Wednesday Funny!

It's mid-60's in March in Michigan.  So, instead of quilting, I've been playing hooky on this sunny Wednesday afternoon!

The funniest thing happened to me during my adventures today.

I was signing a log at a geocache in Farmington's Heritage Park (geocaching is kind of like a treasure hunt using a gps played by MILLIONS of users all over the world).  The geocache was called, "Are The Dear Watching You Too?"  And....

THEY WERE!

Five of them were quietly watching me and wondering (just like you), "What is she up to?"

Had to share!

I Have Talented Friends!

What a great surprise!?! I came home today to discover a medium size envelope in my mailbox. The return address clued me in that it was from my good friend, Lauri! (I hope she doesn't kill me for sharing this, but I'm SO geeked!) As my Sister would say, it's always easier to ask forgiveness later!

Lauri started off with, "Isn't it fun to get real mail, that isn't a bill, an advertisement, or reminder of a doctor appointment?" Really and truly - it is! It's been such a long time since I received personal, unsolicited mail.

As well as her friendly letter were the following enclosures:

According to Lauri, these are two handset, foot-treadled samples she made on one of her fabulous machines. Lauri does typesetting on these presses - a love she inherited from her father.

Her letter and cards really brought me out of my funk. She is so talented - I had to share!

Lauri, love them! Thank you!

Elisa

Monday Blues

It's Monday. It's rainy and gray. I have to schedule my tax appointment, my renter's inspection, my annual physical. I'm low on gas and tight on funds. I'm a little blue today.

So I'm posting this picture - taken by my sister - of myself taking a tour of the Guardian Building on my birthday. I'm reminding myself that I'm rich in family, friends, experiences, and memories.

<sigh> I just remembered I'm out of ice cream.

 

Well... (lack of) Status Update

Sigh... I don't know about the rest of you, but in Michigan we've been experiencing 50-60 degree days in Winter!  Having the HARDEST time staying in and stitching!  Too much to do! Too much to see!

I took this picture at the West Bloomfield Parks & Rec.  Not sure if the sign refers to the turtle or my quilt progress lately!

Instead of stitching, I've been.....

Geocaching.  We have several amazing nature trails nearby and the wildlife & birds have been out to play! This little fellow (and two more of her friends) decided to keep me company on one trip.

Reading.  I've been selected to distribute books as part of the World Book Night (April 23rd) near my home town.  Thousands of ambassadors all over the world will be handing out free books to light- or non- readers to promote literacy.  My book is a toughee - Bel Canto by Ann Patchett.  Not an easy read to promote to non-readers so I'm re-reading it right now.

Adopting.  Nope, not as it sounds.  As some of you may remember, I'm part of an International stitching group working on a project called Some Kind of Wonderful (SKoW).  This group consists of a 100+ women around the globe working on the same project - we post our status monthly.  Hanne is a quilter from Denmark who wished to join but the blog site only allows 100 "users" at a time. So, I adopted her!  She'll send her posts to me and I'll post them for her.  Check out her newest post here. 

Journaling.  Ok, I know this new project is 10 days old, but I think I lead a boring life.  Each night I sign my daily square and wonder if anyone is going to be interested in this.  Take, for an example, today.  Unless I leave right now and do something amazing, the highlight for today's square will be a 9-year old's birthday party! LOL.

I have made a personal decision not to stress over my penmanship - it is what it is!  I've also decided, for the rest of the rows, to gear towards more solid fabrics - my journal entries seem to get lost in the background sometimes.

Family.  We have three birthdays in two weeks, plus my sister and I have been doing a lot of exploring and charity work.  Last month we worked at Gleaner's Food bank.  This month we're planting trees at 7 Mile and Outer Drive in Detroit.  Next month is the Belle Isle Cleanup and, I think, the Belle Isle Aquarium "moving of the Koi". 

Other people's quilts.  Oh, yes.  Did I mention I've agreed to make 4 commission quilts this season? 

So, knowing all this and knowing the lack of progress on my own quilts.  What do you think I'm going to do on this very bright, very warm March day?  Yep.  Go out and explore.

Happy Sunday everyone!

Applique is Done!

Just finished appliqueing 5 more blocks for the Some Kind of Wonderful group.  Hope to spend the next week completing the embroidery!

These are SO much easier when you prep a bunch at a time.  Now I get to spend the next week embroidering away!

Happy Stitching!
Elisa

p.s. Used the new camera my family gave me for my birthday - takes great indoor pictures!

LOL Quilt Judging

My sister just sent me this - LOL!

 

Happy Sunday!

Happy Birthday To Me!

Thanks to my sister, Wikid Kriket, I had the most amazing 42nd birthday! Do you see my tiara?

My sister took me down to "the D" for a day of adventures. We started with a tour of the stunning Guardian (Union Trust) building.

Afterwards, we geocached. Then walked along the Detroit Riverwalk, Milliken State Park, and Corktown. After an AMAZING meal at Slows Bar BQ, we continued to cache, and then rounded out the day with S'Mores cheesecake at the Twisted Rooster in Chesterfield.

How will I remember all this? This blog and my quilt journal. About 18 months ago, I read this fabulous blog post about making a 365 day quilt. After much planning, I started mine today.

I've decided not to stress over my poor handwriting. It just keeps the project true. There are 22 more days per strip:

Throughout the year, I will be adding my whimsical stitchies on special days.

What an amazing day!

Elisa