Good trade Farm Friday- fishing.

 We're coming to get you  in T- 12 days.

Take care,

"Don't set sail on someone else's star”.

Or so it is said in an African proverb.  When reading this quote I had an a-ha moment. I'm sure you've had one of your own at some point during your journey. This is precisely what I have been doing for a long time now. 

I have recently started to reevaluate my life and the things that are important to me.  I am closer to 40 than I ever thought I would be.  You see my mother always said  I  was lucky to live past 16 because I  was such a smart ass.  I still am by the by and am fine with that thankyouverymuch!

 Many of the things that I  thought were  important over the years have slowy faded away and become clutter.  Lots of clutter.  Clutter in my computer, my closets, my head, my relationships and  really in every aspect of my life and home and I have been facing it all head on.  I have collected  so many different things in my crafting quest, and life in general, if i were to be honest;  I lost sight of the things that were important.   My family, my children , myself...

I have been trying to make myself step out of my comfort zones and try new things and in doing so I have found so many things that I actually enjoy doing such as quilting vs. garmet sewing, hand sewing vs. machine sewing and even embroidery.   None of these things were ever a point of interest before.  During these moments of quiet stitching I have started to listen to myself and to my surroundings.  I'm not perfect and I will never be the perfect person , mother, crafter, blogger... insert any other appropriate title here, and that's okay.  Just doing it  and living my life day by day with laughter and love  is enough.

Trying to figure out a design for the star, finally decided to use a variation of 3  different patterns and adding my own twist.  ( Old table finally gone!!!!)

This table, as crazy as it seems has really changed the flow of our house and I am in love.  It was a garage sale purchase this past week and made me really pair down my "craft" excess in this room.  No more clutter.  No more folding chairs.  No more fighing for space No more trying to "make it work.   Real family dinners and gatherings at the table have been lovely.  Kaiya calls the arm chairs the "king and queen thrones" and only grown ups can sit in them.  It's good to be queen. 

 

These stars a part of my first ever "quilt as you go" with a hand quilting extravaganza!

 lots more of embellishment and more quiet and reflective moments with my kids as they too try their hands at sewing and embroidery

The clutter is starting to disappear.  The bluebird of happiness has come to roost here once again  and I'm looking towards my own star these days.

Take care,

Craft time with the kids.

Take care,

Pot Holder Pass Round 2 -- Sent and Received.

My  Pot HolderPass 2 swap buddy  Teresa  has yet to receive her potholders as a result of  my tardiness and the Ielandic volcano reeking havok, but told me I could post some pictures of them (she wanted to be surprise, but gave in :) ) Teresa I  hope you like them and thank you again for your patience.

 This pattern is called " Honor & Courage"  from The Quilter's Cache/Marcia Hohn.   This pattern was perfect for Teresa's color choices which were red, green & gold.  it just seemed to make the colors pop.  They are all paper pieced which took some practise, trial & error and a bit of cursing.   I also wanted to make a finger pocket potholder as I still manage to burn my hands NO MATTER WHAT and thought it made them a bit more sustantial.  I think this may be my prefered method of  potholder construction in the future. 

The potholders I received were from Bahamadawn with fabric made in the Bahamas which she sent some extra with the potholders.  I love the whimsy of the owl and the yo-yos seem to evoke a smile everytime I walk into my kitchen.

   

 Thanks again ladies.  A big Thank You to Amy  for putting this all together.  I'll be bowing out of round 3 but will jump back into to more swaps in the future!

Take care,

Good Trade Farm Fridays--- Happy Birthday

http://www.goodtradefarm.com/

Happy Birthday!

Mmmm.... real buttercream icing from scratch.

 Have a great day!

Take care,

Good Trade Farm Friday- Outhouse.

http://www.goodtradefarm.com/

The out house has been in the same spot , near the bass pond, for a while now.  

 The folks decided that it was time for it to move to a new location further up the hill.

 

This is the rigging to transport it .  Dad's face has been cropped out as he isn't keen on photos.

Movin' on up.  Dad had already done all the prep and dug a new hole near the "Catfish Caboose".

They decided to move it up  in a center location on the property making it easier , especially for  the grandkids. Lil' miss would never make it down the hill to get to the house.  I can officially tell my kids it's okay to *^it in the woods.

This beauty is going to get a fresh coat of paint and  by summer will have new plant and flower growth all around it I'm sure.  I bet you want one!

Take care,

Been quiet on the blog....

because...

New (recycled) kitchen towels and washcloths.

Appliqued beach and bath towels.

 much needed ORGANIZATION

planting and repotting.

 pot holder 2 swap.

finishing baby quilt gift.

and ... a whole lot of beach days.

with NO MORE WHEELCHAIR!!!!!!!!

or shoes for that matter.

 

the Easter bunny. Kaiya had no interest again this year.

singing and swinging.

 and Jamie Cullum.  If you don't know who he is, you should.

 I'm still trying to get things finished/ sorted /sent/ freecycled or tossed and found I get more done * suprise*  if the computer/TV isn't turned on. 

Take care,