Saturday 29 December 2012

2013 Targets!

A new year is about to begin and it's at this time of year that people make resolutions and massive "to do" lists appear on blogs.  I'm going to keep mine vague and simple with one exception, the first thing on my quilting to do list is:

  1. Finish David and Jessica's Wedding Quilt  (I have until April)

The other quilt-related to dos are:

  • Quilting, stitchery, dyeing etc based on my trip to Japan last year plus more indigo and natural dyeing
  • Visit the Festival of Quilts for the duration (four days) in August
  • Organise some good swap projects with the Global Piecers
I want to spend more time with the people I love.  I hope to have a least one little trip beyond these shores during the year.  I'd also like to spend more time in the garden and more time at the bach.

That's it!

Have a very happy New Year.  I hope that 2013 is peaceful, healthy and full of good things for us all.  It won't be but let's face it with optimism and positivity.  A friend posted the following on Facebook recently, I used to have it on a poster on my wall at college (didn't we all?) but haven't read it for ages, I think it's time for another airing:


Desiderata - Words for Life by Max Ehrmann

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labours and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.





Wednesday 26 December 2012

Christmas with the Family

A photo heavy festive peek into our Christmas celebrations.  
It was wonderful to spend time with the people I love.  
Thank you Saz and Sam for being excellent hosts.
I hope you all had a lovely time at Christmas.
My very best wishes for a peaceful, healthy and happy 2013.
 David and Jessica with JC and Trumpy 
(in Father Christmas outfits) after Christmas Number 1
Al and me all blinged up
 Sam and Alan suited and booted and showing off their dance moves
 All the best parties have silly games!  
Christmas Eve and Jess is teaching us a game
 Playing "Coppit"
 Taking a match of "Pig Pong" far too seriously
Sara's festive fireplace.  We slept in this room, 
it was like being in the Victorian age with 
an open fire in our bedroom, so cosy
 Christmas Number 2.  Sam joined Nanny and Grandad in bed for stocking opening (I promised David and Jess that I wouldn't publish pictures of them but forgot to promise Saz, Sam or Al, tee hee)
 Happy Sara, thank you Mummy Father Christmas
 Sam waiting patiently to be allowed a chocolate coin
 My gorgeous pashmina, thank you Sazzie  Father Christmas
 Thumbs and fingers up for smoked salmon and scrambled egg for breakfast
 A case of the box being more interesting than the contents!
Sam working out how to control his new truck
Boxing Day - pyjama day in "Dear Zoo" jimjams

Monday 24 December 2012

Wednesday 12 December 2012

Wedding Quilt Progress

 Merry Christmas wishes from the milkman this morning :-)
 I have now quilted the Celtic knot blocks (central and four corners) for the Wedding Quilt.
It's been ideal quilting weather, cold, frosty and foggy outside, a roaring fire inside.

Photo added Wednesday evening, 12th December, first round:

Sunday 9 December 2012

Kampai!

I've just had a nice few days with my family in Essex, catching up with my sister, BiL and nieces and with my parents.  Daddy is doing very well after his operation in the summer, we have a lot to be thankful for.
While "down south" I had time to look in a few charity shops and found this little sake set for £1.99.
I don't think it's anything very special but it was made in Japan and is ceramic and I like it, the pieces have a nice feel to them, especially the finger dimples.  Maybe one of my lovely friends in Japan would translate the words on the cups and flask - I expect it says "Happy 21st Birthday" or some such thing :-)
I'm settling in for a cold week now, a beastly easterly is blowing - lots of quilting to do.