March 2021 Monthly Update

 I am hosting two retreats in March with themes centered on color so this fits right in.  We are ALL artists engaged in the creation of something beautiful.  Recognize that!  Embrace it!  Surround yourself with color and see what you can create - be it with fabric, thread, paint, or any other medium.  Share it with others and let them send some love.

If you are new to the 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 a 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.

In years past, I have set goals for each month and I will continue to do that simply to keep myself on track.  I AM still in an ongoing UFO mode around here and trying oh so hard to use or clean out the stash.  It will be an continuing project this year.  If I want something to come in -- something has to go out.  That is one goal.  The balances change each month (hopefully) 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.)

Color My World Retreat - Brazos House

 Here we go again - this weekend is Color My World and I am keeping up with the daily colors.  Today is WHITE.  Yes, in my world that is a color too.

As we await the arrival of new friends, a walk through the house highlights the fun from last weekend and the fun that will be ahead for those entering the doors.  Bring it on.

March Tweener Time - Brazos House

 It's TWEENER TIME!!!  One of the things I love most about this time is that no one HAS to do anything.  Period.  I don't even have to take pictures.  As a result, sometimes - honestly, most of the time - our time here simply exists in our memories.  It is what it is.  I do manage to snap a few shots, but - very few.

14th - The ladies who are not doing back to backs have left as have a couple that ARE doing them.  It's quiet in the house and I'm having issues just being motivated.  Napping, relaxing, catching up on "stuff" all seem to be more appealing.  However, some progress must be made and I do get the big blocks finished for the Dawn's Early Light quilt-a-long that I am hosting.  

My Favorite Color Retreat - Brazos House

 

The first of the 2021 back to back retreats is about to begin.  My car is massively packed and I'm on the road.  There will be lots of colorful fun in the next 10 days and I am oh so ready to "get away" for a bit.  Come along and enjoy the time vicariously.  Retreats are my soul's food --- time with the ladies always has me revived and ready for life again.  Here we go ----

First up ----- setting up the room.  Val has quite a bit done, but due to an injury, the tables/design walls/ironing boards, etc. still remain.  Debi is here as well and let's just say, I wound up under a table first.  (Yep, today's color is purple)

February 2021 Monthly Update

February!  The month of love.  I truly can't think of a better thing to devote a month to.  Honest.  It doesn't have to be a "significant other" love -- just LOVE.  Period.  It was during a good many years of difficulty that I discovered that I was also worthy of love.  Look in the mirror.  Tell yourself that.  You ARE worthy of love.  It is your I AM for this month.  

Now, how can we apply this in our quilting world?  How about this --- let's be worth of love in our work.  Share your TA-DA's happily.  Don't point out the mistakes to anyone who comments.  Basque in the warmth and adoration and love that comes your way.  Share, share, share!!!  Let everyone ooh and ahh and warm your heart.  You are worthy of the love.❤❤❤❤❤

Key To My Heart Retreat - Brazos House

 2/10   The 2021 Retreat Season has officially begun and in a strange way.  The weather is supposed to take a nasty turn tonight and with an offer from the center, we can arrive tonight and hunker down.  I take full advantage - get the word out -- and hit the road.  There are no issues on the drive except I am in fog the entire way.  So crazy.  As I enter the drive to the house, I spot this tree in full bloom nearby.  The poor thing will not survive this weekend, if the forecast is at all accurate.  There are not as many taking advantage of the early arrival as I thought, but I use the time to set up the room, settle in, and watch as the decor comes to life with some help from Stephannie.

January 2021 Monthly Update

 

Hello January and 2021!!  I know I speak for everyone that we are taking a collective breath and crossing fingers and toes for a less stressful year.  One of the things I discovered in 2020 was that taking stock of our own capabilities turned out to be a blessing in many ways.  I think as a nation we discovered one another - friends and family - again and have come out stronger for it.  This year let's have that continue with looks inward.  I AM!!!!  What does that mean?  For me -- it gives me a chance to add a word behind it each month.  To perhaps take on a challenge that I have put off or feared.  To step outside the box and show strength.  There are many times last year when I was writing the monthly themes and Helen Reddy came to mind.  Losing her in September only intensified it.  When I think of "roaring" she comes to mind - I am woman, hear me roar???  We've done the last part of that sentence, let's try the first part --- I AM _________.  Fill in the blanks each month.  It can be with more than one word --- it can relate to our craft of quilting or go more personal.  I'll try each month to share one of each to keep y'all involved in my own process.

Are you ready?  I AM READY!!!  Bring on 2021 and all that it entails.