Our theme this year, CHAOS TO CONTENTMENT!!! I don't know about anyone else, but I have lost my way lately. No drive, no ambition, no love of what I'm doing. I "think" it has to do with being in a constant state of OVERWHELM! I have not managed time well and wind up with crunch projects -which are never fun. I've packed my list of "want to accomplish this month" so full that when surprises pop up that are either fun or an emotional wipeout - there is no chance of completion and then a sense of failure sets in. Ugh. After much thought on this and a great deal of chatting with the lady in the mirror - I've come up with this theme for 2025. If you didn't get a chance to check out the post explaining it all --- here is the LINK to the initial post. I'm looking forward to the direction this can take us all, but especially myself, if I give it a fair shot. Sometimes stepping out of comfort zones is challenging, but it almost always allows for growth. For the month of May - It's one of my favorite months - no idea why. There are times when chaos seems to be swirling all around us and finding some peace and contentment seems impossible. I have discovered that it is still possible to find those moments of control - which lead to peace and contentment. My plan is to continue finding those moments this month. It's not always chaos around us, but within us. Chillin' is the plan - at least now and then.
Now, if you are new to this blog, you may be asking, "just what is a monthly update?" I decided long ago that I just can't keep up with blogging daily. I just can't. Sooooo, what happens is I document each day in my life within one post and if something special happens, a separate post takes place. See, you can stay caught up with a once a month check and then, if you're interested, see the other posts too. It's a great system for me. There will be links throughout this update that go to related posts of MINE. They will open in a new window so that you can keep your place here. Just click on the hyper-links if you wish. There are NO ADS. Never have had them, don't intend to start unless my whole world gets turned upside down.
In years past, I have set goals for each month that I NEVER was able to reach. However, I NEED that guideline to follow, so I will continue to do that simply to keep myself on track. UFO mode is still a part of my life and I have set a definite budget for fabric in order to not create more things sitting around for "someday." The "hopeful attempts" will change each month and will always show up at the bottom of the update if you read that far - and they are joined by links to the previous monthly updates for the year.
Now, grab a cuppa and sit back for a fun read and perhaps a new idea or two. (P.S. I format on a computer, so if you are reading on a phone, well sometimes the pictures will be before or after the story. It is what it is.
1st - Well, a new month and perhaps new focus can happen. This coloring picture is truth - I do love May.
Here is the UFO number for this month and, for me that is a wall hanging called Desert Sky. This is a very old Judy Niemeyer attempt. I'm not holding my breath as I am starting out the month in Montana and it's not with me.
We are still up in Montana, helping Mom recover and enjoying the time here. For more deets, here is your
Days 7-9 LINK. It's just so beautiful here.
2nd - A trip up north to visit with Matt and his family. Mom rides along for the day.
Matt's new place.
3rd - Today'[s drive is down the lakeshore to see the cherry trees. Isn't it lovely?
Birthday flower arrive from Jen!
Saw this and, well, it might apply.
4th - Happy Birthday to Me!! Still in Montana and here is the
Days 10-15 LINK. There is not a ton going on up here. I'm mentally shot and just here to spend time with Mom. No productivity at all. However, Mister is keeping me as up as possible with "birthday season" cards.
Pedicures don't hurt either.
He even takes me out for a drink and a fun piece of birthday cheesecake.
5th - This card from Greyson is just the BEST!!!
Look at me - I'm looking at you.
6th - There are days when you just focus on the beauty around you. Keeps the sanity nearby.
Blue sky and the moon. Calming.
7th - Just a lost day.
8th - Trying to find a reset - thinking maybe sleep will help.
Back to beauty around me.
9th - Out for a bit - this backyard at the Garden Bar is pretty cool - the bar isn't, but the yard is.
A treasure found at a food truck.
10th - We're winding down with our trip up here and this is the
Days 16-18 LINK. Out for coffee with Jill and kids. Love these moments so very much. We do enjoy being Uncle and Auntie.
11th - Last day in Montana - so fun to gather with family and get some pictures.
FAB pic of Mom.
12th - It's a travel day and nothing goes well. Our flight gets cancelled and after crazy phone calls, we manage to get on a non-stop leaving in 6 hours. Ugh. Mom's car is in the lot but we've locked the keys in it and are truly stuck here. Guess we'll just wait it out.
We're finally out of here, flying right over the lake and the next time I life the shade, we're over the Metroplex.
13th - I wish I had something to write here, but I don't. I'm going to take a few mental health days and see if I can get myself back up on an even keel. There are things happening, of course, but just day to day life.
14th - Just another Wacky Wednesday. I guess - I fit the wacky brand, for sure.
15th - Halfway through another month. I have soooooo much to do and am sooooo behind on my goals. How do I get that motivation back?
16th - Laundry and packing to head out tomorrow. That's about it.
17th - We are off to San Angelo for a couple of days. It's Jacobs Graduation and we're so proud of him. Family time and here is the
LINK.
LOVE this Century Plants that I spotted.
We take some time to go and see the Waterlily Collection here. It's so beautiful.
18th - Time to head back home --- this was our cute little house for the night.
Gotta find the giggles when you can.
19th - Went grocery shopping and it's even more depressing. What is going on in this world right now?
20th - Just another nothing day. I'm actually thinking about things that need done. That's a step in the right direction, isn't it?
21st - I've listed some items back for sale again. Fingers crossed that I get rid of more stuff.
22nd - I'm shipping today - sales happening. Wish this would all get bought up. It'll happen, I know, but I want a bulk buyer, lol.
23rd - Shipping and cleaning house - yes, that even happens sometimes.
24th - An evening meet-up with Jen to give her some backpacks before her trip to Spain - they are heading to Alaska tomorrow so also saying good-bye to Jacob. While waiting for them, we stop for a boba tea - spotted this double level game and what a good idea this is. Let's littles play, too.
We all went to dinner and then good-byes are said. Good luck Jacob - we're rooting for you and hoping to visit in the fall if at all possible.
25th - Hiding from life --- binging Yellowstone - helping cassie with rentals, worrying about rhiana and Amanda. It's what I do best right now.
26th - Working on the kitchen a bit and ordered some more items to help.
27th - The pasta and additional soda containers arrive - it's such an improvement.
28th - I think this has been the worst May of my life in regards to accomplishing a single thing. As far as being "all about me" and wallowing - well, it's been an award winner.
29th - Nothing.
30th - Nothing.
31st - Mister is done with me moping. We are out for the day and here is the
LINK. Starts with a White Rock Anniversary party.
Includes OHB's grand opening at their new location.
And finds us at a new-to-us eatery - Birdcall.
Final stop was Costco where Mister changed his internet to ATT. Wonder where this will take us.
This is true.
Welcome to June and by the end of the month - we are halfway through out Chaos to Contentment year. Are you making progress? This may be a TMI post, but I'm struggling. I haven't picked up a needle or piece of fabric since the beginning of April and barely functioning describes my existence. I knew this was going to be a challenging year, but . . . Inner strength and resolve are sometimes hard to find. I'm still going at it --- things are coming to a head on many fronts in our family and there is beginning to be light at the end of the tunnels. Yep - those babies are plural. Do what you need to take care of you -- it's important.
Thank you for reading this far. If you made it here, kudos to you. Hope you have a great month and find a way to bring joy into your life. Stay creative Y'all.
I've tried to make a COMPLETE list here so that I have only one place to look it all up. I apologize in advance for the boring nature of this to y'all, but it helps me. I've made quite a few category changes this year - anything to help stay on top of things.
Projects ready to quilt by me:
Ruby Jubilee - Loaded on frame and ready to quilt
Sophie-Claire -
UFO's to finish: *means on UFO Monthly Challenge sheet
*Alphabet project from MSQC 2022 -
Second Half Moon Rising project from MSQC 2022 -
BAD blocks as leader/enders -
*Rhododendron Trail -
*Sandcastles - set, backing, label, binding, quilt and bind
*Midnight Flight -
*Daybreak -
Row by Rows -
*Rachel's Sewing Room - quilt borders and attach all parts
*Desert Sky -
Ruby Jubilee -
*Feathered Star BOW -
*Scrap Crystals -
*Orca Bay -
*Periwinkle Squared - MSQC 2022
Halloween quilt with Jen -
MSQC quilt 2024 -
MSQC table runner 2024 -
MSQC wall hanging 2024 -
Sew Sampler Projects -
Dopp kit
Current Projects:
Dear Jane -
One Block Wonder -
Looking Through the Lattice -
Periwinkle Squared -
Ingrid's Flowers -
Enchanted Christmas -
Teapot blocks -
Attic Windows -
Woolie Mats -
New for this year:
Penguin Mug Rugs
Ruler Wrap
Yoyo Pillow
More Rope Trees
Joanna Bag
301 Boxy Tote
Mountain Saddle Bags
Double Flip Bags
Charade Purses
UFO Handwork Items:
Hand Quilting --
Stocking - in Montana, will work on there
Links to Previous 2025 Monthly Posts -
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