Stitching My Story

View From a Happy Day...

 

An early morning run with my BFF, followed by an iced mocha and a backwards-knitting discussion. The woman is downright AMBIDEXTROUS when you put a set of knitting needles in her hand.

A bit of embroidery-- continuing on with the blind contour hand drawings and trying to decide on a quote to put on the pocket.

A new bobbin full of hand dyed wool, along with the realization that I need to occasionally step away from the cool side of the color wheel.

Loving My Titanium Cowboy....

Mike's blog is always a fun read. Great writer... Great sense of humor. And what can I say? Even if biking is not your first love *raising my hand*, these Titanium Cowboys are just plain eye candy.

; )

Today I am Lovin' On.....

... Grandbaby O.

... goopy acrylic paints that just last week I hated.

...Unit One and his (our!) Sweetheart.

...{dear cowboy} and really good beer on tap.

...The BFF who makes sure I lift weights twice a week, run further than is easy for me, and laugh so hard I snort.

Fortune Found...

One of my regular runs ends near an Asian Bistro. Occasionally, I find a fortune blowing around outside. I feel like it's my LUCKY DAY when I find one! Here is the latest...

Ready or Not.... Here comes 2011!

 

My word for 2011 is:

BREATHE.

I need to remember to stay present in the moment... to slow down and be mindful.

 

My motto for 2011 is:  

REMEMBER WHO YOU WANTED TO BE.

 
2010 was a year of significant changes (understatement... understatement.... understatement). Some of these changes led me off of my intended and authentic path. I was having trouble recognizing myself there for a while, but I think things are headed back in a good direction.

 

My GOALS for 2011 are:

1. Begin classes for my Graphic Design degree.

Textiles will always be my first love but, in five days, I start on my graphic design degree. I can't wait!

2. Maintain my current fitness level... and build on it.

2010 saw major improvements over the previous year in my dedication to running regularly (I just heard my running buddies snicker. I am referring to the past YEAR... not the past week). This year I want to hold onto that momentum and build on it. I want to work up to one weekly long run of 10 to 15 miles.... most weeks.

3. Participate in the Sketchbook Challenge.

This should fit in nicely with my other goals, don't you think?

4. Complete the 2011 reading list that my friend Debbie and I decided on.

  This is January's selection... More titles to come!

5. Come together CREATIVELY more often with other people.

Some ideas so far: going to ARTFEST in April, joining a knitting group (hear that BFF?), volunteering at the local arts organization, taking felting classes with Cindy, Betsey, and Hilary when she is in town, maybe finding my way back to a quilt guild meeting or two. I love the quiet and safety of my studio, but I think I need to step out a little.

6. WRITE WRITE WRITE

I am committing to writing 3-5 days a week. No excuses. Butt in chair... middle-aged-reading-glasses on nose (I bought five pair last night)... pencil in hand. This is actually the hardest goal to put down on the list. It makes me want to run and hide under a blanket. It's the goal that is MOST outside of my comfort zone. (p.s. it doesn't have to be A LOT of writing to count... whew... typing that part made me feel better).

7. Say YES to family.

Dad's death was a painful reminder that time together on the planet is finite and precious. As a friend once wisely told me, "keep the main thing, the main thing".

Dear DC and the Units...

You are, and will always be, the main thing.

8. Drink more water.

This one sounds the simplest, and may actually end up being the hardest.

I do love my diet coke *sigh*

9. Make sure my BFF knows that she is INDISPENSABLE, IRREPLACEABLE and LOVED beyond measure.

Honestly... I hit the jackpot in the best friend department. I can't imagine doing this life without you, Cindy.

"zo"

10. Take good care of dear cowboy.

This man has gone over and above the call of duty this past year. Losing dad and job changes made being my husband in 2010 a WEE bit challenging (understatement... understatement.... understatement). I'm going to try to do a better job of being a fully functioning HALF of our team this year. I love you, DC.

I am wishing you a happy, healthy, creative new year.

Makes total sense!

(thanks for the link, Debbie!)

Finding Stuff...

I found this on the ground during a run with my BFF. I've been trying to think of what I've been looking for.... firmer abs come to mind right off the bat.

The YES List....

If I'm remembering correctly, it was a long ago Oprah show that got me hooked on the idea of YES lists (who else could get a girl hooked on something like this?!). Basically, you chose five items that you will say YES to whole-heartedly. If something comes up and it isn't directly related to one of the items on the list, it needs to be carefully considered before making a commitment of any sort.

At the time, I was a mom to four wee ones and I was spread pretty thin. These lists provided me with a way to prioritize and focus my time and energy. I still love YES lists, and I've continued to make them over the years. They help keep me from taking on projects and activities that I don't realistically have a spot in my day for. It doesn't mean that something not on the list doesn't get my attention or that it's not important, it just means I THINK before saying yes to it.

Despite various plays on words, most of the lists I've written over the years are basically the same...

DC {dear cowboy} and the Units {my four children}

Creativity and Stitching

Health and fitness

Financial Stability

and Home

This quilt design is taken from a YES list doodle in one of my journals. 

What five things would you put on your YES list?

 

   

Signs of a Really Good Day...

A project-full sewing table....

 

... teeny bit soggy running shoes outside the door....

...a visit from the amazon fairy....

and less than subtle messages from the universe.

If I stitch fast enough, does it count as aerobic exercise? ~Author Unknown