HAPPY Wednesday--May 26,2010

          Some years ago I lived in a small village that was entertained daily by a bicyclist that rode down the Main Street (actually, the only street) greeting everyone with Happy Wednesday, Thursday or whatever. Today his joyful greeting came to mind--Happy Wednesday.

It is glorious outside, a slight breeze, dogs lazy on the porch, spring flowers and berries bursting in their contentment. My morning walk compelled me to take a photo shot of agarita berries. Dad used to tell about shaking them into a fabric strip, carrying them home and making jelly. Those country stories seem lost now. When is the last time you collected berries, went home and made jelly? I can't help but wonder how many of those tiny berries it took to make a few jars of jelly.

                     A beautiful agarita bush

I've been dividing my day into segments, trying to accomplish all the things I love to do. Reading, writing, sewing, the daily walk, the daily read + Bible study and always, the chores that keep sanity and organization of life in tow. I start the morning with coffee (for me, a delightful treat) and conversation with George. From there it is breakfast and quick chores, then a morning dedicated to reading, writing and internet. Shortly after lunch I pretend I MUST change roles and move to the sewing room for total immersion into planning and sewing unfinished and new projects. It has been easy to buy too much "stuff" and never produce end results. I am determined to change the course.

Another joy of Happy Wednesday is the anticipation of seeing my grandbabies. It is a push to call them "babies" because little Michael is past 3 and Kate touches one year old this summer. In reflection I laughed when I saw the photo of M in the grocery car--taken last summer. Visiting for a short time, I decided to be the "perfect grandmother" and asked if he would enjoy riding in the b-i-g (and heavy) grocery cart. By his smile, do you think he enjoyed? I've never had so much fun! We laughed down every aisle!...and soon, another visit--this time with M and K, and maybe another cart.

Remeber Fred?-- the neighborhood cow? That boy has a new costume! Thought you might enjoy--guess it is his summer cooler. He just stares at me when I take his photo, so don't know what he might be thinking. ?? ha.

"fred"--our neighborhood favorite

I love organization, even though it isn't always apparent. But, to my disciplined week, I decided to make some of the soft screen bags. They are perfect see-through squares with a zipper. I can't wait to use them for sewing supplies, files of articles to share with my writing group, etc. I bought the fabric at my favorite store (Creations in Kerrville) and it is also available on-line. By the way, they have a great website http://www.creations-online.com/

And the most fun of my sewing week--working on Kate's paperdoll quilt. Inspired by the delightful book Material Obsession by Kathy Doughty and Sarah Fielke, it is pure joy to sew.  My deadline of Kate's one year b-day is soon--so I better get crackin'.

Oh my, the reads, the fabulous early summer fruits and vegetables, God's scripture this week--blessings are overflowing.

Here are this week's favorites:


A great read: Wildflowers of the Texas Hill Country by Marshall Enquist--not really a "read", but great photos and copy for identification of beautiful flowers.


Traveling Mercies by Anne Lamott--it is raw--almost too raw, real, funny, touching and an honest tale of her journey to faith. I will always remember this book.

A great meal: Sharing lunch with fabulous friends, we enjoyed chicken enchiladas (home-made), tomato and avocado salad and corn custard (to "live" for). Thank you, Janie.

And God's word: "Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope. Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:21-23


To remember--gifts come in the most unexpected packages.


Til then,


Ali

Thursday Twigs

Getting back in routine after a few days of travel, I decided the morning walk must start the day.  A windy mist blew against my face as I walked out the door. And then, as I looked down, I noticed an unusual number of "twigs" --everywhere. I picked up a handful and began looking at the character of each little stick. Crooked, straight, short, long, dark and light, they intrigued me. Each one reminded me of life's daily bonuses--the unexpected treasures.Then, to my amazement, upon the return of my walk, almost as many were on the walk again! Multiples--can't wait to see what waits ahead!

So far, this week has been full of twigs (bonuses)--fun twigs. Invitations to two geographically related guilds gave me perfect opportunity to study and share two of my favorite stories. I visited Waco and the Homespun Quilter's Guild, followed by Temple's guild, the Wildflower Quilt Guild. Thank you ladies, I had a great time!

We talked about Texas women and the role the quilt played in the settlement of the unsettled frontier. Looking back to 100+ years the quilt story of three layers of cloth, often beautifully designed and always functional and lovingly sewn literally wrapped it's settlers in comfort and security. Each hardship and danger was softened by the woman's working hands and the tenacity she showed as she helped refine this great state. What women they were! And best of all, they often passed on the talents of their hands. The second story I shared touched the liberation of the traditional quilt into the short lived fad of the crazy quilt. It was a true coming out party for women in the late 1800's. For the first time, a woman's creativity served no functional purpose, except to share her skill in sewing freely and beautifully. Guided with threads, dates and memories, each quilt hosted ribbons and silks, most often to tell a family story. And again, each quilt, each story ...always a bonus.

For me, an added bonus of going to the city is the opportunity to shop. I actually found myself giddy as I shared a fabulous purse line (http://www.maryfrances.com/ ) via phone with my sister. Details of embellishment overflowed on each artistic version. I was awe struck.  Added fun was a computer store, a hobby shop and fun, even in an office supply. Maybe I need to get away more!

And speaking of country living...I must introduce you to our neighborhood cow, Fred. He is a costume eccentric ,--today he's celebrating a birthday. I'll share him as often as he finds new garb. I anxiously look forward to the next holiday; he's always a bonus--you'll soon agree.

Just call me "Fred"

And now the bonus at the end of the day, phone calls with friends, a happy day, chocolate and God's blessings --a merry good night. THINK BONUS tomorrow...see what you can fine.  And if you need a bonus--

A great read: The book of Ruth, Old Testament

A favorite quote: One's friends are that part of the human race with which one can be human. George Santayana

til then,

Alice 

Is it Monday again?

Does time fly by in your day? I'm amazed at the speed of each day, and yes, it is Monday again!--the second Monday in May. Such a glorious time of year. I walked my daily mile this a.m. and loved the wild flowers blowing in the wind, the butterfly weed with little butterflies enjoying the bloom and the baby calves in the pastures.

Now, for those of you that know me, you know country life is not my first calling. I have a love/hate relationship to the wide open spaces. I miss the city stores (where is Barnes and Noble? the multiple choices of sale items when I need some new t-shirts, etc.?) Ain't here, but the beautiful trade off of nature is. It works; I've made it work for 15 years. The saving grace from the empty fences of pasture and cows is the computer, the quilt bees, the writing groups and Bible study friends. FRIENDS and FAMILY...the glue that holds us together.

The computer translates to friends and business connections. And I'm thrilled to say my latest connection is to THREADS MAGAZINE http://www.threadsmagazine.com/ with my published article about getting back into decorative machine stitching. Wow! It is such fun and so simple. Review the July, 2010 issue. My article is on page 80 forward; and I also love the article on beautiful ribbon embellishment and "no waste" garments--cutting garment shapes with no fabric waste. So creative.  I'm so glad to be writing articles again. Over the years I've written many sewing articles; now, I've found that self again.

And you might notice that I list Sue Spargo in my favorite blogs. Her work is amazing--and she is Quilting Adventures (http://www.quilting-adventures.com/) guest teacher for the fall session, September 12-15 in Boerne, Texas. If you want more info, check out our site. We can't wait for Sue to bring her talent to Texas. 

And Mother's Day--my house is full of beautiful flowers because of thoughtful men. My G brought me roses and his son Carl brought me roses again! I love it. Thank you guys.

And speaking of flowers, our neighbor Sandy had the coolest party. She has a new garden and to welcome the beginning of the growing season she hosted a ribbon cutting party, cutting a garden ribbon to celebrate the flowers, squash, peppers, etc. She and her husband served from the grill, all the neighbors brought the sides. It was a delightful welcome to summer. Thanks Sandy.

Energize yourself--have a great week and if you are looking for a great book:

A favorite read: QUILT mania--the fabulous French magazine (printed in English),

bi-monthly and available on big newsstands or by subscription http://www.quiltmania.com/

A favorite scripture: "Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things." Philipians 4:8

til then,

ali

pictures of "the" date

a book here, a book there... then a walk to a perfectly restored building. George loved the long leaf pine floors and original windows. Next, we found the knitting shop and across the way, a potter's haven, custom buttons --maybe the next jacket?

It's a super day...

Julia Cameron is one of my favorite creative authors. She speaks in her book THE ARTIST'S WAY (Tarcher/Putman Press) of giving our self an artist' date--a window of time to enjoy the beauty of God's nature and the wonders of the creative people we find. Such was my day Saturday. I hope my day will engage you to give yourself an artist's date--just with you.

Our small local library has a once a year yard sale, selling endless varieties of books for pennies on the dollar. Seemed like a perfect date for me! I drove down to the sale early and fit into the crowd. I'm one of the folks "that never saw a book I didn't like" so selecting books for myself and assorted family members ranging from the best cooking to history was easy. Oh,I might add, part of the fun was people watching. Young and old scurried by the loaded book tables, eagerly looking for a favorite bargain, adding each new find to their cardboard holding boxes."Anybody found something on golf?, on bridge?" played from one group to another. Next came the long checkout line. No big deal--it was a beautiful day and chatterly conversation was plentiful.

Second in the artists' date was a trip to Comfort, a small hill-country town down the road from San Antonio. This Saturday's big event was an antique show in the town park. Buzzing with vendors selling fabulous wares, people were everywhere--standing or sitting on the main street benches, each telling their favorite stories. Laughter and joy filled the air. What fun to enjoy the varied voice decibel's while meandering in and out of old buildings, sharing the day with George. The best find for me was a fabulous knitting shop (and I'm a major beginning knitter).Check out The Tinsmith's Wife (www.tinsmithswife.com) for a fabulous selection of yarns and workshops. And to complete my artists' date we previewed a friend, Delia Hunt's one woman art show--SO GOOD! Congrats! my friend. Check her out: www.deliahunt.com

Home again and a quick stir-fry (really stir-steam!) of as many vegetables as I could put in a pan. I recently read a book describing how our moms cooked for flavor; we cook for health. How true-how true; we all think more about food for health than "yummy." Wish we could think more in the first direction, but issues--heart, osteoporosis, etc. We must be as health conscious as possible.

Well...that was my artists' date. Can't wait to hear about yours.

And my favorite book of the day: another Julia Cameron book, THE RIGHT TO WRITE.
Great prompts and invitations into the writing way. Penquin Putnam Inc., 1999.

And a favorite scripture. "Come unto to me, all of you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Matt. 11:28. What comfort to hear Christ's words.

til later,

Ali

do I use a pen or pin?--the daily walk

Welcome,

Being a blog fan, it is inevitable that I finally join the modern crowd and become a "blogger." What do the multiple blog sites provide us, the reader? Why are we so attracted to them? From my perspective it is so simple...each reading keeps us attune to another and the similarities we all have. It is a joy to see your spring flowers, your grandchildren and hear about your latest venture--all on your blog.

So, I hope we'll share a bit about the daily life of our worlds, being a grandmother, a writer and teacher--or our favorite life directions; the special goals and struggles of putting words on a page, the creative direction of magical fabric units forming a great jacket or quilt, an occasional trip, the energy created in seminars I co-host and the classroom opportunities you give me.

And I want us to share the real fiber of life-God, family, friends, and the moments that make a difference. As I get older I find the phone calls, emails, notes and conversations over dinner are invaluable, necessary for the very breath of every day. Never an hour goes by that one of these particles simply impacts my thoughts and emotions.

Add the perks that make life energizing--a new or favorite book opened to an author's humor, wisdom or incite. Will I ever get my fill of the zillions of books I long to read or the quilt designs I long to sew? Or the sharing of the most "yummy" spinach and pear salad, or the best brownie? or the surprising find of mom's favorite biscuit recipe? To share these finds is a joy--try my reads and please, let me try yours.

So my blog is this...to share with you the daily walk. The walk we as women tread everyday, from breakfast to professional meetings, from family and friends to new acquaintances and experiences.

I hope to hear from you. And for today, my perks include:

A great read: IF YOU WANT TO WRITE by Brenda Ueland, first published in 1938. Current edition, Graywood Press.

And a favorite scripture: I Thessalonians 4:11 "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands. So that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so you will not be dependent on anybody."

And the favorite spinach salad--a combo of fresh spinach, chopped bosc pears, toasted walnuts,grated hard cheese (go light!),touch of crisp bacon and a mild vinaigrette dressing (on the side!)Enjoy!

til later,

ali