Fresh Start

The soft shades of this quilt are fresh and relaxing.  I found peach, pale green and aqua fabric in my stash that matched the diamond print to create four 18” quatrefoil blocks.

Using larger pieces makes for quick work.  I quilted using peach thread in a decorative stitch along seam lines. Backing and binding are the same peach print. Fresh Start is 37” square.

Accuquilt dies used:
55000 square 6 ½”
55005 rectangle 3 ½” x 6 ½”
55006 square 3 ½”
55456 flying geese 3 ½” x 6 ½”

Side note: During this COVID pandemic, I have had an opportunity to reflect, evaluate, and make positive changes in my daily life. I don't mind staying at home; I like a simple life. I enjoy the peace and quiet of my cozy house. It's ironic that I don't really like grocery shopping, yet that's one of the few places I've been since March. I do miss eating out, especially breakfast omelets and catfish.

I wear a mask when I venture out for supplies – for my own health as well as those around me. Apparently most people that I see do not, so I'll choose to stay in a while longer since cases and deaths are still rising.

I don't like negativity. I turn off the news and avoid the endless sensationalized blather about the virus, politics, and other inflammatory topics. A lot of things are happening that I don't think are right or even make sense. If something or someone offends me, I will not watch, listen, or support their efforts. I've got better things to do.

Do what you can, 

with what you have, 

where you are. 

Theodore Roosevelt 

Give Thanks

I am thankful for many things.  I have a happy life, a loving husband, a comfortable home, and a room full of fabric.  

And, finally, we have a new working refrigerator...plus a new dishwasher too!  


Wishing you and yours a happy Thanksgiving.

5 x 5 Rule

Lessons Learned From Sam

My mama is a feisty, outspoken redhead. She grew up on a farm and worked hard all her life in many different jobs to help make ends meet. I learned these important lessons from her over the years. 

Be smart. Acquire skills that will help you find a sustainable career. Develop a wide range of interests. Life is more fun and you'll never get bored if you enjoy what you do. 

Be self-sufficient. Don't depend on others when you can do things for yourself. That includes knowing your way around the garage as well as the kitchen. 

Be frugal. Live within your means. Anything worth having is worth working and saving for. Don't waste time or money. 

Be pretty. Always look your best, smile, and wear cute shoes. But it's fine to get dirty when you're fishing, digging in the yard, or working on a car. 

Be determined. You can do anything you want if you put your mind to it.  Remember, some roads don't lead where you think they will, so... 

Be practical. Life isn't always fair. If you can't fix it, to hell with it.  Get over it and move on.

Happy Mother's Day, and thanks, Sam!

Stuck In A Rut?

Then make a few changes to break out! Overthinking can complicate matters, so use these simple statements for a quick kick-start.  

If you're too busy, let something go.

When you're bored, try something new.

If you're stuck, take a detour.

When you're tired, take a nap.

If you need a change, make it today.

When you're confused, stop and refocus.

If you're upset, feel it, then move on.

When you're just coasting, shift gears.

If you're bogged down, lighten your load. 

Get off the hamster wheel and follow your own path. Remember, it's your life!

If you do what you've always done,

you'll get what you've always gotten. ~ Tony Robbins

Naturally Curly Hair

I have always had curly hair.  All my baby photos feature cute little blonde curls. I spent my teen years trying to straighten them because in the 60's everyone wanted long, stick-straight, silky hair.  I rolled it on jumbo orange juice cans, which almost worked.  It was straighter, but always had a bit of a wave or curl in it.  When it rained, nothing worked.  It frizzed, kinked and curled, usually on photo days or when I had a date.  I identified with Frieda, the cute little red haired girl in the Peanuts comic strip.  

Once everyone got perms in the 80's, I was finally in vogue.  I didn't have to do anything but let it dry naturally. 

I still straighten my hair, but I've come to love my curls.  I don't fight them anymore, especially when it rains.  At the campground, damp air around the lake keeps them soft and fluffy.  And after years of being red, they are back to the blonde of my childhood, mixed with quite a bit of silver.

I'm Here, Sort Of

 

 

 

The Art Of Letting Go

Common sense should tell us that we can't hold on to everything. During our lifetime we will have to let go of possessions, people, pets, pain, and the past. Even knowing this, it can be very difficult because humans tend to resist change. The sooner we accept change, the easier it is to move on.

Letting go frees us to experience more. Making space in our homes creates a calming atmosphere. Releasing anger allows us to find peace. Eliminating negative people from our lives gives us room for new friends. Learning from the past helps us move forward. Replacing bad habits with good ones changes our whole outlook. Releasing control permits us to explore and grow.

So let go. Let go of past problems, bad habits, toxic people, clutter, and negative thoughts. Embrace positive living and focus on today. Remember, we have the power to choose how we experience things in our lives.

“We don't always have to know why. Spending too much time on the why takes away from figuring out what to do next.” --Sandra Beck

Bits, Pieces, and Blarney

I routinely jot down funny, random or interesting ideas so I can expand on them later for this blog. As I looked through my notes to begin writing, I realized that some of them don't need expansion or explanation. They are good enough on their own.

So, enjoy!

When a friend needs duct tape, don't ask questions and don't offer advice...just deliver her the roll with a smile. And be sure to wipe off your fingerprints just in case.

Life would be easier if everyone came to the realization that you just can't fix stupid.

If the stands at Bristol are less than half full for a Sunday race, something is very, very wrong with NASCAR. There was once a waiting list for tickets and it was only used if someone died.

You don't always need a reason to give someone a hug, a hand, or a call.

You might be a redneck if you've used Channel Locks or Vise Grips to pull the cork on a wine bottle. (guilty)

Children should be taught to stand on their own two feet and be independent. They are not entitled to indefinitely live with or be supported by their parents.

It's not denial...I'm just very selective about the reality I accept.

Signing off with this belated St. Patrick's Day quote:

Experience Today

Today is one day in your life, and you have twenty-four hours to experience it. Make a conscious effort to really be present in each moment. Observe your surroundings and be inspired by them. Enjoy the ordinary and marvel at the extraordinary things that happen around you.

Listen to others with an open mind. Use your intuition to respond to opportunities and challenges. Don't assume anything, just experience the day as it develops. Forget should be, should do, should have, and shouldn't have. Instead, focus on how you presently feel, what you want and need in your life today.

Yesterday is gone and tomorrow will come soon enough. Today is yours, so live each moment of it.

Honey, If It Ain't Your Tail, Don't Wag It

Sometimes people get too concerned about what is happening in the lives of others. Most, like me, mean well and only want to help or offer suggestions to fix a problem for a friend or loved one. After all, I'm a logical woman and a pretty decent problem solver. A little help can be a good thing. It's nice to offer someone an alternative idea or a neutral assessment of their issue.

Occasionally though, you're just butting in where you don't belong. Taking on other people's burdens can cause you a lot of stress. You might need to keep your mouth shut instead of volunteering yourself to fix every imperfect situation that comes across your path. The challenge is to know when to help and when to let people muddle it out for themselves. A wise man once told me that as a rule, folks don't like to be told what to do and how to do it.

I've collected a few good quotes that remind me to think before I jump in there. Feel free to share. I hope these make your life happier, reduce conflict, and maybe give you a laugh!  

“Don’t sign on for more problems than you must. Resist the temptation to involve yourself in other people’s zones of expertise and responsibility.” ~ Twyla Tharp

“Don't concern yourself with things that don't concern you.  If it's not your business, don't make it your burden.” ~ Author Unknown

“He missed an invaluable opportunity to hold his tongue.” ~ Andrew Lang

“Do not condemn the judgment of another because it differs from your own.  You may both be wrong.”  ~ Dandemis

“Just remember, there's a right way and a wrong way to do everything and the wrong way is to keep trying to make everybody else do it the right way.”  ~M*A*S*H, Colonel Potter 

 

“Don’t interfere with somethin' that ain’t bothering you none.” ~ Old Wild West talk

“Make somebody happy today. Mind your own business.” ~ Ann Landers

“If no one asked you for advice, keep your thoughts to yourself.” ~ Author Unknown

~~~~~

New Year, New Website

Welcome to 2012...and to my new website design! I've been busy updating Useful Remnants and Katie Scarlett designs to start fresh for my second year of blogging. Like a new journal with clean blank pages, I can't wait to fill this space with projects, thoughts, adventures, creative ideas, and perhaps a few items for sale. Who knows where the year will take me?

My resolutions for 2012 are simple but manageable. Resolutions are often so strict and demanding that they are doomed to fail. Mine are not actual rules, but more what you'd call guidelines (like the pirate's code). I find it much easier to accomplish an encouraging statement than one that screams at me. For instance, Eat healthy & move more is more effective than LOSE x pounds AND EXERCISE x hours. Could be that I'm just stubborn and don't like being told what to do, even by myself. 

 

• Enjoy every day
• Eat healthy & move more
• Focus on now but look ahead
• Accept what can't or won't change
• Practice awareness & patience
• Read, reflect, rejuvenate, relax
• Sew, design, create
• Explore new places, meet new people
• Live simply
• Do it now

Reading these affirmations often should refocus my energy and resolve, so I have them posted on my bulletin board. Here's to a fabulous, productive and happy 2012!

Useful Notion: If you enjoy the blog and website, check my Useful Remnants Facebook page each Monday and link from there.  Add either of these bookmarks to your browser:  http://www.katiescarlettdesigns.com or http://usefulremnants.blogspot.com

 

“Give yourself a dream that has meaning, and that compels you forward.  At this time of new beginnings, choose to live with more substance and meaning than ever before.” – Ralph Marston

Thankful

Think About This: Random Quotes

This week has been a relaxing one, but with a few twists and turns along the way. I came across these quotes and found them interesting. 
 

“Maybe you called it right the first time. Synchronicity. Life isn't a series of random events at all, but rather an expression of a deeper order.” --Billy McCall

“Go ahead and ask the questions that must be asked. Say the things that need to be said. Perform the tasks that are to be done. Follow the dreams that flow from who you most sincerely are. Put thought into what you say and do, yet refrain from being paralyzed by an excess of imagined scenarios.” --Ralph Marston 

“Focus not on past regrets, but on tomorrow’s opportunities. Regret weighs a ton. Living with words spoken or unspoken, deeds done or deeds left undone, and actions taken or not taken is one of the biggest burdens people can carry. Living with regret will not allow happiness, joy, energy, and peace back into your life. Regret is like a long shadow darkening the path behind you as well as the way ahead. If your focus is on yesterday’s regrets, then by your own choice, you allow them to be part of your tomorrow.” --Bryan Dodge

Decline to be caught up in wasteful, destructive power struggles.” --Author Unknown

“Someone is going to criticize what you do. Do it anyway. If you truly desire it, and believe in it, and know it’s worthwhile, then it’s something you are meant to do.” --Ralph Marston

“Even someone who is agreeable and charming may have some devious intentions. Do not let yourself trust people just because they seem trustworthy -- wait for proof! Watch for people who are smiling broadly today -- they may have something to hide.” –Daily Horoscope

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