Tuesday, May 20, 2014

So Much, So Little

So much to do, so little time to do it. 
So much to say, so little time to say it.
So much fabric, so little time to use it.
So much time...... nope,not usually.

View from our deck May 2014


Many of you who read this are quilters, some are not. For those that are, you know what I mean with so much/so little. For those that have other hobbies and things you like to do in your 'spare' time that in return gives you less 'spare' time you also understand. 

There are times in our lives when what we do for fun, turns into being very time consuming. For those that turn that fun hobby into a business it becomes very time consuming. 

At times that business then isn't fun any more. (not in my case- I still love what I do!) We've all heard that work isn't work if it's fun!  How true!  

For those who have started a business that now isn't as much fun as it was when you started it, take a break. Take a deep breath and look over what you are doing and why. Time for a vacation? Just a few days off?  Have you forgotten to take a look outside and enjoy the blessings and beauty around you? It doesn't matter if you life in the country, city, or back in the woods, there is beauty and blessings to be seen. Enjoy them.

And then there are those folks who get bored. A friend of mine and I don't understand that concept. As creative people even if we are not working, quilting, designing, organizing, shopping for fabric and supplies, we are dreaming of our next project or admiring other's work. We have things to do, places to be and quilts to quilt. 

This is the time of year when the kids are out or soon will be getting out of school. For the first week or two they will be excited, they will find lots to do, friends to hang out with, places to go. Then they will get 'bored'.  As much as they may say they don't like school it seems when they are out of school with nothing planned to do they get bored. Now is a great time to introduce them to a hobby (depending on their age as to what it will be). Find out what they like to do. Quilting, drawing, photography, painting, helping others, horseback riding, swimming, acting... the list goes on.  Get them involved with it beyond just something to do for a few hours. Get them involved so they have a task to do with it each day. Teach them the responsibility of it and the discipline of being on time, taking care of things, sharing with others.  By learning what they like to do, cultivating it into something important for them.... you never know where it could lead them in the future. 

Yes, there is a time when you get so busy you forget to rest, there is also a time when you rest so much you get bored. And there is also a time when you are so busy you continue to find other things to do so you don't dare get bored. 

I do stay busy. I add things to my to do list all the time.  And for fun?????? I quilt, create, and take photos of life around me. And once in a while - I sit and do nothing.....just before I fall asleep sitting there. People wonder how you have time to get it all done.... that's when I tell people that "sleep is overrated." Just kidding of course.

Enjoy your time. Your work time, your hobby time, your family time, your down time, your 'do nothing' time. 

Til next time ---- 
AJ smelling the Iris
 Stop and smell the flowers.

Phyllis




Sunday, May 11, 2014

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mom's out there. 

I know the day is just about over, but like many of you, my day has been a busy one. 

Full of 'Mothering' things. Laundry, paying bills, and work.  BUT it was interrupted by a visit from my daughter, her husband and little AJ (who is getting bigger and bigger every day). They had made chocolate covered strawberries for me (and other moms). They are soooo good! 

I also got a phone call from my son, which is special as well since he lives so far away. He is also still in the Army so we don't see much of him. 

I'm so proud of both my kids. They each have had struggles, as everyone does. They have been through a lot as kids and as adults. Ours is a long story, but in the end we have survived and I am blessed by their love. 

Our lives get so busy most of the time. The days turn into weeks, into months and then into years. As Mom's we are busy raising our families and hoping the kids all turn out o.k. Then, we turn around and the kids are grown, out of the house, on their own with kids of their own. We look at them, when they don't realize it and smile ------ yep, we've done o.k.

Our one day a year when they acknowledge Mother's Day, is surrounded by all the other days of the year we function in Mom mode. And, yes it's true, no matter how old we or they get, they will always be our little boys or little girls. 

Also on this day, I'm missing my own Mom who passed away in 1990. She was the inspiration to my sewing and now quilting. She was a very special person. I wish she was still around so I could share with her my life as it is now. I think it would make her happy. 

And so, as this day comes to a close, I again wish you a Happy Mother's Day. May you find time each day of the year to look at your children, or your own mother and smile over a special memory, a fond moment, or just in the overall joy of motherhood. 

Til next time...... 

Phyllis