Since it's been almost a year since I've put anything here, I've decided to use this space to catch up a little. It's been a tough year for me and it's still holding some challenges down the road. For now, here's what gives.
First of all, I'm thrilled about Bonnie's MQ, "Grand Illusion". I get to Mackinaw City/Island every summer. It's the place that rescues me, refreshes me, and restores me. I never stay at the Grand Hotel - someday when I have to finances, it is on my bucket list! But I love the island and its beauty. So this quilt will hold a lot of meaning for me.
Here are my fabrics.
This last year has been a challenge for me tho in that up until 2 days ago, I have been out of work. And since I've only been financially on my own for 5 years, meaning 5 years worth of savings, this year has been difficult. As a result, I will be moving in with my mother in about 2 months. Even with this new job, it'll be tight to pay the rent where I am - so - there really isn't much choice. My mother does need some help - it's been a hard year for her too. And I guess this is the way it needs to be. I will just miss having an entire space that is all mine and I'm going to have get rid of almost everything I have in order to make the move. I'm hoping having this quilt to make to look forward to will help!
Thanksgiving 2013
I know we'll all be returning to our blogs soon to start on Bonnie's Celtic Solstice, so I decided to come a little early and do a little of what's been going on on facebook - something daily to be grateful for. It's been a bit harder for me to find that this year. I found out in March I was going to be losing a job I had on and off for about 20 years, and that would happen at the end of May. I've never been without work and I'm finding I'm having a hard time coping with it. But I was at church last night, playing for a group celebrating an early Thanksgiving liturgy, and a couple things in the homily struck me. I can't remember now exactly what was said, but it did strike me that I haven't been too terribly grateful lately, and in spite of everything, I do have much to be grateful for. So, I thought, perhaps if I took the time to put in print what has been given to me as gift, it might serve notice to me that things aren't so bad after all.
- my family - from the oldest, my mother at 87, to the youngest, my adorable little great nephew at almost 1 year. They have been so good to me since I changed my life's course a few years ago. I get to babysit and be with them more than I used to be. Their support means everything.
- my faith - in spite of the fact that perhaps I haven't been too attentive to it, I know it's what's holding me up most days.
- being able to play the piano and make music
- the weekend gig I do have and for the person who knows my situation and tries to throw more work my way whenever he can.
- the few people of my parish who have truly tried to take my situation to heart and are praying for me, people I would never expect.
- my mother's generosity
- my first mother, who has allowed me into her life and loves me and encourages me.
- a friend who continues to listen, and put up with my tears when they come.
- my former students who I can keep up with on fb. Their stories and the love they have for their little ones fills my heart.
- cousins who care, even tho we can't get together as much as we'd like.
- beautiful rainbows.
- gorgeous fall colors
- my car - I know, that sounds really strange, but I do a lot of thinking while driving, and that lovely car is over 10 years old, 165,000 miles and serves me well.
- my brother's unending support - and his new life that allows him to be his true self.
- a former teacher who has become a friend over the last 30 years who thinks I'm doing really well with the situation I'm in.
- faraway friends who you can drop in on a moment's notice, be welcomed, and feel like you've never been away.
- fb friends who have become true friends. Who would have thought? Just wish we didn't live so far away from each other. Go ND!
- being able to stay in my apartment and pay my rent
- realizing that working on quilts takes my mind off everything else
- having the joy of making a poodle skirt for my adorable little niece and seeing her joy with the finished product.
- having enough to pay my bills
- Jane Austen and Harry Potter movies - they keep me company!
- being part of a sports crazy family so I have to watch lots of sports to keep up!
- having enough courage to step away from a lifestyle that was truly draining me and moving on
- trying now to find a new interest by taking courses at the local junior college(even if the teacher is driving me bananas!)
- friends - who still want to keep in touch
- the sun in the morning - and the moon at night! (Name that tune - and show!)
I did it - let me take all this with me as the days go on and try to keep it at the forefront.
I have no idea if anyone will check this, but just wanted to share a cute story about what happened at my local quilt shop today.
I went in to support the day, and basically 'cause they had fat quarters on sale for $2 each - simply can't resist. As I went to check out, the gal asked me if I was putting a project together or "enhancing my stash"! I thought that was a great line! Makes stash building sound so elegant! As I left she told me to enjoy my "stash enhancement"! Great fun - and yes, I found some beautiful fat quarters!
Got it to work! Whew! I really have been working on these!
Didn't realize
tonight was the last night to show progress on Easy Street, for some reason I
thought I had till Sunday! Oh well, here's the little bit I have done. I've
finished the four corners, have 5 Block A's complete and only 1 Block B. Have
finished 4 of the triangle pieces. I'm making slow progress, but at least I'm
making progress!
I
laid these few pieces that fit together on my bed. Not sure if you can tell
anything, but I'm amazed at how these blocks fit
together! Bonnie - you're incredible! Thanks for a fun experience. I'm proud of
myself that I have followed through on my first mystery quilt, and that you
chose to do and easier one this year so I didn't get frustrated! Enjoy what
little I have to show - and I have loved seeing other's creativity and talent!
What a great group!
Happy New Year to all and may many
blessings come to you this year.
Hurray! I'm caught up! Steps 5 and 6 are finished. These are just a few samples of all the finished pieces. Ready for the new clue tomorrow, and even more ready for what comes after that! I'm so curious to see how these all fit together and if some of the ideas that others have come up with are close to what Bonnie has designed for us!
Okay - so I've just figured out that we are only sewing together into some sort of block are the black on white constant, the blues and purples - and the grey. The greens are just being cut into squares or triangles and not attached to anything. Everyone else probably noticed this already - but I just noticed it. So, Bonnie, what's up??? This is getting very interesting - but I notice that she's winding us up for a great finish. I'm really glad I decided to try and do this!
Well, was hoping to be able to have some of Easy Street Part 5 done tonight - but realized when I tried to put the squares together that I had cut the purple squares at 2 1/2" - not 2". So, guess what I'm going to be doing for the next little while? Yep, trimming purple squares. Bummer! Guess I won't be posting Step 5 till next week.
