One would think, for as broad the gap is between my posts, that I'm getting lots and lots done. Ha. Between doctor's appointments and dentist appointments and hair appointments and being sick (ongoing sinus issues--literally and figuratively, migraines and some stinkin' virus), I really haven't gotten a whole lot accomplished. *sigh* I feel like I've fallen and I can't get up. LOL! I need to re-group, get busy, take the bull by the horns, bite the bullet, take the plunge and buckle down. I.e., get to WORK. I love euphemisms.
I *did* receive my January swap quilt from Lynn:
Isn't it just the most darling little thing?!? The Panter clan came over for a visit yesterday evening and Sawyer noted the snowman right away. He was as charmed by it as I am! *Thank you, Lynn!*
I finished the top of June's quilt . . .
I'm very pleased with how this turned out. Kim is too, which makes me even happier! I need to decide how to quilt it, now. I'm thinking a loose meander ... all over the white, the pennants and the words. In a white or invisible thread. Any thoughts?
A group of family (including myself) is participating in an 8-week weight challenge. You get daily points for logging your food, water intake, fruit and veggie intake, contact with another team member, and exercise. Then at the end of the week, you total up those points and add 10 points per pound you've lost for cumulative points.
At the end of eight weeks, there are two winners -- the one with the highest number of points and the one with the biggest weight loss. The competitiveness of the challenge makes it interesting -- especially since there are guys participating! We've just finished week one, so Todd and I just finished week one of another round of South Beach, phase 1. I celebrated by throwing up. This has been my January! On the bright side, my weigh in was a really good one. Being sick has its advantages. LOL!
A huge positive coming from the challenge is that I pulled out my walking DVDs and gave 'em a try. I can do it!! I have several of the Leslie Sansone DVDs and I was walking the 2 mile walks!
This is the DVD I'm working from right now -- hoping to work up to the three mile walk. I can't do all the moves; for example, I learned the hard way that my right foot does NOT do side lunges any more, but now that I know that, I can compensate. I'm just excited to be able to put points in the 'exercise' column! I'd like to eventually order her four mile power walk!
Yesterday I went to my very first embroiderer's guild meeting. The Huntsville, Alabama chapter of The Embroiderers' Guild of America, Inc. It wasn't actually the meeting, but an instructional meet, where they work on a 'petite project'. I went with a friend from quilt guild and luckily there was an extra kit prepared, so I got to play.
This was the finished project. Isn't it a darling little hedgehog? The apple is a floss-wrapped bead. Too cute!
Mine is still in the early stages, as you can see. The most fascinating part was learning this new stitch, a bullion knot. It took a couple of tries but I finally got the hang of it. Fun stuff! If you're interested in the stitch, Mary Corbet does a nice job of explaining and demonstrating it, on her site, Needle 'n Thread.
I took this picture yesterday, too.
I'd like to take this opportunity to remind mother nature that it's still January. We had our doors and windows open yesterday (into the late night hours) too. Crazy, isn't it? I understand cold weather is on its way. Ah, the roller coaster ride of weather in North Alabama. :)
My stash hasn't changed a bit since I last reported ... which was far too long ago. That is, it hadn't changed. Todd just brought in the mail and look what it contained:
Darling Kate, from Life In Pieces, sent me this fun yardage (five, to be exact) of Buzz Lightyear fabric!! Isn't it precious?! She knew I had a raving Buzz Lightyear fan in my family and thought I could put it to good use. I'll say -- I see several projects from this! Immediately I though (1) cape, (2) applique pieces for a quilt, and (3) pillow case. To infinity and beyond!!
I've been doing a lot of reading. A LOT of reading. Expect several book reviews coming up in the next week ... especially Declutter Now! by Lindon and Sherry Gareis. It's been a fabulous read and I can't wait to share with you about it. I've had several e-conversations with Sherry and she's such a great person! Yup -- if decluttering is one of those things you 'resolved' (or, if like me, you made goals instead of resolutions) to do in 2013, you definitely want to check out the review (especially since Sherry offered to send a copy of the book to not one, but TWO of my followers)!
That's it for now. My hair is cut, my teeth are clean and sparkly, my health is getting back on track and so am I. Whew. This is hard work, y'all!
:)
