Making Progress

Now that I've been on antibiotics for a full week, I can feel my "Bronchitis, Asthma-Like-Flare-Up, Low-Blood-Oxygen, Almost Pneumonia" abating... finally.

While I've been sick these past four weeks, I've done A LOT of reading (over 1,200 pages in the past two weeks alone!), some knitting and a little crochet. Nothing's finished and not much worth mentioning (starting two different styles of sock - with the same yarn (and still not decided on a pattern), making dishcloths and coasters, continuing work on a never-ending-scarf).

Today I played with the scraps from the Happy Hour Quilt I started last July.

I finished the last four blocks of this group of String Pieced Blocks, inspired by Becky, who's inspired by Bonnie.


I was thinking of putting a sashing in between these blocks, to help with the bulk. But, after talking with Becky, I'll probably sew them together just like this (after trimming them up square). Since it's just planned as a 24" square table topper, I may not use batting. I'll have to see how it feels once it's pressed together. The muslin the strings are pieced to was cut 7.5". I'm in love with these blocks, but I'll probably be gifting this quilt away.

I always like to make one extra block, for myself. One day, I'll have this AMAZING sampler quilt full of blocks I've made in the past. Just thinking of the memories it will hold makes me smile.

After listening to my Aunt talk about making scrappy Log Cabins this week AND Amanda Jean blogging about the same thing. I took a page out of Amanda's book and added an inner border in white. I also allowed myself to go a little Wonky, remembering Jacquie's Wacky Tutorial. I'm planning to even this one up to 9.5" for a 9" finished block. I think I'll have to make some more of these fun Log Cabins.


Finally, when I was last in Arizona, Becky and I sat around one evening sewing her "crumbs" together into random little 3.5" blocks. She kindly sent one of her blocks home with me (the non-purple block you see below). So, as I was piecing the Wonky Log Cabin block, I started putting crumbs together and wound up with these two little gems:


I think I'll send one to Becky... kinda a long-distance Feel-the-Love thing. I am so tickled when I look over at the little crumb block she and I made, I think she might enjoy one from me. Actually, it's got me thinking about starting to trade little crumb blocks with my quilting buddies... since we can't always see what the others are doing, we could drop little crumbs in the mail for them. The thought makes me smile, now, to Share the Love!

I like making little scrappy things out of the bits and pieces from a specific quilt... even if you don't have the whole quilt, you get an idea for the feeling of the fabrics and colors in little things like these. As such, I actually PLANNED to do the string blocks when I was cutting the original Happy Hour Quilt, and I trimmed my selvages wide, making sure I had AT LEAST 3/4" at the narrowest point... that way I had plenty of fabric to play with scrappy things later.

It feels good to be putting thread to cloth and creating again!

I'm looking forward to cleaning up my sewing room and getting back on track with Suzy Qute Quilt Patterns again.

Technology Essay

I just entered a contest from HP for a $5,000 Electronic Make Over. You have to write a 200 word (or less) essay about how you use electronic to help in your busy life. I'm not sure my entry was quite what they had in mind. That is, I imagine they want something about how wonderful and grand the electronics are, and my essay, well, just read it for yourself...

I think the most important way I use technology is to control how much of it we have. I am constantly analyzing if an item is really “helping” us, or if it is just taking up time and space. As such, we live without “necessities” like a TV, Microwave, Dishwasher, Stereo, and Coffee Pot. When I bring something into my home, I want to make sure it helps us to stay focused on the things that matter… which aren’t things at all, but people. The other way I use technology, is limit the amount of time we spend in front of electronic items. There is so much to see and do in this world; I encourage my family to get out there and experience the real world, instead of the one on-screen. Some days I classify as a “Power Down” day, where all electronics (including computers and phones) get turned off, and we spend the day cuddling and relaxing and playing. I really think it’s important to remember the technology is here to serve us; we have to keep that in mind so we don’t let ourselves get overrun with the latest gadget or gizmo.

Your Local Library

I think I'm falling in love with my local library. The more I'm around it (in person and online) the more I discover that they offer.

• In addition to checking out DOZENS and dozens of books, we check out a lot of movies and audio books from them.
• I now check out many materials by first requesting them online, then the librarians (from my branch and other local branches) gather the materials and call me when they are available.
• I also use a meeting room once per week for my Mom's Playgroup.
• Being at the library so often (at least twice a week) the librarians have given me carte blanche to request new books... which they then order and add to the library's collection!
  
• I JUST discovered that I can download audio books for free from my local library! You may want to contact your library and ask if they offer a similar service.

I REALLY need to start donating time and books (from our unused home-library)! They give us SO MUCH, I must start reciprocating.

What services do you use at your local library?

Hulu - Legend of the Seeker - Terry Goodkind

I think I'm the last one in the world to find out about HULU. Everyone I mention it to, seems already to know about this internet resource for watching free movies and TV. I have an Amazon subscription to Season 8 of Smallville. From what I've seen, Hulu videos are of a better quality than the ones that I PAY FOR on Amazon!

The TV series that was pointed out to me, is in the Family Section, and is called Legend of the Seeker. The first few videos, Tom and I thought the acting was poor, but around the 4th episode, the actors seem to be "clicking" with each other and their characters. Now, we quite enjoy them. So much so, that I looked up the books (The Sword of Truth) that the TV series is based on... by Terry Goodkind. Currently, there are ELEVEN books in his series, plus a Prequel.

Since I'm sick, and my library has all of them, I'm devouring the books. In #1, Wizard's First Rule, there is one section in particular (Chapter 24) that is gory and gruesome and just nasty disgusting. I think I could have skipped those six pages and just been told that The Bad Guy is REALLY EVIL and I would have been happier. Still, I'm enjoying the books (on #2, Stone of Tears now), and if you pick up the first book, just skip chapter 24 to avoid being grossed out.

As far as the series versus the books. The main characters are fairly accurate. There are some scripts that seem to have been taken straight from the pages of the book. Most of the show though, uses the general ideas and traits from the book, and then mixes them up for story lines.

Even though the show isn't dead-on, it's close enough, and (since I watched it first) I enjoy reading the books and finding out the "real story" behind things.

Now, I need someone else to read these books, so I can compare notes with you and see what you think is going on in them!

Are there any other really cool websites I've been missing?

Postscript added 8 May 2009: I've had SO MANY people calling me about this series, I've currently got at least three people started reading with me, and at least three more ready to check the books out of their libraries.

I wanted to add a disclaimer / warning / rating. Now I'm on book four, and I know that this stuff is definitely "R" rated, for mature audiences, not anything I'd let me teens read. Not that many teens would willingly dive into a series of books nearly 9,000 pages and twelve books long, but I just wanted to throw that warning out there for those of you with kids that might be interested in Fantasy... I'd keep this away from them for a few more years. :)

Official Transcript Requests

yeah me!

I just spent the past hour and a half requesting my transcripts to be sent from my previous schools (HS + 4 Colleges). Can you believe that I've been to FOUR different colleges (2 Community Colleges and 2 Universities) and I've still never finished a Simple-Two-Year-Degree!?

It's been one of the biggest nagging things in my life. When I met Tom this was one of the first things he knew about me. He told me that I could go back to school after our children were weaned... which happened right before we moved to Wyoming. Then to wait for residency, and then life.

In any case, as of today, all the forms are filled out, checks written and letters mailed.

As I was going to the different sites and writing letters, I felt much more prepared to deal with the inevitable bureaucracies and forms and such that accompany school. I also know how to ask questions and make phone calls. Of course, I could do that before, but now I feel better prepared to follow through and make a degree happen.

I've been more motivated by the local college campus than any of the others I've ever been near... I can even see the school (and I think it's a nice looking building) out my back windows. I think that (plus all my local friends who've recently started back to school) will set me up for success! :D

Metaphysics - Mental Causes for Physical Illness

For several years now I have found great help from a book by Louise L. Hay, "Heal Your Body The Mental Causes for Physical Illness and the Metaphysical Way to Overcome Them". This was my first (and so far, only) introduction to "Metaphysical" things. I'm sure that I still don't use them to the fullest of my ability, but I do find this gem of a book to be immensely helpful. Here's what I do. (Usually when things get "really bad" and my body's screaming "LISTEN TO ME!!!") I write a list out of my current ailments, noting the side of the body they are on (if any). Today's list looked like this:

cough, congestion, runny nose, slight fever, 3 canker sores.

Then, I start reading through the book.

Excerpt from "Heal Your Body"

Problem	Probable Cause	New Thought Pattern
Cough	A desire to bark at the world. "See me! Listen to me!"	I am noticed and appreciated in the most positive ways. I am loved.
Congestion see: Bronchitis, Colds, Influenza
Colds (Upper Respitory Illness) see: Respitory Aliments	Too much going on at once. Mental confusion, disorder. Small hurts. "I get three colds every winter," type of belief.	I allow my mind to relax and be at peace. Clarity and harmony are within me and around me. All is well.
Respitory Ailments see: Bronchitis, Colds, Cough, Influenza	Fear of taking life in fully.	I am safe. I love my life.
Nose	Represents self-recognition.	I recognize my own intuitive ability.
Nose, Runny	Asking for help. Inner crying.	I love and comfort myself in ways that are pleasing to me.
Nose, Stuffy	Not recognizing the self-worth.	I love and appreciate myself.
Fever	Anger. Burning up.	I am the cool, calm expression of peace and love.
Canker Sores	Festering words held back by the lips. Blame.	I great only joyful experiences in my loving world!

I find it interesting to compare and summarize the similar thread that ALWAYS seems to run through the ailments Probable Causes and New Thought Patterns.

Holding words / thoughts back.
Too busy.
Acknowledge and care for self.

Then I write out the New Thought Patterns as a list / paragraph of phrases for a new Mantra. Then, I put it somewhere I see it each morning (in the bathroom/bedside/dresser). Each morning, I pause and think about the list. I don't always read it all, but I think about it. I find focusing on the positive new thoughts is more helpful than pondering over the more negative causes. Just being aware of the causes helps, but the biggest help comes from the new thoughts I'm focused on.

I am noticed and appreciated in the most positive ways.
I am loved.
I allow my mind to relax and be at peace.
Clarity and harmony are within me and around me.
All is well.
I am safe.
I love my life.
I recognize my own intuitive ability.
I love and comfort myself in ways that are pleasing to me.
I love and appreciate myself.
I am the cool, calm expression of peace and love.
I create only joyful experiences in my loving world!

I must say, this post is (even for me) a little daring to write. It "puts me out there", opens me up, shows a weak-side, and also gives you plenty to "judge" me on. That makes it hard to share. BUT, this book and method has worked many wonders in my life, and I feel that the risk of sharing is less than the guilt of not sharing and giving you the opportunity to try it for yourself.

I sincerely hope that you too can get your hands on a copy of Louise L. Hay's "Heal Your Body" and try this out for yourself. It's been amazing for me!

Wyoming Life - Something Cool About Being In A Small Town

You can get an email about a fun, FREE, event going on NOW at the local Community College, and hubby can shower, kids can get their shoes on and hair brushed, and we can BE THERE LESS THAN 15 minutes later!



Enjoying all sorts of fun things like Kindermusik, Dinosaur Exhibits, Golf Putting, Face Painting, REAL Custom Army Dog-Tags, Lunch, Cake, Cookies, Soda, Frisbees, Planetarium Show, Live Music, Hula-Hoops, making our own Silly Putty, Rock Climbing… ALL FOR FREE!



We spent three hours wandering around, running into the neighbors, and just enjoying ourselves.