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. Well, with August comes: We are into the eighth month of attempting to drive chaos out and allow contentment into our individual worlds. How is it going? I am happy to say that I have peaked and am on the downside again, working my way towards calm and happiness. I even have a renewed interest in sewing again. I'm planning trips with enthusiasm and excitement and looking up for a change. The chaos is no longer a part of my identity and I'm ready - oh so ready - for what is ahead. Hugs to all.
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 - The dog days of summer have arrived. I think it's funny, but I discovered last month that I am already itching for fall. I'll probably feel that more and more as this month goes on - but that makes my coloring picture this month kind of odd to me. I do love watermelon - so does that count?
The UFO number for this month is 10 - but I'm just keeping things real here - I'm going to focus on getting back on track and continue selling off fabrics this month - so a UFO might not make the list for me - only time will tell, but if a miracle takes place, it is my Daybreak quilt. Cue the laughter.
Last month, while traveling, I saw this Dresden Neighborhood done for Halloween and fell in love with it. Of course, I'd seen the pattern before, but . . .Halloween - come on. It was ordered the same day and arrived today. Whoop, whoop.
My granddaughter gave me a jacket she had as a little girl and asked me to take the appliques off so that we can put them onto a jean jacket she can fit into now - she's 16. It seemed like a simple enough task so I spend the evening doing just that. MOST came off without harming the little jacket, but not all, there were machine embroidered pieces that had to be cut out. However, they are ready to re-apply elsewhere.
2nd - Mister and I are off to Savannah to spend time with family as he hadn't been up since he helped them move on the 27th of last month. This time, I've brought a Featherweight and sewing takes place as I let Elena start putting her appliques back onto the denim jacket. We just have to follow the existing holes - easy peasy.
Loving time together - house is crazy as they are still unpacking and I just made it crazier. It's what I do best.
I think we were pretty successful! She likes it - one big applique on the back, one on a sleeve, and two up front. We did it.
Now - off to lunch for some time together not unpacking. Check out this fun pig at the BBQ.
3rd - This morning it's time for a zoo walk and a little shopping. Check out this LINK for more pictures and if you are not sure what a Central Market is like. Pssst. Do you see the babies?
4th - I've been scrolling reels and found some fun ideas for fall decor - probably ordered too much stuff - but it'll be fun to make. I may even try these cheesecloth ghosts.
Mister has decided to sell all of his CD racks - up to Marketplace they go - they all interlock together and can be in a drawer or upright. So 90's, hahaha
5th - Ooooh, fun stuff in today's deliveries. Bats, hats (hanging not wearing), candlesticks, battery operated tapers (hanging to appear floating) and witch silhouette arrive. Obviously this is not enough so I have ordered more items to join them. Some fall decor and some Halloween. Oh and a book. The new Hunger Games book - time to stop all of life and read.
I had sale boxes to go out so after the post office, I went to Dollar Tree and found more items on my DIY list. Just keep going, Deb.
6th - Todays deliveries include cheesecloth, a mirror plate, artificial greenery (not really green, lol), fairy lights and I find out my little pumpkins are backordered, ugh.
7th - The world stops as I delve into my new book. I do make it to a useless endo doctor's appointment, only to be told "we still don't know". On the bright side, I liked the doctor, although she might have been just a wee bit too cheery. Quick stop at Central Market to get supplies for a birthday cake for Rhiana and then back home.
8th - World stoppage continues - book is finished. I liked it, can't wait to talk with Jen and Cass about it. I found out that the fall retreat was cancelled and didn't really want to miss the only one I was going to this year - so I found a spot, a few friends, and booked a Halloween retreat. Should be fun. Baked Rhiana's cake.
Also booked a Halloween retreat since our fall one was cancelled - just 6 or 7 of us, but looking forward to it.
9th - It's time - I'm back to blogging and working on photos - I'm sooooo far behind on posts, but I'll get there. Working on April trip pictures when a delivery arrives. What a fun new shirt - thank you, Cindy. Combining two things I love. Perfect.
Now to get the cake decorated. I actually love the decor, right up until I put the writing on it - should have used a much finer tip. It is what it is.
Now the drive up to Savannah for Rhiana Bday party. We all went to lunch and then back to the house for cake.
Gifts given -
10th - Still working on pictures - that will be my whole month, I'm sure. When I gave Rhiana the purse yesterday, the older girls loved it and want one. I don't even have that pattern anymore, so on the search I went and actually found it. It's ordered and I'll now be on the hunt for a fun fabric to use. Oh goodness, more ideas for fall -- they are abundant.
11th - Once again heading to Savannah as I'm off to help the older girls get their school supplies. It's crunch time as school starts tomorrow, I think. For some reason - no pics. None - I really need to get back on track with this. Today's deliveries include another DM pattern (must get these started or I'll be forever behind) and some fall sticks that I picked up while shopping with the girls.
12th - ALL day working on pictures. I'm making progress. During one of my scrolling moments, I spotted this shirt, but haven't ordered it.
AND the Bon Vivant pattern arrived. Perhaps this should teach me not to be in such a hurry to sell patterns. Nope. Last time I bought it, it was a kit - this go round, I'm on my own to find parts.
13th - Just working on pictures -- I'm getting close to finishing the spring trip.
14th - More pictures and I did it!!! I finished the April trip. Whew. That doesn't mean I'm even close to being caught up, but that was a big one. Now, off to eye and mammo appts - yep, that's my day.
15th - I'm meeting Amanda in Denver next month, so got my flight booked and then off to the dentist for cleaning and exam. I'm about done with the annuals.
16th - Just a quiet Saturday with my sweetie. We didn't do ANYTHING!! Hung out and watched shows together.
17th - Early morning, I started May pics and then Mister and I went walking at the arboretum. Here is the LINK to all the eye candy and then a little shop stop at Wal-Mart for some fall decor flowers. I expected them to have a ton of fall stuff and they had nothing. I even asked and they looked at my like I was nuts. Apparently mid-August is too early - who knew?
Our visitor when we returned.
My flower fun. Finished the day out by booking a flight to Denver in September. Meeting Amanda for her final wedding dress fitting.
18th - I'm making such good progress on pictures - May are now finished as well. I even got a start on June. All this while I am keeping up on August pics. Not falling further behind.
19th - Okay - I'm in love with this . What to do, what to do.
20th - A few weeks ago, someone in the Crabapple Hill group post a quilt they had finished and I'd never seen. That sent me on a hunt to find the parts and today, the last one arrived. Also, my sweetie gave me "Wednesday" gift. I mentioned that I wanted a nice, small flashlight to have in my travel stuff. Flashlight is the magic word for him and today, it's here. It's even rechargable.
21st - I start out the day booking a hotel for Florida in February. Next up is flights.
Ooooh, deliveries galore. All of my pumpkins arrive. Amazon had pillar candles on sale and I think they will be the craft at the Christmas party this year - dried flower to press into the complete the whole craft - so easy. Yep, the orange tealights were ordered as well as more floating candles for Christmas. I'm working one season and two holidays at a time here.
Oh, and the long-awaited bundle of Nantucket Summer has arrived. This is going to be used for Galway Bay, as I am not sure if I have enough in the studio. I ordered this when it was announced and found the perfect pattern to use it while in Missouri.
22nd - It's Mister's turn for physicians, returned with flowers for me, and then he took the afternoon off. We went on a miserable hunt for a dress to Amanda's wedding - yuck. He did find a shirt, so that's progress. Jakes for a yummy lunch before going back home.
A few items on the porch when we returned - backing for a quilt and a kit that was too cute and too cheap to pass up.
Ooooh - and this shirt arrived. Now, I need to plan a Halloween Girls Trip. Maybe we need to go to Salem.
23rd - I was up super early and spent four hours online looking for a dress - this one won - let hope it fits right as I won't have time to find another once it gets here:
I've decided that I want to make a witch's broom or two. I found this on Facebook and I don't have a palette, but . . . I'll figure something and Mister said he would help. I should probably clarify that I am not a witch, nor do I claim to be, nor do I wish to become Wiccan. I just love witchy stuff.
He started helping my pulling branches, leaves, and twigs from the slash pile out back. It's a good start.
Porch items for today - some led candles and a cool loaf pan. I'm pretty sure I'm hosting Thanksgiving this year, so my brain is working that, too.
I even found a fun recipe to try in the new pan.
Mister planned us a super fun date night. Here is the LINK to it.
24th - We were out almost all day looking for hat and vest for Mister - found him a vest that I need to alter and ordered a hat online - what a day also found some parts parts for my brooms.
25th - I don't say this, but blog and pictures happen each and every day - I'm finally finished with the pictures up to today. Whew. Now I just have to get the posts up - most are written, just need formatting and pictures into them. I can do it. I have packages to mail and groceries to buy, but a quick trip to Hobby Lobby happens as well. This is such a dangerous store! Look - an entire red/white aisle, it's just for me, I know.
We ended the night with really bad news and it'll be some sleepless nights ahead. Moving on.
26th - Not sure where it came from, but I'm ambitious in the kitchen today. Cooking pork ribs, making fresh salsa, made a chip dip, macaroni salad to go with the ribs. Gotta keep my mind busy. Gilmore Girls on the tablet helps with that as well. It's one of my retreat-from-life shows. I have ordered the ink for the place setting tags for Amanda's wedding and started practicing some lettering. This is my September project - 150 tags to do.
27th - The kitchen energy is still going. Baked Mister some oatmeal raisin cookies and we had some brats for lunch Back to the blog work
28th - A little work on the blog but lots of Gilmore girls retreating --- pins and needles is the best way to describe my stomach today.
29th - More blogging - not much else. Booked flights to Montrose in November. A unique "chuck" arrived in the mail today.
30th - Jen called and asked to come visit for a couple of days. Absolutely. Time to de-clutter the house and get ready for family. We decide to go grab Elena as well and just make a weekend out of it. Here is the Fun LINK to all of our playing around. Miniature Golf is on the agenda to get us started.
Mediterranean for dinner followed by ice cream at Braums.
31st - Yesterday was indoor miniature golf and today we are going outside for more of the same. See - misbehavin' is a family thing.
For September, I really need to put humor back in my life amongst all of the incredible chaos we have experienced as a family this year. Share a funny story with someone or sit and reminisce on a funny memory of your own. Go to your sewing area and just giggle if it is a bit crazy. Bring laughter into the mix. That's the plan here.
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 -
Missouri Star Sweet Violet -
Missouri Star Briar Patch -
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 --
Hand Quilting --
Stocking - in Montana, will work on there
Links to Previous 2025 Monthly Posts -
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