Just Realized...

I read a story in the paper yesterday about a woman who was celebrating the 25th anniversary of her discovery of some cure for some disease and it made me realize that I was harboring the hopes of someday doing something phenomenal like that. I didn't realize I was harboring that hope before I read that article. But there it was...in there a little bit. And I realized I was almost ready to let that one go. That I would never accomplish something amazing like find a cure for a disease, make significant changes in the world or universe. Almost ready to let that one go.

But then I also realized that I would never put on a backpack and walk around in Europe, would never roam from hostel-to-hostel. That I would never travel by hitchhiking across the States. I realized that I would never drop acid, never run the Boston marathon, and would always regret that I didn't get to Woodstock.

Not feeling my mortality but just making note of things that are past their prime in my life.

And so it goes...peace~~~

We Get By With a Little Help From Our Friends

A good Internet friend has been going through tough times. She lost her job and lost her house. Fortunately she is a strong well-centered woman who has great friends. One great friend gave her a home to live on her property. The property is great with horses and dogs and lots of space. Unfortunately the house isn't spacious. My friend moved from a three-bedroom home to a one-bedroom cottage. But she painted it up nice and it is cozy! She is starting to readjust and regroup.

I thought she might need some positive energy surrounding her, so I made her this lap quilt. I called it Staying Centered, because we all need reminding on occasion. I hope the cool calming colors--they remind me of a lush forest somehow--will help her remember how much she is loved.


peace~~

A List of Lasts

So many things changing. It is surreal to me. I always have summers off, so in some ways this feels like simply finishing up the school year. But the outpouring of cards and little gifts and flowers and parties speak a different story.

• Had my last part-time instructor observation and conference two weeks ago.
  
• Attended my last Curricular Committee meeting last Wednesday.
• Gave my last lecture last Wednesday.
• Gave my last final on Tuesday.
• Posted my last grade yesterday.
• Wrote my last report today.
• Will leave my office for the last time, carrying out my last book and picture and trinket, next Monday.

There are time I stop and wonder what the heck I am doing. But I know this moment of grieving the loss of what was will soon pass and I'll remember the freedom of summer.

Bittersweet.
Surreal.
Excitement will come when the last file is completed and the reality hits.

peace~~

What Goes Up Must Come Down. Spinning Wheel's Got To Go Round

I have been joining a community education quilting class at the college for the past two terms. I have never taken quilting lessons--everything I have learned, I have learned from books or friends on the Quilting Bee forum (Delphi Forums). But I decided to have some once-in-a-while fun. And sewing with people, chatting, laughing...this is the best of times!

The first term we made bargellos. It was one of those types of quilts that seemed difficult, so perfect for a short class. I made my little piece the best I could, and like it hanging along my stairwell. The next one I make will have more movement, but it was a fun wallhanging.

The this term I have been working with curves. Again, not something I have attempted before. Mostly because I think I am a lazy sewer...curved blocks looked like too much work! But again, I found curves to be relatively easy and had fun with my new quilt.

Most the students decided to use a Drunkard's Path block. I have played with a Drunkard's Path in the past and it is too spiky a pattern for my taste. So I decided to make circles out of multiple colors of batiks. I used Hoffman's Bali batiks because they were on sale with 40% off at my local fabric shop: Fabric Depot (I am FULL of links today, aren't I?).

I decided to make it a standard size, even though I have no double beds. Mostly because I had enough blocks made to do this :) I also decided to have it professionally quilted, mostly because I no longer have the space to quilt anything larger than a twin bed.

Next up for classes? Paper-piecing in the fall! Life is good :)

peace~~

Sign of the Times

The economy must be picking up!

I heard an advertisement on the radio recruiting for the CIA. It was a glamorous ad, describing all the wonderful world of travel, of meeting interesting people. But it also warned that you couldn't tell your family and friends what you do...

Listen to an ad similar to what I heard (link will open in a new page):
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2011/01/12/VI2011011204971.html

Could this be my next new adventure?
peace~~~