maintain intimate friendships, take a class, walk the dog, workout, meditate, and oh, yes...CREATE ART to sell!
It takes me considerable time to even write the blog, find out where that photo went...I just took it and where did that particular photo folder go? I would like to indent my paragraphs-but haven't figured that one out yet! I'd also like to put the photo (after I finally locate it!) in the middle of my blog, but that one eludes me also!
I am a very visual person. That is how I learn best, by seeing something done. I decided to watch a blogger at work. I went to see the movie, "Julie and Julia". She had 52 followers after only two postings! Okay, so from time to time I suffer from "follower envy." All that aside it was truly a wonderful movie. Some day when I am all caught up, I'll watch it again!
I did sign up for (drum roll please) three shows this fall! The one I tried for in the Spring and it was full and I tried again...still full...until an hour later, someone had withdrawn, so I am in! I'll let you know the date, location and time closer to the actual show. The show I took a deep breath and went for is one I did last year. It is a lovely show and I am looking forward to returning there. It is in September and details will be forthcoming soon!
I have several new patterns I want to introduce for this show. Guess that means I'd better put my desire and determination to be featured in that Somerset Studio publication aside...just for a little while...and get to creating something to take with me to these upcoming shows!
Just in case you are wondering, the two photos at the beginning are 3" x 3" canvas collages I made this week.They would be perfect in a tiny spot where you need a bit of color or inspiration! Each one is painted, stamped using the tissue from a vintage sewing pattern in some places, elements added, and finally the entire thing is painted with beeswax! The sides are also stamped and the back has decorative paper that has been stamped and signed by the artist...oh, that is me! They are for sale on my Etsy store!
Thank you for reading and I look forward to your comments.

It's that time!

It is time for me to let you know my progress! As you can see, I am actually getting things put in place. The entire room is not yet done, but at least things are in the general area they are destined to be used and some have settled into their home. You can see how many little bitty things there are to put away and in a 25' truck...so, you do the math!
David has spent untold hours lugging boxes up, down, over, and back again. Fixing shelves to the wall and of course the floors are not real level, so, the storage units need a little "fortification" so they will not decide to travel. That is not to mention the refitting of an entertainment cabinet to house the computer, printer, television (a new addition to my studio - which is supposed to keep me working, longer hours!) and general "office" things. Sounds good, does it not? The little twinkle light installation was a challenge, but only in two corners of the room, which technically makes it only one half a challenge, right?
I am grateful and somewhat more motivated today as it is finally a (what I consider) more reasonable temperature...less than 80 degrees. It feels cool after the 100+ degree days we have been having for the past few weeks. Folks say it hasn't been too hot this summer. Hmmmmmmmmm...
We have been blessed with fresh peaches from several folks. Oh, they are good, good, good. We have a tomato or two on the vine. I go out every morning to visit them and give everyone a little drink to get them through the hot day. I have only lost two or three little plants which I moved and placed in the ground. Not too bad, all in all.
Tonight David and I attend the quilt guild meeting here in Chico. It is our first and I am so looking forward to seeing what this crowd of quilters is up to!
Well, it is time for me to continue the putting away process and then go for a lovely walk. See you soon! Remember to leave me a comment and tell your friends about me.

This is where I am...

Just a quick update...this is where I am...still a few more boxes to unpack. Not a whole lot is put away, with the exception of the rubber stamps! They were in several boxes, which I did manage to unearth at just the right time. The entire room is a puzzle, with pieces having to fit in at just the right sequence in order for the next thing to go where it needs to. Did I mention the room is smaller and a different shape? Oh, the good news is the computer, printer, and television are all in their cabinet. I got a television cabinet at a yard sale and David refitted it for the keyboard and computer. The bad news - I had to go buy a new keyboard because from last evening to this morning my "old" one decided to no longer work. The "gentleman" at Best Buy (my only real option) told me that a wired keyboard is ancient technology. Imagine that. Oh, well, it was bound to happen. With all the packing, moving, cleaning, painting and unpacking I have not had the energy (did I mention it has been over 100 degrees for the past week or more?) to take my daily walk - and additionally I've lost my walking partner. So, I have motivate myself and we all know that is often the most difficult part. The spirit is willing, the flesh, not so much! Enough of the excuses. It is off with my robust self, back to the boxes and then to the pavement! Thank you for reading. Leave me a comment so I don't feel so all alone in this new city!

...in the meantime...

...in the meantime, yes, I am finally in my new studio...there is nothing in it but me and my computer...but...in the meantime I have been having terrific inspiration and am trying to be patient until all my studio stuff arrives as well as all our earthly possessions...which are on a moving truck somewhere...so, in the meantime we are helping the fabulous folks with painting and general mayhem involved with the relocation process.
...in the meantime thank you for reading this and leave me some encouraging words, please, to let me know you are out there and have not forgotten about me! I thank you and hope to hear from you soon!

Like Frank said...

Yes, today reconfirms what I have known all along. Being true to yourself is the only way you (and those who are a part of your life) can live pleasantly!
I have tried many things and have been pretty good at them, but there has always been something missing. You know, looking someone in the eye as they talk about your work is not so easy because that is a little like they are seeing your heart, your very essence in that piece. YOU know what they are seeing is not the real you. If what you created is not comfortable in that core place then I believe it reflects outwardly. I guess you haven't really been true to thine own self, or have you? Perhaps we were true in the moment of creation. So, what we present is the truth of who we were then. The key is to know we are constantly evolving and what was true for a period will shift, move, and let us grow. Perhaps we needed that to take us from where we were to where we are going.
The passage of time makes this an easier task to release that which no longer fits or speaks to us. All this comes from filling boxes for our upcoming move. (I know...when will she be done with those boxes?) I realize the things I gathered to create pieces are no longer in true alignment with my heart's quest of expression to the world! (Are those windmills over there?)
It is time to release them. Some of those items I will list on my Etsy site once I arrive at our new home. There will be some fun things offered to you to use in your soul's adventure of creativity.
There are new mediums I wish to explore and skills to learn. They may become a large part of my creative outlet, or not. Meanwhile, I know, even more firmly, I must live true to what makes my heart beat wildly (like this beautiful quilt I bought at an auction in Wisconsin) and do it - my way!

What Comes Next?

Yes, that is the question of the day...what shall I do next? That is the trouble with too many choices. I find that to be so no matter what I am doing. I have created some of the best meals ever from using the odd bits from the pantry and freezer in ways I would have never thought, because I had too many other choices. Yes, the same with my studio. I have created some of my best pieces because I only had so much time in which to create. (Okay, no matter how I try, I guess I work best under a time crunch.)
The truth of the matter is I get overwhelmed and making a decision is just too difficult. I think there is a medical term for folks like me, but I don't want to label myself, then I'll become the label - for sure!
I have begun packing the studio even though I still have a few orders to fill. I know there are certain things I will not be using for those orders so they can lovingly be stowed away until we are reunited in Chico in the new studio setting. I am very excited by this new creative space. The house we will be in is charming and private, and the neighborhood is quiet. All ideal for just being with your soul's work.
Friends have begun inviting us for "one last evening" together. The days are beginning to roll along more rapidly and before you know it, moving day will be here.
So, here is a photo of some of the pins I finished up on the airplane (yes, I took it ON the plane!) as I headed toward Spring Green, Wisconsin for the Bag Lady Shop Hop. I made three styles of pins (some were hearts and some crows) so everyone who worked in the shop and rode the bus could have one (and no two were alike). You know, Mom always said it was good manners to have a little something for all your new friends to remember you by.
This brings me to the point of wondering what shall I do next today? Thanks for reading and remember to leave a comment so I know you were here and feel free to pass me on to others!

Opportunity vs. Obstacle

Life certainly does present some wonderful opportunities for us. This is a time when viewing change as an opportunity or obstacle comes into play for many of us. My opportunity is now coming as a time to rethink the things in my life as I prepare to move to a new home, community, and way of doing the day to day rituals of living. My obstacle comes in being fearful I will not have all the things (people and places) I have grown used to over the years. Then again, when I moved here from upstate New York I did not have any of those in place and here I am with an entire new horizon of opportunity to overcome the perceived obstacles!

Have you ever heard of Spring Green, Wisconsin? I had not until I was introduced to it by the artist, Stacy Nash. She is friends with a quilt shop in, yes, you guessed - Spring Green, Wisconsin! I visited the website of the shop and found out that they were awarded the honor of being named one of the top ten quilt stores in America! Upon further reading I also found out there are several others in the surrounding area that over the years have also received the same honor. Those shops decided to band together and offer an opportunity for individuals to get on a bus and visit each shop. I can only imagine the obstacles they had to overcome as they booked buses, reserved hotel rooms, made up roommate assignments, organized snacks and a hot meal for weary travelers - for starters!

I was one of those people who participated in this adventure! It was a wonderful time. I shared a room with a girl from the neighboring town where I grew up and as it turns out, she and her friends are friends with someone I lost contact with years ago and have not been able to find! Who would have thought that would/could happen?

The best part was, I must say, I had such joy in being surrounded by that which speaks volumes to my heart. The fabrics, the people, the countryside, the food, and the opportunites which presented themselves where endless! Bliss is just about the only word I can come up with to describe the entire adventure. I definitely was changed by what I experienced!

Yesterday was Mother's Day. My son (who drives long-distance truck) called early in the day and we had a terrific conversation. My daughter (who shares our home) her pug, Stella, and David (my sweet husband) and I took the short drive to Pacific Grove. If you have never been there, I hope some day you will be able. It is so beautiful there. The water is just unlike anywhere else in this area. You can take the road that winds from Pacific Grove to Asilomar and it goes directly along the coast. Mindy, Stella, and I chose to walk a portion. Well, it was divine. The breeze was blowing, but not too hard and the sun was out and the temperature was nearly perfect. It was such an incredible opportunity. Who would have thought that would happen and bring such a feeling of completness to my heart?

So, as I reflect, I did not sew a stitch last week, but recovered from my travels. I also prepared to embrace the coming opportunites of a move from a place I know well (and not at all) to a new place where I will overcome the fears and perceived obstacles as they present themselves. With that in mind, I'd better go see if I need more packing boxes and decide is I really need to move those jars I have been saving for buttons!

WOW!

You just never know when you will be hit by a WOW! I mean, you can suspect...but the real thrill is when the WOW! happens and you never saw it coming!
This week I celebrated my birthday and the entire week was full and wonderful and all I can say is, (you guessed it) WOW! I've never had an entire birthday week before...it was truly terrific. David took me to hear a gentleman by the name of David Wilcox. I had never heard of him, but what a fun, talented, and sweet man he is! The week concluded with a visit to the Seven Sisters Quilt Show in San Luis Obispo and a visit to the Remnants of the Past Antique Show in Nipomo Beach...just the best ever setting! Look them up and you will say, "WOW!"
Thank you for any and all of you who read this. I just opened my newest Somerset publication, Artful Blogging, and feel really inadequate, but challenged to do better. Of course, I feel challenged in a variety of areas, the least of which is...we are moving the end of June from beautiful central coast California to the opposite side of the state! That's right, Chico, California! We visited when David went for his job "interview" and it does seem like a wonderful place to be. But, the WOW! is I am currently amid a sea of boxes, paper, bubble wrap and, oh, did I mention, I am doing a show two weeks before we are set to move? WOW!
Given all this, I need to go to my favorite monthly yard sale and see what other things I "need" to take with me to Chico in a few short weeks! See you as I continue my WOW! journey! Please feel free to leave a comment.

"Catch Up" is not just for fries!

I know, it is a pretty bad title...but...after all this time you would be disappointed if I offered anything less! Oh, there is so much to share after all this time of not updating!

The PVQA quilt show in Watsonville, the last of February, was just wonderful. I got to share my latest creations, to include a new pattern, with all who came by to visit and shop. The quilts were beautiful and folks were ready to venture out again into the big new world which is being recreated for many of us.

After that show I traveled all the way across the country to a little town (or is it just a "spot?"), Wakefield, Virginia. That is where my folk artist friend, Joan, uses her paintbrush to create lovely "must-haves" for your home and life. She and a group of friends host a folk art show there twice a year. I was invited to bring my things and participate. I can only imagine what the inspector types thought if they opened my suitcase full of old looking stuff, wondering why I'd be paying to ship it to and from. I must confess this was probably the easiest travel I have ever been on. I often encounter more problems going from the couch, using the remote, and figuring out which snack I'll be enjoying with my latest dvd from Netfllx! By the way, the food on my trip was so very, very good I nearly came unglued several times! The entire adventure (and I used that word whole-heartedly!) was just what my soul needed. I returned feeling refreshed and ready to get ready for my next show...in just ten days!

I got to participate in a lovely show in Santa Clara, CA. What a terrific group of folks there. I have never been so "attended to" by a guild before! The entire experience was top drawer! I saw folks I've seen all over the state this past year. It was wonderful putting faces and places together. I even treated myself to a night at the local Hilton (my first-ever Hilton experience). Not having the long drive after Saturday's show and an easy commute (across the street) the following morning made for a relaxing time. We all know a relaxed vendor is a happy vendor! Which means when the show is over, packing it all up and going home to unpack and put it all away is a much easier task.

The morning following that show (we departed at 6:30 a.m.), David and I were on the road to Chico, CA. We drove up there for business. We had dinner, checked things out, visited the two (!) quilt stores in town and drove over to Paradise to see if it was as advertised. From what we saw, it is! More on Chico soon!

After being on the go, I realized I am very tired! I took several days to regroup...okay...regroup may just be a fancy word for laying around! Much to my horror awful things really had taken place in my studio between when I was in there working, getting things ready for the shows, doing the shows, and the day I walked all the way in (did you hear the sobs?) after the shows. Yes, it was all my fault and I really don't know how it happened. It is just like those pounds most of us encounter over the holidays. They just arrive...

Over the next few days I made several half-hearted attempts at putting things back where they belong and it was just too much for me to digest! Today, I am back at it. Only I can see the four square inches I've straightened. You see, there are layers. Yes. My mother would not be proud of me. In fact, I am pretty sure she would probably faint at first sight. The worst part of it is...I didn't set a very good example for my own daughter. But then again I have noticed her apartment is much cleaner than usual...perhaps it got her to thinking how she doesn't want to be like her mother! Reverse psychology...why didn't I think of this before?

Well, that is all the "catch up" for today because I just heard one of those piles shifting a little from the balance being disrupted. Like they say, there is no time like the present!

Hello, again! I am drenched - but not by rain - which has been a definite possibility (and very much needed) these past few weeks. No, I am drenched in bliss! Last weekend was the PVQA quilt guild's annual quilt show. This was the eighth year I have been a vendor for that show. Hard to believe! The show was well organized (as usual) and well attended. Folks were very appreciative of all the beautiful quilts on display. There were returning vendors and new ones which kept things very exciting. This was the first year I displayed my new line of Gypsy Threads patterns! This past year I developed seven patterns with as many more in the works. Just like any creative undertaking there is always a lot more work to produce the end product than you envisioned in the beginning! But, how are you going to grow if you stay in the same place? Grow is my intent! Speaking of growing I will be doing so on the opposite side of the country in just a few short days. I am really looking forward to taking myself and my work to Wakefield, Virginia for a show I do there with a group of folk artist friends. Then it is back and in nine short days a wonderful quilt show in Santa Clara. This is the first venture with this quilt guild for me. I have met several of the guild members and am looking forward to working with them. Come by and visit with me at any of the shows I am vending and let me know you read about it here on my blog.
I have fallen in love with a quilt shop in Spring Green, Wisconsin, called Country Sampler. Check out their website, www.sgcountrysampler.com You will see why I love it so!
So, drenched in the bliss of the affirmations received this past weekend I leave you and go on to get ready for my rapidly approaching departure time for the east coast!

News from the cave of the Lone Wolf

Why is it the things we think we love to do are often the most difficult? Not in the doing but in the way they fit in with the rest of the world. I recently found out I am not the only person who doesn't fit in like I thought EVERYONE else did. I often refer to myself as a Lone Wolf. I create alone. My spouse has a job which demands most of his time. And getting involved with anyone else's trials is just more than I care to absorb at this stage of my life. So, all this to say I am a Lone Wolf by choice.
One of my closest friends is currently having to move, due to the reality of the current economic situation and how the banks are willing (or not!) to work with individuals. Suddenly we are profit margins, not people who have worked hard all their lives trying to live the American Dream. As we worked boxing up the memories I notice what once seemed so important falls to the wayside. I even find myself not accepting things and saying "no" with no need to explain myself.
In addition to helping my friend leave her home, I am working with another friend who is having to close the doors to her business. Change, not just for pockets any more.
Someone recently asked me what my favorite movie is. I had to ask before I answered what category this movie would inhabit. I answered, "Bridges of Madison County." The next question I was asked was, "Why that movie?" Truth be told because of the line, "We are the choices we have made." I did not share that simple answer. Oh no. I went on at some length about the romance, passion, putting others before yourself and ultimate loyalty to those we have made a commitment to. But, when it comes down to it, the choices we make shape all the rest.
The question I ask myself is, "Am I choosing to do what I most want in life?" I'll let you know my answer soon. In the meantime, back to the cave!

Where to begin

Where to begin. Well, that is often the most difficult thing to figure out, isn't it? Most of us have so much in our lives that it often becomes so overwhelming we just do not know what to do to begin. One of the most profound things I have ever read was from a member of the New Thought movement, Dr. Ernest Holmes. He said, "Begin right where you are."
WOW! Where else can we begin? That is the most simple way of thinking of things, especially if we are practicing living in the Now. If our workspace is witness to the creative frenzy of the last project, well, that is in the past. In order to get to where we [think] are going, we have to begin understanding we cannot change what has already happened except to know we can make where we are better, just by beginning to envision what we want our Now to look like. (Do I get an award for the longest run-on sentence?)
One of my dearest friends in the entire world is a wonderful folk artist who lives across from me...on the opposite coast of the continent! I could go on forever how much she means to my heart. I don't get to see her as often as I would like. (duh!) I don't even talk to her as often as I'd like - but that is okay. When we do share the same time and space it is like we were together five minutes ago - except for the speed at which we are sharing! All this this to say that in March I get to travel to her side of the country with my suitcase full of my work. We will be joined by several other artists in a s-m-a-l-l town, where folks will arrive to visit and be tempted by the madness of our creativity. Such fun!
Before that even, is the local quilt show. I cannot believe it, but it is my eighth year of participating in this show! You are not going to believe this, but living where I am now (in the town) is the longest I've lived anywhere as an adult. Yep, it is true. Now you understand a little better my business name! Back to the upcoming event...which is such a lovely show. One of the best on the central coast of California. The guild does a terrific job of making it a true showcase of the local artists work. We are very blessed by the talented individuals who share themselves in such a variety of ways.
I will have a few new patterns to offer for sale at this next show. I am very excited to share them with you. I will even have some pictures to post and a couple of new things on Etsy this week!
With all that said, I'd better get started! Remember to leave a comment and tell a like-minded friend to check out the madness going on here! If you want any details as to where and when I'll be out and about just e-mail me and I'll be glad to share! Here I go...beginning...

Blockhead!

Yes, you read that correctly. I am a blockhead (to borrow that from Charlie Brown). Or rather my head is blocked. No, not by a winter cold (although I did have one of those and they always take me down!) but by the lack of thoughts of any significance.
I cannot believe it is the middle of the first month of the new year. I did finally get the Christmas decorations put away...all except that one thing I missed. That happens every year. I usually do not notice until a week or so later and there it is...generally right in front of me. I very carefully looked around, hoping to avoid that this year. Nope! Fortunately the containers were stored in a place where I could reach them.
Next is the final attempt at my workroom. I really looks like a war-torn village at this point. I have been chipping away at it. Only I can see the vast difference!
As I mentioned I have been blocked and when this happens I can generally shift that by looking through my favorite publications from Somerset. This time all I felt was overwhelmed by all I am not doing. The other place I love to go is to Anthropologie. Their store always amazes me. The displays are mind-blowing. At Christmas there was a dress form decked in a lovely sweater, top and billowing skirt and the skirt was continued into a long train...made of cedar shingles. Sounds odd, doesn't it? Thinking of wood as being flowing seems impossible. They somehow came up with the way to do just that very thing. It would be fascinating to be a fly on the wall at one of the brainstorming sessions for their displays. Okay, enough of my fantasy life!
After my final show in December I went to visit the doctor. I did not realize how awful I was feeling until I sat in her office and we talked about things. For one, my pelvis was out of alignment. (I know! Who ever heard of that?) Well, it was nearly a miracle how much better I felt after that. I don't know how one goes about keeping a straying pelvis in alignment, but my energy level is double what it was (I was at glacier speed before, now I am practically beyond tortoise!) and I want to keep it going toward, oh, giraffe. I went for that animal because they are graceful when they move, like it is no big deal!
As anyone who knows me is aware, I spent the past year doing a great deal of walking, for weight loss. I am amazed at the results and am about halfway to where I need to be. I am beginning the next phase and know I must accomplish this in order to have a vibrant life experience as I travel toward the "senior" part of my journey. I am doing some inner work as I prepare for this and I do believe that has something to do with the blockhead portion of my life. So, I am taking a deep breath, focusing on what is in front of me and visioning where I want to go. I am grateful for all I have. I am grateful for you. And, now, I am going on, around the "block"! Until next time we meet!