a friday finish …

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thankful for today’s temperature cool down, especially after yesterday’s 98°+ high …

gathering my thoughts, to do items, ideas, etc  written on any available piece of paper over the summer, trying to make sense, rhyme, reason of them, with them, from me for me. I am not a lister, I am a jotter-downer. The problem I experience: disorganization and a lot of duplication… a habit I am working on breaking. A couple years ago I discovered:  interstitial journaling. Sort of a running time log/list of things done, to do and ideas and information coming one’s way. I have toyed with it from time to time. I think I’ll give it another go-round over the rest of the month and see what I learn, how I do. Perhaps it’ll be the key to creating the new habit…

intrigued by the idea of a new beginning…every day … looking forward to summer’s

farewell and autumn’s arrival in just ten days.

Have a pleasant weekend.

Cheers~

 

 

 

unraveled wednesday | 9.11.19 …

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memories of  9/11/2001 – that fateful day and following weeks, 18 years ago, are still vivid in my mind and probably exacerbated by the the fact that I live in the Nation’s capital … I need not say more. I caught a bit of an interview with a woman whose husband was a New York firefighter. She and her children – now grown – have put their lives back together and I so appreciate their strength.

my days, thus far, this week have been quite full:

monday, our quilting association reconvened for the start of another year. I didn’t go to any meetings over the summer but I did reappear Monday. I am glad I did for on display, during the show and tell was a lovely quilt made by a member…I do not need another quilt pattern to add to my someday/maybe ever growing never getting smaller list of projects… but I have an idea that I want to try so I’m going to get the pattern and play… After the meeting, I went grocery shopping for on:

tuesday, I hosted our Recent Reads group. We missed the July gathering – yep! we were all looking forward to our September reunion. Our discussions and sharing of books we each had recently read was lively. Three of us have read Where the Crawdads Sing and agreed that it is beautifully written…we decided to say no more until our 4th reader has read the book. We meet again in November.  I added to my TBR list A Gentleman in Moscow. A friend had shared the book with me several years ago and it somehow fell off my radar so I thought I’d give it a try, finally. The third (top) title is new…the author teaches memoir writing and this is her memoir; I’ve not begun reading the book, yet – hoping tonight!

wednesday, today, I ran errands: credit union; post office to mail city taxes due this week and appointments with my eye doctor and physician to have forms completed  – some of the requirements re: the “Real ID”  driver’s license renewal process. Not on my agenda but on my physician’s: flu and pneumonia shots for me – one in each arm. So far, neither has been painful.

I have run out of steam  – unraveled?– all week and was determined today to post… Joining Kat and friends for another round.

Cheers~

 

 

tgif | 9.6.19 …

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Chris practicing walking…

thinking: I’m a tad bummed that I missed a special encore showing of Downton Abbey, Series 1  – not only last night but also this afternoon! Q: Why? How? You might wonder… A: 1 – I didn’t check my calendar tho’ I’d written the program in and more importantly, 2 – Habit! We usually watch TV starting at 7 PM with evening news and I settled in, perfectly comfortable with the routine, totally forgetting about Downton Abby, which began at 8 pm.

grateful: Sunday, there is a repeat performance; fingers crossed I will get a chance to see. I wrote myself a big note and left it sitting on the coffee table where it can be prominently seen! I am also grateful for today’s temperature; it feels just like a Fall day!  And we slept with the windows open last night!

inspired: Kelly Rae Roberts is an artist who lives in Sisters OR. This month, she offered a new online adventure: monthly Art Dates With Kelly Rae . I love it! She is truly genuine and natural, friendly, welcoming, and encouraging. Plus, I get to see some of Sisters, my favorite place on earth! It’s the next best thing to being there.

fun: this evening, I’m joining an online session of scrapbookers from around the globe  – we generally meet 2-3 times a month, each in our individual home spaces, working on our stories and layouts. Not sure what I’ll do tonight – tho’ for sure, something featuring the boys.

Have a great weekend,

Cheers~

 

unraveled wednesday | 9.4.19 …

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The holiday weekend ushered in a finish with the pink yarn block of the log cabin lap robe and introduction of the green; the last color will be the blue, also shown…and then ?  That’s to be determined.

I seem to be at a crossroads with whatever I pick up to read these days. I’ve a pile of books in various stages – but nothing’s truly grabbed me … so I dip into this, that, an oldie tho’ not necessarily a goodie, etc. I’m hosting our bi-monthly recent reads gathering next Tues; guess it would be good if the hostess had a title or two to share… Hmm, I wonder what it will be ‽

Yesterday was Chris’ first day of school – he’s now a full fledged kindergartner. Chris wanted to take the school bus last year but mom said when he was in kindergarten; the day finally arrived. Drum roll please, he was promoted to junior safety guard (whatever that is!).  The photo below was taken when Chris arrived home. Elias was delighted when the school bus brought Chris home – he missed his big brother, a lot!

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Joining Kat and friends for another week of unraveled wednesday.

Cheers~

weekending labor day style | 2019 …

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Thursday had to be the perfect- it’s – almost-Fall day. The Thursday  Stitchers had lunch outside and just enjoyed the weather! Brunch:  margherita pizza and fresh watermelon. Yum!

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I have an idea for rearranging the living room. Friday morning I went to IKEA to see if there are any furniture pieces – as in bookshelves and tables – that might fit the bill. I arrived early for their Swedish American breakfast (the restaurant opens 30 minutes before the showrooms). Seated at the window, I  looked up and saw a flock of Canadien Geese, yes – heading south. By the time I got my iPhone on, I was just able to catch the formation – upper left corner…

IMG_9735Saturday was the Library of Congress’  National Book Festival, held in the Washington Convention Center. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg was the star attraction – more than 4000 people were in the audience for her segment – some having arrived at 4 a.m to get in line. I opted to watch on TV – at home; best seat in the house. A quick google search will pull up the program, broadcast on C-span2/Book TV, if you want to see it. Later that morning,  I ran errands, finding myself away the balance of the afternoon. T’was a pleasant outing.

IMG_9740Sunday! Welcome September, Fall (meteorological)  and the September prompt  from Ali Edwards for one’s One Little Word. We spent the day relaxing – tho’ I did take a brisk walk. Otherwise, Norman watched TV;  I set up September calendar and plans.

IMG_9749Today, Monday! Labor Day! No work done around here. I toyed with the idea of cleaning out the refrigerator and mopping the kitchen floor but opted instead to take a leisurely walk to the coffee shop and treat myself to an iced caramel  almond milk decaf latté.

And that’s the way it was this Labor Day weekend… a wonderful way to greet the new season! What was the highlight of your weekend?

Cheers~

 

unraveled wednesday |8.28.19 …

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I am ready to begin the 8th square on my log cabin quilt… when it’s done, I will have one more square to knit and then, start the process all over again!

I spent the most of this morning looking for needlepoint yarn for a tiny angel canvas I started centuries ago ! I didn’t find the color yarn I wanted but I did find a whole bunch of other angel canvases to needlepoint…who knows how long they’ve been in the queue?

Both audible and print TBRs continue to grow… everyday, I read a few more chapters in most. When I logged on to write this post, a notice from the public library in email:  a reserve is in…so, I’m out the door for my walk and to pick it up.

Joining Kat and friends for another Unraveled Wednesday!

Cheers~

olw: habit| 8.27.19 …

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Google’s definition of habit: “a settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up”  – to which I add: especially one that is hard to create and sustain … ’cause as Robert Burns says (and I frequently quote) :

“The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men / Gang aft agley“

This day, I planned to focus my time and energy – before 12 noon – on these things:

  • post office – to mail 2 packages ~ accomplished …
  • write today’s blog post ~ it is now 3:30 pm and in process …
  • stitch on something: don’t just walk into my sewing studio, fondle the fabric or fiddle with a project and then leave ~ hah! I’ve walked past the open door dozens of times but not gone in…so, I guess that counts for somewhat accomplished? 

There are still 4 items on my agenda and the clock steadily ticks… I think I’ll go for a walk and return to my agenda with a clear head, new perspective and hopefully renewed energy.

In case you’re wondering what happened today: I tried to sign up for a new online class and couldn’t log into my account to process the registration. I finally wound up having to create another account.

Joining Juliann and friends for another One Little Word (olw) update!

Cheers~

weekending| 8.26.19 …

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The weekend was filled with two activities I most enjoy:

  1. spending time with friends
  2. stitching

Friday

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On Fri (8.23.19), three friends and I went to Baltimore (I drove) to see a photographic exhibit of the Women of Gee’s Bend, Alabama. The women are African American quilters who gained national attention in the early 2000s. The exhibit,  displayed at the Reginald F. Lewis African American Museum of Art, features the photography of a reknown Baltimore photographer, Linda Day Clark, .

In 2002, the New York Times sent Day Clark to Gee’s Bend to photograph the quilters @home. Gee’s Bend is one of the poorest areas in the US. This current exhibition includes portraits of some of the quilters, their families and everyday life – as well as a display of four quilts (two shown above) owned by Linda Day Clark that have never been displayed before. They are exquisite!

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my first Gee’s Bend inspired quilt, 2009 ~ signed by the Gee’s Bend Quilters

     I first encountered the Gee’s Bend Quilters in 2009, on my maiden trip to Sisters Oregon. My friend Pat and I traveled there to take classes, especially a workshop taught by them. T’is an experience that has become one of our fondest memories. We returned again for a second  workshop in 2011.

Seeing the photos of the women we met, their home life, family (including grand children – and the quilts) was a back to the future experience. I have had all sorts of brainstorms and inspirations about how I plan to proceed and in particular, finish the quilt I began in 2017 – my latest trip to Sister. It will tie in beautifully. Sometimes I guess one just has to wait for the Universe to converge. Stay tuned…

Sunday

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Sunday was our monthly Friendstitch gathering, replete with a delicious spread! And the yummiest of desserts: lemon flavored cake and cookies!

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Margaret’s needlepointing a cute canvas featuring a dog suggesting a walk? Theresa’s knitting a baby sweater; Michelle, needlepointing a holiday piece (Christmas is 4 months away, just sayin’) and Pat is doing a cross stitch… I think she did all of the spool of thread. I played around with weaving and knitting.

Too soon the afternoon ended and we packed up til our Sept gathering.

T’was a lovely weekend and I’m so grateful to have spent it among and with friends!

Cheers~

unraveled wednesday | 8.21.19 …

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My morning intentions were simple : take advantage of cooler temperatures and treat myself to an early walk and sit-out on the avenue @ Zeke’s. I gathered my stuff:  my journal + pen/s; iPad + iPhone; money; the book in the photo; and off I went. T’was still cool; that was good. About 4 blocks from home, I realized I’d left the plug outlet for my iTools…oops, I might need! I turned around, went back home to retrieve the plug and found a package at the front door – but not for me (for Norman). 

Off I went, again and finally arrived at Zeke’s – about a 1.5 mile walk. Ordered coffee and sat at an outside table, ready to take in the sights and resume MSQT. T’wasn’t to be. A woman sat at the table next to me – she was waiting for a bus to take her downtown. We struck up a conversation and maybe 6 buses later, she decided to continue her journey.

By then, my coffee cup was empty and I was ready to make the return trip home. I went inside Zeke’s to get some water for the journey and ran into a former neighbor; we chatted a bit and went our separate ways. On my way home, I ran into another friend and we walked about a half block together, parting company at the library. I meandered through the park, eventually arrived home, ready for a shower. Sadly, the heat and humidity had returned.

After my shower – not sure the time, I did a couple loads of laundry and went upstairs to write this blog post. But first, I checked email and you probably know what happened… I got caught up in the email …

It is now 5:20 pm. Laundry done; responses to email; a couple friends’ blog posts read and comments made – Welcome Home Mary! And finally, this post written and soon to be published.

Joining Kat and friends for their tales of unraveling; do take a look.

Cheers~