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.

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.

March 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  March, I am focusing on Controlling My Surroundings.  I am still purging like a crazy person and gathering items for sale, donation, etc.  It's a continuation of last month's physical letting go.  I want LESS stuff and MORE organization.  All of this will help my focus and happiness.  It'll happen.  What can you do this month?

February 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 February - the way to control the chaos (for me) is to Learn to Let Go.  That can be material in nature (selling stuff, for sure, and donating as well) or spiritual (find peace inside - no one can provide it for you).  I'm going to be working very hard on BOTH aspects this month.  January was a heck of a ride - gotta reduce the stress.  Join me?

January 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.  January is typically a time to re-evaluate - right?  So this month is Coming to Terms time.  For me, that will be writing down the things I wish to have different in my life in order to be more content.  They may be actually physical things - like cleaning out a kitchen cupboard or sewing drawer and they may be more mental - as in wrapping my head around the things I cannot control.  Whatever is the case -- I'm Coming to Terms and will reduce the chaos and last minute freaking out in my life so that there is room for those crazy things that DO happen which we cannot prepare for.  What can you do? 

December 2024 Life and Quilt Update

 

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 December:  After 12 months of a Joy theme --- can you Own Your Joy? Have you learned how to find it and how to embrace it in your own life. Now is the time to finish that up and be at peace and know joy. It's been a great year.

November 2024 Life and Quilt Update

 

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 November:  This month has a tendency to turn our thoughts to those things we are grateful for. When I saw this --- I knew this was the perfect month to allow this type of joy to permeate our souls. Be joyful, y'all. 

October 2024 Life and Quilt Update

 

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 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.

September 2024 Life and Quilt Update

 

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.

August 2024 Life and Quilt Update

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 August: This month let's find joy in the making.  What does that mean?  Well, making cookies could be fun, making friends, making me well (hahaha), making time with others, making progress on UFO's, making memories, oh the list goes on and on.  You can do it.

July 2024 Life and Quilt Update

 

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 July: Let's start the second half of the year out right.  TRAVEL!!  It doesn't have to be far.  You can explore your own neck of the woods so to speak.  Find joy is seeing something new.  Watch a travel show on the television, read a book that explores other areas.  It'll be worth it.  Go and journey forward.

June 2024 Quilt and Life Update

 

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 June: Where is this year going? June has arrived and the joy of summer has begun.  Take a few minute to find the JOY in the little things.  It's really very simple.  Check out a cloud or flower - listen to a child - sew a straight seam.  Small things that make us smile.  That's what it is all about.  

May 2024 Quilt and Life Update

 

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 May:  It's my month!!  The world is green and full of joy.  so - how can we focus that joy this month?  How about with friends?  That's my plan and you should do the same.  Allow the joy of friendships to permeate your soul this and every month.  

April 2024 Quilt and Life Update

 

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 March:    Did you find Joy in Music last month?  We sure did in our house.  All music was gone through and reorganized and is being listened to once again.  It's so nice.  So, for this month  - find the joy in work.  It does exist and the type of work is up to you.  Work is defined as "exertion or effort directed to produce or accomplish something."  You can do it.  Find it.  You will be happier due to it.

March 2024 Quilt Update

 

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 March:  How can we add joy to our lives this month?  Let's try some music.  It can calm, excite, and take us to a different place if we play it right.  Dance a little more (naked, all alone?) and let your home exude joy.  Turn off the television and put some tunes on the stereo that will take you to memory lane (in a good way) and just let the joy wash over you.  Go to a concert in a park (free, usually) or take in a local musical.  Let the music help you feel alive.

February 2024 Quilt Update

 

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 February:  I know you are probably thinking that with February being all about love, that I would focus on that type of Joy.  Well, in a way I am.  How about loving ourselves and being Joyful Women?  It's very hard to project joy when we are so very unhappy with our own worlds.  This month, let's focus on being a Joyful Woman and trying not to let the issues overwhelm.  They won't go away, but they don't have to dictate how we interact with others and our own selves.  Yep, be good to yourself.  Love yourself.  We can do it! 

January 2024 Quilt Update

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:  January's arrival means we are onto a new track and adventures together.  This month let's focus on Creating Joy in our lives.  This can be through the actual act of creating something or just making sure we are searching out the things that make us a bit more joyful each day.  Sometimes it truly is as simple as this: 

I am so excited for 2024 and all that it will bring to us all.  Grab ahold, we're gonna laugh together all the way through it.