Focus - 2026 Theme

 

I'm so ready for a new year and a new focus.  As many of you know, last year was a bit of a mess for myself and my family.  Oh heck, that's being nice.  It was a beast of a mess.  We have survived it - still some kinks being worked out - but for the most part it is in the rear view mirror.  The theme WAS Chaos to Contentment and in some weird way, it happened.  I am calm.  I have a renewed ability to discern what I need to focus on and how to keep the chaos at bay.  Hence the new theme.  Each year we have a focus word and this year, I want it to actually be FOCUS.

For January - we will use the word itself.  Take a bit of time to focus on goals or plans for this year - lay out a rough draft.  If you get too detailed, there is no way on God's green earth that it will go as planned.  Just a rough outline is best.

Take the time to focus.  Get yourself on your own page.  If I can do it - so can you.  In years past, I wrote down a monthly plan that was basically only involving one area of my life - quilting.  This year, I've accepted that all the other areas can infiltrate those plans.  As a result - I'm adding them in to the "things to accomplish" each month.  Crazy things like: cook dinner now and then, calendar things as you agree to them (beats saying okay and then forgetting and running around like a lunatic trying to still make it happen), read a book, go out to a movie, etc.  

Another big one - allow yourself a lighter load.  Take time to focus on family.  I'm serious.  Each day can bring a change that you are not prepared for.  Everything we went through as a family this past year did manage to bring my own personal relationships with each member to a wonderful place - a blessing through tribulation that I am oh so grateful for.  

Each successive month, we will work with a word related to focus.  All designed for the month itself and to give you ideas on how to expand you own particular focus for this year.  Pick you priorities.  Plan your time.  Have less stress and more quiet moments.  Oh - an break away from the phones - put them down.  Put the tablets down.  Limit your time each day so that you HAVE the time to do the things that are on your list.  Ask me how I came to understand that one.  Let's let 2026 be the best year - no matter what is thrown at us.

September 2025 Life and Quilt Update

 

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.

August 2025 Life and Quilt Update

 

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.

July 2025 Life and Quilt Update

 

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.  Now for July - Six months down and six to go -- is it helping?  There are days when I think I invited even more chaos into my life with this theme.  Please tell me it was on the horizon already and I didn't do this to myself.  At any rate ---- push on, y'all.

Missouri Girls Trip - Days 9 & 10

 It's our last full day in Missouri and I want to finish with a bang.  We start with a walk down the street for breakfast at Rooster.  This is just melt in my mouth delicious.

Missouri Girls Trip - Day 8

 We ae up with the alpacas this morning and it's a beautiful, hot day.  Once our space is cleaned up and everyone is dressed - we can wander around for bit until Liz makes an appearance.  Just enjoy morning on the farm with us.  I neglected to tell you where we were last night -- here ya go:  Salt River Alpacas.

Missouri Girls Trip - Day 7

 Hello again!  We are packed up, fed, and ready to go.  Everything has been turned into the shop for shipping and the car is pointed east.  We're playing tourist and shopping all the way to St. Louis.

Missouri Girls Trip - Days 4-6

 It's a beautiful day in Hamilton, Missouri.  We have had breakfast and are heading off to start the Scavenger Hunt.  I've forgotten my lanyard and make a quick return to the center before catching up.  Along the walk --- these are soooo pretty.

Missouri Girls Trip - Day 3

 Good morning Kansas City!  

Missouri Girls Trip - Days 1 & 2

 When we book these trips a year in advance, it feels as though it will never arrive and it always takes me back to being a child and waiting for Christmas.  The good news is that the wait is over and we are starting to gather.  Gwen and Jen have come into Dallas to spend the night with me (Cindy will also be here later) and Mister is sharing dinner with us at Ephesus.  The food is amazing and the excitement is high.  

June 2025 Life and Quilt Update

 

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.  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 (well, unless it was to sell and ship it) 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.

May 2025 Life and Quilt Update

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.

April 2025 Life and Quilt Update

 

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  April, I am continuing the purge.  I have made great progress, but have so much more to do.  What are your plans?  I'm feeling closer and closer to that contentment that is so elusive sometimes.  After a girls trip at the beginning of the month, it's back to selling and making progress.  I can do it.

Arizona Girls Trip - Days 9 & 10 (home)

 It's our last full day on the road and we have a lot of ground to cover.  We are checked out of the hotel, car is loaded and we're getting gas next door when I remember that I left my nightlight in the bathroom.  Sherri is still putting gas in her car and we make a quick drive back to the hotel to get the light.  Problem is, we didn't tell her and left her all alone in a pretty sketchy area -- ugh.

Arizona Girls Trip - Day 8

 The house is cleaned and we are packed into cars.  Everyone is back on the road again.  Debi took a flight back home and Ramona, Sharman, and Linda are on their way to the Grand Canyon.  That just leave two cars and five of us.  We have a fun route planned for the return trip and when we get to Camp Verde, a breakfast break is in order.  Thanks a latte fits perfectly.

Arizona Girls Trip - Day 7

 Super excited for today.  When we were planning this trip, I found a hot air balloon ride that looked promising and several others joined in with me.  It's a bucket list item and finds four of us heading out in the wee hours of the morning.  We have to be at the meeting place by 5:15 a.m.  Yep - off we go into the darkness.  When we arrive at the meetup - soooo many people are arriving.  I thought it would just be our balloon, but apparently there will be many balloons going up today.  That's cool.  While we are waiting, everything is being loaded - I peek into the loading area and see the balloon baskets on trailers and vans are hooking up to them.

Arizona Girls Trip - Day 6

 What can I say?  It's another gorgeous day in Glendale.  Today, we are all out for breakfast together.  First Watch is the spot and that's a first for me.  I know we have one near our house in Dallas, but I've not been there.  

Arizona Girls Trip - Days 4 & 5

 We are ready to leave our house and drive over to the retreat center so we can get checked in.  There is a slight hold-up going on.  One that most of us are giggling over.  Sherri has locked her keys in her trunk after loading her suitcase.  Nice.  Apparently, a spare can be found.  

Arizona Girls Trip - Day 3

 It's a beautiful morning and we think we've outrun the cold.  Yep, it's actually pretty toasty out there now.  We're out of our house, fed and ready for adventure.  We have tickets for a steamboat, this afternoon, and thus are en route to it.  When I was researching this trip,  I came across a place called Red Knolls Amphitheater in Arizona.  Might as well check it out.

Arizona Girls Trip - Day 2

It's Day 2 and we are taking a bit of a scenic route due to a timed entry at Hueco Tanks State Park.  It's also a bit of a drive, so we are off and going at a decent time and with breakfast behind us, we make it to Pecos by a little after nine.  There is really  not much time for a stop, but we do grab a couple of boot pics along the way.  These are eight feet tall and there are more than 24 of them along the Pecos Boot Trail.  It would be fun to spend a bit of time and find them all.