Too Hot To Fish

The temperature is nearing 100, there's no breeze, and not a cloud in the sky. Summer is going to be hot and dry. And we're at the lake. When the fish aren't biting, I'll take their hint to stay inside where it's cool. Fortunately, our camper has good air conditioning. We bring books, movies and icy cold drinks, so we're good here. Early morning walks and bike rides give us fresh air and exercise before the thermometer hits 90. Late evening stargazing is perfect with clear skies and a big bowl of popcorn.

People watching is another fun way to pass the time. We see lots of kids, dogs, old folks, fishermen and bubbas. We watch as they set up their sites and launch their boats. There are lots of interesting sights, sounds and activities going on at a campground. While I normally say to each his own, I do have one burning question: Why on earth do 300 pound fat women wear bikinis in public?

Dale Jr. Wins at Michigan!

Did I ever mention that I really like NASCAR?   I am still celebrating Dale Earnhardt, Jr.'s win yesterday in the black Batman car. 

The Dark Knight Rises.

I know Tony Stewart was being sarcastic, but I am declaring today my own  holiday.  We'll have the national holiday when Dale wins the Sprint Cup. 

Enjoy Little Things

You might not realize it or take the time to notice, but the little things in life are special. A hug, a smile, or a kind word can make someone's day. Watching the sun rise or set, seeing a hummingbird feed, walking in a field of wildflowers, hearing rain on your roof. The breeze in your hair, the delicate smell of a rose, the call of a whippoorwill, the lapping of waves on the beach. Sitting on the porch, cooking a simple meal, sharing a peaceful moment with someone you love. A glass of wine, a favorite movie, a good book. So many images, scents, tastes, sounds, and feelings come to mind. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, think about what brings you joy.

“Everyone is trying to accomplish something big, not realizing that life is made up of little things.” ~ Frank Howard Clark

Favorite Clothing Transformed

My love affair with pretty fabric is well known. Like most women, I have clothing that stays in my closets long after it is out of style. Sure, sometimes I clear out older or outgrown pieces to give to my mama, or to Goodwill. But my favorites end up in a huge storage bin set aside for pieces that I just can't part with, even if they don't fit. I don't kid myself that I will ever be a size 6 again; I keep them because I plan to use the fabric one day.

Last week I opened up that bin, stirred my creative juices and ripped into a tropical batik challis dress that I made in 2004. It now has a new life as a sassy wrap shirt, coordinated with a lime green square dot print from my fabric inventory. I'm calling it Island Lime With A Twist.  I can't wait to wear it!

Yesterday I dipped into the box again to release a colorful gathered large print skirt circa 1990 or so. An hour later, a new vest for my mama was hanging on the cabinet door. I used a small scale print as lining to make it reversible. Dual Scarlet Petals will give her two new looks.

I love to remake a favorite piece of clothing. Like farm women on the prairie or depression era wives, I feel a sense of satisfaction when I create something new and useful out of discarded fabric. The scraps left over from these projects have gone into my quilting basket. Who knows where they'll turn up next?

“Really I don't dislike to cook, but what you cook is eaten so quickly.
When you sew, you have something that will last to show for your efforts.”
~Elizabeth Travis Johnson