Morning Glory Studio

memos, mail, me ...14 august 2017

 

 I arose to a lovely sunrise today. I've hardly been to a Monday quilting gathering all summer - in fact, I think today's trip was my second since June. Didn't do any stitching...just chatted and got caught up with a few members. After the session, I stopped to take the  above photo and was heartened to see that Mother Nature was busy with bees and butterflies, gathering and spreading pollen. 

The mail - that which the US Postal Service delivers over the past week has been spotty, to say the least...but in my email box today was this: Artifact Uprising has a new iPhone app and will soon be offering a new photobook: Volumes. You can learn more here. I've been thinking about collating my Simply A Moment posts into a volume of some sort...this looks promising. I thought this might be a good repository for  them...

For some reason, my photos have stopped downloading from my iPhone to my Mac...and I just don't have the energy to deal with this tonight. Tomorrow...when I'm wide -eyed and bushy tailed...I'll give Apple a call.

I trust your day has also been filled with pleasant little surprises.

Cheers~

a page from my journal...

On Thursday, I joined several stitching friends for an afternoon of good food, good conversation and a bit of stitching. Several things I track in my journal: events of the day and a tracker of some of my dailies...some days I do them all and somedays, I don't...I recently started recording meals...some by photo and some by words. The photo below is of the lovely healthy and delicious food we had . Yummy...and I wish I could remember the dip we had for the veggies... I must ask Diane.

 

...and for fun, I share my pedicure. Do like the color!

We're being inundated with a thunderous rain and lightening , so I guess I'd better sign off before it's too late! Til tomorrow,

Cheers~

think write thursday | hello june ...

 

     (sunrise)           
                        

(sunset)

And what is so rare as a day in June? Then, if ever, come perfect days ~ James Russell Lowell

 

            June may be my favorite month or is in close competition with September. Today has been the best example of why, as illustrated by the two photos and the quote, my most absolute favorite - one I've  read every year, for decades. 

Today, I had a leisurely morning and spent the afternoon with friends, stitching, talking, relaxing. My crystal ball for the month promises more leisurely days characterized by long walks, good books to read and music to listen to, knitting and stitching and gatherings with friends and family to celebrate birthdays, Father's Day.. and gratitude that we are all alive and well. And, perhaps I'll throw in a storage room declutter...if I get 'roun to it. 

Joining in with Carole and Kat for ThinkWrite Thursday; do visit Carole's blog to see what others also have on tap for June. 

Cheers~

ten on tuesday | beautiful things ...

 

 

 tues 14 march 1:57 pm

so, the snow arrived - all 2-3 inches along with icy rain on top...as I pen this post, we're having another round of flurries, nothing major, just enough weather to slow down the day: Metro rail on an abbreviated schedule; area schools - including local universities and  doctor's appointments - as in mine, cancelled...my doctor's office was good enough to call me tho' to reschedule; local and federal workers on a start the workday delay , etc...I made chicken soup this morning so it's ready for an early supper and perhaps I'll mix up a bit o' cornbread (aka as Jiffy muffin mix) for the occasion.

this morning, because journal club was cancelled one Friday, we had our first makeup session - 30 minutes of "morning pages" or free write. Morning pages are the invention of Julia Cameron and one's supposed to write just  three pages, whatever comes to mind and eventually, discard. No rereading, editing, saving---just writing. I'm not sure what the payoff is tho' some people claim a major life turn around as a result...I always journal in the morning; periodically I will incorporate the practice of morning pages into my morning routine - as an add on, not a replacement and then, I get tired and drop it...

I've mentioned before that my morning routine also includes reading a daily reflection; currently I'm reading both Marianne Williams' A Year of Miracles and Mark Nepo's Book of Awakening. Not everyday does either or both  "fill my cup" so to speak so I've added a third: A Mindful Morning. Yesterday's prompt: notice ten beautiful things in 24 hours yielded this:

1. Silence of the morning, dark early;
2. Beauty of the tulips as they are fading yet still add color, joy and peace in contrast to the
3. Vibrancy of the bright yellow daffodills as they open to welcome the day and bring joy to my sights...
4. Sweetness of the last few drops of my first cuppa tea...
5. Spectacular sunrise with jet contrails in vivid technicolor...
6. Favorite lunch at Nordstrom; jazz playing in background.
7. Quilt group's weekly Monday meeting: butterfly fabric and Baltimore Album quilts in the making...NTS: make Marilyn a "card."
8. Values.com Monday quote: "Beauty is being the best  possible version of yourself." ~ Audrey Hepburn
9. Glass of wine with left-over shrimp salad dinnertime snack last night...
10. Today(Tues)  is my mother's birth date and were she alive, she would be standing at the window- her elbows folded on the sill, her chin resting in her hands - looking out  at the quiet beginning to nor'easter storm Stella---just snow, always pretty.

T'is a beautiful moment and a comforting memory.

 

for want of a ...

 

 

Wednesday 16 November   circa 4:15 pm

I say good bye to Norman and go to the garage to jump in the car to go pick up my friend Margaret. We're going to a 6:30 pm lecture at the Phillips Collection featuring the artist, Whitfield Lovell - whose works are currently on exhibit; I shared a bit about the exhibit  here.

Insert key and not nary a sound of an engine cranking on ...nothing... da nada...zilch. Totally unusual! So, I turn the key again and still nothing! What?! I turn on the headlamps - check! Press the horn  - check. Look at the interior roof light - check. All working tho' they seem to be a little dim. Hmmm; time's awastin so I go back inside to the house to get the key to the Benz...and to let Norman know what has happened. Of course, he has to investigate...same results.

I get in the Benz and he reminds me that the odometer and the speedometer (plus a few other important gauges on the dashboard) aren't working. The car, an 85 with only 59K miles,  had been in for a new transmission plus a few other things for a very.long.time. We think that a fuse or something blew and hadn't been replaced...I  promise not to speed and wave him goodbye. 

Despite the irritating start, Margaret and I arrived at The Phillips with time to spare. We thoroughly enjoyed Whitfield Lovell's lecture. And I was so thankful that car episode didn't ruin the evening...just provided a little "tension." 

 

Thursday 17 November   circa 11 am

Our auto insurance company's roadside assistance arrives and jumpstarts my car! In less than 30 seconds, the engine's running and the driver tells me to let the car run for 45 minutes... We decide to go buy a new battery instead and by noon, the battery's installed! Wahoo! The old battery was indeed old - six years in fact. I had no idea! I'd entertained the idea of just buying a new car - well, not really. We go home and decide to take the Benz to Norman's mechanic. He looks under the hood, goes inside and returns with a fuse; plops it in and voila, the speedometer, gas gauge etc are working.

We were quite delighted with how these minor irritations tuned out... It always amazes me how fast a non-functioning auty-mo-bile  (as my mother referred to them) can gum up the works.  We are grateful that our cars' problems were fixed quickly and easily. 

Peace in the kingdom after all.

Cheers~

I can sing a rainbow...

 

Today's CY365 photo prompt: capture a macro rainbow.

At 7 in the AM, even tho' sunrise has happened, rainbows in November are sparse. I looked around the table and spotted my Staedtler pens: Aha, a rainbow, so to speak… and then my mind began to ferret out other rainbows in my life:

I recalled a favorite children's song: “I Can Sing A Rainbow"that I love to see signed (this is signed in Auslan; the signs aren't ASL but the song's the same) …

I recalled "Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from the Wizard of Oz …

I recalled a sunrise, just last month and the rainbow contained within …

I recalled the story of the pot o' gold at the end of the rainbow… 

I recalled rainbow clothing from the Hippy generation …

I recalled rainbow jelly fabric rolls in quilting shops and even some that are among my stash …

I recalled the rainbow catcher languishing in my kitchen drawer and thought: I should hang it up in my sewing studio … it gets great morning sunlight and will be a treat, especially during the winter mornings**…

 

Rainbows are all around…what rainbows can you recall? Look for them in your day, today!

Cheers~

*For fun, check out this video take on the song by The Dells

**Not a rainbow but I see someone scraping frost off her car windshields! Eek! Winter's comin'!

 

 

in the past twenty-four hours, plus...

 

 

      I've had a busy and friend-filled twenty-four plus hours: Yesterday, my friend Pat and I took a friend (from Sisters OR) to  high tea. The food was not only filling but also, good! And it was just great to sit, chat and share. 

I left to arrive by 5 PM for Kayla's (my 14-years' old grandniece ) induction into the National Junior Honor Society. Hooray for you, Kayla! Carry on!

Today, Norman and I had lunch with friends who've recently relocated to this part of the country - from New Mexico. They both grew up in Maryland, so the area is no stranger to them…but they were in the southwest for nearly 20 years. I think I'd have a hard time making the transition but they have three adorable littles (grandchildren) in DC and Philadelphia so I totally understand the pull.

And speaking of littles, I couldn't resist this photo of the baby strollers parked outside a store for babies and kids; too fun. That's Norman's and Bruce's reflections in the store's window.

I'm  looking forward to a quiet weekend of reading, stitching, maybe a trip to Costco for those paper supplies and possibly some new deck furniture and plants…maybe.

Have a great weekend too!

Cheers~

 

10 Things I Did... Last Week

 

(mouse house at Blue Spruce B & B)

    Despite my best intentions, I was silent on this blog this past week . Not my plan but…so, today's Ten on Tuesday prompt is really right on target: 10 Things You Did Last Week.

1. On Saturday, April 18, I boarded a Southwest plane for a cross-country trip to Portland OR where I was met by my friend Linda who picked me up at the airport...
2. That evening, we attended an annual silent auction for the school formerly attended by her granddaughter. The theme was the '80s and nearly everyone dressed appropriately...
3. Sunday morning, we headed south to Sisters OR for our annual spring, week-long quilting class/workshop at the Stitchin' Post; this was our sixth year attending. After dropping off our supplies, sewing machine and claiming our space...
4. We headed to the Blue Spruce Bed & Breakfast, our lodging. Normally, we've rented a cottage  for the week but this year, we decided to try the Inn. Excellent choice! Each of our rooms was very spacious and included a spa bath! Plus a mouse house ---cute as a button and also very functional: serving also as a nightlight!...
5. Dinner time  - we went for h'ouvres d'ouvres and an early turn in, eager with anticipation for the next day to begin ...
6. Monday morning we were served with what was to become a daily routine for the next 6 days: a delicious breakfast consisting of a fruit/yogurt concoction; some type of egg dish with meat: sausage or bacon…and a freshly made bread. Every bite was yummy…and the table setting was different. Spoiled me but alas, I have no innkeeper Julie to call upon [sigh] ...
7. Our workshop was focused on color, texture and stitch and we explored the three as we made color palette boards, fabric covers for Moleskine journals, stamped and stenciled on fabrics, and had fun stitching and creating...
8. In between and after workshop sessions we ate and shopped, of course! And I spent way too much money, per usual  but hey! I only get to Oregon once a year!..
9. Evenings, we dined in the town's restaurants and had some excellent meals...
10. Sadly, the workshop ended Friday afternoon so bags were packed and tabs paid. And we prepared to leave the next morning after one more delicious breakfast at the B & B. Always sad to leave Sisters, we  chatted about the week and made plans to return, again, next year  and drove the three hours to Portland. That evening, joined by Linda's husband, we went to dinner at our favorite restaurant, Bar Avignon ---which, too has become a tradition of these trips.

I flew home Sunday…all day on a plane or in an airport. ..arriving in Baltimore about 9 pm. Arrived home about 10:30 pm, definitely worse for the wear but totally satisfied with my week. T'is always good to come home.

Cheers~

odds and ends and all good things...

Good AM. As I compose this post, I am standing up! Decided to give it a try yesterday and made the switch.  Probably a good thing because  I stressed my back- again - and standing is much easier. Having said that, I think I'll get a stool, too. As Mary suggested, a perch might be the perfect way to go; we'll see.

It's always a fun thing to sort through fabric; all sorts of good ideas and possible combinations abound.  In that stack (from yesterday's post), I found a great piece - perfect for including in one of my Flower Garden blocks. I thought. So I set it aside. And speaking of the flower garden: I am better than half-way done with the 24 blocks. Think I have 9 (out of 24) yet to do. They are going fast because a) the flowers are bigger and b) I am stitching faster ( and with more confidence in my applique stitching). This is a project that I do enjoy.

Here are a couple blocks recently completed; I'm trying to figure out a way to showcase more in a single photo.

 

 

I like this one for the brightness and the zig-zag fabric. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This block has my most favorite colors - all shades of yellow and a little pink thrown in.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

It's always good to end on a positive note, so I share this great news: Baby boy Chris is doing very well. He was in the NICU for about a day and a half and then graduated to a less intensive care unit. His little lungs are getting stronger, he eats well and his vital signs are great. It looks like he'll be able to go home early next week. For this we are so appreciative. My niece is discharged today; I know leaving him is tough but she's showing remarkable strength and composure. I think that it's easier because he's doing so well and she knows he's in very capable and caring hands. 

 

Here's wishing all a great weekend!

 

Cheers~

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

meet koumba and animata...

Aren't they adorable? Koumba is mine and Animata, Linda's - my Oregon friend. Ginny (another friend) brought them to our week-long quilting retreat. Ginny belongs to a group of ten Monterey CA peninsula women who call themselves artiZana. They make these little dolls to support this charitable organization, Schools 3.

Each doll is dressed with Mali fabric, handcrafted, unique and has a charm that says made with love. If you'd like to purchase a doll or need more information , let me know. 

Have a great weekend!

Cheers~