Shark Week....

     Jonathan came with his lovely wife Jill and Jill's mom to spend the night.  They attended a wedding,  and then came to our home later.  Somewhere in the many conversations we had, Jonathan brought up that I had not yet "blogged" about him.  Hmmmm....so this is my chance to even things out.     

     What can I say about my first born, other than he is and will always be my heart.  He taught me how to be a Mom , both good and bad.  We grew up together in many ways.  He had all the characteristics of a first born...hesitant , challenging, but most of all loving.

     He still calls each day.  His calls mostly consist of his chatting generically with me, and then Jim gets on the phone and the call get energetic about sports, photography and travel.  All things he has in common with his Dad.

     He has so much in common with Jim.  His height which is obvious, but more his character to be kind and compassionate and deeply loving.  He will always be the apple of his Oma's eye, and she will always remember that she "raised him" in many ways.  To this day they hold a very special bond and it is something to treasure. 

     So Jonathan, when I told him I would certainly blog about him and correct this oversight said "yeah Mom, I know....sort of like Shark Week".  So here it is Jonathan.....maybe this was not as timely as it should have been, but you know you are more than Shark Week in my heart.  I love and miss you when you aren't here.  Please come visit again very soon.  I love you so much. 

Wisdom from Elizabeth....

On Thursdays I teach a beginning quilting class.  The class is four weeks long and goes over the basics of making and completing a quilt.  Most classes involve getting my beginners enthusiastic and confident.  I love my job.  

     Some Thursdays are a bit different.  My beginners become proficient, but do not want to leave the beginner course. They have developed friendships along with the skill of quilt making.  They really don't need my help ( all that much).  I tease them that if they get to good, I lose my job security.  They laugh....and I laugh with them.

     Last night was one of these classes.  My students were all confidently working on their projects.  They were piecing, they were quilting and they were finishing up bindings.  They were all sharing lots of ideas on lots of subjects, but inevitably the subject always comes back to the economy.  

    We are all confused and worried.  What we had last month, we do not have now.  Our security, both financial and personal seems to be shaken.  I share with my students that I refuse to be worried.  I believe in a positive outlook and that we are blessed if we can be happy with whatever we have.

     Elizabeth, with the lovely face and sweet demeanor says to me " you know why we will be ok Annie?"  I answer NO....so she looks at me and says "because we can go to the beach, and when we do we feel very rich." 

    So today I went to the beach.  I sat and looked at the endless waves. I got to the water's edge and felt the icy coolness surround my feet.  I felt the sun on my face.  I began to sing out in my best Judy Collins impression  "tis a gift to be simple.....".  And I thought about Elizabeth and how she has life so right.  

     I picked up a small seashell and will put it on my nightstand.  It will remind me daily how rich I am, because we can find our fortune in simple gifts. 

Jingle all the way.....

I suppose it seems silly to be thinking Christmas, when Halloween and Thanksgiving are still a few weeks away. Does it seem even sillier to be still celebrating my birthday when it was weeks ago?  I say let the celebrations continue regardless of what a calendar ways.  So today  I got the most wonderful birthday gift.....a day spent with my dear friend Linda.  

      When we became best friends we both gave some thought to how we should spend our birthdays and what present we could give to one another.  So we came up with the most delicious and lovely plan.  On my birthday Linda takes me to my favorite quilts shops, throws in a lovely lunch, and it is a present that I look forward to each year.  On Linda's birthday we do the same....just different quilt shops and lunch destination. One of the nicest parts of this plan is that we both feel special and we come home loaded with wonderful fabrics, patterns and inspiration.  What fun!!!!

     Country Loft in La Mesa never disappoints.  It is full to the rafters in delightful decor....the inspiration is mind boggling.  I wish I could post endless photos, but sadly my blogging knowledge only allows me to share two photos.  One is of the shop itself, and the other of the cute fabric and pin that I came home with.

    So tomorrow I will spend time with my sewing machine, designing a pattern for the fabrics I have chosen.  The best part is that it should be done by Christmas! When the season comes I will happily wear my pin and proudly share my quilt as a reminder of the most joyous birthday adventure.  What a great thing to celebrate. 

     

BFF....

There is something so magical and much needed about girlfriend time.  Every girl understands what that means.  That time you spend with the girls you love most and who know all your secrets and still love you with all their hearts.  Best friends forever... and even more special  when they are your Mom and your Daughter.

     Tonight was one of those magical moments.  Our time spent together is often spontaneous.  We all live busy lives and even when we try to schedule moments, there is usually some life interruption.  But there are those moments when everything aligns and you know that you must embrace this time, to do something special...even extraordinary. You MUST watch Sex in the City the movie....and so we did!!!! 

    With plates heaped high with take out Chinese, we get comfortable and the movie begins.  We squeal over all the dresses, the shoes, the views of New York City at its best.  The movie continues and we remember all of the relationships and heart ache and we feel the joy and pain of it all again. The wedding dresses alone make the movie worth watching and then all of the unexpected twists and turns.  All of this enjoyed twice as much because I am watching this with my two best friends.

     We cringe at certain parts and there is something bittersweet about Meghan telling Oma to close her eyes. Not so long ago we could not have imagined watching this together.  But that was then...this is now, and I love the NOW as I loved the THEN.

    So thank you girls for the most wonderful night.  I love spending time with you . We need to do this more often, and we promise Oma that next time it will be a Jane Austen movie!!!!  I loved the dinner, I loved the movie, but most important I love you both so much.  XXX  

Can we just say Amen....

Do not pray for easy lives.   Pray to be stronger men.   Do not pray for easy tasks equal to your powers.  Pray for powers equal to your tasks.  Then the doing of your work shall be no miracle but you shall be the miracle. 

      Phillips Brooks

From Heart and Hands.....

    It is always said that a teacher teaches because they love to learn.  That is so true in my life.  I love my job, and I love my students, and I love the things that they teach me.

    It takes very little to motivate "my girls" to share their talents for a good cause.  So today the kindest hearts gathered to make quilts for sick children whose families reside in the Ronald McDonald house.  

     They sewed, they quilted, they shared the most wonderful food and at the end of the day twenty four deserving children will be wrapped in the love of their gifts. It amazed all of us that so much could be done in such a small amount of time.  

    With willing hearts they turned pieces of fabric into quilts to provide warmth and cheer.  I am always amazed at their talents, but not surprised at their generosity.  I know we all felt that we received more than we gave.

      They all asked when we can do this again....a true sign of their loving hearts.  You are all a blessing in my life. Thanks SEW much for sharing this day with me.   

On the road again....

Those of you that know me well, know that I LOVE to be home.  Unfortunately when you are married to hyper man, weekends are usually spent going somewhere.  I have a theory that being home for hyper man means he feels compelled to work in his at home office.  Hyper man says my theory is wrong and that he just likes to "go places".  So this weekend we were on the road again.

     Now the best part of going places with Jim is that he balances what he likes to do with what I like to do.  So he drives, takes photos and finds great places to eat and I check out quilt shops!!!!  This makes for a great traveling relationship. 

     But there are other parts of going with Jim that I love too.  I love the time to talk about all sorts of things uninterrupted by distractions at home.  I loved the crisp little apple cookies we found in Julian, and that Jim was singing at the top of his lungs to a Neil Diamond song while driving hairpin curves on the way to Palm Desert.

     All in all, it was a great and fun trip.   Don't tell hyper man this, but I actually enjoy going places with him.  I still like being home, but there is something wonderful about wanting to spend this time together...even after all these years. 

How to hang on in tough times.....

I have heard from people who have read my post.  They ask me how it is possible to be optomistic when obviously things are not going well for our world.  I have to agree....things are not all that rosy. 

    I am willing to admit I am worried, but I find peace in knowing that my life is not in my hands, but in my Father's.  Ok, this is not easy to comprehend, and believe me my faith is something I struggle with on a daily basis.  It is not so easy for me to  grasp this concept and let go of the worry.  

    But then I look at the picture of Meghan and Jim that is probably one of my favorites.  We have the photo in our family room and I look at it often.  I see a photo of a young woman taking a HUGE step of faith, and yet clinging to her father for strength and a longing to know that even though she is moving on to the next phase of her life, that her father will still be there for her.       And that it how I view my life.  I know that He is there for me and so when life becomes full of burden that I can not carry alone, I put my trust in Him.  Yes, I cannot see Him, but I look at the picture of Meghan and Jim and I know that  is how I am with the Father.  I cling to Him and hope for a future that will be brighter. 

I choose to be happy....

     There are a lot of reasons to feel apprehensive, worried and uncertain...but I still choose to be happy.  Yes the economy seems to be in free fall, retirement income is certainly dwindling, but in all things we have choices.  We can choose to spend the day feeling out of control, or grasp on to all of the things that bring  joy to our lives.  I have chosen to do the later.

     So today I am going to spend part of my day enjoying simple pleasures like old copies of Victoria magazine, reading the third book of the "Blossom Street" series, sipping a cup of tea and nibbling on some homemade peanut butter cookies.

    Of course it helps to make the day more joyful if you have a sweet kitten on your lap.  I hope all of you find things to make your day equally happpy.  We can't control all things, but we can choose to find joy in small things.  

     

Take twelve hours and .....

Twelve of the most enjoyable quilting students and you have a successful ALL DAY quilt class.  It was great fun as always and I thank my students for the patience they show me and the inspiration they always leave me with.

     People often ask " do you really quilt for twelve hours" and I have to answer "yes and no".  Technically we have twelve hours together, but this class was fairly typical.  We quilted ( yes), but also discussed our families, our lives, politics ( in a very civil way), knitted, ate WAY to much, but all in all we go home satisfied and touched that we are part of this wonderful world of kindred spirits.

     Today is a day of rest....time for Church and family and to spend as much of the day as I can OFF my feet.  Thank you to all my students who always support me in the kindest ways and make my job so enjoyable. See you all next week for our Ronald McDonald quilting day.  You guys are the BEST!!!!!  

How to spell fun.....

FALL!!!!  Nothing is more fun than a Fall quilt festival, and this was lots of fun.  Starry Hollow is a darling shop located in Encinitas.  Each time I go I find a new reason to enjoy my stay...and this time because some of the Fat Quarter girls  were working there!!!!  

    Always fun to walk in a shop and not only be impressed with the fabric and samples, but even more so when Jack is there to make you laugh and smile. Even though I made my friend Nancy promise not to let me buy more fabric, I snuck in a purchase that she didn't see!!!!  I will share the project when I get it finished.  Can you wait to see my new pattern in yet another fabric way??        

     But I haven't even share the MOST fun....I won the door-prize. Ok...it wasn't a huge feat since there were only three names in the box, but I still was doing the happy dance.  So that picture of the Halloween Crow is my inspiration for the cute pattern and fabrics that I have won.  

     Combine the fun stay at the shop, add a nice lunch at Pannera's with my friend Judy, a quick stop at Anthropologie and Cold Water Creek, and it was just a great day. And the best part of the Fall Festival....well, they even managed to make the weather cooler for all of us who have had enough of the heat.  Such joy!!!!!!

I remember.....

When I was a little girl this was our families birthday season.  We began with my Mom on September 15th , followed one week later with my birthday, three days later it was my brother Ted's special day and days after followed my father's birthday. 

     Today my father would have turned 84.  It is hard to realize, especially  because at 56 I have now lived ten years longer than my father did.  I still grieve his passing and I can still find that deep part of my soul that remembers it like it was yesterday.  I cannot go there, because it still hurts to much.

     I miss that my dad never knew me as an adult. I miss that he never knew my husband, or held his grandchildren.  I miss so much.  But in the way that all tragedies have the opportunity to teach us lessons, I learned at the age of eighteen that life is not certain, and each day is a gift that must be cherished.

     I also found out that my Mom could be my best friend.  At an age when young people are excited about college life, dating and just experiencing all the fun things young people do, I was a sad girl who could find no joy in any of those things.  So my Mom became my companion at antiwar rallies, concerts and together we found a way to move forward with less pain and more optimism.  There were more silver linings to our cloud....I met Jim.  He was the one person who could understand my sadness.  He had lost his father too, and together we grew in friendship that later became love.  It was my mother who knew when he came to the door that he would be the one that I would marry.

     So this day would have been a celebration...maybe a lemon meringue pie, which my Dad loved more than cake.  We would have silently been happy the season was over. So many birthdays in such a short time.  This day never passes that I don't think of my Dad.  His love and  devotion to his family, his intense sensitivity and caring nature.  I have never stopped missing him. Happy Birthday Papa.  You are always in my heart. 

All things take perseverance....

This blogging takes a bit of getting used to.  The message you write disappears, the photos don't magically go where they are supposed to.  All a bit of a learning curve, but I will persevere.

    Perseverance....I have been thinking about that a lot.  My mind and heart are never far from Nie Nie.  I check her sisters blog" C Jane Enjoy It" hoping that our dear Stephanie is steps closer to recovery.  Steps...there will be so many steps.  And then I think of her sweet husband Christian and his struggle as he recovers and is off to rehab and has to leave his sweet young wife behind.  Perseverance...yes, we all need some of that in our lives.

     So today I have pulled out a project that I want to work on.  A simple dress and some material that I bought ( on sale) at QIAD.  I don't know why, but this pattern and material reminds me of Stephanie.  Maybe the bit of vintage style and butterfly material that signifies in my heart that she too will be released from her cocoon of bandages and come out the butterfly that is.  

    But I am making this for a certain school teacher that I love with all my heart.  She is having a bad week too....but we all need to learn the lesson of perseverance.  So if this dress ends up something she will wear, or something she will just hang in her closet, I hope it will remind us all to persevere.  There can never be enough of that in our lives.

In the midst of all this hot weather my mind goes to....

Christmas.....well not exactly the season, but I am knee deep in making a Christmas quilt.  Not ANY Christmas quilt, but this one is a prototype for the new pattern QIAD will be publishing.  

     Working on a project that is going to be published is fun, hard work, and often has unexpected twists and turns.  The size you made last month is now excluded and the new size needs to be made NOW.  After all quilt market is just around the corner.

    So in the midst of all this heat, I am sitting under my ceiling fan, pink lemonade at my side and happily sewing away.  I think this will be a fan pattern and hopefully a successful one for QIAD.  The topper size goes together SEW easily.  In fact I finished the quilt top yesterday squeezing it in between at 8am work meeting, a bit of shopping ( I have to have my Anthropologie fix), watching my Netflix ( the Tudors...very saucy and somewhat historical) dinner with Mom ( thanks Mom ) and a VERY full Wednesday evening quilt class.

    Back to work.  Yes, I have included a scalloped border and yes I still have to do the binding.  Always something to keep me busy. Hoping a Christmas quilt will bring on the cooler weather!!!!