Life Is Good

I woke up this morning thinking of all of the things I needed to do. One of those jump straight out of bed and start running days! But as soon as I opened the blinds in the kitchen, I noticed how beautiful the sunrise was. How all of the reds, oranges, and yellows blended into the blues and whites of the clouds. The brightness of the sun coming up was soothing and warming, spreading its light out across the sky.

I found myself just staring into space, without a care. Without any urgency. As I turned from the window, I saw my hubby and my son going about their business, too. And our fur-babbies, Fritz & Bella patiently waiting to go outside. I found in that, a sense of harmony in our daily routines, and in our lives. I thought about how lucky I am to have such a wonderful family. To have such a caring and attentive hubby. To have such a cheerful and loving son. To have a nice home where I am comfortable, in a neighborhood where I feel safe. To be able to take my time if I choose to go about my daily tasks. Or to be able to take the day off, if I choose.

As I fixed my son's lunch, and discussed the day's tasks with my hubby I realized that I was smiling. My son turned and asked me, 'what's wrong, mom?" and I replied, "nothing at all." With the school bus at the corner, I handed him his lunch as he ran out the door with an, "I love you, mom!" Looking at his watch, my dear hubby leaned over, gave me a kiss, and told ME to have a nice day.

With everyone on their way, I closed the door and turned to fill my coffee cup. I smiled again and thought to myself...Life is Good!

Some of my other projects and interests

As you can see I have varied interests. Sort of a Jack of All Trades but Master of None. Anyway, the Victorian Doll is my own design. I originally created her for use as an applique but decided to turn her 3D. Not being comfortable with drawing faces, the silhouette worked out perfectly. Seems I'm not the only one taken with her because I've actually sold two of these dolls.

Next is Ms. Mew. She was made from a pattern called Three Little Kittens by Hearts Content. Although rough around the edges, she was fun to make and the costuming was a great eye-opener for me. You can't see it but she has just the cutest little bloomers on. Not pictured are a number of stump dolls, and clay projects just waiting for the mood to strike!

Next we move onto my first attempt at doll furniture. This piece is strictly a piece for 'show'. I've always wanted a dressing screen and (what I call) a 1920's style lounger. I've just never had the room for it. This one fits perfectly on a shelf in my studio. The next 3 pictures are just a sampling of my first attempts at pieced quilts. And despite the fact that I have a Grace Sturdy Lite machine quilting frame (just gathering dust), a new sewing machine, and serger some of them are still unfinished. Ohhhhh, that UFO pile needs a room of its own...

The table runners were fun to put together. Even though they are not quilted, the piecing was very challenging. There was a lot of improvising going on there. I have done quite a lot of home decor projects, including curtains and bed sets. This one is in my bedroom. I also made these awning for my kitchen. I think I like making patterns just as much as doing the project itself.

Finally, we have some fabric art projects. I entertained the idea of moving into altered art and mixed media but never took it any further than this. Oh, someday the things I going to create!

Have a Heart-update

Well, I have seen the light at the end of the tunnel. And luckily, it wasn't a freight train. My first heart seemed to take forever to put together and finish. The second heart was done before I knew it. I'm still wondering how that happened. I guess that snow ball is really rolling along now. I just know that I'm going to have make about 20 more of theses so that I can put a quilt together.

Butternut Challenge Doll

This is my first challenge doll, which was made from a free pattern by Shashi, for my Cloth Doll Making group. The theme here was supposed to be Mardi Gras. I think I just about pulled it off, except maybe for the face. It just gave me fits! It's such a small area to work on, and getting the left and the right sides to match-HA! It's just not as easy as it looks, folks. Of course, I'm finding that is true of just about everything I delve into lately. Oh well, I love a challenge.

Her boots were pieced together and sewn on over the legs, then laced and beaded. Same thing with her sleeves and gloves. Her vest, tie, and head-dress are also individual pieces. We were given free run (pretty much) in costuming, and even some allowance for pattern alterations.

In this challenge there were three design levels : Newbies, Advanced, and Professional. It really is worth the time to pop in and look and the wonderful work that was done. And as with all creative works, everyone had a different idea and concept for what this pattern and challenge meant for them. Kudo's to Phyllis Robbins, our group leader for all of her time and effort-IT IS APPRECIATED!!!!

Wow! I finished something....

Okay, I have renewed hopes that I can actually start a project and finish it. This little puppy won't end up in the UFO pile. Now the only other hurdle to cross is getting it in the mail!

Have a Heart Swap

This is a picture of my first heart-shaped CQ embroidery piece. It was a bit difficult to work with a non-square block. After about 10 hours of concentrated embellishing, I've gotten a good portion of it finished. I've included a couple other hearts to provide a better idea of what an accomplished CQ'er and embroiderer can do.There really is some beautiful works out there.

The heart with the fan and silk flowers in the middle was made by Jo in NZ.









The heart with the silk flowers and ladies shoe was made by Renea.










The heart with the beautiful bead work and buttons was made by Lillian.

Quote of the Day

"Live up to your potential instead of imitating someone else's."

Martha Burgess

Paisley Bauble Bag Swap

This is the nearly finished side one of my bag. As you can see I am a NEWBIE at this. However, I am very optimistic that I'm to going improve. Getting things finished seems to be the real challenge. I'm getting quite a nice little collection of UFO's. Well, I better get back to work!

Vacation in Denmark-June 2006

Dear Hubby and I were able to take a real 'adult' vacation this year. Of course, it was a business trip that prompted it, but as long as I got to go to Europe, I'm fine with it. Except for a couple of trips to Mexico, I've never been out of the USA. We were lucky enough to have stayed in a nice one bedroom apartment, which was in a converted bathhouse. It was located just across a courtyard from Tivoli Gardens, the main train station, and downtown.

We spent 10 glorious days in Denmark. Touring Copehagen as well as Helsingor, Roskilde, North Jutland. Pretty much where ever you could get to on public or mass transportation. We even ventured into Malmo, Sweden for a day. We tried really hard not to leave a single stone unturned. And I think we did a pretty good job, all in all. Luckily, nearly everyone spoke English. For whatever reason, we Americans don't seem to think that we need to learn a second language. If you ever leave 'home' you quickly become aware that not being bi-lingual or mulit-lingual, especially in today's world, is a major error in judgement.

The history of the City itself is so amazing. We just don't have that in the USA. When you compare our 200+ years with 500 to 1,000 or more years that the Europeans have, we are really just babies. And comparing the most stately American manors to castles, is like comparing apples to oranges. Except maybe the Biltmore Estate. But that's another adventure. There just doesn't seem to be a way to describe the architecture and actually do it justice. It's like being living in the time of King Arthur. It's quite an experience to tour a castle, cross a mote, and to stand upright in a fireplace. I was most taken with the works on the ceilings.

Along with all of the touristy stuff, which we did, we also sought out and took the recommendations from locals for shopping, eating, clubbing, etc. It was so easy to become part of the culture. The Danish people are incredibly friendly. As for eating Danish, what can I say-it was wonderful! Europeans have quite a different style in their dining. It's so relaxed. More an event than just a meal. Some of the restaurants that we ate in had been owned and operated by the same family for 300 to 400 years.



The Town Hall (Radhuspladsen) is a beautiful building with a grand garden courtyard. The Round Tower (Rundetarn) was originally built and used as an observatory. It's located just off of the main shopping street known as the Stroget. The buildings close together are at Nyhavn Canal. It's said to have been 'cleaned up' and is now a very trendy area with some wonderful shops and cafes, and pubs. A real must see are the museums.

Although there were able to watch the Changing of the Guard at a number of Royal buildings, this picture was taken at Amalienborge Palace, The Queen of Denmark's residence. We also got a chance to see a replica of a Viking Ship. Sail through the canals and harbours, take long walks through the most beautiful gardens, and feed swans.

One of the things that I found absolutely fascinating was the public and mass transit systems. Gas being the equivalent of about $8 per gallon, it's no wonder that people walk, ride bikes, take the bus or the trains. I enjoyed not hopping into my car.

My Fur-babies

Fritz & Bella are my constant companions. We have the perfect relationship. They allow me to play with them until they are exhausted, then while they take a nap, I get to play in my studio.

Once they are refreshed, they come and rescue me from myself so that I can go play with them again.

My First Blog Post

It's also Left-handers day.

Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

Gerry