Falling Leaves

Our leaves are finally getting some color. I love fall, the crisp air, and the beauty across the rolling hills of Tennessee.

This little quilt features another vintage block pattern called Silver Maple. It was also published as Maple Leaf or Broad Arrow. Granny Rose made several of these quilts. I chose fall prints of rust, taupe, green, and gold for the nine inch blocks.

Falling Leaves is 45” square after adding an outside border of half rectangles. I quilted in dark taupe thread with free motion loops. It's hanging on the wall in our dining room for the season.

Accuquilt dies used:
55731 Signature 4½” finished
55147 Half Square Triangle 2¼” finished
55395 Square 2¼” finished
55107 Rectangle 2¼” x 4½” finished
55409 Triangle in Square (sides only)

Sitting on the porch

Drinking morning coffee

= relaxing bliss

Coffee Break

I may rise, but I don't shine until I have my coffee. I'm only on my first cup, so the first blog of 2016 will be short and sweet. 

During my working years, I had some of my best conversations and made great new friends at the local coffee shop. 

In retirement, I get to share a quiet morning pot of java with my sweet husband. The simple things do indeed make life special. 

Good Grief, It's Monday!

I'm going for another cup of coffee...

here's a collection of Monday quotes. 

Monday, Monday.  Can’t trust that day.  

~The Mamas & The Papas

Just once, I would like to wake up, turn on the news, and hear… ‘Monday has been canceled, go back to sleep.’ ~Unknown

Rainy days and Mondays always get me down. ~The Carpenters

Why is Monday so far from Friday but Friday so close to Monday? ~Unknown

Monday morning you look so fine. ~Fleetwood Mac

If each day is a gift, I would like to know where I can return Monday. ~Unknown

Just another manic Monday. ~The Bangles

Too much Monday, not ENOUGH coffee. ~Unknown

Coffee, Anyone?

It's National Coffee Day!


Number of daily USA coffee drinkers - 100 million

54% drink coffee daily 

35% like their coffee black

Average coffee cup size 9 ounces

Average price for cup of brewed coffee $1.38

source: Statistic Brain


“Coffee first. Schemes later.”
        ― Leanna Renee Hieber, Darker Still 

“To me, the smell of fresh-made coffee is one of the greatest inventions.”

        ― Hugh Jackman     

Believe In Magic

Magic exists, we only have to pay attention in order to experience it. We need to use all our senses to detect it. It may come as a touch, a taste, a sight, a sound, a scent, a feeling, or all of these at once. Love is magical. So is music, art, a good book, people, laughter, changing seasons, silence, joy, a cozy quilt, solitude, a kiss in the dark, and a cup of coffee. A simple meal can be as magical as a gourmet feast. 

 

There is magic in our universe. 

Look up at the evening sky full of glittering stars, watch a colorful sunrise, witness the power of a thunderstorm, wonder at the beauty and smell of flowers, hear lapping waves on the beach: nature is magical. 

 

We miss a great deal of magic because we're busy, preoccupied, or multi-tasking. Some people simply don't expect to find any.  It could be that we need to slow down, become more aware, and open the door to a magical life.

“We have to believe in magic, 

because life without it is dull indeed.” – Anonymous

“The world is full of magic things, 

patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.” – W.B. Yeats

Summertime...

and the livin' is easy. 

Quiet mornings sipping coffee on the porch.

Lazy days to reflect, renew, relax.  

The scent of freshly mowed grass.

Long walks, yard sales, road trips.

 

Steak grilled to perfection with roasted potatoes and onions.

Hummingbirds and butterflies flitting around bright blooms.

Tall frosty glasses of lemonade, sweet tea, and cold beer.

Afternoons in a cool spot reading an interesting book.

Comfy, light and casual clothing.

Ice cream, watermelon, juicy red tomatoes.

Magical nights filled with starry skies and warm breezes.

Happily enjoying every moment.

“it's a smile, it's a kiss, it's a sip of wine ... it's summertime!” --Kenny Chesney

If You Can't Say Something Nice...

Don't say nothing at all, according to Thumper the bunny rabbit.  On that topic, I found several more interesting quotes. Enjoy!

If you can't say anything nice, you obviously haven't had your coffee yet!

If you can't say anything nice, then at least have the decency to be vague --Susan Andersen

If you can't be kind, be quiet

If you haven't got anything nice to say about anybody, come sit next to me. - Alice Roosevelt Longworth

It doesn't matter what you say about someone once they're gone;
What matters is how you treat them when they're here.

Remember, if you can't say anything nice, just point and laugh.

It's not always what you say that matters, sometimes it's what you don't say. And some people wonder why I'm so quiet around them...