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 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.
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 - We are in the "ber" months - some would say the "brrrr" months. Here is Texas, that part takes a bit longer, but it's definitely cooler than July or August.
With September's arrival, my scarecrows are coming out - time to change the colors in the house. It's also the day we start a new UFO -- Find your list and get going on number 3.
I'm not sure how I pulled it off, but I finished up the August blog today and now I'm only three months behind, lol! Crazy shocking, right? I followed that up with grocery shopping and that's about it for Labor Day.
2nd - Wanting to start out the month with all my ducks in a row - or at least lining up to be in a row - I focus on laundry and blogging. June blog is finished and May is almost complete - I'm getting there. A nice meal of steak, baked potatoes, mushrooms, and asparagus. The only drawback to the day was dryer issues - figured out that we had a breaker flip and it controlled the heating (not tumbling) part. Yuck. A cool lamp arrived with today's deliveries. How fun is this?
3rd - Blogging, blogging, blogging. I finished May and started on April posts --- it's getting so close now. Just have the girls trip left to post. Every time I get behind I swear I won't let it happen again. Will this one hold?
4th - Living on the keyboard these days. April is almost finished and I'll be current. Whew. Had the nasty chore of paying bills and then started gathering items for sewing before switching plans and making a floral arrangement. Focus is not my strong suit right now - unless we agree that the focus is on anything but sewing.
This years ornaments arrived -- LOVE them.
5th - More blogging but guess what - I am CURRENT, once again. Long day at it, but I did it. Now to get on projects that are covering my dining table. I can do it.
6th - Saturday means time with my love. We are out of the house and beginning our weekend. Here is the
LINK to all of the fun. A farmer's market and time at the Arboretum mark the day.
7th - Morning walking at the zoo always gets the day started well.
Laughter - the best medicine.
She's even smiling --- hahahaha.
8th - Taking a step back in time, I'm practicing some calligraphy so that I'll be able to do the seating names for Amanda's wedding.
Oooooh, I LOVE my new light. Isn't she cute?
Another apron also arrived in the post. I saw this one while on the Missouri trip and loved it.
I'm prepping a few items - a moment of inspiration?
MSQC box. I found this while at our retreat in July and hemmed and hawed about it --- finally took the step and now I have another project ahead of me. Am I crazy? Maybe I can get it done in time for the family Thanksgiving gathering.
AND - another set of Crabapple Hill patterns have arrived. I think I'm done. This is a set I saw while on our trip and posted a finished picture of it.
Here is a reminder of that pic-
9th - I'm having a bit of fun with the fall decorations this year. LOVE these.
More fun arrived. Tiny pine cones and acorns, wood circles, and a fun new way to make a candle.
I mixed up the cones and acorns and then put together another new floral arrangement.
Witch fun --- new shirt and a dress for the retreat.
10th - One of those days: planning weekend events, dealing with Amazon and Wal-Mart, original choice for my dress arrived, of course after I ordered more -- still working on decor - almost there. Here's my Amazon order - citron candles and some mouthwash. The mouthwash was supposed to be a double pack and that is what I paid for. Always fun when you receive something wrong as it is impossible to send back a double when you received a single.
The candles - I received four and put two on the front porch.
Here's my Wal-Mart order. NO idea where this house is. Took awhile for them to agree to re-ship.
11th - Dresses started arriving - tried them on and took pictures to give Amanda a choice. I like them both so one will be for the party and one for the wedding.
Another fall decoration completed.
12th - I'm trying to accomplish something today. I've cut out aprons, gotten a haircut, and was taken on a date.
Haircut pics - before and after.
I snapped this picture right after my hair was washed. It struck me that the way she wrapped the towel make it look like I was wearing a nun's headwear without the white cornice and headband. Had to giggle.
Decided to take the wood circles up to the wedding for Amanda to use.
Date night is at The Boomont Hotel. Here is the
LINK so you can check it out.
13th - Our morning adventure is a Quinceanera fashion show at the Arboretum. Here is a video and a
LINK to see the beautiful dresses.
The final Downton Abbey movie is out and we are off to see it this afternoon. We have tickets for an XD showing. I have no idea what that is, but we're off. Later - it was so good.!!! I'm sad it's over, but loved it all the way through.
14th - I am flying to Denver tomorrow and returning with my grandson, so today is a clean the house day and I've also finished the last of the fall decor. Here is a
LINK to the fun.
15th - I am off to Denver to meet up with Amanda for her final wedding dress fittings. Of course, I've got a
LINK for you.
16th - A fun day in Denver and I brought Raef back with me.
17th - Kind of a quiet day. Raef had legal stuff to get through and I was happy for a chance to breathe. Dinner is Pho - Yay!!!
18th - Raef and I are off to a fun-filled day. This
LINK will take you to all the crazy pics. First stop is Meow Wolf.
Second stop is Museum of Illusions.
19th - Another fun day of adventure. That means another
LINK filled with fun.
My favorite picture lately --- class is in session.
And an evening at the Arboretum - Autumn exhibits are up.
20th - Sadly, an early morning airport run. Good-byes are my least favorite part of life.
Breakfast at Dallas Diner and then a trip up to Rhiana's. I have a
LINK full of gymnastics and soccer pics. My heart melts with my granddaughters room - love seeing my quilts being used.
Fun Moments and pics -
21st - After yesterday, we are having a lazy day. Perfect time together.
22nd - I am having a down day again. Mister was working on his kimchi yesterday and asked for a funnel and I reached way too high ---- arm is now killing me again. Onto the sofa I go and binged Gilmore Girls all day.
23rd - Trying productivity once again. The house is cleaned up, laundry going, I actually cooked, and started working on name tags. Another apron and block.
While watching GG, I get the apron cut out. I'm really getting good at this cutting part. It's the sewing I seem to be having issues with.
24th - All of the place setting name tags are finished and grouped by table. Whew. The rest of the day is spent working on the blog and pictures.
25th - I am REALLY struggling with my arm again - after taking the car into the shop for it's check-up, I took a down day. This is just so dang painful. Oh, the car? Yep, needs a new battery.
26th - Date night dinner out at Prime. This is our Christmas gift from the kids. Yep, took a bit to get it used. I have a
LINK to the yummies.
Today's coloring picture was perfect for Mister. Made him smile. Koala love.
27th - Up to Keller and a swim meet for Josh followed by lunch at Cane Rosso with family and a stop at a new brewery - Maple Branch. It's another full day and here is your
LINK.
28th - Went to Costco for a new battery for the car. On the way back, we were able to go over the new bridge for the first time. It's been years in progress.
Cleaning out the fridge before a trip -- seems like a good night for a charcuterie board.
29th - A finish this morning. Mister's vest is all back together and ready to go. Whoop, whoop.
Then - I spent 4 hours at Costco today. New tires are on and the old battery returned. I found some cute "western" dresses for the Utah girls along with snacks for the trip. That took about 2 hours - now what to do while I wait? I wound up cleaning out my phone and playing games.
30th - Spent the day working on gathering items, fixed my red bag, took the car back to service for alignment, laundry, major hunt for embroidery item that I "put away." So much for controlling the chaos. I've figured out what is wrong with my arm - Shoulder Impingement Syndrome. Fun times. That's all I've got today.
Welcome to October! How are you doing on your challenge so far this year? Are the two coming together? With all that has happened this year - finding contentment amid the chaos is a basic survival technique for me. I hope you are achieving balance as well.
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 --
Stocking - in Montana, will work on there
Links to Previous 2025 Monthly Posts -
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