OK, talk about when the going gets tough...maybe I'm a prophet! I'll tell you, I took this week off in order to finish everything up. I figured I'd be less stressed without the burden of work, and be able to finish in a leisurely manner.
What I didn't count on was spending most of my Monday and Tuesday at the Doctor's, then in the hospital with a raging case of food poisoning! I have NEVER, ever been so sick or in so much pain! If you've never had it, Amen! I wouldn't wish it on anyone!!!
So here it is, Thursday. I have a follow-up Doctor's appointment, then hopefully I'm off and running. What was going to be a 'leisurely', non stressful week of finishing touches has become a race against time! I wonder, why is it that something ALWAYS happens when you're up against the clock? So, as I said in my last post, when the going gets tough...well, I better get going!!!
I WILL get this done, with bucket by my side if I have to! Wish me luck, I surely could use it!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Almost There!
One and a half weeks to go until all needs to be submitted. To say that I've been working at a frantic pace would probably be the understatement of the year!!!! Seems I eat, live, breathe, sleep (rarely) this project.
My thumb has holes in it from pushing the needle during the hand sewing of the bindings, and I swear I have permanent knots of muscle tension in my neck, shoulders and back! Yet, somehow, I imagine when all is said and done, that it'll be worth it.
One thing for sure, I couldn't have done this without the encouragement and help of my friends and family. For instance, (can't believe I'm going to admit this) but we still have all our Christmas decorations up. And no one seems to care! They all know I have the deadline, so they know it'll get done when it gets done. Worst case scenario, we can always hang Easter eggs on it!
And I've been Blessed with friends that not only listen (for the umpteenth time), but also encourage and help! One thing this whole evolution has proven, that when the going gets tough, the tough get going, or they rely on family and friends to help them! Thanks everyone!!!!!
My thumb has holes in it from pushing the needle during the hand sewing of the bindings, and I swear I have permanent knots of muscle tension in my neck, shoulders and back! Yet, somehow, I imagine when all is said and done, that it'll be worth it.
One thing for sure, I couldn't have done this without the encouragement and help of my friends and family. For instance, (can't believe I'm going to admit this) but we still have all our Christmas decorations up. And no one seems to care! They all know I have the deadline, so they know it'll get done when it gets done. Worst case scenario, we can always hang Easter eggs on it!
And I've been Blessed with friends that not only listen (for the umpteenth time), but also encourage and help! One thing this whole evolution has proven, that when the going gets tough, the tough get going, or they rely on family and friends to help them! Thanks everyone!!!!!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Making Progress
Well, I'm happy to report that I am, at last, feeling like I've made some progress. Yeah!! In the last couple of weeks, I've gotten 2 more quilts pieced, 3 quilted, and all but 2 of my "sample" blocks made! At night (sometimes as early as 3 AM) I've been working on the bindings and writing of instructions! All this while working, and of course, doing all the myriad tasks a Mom and wife must do! Whew!!!
This has been an amazing journey. While I'm excited about having a book published, there are days when I am also terrified! I'm not sure if I can explain it, but, it's like laying bare a piece of you, to be judged by other people! Here I've put my heart and soul into something, but what if no one likes it?
I suppose it's just a gamble you take. and you know what? It's OK. I have learned that I can do more than I ever thought possible, I am TRULY blessed with the love and support of my family and friends, and that I can, somehow, enjoy the process! Whether a success or not, I'm proud of the work I've done, and glad I 'rolled the dice'. If nothing else, I have several beautiful new quilts to enjoy for years and years to come!
This has been an amazing journey. While I'm excited about having a book published, there are days when I am also terrified! I'm not sure if I can explain it, but, it's like laying bare a piece of you, to be judged by other people! Here I've put my heart and soul into something, but what if no one likes it?
I suppose it's just a gamble you take. and you know what? It's OK. I have learned that I can do more than I ever thought possible, I am TRULY blessed with the love and support of my family and friends, and that I can, somehow, enjoy the process! Whether a success or not, I'm proud of the work I've done, and glad I 'rolled the dice'. If nothing else, I have several beautiful new quilts to enjoy for years and years to come!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year Everyone! I hope all of you had a great holiday, as did I. It's surprising how quickly it came...and went! Seems like the kids just got out of school for their break, and today they returned!
As I sit here, writing this, getting ready to go down to my sewing room, I can't help but hope that I manage my time a little better this year! Appears as though I'm constantly rushing to and fro, with sometimes little to show for all my efforts! And, I have quite a lot to do this year...especially these next couple of months!
I still have 2 quilts to make, 6 to quilt, and all the sample blocks to make for the book. And all of this HAS to be sent out by the 1st of March! YIKES!!!!! Of course, I still get to be a wife, play Mom, cook, clean, ferry, etc, and, oh yes, work!
Somehow, I know it'll all get done, hopefully without me losing my mind! Guess that's where the 'time management' comes in! So, will keep you all posted on my progress...that is, if I can find the time!
As I sit here, writing this, getting ready to go down to my sewing room, I can't help but hope that I manage my time a little better this year! Appears as though I'm constantly rushing to and fro, with sometimes little to show for all my efforts! And, I have quite a lot to do this year...especially these next couple of months!
I still have 2 quilts to make, 6 to quilt, and all the sample blocks to make for the book. And all of this HAS to be sent out by the 1st of March! YIKES!!!!! Of course, I still get to be a wife, play Mom, cook, clean, ferry, etc, and, oh yes, work!
Somehow, I know it'll all get done, hopefully without me losing my mind! Guess that's where the 'time management' comes in! So, will keep you all posted on my progress...that is, if I can find the time!
Friday, December 5, 2008
Ouch! That hurt!
Well, here I sit, and sit is the operative word! Wednesday morning I got up, and having had only a partial cup of coffee, decided to stoke the fire. Holding a huge log in one hand, poking the coals with the other, I thought I had it all under control. That is, until the log dropped!
Right on my foot. Ever had one of those experiences? Your mind is telling you, uh-oh, this is gonna hurt, yet you are powerless to do anything? Can't move quick enough, can't catch the log! Of course, I moved pretty quick after it hit!!! But, the damage was already done!
So, as the saga continues, I spent most of the day at the doc's, then the ER. After the x-rays, they offered me a wheelchair. Up to that time, I'd walked everywhere. I knew then that I'd broken my foot! Which was confirmed. Broke one bone, chipped another! But the good news is, it's not my sewing foot!
I knew one day I'd figure out a way to get more sit and sew time....just didn't realize it would hurt so much! The moral of the story...use 2 hands when handling logs, and for heavens sake, keep your feet out of the way! More later, Karen
Right on my foot. Ever had one of those experiences? Your mind is telling you, uh-oh, this is gonna hurt, yet you are powerless to do anything? Can't move quick enough, can't catch the log! Of course, I moved pretty quick after it hit!!! But, the damage was already done!
So, as the saga continues, I spent most of the day at the doc's, then the ER. After the x-rays, they offered me a wheelchair. Up to that time, I'd walked everywhere. I knew then that I'd broken my foot! Which was confirmed. Broke one bone, chipped another! But the good news is, it's not my sewing foot!
I knew one day I'd figure out a way to get more sit and sew time....just didn't realize it would hurt so much! The moral of the story...use 2 hands when handling logs, and for heavens sake, keep your feet out of the way! More later, Karen
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Happy Holidays
Well, Thanksgiving is done. The hustle and bustle of the season has truly begun. I trust and hope that you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. It's hard to believe that Christmas is around the corner, and then, a new year!
I love this time of year. Taking out the decorations, the ooh's and aah's of the kids as they see their favorite ornaments. The excitement and anticipation in their eyes! Everything looks so festive, the kitchen almost always smells great with all those traditional holiday treats baking, and the music we listen to only at this time fills our homes.
Yes, it's a wonderful time of year. This year, like many of you, I find myself "scrambling" to finish up those projects I wanted to have done for gifts. I count the days, look at the hours, and wonder..."How will I get it all done?" Maybe if I cut out sleeping?! I seem to do this to myself every year, so maybe next year, I should start in January!
Regardless, I am determined to enjoy the process. I usually get a little "stressed"...trying to find the perfect gift, make the perfect meal, be the perfect Mom, wife, daughter, friend. This year, although I'm sure I'll still try, I realize that the perfect gift doesn't come from a store. It's quite simply the love and friendship we extend to each other every day. The perfect meal won't come from my kitchen, but one made from loving hands will. And try as I might, I'll never be the perfect anything. Instead, I'll just be me and hope that that's enough!
So, have a Happy Holiday, don't get stressed, and give, give, give all the love you can!
I love this time of year. Taking out the decorations, the ooh's and aah's of the kids as they see their favorite ornaments. The excitement and anticipation in their eyes! Everything looks so festive, the kitchen almost always smells great with all those traditional holiday treats baking, and the music we listen to only at this time fills our homes.
Yes, it's a wonderful time of year. This year, like many of you, I find myself "scrambling" to finish up those projects I wanted to have done for gifts. I count the days, look at the hours, and wonder..."How will I get it all done?" Maybe if I cut out sleeping?! I seem to do this to myself every year, so maybe next year, I should start in January!
Regardless, I am determined to enjoy the process. I usually get a little "stressed"...trying to find the perfect gift, make the perfect meal, be the perfect Mom, wife, daughter, friend. This year, although I'm sure I'll still try, I realize that the perfect gift doesn't come from a store. It's quite simply the love and friendship we extend to each other every day. The perfect meal won't come from my kitchen, but one made from loving hands will. And try as I might, I'll never be the perfect anything. Instead, I'll just be me and hope that that's enough!
So, have a Happy Holiday, don't get stressed, and give, give, give all the love you can!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Book Report
I love the title of this post, it makes me feel like a kid again, back in school, having to do a 'book report'. The truth of the matter is though, it's been a really long time since I went to school, and I just wanted to give you all an update.
I did receive the contracts, and with shaky hand, I also signed them. Now the hard work begins! The first samples are due in December with the bulk of the manuscript, all completed projects, instructions, photos, and illustrations due early next year.
I had no idea how much went into this. To say I was clueless, would be an understatement! But like many people, when challenged, we somehow find the resolve to meet those challenges. And like many people, I count myself lucky to have great friends willing to pitch in and help!
I feel certain this will be one of those 'life lessons' for me. But, truth be told, I'm looking forward to it. There can be no reward without risk, no victory without a struggle. As the days go by, and I find myself closer to those deadlines, I hope and pray I find the fortitude to 'press on'. That's what makes all of us so great, the ability to rise to the occassion. I've evidenced it by others on a much greater scale, am encouraged by their examples, and am ready, right now, to get to work! Wish me luck!
I did receive the contracts, and with shaky hand, I also signed them. Now the hard work begins! The first samples are due in December with the bulk of the manuscript, all completed projects, instructions, photos, and illustrations due early next year.
I had no idea how much went into this. To say I was clueless, would be an understatement! But like many people, when challenged, we somehow find the resolve to meet those challenges. And like many people, I count myself lucky to have great friends willing to pitch in and help!
I feel certain this will be one of those 'life lessons' for me. But, truth be told, I'm looking forward to it. There can be no reward without risk, no victory without a struggle. As the days go by, and I find myself closer to those deadlines, I hope and pray I find the fortitude to 'press on'. That's what makes all of us so great, the ability to rise to the occassion. I've evidenced it by others on a much greater scale, am encouraged by their examples, and am ready, right now, to get to work! Wish me luck!
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