Make It So

2019 is just about here.  

Time for reflection, recharging, and resolutions.

Toss what's not important.

Embrace your favorite things.  

This is the beginning of anything you want.

Reflections And Resolutions

This new year started cold, with a low of 4 degrees this morning. Our electricity went out about 5 am. Although it was back on in an hour, I was very happy to have a gas fireplace and range. There was another good side to being up so early...we were able to watch a beautiful full moon setting followed by a brilliant sunrise.

2017 was a good year. There were a few challenges along the way but everything worked out like it was supposed to in the end. We went camping several times at Defeated Creek and Dale Hollow Dam. We spent a refreshing week at Island House Hotel in Orange Beach. We started eating healthier and walking at least an hour per day. Home improvement projects and hobbies kept us busy and we were never bored.

It was a stellar year for sewing! I scored big with fabric and sewing tool purchases. I completed a total of 58 sewing/quilting projects, the most ever since I started a sewing journal. Needless to say, I cherish the hours I spend stitching.

For 2018, I plan to continue living a quiet, happy retired life. I will stay on a healthy eating path and increase my walking time. There will be camping, reading, maybe another beach trip, and lots more sewing. 

I'll make an effort to give myself time to fully experience each moment, to linger instead of rushing. Laughter with friends and loved ones, lively conversation, and learning new things are on my list. Most importantly, I want to practice awareness so that I don't miss a thing.

Wishing you all a happy and fulfilling 2018.

May you revel in the simple pleasures of life. 

Necessary Solitude

Isn't it peaceful to experience quiet moments without distraction? I think so.

Our holidays were low-key, without any fuss or stress, most of the time just the two of us. We watched old movies, cooked, read novels, and talked. I had time to sit by the fire with my coffee and dream.

Days like today, when there's a foggy drizzle, I'm happy to be inside enjoying my solitude. Everything is so quiet when you turn off phones and TV to let the silence soothe your mind. It's also quite refreshing to step outside and absorb the sounds of nature.

Seeking solitude is beneficial to your body, mind, and spirit. It invokes feelings of contentment, and helps improve concentration and problem solving. Find a few moments to recharge, renew and regenerate.

➳➳➳

Solitude is the soul's holiday,

an opportunity to stop doing for others

and to surprise and delight ourselves instead.

~Katrina Kenison

Solitude is a kind of freedom.

~Umberto Eco

➳➳➳

Recipe for 2017

A toast to the new year!

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!

A Useful Notion

Keeping What Matters

The new year is always a time for me to clean.  I'm taking down holiday decorations, tossing things I won't use, and making our home fresh and cozy for the winter.  It's a new start and a clean slate.

One of my resolutions each year is to get rid of clutter.  I try to use the one thing in, one thing out rule.  But then I watch Antiques Roadshow and see someone who kept two party invitations from the 1930's that are now worth $25,000.  Nevertheless, it's easier now that I'm retired, because I am more aware of the things I use and love.

Other resolutions are to evaluate what works and what doesn't in my life, which adventures I will pursue this year, and who will be along for the ride.  It's not always physical items; people and situations can weigh me down as well.  Several years ago, I found this quote to help me remember that I choose my own path.

"Surround yourself with people who make you happy.

People who make you laugh, 

who help you when you're in need.

People who genuinely care.

They are the ones worth keeping in your life.

Everyone else is just passing through."

~Karl Marx

I apply this statement to people, things, and habits.  They all come and go, and have a purpose for a time.  Why would I hang on to something that has outlived its usefulness?  Or some negative person who is just passing through my life?  I only want what brings me joy and inspires me. I want to keep what matters most to me.

Last Chance

There are only a few days left in 2014. It's a time for reflection and planning. How was your year? Did you get to everything you wanted to do? What's on your agenda for 2015? 

 

You still have time to fit in a few things before the end of the year. Go out and make them happen. If not, then move them over to your 2015 list or toss them altogether. 

After all, it's your list. And your life...so live it your way.

“If you have a dream, 

give it a chance to happen.” 

-Richard M. DeVos

“I don't want to miss out on the chance of having a good time.” 

-Victor Webster

“If you don't take the chance to live life, 

what can you say at the end of it?” 

-Naveen Andrews

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

Out With The Old

I believe I've had enough of 2013. Yes, there were good times, fun, and happy days. But there was a lot more stress, sadness, and difficulty than usual for me this year. I am determined to put all that behind me; to move forward into 2014 with a clean slate.

To that end, I have been cleaning house, both physically and mentally. Cleaning and organizing my home puts me in a positive frame of mind. I function better and feel more motivated when things are in order. Purging things I no longer use or need gives me room to enjoy those that I love. Eliminating clutter frees up time and space.

Tossing out old thoughts and negativity clears my head and opens up space for happiness and peace of mind. I'm keeping the lessons learned but losing the difficult experiences. I'm hanging on to happy memories but letting go of sadness. I'm steering away from negative people and moving toward those who make my life better. I'm purging old habits, excuses, and time wasters, so that I can be free to explore new paths.

These last few days of 2013 are for clearing out the old, so I'll have space for what comes in 2014.  Here's hoping for a Happy New Year full of joy and laughter!

“Life is overflowing with the new. But it is necessary to empty out the old to make room for the new to enter.”  -- Eileen Caddy

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 

 

 

 

Ready For A New Start

Rowdy        1999 - 2012

I am definitely ready for a new year. The past two months have been a blur. I experienced sadness, stress, and frustration mixed with moments of sweetness, friendship, love and reflection. I put one foot in front of the other and got necessary things done. 

On the last day of the year, our sweet old Rowdy dog left us to go run through the fields of doggie heaven.

After such an unsettling finish to 2012, my resolutions for 2013 are simple.

• Live in the now
• Keep special memories
• Enjoy life every day
• Do things that bring happiness
• Focus on what matters most
• Avoid negativity
• Choose my own path
• Accept what is
• Listen to what life has to say 
• Time is precious, so use it wisely 
• Aspire for balance between being, having, and doing

Resolutions should be like a mission statement.  Refer to them as you go about your life and decide if what you're doing or thinking fits your current mission.  Whatever doesn't fit, doesn't get into your life. 

 

“If your thoughts are mostly in the past or on the future, 

  you cannot enjoy the present.” – Author Unknown 

“The first thing in all progress is to leave something behind.” – George MacDonald 

 

Goodbye 2012 - Welcome 2013

Just For Today

• I will live through this day only. I will not brood about yesterday or obsess about tomorrow. I will not try to overcome all my problems at once.

• I will be happy. I will not dwell on thoughts that depress me. If my mind shifts to negative thoughts, I will fill it with positive ones.

• I will enjoy this day that has been given to me. I will pause to take pleasure in my surroundings: the sunset, raindrops, a cup of coffee, a sleeping cat, a colorful flower, or a beautiful melody.

• I will tell my loved ones that they are indeed loved. My actions will reinforce my words, and I will make even little things special for them.

• I will accept what is. I will face reality, correct those things that I can and accept those that I cannot.

• I will improve my mind. I will read something that requires effort and thought, challenge my brain with memory games and word puzzles, or engage in lively conversation.

• I will make a conscious effort to be agreeable. I will be kind and courteous to those who cross my path, and I’ll not speak ill of others. I’ll speak softly and not interrupt when others are talking. I’ll refrain from improving anyone but myself.

• I will gather the courage to do what is right. I will take responsibility for my own actions and be true to my beliefs.
    
• I will do something positive to improve my health. I will improve my appearance, eat healthily, get off the couch and take a brisk walk, even if only for a few minutes.

• I will take time for myself. I will find peace through loving myself and enjoying my good life. 
  
  
  
  
  ** I'm not sure who originally wrote this list, but it has been modified several times. 

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

~~~~~

Desert Flight

My latest design is definitely made from remnants. I bought most of these fabrics over twelve years ago to use in another quilted piece which hangs over our back patio doors. The only new fabrics are the grey print and green/copper stripe. I call this wall hanging Desert Flight.

Our main living area has a mix of antique and new oak furniture, pottery and Indian rugs. It's comfortable and casual, just like us. I've decorated with mostly Southwest colors of terra cotta and sage green with black accents. I change out some of the black to cream or lighter greens during the summer.

While I was sewing, I whipped up a few coasters, or mug rugs, to match. I even did some mending, took in two pairs of my jeans, and sewed on a few loose buttons. Those are the things I usually procrastinate about...I don't know why, they only take a few minutes to get out of the way. Hey, do it now was another of my resolutions. Go me! 

"Make your home as comfortable and attractive as possible,

then get on with living." -- Albert Hadley

Adjust. Adapt. Stay Calm.

What a crazy week!  I had several things planned, but life decided to throw a few extra curves my way. Nothing serious or life-altering...just not exactly what I had in mind. A delayed appointment resulted in a long wait in a loud environment. A family member lost something important, which required immediate action to avoid problems. A couple of other unexpected annoying situations changed my schedule.

And you know what? Overall, the disruptions actually turned out all right. Staying calm helped me adjust my focus and adapt to the current situation. I didn't lose my temper or get too frustrated. I was able to help someone; offer support and encouragement to another. Maybe my horoscope and biorhythms were positive. Or perhaps good karma favored me. Could be my resolutions to practice patience and awareness are working subliminally. Whatever the reason, I was able to handle the challenges with a positive attitude.

Looking back, my week was mostly full of fun and productive activity. I found time to enjoy a nice lunch date with my sweetie, visit with my mama, run errands, do a bit of housecleaning for mama-in-law, and meet friends for lunch on Friday. I read a mystery novel and even logged several hours in the sewing room piecing the new wall hanging for my living room.  
Here's a sneak peek ->  

Useful Notion: Life happens. Schedules change. Problems arise. How we react to each situation is what makes all the difference.

“Today, I remain calm, no matter what storms may come my way.”

– Anonymous

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

Reflections and Resolutions

So...2011 is nearly over. For me, the last week of the year has always been one of reflection and planning. I look back at the highlights and significant happenings of the past twelve months. How did I spend my time? What fun and exciting experiences did I have? Did I try something new? Which part was my favorite? What do I want to change for next year? What did I learn from any challenges or negative experiences? What gave me the most happiness, peace, and satisfaction?

I recently read this enlightening quote from Charles Richards.

"Don't be fooled by the calendar.
There are only as many days in the year as you make use of."

Makes you think, doesn't it? Whether or not you use each day wisely is your choice. You can mindlessly trudge through life or you can meet it head on with enthusiasm. That doesn't mean going full throttle every minute, though. Everyone needs to recharge batteries, assess where you've been and where you want to do next. The key is to think positively and actively pursue the things that make you happy.

2011 has been a good year for me. I realized some dreams, learned new skills, and met some goals in my second full year of retirement. I started this blog and have written fifty-two blog entries. Jerold and I spent over sixty relaxing days in our vacation home on wheels; a retirement goal for both of us. I enjoyed time with my mama and gave her the peace and quiet of our home while we were on the road. I designed and created forty-five items: quilts, crafts, home décor items and clothes. I loved staying home, planting flowers and walking in the woods with Rowdy dog.

I hope 2012 will be as satisfying and fun. The resolutions I make will be guidelines to continue a happy and comfortable life, making use of every day's opportunities.

“One resolution I have made, and try always to keep,

is this:  To rise above the little things.” 

~John Burroughs