Southern Charm

This year I intend to use more of my very large fabric stash. As I did my annual inventory, I validated the fact that I am seriously addicted to pretty material. I knew there was a lot since I needed a larger binder for my index cards.

Apparently I don't use as much as I buy. I'm running out of storage space. So, I earmarked some pieces to sell, several to donate to my local thrift shop, and more for my next few projects.

Southern Charm

Today's quilt is one of those. Nine-patch and snowball 6” blocks combine for a bright, happy little 42” x 48” quilt. I chose a red apple print for center and half squares, backing and binding; solid tan for snowball centers. I shopped my scrap boxes for coordinating colors.

Southern Charm is quilted with a walking foot, using light red thread in a diagonal crosshatch pattern. I think it has a vintage look. I used roughly 4 ½ yards of fabric, now just 705 yards to go before I run out. Not likely to happen!

Accuquilt dies used:

6” Snowball 55330

2 ½” square multiple 55059

With the amount of fabric I own, 

I should be ashamed of myself.  

Let's be clear, I'm not!  

But I should be. 

~author unknown 

Know When To Fold 'Em

This is a late blog post because yesterday we broke camp and headed home from what was supposed to be a two week relaxing escape. Six months ago we made reservations at Dale Hollow Dam Campground. We envisioned bright fall days and crisp nights sitting around the campsite with nice breezes blowing through open windows. That didn't happen.

Our trip started great, an easy pull and smooth setup in our favorite site. We kept getting a whiff of something, maybe an RV needed to go dump or the wind was coming from the dumpster area. Nope. By the next day we realized that it was coming from the river, every time they let lake water through the sluice gates. Rotten sewer smell, enough to make you nauseated. Whatever was in that lake bed was extremely nasty. Be very glad photos don't convey scent.

So, windows closed, air conditioner on. OK, we can deal with that for a day or two, surely it won't last long. And it was ok at night, except for mosquitoes. But then rain came, making it hot and muggy and stinky. We explored around Celina, ate exceptional Mexican food at Los Primos, shopped the Roller Coaster yard sale. Campground was nearly full because it was fall break for several surrounding counties. Kids, dogs, noise.

We kept thinking it would cool off and that smell would go away. It didn't. Then yesterday morning, the power went off for several hours. Now it was hot and smelly and no AC. Enough already. No peaceful fall days, no crisp nights, can't sit outside, might as well go on home. Life's too short to waste time being miserable. At least we got a refund for the rest of the week. And Callie cat was happy to be sprung from the cat spa at Critter Clinic.

You've got to know when to hold 'em

Know when to fold 'em

Know when to walk away

Know when to run.

The Gambler, Kenny Rogers/Don Schlitz

Excuses, Excuses

Can you believe the excuses people come up with?  Most everyone has used some excuse or another during their life; it's just human nature to try to explain or justify action or inaction.  People usually recognize when they are being brushed off with a lame excuse, and most would rather hear the simple truth.  

The bottom line, though, is that each of us should take responsibility, own up to mistakes, and commit to doing our part, without excuses.  

“Nobody is impressed with 

how good your excuses are.”  

--Unknown

“He that is good for making excuses 

is seldom good for anything else.” 

--Benjamin Franklin

I Don't Have To...

follow the herd.

impress people.

fix everything.

tolerate fools.

get frustrated.

feel obligated. 

 

explain myself.

listen to lies.

keep everything.

pretend to like someone.

seek approval.

always say yes.

wait for the perfect time. 

 

agree with everyone.

offer excuses.

be perfect. 

 

act my age.

    ...if I don't want to.

I'm just trying to be me. I didn't ask for anyone's opinion.

“Don't put the key to your happiness 

in someone else's pocket.” - Unknown

Five Life Rules

I'm outside enjoying the sunshine on this beautiful Monday in September.  

Have a great week!