It has been a busy couple of weeks filled with jury duty (can't believe I was selected), trips to El Paso, an office/library remodel and a fun weekend! Jury duty was actually interesting! I enjoyed my trip to El Paso with my hubby and will be sharing a reveal of my new office/library soon. Of course, photos will be on my Instagram account if I finish setting it up before next week!
I got out of hubby's way for a few days by sewing in my studio, going to a morning Bible Study, spending an afternoon at a local quilt show! Yea! We spent today at a Sit and Sew and then a fabulous cookie decorating class!
It's nice to be able to spend a few quietdays at home now catching up on blogging, cleaning, laundry and crafting!
I'm so glad you stopped in for a visit! Have you heard of the saying "things happen in threes?" Have you ever had one of those weeks where you experience the "threes" and they get progressively worse?
Sure you have. We all have. I just had one of those weeks. Ug. And more ug.
This week's Weekly Word is breaking off from Psalm 25 and I'll share how God helped me deal with this past week.
On a different note, My Reading Life was placed on the back burner as I had great visits with different friends for 3/5days. It was so nice.
And...I broke my fabric fast....just for a teeny amount of fabric.
Lot's happening here this week! So, I hope you're all comfy and cozy as you read on!
UPDATE: If any of you wonderful readers are on Instagram, I would love to follow you! Would you leave your user name in the comments, please?
Here's is an index should you have a special interest you like to read first!
The Weekly Word - is a short devotional that sometimes becomes a Bible Study series.
My Reading Life - is filled with current, completed and upcoming reads as well as an occasional short review.
Stash Report and To Do Tuesday is where I'll share share stats regarding my fiber usage and acquisitions, Slow Sunday Stitching projects, goals met/lack thereof and photos of my projects.
Gratitude Journal - Sometimes I get lost in my own stinky thinking. This digital journal reminds me to count my blessings!
Faith, Trust and Breast Cancer - - Here you will find updates on life after Triple Negative Breast Cancer. I was diagnosed in November of 2014 and my last day of treatment was in November 2015.
The Weekly Word
We all have had trials, challenges, broken hearts (sometimes more than once, right?). How will we react? How will we process our various feelings?
One wise person told me, "Remember, feelings are not fact." That is so true. Another wise friend told me, "God created all our feelings, so accept them." Also true. When I deny my feelings, they fester. They grow. They demand attention.
So now, I give them the attention they need. I feel and acknowledge them, express them to God and ask for His healing.
Another pastor said something like this: If you're angry with God, let Him know. He understands! Tell Him how you feel - He knows your heart anyway - so tell Him! He can take it! He wants a relationship with us - a relationship built on honesty." This has opened the floodgates of healing in my life. God is God. He knows our heart. But, I believe when we speak our heart to Him, it provides opportunities for deep and lasting healing.
We cannot control life's circumstances, but we can control our responses. Will we, as I wrote about in an earlier post, become better or bitter? Perhaps we need to be bitter for a bit, but let us not dwell there long. Life is too short for bitterness. Let us give our bitterness, if it's there, to God.
Some years ago, I read Don't Throw in the Towel, Hope Again by Jana Alcorn. Wow...after reading her testimony, I was eager to learn how she kept her hope alive.
One powerful, enduring lesson is sometimes we are so broken that we don't have the strength to even pick up our Bibles - and that's ok. Nothing to feel guilty about. But, thank God for advances in technology, we have the Word available on audio. We can always push the play button. That's such a useful tool.
I also push the play button to hear Christian music, even if ever so softly in the background. As the artists sing scripture filled songs, I am reminded of my might King and LORD. A pastor once said that the defeated one cannot be where praise and worship are. I don't know if that is scriptural, but it sure helps me.
With the various voice activated devices, we don't even have to push play, simply ask Siri/Alexa to play the songs/Bible for us!
Let us also become vulnerable and reach out to friends for prayer. Being this vulnerable is a challenge for me. But, man, it sure helps. As I weep, I am reminded that I am being covered in prayers by these prayers warriors. As we reach out for prayer, we are not alone. We have an army backing us up. These warriors also offer such wisdom and encouragement in our time of need. So priceless.
I love the verses cited in Blessings by Laura Story - another lady who knows a thing or two about challenges.
This week I've been claiming "joy comes in the morning." I noticed the verse doesn't say "tomorrow morning", but simply in the morning. Some of the deepest hurts require more time to heal, but the healing comes.
Wait for it.
Hang on.
It's coming.
My Reading Life
Currently Reading
I finished several books in the last couple of days, so I'll be starting The Sewing Machine and When We Meet Again today.
Slow and Steady Read
Finished Reading
No books finished this week.
Stash Report
I purchased 10.6 ounces of yarn for my Sunshine baby afghan! Isn't it so pretty?
I am on a fabric fast and am determined to pare down my stash significantly this year. My goal is to stitch up 75 yards of fabric. Last year I reached 54 yards without even really trying, so I think this is doable. 🤞
I did purchase 1/2 yard of this Star Wars fabric to experiment on making the Christmas ornament for my oldest grandson. Any suggestions would be much appreciated!
I also scored this fabric kit at 75% off to make a hello winter machine embroidered pillow!
To Do Tuesday
Last Week's List
1. Slow Stitching
- Pick one of my many UFOs to finish. DONE! I've picked two. One is the QAYG hexie quilt. Remember this one?
I also picked my OLDEST UFO - from the early 90's! I had used this fabric to make curtains for my home and used the scraps to make these blocks. The fabric is so thin, you can see my Bee Humble underneath it. What do you think? Should I finish it or is the fabric too old?
- Finish Block 3 of the Bee Humble SAL NOT DONE.
- I finished the tea towel number four!
2. Crochet
- make progress on my Fall Granny Square afghan DONE! Does a tiny bit of progress count? :)
- make progress on the Sunshine Baby Afghan DONE! I’ve made progress on this beautiful little afghan to the point that I’ve had to buy another couple of skeins of yarn. My husband and I decided I'd make this one a Mommy and Me baby afghan!
3. Machine Sewing:
- Inventory which of these quilted quilts need binding, make the binding and get them attached for some slow stitching. DONE! I sent a stack of 5 quilts to my daughter who will kindly attached the binding for me. She also quilted and attached the binding to my Pieces in the Garden quilt. Yes, I'm very spoiled by her! 🥰
- Make me some Christmas placemats! PROGRESS MADE! I've chosen the patterns and have done a bit of sewing on them.
On the radar
- Stitch up a baby quilt that I've prepped.
-Finish up my daughter's crocheted dishcloths.
-Prep kits for continued use of my Christmas stash
Gratitude Journal
I love this song. It reminds us that we don't have to be strong enough. When we are weak, our heavenly Father is strong enough to carry us through.
The verses West refers to is one of my favorites, though I still struggle to delight in challenges, the knowledge that God gives me the grace and power to be victorious is a great comfort.
Our dear LeeAnna had the best prompt for this week!
"Do you make lists? How do you do them, on your phone or a scrap of paper, or some other system? What kinds of things do you make lists of? Is it working for you?"
I have so many lists and I like all of them: My TBR (To Be Read) list, my Reading Challenges list, my grocery list, my crafty UFO (Unfinished Object) list, my WIPs, I could go on and on!
So, here's how I "list". Naturally, I'll be using a list to share my process of listing! 😉
- My TBR (To Be Read) list is maintained on Goodreads. I learned that I can number and then view my TBR books by priority. Loving that feature because...
- My Reading Challenges books are then prioritized! I keep track of my Reading Challenges progress by creating bookshelves on Goodreads for each challenge.
- My grocery list is kept on an app on my phone using categories.
Sometimes I transfer to a hard copy if my DH asks.
- My crafty UFO (Unfinished Object) list was made a few years ago on a computer that is long gone - along with the file. I have the hardcopy and am working through it.
- My WIPs (Works in Progress) are listed in the To Do Tuesday section of my blog and linked up to the party now being hosted at Carol's Quilt Schmilt, previously hosted by Linda at Texas Quilt Gal and before that by Roseanne and Sue at Home Sewn By Us.
So there you have my lists! How do you "list"? Please share in the comments!
Last week when sharing how I use my calendars, I mentioned that I use the Happy Planner products. I also am using them to keep me organized with those WIPS. Measuring at 4.25 x 3.75, they are handy to place in a basket with other supplies.
Here's a sample page. Once I've figured out all the yardage used for the quilt, it's easy to track my usage.
A friend of mine swears this mushroom coffee is wonderful! Hmmm...I didn't have any as I was enjoying champurado (a Mexican atole), but she is usually right on the money.
My prayer garden is looking a bit bleak without its spring and summer foliage, but Chico still likes hanging out there.
Mia, for whom my email account is named, is aging, but still playful at times.
Faith, Trust and Breast Cancer
How am I dealing with reduced eyesight? So far computer work is fine, especially if I adjust to a larger view. Reading is made easier by using my Ott lamp. I found some rechargeable magnifying glasses with LED lights on the frame on Amazon that make slow stitching so much easier!
Thank God we have work arounds to so many of our challenges!
Thank you for visiting! If you like, please leave your opinion on whether or not the fabric is now too thin or old from my early 1990's UFO. Also, if you want to, please share how your lists work for you!
Thank you for stopping by for a visit! We just got back from visiting my family in San Diego where the weather was perfect and the gardens gorgeous!
Happy Father's Day to all those dads out there! I hope your day is wonderful filled with family, love, laughter and good food!
I have been responding to comments via email, but have gotten several back as "undeliverable". Has that been happening to you as well?
With all my sewing projects getting prepped, I was running out of binding clips, yet loathe to purchase more. You'll find an economical binding clips hack in my Tuesday To Do section!
Here in Las Cruces, out temps have been over 100 degrees! We now make sure our errands are completed by 11:00 am! I'm also adding an extra, 5 minute run of our sprinkler system at dusk. Whew!
I have to say I'm still enjoying having a retired husband at home! We're going on 8 weeks and still loving it! True story: when he would go to work after a week or so at home, I'd shed a few tears as he drove off. Yes, after 42 years, I'd still miss him.
I hope you enjoy this post as you find encouragement in the Weekly Word, learn how I've backslid in my reading habits, joined a new BOM and found gratitude in the every day.
It's good to be back! I'm recovering from the partial knee replacement with a new attitude which I am sharing in The Weekly Word. Full disclosure, this devotional is quite transparent and humbling to share online, but how can I not share how God has changed me?
This week's post is only a partial look into my hobbies, however, you will soon be caught up in the next few weeks.
The "Faith, Trust and Breast Cancer" link below offers more details about my physical recovery.
Your posts and comments have been a delight to read! Thank you so much for reaching out with your encouragement and sharing a bit of your own lives!
Happy Fourth of July to my readers in the United States!
I hope you all are doing well! I am rejoicing as I celebrate another 6 month breast cancer check up.
However, this summer two acquaintances have passed from cancer. This naturally led me to dealing with Survivors' Guilt yet again. This time, I decided to face it head on and find some guidance and comfort in God's Word.
I hope you enjoy this Thought for the Week, my crafting, stitching and gratitude photo journal!
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
I found Parkview Health's article on Survivors' Guilt very helpful. I'm sharing some highlights from their article as well as my own thoughts and Scriptures that came to mind.
Now that we've finished the verses from Until We Reach Home, I was wondering where to go from here. For now, I want to share this verse that speaks of gratefulness.
You see, we, my husband and I, had a COVID scare, but thankfully we both tested negative!
As you can well imagine, it’s been hard to find time or even enough focus to blog or craft.
Saturday's Song & Health Update Perhaps a few of you have noticed my absence from "Bloglandia" this week. Since the last week of August, I have been in a fibromyalgia flare up - experiencing unusual pain, fatigue and, now, burning, neuropathy-like pain, in my feet, especially in my left foot. It's been almost a year since these ailments have reared their ugly head. Praise God, I have been able to work thus supporting my sweet Student Teachers. I may be in pain, have to rest more than I would like, and be unable to do all I would like but I am victorious! This is my song today, my way of sticking my tongue out at the defeated one. God is bigger than the boogie man!
You may not see as many posts for a little while, but I can still read my Bible, pray, craft a bit and I made it to church this morning! I'm also posting my daily devotional Scriptures on Instagram. I know you'll be patient and understanding during this time of sporadic posts because...well....that's just how we roll!
Slow Stitching Today I did a bit of crocheting on this little guy. He's my September 1 Xmas Item A Month. There's not much to show yet, but there will be soon!
Mostly, I'm resting and writing blog posts. :) Stash Report
I added 6 yards to my fabric stash, sewed a couple of blocks and discovered a new series of patterns. I'm eager to share all these new sewing studio events! I finally settled on a background fabric for this $7.50 quilt!
Many of my projects are long-term BOMs/QALs, so fabric usage isn't really showing right now. It's ok....I'm having so much fun in my studio. I also finished dishcloths (corrected numbers) 24-26/52 for the #yarnhoardersdishclothchallenge!
Silly me! I updated my yarn numbers to show the usage! :)
Fabric used since last time
0
To Date used
63.570
Fabric in since last time
6
To Date in
100.100
Net in the red (more bought than used!)
-36.530
Yarn used since last time
6 oz
To Date used
102.10 oz
Yarn in since last time
0
To Date in
226.30
Net in the red (more bought than used!)
-124.20
15 minutes stitching days/week = 7/7days
15 minutes stitching days/since July 29, 2018 = 42/49 days
"You have a tumor in your breast. It's really deep in
there. You need a good surgeon because this type of tumor cannot be
handled by just any surgeon."
My heart stopped beating for a season.
November 13, 2015.
After 6 months of chemotherapy and 42 days of radiation, I reached
the last day of treatment!
As I drove home, I erroneously believed I would immediately return to the person
I was before.
It's been 2 1/2 years and I still live with the effects of chemotherapy.
I told my daughter one day, "I just want the old me, to be normal
again."
She wisely said, "You are normal, this is your normal - you're alive."
I stopped in my tracks! Praise God! I'm alive! Furthermore, I'm getting stronger every day.
July 17, 2018. My heart is beating again....I guess it's been beating for
some time.
Here's the
story behind the song.
Are
you going through cancer?
Are you going through a trial?
Are you heartbroken?
Has your heart stopped beating?
Your heart will beat again.
You will thrive again.
You will appreciate life more than ever before.
Tell You Heart To Beat Again.
Slow Stitching
My dear readers, please be careful when cutting fabric with a rotary cutter. This week I cut my finger pretty badly - 1/2" long, about 1/4" deep. I decided not to go to the hospital choosing instead to treat at home. After a phone consult with my surgeon, (I called him because I cut on the same side as my ancillary node dissection and we have to be careful with that side.), he was pleased with how we're treating it, though he felt I should have had stitches. Please be careful, my friends.
Consequently, there's not a lot going in the stitching department. I can, however, type with both hands now! :)
I did make these yo-yo's
and embroider a bit. Still Stitching continues to give me time to rest in Him and remember His Word and lessons.
