Miss Pam tagged me earlier this week for the seven random things post. I've lost count of who all has tagged me for this in the past year or so, but I'm tired of feeling guilty about ignoring them so I'm giving it my version of a 'go' here today. Here's seven random things currently or recently going on in my life or thoughts going on in my head.
Does anyone remember about 25 years ago when the Wilton cakes started up? I just knew that if you had the right pans and tools anyone could do it! Ummm, I was wrong. My first attempt was so frustrating that I never did try again, but it was the lesson I continue to go back to when disregarding the importance of practice and experience over 'having the right tools'. I thought that since I now have a Bernina freemotion machine quilting would be a breeze, and I would produce professional results. Ummm, wrong again!
Luckily I mainly just 'stitched in the ditch' and didn't try to do an all-over pattern. I do like my borders. I really liked the inner border Freddy used on hers, but that fabric is no longer available, so I recreated it by making a black strip and then added individually cut circles of color. Here's the fabric label I put on the back, which also shows the really awful job I did machine quilting.
It really IS harder than it seems it should be. The good news is that I am signed up for a machine quilting class later this month with the local and very talented Pat Durbin.
2. This is the current view from my kitchen window into the backyard
The contractor has done all he can do before the permit gets approved (hopefully this week) and then it'll be full speed ahead on building me a 15x20 ft studio. Awesome! Who needs lawn anyway? ;-)
3. Miss Mia the Cat recently figured out how to do her two favorite things; lay on her back and watch me here on the computer; at the same time
Clever girl, huh?
4. Hooked on Phonics really does work. When recently told that my grandson Caleb was pretty much the only one in first grade not reading well I bought the program (pre-K to 2nd grade)on ebay. I pick him up after school on M-W-F and he reads for 30-40 minutes. Within a very short time he has just about caught up. He actually enjoys reading time now. I couldn't be happier~
5. I've joined the neighborhood church. I'm really feeling aware lately of how much of my acquaintances and friendships are online and when the electricity goes out...well; you know what I mean. I figure being around others who want to thank God for their many blessings is a good start toward becoming a part of the community. :-)
6. This week marks the two year quitiversary for me and those nasty stinky gross cigarettes. After two full years I finally feel pretty safe saying "I quit!" yay for me. :-)
7. Have you ever heard the term helicopter parents? I've been observing this hovering behavior more and more these past few years, but only just recently heard that label. Here I thought I was the only one concerned about our children losing their ability to be creative and independent thinkers and do-ers, yet it's a coined phrase in wikipedia. It makes me sad! I'm worried about our society's future. I'm worried that only people who are plummeting toward 50 say things like I'm worried about our society's future ;-)
peace out.
Jen, Interesting things. That helicopter parents thing? I didn't know that it had a name, but commented to a friend recently about the fact that kids don't know what to do with themselves when they have a free minute. they are so used to a mommy-made schedule, that they don't know how to go out and play, or call a friend on their own...its scary.I am loving the quilts, and actually learning a bit from you.Congrats on the non-smoking. I am looking forward to seeing the end result of your new studio. Susan
Posted by: susans at black eyed susans kitchen | March 05, 2008 at 05:32 PM
...I just found your blog and i'm sooooo very happy and lucky too!!
It's a great read:)
I've read the helicopter parents article too, and i eerily found way too many common behaviours with my parents:((...piano lessons, ballet, 3 languages, guitar, prop schools and ohh so many others that had to start n stop while they changed their minds....I've been running like a headless chicken for so many years under their whims ..lol
I'm finally doing something that -I- enjoy after all though:DDD
Thank you for the wonderful read, I'll be back !!
Take care,
Hidden Eloise
Posted by: Eloise | March 04, 2008 at 05:35 AM
The team at Hooked on Phonics came across your blog and wanted to say how thrilled we are to hear that your grandson is enjoying our Learn to Read program.
We wish you continued success and look forward to hearning more reading success stories!
Hooked on Phonics
Posted by: Hooked on Phonics | March 03, 2008 at 09:22 AM
Congrats on the two year...great accomplishment! Also, many of your thoughts are so valid thank you! I am also VERY concerned about our society's future, and I am plummeting to 40 soon!
Posted by: dawn | March 03, 2008 at 05:47 AM
I'm worried that our grown children aren't worried enough about the future. We are in a hell of a mess I think, and it sure doesn't look good. Love your Freddie Moran quilt. What a neat thing to do, making your own border. I am sure you will be jumping with joy when your new studio if finished. Will be looking forward to pictures of that.
Posted by: Perry | March 02, 2008 at 08:08 PM
As you know, I love the Freddie Dot Com quilt. The label is great!! Don't worry about the quilting...it will get better! Thanks for sharing th 7 things. Your cat is absolutely adorable. Isn't it amazing they always need to know what we are doing?
Posted by: Jackie | March 02, 2008 at 05:40 AM
I read the article on Helicopter parent...it's a different world than it was when we were growing up. We as kids could walk anywhere alone & not be bothered - now every parent has to drive their kids everywhere because of the nut cases out there! I find I have to be "the playmate/friend" to my kid 'cuz we don't have kids or families in our neighborhood...and, even if we did I would be fearful of who lived in the home & do they have weapons? It stinks that we have had to become so overprotective...we know so much more of what could possibly happen. It's crazy too that we never worried about the food we ate - now we hear about tainted carrots/spinach/meat in the cafeteria!
Posted by: tammyCA | February 29, 2008 at 11:01 PM
I followed a link on Red Geranium's blog to yours. I enjoyed the reading and the pictures.
Posted by: Karen Beigh (Log Cabin Quilter) | February 29, 2008 at 08:17 AM
Meant "Being a parent" - obviously I have not done Hooked on Phonics.
Posted by: Lotta | February 28, 2008 at 07:54 PM
Good for you for joining a church. My Dad's a minister and one of my favorite things about his church is how warmly the congregation receives each other.
The helicopter syndrome is scary. But you know what else is? Being a part in this day in age. You're afraid to let your 5 year old go potty alone for fear he'll be cornholed in there while you wait outside.
I think all that anxiety creates parents who are staying mighty busy so they don't have to think about how scary it all can be.
Posted by: Lotta | February 28, 2008 at 07:53 PM
Congratulations on quitting and finishing your quilt! Amazing quilt and the label is just lovely!
Posted by: Doe | February 28, 2008 at 05:34 PM
Congrats on the HUGE 2 year anniversary. Wow!
And I'll have to keep that Phonics in mind. We are doing quite well but I'm sure we'll have gliches.
Pretty quilt too. I'm sure you'll be humming away soon just like with anything else you create.
M
Posted by: Michelle Infantino | February 28, 2008 at 04:27 PM
Love your colorful quilt. Good job!! I love your label on the back. I never label and I know that's bad. When I go back and see a quilt I have no idea when I made it or what pattern it is.
Congrats on the smoking or should I say the ban on smoking. I'm proud of you. My sister quilt this past year and I was sooo happy.
Posted by: redgeraniumcottage | February 28, 2008 at 08:51 AM
Love your banner~ Can't wait to see the finsihed studio.
Bristol
Posted by: Bristol | February 28, 2008 at 08:15 AM
Congrats on your #6! I've been trying for years to be a member of that club. Knowing what a major accomplishment that is, I not only applaud you - a standing ovation from me as well!
And I love the label on that great quilt!
Posted by: happy zombie | February 28, 2008 at 08:06 AM
Oh, I usually don't post twice (really never) but I was going to tell you that I've machine quilted maybe 500+ quilts on my bernina regular machine and I'm still trying to get professional. I make 2 steps forward and 3 back sometimes. I have got stippling down and of course, stitch in the ditch, but I want to do more than that. I do straight lines ok, too. But I want to do circles and patterns, too.
Posted by: Nanette | February 28, 2008 at 08:06 AM
What great thought you put into this. It was fabulous reading about you. Everything from the new studio, to joining the church, to quiting cigarettes. I applaud you. My children are between 13-25 and I never ever thought when I was popping out babies one after another that being a mom would be so difficult once they had lives of their own. I worry lots, too.
Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Nanette | February 28, 2008 at 08:04 AM
Love the great quilt!!! Super collection of fabrics!! Your machine sounds amazing...I know you will be burnin it up in no time and using all the bells and whistles!! Can't wait to see updates on the new studio too. Sounds fantastic...I would be so so so excited!!! Congrats on your 2 year anniversary too!!!
Posted by: Barbara | February 28, 2008 at 06:36 AM
That's one cute cat!!! It's also one colourful quilt.... it reminds me of sweets we get in the UK called Smarties
Posted by: Kristy | February 28, 2008 at 02:08 AM
You made that quilt SO FAST!!!! WOW! Looks great and I love the tag. Mia is TOO CUTE! She looks kind of like our Alicia! We just love our kitty cat so much!
Posted by: Carla | February 27, 2008 at 10:52 PM
That studio is going to be so fabulous! Lawns are only good for sucking up water anyhow.
I love your quilt. And I don't know anything about hooked on phonics but I do know that my 1st grade teacher taught us to read with phonics and it gave us a good foundation.
Posted by: Kathi D | February 27, 2008 at 10:26 PM
This is my favorite tag! I love it! Congrats on the quitting! I know that's hard... and I'm so gonna try hooked on phonics now that you said that. My daughter reads, but she skips words, so it throws her test scores off because they get dinged for that... and then in turn I get stressed out... never good. So a seal from approval from you and I'm sold! I'm so jealous of the studio... but I already told you that! LOL!
Posted by: Missy | February 27, 2008 at 10:11 PM
Nice list!! xo
Posted by: pam | February 27, 2008 at 07:51 PM