Morning Glory Studio

taking it slowly ...

 

 

(photo taken 9.13.18 @ 7:34 pm. clearly another candidate for a "shades of trees" quilt...someday)

 

Too often, I unknowingly, unwittingly, unintentionally, oversubscribe. Unlike the energizer bunny, my batteries have completely run down. I spent a lotta time this past week driving long distances, in rain! I'm tired and have no one but myself to hold responsible. I am so very much looking forward to a slower, more measured pace over, for and during these next 6 days. I have nowhere to go, no one to see, nothing I must do. I can pretty much be. T'is almost like a new lease on life...

Sometimes, one just has to step away from the hustle and bustle of life, whether it is every day or once in a while. Take and or make moments to:

• pause,
• say "Time Out,"
• refresh, relax, rejuvenate.

And that's just what I intend to do.  I am looking forward to a very relaxing week; it's already begun. I invite you to join me. Have a fantastic weekend!

Cheers~

time thieves redux ...

 

 

 

... or the saga of lost keys   

Over the past few days, Hurricane Florence has given us a preview of possible weather to come: lotsa rain. Yesterday, as I arrived home and started to unload my car, it was raining. Stuff in hand, I stood at the front door, rifling through my jacket and bag for my  house key. Not there!

Returned to the car: Not there!  "Hmmm, that's curious," I thought.

Rang the doorbell; thankfully, Norman was home. We unloaded the car and once in the house, out of the rain, I looked very carefully and methodically through every bag, basket, carry-all I'd taken to the quilting class...all to no avail.

• I rechecked the pockets of my jeans, shirt, jacket. Da Nada.
• I called the community center where the class was held... Zilch!
• I texted my friend to see if the keys had somehow gotten mixed up with her stuff... we'd shared a table. "Sorry ~ no! "
• Later that evening, talking to my sister, I shared my sad tale of woe; she advised that I search very carefully the area between the front seats and the console. I said I had but I'd give it another look/see in the morning. 

All options exhausted, I resigned myself to having new keys made and contacting our security company re: a new alarm key fob.  That would be today's agenda item after Norman's 10 AM doctor's appointment. On the way home, before we drove out of the parking lot,  I took another very.careful.look for the keys in the area surrounding the front seat and the console.

VOILA! WAHOO! There they were! WHEW! I was beyond ecstatic. I texted my sister; she credits herself. I credit the "found keys" to the Time Thieves. You can read more about them in this post . So, clearly there is a lesson: Keep car and house keys on the same ring. I think I may just get one of those key strap lariats that were popular in the 80s-90s; they're probably harder to misplace...

Needless to say, I am now looking forward to continuing the making of my quilt. Watch this space!

Cheers~

learning something new everyday | sept 2018...

 

7 september sunrise ~ 6:29 am 

 

Since 2008, I've participated in Shimelle's Learn Something New Everyday  annual September event. The process is simple: document one thing one learns each day in September: 

• 1 Sept:  I have a long list of ideas and possibilities on my September "groaning board" menu...I always do!  Why change?
• 2 Sept:  We had a lot of fun playing Monopoly during our family gathering... it brought lots of memories back and it was great to be unplugged! We should play games more often.
• 3 Sept:  Often times new learning results from unlearning one way and paying attention to what you are doing. Duh!
• 4 Sept:   A pair of sandals I sometimes wear 'often cause foot cramps;  past due time to stop wearing and to donate. Duh!
• 5 Sept: I thoroughly enjoy Morning Solitude & Quiet Time (MSQT) and I will always begin my day with it...even if I have to awaken at 4 AM in order to spend at least 1-2 hours so engaged!
• 6 Sept: I am wanting to read and write, to retreat  from the busyness of days. 

And even though today isn't over, I thought I'd share today's lesson, thus far:

• 7 Sept: I've always embraced September as my favorite month of the year; going back to school = a new plaid dress; new shoes - oxfords that my dad would give the ol' army shine -  and a new book bag/satchel.  Tho' it's been decades since I've been to school, making a September fresh start or restart still remains#1  on my list. My calendar is filled with quilt workshops; a major project; stitching gatherings with friends; the resumption of Journal Club; and I hope, the firmly established new routine to the busyness of my days. The lesson I'm constantly learning: if it is to be, it is up to me!

It is time now for me to begin preparations for the quilting class that begins Sunday afternoon and ends 4 PM Monday. Have a great weekend.

Cheers~

Work in progress...take 1

"I begin with an idea and then it becomes something else." ~ Picasso

   Earlier this week, I posted the first exercise of my class. Today's photo is the mock-up, in fabric , of the piece...in progress. In this photo, the rectangular blocks are just pinned onto the background. Eventually, I will "piece" them in - that is, insert them into the background fabric. And then, add either black cording around the perimeter of the individual blocks or a moss green variegated #8 Perle cotton ...I am leaning toward the Perle cotton. One of the challenges I've had was to add green - not a fave.color in my palette...but as I sit here, looking at the view outside and at my PiP (project in progress ), I can "live with the green."

Clearly, the "in process" of the final piece only has a slight resemblance to my paper beginnings ... but  I'm liking it, so far.

To be continued... 

Cheers~

lessons from this day...

 

 

As I have for the past eleven years, I am again participating in Learn Something New Everyday, a daily online journaling event sponsored by Shimelle Laine...Over the years, I have approached this September month long activity in a variety of ways, ranging from creating Artist Trading Cards to straight journaling documentation to daily blog posts of the lessons I learned. This year, I've been making notes and capturing my thoughts on 4 x 6 plain index cards...I will transfer all to a Traveler's Notebook at month's end.

Each year, of course, the lessons learned are different even though the daily journaling prompt may be the same or slightly different. And I think that's the beauty of a daily lesson: even tho' on the surface one day may seem to be the same as the previous, no two days are ever identical...unless you are watching Groundhog Day, I guess...

Perhaps you have detected that my blog posts this month are following the alphabet: Sept 1 - art; Sept 2 -books; Sept 3 - collect; etc... There is a method to this madness: my attempt to focus in on the stories of my life using a more organized approach...is it working? I don't know for sure: some days yes, others, perhaps...

So, here's a brief list of some of the things I've learned, so far on this 12 Sept 2017:

1. I really like Lynda Barry ( creator of the Six Minute Diary that I sometimes use as a blog post.) I am enjoying her assignments  to her Univ of Wisconsin @ Madison students and sharing of them here on Tumblr;
2. I watched with interest today's Apple iPhone and iWatch reveal. I like the new watch and have let Norman and my nieces know that I have a big birthday coming up in a couple months, hint, hint.
3. Speaking of birthdays, I had to laugh out loud reading a text from my niece Christian to her grandmother and me. Christian thought her grandmother's and my "big" birthdays were two years away...and she was planning a surprise party for us both. She guessed she needed to go back to the drawing board. Her grandmother wrote: "You think?!"
4. Nordstrom has a new concept store, as revealed here. I love the idea - it's an expansion of their Personal Shopper service... I hope the idea works out 'cause I don't like shopping for clothes; I'd love to give it a try... 
5. I have too much stuff and it's not bringing me joy. When I come back from my trip: A major purge, long overdue - top of the agenda!

What did you learn today?

Cheers~

PS. Learn Something New is the tag for previous posts...

 

FriendStitchin' Sunday & LSNED* 2016 ...

 

       

 FriendStitchin' Sunday      

    Last Sunday was our monthly Friendstitch gathering; t'was good to have my friend Pat back from her month-long July study program in Nebraska. She'd missed two of our Baltimore Album Quilt classes so she's been playing catch up with her blocks...I think she's made considerable progress (bottom left photo) especially compared to me: I hit a slight brick wall with the block I'm currently working on so I set it aside and returned to my Flower Garden borders (top photo) ...the photo shows the bottom border in progress stretched out on the bed -  the quilted bedspread is not quite the best background ... 

For the past year plus Pat and her daughter Margaret have been making a delightful Sue Spargo wool quilt (bottom right), embroidered with all sorts of fun animals found in South Africa - Sue's native country. The quilt has been a labor of love (much like Pat's and my Crimson Tweed wall quilts we each stitched several years ago!)  - and they are beginning to see daylight!

Theresa, the consummate knitter (middle photo) among us is as busy as ever:  one for you and one for me...

LSNED* 2016 

    It is September and since 2007, I've participated in LSNED - Learn Something New Every Day: a month-long series of daily journaling prompts designed to encourage participants to stop and contemplate each day's lessons learned.  I'm not sure if this year's prompts are repeats from last year, or if they will be different...and of course, one doesn't have to stick to the prompt - what's most important: the learning journey.

Last year I shared my dailies, usually grouping  3-4 days' lessons in one post. I'm thinking I'll continue that practice, starting with a Monday 5 September post... To read what I learned last year, you can start here ... I think, upon rereading, I may be repeating some lessons - just sayin'.  To be continued...

Enjoy the weekend and I hope if you're on the east coast of the States, it's not too soggy...

Cheers~

 

LSNED* | September 28 - 30 ...

  

 

(early signs of fall's colors)

Monday 28 September: Today, we were encouraged to take a status check on our LSNED 2015 journey. My blog's September calendar tells it all: I began with daily posts and then decided to do several days at a time. I liked that format better. In addition to the blog, I've kept a daily written journal and also, written other lessons learned  in my planner/s. All of these are steps I am seriously thinking about continuing, perhaps giving  a slightly different twist as I work my way through October, November and December. Lesson Learned: When you're learning and  having fun (generally), my how the time flies!  

Tuesday 29 September: As I've shared before, since Jan 1 of this year, I've written a daily response to Patti Digh's Your Daily Rock. On several occasions this month, the Daily Rock and LSNED have had very similar themes; today was one of those days:

ROCK: "Sit the hell  down and write!"  (or paste or stitch or try a layered template technique in Photoshop Elements - see my 9/29/2015 Ten on Tuesday post)… and notice when I'm distracted by whatever and then, stay at my task and strengthen my practice.

LSNED: Why do I  create? What joys do I derive from telling/chronicling my story, from my daily  journaling & learnings? I created a T-square list of my two major creative endeavors and  at the top of each, I wrote: "envisioning a finished outcome - not only a product but also, identifying the pieces, elements and parts that contribute to the whole and  my overall learning. Lesson Learned: Everyday brings a myriad of learning opportunities; a time to strengthen and call upon those brain synapses. That brings me joy and gratitude.

 

I share this photo of the shadow of a grand old Learning Tree to close out the month: The building is a church where my mother tutored elementary school aged-children in an after-school program. One of the children she worked with lost her life on 9/11; she was on the plane  that crashed into the Pentagon. 

Wednesday 30 September: As I write this, my month-long sharing of my  learning journey focus is just about over…but the learning continues. I especially want to thank you for joining me… and sharing your own learning adventures this month. Believe me, each will be woven into my learning fabric, too! Lesson learned: It's always learning time and we all learn from one another.

I'm looking forward to October. Lots of goodness on my agenda. And yours? Can you believe there are 92 days til Jan 1, 2016?

Cheers~

ten on tuesday | Instant learning ...

 

 

         Today's Ten on Tuesday prompt: 10 things I wish I could learn instantly. "Ha! Only 10!" I thought and started to write...and got stumped. Guess where? Right! At #1. So, I toyed a bit and then, the light bulb illuminated and I came up with these: 

1. Crochet: I have attempted several times, to no avail. But, I plan to try again 'cause I've a book on order that has a cute pillow pattern with a crochet ruffle. We'll see...
2. Spin: A couple years ago, I saw a spinning demonstration and I was really intrigued with the wheel. Great way to get some exercise, I thought plus make fabric…but I discarded the notion as I already had too much on my plate...
3. Weave: My mother was a weaver; she started teaching herself to weave with popsicle sticks and tree limbs. She was about 71. She next began using an inkle loom and finally, the rigid heddle. I am keeping this on my list, just because...
4. Embroider and other Creative Stitches: I am sure at different points in my childhood, I learned a lot of different stitches…but years and years of non-use means I've lost the memory…so, I'm re-learning, some old stitches and some new ones…
5. Type: When I was 16, I was all signed up for typing lessons in summer school; unfortunately, I had emergency surgery ( breast biopsy) right at the beginning of the summer break. The good news: the lump was benign. The bad news: I had so many other things on my agenda - my life was full -  that I never did take a typing class. QWERTY is not a part of my lexicon; more like hunt -n-peck - and it works OK for me, especially after all these years...
6. Parlez Français: I took French in high school and possibly college (don't really remember) but I know only so many phrases; my sister is much more fluent. I remember when I was in Italy my French really came back…but that was then...
7. Shooting photos with a DSLR camera: A couple weeks ago,  I borrowed my sister's to try it…and that's just about as far as I've gotten...
8. Photoshop Elements: I'd like to be able to open the program and instantly do the very, very basic things like add text to photos, work with layered templates, etc…I can do this but I use the program so infrequently that I kinda-haveta reacquaint myself...
9. Draw my Face: From time to time, I  take a stab at drawing a self-portrait. I don't like! Either I look like what I draw or I have a totally different vision of what I do look like...
10. Free-Motion  and/or Long Arm Quilting: I toy with the former and think - not too frequently - about learning the latter. Perhaps one day...

The best thing about these lists is none is insurmountable to learn; perhaps I'll add some as 2016 projects...

What's on your list? And thanks to Carole for another very timely and fun prompt. Visit her site for more. 

Cheers~

 PS. The above photo is one of my mother's practice pieces. She often would find a book or pamphlet and go about practicing the techniques. I found these items after she died and gathered the tools in the tin bucket. The word art: Michaelangelo's famous quote: I am still learning...

LSNED* | September 24 - 27 ...

 

Thursday 24 September:  Today's prompt included  creating a list of "things that have changed" now that we're officially into autumn. The weather turned decidedly cooler this AM, so I dressed accordingly: heavier robe and socks for my feet. Other changes: A later sunrise and earlier sunset; afternoon shadows are getting longer. Both today's sunrise and sunset were stunning. And though for many, the daily pace is beginning to pick up, on this day,  my get-up-and go got-up and went. Perhaps it was the cooler weather ~ but whatever, I just enjoyed my day-cation. Lesson learned: Some days, one is best off just living in each moment.  

Friday 25 September: Since July, I have been experimenting with my GetToWorkBook planner; I'm not comfortable with the vertical day format - basically because I'm not really a lister. I write notes and jot down thoughts; make mind-maps. So,  I've decided to dedicate the planner to documenting and managing my CHRONICLE and STITCHING projects…I will use another planner format for daily appointments, tasks, etc  and continue writing daily journaling in a separate journal. Lesson learned: Do what works for me!

Saturday 26 September: I've been promising myself that a) I was going to read this book by Maya Angelou - don't know how I missed it and b) I'd read the audio version. So, I went to my library's online audio books section, found the title, downloaded the OverDrive app (not needed tho') and borrowed the book. I  started reading it on my walk yesterday and it is delightful, especially so because Maya Angelou is the reader as well as the writer! A definite plus on all counts. In a way, I regret that it took me so long to read this book; no special reason, just hadn't gotten roun'tuit. Lesson learned: Don't put off til tomorrow... 

(as a point of reference, this is what the finished Flower Garden quilt will look like … except I'm changing the top and bottom borders)  

 Sunday 27 September: Norman's son visited and they spent the afternoon flipping between baseball and football games plus discussing and solving all the world's problems…of course! I spent the afternoon in my sewing studio: I'm starting on the second 91 inches border - the one on the right - so I chose fabrics for the first 3 of 13 flowers. In addition to them, I've  24 leaves and 23 circles to stitch on the borders plus the top and bottom borders  to do. And - drum roll please: 1,139 one-inch (finished) squares to make as sashing between the blocks and borders…or, I can opt to use a single print fabric and cut a total of 31, 1.5 inches-wide strips  of varying lengths for the borders and sashing. Guess which I intend to do, ahem… Lesson learned: Like the Little Engine That Could, staying with a project  - 2 years and counting - means that eventually, someday, it will be finished! 

 Stitching on, I bid you a great beginning to the best week, yet, of your life! 

Cheers~

LSNED* | September 16 - 23 ...

 (A giant old elm tree on the grounds of the library)

Thursday, September 17: For ten years, my friend Kathy and I, together, trained new library staff. Since I retired in 2010, we don't get to see one another often enough. Thursday was different. We met at our favorite place, sat in our same spots where we'd sat over the years and thoroughly enjoyed the all-too-fleeting time. Lesson learned: Friendship is indeed golden.

Friday, September 18: A gorgeous day! I ran across these flowers on my walk.  Lesson learned: Everyday has beauty, if we just pause to look.

 Saturday, September 19: This Saturday was quite different from last week's. I spent a goodly portion of the afternoon ironing fabrics for my Baltimore Album quilt; participating in an online event and playing If/Only with my friend Pat. I've had some irritating problems with package delivery over the past couple days;  Saturday was one of those days. The non-delivery of the priority mail package began Friday. Sparing the details, the good news is the deliver-the-package good fairy was looking  out for me and I received not only the errant package but also two I wasn't expecting.  Lesson learned: Believe in fairies!

 

Sunday, September 20:  Our monthly friend-stitching gathering. As always, we had a great time.  And I finished stitching the flowers on the Flower Garden border…still have leaves and circles to do but the bulk of the border panel is D-O-N-E!  I was up later than usual finishing up the preparation for my first BAQ class on Monday morning. Lesson learned: Early bird gets the meal…and sleep!

Monday, September 21: My first BAQ class. After months of waiting, the day finally arrived and we were all ready to go. Class was great! Fun! More than we expected plus we learned a new appliqué preparation technique! And I, after years of trying and not succeeding, managed to make my first quilter's knot! Lesson learned: You can teach an old dog new tricks…or, if at first you don't succeed, try, try again.

Tuesday, September 22: Mondays are generally quilting days - my quilting group or a class. I've come to think of Tuesday as the start of the week - as far as household chores and tasks go: laundry; mopping the kitchen floor; cleaning bathrooms; dusting; vacuuming; etc. In between the tasks, I took time off and read a bit; looked at parts of a ball game with Norman; and watched Pope Francis' arrival. All in all, a  quiet and productive day. Lesson learned: Taking a leisurely approach to getting things done is a great way to proceed! 

Wednesday, September 23: Welcome Autumn! Today's LSNED prompt: Focus on creating - the making of ____, ______, _______. Today, I eased into Fall, enjoying a longer-than -usual MSQT and taking a longer-than-usual walk at a later-than-usual time of the day. During this year, I've been collecting and gathering stories from my life with a not a plan for converting into a format that translates/organizes into some type of book - for lack of a better word. This morning, I think I developed the seeds of a plan; only time will tell.  Lesson learned: Be patient. The brain works in mysterious ways...

 

A great week for learning. Here's to many more. Can you believe that September's nearly over? Only one week left! 

Cheers~