Help ???

I was passed this. My first reaction was excitement. :) But after coming home, I'm starting to worry. After all this was someone else's vision. Who's, I don't know?

The fabric looks as if it was someone's shirt(s), including a stain or two on the front. But the stars look beautiful. So do I add a larger border on the sides? Right now it's about 61 inches square. All I know is that I want to hand quilt it besides that I don't know. So I'm looking for suggestions from you, from the next door neighbor, really anyone. I would love to hear what you have to say. What would you do?

It is still January

Today I did things a bit differently. I sent the boys off on the bus, knowing that they will return in a few hours. The sky is gray and snow is softly falling, as it will for most of the day today. The college was still open today, and I still had my own classes. But I decided to stay home today. It means more studying on my own. But I know that I'll be here when the boys return, and that's more important to me.While I had some time for myself, I took a walk outside. I had a chance to wear the beautiful scarf that my special one made for me for X-mas. I realized that I need to knit myself a new hat, one that will cover my ears. Mental note: Add hat to list of things to be done. One that hasn't been shrunk in the washer, would be very good. I talked to my girlfriends, as they too were looking out the window at the snow. I told the red one she was silly to malt in December. Thank goodness her feathers are coming back in a bit, or I would need to knit her a sweater. Can you just envision a chicken with a sweater? don't put it past me.

When I came back inside I found this...
One old lady trying to curl up in the smallest ball in order to remain on the couch. You don't get to see it, but she was wagging her tail and promising to be good.

Ah, The craziness of this house. It's probably good I took a day and played hookie. At least now I'm at an age were the truant officer will not come find me.

Snow day

Well actually it's been more of an ice/rain day. Regardless at your first step outdoors your ready to come back in. Which is where most of us have been today. The crock pot was started this morning, there have been movies and snacks. But most important, there was no place that we had to be. I have to admit, I am no Martha Stewart. My house has piles, or things that need my attention but haven't gotten to yet. Here is my conclusion... PILES=PROGRESS! NOT CLUTTER... or at least when it comes to sewing.

See I enjoy sewing, and there is so much I want to accomplish. My mental list of things I hope to make is a mile long, and probably completely unaccomplishable. My progress is more like the slow and steady turtle. It feels kind of hard to be this way when blogging. But I'm trying to be who I am, and accomplish what I can. To just BE...

P.S - If you read the last post and felt compelled to donate towards the National Down Syndrome Society. I can't thank you enough. The last time I checked, over $70,000. was raised. The generosity of others just amazes me. You Rock! as Kelle would say.

This is one of my

Son's, who happens to have Down syndrome. He is a teenager now, who likes doing his chin up's and thinks that tattoo's are cool. Not that mom is letting him get one!

Down syndrome wasn't expected, but this is a gift I'm glad to know.

Over the past year I have had the chance to get to know another mother who has experienced her own gift. She has openly shared her emotions. She has let the world see the love that she has found. Now as Nella turns one, she is making a difference for all individuals with Down Syndrome and you can help too. To find out more watch the video clip below.

Did you find my loved one? If you want to know more about Kelle, and her experiences this year. Just click on the button in the sidebar. If you read the birth story, be prepared with tissues.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead

Things I like...

A little bit of snow, and two wonderful young men to clear it.

My amaryllis in bloom. Ah! the promise of spring in the middle of winter.

And a few completed quilt blocks. Although I still have a long way to go. Sorry it's blurry.

Life is as it should be as I am doing/enjoying all of the things I love. What are you doing today?

Oh, the weather man says more snow is on the way for tomorrow, Blah! And I'm suppose to start classes tomorrow. These are the days I would love to just hibernate. Suppose I can't go there.

The road you travel.

"The road to Hell, is paved with good intentions"

I'm not sure who said it. But in so many ways this sums up me. There is always plenty of things that I want to accomplish. The world is big, opportunities are endless and I want to try a bit of everything. Normally this is also what gets me into trouble.

So why not get myself moving on something that I haven't tried before, applique. I feel in love with an applique block of the month, made by Molly at http://sewhappy10000.blogspot.com/2011/01/boot-bash-block-of-month-is-finally.html.

I knew as soon as I seen it that I would have to make it.

Here is my first attempt/trial run! There is a few things I would like to do differently but this gives me a great starting point. Most important for me is to make it bigger. I would like it to nicely fill a 12'' block. What you see here is a 8"block.

So here I go with the best of intentions, wish me luck! My one professor said goodbye like this... "I wish you a rough road, may you be challenged. Through challenge comes growth" Maybe he's right!

What road do you travel? and most importantly do you wear your boots thru it?

Whew

We have been a little tired from all of the holiday activities, baking, eating, traveling, birthday, ______. Not to mention all the things I threw in there because for once we had time.

Now we are heading back into routine. All of the holiday garb is once again put away. I get so much more accomplished under a routine schedule than I do with large amounts of free time. Not that I don't sometimes need a break, but I'm more productive with my time under a routine.

With that in mind I'll go back to my hst for the rollroll cotton ball. I'm only about half way through. Did you know there are 600? Then you make them into 120 strips. I suppose it's good to have an ongoing project. You'll know where to find me, at least for an hour or two.