Town & Country

Town & Country

Another week, another quilt. I designed this one to combine the formality of crisp black dots and stripes with casual retro prints in salmon and cream. Town & Country is constructed with elements from three Accuquilt dies. I sewed triangular side sections from the kite block to form a rectangle, then added a 2 ½” square and 4 ½” half square triangles.

Backing and binding features the salmon and tan print. Free motion stitching was done with tan thread in a meandering pattern. This throw, 44” x 54” in size, would make a charming accent for any room.

Today is Labor Day, and a holiday for most people. After retirement, holidays are sometimes just another day, but I appreciate one that honors workers. 

I wouldn't be retired if we both hadn't worked hard for 40 years and saved our earnings. Our parents and grandparents had normal jobs: farmer, carpenter, truck driver, plumber, salesman, office manager and retail sales. By example, they instilled in us the need to provide for ourselves.

America was built by ordinary people, from towns and the countryside, who labored to make a better life. I have no tolerance for lazy ones with their hands out who cry that they deserve more. To them I say: Don't be upset with the result you didn't get for the work you didn't do.

Here's to American workers, who deserve this day off because they earned it!

Without ambition one starts nothing.

Without work one finishes nothing.

The prize will not be sent to you.

You have to win it.

--Ralph Waldo Emerson

Hard Lesson: AccuQuilt

Play Time

I bought myself a new toy, an AccuQuilt Go fabric cutter. It was on sale at their website at the end of August, so I ordered. As soon as it arrived, I used the basic die to cut pieces for several quilt blocks. The cuts are precise and the blocks went together perfectly. I loved it at first use, so easy and quick!

Play Time is a sampler quilt from those blocks plus a couple of test squares from recent projects. The bright red, aqua and white colors blend these different designs into a pretty 32” square.

Unfortunately, my happiness didn't last. I was enthusiastically cutting and sewing up a storm, when I saw AccuQuilt advertise a new sale on Labor Day. The cutter I just bought is now $50 less for the month of September, "lowest price of the year." I contacted AccuQuilt customer service twice and found out that their 30-day satisfaction guarantee is far from satisfying. They would not give me the $50 discount, even though it had only been 10 days since my order.  All they said was NO, have a nice day and here's a link to our latest sale. WHAT???

They just took the joy right out of my new purchase. I truly like the product, I even did an positive online review right after purchase, but their company policy stinks. They could at least offer a discount on another die, or a coupon, or something. Now every time I use the thing, I remember that I got fleeced.

I guess I'm used to nice merchants who want their customers happy so they will continue buying their products. I found out the hard way that AccuQuilt is NOT one of those.

One customer 

well taken care of 

could be more valuable 

than $10,000 worth 

of advertising.  

Jim Rohn

Your most 

UNHAPPY customers

are your greatest source

of learning.

Bill Gates

Stormy Path

Stormy Path

Finished in early March, this modern quilt is crafted from navy, cream, and blue fabric set in squares and rectangles. The back features one large centered square with blue borders on each end. I used navy thread to quilt on the diagonal with a scalloped fancy stitch. The size is 33” x 44”, perfect for a crib quilt, wall hanging, or table topper.

I took two weeks off from sewing to camp at Defeated Creek back in April. It did storm a couple of days, but most of the time was pleasant and relaxing.  Except for the 24 hours that the dog tied up in a nearby site barked...constantly...with no intervention from his owners. The six adults were too busy loudly screaming at their eight kids, putting up tents, and hollering back and forth at each other to notice the poor dog. Finally the camp attendant told them to hush up the dog or leave. Amazingly, after that the dog didn't bark much, but his people were still inconsiderately loud. 

Still, there's always a bright side:  I'm happy they only stayed one weekend, and I feel extremely fortunate that they don't LIVE next door to us.   

✤✤✤✤✤

Some people need a shock collar,

and I need the remote. --Unknown

(But I wish I had thought of it myself)

✤✤✤✤✤

I've Learned...

that you should be very careful who you trust. Not everyone who smiles at you is your friend.

The way people leave tells you everything about their character.

Honesty is much better than sugar-coated bullshit.

People lie because telling the truth takes courage, and liars are cowards looking for the easy way out.

When customers are treated badly, they will eventually take their business where they receive courtesy, honesty, and respect.

On a positive note, while the world seems full of fake people, thankfully there are still some genuine, caring ones around. Kick the fake liars out of your life, so there's more room for nice folks.

And, finally, I've got to stop asking these three questions:

     “How stupid can they be?”

     “Who would do THAT?”

     “What's wrong with people?”

Some idiots are actually taking them as a challenge.

-----------

“Never do anything that you can't admit doing, 

because if you are that ashamed of whatever it is, 

it's probably wrong.” --Ashly Lorenzana

Lessons Learned and Things Remembered

It's been an interesting year. As I reflect on 2015, these thoughts come to mind.

The only person that you can really change is yourself.

Things don't always turn out like you planned, or the way you think they should, but they mostly turn out like they are supposed to.

When you focus on what you want, everything else falls into place.

There's a lot of beauty and joy in ordinary things.

Some fools aren't worth the breath needed to cuss them out.

There are people out there who pretend to be nice, honest and compassionate, but ultimately their words and actions prove otherwise.

Surround yourself with the things you love; discard the rest.

It's ok to say no to unnecessary crazy.

Choosing to be happy is good for your health.

Life is better when you're laughing.

In the end, only three things matter:

how much you loved,

how gently you lived, and

how gracefully you let go

of things not meant for you.

--Buddha

Late Summer Notes

Full Circle

I had a little time to play in the sewing room last week, so I decided to refresh my curved seams technique. They aren't really as difficult as they look if you cut and sew precisely. These burgundy and tan prints from my stash made the perfect tote for autumn days.

My mama and I have had more time together lately and we've both had fun. We went for sassy new hairdos, explored the library, looked for shoes, and sat out on our screened porch to read with huge glasses of sweet tea. Our late August cool spell came at just the right time.

Sometimes I wonder how people and businesses who don't treat people well keep their friends or stay in business. They say one thing but do another, they don't communicate clearly, and when questioned, they transfer blame to someone else. I found the ideal quote to help figure them out.

“When someone's words and actions 
aren't lining up,

go with their actions, every time.

Actions say what words won't.”

~Unknown

Seven Things I Could Really Do Without

Reality TV – Who in the universe thinks any of this is real? It's a tv show, with a script and cameras, for heaven's sake. One or two of them were slightly entertaining, but now every network, including the weather and history channels, has multiple “reality” series that are just tiresome and stupid.

Drug ads – I do not want to learn about medication side effects like diarrhea, swelling of tongue or throat, vaginal discharge, erections that last four hours, bloating, gas, constipation, and bleeding while I'm cooking dinner or trying to read an article in Better Homes and Gardens. If I want to know, I'll look it up myself or ask my doctor.

Gossip presented as news – National and local newscasts lead with stories about someone who has had a sex change operation or molested a family member. Then the same story repeats for days, with opinions from anyone who will comment. Oh, and by the way, that person has a new book/tv show/movie coming out next week. Who cares? I want to hear real news stories, not crap, marketing ploys, or someone's opinion.

Too much skin – Please keep your clothing in its proper place, not yanked down, pulled up, or hanging half off of your body. I do not care to see your underwear or the tattoos you have on your butt, your boobs, or below your bikini line while I am eating at a restaurant or shopping. Save showing off your fine (or not so fine) self for the lake, the pool, or the privacy of your own home.

Weather panic – There's a thunderstorm or snow predicted! Go to your safe place! There's water ponding on the roads...do not drive! They're zoomed in to street level for a tiny orange speck on the radar. I'm glad we have access to early warning weather information, but these panicky sounding weather people make a little storm line sound like a catastrophic major event for days before it arrives. 

 

Movie remakes – If the original movie was good, it should stand on its own. That's why they're called classics. If it wasn't, then why bother to make the exact same film again? Lazy Hollywood ought to come up with original ideas. There are plenty of interesting novels that would make great films.

Formulated “music” - The sing-song chanting stuff that is being passed off as music is just horrible. You can't tell one whiny singer from the other, pop or country. None of them can carry a tune and most go outside their range to the point of screeching. The same four word chorus is repeated over and over and over again and called a hit because it fits some formula.

Thank goodness I can choose to avoid most of these by changing the channel, muting or turning off the offending sounds or shows. If only I could erase images seared onto my brain of people's inappropriate and unfortunate choices for public attire.

The Great Pretenders

Most of us can spot liars, slackers, and fakes fairly quickly. It doesn't take long if you're observant. They say one thing and do the opposite. They always promise action but deliver nothing; take but never give. They pretend to be caring when they never go out of their way for anyone but themselves. They make excuses or blame others when they're caught in a lie. You know the ones I mean.

There's the guy who never calls, visits, or does anything for his parents, but carries a Bible everywhere and says he lives by its teachings;

Or the person who promises he will finish a project but always has a reason why it wasn't his fault it didn't get done;

And the woman whose house is a cluttered junk pile, but brags on social media about her organizational skills.

I don't have any use for those pretenders and try to minimize any contact with them. I just don't tolerate fools very well. They may have their reasons, but you don't have to accept them when you can clearly see how they operate. 

 

I prefer genuine people who quietly go about their business. Kind ones who happily do things for others without bragging. Folks who admit their faults and take responsibility for their actions. Kids who respect their elders and appreciate what has been given to them. The old curmudgeon who is authentic and consistently quirky. Honest, hard-working, ordinary people who don't take advantage of the generosity of others. 

 

I don't believe what you say...I believe what you DO. 

 

“You can't talk your way out of a situation 

you behaved yourself into.” 

~Stephen Covey

Say Yes Or No

When someone asks you a yes or no question, answer it simply.

Yes.    No.    Maybe.

Then wait. 

If there's a need for additional information, let them request it. You decide whether or not to share any more based on who's doing the asking.

It isn't necessary to volunteer details, embellish, make excuses, justify, describe your history or list reasons behind your decision. Most people don't want to hear them anyway. They probably just want the simple answer.

The people who matter most will likely be satisfied with the answers you give. Who cares about anyone else? Many are just nosy and only want the drama, the gossip, or the juicy details of your life. Giving extra information makes them think they are entitled to know everything about you. And it isn't their business.

Keep it simple. Resist the urge to offer explanations. Be confident in your decisions. You choose what to share with others. Be a little mysterious. The only person you have to prove anything to is yourself.

“Don't underestimate me.

I know more than I say,

think more than I speak,

and notice more than you realize.”

--Unknown

“Don't try to explain yourself to stupid people.

You aren't the jackass whisperer.”

--Unknown

Eight Campground Observations

Spending a couple of weeks at a Tennessee campground is definitely an experience. It is mostly enjoyable, with lazy days spent taking walks, reading, grilling, and exploring the surrounding area. You can learn a lot about yourself and others by people watching.  After camping at least 10 weeks a year for the past four years, I offer the following observations:

1. Campgrounds are really dog parks with humans along merely to serve as caretakers for the animals. This past weekend I counted more dogs than people. Hasn't anyone heard of boarding or pet sitters? I've seen one cat and one pig, but I'm expecting any time to encounter a pet monkey. 
    
2. There are a LOT of inconsiderate people out there. They ignore rules like quiet hours and checkout times. They don't keep track of their kids. They tromp across others' campsites. They burn plastic in their campfires. Some blatantly let their dogs run loose even though they are required to be on leash at all times. 
    
3. Fortunately there are many more fun, friendly and interesting folks. They share travel stories, tell fish tales, respect privacy, and are a genuine pleasure to be around. 
    
4. There are three styles of campsites. The junky ones bring everything they own and scatter it all over the site like a city dump full of toys, appliances, gear, pet cages, trash, shoes, towels, seasonal decorations, extra vehicles, you name it. Minimalists bring things out as they need them, then immediately stow them away. Average sites have a rug, chairs, grill, lights, bikes, and a few bits of neatly arranged gear. 
    
5. On a row of campsites, odds are the one right next to yours will be occupied even if the others are empty. 
    
6. Watching kids fishing, laughing, playing, and roasting marshmallows brings a smile to nearly everyone. That being said, why bring squalling babies along on a camping trip? They don't get anything out of it, they annoy the people nearby, and it can't be much fun for mom.
    
7. There is always at least one person with questionable attire showing some body part in a way that could potentially strike you blind (or make you wish you were). 
    
8. It's Tennessee: the weather will change and the forecast may be inaccurate. It will probably rain at least one day.

I still love being here, though...it beats working by a long shot!

Contentment

 

con·tent·ment

 : the state of being mentally and physically satisfied with things just as they are

: peace of mind; satisfaction

: a happy or pleased feeling with one's circumstances

It is comforting to be at place in life where you know you can handle whatever comes along. You've cleared unnecessary things and exasperating people out of your path so that you can go your own way. That's contentment. 

 

Some people always strive to be somewhere else or someone else; they will never be truly content. You have to be comfortable with who you are before you can find your way to where you want to be. 

 

Happiness and satisfaction in life come from knowing you are where you belong. That doesn't mean you're stuck in one place, but that you trust yourself to go forward confidently and enjoy the journey.

“When you can think of yesterday without regret 

and tomorrow without fear, 

you are near contentment.” 

– unknown

“At some point you gotta let go, sit still, 

and let contentment come to you.” 

– Elizabeth Gilbert

Excellent Suggestion

A Big Ole Dose Of Crazy

There are some people who just ooze crazy.  You know them...they're co-workers, neighbors, even family. They don't live normal lives. It's difficult to be around them. They don't make good decisions; weird things happen to them. They don't conform to accepted social behavior or contribute anything positive to life. They can drag you down if you let their drama get to you.

Sometimes you have to deal with a big ole dose of crazy. Can't avoid it, have to step right in the middle of it.  You can't fix or figure out crazy, therefore you should ignore it or wait for it to pass you by.  And when crazy joins up with stupid, well, it's best to get out of the way of the impending train wreck. 

 

Some people aren't just missing the odd screw, 

their whole dang toolbox is gone. 

 

Ripples Of Change

Life is all about change. Seasons, people, circumstances, politics, habits, health...you name it, it eventually changes.

Humans have the ability to recognize change, adapt to it, accept it, and move ahead.  Adults normally do just that, at least most of the time. Lots of us resist or delay some changes until we have no other choice (losing weight, eating healthy, avoiding conflict). Some people choose to ignore change or deny it altogether because they want their lives to stay constant. They blame themselves or others, make excuses and whine when things vary from their usual routine (if only, it's not my fault, why do I have to). Others want everyone around them to conform to their idea of perfect.

It's probably healthier to be flexible, have patience, compromise, adapt or move forward. The stress of resisting change takes a toll on us. And life would certainly be dull if nothing new ever happened. We'd be stuck. Change forces us to take action, explore, experiment, and expand our minds.

Change is inevitable. It ripples through our lives, sometimes barely moving along and sometimes crashing through like a tidal wave. Maybe the best way to manage it is to keep a paddle AND a surf board handy. 

"Consider how hard it is to change yourself and you'll understand what little chance you have in trying to change others."  

 – Jacob M. Braude

“When you blame others, you give up your power to change.” 

– Dr. Robert Anthony

“Change is necessary, particularly when it comes to bad cooking and politicians.  Sometimes all you can do is toss out the whole batch and start all over.”   – Anonymous

Enough Is Enough

I am done. I refuse to tolerate the actions of fools who have no regard for others. Self-centered, irresponsible, ungrateful people who take and never give have no place in my life. I'm beyond being angry or disappointed...I'm just done. I'm letting go of any expectations that they will change, do the right thing, or even show up.

“People will show you exactly who they are, by their actions.
 They will also show you exactly what you mean to them the same way.

Believe them. This is reality.
 Your reality will be however you decide to handle it.” ~J.V. Manning

It is sad to watch someone close to us continually disappointed by people they love. I wonder why we tolerate poor behavior from the very people who should never treat us badly. They shouldn't be excused just because they share our DNA or because they have been in our lives for so long. Their action or inaction is the best gauge of how they feel about us.

One of the hardest lessons in life is knowing when to walk away. No one can fix crazy, toxic, or mean people. Worrying about them only brings us down; being angry with them doesn't help the situation. They, like all of us, will have to answer to a higher power one day.

I have learned that I can't change others, only myself. I can limit contact with anyone who does not positively impact my life. I am solely responsible for the people I let into it. 

I am walking away. Enough is enough. Letting go is easier than I thought, and I feel much better already. 

 

Fools

Lately it seems like there are a lot of fools out there. Have you noticed?

Fool:   1. One who is deficient in judgment, sense, or understanding.

             2. One who acts unwisely on a given occasion.

Synonyms: doofus, putz, nincompoop, dunderhead, lamebrain, dummy, moron, jackass

They're everywhere: in government, schools, stores, and in the media. They're on the roads, at workplaces, in your social circles, even in your family. You deal with them online, in person and on the phone.

I wonder how one becomes a fool. Is it in our genes, like having freckles or curly hair? Good grief, let's hope not. Or is the tendency to act like a fool a learned behavior? It could be that people develop this trait as a result of apathy, lack of self-discipline, laziness, or self-centeredness.

It's difficult to interact with fools. They lack common sense and often get worked up about trivial things while ignoring important problems. They cause stress, make drama and seem to enjoy the results. Most have little regard for possessions although they always want more. They avoid responsibility, expect special treatment, and blame their problems on others.

I guess there have always been fools; the Bible mentions them frequently. Maybe answers for how to deal with them can be found there.

Leave the presence of a man who is a fool,

for you will not discern words of knowledge there --Proverbs 14:7; MLB 

Speak not in the ears of a fool:

for he will despise the wisdom of thy words --Proverbs 23:9; KJV

Don't answer the foolish arguments of fools,

or you will become as foolish as they are --Proverbs 26:4; NLT

 
Useful Notion:  Life's too short to suffer fools.  Sometimes you can walk away from them, sometimes you can't. However, you can set boundaries to protect yourself and limit your time around them. You can't fix them, change them, or make their lives better. They have to do that themselves. 

“You will rarely make wise decisions if you surround yourself with fools” 

  ― Rasheed Ogunlaru