Dear 2010, You Havent Seen The Last Of Me

"Man can only become what he can consciously imagine."

Dan Rudhyer

Dear 2010, I have so loathed you. Nearly as much as 2008 and more than 2009. I am so happy to say Adios`.

I KNOW that 2011 will bring its own adventures, and the journey will continue for me God willing, so I am ready. Bring it!
As many of you know, I save blogabouts for THEE BOOK.. you know.. when I’m old and wearing purple. So here is a recap of this bloody year.:

• Had my brother and sis in law in from Alaska
• Ended the visit abruptly when Mom fell ill
• Stayed with my Sis & family to care for Mom for the last month of her life
• Laid our Mother to rest.
• Came back to Pismo to begin piecing my world back together (again)

• Got a new cool car.. my beloved tank
  
• Quilted 3, count em 3 show quilts
  
• Made arrangements for kids to come and stay in our home.
• Watched the entire season of LOST on DVD and was mesmerized
• I swatted my baby grand girl, and it still hurts. ( me)
  
• Won a ribbon for a quilt Mid State Fair
• Took a HOT trip to Palm Springs to watch my Grand Girl compete in a beauty contest
• Got hooked on Bejewelled on Facebook
• Got hooked on The Sopranos, via net flicks
  
• Rented out rooms to tenants and became a half ass B & B ( again)
  
• Separated from my Walt to help heal each other (?)
  
• Was given a human angel, I think from Mom
  
• Left one home on the central coast, to come back to another on central valley
  
• Began treatment with 4th Shrink, finally one thats working!! ( without meds!!!)
  
• Became friends with a customer and will win more ribbons!
  
• Won ANOTHER ribbon at Pacific International Quilt Festival
• Had a health scare of a breast cancerous tumor (benign)
  
• Quilted 2 more show quilts (cross fingers)
  
• Kept up with blogabouts, no matter the trauma I go through
  
• Went to visit my soul sista Ronda in Oregon, and I didn’t discover QVC. Noooo I didnt!
  
• Had the ::hands down::: weirdest holidays EVER in my life.
• Got sick, but not TOO sick like 2008/9 thanks to Zicam and Airbourne.. ( or straight up pissiness)
  
• Experienced Christmas through the community outreach of others for distant kids.
• (space saved for NYE Edit...lol)

In summary,the winds of change blew strong... waves broke the shore with a fury as the footprints in the sand washed away. :::WAV:::
Years End Theme Song is.................. drum roll please..................









2011 Goals

• Get off the "ON HOLD" place
• work on the book
• Fight not freeze
• Pay closer attention to my health. IMPROVE IT
• Enter MY OWN quilt in a show
• Buy ONLY what I love.
• Throw out, what I do not love
• Teach, :::read:grow::: more quilters!!
• Attend a professional quilt show, attend classes there
• Upgrade my longarm
• Improve my studio
• reunite past things loved
• Have a celebration for each loved ones birthday
• Go to Harlows, and Mortens for dinner
• Read more audio books
• Buy something from QVC, hopefully a jacket I cannot forget! (ok, and some make up)
• Re visit Hawaii
• Get prices on body work, make a list.

I have a bazillion more than this... but it will have to wait for the NEXT list!

Happy New Year to you all, may it be a blessed one for you and yours:) :::& Mine:::

Some Homework Could Include Retail Therapy!!

Goodie for me! Finally Mr Wizard gives me some homework that I'm good at!!!
This globe is representative of my world. Notice the shatter.
Now, I have had this ball (my world) FALL many a times, causing shatter. As I pick up my ball, try to walk, while paper mache`-ing the pieces back together, the damn thing just falls again,and again, and I cannot keep the pasties going on fast enough.Result? Train wreck. (that would be me). No matter how fast I try put the pieces back on, it just aint happening. Now.. also note that the shatters.. cracks.... are forever there, yet it is still quite beautiful isnt it?
While Mr. Wizard doesnt get the credit for introducing this concept, ( Heather does) he does in fact get credit for the elaboration of the idea. The "HOW TO's, after the fact. Its very interesting.
Anyway... I now have a tanngible visualization of the entire way it works. The chic under the globe, well, thats me.. and the wise ole owl next to her? Its me too. What a freaking journey eh? Serious book I tell you. I have a few other projects for the week too but I dont get to shop. (rats). I find it odd that I get stuck on some of Mr Wizards words such as tangled... untangled... in a holding pattern.. Hub of the family, and todays word of the day... TRAIN WRECK. Geez. I have NEVER in my life been refferred to as a train wreck. Grunt. Really?
Today, we have a hellofa storm going on. Lights off and on, wind howling, and the rain is challenging the wind for noise levels. All  I have to say about that is..... IT BETTER NOT BLOW OVER MY DAMN BALL!

Did We Make It Through? M & M's

I did! Alert the media! Call Live Copter 3 for Petes sake! Wow, what a ride eh? I may say that the journey is everything, but with me its just get in, sit down, shut up, and hold on!
I had a nice time with kids on Christmas eve, and spent some good work time with Walt. Mr. Wizard will be proud of the accomplishments when we chat tomorrow. (film at 11:00) We enjoyed a fabulous meal that I DIDNT cook at Papapovlos yesterday.. Best rack of lamb with a port reduction sauce I have had in a very long time! ( gotta love greek food eh)
Now it is back to my Quilting, planning, and self work. I am contemplating reviving an old New Years tradition of my own version of "the year in pictures". We always drag out every picture in the year, re live them, sort them, archive them or frame them and its quite therapeutic. I'm giving this more thought as we also lost Mom this year, so that isnt going to be an easy task at all. We'll see. I am concentrating (trying to) on the future, and packing away the past. Or as it has been said... Opening the door, walking through it,.. so that I may get to somewhere else. ( in one piece)
Was Santa good to you peoples? He is always to me too:) I got some yummy fabrics for a new project, a new beachable jacket,my cracked up blackberry replaced, and my secret wish list treat the Pandora Bracelet! I will have serious pleasure watching it grow! My grands had fun with their gifts, in fact, Aviana has YET to remove her new Lady Bug boots! lol Ginger is enjoying 2 things that we cannot decide which is her favorite. A squeaky toy FAR bigger than she is.... or the prime rib bone!!
Now.. having said all that.. I gotta tell ya, I DO NOT understand the news blurps about retailers reporting best sales in 3 years!!! WTH? This is the worst as far as I can remember! I'm not talking about emotionaly, I mean monetarily!! Am I wrong? Every single person I know is squeezing that buck like never before so I just dont get the news reports at all.
I am off to night quilt....cause thats how I roll.... I plan to have a Stitch N Bitch this week too!
Love year guts, let me know your exciting ( or not) NY plans so I can live vicariously through YOU!

M & M's include:

New tools. New skills. New ways to ponder the rebirth of wonder. ( I know, u gotta be me to get that)
Icecubes!
Lights!
The great boot find.
rack of lamb... omgoodness yum.
No snow here

side note, please oh please send me some sun my vitamin D levels are suffering!!! ( remember the shots I endured??? No moreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Where Are You Christmas?

My world keeps changing. Christmas must change too. I remember the laughter, the thrills..cooking, singing.... the shopping. Now, Christmas is still here everywhere, but where did MY Christmas go?

I looked in my cupboards and couldn't find Christmas there..I stuck a Charlie Brown fake tree up as directed by Mr Wizard, but I couldnt find Christmas there. So I went shopping. I wasn't finding Christmas anywhere! One stop was at Campbell's in the Village, and the band that was playing out front made me smile, and remember. I walked inside to be greeted by an elf with a Hershey's kiss. I just KNEW Christmas must be in here somewhere.

I hunted for 3 hours. NEVER before have I shopped in one place for 3 hours. I found comfort in memories there, I talked to people as if I had never met a stranger, however I didn't find Christmas.
Now sometimes, people just get so far down in their own crap, they forget about others. My mind KNOWS Christmas is forever changed, and the losses in the past few years are just too much to bare at times BUT... others suffer too. (my head knows this!) I silently spoke to those I have lost... they didnt tell me where Christmas went either.
I really wish to tell you where I found Christmas, cause you knew I would.

Was it in a little city in Idaho? You may remember that my X had a near death extended stay in the hospital which made the kids come a runnin` from all over. This caused a great financial burden on all fronts. My youngest soldier son Jake and his family in particular. Especially with a new long lining job. They travelled home (Middleton, ID) knowing Dad would be ok, and they had helped. Christmas however,was lost for them for 2010.

I had been admiring Heathers post on facebook about "doing" the impossible. She has been E mail marketing the "unthinkable" people in hopes to get responses for her Library. My impossible happens to be helping anyone monetarily or emotionally this year. I wake up trying to help myself... go G go...
So I wrote a letter to the Mayor and to the the Chamber of Commerce of this little city. I told them about the gut wrenching problem at hand. I didnt even share with them the loss (S) our family has endured. To my surprise, and the families surprise.. someone heard me! I had calls and e mails... That city is at this very moment out in force bringing Christmas to my family there. Four Santa's with full arms just appeared on the door to my grandchildren's delight. Although I do not have them with me, nor can I help, in some small way I did. I am there. Where is Christmas? It was in my heart all along. Not a moment too soon, have I found my Christmas.

The kids have a tree and a few gifts beneath it. They have food and the best part is.. they have their Mom's heart there too.

God, the heart of life really IS still good.

I am praying for many many blessings on that lil City.

I am praying that the changes in Christmas will be okay, however different they become.

The good news is... I'm praying.


Jamie & Shawn

No Getting Sick For Christmas!!!

$32.00 can't afford to spend dollars is gone on a serious panic attack at the local pharmacy!
I could get a really good Christmas toy with that! Two weeks ago my grand girl has a bad cold. One week ago, dear daughter has it, and turned into full blown Bronchitis. ( my winter Nemesis) Now.. I was a bit SKEERRED but I thought that since I was taking so many vitamins I would be passed over. UNTIL this morning when I awakened with a sore throat. No problem, I snore. Deal with it. Fast forward to 12:30 pm. My throat is now on FIRE and I am practically drinking Listerine! I have a headache... I downed 2 Excedrin, 2 Motrin... I am now so very afraid! ( and I'm freaking freezing).
Raining cats and dogs, wind blowing the leaves sideways 2 feet off the ground, I grab my coat and my dog and get in the car headed for the pharmacy. Oh I cannot get sick... I cannot get sick. I am already weak. WEAK I tell you.... Throw that damn Jackie O crap right out the window! For every 1 hour of strength, I have 23 of every bad emotion I can thwart off! I only say this because if illness is added into the mix, YOU ALL KNOW what a little whiner I am! NO CAN DO DA PAIN! See? I'm already whining! dang it!!! All I need now is a Michael Bolton tune to come on the radio and I'll be down for the count!


I have a huge list to attack.. and its going nowhere fast. :::case I'm on here u say?::: No! Cause I'm drinking my tea and self talking me into not being so.... oh well... Maybe being pissed off P!nk is better than whining with Michael Bolton... Lets go... ::::::do not get sick, do not get sick, do not get sick:::::::and get out of fantasy land!

Broccoli Slaw- It Does A body Good

I love this stuff... I just gotta tell ya. I use for SO MANY THINGS! Its good for ya, its satisfies the CRUNCH need, its cheap, its filling... I could go on and on! What do you peoples do with it? Or do ya?

Broccoli Slaw: 1 bag of slaw,6 slices of cooked and chopped bacon bits (crunchy), raisins, mandarin slices, slivered almonds. Mix all with a cup of plain yogurt, a spoon of mayo, and a couple packets of splenda. ( optional 1/2 cup onions diced)



Cole slaw: Mix up some mayonnaise, a splash of vinegar, and celery seed ( or salt) and 2 packets of splenda and VOILA! You have a coleslaw that's better!!



Salad greens: My grands have NO CLUE they are eating their broccoli when its mixed into salad greens! Woohoo Sneaky Nonni:)



Sandwich: Substitute the lettuce sometimes for a crunchy treat! Or build a veggie sammich with this, cucumber slices, a slice of cheese and avocado slices...



And my favorite way................... wait for it..................



Saute a small skillet full with a lil slice of butter (not too long, just half tender) Then add it to your open omelet, and sprinkle a bit of cheese. Close omelet, melt cheese and top it with a slice of Avocado:)

Dang it, now I'm hungry.... This was a favorite at our B & B too. I think I'll go make one now! Sorry??? LOL Good morning!


Sometimes I throw in mushrooms in the saute too. I want to know where this tasty bag has been all my life???

Let me know what you do with it ok? I'll try it too!

Rise & Shine

"All human wisdom is summed up in two words; wait and hope."

Mornin` I'm watching the rain again. I thought about waiting and hoping.. still am. I have risen, and Im not shining .... YET..... BUT I WILL! ( its on the list) Grunt.

Displaced or Valid Anger? BOTH!!

Since my appointment schedule is kinda kinked I am putting Thursdays visits onto Tell All Tuesdays.... isn't that special?? :::omg do u remember her? LOL:::::
Mr Wizard asked if I'd like a road map, or to use my own agenda. I nearly fell out of my comfy black swivel rocker to my knees and begged for a road map. He laughed and said lets do some of each. My list for the day was anger management. His, displaced anger. Hmmmmm Now theres a lesson in itself.After 45 minutes of examination of the subject Mr Wizard hit a nerve and caused a meltdown. Not to let myself go to far of course, I had a hankie nearby. The tears of a clown are not allowed to show.
Sometimes I feel like that little girl in Charlie and the Chocolate factory that everyone despises. The one who wants it all and wants it now. Just as quickly.... my Sybilness is such a little victim. Maybe I'm just mad at me. On that note I shall go and ponder today's lesson and begin my homework. ( actually Id like to smack the new dog that moved in next door because of its incessant whining and crying.) Oh wait! I need to smack its owner!!! Ergo, displaced anger.
"Anger is an emotional response triggered by an interpretation that a threat is or may be present. The physical effect it has is to activate the fight or flight response and prepare the body for action." In my unique case, Freeze is the operative word. Why is not yet known. ( at least to me)
When someone experiences a situation in which there are certain expectations of self and others that remain unmet, anger often occurs. Often anger is displaced to an object that is less threatening than the original source of the anger.
No question about it, Anger can sour relationships, no matter the source, whether or not its displaced, or valid. ( remembering that words wounds worst theory)
A recent rat study shows that when faced with 3 unpleasant choices, the animal would become so frustrated it would chew itself, heart attack, or just go insane with wild anger. We are not anmals eh? We as humans ponder the least of the painful routes, decide to take it, suffer the path while hoping for better opportunities.
Ok... it doesnt SOUND like crap, but it sure as hell feels like it. Mr. Wizard is indeed a thinker, or a giver of thoughts.
I am reading a delicious book which also has my head spinning round. Pick it up... Very good ponder food.

Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are

My homework is another list, onto the original list.. quite the site too. It begins with put up a Christmas tree!

Lots To Do Today

"Your life becomes the thing you have decided it shall be."

Raymond Charles Barker

We all know what "decision" means right?
Good morning:) I am home, unpacking, and list making like a mad woman! Yep... list pads a flyin! I has a great time with Ronda and now its time to get freaking serious about my own DECISIONS. We traded bunches of new habits she and I. I am hooked on QVC and Ronda is sipping my green tea while.... WAIT FOR IT...... List making!!!!!!! No kidding... shes so cute and on fire with scratching the items off! (she is such a lil over achiever u know). I will be in search for a purse sized clipboard for her...lol I took mine out this morning, and overwhelmed myself in 10 minutes flat!
I brought home some delicious fabrics from her Mom's shop and I am developing a beautiful appliqued quilt pattern with it! Yep.. Ronda had me pinkie swear to gitterdone and show it. I will enlist the stitchers to push me here in person at Stitch n Bitch!
I thought Portland was interesting..... interestingly WET AND GREY! Oh yeh... When I landed in Sacramento I saw the sun and nearly fell to the ground in worship! It is quite beautiful and reminded me of Cambria in some parts BUT.... It also made me so homesick for my central coast... sigh... if home is where the heart is eh? CLIC
I have to run.. much to do and my morning devotional is making me a little guilty so its on and cracking! First stop... Mr Wizard! ( boy will he get an ear full!)
LYG!!
G

While Mom's Away.....& A Happy Birthday to Heather!

I want to wish Heather the HAPPIEST of Birthdays!! I love ya Woman! Lets do overs next week K?

Ya see... Karen had no idea the level of "spoiledness" my Ginger is when she agreed to pup sit for me...lol Aviana got a new racoon toy from Becca and of course Ginger stole it... slobbered on it, and then pouted when it was taken away from her. Sissy Karen HAD TO GO TO WALMART and buy Giner one of her own to bring her out of her depression! All is now well with both Lovie's .LOL Can u just see the brawl for the stuffed toy? I can! Good conflict management Karebear:)

And of course no car trip can be taken without Ginger on the center console looking at the driver so adoringly how could one resist???? I miss her, but then again, thats what I do. See ya soon kids!

Happy Saturday

Ronda is adorable:)

Rain is coming down... we be sewing.. so who cares! We are working on my applique skills, and as a bonus, I get a color segment! lol

Portland Bound!

Off to see my soul sista... hang out, talk life skills... quilt... find trouble. ( wheres the striker key?) I am in the airport..:::not in the bar::: waiting.. cause thats what it looks like everyone else does here. I didnt get frisked:( Yeh, I was kinda bummed.. I was READY FOR EM! I Did however set off the alarm having forgotten the cell phone in my bra. Thanks H.... grunt. To my horroe... the 20 dollar fee I paid for my bag was 50.5 pounds and you DO know what that means right? Ahuh... I CANNOT bring a single thing back with me! ( or it increases to 50 bucks! ) Seriously ridiculous.. I smell an entire blogabout there I tell ya. Its raining still and I hear tell it will be the same in Ore. I hope to sign on and send you peoples pics so stay tuned:)
LYG!
PS: side note: no plane since YOU know WHEN.. I'm already hyperventilating but self talk at rapid speed going on! I dont like feeling my heart pound through 3 layers of clothing. CLIC

The Absense Of Painful Conflict

Today Mr. Wizard and I came to one conclusion on the list of many. I am really not "tangled". I am simply "Untangling. What encouraging words eh? But if you are me.... it leads to about 500 other questions! When DID I become tangled? How did I decide I needed untangling?

I am certainly no scholar, not educated in psychology, not even to the degree of many. I am however ( I think) as real as it gets. In keeping it real I had to revise last weeks quote for myself. ( because I can) The absence of painful conflict. Revised to include what I think is the key I was looking for.

Conflict.

We all have conflict, managed or otherwise. But what leaves a slow and steady stream of emotional bleeding?

Painful conflict.

Now... what is painful to each of us may differ depending on the toughness of skin eh?
Words Wound Worst ( not to be confused with www.) kinda freaky huh?

It is my subjective opinion that some folk do not have the emotional intelligence to STFU (hold your tongue) while in an agitated state.(or sometimes otherwise) Now we are all guilty of this on occasion, but... OCCASION is the keyword. It could be youth. The older the wiser. Then again, some may never leave the youth area. Some grow up, however have little control over an emotion that allows there alligator jaws to overload their hummingbird ass. ( scuse me)

This is where painful conflict takes place. Collateral damage.
Can one truly forgive and forget? Or one or the other? Can people change?
I know those who have changed drastically. I also know those who have not, never will. Whats the criteria? What is needed?
Tony Robbins insists that a good relationship, ANY relationship, must contain common core beliefs to go the distance.
Mr. Pastor, says we must be equalling yoked.
Psychology says one must have the absence of painful conflict.
Ghandi, Maya Angelou and the like, simply says.............. In all ways, be kind to one another.
G says, take a heaping helping of each, and learn to be still until your emotional intelligence kicks in. Therefore avoiding holes in your heart.
Next time we will discuss Flight, Fight, Or Freeze!

G' Morning:)

"Never apologize for showing feeling. When you do so, you apologize for truth."

– Benjamin Disraeli

 

So I guess I can quit saying I'm sorry when i have a not so happy ass blogabout? OKAY! Instant Forgiveness:)

G' morning. Now you would think that this is tell all Tuesday but you would be mistaken. Due to after school care of my lil ones I had to move my Mr. Wizard appt. grunt. Stay tuned.

I am but 2 days out to pack ~n~ go again and anxiety has set in. In a good way:) I think all of this planning, and doing is keeping my mind ass busy enough to thwart off bad vibes. Its a good thing. It would seem that deadlines, lists, forwardness works best for me. Keep calm and carry on..... I am doing my level best to be a tree in the wind waiting for spring. Hurry cherry blossoms! I am in hopes that it will bring good things all over. For now... I need to get busy:) Have a great day:)

Just Sayin'.....

Long Fun Week end & M and M's.

I want to do it again:) Oh wait! I think I will! I have 3 days to work my lil tail off and then I go to my BFF Ronda's! ( I still cant believe it) I think we will party quilt like rock stars! I hope I have some time to pack properly THIS time. sheesh... I was such a basket case last trip. No matter, I had a fun time in Atascadero (adter the 101 meltdown, gosh I'm getting so good at those eh?) with Linda as we played with fabric, thread, and wine, dogs. I feel in love with her aierdale, Gracie! ( ok, and the hot tub) I have a CAR full of thread waiting to be unloaded when the darn rain quits. Thanks so much Linda, lets quilt!
 Then over to Morro to spend some quality time with Walt:) I made some soups and we took in a movie and talked a bunch. I managed to get home to Arroyo Grande and didnt want to leave. I'm wondering now if its not a good idea to be in AG, as anger emerges in me while at the same time...so very homesick. Remember the post about "If home is where the heart is, I must have 2 of each?" Well... FLIP IT!  CLIC
So they tell me its Christmastime..... I see it all over... 19 days to go, not feeling it peoples!! If I could find my passport I would be on a plane to Montreal! I am on a big search, believe me. I'm trying Blima!!!!!!!!
I gotta get busy, have a great Monday!

M & M's

Good friends, fun times

Hope for better times
Safe travel in storms
My red coffee cup
Ginger being well cared for in my absense
Rudy being loved in my absense too!

Random Middle Of The Night Thoughts

• Why am I wide eyed...STILL?


• maybe a cookie will help me sleep


• I like cookies


• I always buy the wrong sized light bulb for my curio. halfheimers. grunt.


• I look around, and as much as I have downsized, I have too much stuff!


• I like my stuff.


• I wonder if I will ever have an IQ with a second machine head?


• I cant wait to love up on my BFF Ronda next week!


• I wonder if I will get to Blima:::insert screaming inside::


• I am excited for a road trip tomorrow to see my new bff Linda!


• I have a wierd mad, crazy obsession with my cordless drill gun. its fun?


• I like company for coffee and sharing a meal rather than a weekender B & B.


• I am missing my very first studio where Thimblina was born and so was Stitch & Bitch Night, and a bunch of other things born too. Rudy... a marriage... trees.. bricks.... ::sigh:::


• I miss the range in my voice to belt out a song or 2.


• I am missing a hellova lot of things.....


• I think I will go to the city and dance on Coit tower like no ones watching me. Ok Fine.. I really will be on the wharf eatting crab legs all the way down the block.


• I love KKSF live stream smooth Jazz... turn it on!


• I spend way too much time pondering lottery winnings.


• The Smurf house in SLO is for rent, and I want to BUY IT. If I won the 8 Million tonight... Imma walk right up there and do JUST THAT. Yep... I'm gonna say Whats smurfin on?? As I have done daily for the past few years as I pass it on the 101.


• Watching THE NANNY every middle of the night is seriously boring.


• I need some warm clothes. and wool socks. More boots. THINK Boots. grunt.


• I have over (easily over) a dozen Pismo sandals and I'm not there.


• I have a HUGE Christmas list in the middle of my mind that I wish I could TELL someone about! LOL I remember the kids used to make me lists... Why cant we make lists and give them to the kids?


• I am in need of retail therapy as I am having withdrawls that would choke a pig.


• I should get up and remove the closet door and put it in the shed. It bugs me. These days, its really not a good idea to bug me.


• I hate ants. They really creep me out.


• I wonder if I will ever be slender again, or if this is it... ::;more internal screeching going on:::


• I need a movie buddy. I think I wish to see Burlesque again too!


• I now own the soundtrack and TRY to belt out that range. ( E for effort G..)


• Oh Geez did I mention ants creep me out? Where are they coming from? Rain? ACK!!!


• I seriously love my lil TANK car.. it even sounds as Gutsy as she looks:)


• I wonder if wine hampers the weight loss?


• Sheesh, look how slim the NANNY is... I wish


• Did you know printer ink is a robbery???? Ridiculous! I will visit my frugal blog tomorrow and see if she has any tips on the subject.

Am I sleepy yet? Sheesh.. I think I will go load a quilt. Sleep is over rated anyway. Where's the ant spray?

Mister Wizard Unnessesarily Poked!

Morning. The coffee is dark, rich and hot! ( I was wishing that I was too).. Thought process of mine... forever weird me thinks. My cheeks still burn from yesterdays thought process admission. grunt.
I was yakking a blue streak to my Mister Wizard Therapist, and I blurted out a thought I had had about him! OMFG as soon as it poured out I was hot cheeked. I was trying to explain my "Sybilness" . Ms queen of everything verses Ms I'm going straight to hell for doing that woman.(not easy being me member?)I was REALLY only trying to show him how I can have 2 drastically different thoughts on the same subject. Anyway... poor guy. Subjected to my impulsive directness. I am not certain why but as you all well know he is the 4th in the line of shrinks to see me since 2008, and the first one that I feel comfortable enough to talk "directly" with. Could be good right? Could be that he resembles and older Walt? I should find you a photo... Im not kidding! He does!
Hey... I have a door knocker... shoot... BRB?
OK.. Comings and goings:) Its been a heck of a week! Jake and family are leaving for thier home in Idaho, and Heather and Mattie came for a visit:) They brought Krispy Kremes! Didnt they get the memo on the diet???
It's a freezing type of day and I am bundled up and ready to sew. Here I gooooooooo

What A Weekend Huh?

Its been a long week end, full of super craziness... BUT! OMGoodness alert the media I got a quilt done! Just a store sample mind you, but quilting none the less! And then...... One for my BFF Linda! I'm so motivated I loaded a Halloween store sample too! ( shes on a roll, stay close) I zero'd in on the secret. Remember me saying that quilitng caused thinking, which caused more pain, which lead to .. well... you get it... SO.. heres the secret. Fill your LIL home with LIL kids and TRY to escape somewhere! Focus on the Studio and filter out the LIL kids!!! ITS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE! Quilters? Dont try this at home! Thank goodness they were Pantos... phew... As I said though... the only thing on my mind was knit one, purl 2... oh no wait... thats knitting.. I was thinking, follow the yellow brick road..............I swear to Budha I have no idea how I raised so many kids,,, now look at me.. I poured a glass of wine by 3:00!!! ( member the rules, its 5 o clock somewhere) My daughter and Daughter in law both looking at me like.. WTH? Didnt you do this? I guess we can do it in our 20's, 30's... right? Its not all crazy... they look so cute snoozing with their sippy cups:) :::get the camera:::
Hope you all had a great holiday, now the push is on for Christmas!

M & M's:

sippy cups!
Help hanging pictures
lap top in the bedroom
I didnt freeze this week
going to the show:)
Daughters doing some dinners:)

Burlesque Review

Everything was going fine.. I was loving the movie... a great deal of fleshiness, but well done. I think Christina Aguilras voice is just amazing! Smokey, sultry and strong. I need this sountrack. Oh so where was I? Yes... everything was going fine UNTIL Cher's 64 yr old self belted this out right at me.
Yep yep yep, meltdown right there in the damn theatre. Go see it... but I bet you wont call it a 6 hankie like I did:) Enjoy

Happy Thanksgiving

For those I love, For those I've lost,



Warm Regards, Tangled

Who's Hosting Thanksgiving?

“Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope with it”

Dorothy Thompson

Well, I tried? My kids decided that there isn't enough room at Mom's house, since the Longarm is center stage, so I will be off to Dear Daughters house instead. I personally don't know how everyone will pull this off due to all of the hospital madness going on. But, we will:) I am going to quilt and make a sweet potato pie today. Oh yeah, and ponder. Its very difficult for me right now to quilt because of the quiet thinking going on. Sometimes.......its really not a good thing. Thinking, that is. Sometimes the pain (s) are too great. But i guess if I wanna eat right? Of course right. Speaking of eating, I think I am losing weight. A bonus u say? Ok! I'll take it. I 'll take lots of it. Who knew... all those damn diets that didn't work and all I had to do was lose those that I love and it would happen. Did I mention I miss AG too?CLIC
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Shrink visit yesterday. We should reserve these discussions for tell all Tuesdays eh? It went very well. He gave me lots of ponder food. I think I like him. He seems like a kind man with a gentle spirit. I will keep him awhile longer in hopes of some help. One interesting concept was the psychological study of the Rah Rah Parents vs the Ney Say Parents. A study about the fatal illness of a child from each set of parents. Rah Rah parents were positive, uplifted, cheerful, and very certain that the child would be healed and all would be right with the world.
The Ney Sayers, negative, not much in the way of hope for their child. The children lost the battle and guess which parents were completely destroyed? The rah rah parents fell far too far and they were taken down so low that they could never get back up.. The ney say parents knew it was going to happen so they had no where to go but up.
Now think about it.... What in the heck good did it do the rah rah parents to be so positive? I don't know either, but I am pondering this. Sure makes me wonder though if I don't put all my eggs in one positive basket. All about balance eh? All about balance. There must be some happy middle ground between the shit sandwich pessimist and the happy ass optimist. RIGHT?
You should hear the studies about what makes a happy marriage! I am really picking my brain on this one... I will share more when I sort it out.
OK, bent your eyes long enough, I shall get to work. Have a good pie making day!
G
Todays quote haunts me so. Is the absence of conflict the KEY to a good relationship? ANY relationship? When love is dieing is it because we stop trying?

Look! M & M's!!! (she lives...who knew?)

"Self-reverence, self-knowledge, self-control. These three alone lead to sovereign power."

Alfred Tennyson

Mornin'.. Its so flipping cold here!!!!!!!!!!!! ( just had to yell it.) I think it will be worse when I yell about heat, stay tuned. Really, they said 29 degrees on Thanksgiving! WOW.. Well, I havent seen- felt that in 5 years me thinks. Brrrrrrr I have a nice house warming patio plant thats gonna freeze herself to death out there! I DO NOT want to see the PGE bill coming for sure! I have 2 fireplaces in here, scared to try em? I think I need a chimney checker outer. Hey! Which leads me to a new business... Is there such a thing as Hire Out Your Hubby Business? Yeh... why not? Ok, ok.. I have a lot to do, lets move on...grunt.

Thanks be only to God, doctors, and prayer warriers everywhere, Jim has had a turn for the good! He speaks!! Thanks care angels:) I hope today brings even further progress. Film at 11:00.

I braved the week end rain with my Sis for a belated birthday celebration. It was SO NICE to change my channels and actually enjoy the evening. We dined at Mcormick & Schminks Seafood Restaurant and I had the most fantastic stuffed Salmon ever! It made me realize that I missed Sacramento dining... I cant wait for Mortens or Biba's!!! Then we saw Russell Crowe new movie, The Next 3 Days. A thinker, a looker, a good movie:) The best line in the movie... when he said to his wife..."THIS will NOT be your life!!"..... Swoon..... Talk about devotion! WOW

I am glad I went and rested my aching heart. I think I will go see it again! In fact... I need a fellow movie goer buddy.. I love it, I MISS it, and I want it back. Any takers? I TOLD Karen to reserve a date for me to see Burlesque... it opens Wednesday!!!

OK, I am now late.... Good coffee, good chat... Imma go find a clipboard and make it a great day...

LYG

M & M's include:

Aviana , nuff said.

A night out to change the channels in my bwain

Sarah Mcglaucans song... "Forgiveness" i want the new CD!

Caring Friends. Sigh...

Ginger's caring company

SUDS not SOAP

"You will not find poetry anywhere unless you bring some of it with you."

Joseph Joubert

G'morning. Hey I was thinking... I bet you never thought when you signed onto this blog that it would be AS THE STOMACH TURNS! ::::did ya?:::: It seems as if I come in now... instead of being the happy ass quilter of yesteryear, I sign on and STARE at a screen self talking positive optomistic things so that I do not write too sadly. Try as I may, the shit storm keeps coming eh? I kick it out, it just keeps coming back! grunt. So I ponder this today......How did Journey To A Harvest Moon become a soap opera?
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Jim is no better as of yet. My daughter is on the case, and very afraid for his future. It is just devastating to see this unfold. At 57 years old, this should never have happened. I am finding it hard to believe actually. I have prayer requests everywhere that I know. Honestly? I had the same requests out for my Munz, and yet? Not in our control huh? I know... No promise for tomorrow, love while we can.....CLIC
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I had a warm fuzzy today! yep.. inbetween the tears, fears, and pissed off-edness... Today was Aviana's Thanksgiving play. She and her Kindergarten class were turkeys, pilgrims, Indians and what a tickle this was. One whole hour of grins and giggles. She did very well with her turkey part and songs. while wiggling her first loose tooth and telling everyoe to SHOOSH... I suppose through her eyes life is sweet. I'm glad about that. I will go upload u a pic or 2... BRB

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I didnt get to sleep until 3 AM this morning. The rain was very heavy and LOUD, and being alone is a serious bitch. ::sorry:: No matter, I hung some pictures, drank coffee, watched another 4 or 5 episodes of THE NANNY and moved furniture AGAIN.. ( its what I do). I wish Ginger could talk. She just looks at me pitifully like, "can we go snuggle yet Ma?" I am sure one day I will get it all the way I like it in here, then move it all again. I think maybe its unsettling because its all Rental White? YUK! I need color in here!! GEEZ. Oh! And I need a stud finder. This whole knocking on walls only to be WRONG is just ridiculous!:::pondering stud finder::: Hmmmmm
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On that note.. I'm up.. going to see my Sis and family today. While there is a break in the storm. I hope its not snowing up there! I need to get out and change my channels before I spontaniously combust. Stay tuned! LOL:::and she laughs at herself:::

Friday Coffee

"There ain't nothing from the outside can lick any of us."

Margaret Mitchell

I see how little I've been writing eh? I sorry. Its really because I just run out of spoons really fast these days. (to be honest, somedays I have none to trade with at all!) I am seriously trying though, so dont give up on me.
Last evening I think I used all of my spoons either tending to the grands, or at the hospital. Jim isnt any better (day 4) but theres nothing faith can't do. His MRI has shown 20 plus fat embulisms (strokes) to the top part of his brain. The part that makes a person.... a person. The doctors say that he will need rehab for everything. They also say that its one in 300,000 that this would happen. I , of course, have an eyebrow up and will investigate further. While I pray, u bet. The kids are hanging in there trying to be strong too but the fear on thier faces just kills me.Please dear God not another tradgedy can we bare.
Needless to say, Thanksgiving plans are made by no one? I know.. wierd but true. For me personally, I am just plain ole confused with all the flippin loss going on around.. I miss so many things, but patiently waiting for time to pass, time to heal... ok miracles to happen.
Have you guys seen that TARGET commercial with the crazy excercising shopper gearing up for the 4 AM sale? One of the few tickles I get.. work with me people. Ah... shopping...I miss that too.
On the quilting front, things are moving slow but sure. I have a top locked and loaded and Im doing the ole stand n stare at it. I will win, no worries. My friend Linda has scored a boatload of thread for me and I cannot wait to get it! A REAL happy note in an otherwise tomoltous time. Thank you Angel.. I mean Linda.. I mean Angel:)
Happy Friday Dear Blog Readers:)

A Tsunami Of Something

"Ruin and recovering are both from within."

Epictetus

Something to do, someone to love, something to believe in and something to hope for. Something please, just not grief, loss and all those other dirty words. Those Tsunamis's I have had my fill of. Bring on the good stuff. PLEASE.

( just another popcorn prayer?)

You missed me right? I've missed you too. No writing ( or quilting) SUCKS. It's official, I have a studio. Its official, I am down to 5 boxes left to deal with in the house. Thank goodness for Craigs list for removing hundreds of boxes for me. I must admit, I have NEVER unloaded ALL the boxes my self before, and I dont ever wish to do it again. There are many "firsts" going on, most of which are distasteful, but I'll live. U bet yer sweet ass I will. Oh Dear... CLIC

My kids Dad is very ill and Jake has come from Idaho to join the family. A simple operation has become a horrid journey and sadly Jim is still in the hospital with no diagnosis/prognosis. Please include him in your prayers:) When it rains right? Cannot even believe this life as of late. Not the new normal one would hope for eh? Perpetual crisis, perpetual loss, if it doesnt turn soon I will be older than dirt and reflect that. My new shrink calls me "tangled" I have been pondering this all week. I will push him for more next visit.

For now, Imma go talk myself into quilting and not thinking about all the damn loss going on round here. One more cuppa and I'll be on my feet.

LYG

Temporary Home

"This is my temporary home, its not where I belong, windows and rooms that I'm passing through. This is just a stop on the way to where I'm going to.

I'm not afraid because this is my temporary home."

Carrie Underwood

This, I have pondered on for quite some time and decided that its the first move in so many since life wasnt life anymore.. that I KNOW this is my temporary home. Yet, The boxes are rain soaked and destroyed. I watched as they became limp and could never be used again. I pondered my fate. You know how much those boxes cost right? Unbelieveable really.
Choices about happiness eh... thats what I say. Whether to be miserable , or gain strength, both require the same amount of energy. Good Lord how strong must I be? What in the world could I possibly be preparing for that is HARDER than where I've been?
Sorry, just a popcorn prayer for this mornings coffee. I visited the cemetary yesterday where I laid my boy to forever. I wrestle with going there as I know his spirit isnt there. I spilled my guts anyway. CLIC
How the heck is blogland anyway? I must say I am missing you all. Then again, I'm missing a lot! The shop is coming along nicely. I am THIS close to a stitch in time will save my mind!
The home attached to it deshevled as usual. I am stuffing things into places I may never find again! I made soup last evening and it felt nice to have good smells going on here. I will be attacking the guest room as I may be having a visitor come. A customer from the coast, now friend. ( doncha love that?) She wants to come help me ... from there! go figure huh... WOW is all I have to say about that.
Thanks for the coffee, I'm going to get to work. Wish me luck, and wish me a good day, and of course wish me a winning lottery ticket:) Just sayin???

1440 Minutes In A Day

"Whenever you see a successful business, someone once made a courageous decision."

Peter Drucker

Oh please Oh please let this be true!

1440 minutes in a day.To get it all done. To get through. To plan on the next 1440 minutes.
Can you hear the anxiety in my type? Well, its there:) I hear tell there are meds for this. Hmmmm. I made an error and began listmaking before blogging. Serious anxiety..lol
I have figured out that if I take coffee for the droopiness, and antihistimine for the allergies that have returned with the valley...make a huge list that I couldnt possibly finish, I can actually get a heck of a charge and make it a whole couple hours without a meltdown! Listen, its really a good thing, K?::sigh:: One lil lottery ticket, thats the ticket.. yep.. 3/4 th's of the issues resolved. The other 1/4th? Meds! There ya go, I solved my own problems with money and meds.. ahuh... Too bad me and meds dont get along well, and apparently the universal money rayes dont agree with me either. So I'll be working those 1440 minutes again... until..............

M & M's Over Here

If five shop samples wont get ya back to quilting, not much will?
Mornin`. She's alibe. Barely, but she is. I am still quite sore but getting through it. ( with a hell of a lot of wine) Which btw, doesnt do much for weight loss. Just saying? Its ok, I'm really not eating well so its all in balance.. lol. I forced myself to eat a little salad last night.. I find it quite strange to say the least to not be cooking for anyone. I met my next door neighbor and I STILL have this urge to go in there and bake stuff? No worries, urge passed.
The shop and house is coming along VERY slowly and I suppose its just me with the urgency to be done. I cant stand this mess at all. I truly have no flippin idea where all this stuff is going to go. I downsized quite a bit. I seem to live in a perpetual nightmare no matter how happy I try to be. ( act). Never the less, i forge on. No choice? I mean whats the alternative? ( dont answer that).
Last night I found my parrot prayer keeper and all of its beak holdings. I read all of the past prayers and "remembered". I also remebered something A friend said last evening. Ask, Believe, Recieve. It made me smile to think about life before life left. I must find things. I must.
On that note, I shall go and find some paper and make a list! ( no clipboards found yet). I am gonna go make it it a mahvelous Monday inspite of it all. ( film at 11:00)
Thanks to all for the thoughtful prayers, emails and even the silly jokes.
Love yer guts:)
G

M & M's include:

Aviana's artwork alllllll over the lil house:)
finding my parrot prayers
speakers on!
A home for my passion
really good Menudo down the street!

I'm Okay

Just a badly bruised clavacal? ( spelling?) They are having me ice and advill... geez... All I can say is........ NEXT?
I seriously need something good to happen real quick like.. REAL QUICK LIKE. I will never get my shop up now :(
I'll try to come write tomorrow.

Looking For The Good

"Accept challenges so that you will feel the exhilaration of victory"

George Patton

November 3 and still 79 degrees today?
Trees absolutley everywhere in brilliant colors?
The tower that fell over my head and slammed my collarbone is only particul board? ( not sure if its broken, icing it now, waiting for the nurse to come see)
geez I'm thinking...............
I've got internet? K, good....
I have a good support system?
Take off all of those question marks. I will be okay someday. AGAIN.
PS: Thats my back patio of the condo.. It's my view while quilting, when I ever get to quilt that is. This tree is just beginning to turn. I think I have missed seasonal changes eh?Put it on the list. But I miss my home and I'm pissed.
LYG
G

Moving Ain't For Sissies

"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot, and hang on!"

Franklin Roosevelt

Neither is having only 2 hands, 1 jacked up mind, and a huge freaking hole in your heart. (or 3), oh! and no clean clothes.
Not going well dear blog readers. I think I may have to call in a possee or two. I wish that I could write, but I know that you would all run down the street nekked screaming helppppppppppppppppppppppp (or I would?)
Stay tuned.........
LYG

One Week Later, The Eagle Has Landed

"Take calculated risks. That is quite different from being rash".

George C. Patton

Quite bruised and tired, mind you, but landed. I thought I might chat this morning before hucking boxes back and forth. What do ya think? I DO NOT advise moving at this age. Lets say.... no moving after menopause. Good one. Plan for it.
This City has changed even more in 4 years. There all all kinds of places new, or GONE...lol Someday soon I will venture out to investigate. For now, I need my studio up and running by November 1st.:::cause I promised::: I would like to say that its coming along, but what a cool lie that would be! i feel quite fortunate to have internet! I was just tickled to hear the GIANTS game while working too! I have such fun at A's games.. I can only imagine being in SF THIS week!
The kitchen is unpacked and operable. MOST important. Not pretty... but its all in there. The rest of the house, filled to the brim with furniture and boxes. Ginger cant find her doggie door, and Rudy is stuffed into the front closet. ( door removed). I dont think he will last there, but we really couldnt find one single spot for the poor guy! I ll take a picture when I locate a camera:) I just put that on the list. Speaking of lists... I have never had a list so long! Top of the list being the shop stuff of course, but then... I was wondering why in the world this house is so dark everywhere BUT the studio. Guess what I discovered this morning? Some idiot painted the sky light in my room! No kidding! It is so dundgeony and NOW I know why! Maybe he worked graveyard or something, but its like a hotel room with darkening blinds and heavy drapes!
#1. STRIP skylight paint!
I received my first snail mail job yesterday and boy did I get excited! Another one of those times I wish that I could wiggle my nose and change all things as I want them. Rememeber when I said I need a break from quilting? I take it back!
I went back to Pismo yesterday to get another load and clean. I keep backspacing my type here, so i will just say.... OWWW, then CLIC:::geez I'm getting good at that::::
On that note Dear Blog readers, I shall take my bruised up self to the showers and begin again. Thank you for your caring emails and snail mails and Blima the very cool Lucky Eye for my new front door! I felt pretty "tuff" drill in hand hanging my Lion door knocker and my Blessing:). Avi asked what I was doing and I told her I was trying to find my muchness! She understood? lol
Love yer Guts, I'll be back
G

Quilting Beats Packing

"There can be no happiness if the things we believe in are different from the things we do."– Freya Stark

G'morning:) What a great quote today huh? This woman, Freya, was a famous Author, well travelled. I take from this also the law of attraction concept. Sometimes we push against the energy in which we want to go, much like 2 magnets fighting, and we just never get where we want to go. ( all said in WE like I have a mouse in my pocket) See, I can clean things up! (I saw u smile)

So.. Today I wish to be at Quilt Camp on a beach in Oregon with Ronda, her Mama, and a buncha inspiring quilters, like minds. WOW, can u even imagine the energy THERE?? But... it is what it is and I'm packing instead. Just another hole in my heart I suppose. I gotta find some ways to fill it.(them) I am in hopes that the next year will do just that. Fill some holes. When I get so upset about leaving here I just throw my arms up and give it all away. I cannot control this, and I no longer want to. The above quote drives it home. I sure hope it all works out:)

There are boxes to be made and a shop to be packed. Here we go....

Done!

"We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful WHAT we pretend to be"

Kurt Vonnegut

Well, since Imma such good lil actress, I should do fine!!! Today, I shall pretend to be a victorious quilter! The infamous five are done dude! Onward says I and pack the shop! I wont cry (much) and I will be bigger and better in a bit! As you can see I have already packed quite a bunch. The studio is beginning to sound so hollow. This has been the best one so far. Very comfortable, efficient and the acoustics and lighting near perfect. The design wall wasnt too good as you can see thread all over from black . I think my best design wall was brown felt. :::thinkin::: Know what? I dont even KNOW if I will have enogh room for a design wall now! Truly one of the biggest leaps of faith I can remember taking.. Except for that one time I braved a mountain with 2 babies , in the snow, pulling a trailer.. just to get to get home to my mama...lol youth... Oh wait.. there was that time I flew off to NYC with only 400 bucks in my wallet? WHAT? I REALLY wanted to go to the Rainbow Room and see the skyline! And we did!:: ok, I'm an idiot.

I take 2 quilts with me, a barter and a custom.. but for now I need to concentrate on getting settled. I have heard from the LQS that many are awaiting my arrival! That's so cool isn't it? Gives one hope.

My BFF's are anxious for a stitch & Bitch night date.. That's very cool too. I am ever grateful for the support.

I think I need a short break for a coffee run. I am out of everything here! Its ok, until u mess with the coffee canister or wine decantors..... grunt. Will keep ya posted..

OUT OF BODY EXPERIANCES DAILY

Love yer guts,

G

Got Comfort Food? M & M's

"I get up. I walk. I fall down. Meanwhile, I keep dancing."

 Rabbi Hillel

Mornin`. Imma grumbler this morning, reader beware? How was your week end? I had a yard sale in the rain. Reminicent of one my bff and I had before we flew off to NYC for the hell of it. Wow... Those were the days...lol
I didnt move any of the big furniture, so its going with me. I shall stuff it all into my lil Condo and hope for the best. I gotta tell ya... I am more nervous than a kitten with her tail under a rocking chair. THATS an understatement. I am so too old for this much change. I was supposed to be doing other things right about ow. The older I get, the more I learn that I have absolutley no control over the changes in the universe. PERIOD. It must be Gods way of keeping me humble? Pppfftt ( I gots issues). Hey did I tell you that I quit the pshyc doctor on steroids? Yeh.... I had enough. She wasnt helping much. I think she should hang a sign on her door. DIVORCE 101. I really dont need that. I need a whole bunch of work, sure I do.. but that just wasnt it.  I will find another one, cause I wont give up. Maybe I will just blog it out... you poor peoples...lol
What else is going on? Well... the house is half packed, the shop maybe a fourth... I cant break it down yet. Im still working. I am completley blown away each and everythime I wake up and come down a bare family hall wall. Its just unbelievable, and really real. Shit. I have a craving for comfort food. Maybe a chicken fried steak or pork chops... shepards pie.... ummmmm ( bad way to change the channel, but it sure works! LOL) I actually had to run myself out of groceries so that I would STOP cooking so much! I realize it brings me comfort to cook, so I solved that problem! I am not even boiling eggs!
It's going to be a wild couple weeks dear peoples... I will write when I can, and let you know when I land.
LYG
M & M's
Soooo hard these days...lol
*Gloria checking on me a lot!
*BFF's in the box
*The fantastic PIQF win
* No machine problems while driving fast!
*The music in my shop

How Many Strip Quilts Can Be Made In A Week?

FIVE? Let's hope so... Giving it my best shot anyway. Complete mayhem round here, and all I REALLY want to do is go to PIQF and take a snapshot with the WIENER! THATS ME! Well, US. I am sitting here sipping,pondering HOW to get all this done, and road trip to Santa Clara, all in one week end. Its times like these I wish I were Barbara Eden and wiggle my nose to just BE THERE. Maye someone will take a pic for me, and I will photoshop myself into it..LOLOL

Pictured above are 4 of the said 5... I havent even cut the 5th yet. I am running out of Gramas stash! I better move it.. Have a TGIF kind of day dear blog readers:)

LYG

G

Pacific International Quilt Festival

Yes, We won Honorable Mention! :::bowing::: Curtsie::::Bowing:::: Raising coffee cup::::::: I have no idea what the purse is, but I cant wait to see the ribbon!!! ( u think it could get viewers choice too?)

I think I posted this a few months back when it was accepted into PIQF. I didnt think it would win!!! You can clic to enlarge the photo, but the stitching isnt too clear. Especially the black. I used yummy GLIDE threads and they shine, shine, shine:)
 Summer blast was also accepted, however no win:(  Maybe at Road to California? One can hope. This is called 7 Dysfunctional Sisters. All Geishas in beautiful dresses. Ok, Enough tooting... Sorry I have been AWOL, but I have been BEYOND busy! Quilting, packing, planning, listing... craigs listing... omgoodness. The good news is that I AM SO NUTZ, who has time to feel sorry for themselves? CLIC
Thanks again for your email concerns and the birthday cards. I LOVE YER GUTS!!!
I will be doing the same today.. at MACH 1 speed, hair flying.... little time left now, and I am planning a yard sale this week end too! I decided to get a jump on it by Craigs listing big stuff and it never occured to me that I TRIPLED my workload! No kidding!  Maybe next month I can squeeze in an underwear day? Wow... Another distant memory. CLIC
Ok, so I hope you are all well and quilting away. Make sure u pop into PIQF web site and look at all the STUNNING winning quilts I gotta tell ya, I am among the best of the best, and I am humbled to say the least!

Birthday Reflections-M & M's

G'mornin... I'm of course nursing my first cuppa while surfing. Why is it that I always feel hung over until coffee goes in? Its not true... I'm not EVER hung over..lol but it sure feels like a MACK truck hit me?
OK. So its all true. Its my birthday. I am 50 again. WHY? Because THAT is my favorite birthday EVER, so I decided to keep it. As opposed to getting very bummed today, I shall reflect on that. Maybe by the time its wine 30, I will actually have convinced myself that I AM THERE! Do you remember the Las Vegas trip with my BFF's?  Do you peoples have a favorite birthday memory?
I had a very nice week end with my daughter. I was a bit bummed that my grand didnt come, but quickly decided that just having Karen alone was really a treat. We worked our tails off packing box after box after box. Thanks Karen for the help, motivation, and company. We enjoyed a great dinner on the beach complete with local musicians. I cannot even convey to you how much I will miss this place. shoot...CLIC
Today I will be working on the last of those quilts. Still 4 to make, 5 to quilt ,bind. think I can do it? I wont be packing the studio until the end with this much work to do. And I dont know what happened to BLOGGER but I cannot post pictures!!! grunt. I better go because I feel a meltdown coming and we dont want that today! Have a good one, I'll be talking to ya!

M M's:

Karens visit
My stitch pal bringing me a new coffee mug...
Saved boxes in the attic!
The will to continue with holes in my heart

Fall= Pepper Season (Stuffed Peppers)

Last night I made a nice creamy soup. I will post that after its typed.  I love red peppers! Its almost time to barter with farmers so I can bbq and put up a giant jar of them. For now, I cook. Dont know why or WHO the hell for... but its good for me. MANJA!

Stuffed Red Peppers

6 large red bell peppers


2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cups chopped onions

6 teaspoons chopped italian parsley

3 garlic cloves, chopped

2/3 cup cooked white rice, cooled

1 tablespoon sweet Hungarian paprika

1 1/4 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

2 1/2 cups canned tomato sauce

1 1/4 pounds lean ground beef ( sometimes I mix half italian sausage/half gr beef)

1 large egg

Cut off top 1/2 inch of peppers and reserve. Scoop seeds from cavities. Discard stems and chop pepper tops. Heat oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions, parsley, garlic, and diced pepper pieces, and beef til browned & soften, about 8 minutes. Transfer to large bowl. Mix in rice, paprika, salt, pepper,. Cool 10 minutes. Mix in 1/2 cup tomato sauce, then egg.

Fill pepper cavities with beef mixture. Stand filled peppers in single layer in heavy large pot. Pour remaining 2 cups tomato sauce around peppers. Bring sauce to boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover pot and simmer 20 minutes. Spoon some sauce over each pepper. Cover; cook until peppers are tender and filling is cooked through and firm, about 20 minutes. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cool, cover and chill. Rewarm covered over low heat.)

I have also done this in the oven, 9x12 pan, peppers cut in half lengthwise and filled, with sauce, cook at 350 for an hour. ( just a different way when I get bored) You can also sub the peppers for green, but I dont like them as much as red. (sweeter) Also, the kids always liked melted cheese on top after cooking.

Thanks For The Emails

I am okay. No worries. I just have no magic moments or good, or funny stuff to chat about? I am suffering from Groundhogs day I think. It all seems the same, and not happy? I choose to not discuss NOT HAPPY. CLIC.
Really, thank you guys. Love yer guts, I'll be ok, I am a crying quilting away in here... me and the DAWG:) Remember the earlier post "The heart of life is still good".

My Sis and Daughter may be coming this week end. That will help. I managed to get out for a bit today and bought myself a birthday gift! (SHOES!! BLACK STRAPPY SEXY WEDGY SHOES!)

No, I sure as hell CANT afford them, but damn... I got to SMILE! I got to think about where I might wear them to? Not to the Nickelback concert I wont be going to! ::foot stomping:::(plus... You know if Suzi Orman would read this i would not be APPROVED! LOL)

 Ok, so I speeded...sped...( hmm) to the local GAS-ES-STATION for a 2 dollar quick pick in a 48 million dollar lottery tonight! Just the lil 10 minute dream of how to spend it all (in not one place) distracted the groundhog day crap. So.. its all good. See how that all went down?

I promptly returned to the regularly scheduled programing for the night. Put on a pot and finished the new king. I drank so much coffee I am still awake! At least I can say that.. all the other nights, no coffee and STILL no sleep. I have a ton of domestic sewing to begin tomorrow. 3 throws and 2 cribs to build! Woo hoo! I get to sit! I know the days are passing fast, however they seem like slow motion to me. Not that I am anxious, its just bloody painful, thats all. I will try, truly, to wake up with words of wonder tomorrow:)

LYG

G

The Skin I'm In-M & M's

Not sure how to locate the M & M's for last week. Whoa... what a week. Its one of those foot stomping WEEKS. You know the drll. Right hand on hip, left foot turned 45 degrees like Imma bout to break into a ballerina pose, however the monster is ever present and she decides to just throw down a tantrum for only the pets to witness. Oh what I wouldnt give to be a two year old and allowed a throw down or ten. Is there a medication for not enjoying the skin ones in? Its wierd not to know what is acceptable to myself sometimes. A crying puddle of mud victim, a pissed off person, or a Jackie O` Killer stance on strength and grace while absolutley DIEING on the inside, ORRRR, a happy ass clown that refuses to never let em see ya sweat! Double grunt! I gots a choice. I ALWAYS have a choice. I'll ponder that a minute.

Mornin!!! SEE MY TEEFY GRIN? Yeh, I know... what a cool lie I am eh? Its all good. Today I meet with my Pastor of all things. Ok, and quilt my fingers off a little more. Grateful that I have this ability, mind you. Hey... can you get carpul tunnel in your right hand from longarming? I have SOMETHING going on here. It doesnt quite feel like when I bind a great deal, but it does hurt a lot, especially the opposite side of my palm. Anyone know?
I wanna shave my head. Just sayin`.

Marvelous Monday's
* My angel friend Gloria coming by regularly just to check on me.
* Ginger's grooming angel!
*quilts to quilt.
*No machine problems while driving fast!
*A killer pasta sauce dreamed up
*My shop, filled with things I love, especially music
* Ginger who seems to "get me".
Sunday M/M
#%#$#$%@^&!^~!%!^

Still Sewing On A Sunday

"It is good to act as if. It is even better to grow to the point where it is no longer an act."

Charles Caleb Colton

After an all night quilt fest, this was sweet to wake up to! I personally think I need an ALL CALL to finish up in here before the shops gets broken down AGAIN. This move seriously hurts.THIS is my best est studio to date. Most comfortable and efficient. The huge bank of cabinets has been wonderful for my messiness while creating! The floor in cherry wood makes me smile inside every day, and believe me, THAT'S important!
No worries. I am becoming accustomed to "blooming where I'm planted"... right? Of course, right. CLIC

Thanks for all your comments yesterday , and personal emails. I will be okay, and who knows, maybe its the mountains in my future this time:)
M/M
Ginger dropping to the floor in front of me at the machine.Flopping over on her back begging me to go to bed with her around 2 am. She too CAN communicate. LOL

To Decide

•The act of making up your mind about something; the burden of decision

•A position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration

•Decisiveness: the trait of resoluteness as evidenced by firmness of character or purpose;

"If the measure of a man is his word, then no matter the decisions I have made, I must survive them."

Me. G.

Get that? lol surviving my own decisions...grunt.

This month I have decided to return to my family and friends for a good dose of moral support. It is the right thing to do. If you follow this blog I'm sure that you have read "If home is where the heart is, I must have two of each". Well... I must leave this home now, for the other. It was a terrible self struggle to come to this decision. Everyone, without exception, knows my love for this place. I find serenity in the DQL here. I love the weather , Marshalls. In truth, I love my peoples and my mental health, even more.
My Walt & I have also decided to separate and work on each other and ourselves with mileage between us. God willing, we will "find" each other somewhere in the middle and love may prevail. Only he knows, just like ALL THE REST of life eh? While I will spare you any details I needed to get this in here for the preservation of history itself. (See I do intend on blog books dont I?)
I am certain that there is still something out there Imma supposed to do.:::said in my thickest Italian accent::: Maybe it really is in Oregon? R?
I find that having made this decisison to go back to the valley, I "feel" stronger, as if I have at least a road map. It might be the wrong direction, but then again, it may be the right one. Hopefully, it won't be the last one. Just a stop in the journey to a harvest moon. Remember, lead, follow, or get out of the way. I have much to do and the lists are flying. Cross your fingers, toes, pray and send good stuff thisaway. again, still, please? I love yer guts, thank you in advance!!! I'm in repair, I'm not together, but I'm getting there. Thanks JM.

But then again..................................????

Imma go make some good pasta sauce and ponder the road ahead. I think best while cooking. I would boil some eggs, but I ran out? LYG
See, I already forgot to post the magic moment of yesterday!
*Magic Moment*
Purchasing cashiers checks for the new to me home in the future. It was empowering, and very sad, but it WAS a moment.



The Broken Heart Of Life, Still Good.

How many times in my life will I WAIL this song? Until I BELIEVE it?

"The Heart Of Life"

 

I hate to see you cry

Lying there in that position

There's things you need to hear

So turn off your tears

And listen

Pain throws your heart to the ground

Love turns the whole thing around

No it won't all go the way it should

But I know the heart of life is good

You know, it's nothing new

Bad news never had good timing

Then, circle of your friends

Will defend the silver lining

Pain throws your heart to the ground

Love turns the whole thing around

No it won't all go the way it should

But I know the heart of life is good

Pain throws your heart to the ground

Love turns the whole thing around

Fear is a friend who's misunderstood

But I know the heart of life is good

I know it's good

**From the very core of me, thank you John Mayer, and thank you to the quilting colleague who wrote it on my comfort quilt. If EVER I was to get a tattoo, The:::broken::: Heart of Life would be it.
To my BFF's, all of you, unspeakable gratitude for your support. I must have done SOMETHING right, to have earned the love of so many.

**Magic Moment** There were two!!
 First click onto FB to see the new Moomp baby boy, I swear I could smell him from here!
A warm hug and a toast with chilled wine over a beautiful finish with the beast quilt last evening. ( give me more, give me more)

Magic Moments Good and Bad

We do not remember the days, we remember the moments.

Author unknown

 And I googled it! Hmmmm

I would TRULY like to forget some days, some moments. I do pretty good at it, but I'm not as good at deleting as I'd sure like to be.  Ya cant say I'm not EXPERIENCED THOUGH RIGHT? Oh sorry, I yelled inside too:) Why is it that there are also bad magic moments that you just cannot lose for the life of ya! I call them Owies. Ask God for a quick bandaid.

If you know me very well at all you know that I play search and find for these (good) moment in times of trouble. I much like that quote a few days ago about failing so many times, that I have success...lol I'll stick with that. I dont ever want to know what the word DEFEAT really means. Lets just call them minor set backs shall we? K... I had a moment last night...  hey we should red letter these, make them even more real! K...Lets do it daily! ( dont hold your breath K?) I really would like this blog in print, by each year. What a preservation of history dont u think? Poor grand kids. I think I'll go load a baby quilt and leave you with another form of M & M's!

Magic Moment

* I pulled a 126 x 126" king off my table after 4 gruelling weeks of day and night work. YEP, I sure did cry, but thats how I roll.  I marveled at all of the work I pitched a fit about, but now felt that it helped me to cope in some way. Distract in another way. Make decisions in yet another.I remembered that on Monday I laughed because it wasnt tears dripping on the poor quilt, it was sweat from record breaking heat that day. I criticized myself for not doing better than I had because of the related stressful days.

 I spoke with a BFF who scolded me for just that.

 I was grateful, at this moment, for this pain in the ass blessing, and it wont be easily deleted.

I would love to show it to you here, but I dont have permission yet.

YET