Design Wall Monday

I have completed the most recent blog in the Super Mario Bros. quilt along found at www.cuttopieces.blogspot.com. I have been prepping other tops to quilt. I have been shocked at the cost of cotton batting of late, how about you? I love Warm and Natural but the cost!! I have been happy with Hobbs 80/20 so that's what I have been using. I have about 8 tops in the wings to quilt.

I have been ill for the past 2 weeks with bronchitis/early pneumonia. Took off 3 days last week and today is my first attempt to return. I am still weak and short of breath. I guess that means the gym will wait but I will try a light exercise program on the Wii fit.

Getting ready for Christmas, I have been trying my hand at crochet amigurumi. LOVE it. My first toy is nearly together. And I have been knitting. These have been my projects while ill and sitting/laying on the couch. Pictures to come.

I have also been doing a picture a day for the last 23 days and sharing some stories about me. I will post another one later today but you could see some in previous blog posts.

Thanks for stopping by!

Day 21

Day 21 A picture of something you wish you could forget

This picture was taken in the Straits area while we were on the Ferry to Mackinac Island last July. I love lighthouses. This little light reminds me of the one near Sleeping Bear Dunes. I took many trips there and one trip was when I was very young. I think about 5 or 6. I was in Lake Michigan and there were some pretty big waves for a kid. I remember getting caught in an undertow and was getting pulled out to deep water. Luckily for me, my Dad was right there and pulled me out. I have a deep respect for the water and this is one of my earliest memories. Thanks Dad!

Day 20

A

 picture of somewhere you would like to travel

I have been ill and home bound for three days so I was going to put a trip to the local grocery store on here today but I decided to dream and not be a realist as I like to call myself!

I addition to travelling to Scotland, I want to go to Ireland and Wales. My ancestors came from those countries and I would like to see the land. I want to find more in my genealogy because I am "stuck" in the mid 1800's in those countries. I want to hear the music in the pubs, smell the sea and take in everything I can in one vacation.

Hopefully we will be seeing a trip materialize for Scotland in a couple of years and maybe add a few days to Ireland, too. We will see!!

Until then, I find tons of great pics on Pinterest and travel web sites.

Picture of a letter

Day 19 picture of a letter

As I continue to do the photo a day for my blog, it has made me try to be a better photographer. It has made me learn more about my photo editing programs in my phone app store as well as on my computer. I am having fun. I am also doing a different Photo a day for Oct on Face book. It has made me look at ordinary things to see if they would made an extraordinary picture.

Here are the items I have received in the mail. No letters really, they are what I would call flyer's. Most are political and one is for a sale/coupon notice from Joann's Fabrics, yeah! I love the pretty colors and paper that they are printed on. Like most people, I don't get much "good" stuff in the snail mail. Only bills and promotional items.

What has happened to the quilting, knitting, crochet and other crafting content?

It is still here, I have been ill with a bronchitis/pneumonia deal. I have been tired and missed several days of work. Getting out of bed has been difficult for the last few days and I went to the doctor, has another round of meds and rest.

Last weekend was a college visit to Spring Arbor U for our son, a highland game for his Dad and pumpkin patch/cider mill visit for all of us. Pictures of the trip will come tomorrow. I am not able to attend either of the football games I had planned on attending this weekend as breathing is still a bit weird at times.

Here is my scarf: it is 50 inches long and I think I need about another 12" on it.

Wool weather diary scarf

Here is the latest Mario Bros quilt block:

Star Power!



The flowers are from a friend to cheer me up, :) it worked.

More Picture a day

Day 18 Picture of your biggest insecurity

Money, I have a long standing relationship of worry with it. And just when I think I am over it (the worry and fear), the car breaks. Seriously breaks and the repair has several 0's on the end. I fear not having what we need. That has never happened and I know it never will. Sometimes we have to make a few sacrifices and adjust but we always muddle through it. I have to remind myself that there are many in this world who don't have enough money to buy food and clothing. I am worrying about a second pair of shoes or what I am going to do for a trip.

Silly. But it is my biggest insecurity.

Day 17

Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently

And the battle continues in 2012 to reduce my weight for good health. I put on a couple of pounds over the summer. I am a bit achy in my joints. Gotta get the cholesterol and all that bad stuff lower. I want to bake cookies and pies...not eat vegetables.

So, in the next week when I step on the scales in my office, I hope it to read at a lower weight!

Day 16

Day 16 Picture of Someone Who Inspires You






A person who inspires me is the violin teacher I had as a youth. Judy M. She still teaches lessons in my home town where I still reside. She plays several instruments as you can see in the photo she also plays mandolin. She is active in the youth orchestra, on the board of the adult orchestra, is a retired teacher, a wife and mother.

Judy has inspired me to play my best and teach me with a kind and gentle spirit. She loves to impact the lives of young people and introduce them to the arts. She is a huge encourager. When I was able to play in the community more, she would share a stand with me which is always a privilege.

I found out as an adult she loves to quilt. (I knew we were kindred spirits!) She is married to a funny man and they have a wonderful time when ever I see them together. She models being a wonderful person to all she comes in contact with.

Thanks Judy for being such a big inspiration to me and so many others. I am so glad you teach music!!