Yummy New Gear

Oh, I'm so excited!

I've ordered this laptop and may there peace and harmony in the world...or at least in my posts.

And then, as if reading my mind, or rather my order form where I opted out on the carrier bag, Kathy reveals this. Wouldn't it be out-of-this-world if I can use this as my carrier bag?

I've put forth my questions to Kathy and her Pink Chalk Studio regarding this yummy bag. The most important being: am I really capable of making something so cool?

Let's hope the word too, is green for go. At least that's what Cutiepie would say.

What A Tease!

There was a time when 'tease' meant something entirely different.

These days, a tease is when serving our favorite cookies with our tea. Does he get chocolate? Does he get vanilla? Only I know.

These days, a tease is when arriving at the driveway gate (closed) and my arm moves toward the car door. Will I get out and open the gate? Will he have to get out? Only I know.

These days, a tease is planning a romantic evening and expecting romance. Will I be zonked after one glass of wine? Or two glasses of wine? Only I know. Well, not necessarily.

So, internets, this is my tease for you.

What's it look like in full? Are you my secret partner? Only I know.
Bring on the ALQS. My top is finished and quilting begins soon.

Sure, I mourn the old tease. But, hey, a tease is still a tease.

Sweet Danger

There is a shortened sense of excitement when a friend bestows certain good things onto us.

We are elated in the moment, at the thought of goodness. Rarely, do we think of the aftermath.

Like when you’re invited out for drinks on a worknight.

Or when your friend asks you to be a bridesmaid...in a seagreen colored dress.

Or when your friend sends you this.

A solid five ounces of six full-filled inches of Reese’s cup delight. Oh yummy. When I first saw it, I thought, oh, I should re-gift this to one of my girls.

Then one night six days later. One night in a PMS mood. I thought of Mr. Bunny and the delish joy he might bring.

Who are we kidding? I mean, really, who are we kidding? I knew eventually I’d be working off the aftermath of this sweet treat for a lotta morning walks, so I might as well get the deed done.

In a flash I sought out Mr. Bunny and proceeded to eat the entirety of Mr. Bunny, right down to his toes.

Actually I left his feet alone. Until the next morning.

So what if I ate rabbit feet for breakfast? They were delicious.

New Look

Powered by Trista at the Pumpkin Patch. Love her work!

Hope you like it as well! The best thing is, there is more in store for your eyes. Stay tuned!

It's This Thing Called Life...

...and it can be so distracting.

I have to work and all I want to do is blog.
I have to clean and all I want to do is blog.
I have to feed my family and all I want to do is blog.

And I want to sew. And go buy this. And go see this.


But no, I sit and what do I do? Work.


Obviously, I am whining just a tad bit. Here are some photos that prove life is good.

Firstly, GirlE's quilt is finished. Designed and pieced by her (*gasp* a very talented 11yo) , I've finished the quilting and binding and can't wait to deliver it to her.
Glorious sunny days and, of course, an uncooperating wind!
Below is a finished quilt soon to be enroute to America to a newly born babe. I concentrated on quilting outside my box, no pun intended for this Bento Box pattern. It has become one of my favorites.

And finally, the sunshine has been spoiling us here in Ireland. Fabulous weather. We were caught unexpectantly on the Bank Holiday Monday (a nationwide nonwork day for most Irish), but were in the right spot for it: at DH's sister's gorgeous home overlooking the Blessington Lakes. This photo was taken while enjoying breakfast on the deck. Oh, the life!

In My Thoughts Today...

May 6, 2018

Door flies open. Babydoll and a friend come bouncing in, squealing and laughing their way to the fridge. The friend stops and peers through to the sitting area, watching an older middle age woman in the next room.

I’m talking into the phone with a smile on the face and a sparkle in my eye. I’m relaxed and at peace. Suddenly, following some vision, some notion, in the conversation, I burst into laughter, then giggles, then I laugh again so hard, my eyes well up with tears. This repeats several times during the phone call.

The teenage friend yanks at Babydoll’s faded hoodie and says, “Hey! What’s up with your mom? Is she alright?”

Babydoll leans in for a closer look, and then with an exaggerated roll of the eyes, she says, “Yeah, she’s ok. I bet she’s talking to Twirly in America. They are so, like, silly. When she and my mom get together, on the phone or in person, they can’t stop laughing and are FOREVER silly. It can be SOOOO embarrassing!”

****

Today, Twirly is known for care packages of purple jello and ranch dip as well as for her funny faces on the Skype camera. Though, she is best, and formerly, known for her curly hair—thus the nickname, Twirly.

Honestly, I’ve always envisioned the scene painted here, where my daughters grow up knowing that not only is Twirly part of our family, that she's my infectious joyful friend. The one who can spin Mommy laughing so hard, she cries.

Happy Birthday Twirly. We love you.

Swap Talk

This time last year I embarked on my first quilt swap. This is where a small (24 inches max) quilt is made and sent it to an anonymous partner. Everyone in the swap receives a quilt. Generally it is a win-win deal.

I remember mailing day, wrapping up my quilt to be sent off. DH had come in and when I filled him in on the details, his eyes bugged out. I had put a lot of time and effort into my quilt and having grown so attached to it, he was surprised and saddened to learn it was venturing off to live in a home other than ours. The quilt itself was a colorwash landcape, a technique that completely grabs at my heart. It was a first attempt, but overall I think it was nice.

Near about the same time, I received the quilt destined for our home from Tracie. It was lovely, and still is. The colors are bright and refreshing and we even redid our bathroom colors so as to match. I love looking up at it.

Unfortunately, we were never quite certain of my quilt's fate. You see, I seem to recall the swap organizer confirming it's receipt, however, I never heard from my partner nor did I ever see a post regarding this quilt on her blog. I'm still a ghostly lurker over there. It still hurts. I have never had the heart to tell DH that the quilt went away without any recognition. It was disheartening to say the least.

There was a second swap and I will admit I was still wounded from the earlier swap. My heart wasn't in it, and I'm afraid it showed in my quilt. I did basic piecing and quilting, not wishing to go out on a limb a second time. (Though it's new owner was ever so gracious and appreciative.) And to make me feel even worse, the quilt I received was unbelieveably gorgeous!! My handiwork is on left; whereas my partner Zita's lovely work is on right.

So here we are and my lovely friend Kate has invited me to join in the ALQS group. I am always in awe of her quilting and all her lovely artwork, so I couldn't resist. Happily, I approach it with new freshness. I remember these pointers and hope to have a better experience:

• KISS, keep it simple stupid
• Timely, allowing plenty of time to design, piece and quilt
• Knowingly, learning about my partner and their likes/dislikes

From stalking my new partner's blog, I've learned my partner is a very fun person. Off to a good start! On the blog, there are numerous clues as to my partner's likes and dislikes. This partner seems very seasoned in quilting, so I'm focusing on doing simple concepts executed perfectly. I'm ready to have fun!

I've spent the best daylight hours choosing from my fabric stash. Here are the two color palettes, one must be eliminated.

Which one do you like best?