Our theme this year, JOY!!! I believe we all need a bit of a help in adding this to our lives. 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. Here we go for September: How about some calming joy this month? Find a way to incorporate the sea (ocean) into your life. I'm starting out on a cruise and then spending a week at the beach with girlfriends. I've got this covered, but there are other ways. Listen to ocean waves while you sleep, sew with "beach" inspired fabric, plan a trip for the future, just do something and let yourself be grounded with the magic of seas and oceans.
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 will continue around here with minimal purchases (those who know me know that this has been a miserable failure so far the past couple of years, but I'm gonna keep on trying), but also a few fun and new items will make an appearance now and then. 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 - Our Sew Along is continuing and this is the Dear Jane LINK if you wish to join in and the September bag of unfinished blocks August was a rough month for me and very little was accomplished. I still have hope to catch up before the end of the year, but . . .
I'm using my own random number generator, running a UFO Challenge in the Facebook group, and awarding prizes. This month it is: 1 and for me it is Rachel's Sewing Room. If miracles can happen, it will get finished. One never knows.
We are at sea today en route to Bermuda. Of course I've got a LINK for you if you wish to join us vicariously. It's a gorgeous day --- come and see.
2nd - This cruise has 3 days in Bermuda and this is our first one. So many cool things to see in this LINK, so check it out. Just look at this beautiful water - oh my.
And a crazy, very cool cave that I took a ton of pictures inside.
3rd - Our second day in Bermuda and a simple click on this LINK will let you peek into our fun and the beauty of the day.
4th - Our final day in Bermuda and a very unique spot to visit. This LINK will share all about Glass Beach - so very cool.
Well, the scooter time is now over, but we had a grand three days.
5th - We're at sea once again, but a wee bit under the weather. Seems like a bug or two is going home with us. Drat it all. This LINK shares the beautiful ship with you.
6th - Our last Sea Day and last day of vacation. Tomorrow we fly home. We explored a bit more of the ship and said our good-byes to great staff that took marvelous care of us.
7th - We arrived back in New York around 2:30 in the morning and didn't get off the ship until around 9. Slept in a bit and then had a light breakfast. We booked transportation to the airport through the cruise line and likely won't do that again. What a cluster. We made our flight and are back in Texas. We have tomorrow to get things in order and then life comes back at us.
8th - So, I came home just a wee bit damaged. If you read the blog, you know there was an accident and the loss of my phone took place. Well, a few other things happened as well. These are my memories. Still a fabulous trip.
9th - It's Monday and I'm still just taking it slow. Recovering from being sick and sore. Argh.
10th - I think I see improvement.
11th - Okay - enough is enough. I'm cleaning house and doing laundry in order to hit the road again.
12th - The house is clean, everything is unpacked and put away. Kelly arrived in the evening and we are heading out tomorrow morning. One whirlwind after another. I'm packed and ready to go.
13th - We are on the road to Crystal Beach. Return is on the 21st, so 8 blissful days ahead. We stopped at Woody's as Kelly had never been there and then straight to the house. Here is a LINK to the first few days.
14th - The gang has joined making love and laughter the high points of the day.
15th - Not the best view, but it will do. We're happy to have it.
16th - Ahhhh - there is just something about ocean waves and a beach to calm the soul and rejuvenate the body. This is JUST what I needed for my reboot.
17th - THIS is a great day. We have had so much fun today and it deserves a post all of its own. Here is the LINK to our adventure in Galveston.
18th - Some sewing did happen, but not much. I really am embracing the relax and rejuvenate moment that is presenting itself. Yes, I have deadlines. Yes, it will catch up with me next month. Right now, it just doesn't seem that important. Another LINK to follow our fun.
19th - Hmmmm - new towel hanger in our room.
20th - Its our last full day here at the beach. I am ready to face the world again. Honest. I have one last beach LINK for ya and it includes an amazing sunrise. Be sure and check it out. Fun times with great friends. Moments to be treasured.
21st - Up early to take in the glory of the sunrise on our last morning.
22nd - 25th - lost days. Because I got behind on the blog and didn't take any pictures, I have no idea what occurred on these days. Seriously. How sad is that?
26th - One of the items I ordered to organize my thread arrived while I was at the beach and today I put it all together. This is perfect and I love that they stack and take up a small space. I've also come to terms that I do not have time for Red Hats and so am gathering some items to donate to the group. I've kept some hats and clothing along with a few jewelry pieces in case my future allows me to play once again.
27th - October's project is all pieced and ready to quilt. Was good to be back at the machine again.
28th - A little family time today. A swim meet for our grandson and a new brewery for us. Here's your LINK.
29th - Fall means Autumn at the Arboretum. Come along in this LINK and share in the beauty and fun of the event.
30th - It's the last day of the month. My slippers for Houston International Quilt Festival have arrived and that means it's time to kick things in gear once again. The low production months are coming to an end.
Well - onto October. How about recognizing that there can just be joy in the journey. A journey doesn't have to be travel related - it can personal in changes that you make in yourself or it can be taking on a new hobby or skill. It could be taking a class - anywhere. It could just be as simple as getting your whole house clean and enjoying it before starting all over again. ENJOY the journey.
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
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 - Loaded and ready to quilt
Feathered Star BOW -
Current Projects:
Dear Jane -
One Block Wonder -
Looking Through the Lattice -
Periwinkle Squared -
Sophie-Claire Block Exchange -
Paper-piece Project each month -
New for this year:
Turtle Items
Pillow Exchange
Penguin Mug Rugs
Just need binding
*Anna's Baskets -
Barbara Brachman Civil War Sampler -
Oh Happy Day -
Forever My Valentine -
Summer Moon -
Loyal Union -
Merrie Halloween - DONE
Country Christmas - Received back, trimmed and ready for binding to be attached
Project of Doom -
Designer Mystery 2022 -
Designer Mystery 2023 -
UFO Handwork Items:
Hand Quilting --
Hand Quilting --
Stocking - in Montana, will work on there
Wool Wall Hanging -
Links to Previous 2024 Monthly Posts -
Links to Previous 2024 Monthly Posts -
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