Back Where We Belong

We've come full circle. I'm happy to be starting a new year in a newer home located where we began as newlyweds over 50 years ago.

2025 was a crazy, hectic, and busy year. Buying our home last January was the easy part. Packing, moving, and getting the old one shined up and sold took time, much effort, and considerable stress. 

We had long days full of hard work. We sold, gave away, or tossed out of a lot of excess stuff. We learned new skills together, took our time, and did most of the work ourselves. Not bad for 70+ year old seniors, and it's been very satisfying to accomplish.

We met some delightful people along the way. Unfortunately, dealing with delays, stupid rules, and incompetent idiots taught us a few lessons. Our patience was tested a couple of times, failed once or twice. And our stress relieving hobbies were packed up for over nine months...no quilting, no electronics...never thought we could survive that!

Still, we enjoyed most of the process of planning, moving, and settling in at our new location. Goodbye Sumner County -- Hello Cookeville!

We're here now, right back where we belong, already relaxing and enjoying life. And that's all that matters. 

Giving Thanks

I'm thankful for many things, first and foremost that I'm still moving forward on this lovely life journey with my one and only husband.

There are loads of reasons to be thankful in 2024; both gains and losses count. We've both shed quite a few pounds, which gave us a healthier life. The frig and pantry are no longer stuffed with sugary snacks, so our grocery budget is lower as well. Closets are cleaned out, too large clothing donated, and new skinny sizes added. YAY!

Home improvements are in process around here. Planning and working together on projects has always been fun and we're still learning new skills. These changes provide us the opportunity to get rid of lots of unnecessary stuff. Paring down is a challenge, given our vast collections of hobby gear, but we are working on it. Prioritizing what we want and what we need is key.

I'm thankful that the two of us don't really have to consider what others think, say, or do. We're certainly old enough to decide for ourselves how we spend our time and what's right for us. Letting go of the expectations of others gives us peace of mind.

A simple, comfortable, happy home has always been our goal. Putting things in perspective has allowed us to experience less stress, less worry, and less drama. Old habits can be hard to break but this year's fresh starts have been invigorating. Less is more, and I'm thankful for it! 

We're moving forward...

Believe It Or Not...

I don't have a quilt to share this week!

It's not because I haven't been sewing...I have three quilts started and another ready to cut. They're just not finished.

Things keep getting in the way: yard work, spring cleaning, birthday celebration, appointments, delays, and odd little distractions.

At first it stressed me out, but life is too short to fret over self-imposed deadlines. So I've been going with the flow, taking care of essentials, and letting go of expectations. It's very freeing to change my routine and consider new options.

Maybe that's just what I needed. Perhaps the universe was trying to get me to slow down and pay attention.  Reflection and mindfulness turned out to be my birthday gift to myself.  See ya next week!

Out With The Old

I've taken advantage of extra time at home this year to declutter a bunch of things. Knicknacks, clothes and shoes I won't wear, outdated décor, and stuff we don't use any more are out of here. I've learned that I don't really need so much to be happy. Simplicity is my goal. The house is lighter and local thrift stores are fuller.

During a sewing room closet cleanup, I discovered this quilt top from 2015. I had put it aside, anticipating that I would add more strips or a large border. I thought about it, but I decided that it looks fine as is.  And now it's finished, ready to be gifted!

Out With The Old is made from 3” strips left over from other projects. This one was rotary cut since I didn't have Accuquilt yet. I used a cream and tan medium floral print for backing and binding on this 45” x 47” lap throw. Quilting with tan thread, I started in the center, sewing a straight stitch on either side of the seams.

I have determined that I don't really like unfinished objects (UFO's) laying around my sewing room. They make me feel stressed, end up stacked in my way or forgotten on a shelf. I enjoy my work better if I sew one project at a time. Everything stays neater: it's rarely perfect, but it is functional.

There are two more found UFO's awaiting my attention, but they've been added to my “In Progress” list. I do like to cut one or two quilts ahead of time, but I keep them corralled in labeled bins on one shelf under my cutting table. I design constantly so hundreds of ideas are stored on my computer. I guess I'll never make them all, but I will most assuredly try my best. It's what makes me happiest.  

Curate your space

to make room for

your happiness

Crazy Days

Maybe I'll get a chance to post later...

 

Pausing To Breathe

You know that moment. The one when you feel the need to scream out loud. That's when you need to pause...and just breathe. 

 

So I've pressed the pause button to eliminate all the noise, the drama, and the stress. It can go on without me.

Right now I'm breathing, stretching, and relaxing on a beautiful spring day.  My mind is quiet and I've let go of frustrations. This feels so good that I may stay on pause for a while.

“Sometimes magic hides behind chaos.

You have to turn off all the noise to find it.”

~katiescarlett

FOCUS

:a point of convergence 

 

:a state or condition permitting clear perception or understanding 

 

:a center of activity, attraction, or attention

Occasionally it's hard to focus.  Distractions keep you from the things you want in life. Stress, confusion, and negative people make you lose concentration and momentum.

Staying focused on where you want to go helps you stay on track. Take a moment every now and then to reflect on what's important and where you want to focus your attention. You'll gain perspective, peace, and energy to move forward.

Focus on the things you can change and let go of the things you can't. 
 
When life gets blurry, adjust your focus.

Releasing Tension

Lydia's Cross

I've been a busy woman lately. Chores, errands, appointments and projects have taken up most of my time. Nevertheless, I was able to carve out some time for sewing, even if only thirty minutes a day. Doing something I love helps me release tension and stress.

One cold day I measured and calculated the dimensions to one of my favorite Granny Rose antique quilt blocks. I was never able to find the exact pattern anywhere, so I've recreated it.  I believe it's her own design variation of Grandmother's Cross and Nine Patch Star. I've named it Lydia's Cross, and I'm using mixed color scraps like she did. The final quilt will be revealed later.

My new quilted wallet is created from remnants. It has eight slots for cards and two pockets for cash and my checkbook. The snap front keeps everything tucked safely inside.

Another afternoon, I created something useful from an old tee and a sweatshirt. I cut off the bands and zig-zagged the raw edges. Then I made little snips in a semi-circular pattern along the neckline, weaving in a continuous one inch strip from the tee. I added a border to the bottom with the remaining tee fabric. The result is a cute top to wear while hanging out at home on cold winter days.

Useful Notion: Every hour spent doing something you love results in at least four hours of peacefulness.

Twelve Ways To Ease Holiday Stress

Keep everything simple - food, decorations, and gifts  

Pace yourself, don't over-promise your time

Who said everything has to be perfect? Good enough is fine

Enjoy interacting with people – give them your full attention

Let go of the need to control

Watch a funny Christmas movie with someone you love

Keep special traditions, but toss unimportant ones to make room for new memories

Limit time spent with negative people

Share laughter and joy

Do something spontaneous

Make time for yourself to enjoy a hot cup of coffee and listen to soothing music

Be aware of each moment, there's magic in Christmas and you don't want to miss it!

Sewing Mends The Soul

Spending time in my craft room is peaceful and relaxing. I can stay there for hours. I don't even have to be sewing. I love designing, sketching, flipping through magazines and browsing through fabric swatches in search of ideas and color combinations.  It's my stress relief zone.  

Since it was so hot outside last week, I found a few extra hours to sew, and here are the results. This 38” square quilt in cool, fresh blues and greens is called Lakeside Picnic. It's made with easy 2”x4” strips set into a stacked pattern. The reverse, Cool Bars, is longer strips set together with wide pieces of coordinating fabric. It could be used as a lap quilt, a baby quilt, a table topper or a picnic cloth. 

 

Black, white and yellow batik 2 1/2” and 1 1/2" strips of varying lengths give this table runner a modern look, so I named it Midnight Lights. It reverses to large offset log cabin blocks, called City Squares.

 

Stress-free now, I'm ready for whatever comes this month. Enjoy Labor Day!

“When life throws you scraps, make a quilt.” – Author Unknown

Cat Nap

Are We There Yet?

After this very stressful winter, I am more than ready to take off in the truck with Jerold. Soon we're going to hitch up our fifth wheel and head to our favorite lakeside campground, where we can sit by the fire and relax. Or fish. Or read. Or do whatever the heck we want. 

We've been restocking the trailer with food, clothing and supplies, probably more than we need. The bikes and hiking boots are loaded, along with hobby gear for us both. Early spring is a fabulous time to camp. The air is fresh and cool, there are no mosquitoes, very few kids, and poison ivy hasn't sprouted yet.

My mama is eager to house-sit; it's a welcome change for her to be up here in the country. Her room is always ready. I have magazines, books, music and movies for entertainment. Her favorite foods are stocked in the pantry and refrigerator.

We're good to go, so let the 2013 travel adventures begin...are we there yet?

Useful Notion:  Let spring be a natural tonic for all that ails you.  Get outside, enjoy the sunshine on your face, smell the fresh rain, notice the budding plants, listen to the chirping birds.  Discover the inspiration and peace that comes from nature. 

And by the way, Happy Birthday Jerold! 

 

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

~~~~~