Sunday, December 2, 2018

A Sunday Sew Day....

I awoke early with the realization that my Christmas shopping is near finished, the household chores are all caught up and I am actually feeling well after a week of being sick myself. I have all day to myself. As I wander outside, I am greeted with a cold, damp morning and realize the best place to retreat is my basement sewing studio for a final day of rest. Thus, with a hot cup of peppermint tea, holiday music playing softly and my loyal companion, Jackson, by my side, this is where I sit as I write to you today.
 Have you ever found yourself sitting down to write a post and suddenly become reflective on why you blog?  Along with a change in my job, our personal life this past Summer and Fall were once again consumed by those unexpected, out-of-our-control, changes life with adult children can sometimes add to your life.
What I'm looking foris a blessing that's not indisguise -- Mary Engelbright.
The past five years have found me in a place were at times my heart was consumed with loss. Yet, I'm beginning to find myself  evolving mindful and personally stronger and grounded in MY own life journey than ever before. Disappointment and heartbreak have finally been replaced with acceptance and in that, I've gained a freedom, a sense of peace that I've never quite had. It's unfamiliar and exciting all at once. 

 So much so, that hubby and I are inspired to enter the new year with an authenticity we've never had. It feels good to be here blogging today but even more, it feels good to have my heart filled with the anticipation for this personal transformation that lies ahead for us as an empty nest, middle age couple who are about to downsize and simplify big time.   With that said, I have always thought of my blog as a journal (that is of course, read my anyone and everyone...LOL!) But, I value our small, quaint, virtual community. I know mine is not overly innovating or filled with unique techniques as much it's just about sharing my life as a quilter/crafter. I post about things I'd sit and chat with you about if we were to have a sew day together.  I love the simplicity of it.  So thanks for stopping by and visiting my muses. I hope you continue to find even a tad bit of inspiration and joy here especially as I myself, begin this new chapter in my life.

 And what perfect creative timing, I discovered this morning that my Summer/Fall sketchbook is full  and it's time to start another!! I love starting a new creative journal.  So as my ideas begin to formulate between the covers of my little black sketchbook, know I'll also look forward to sharing them here with you as well. 
Beginning with my upcoming posts this month celebrating the simple JOYS found in the season. Because when we get right down to it, we all have "something" going on in our lives and well:
 (Choose to make lemonade with me won't you.)
Okay, so I also found myself scrolled through my own blog archives this morning and realized it's been almost exactly three months since I have even had a sew day! How grateful am I to find myself right where I am today. I have spent many afternoons this past week just stitching my the fire, making great headway on my December list of hand sewing projects. 
But this afternoon, I'm looking forward to sewing. Baby girls are due to arrive at work in the next month. One co-worker is a first time mommy, the other a first time Grandmother....both I'm gifting a crib quilt. So I'd better get myself going don't ya think. I close wishing you a Happy Sunday and again, thanks for stopping by. I hope you'll stay tuned for my next life chapter...imagine how rejuvenating a new studio space will be!! I can't wait! 


15 comments:

  1. Each one of our virtual places adds a little something to our and others' lives, lovely Val. Your lovely place is always a joy to visit. I for one, love your fun personality, your little snippets of your family and of course the bright and cheery stitching pretties you fashion. Oh to live each day in the joy of simplicity...those little things that make us smile, even when some days are rather tricky. It sounds as if you and your husband have new and exciting things afoot. May you have a beautiful week, lovely Val♥

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  2. Hi Val, I love to hear what you are up to. Downsizing? We have talked about doing that, but are going to wait awhile longer on any big decisions like that. Good luck on the girl baby quilts!

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  3. So glad you were able to have a Sew day, and wish you all the best in your journey in the new year!

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  4. You sound good Jo. I love the photo of your home all decked out for Christmas. I love your story. I love the visual in my head of you retreating to your sewing room with peppermint tea.

    Have a peaceful Christmas season.

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  5. A friend recently told me that your life cycles with new journey every 5 yrs. How you chose to embrace it or ignore it is up to you. I have that ME card and keep it for inspiration. Downsizing and remodeling - a move in the future? I've downsized - now to move on.

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  6. Your home looks so beautiful all decorated for the holidays! So glad you had a sew day today...those babies are coming soon! How do you like your new position? Always good to stretch yourself. My mom went from teaching second grade to being a counselor at her elementary school. She always loved working with the kids and just found a new way to help them on their journey in life. Looking forward to seeing the pictures of the baby girl quilts!

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  7. I'm so glad I discovered your bloggy home, Val! I love visiting you here. It's cozy and friendly and unpretentious. Your quilts are full of joy, and your family is full of love. I'm looking forward to reading about your new year each week as it unfolds :)

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  8. Sounds like you had a nice Sew Day yesterday, with a good purpose to get those two little quilts done! Are you moving? Retiring, getting a motorhome and flitting off to explore the country? You've got us all curious out here. Can't wait to hear what's up your sleeve.

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  9. What a lovely introspective post for the start down the road towards the New Year! You are so right that it is surprising when so many "What the Heck..." moments in life make you realize that maybe, just maybe they were put there to remind you to seize opportunities to forge new paths in your future. I've had the same type of year so could sooo relate! I too am trying hard to settle down into a steady round of year-end crafting after too long away. Hope you enjoyed your Sew Day (and the many more to come) and look forward to checking in periodically to see where your choices of path take you next year!

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  10. Your home looks so festive! I am hoping for some uninterrupted sewing time this week too, as I need to finish off the quilt on the longarm frame, and two other projects by next week! It is always something. But, we just got back from a super fun weekend trip, so all is good. Merry Christmas!!

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  11. Great attitude. I have found the past couple of years that you can fight it, scream, tear your hear out. Or just be still, learn, accept and grow. Good luck with your next steps.

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  12. Looking forward to reading your posts in the new year on your next chapters in your life. Merry Christmas to you and your hubby. survivor972002@midco.net

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  13. I really enjoyed reading this, I totally understand the need to take a break from blogging, but I miss you when you do. I look forward to following you through this next phase of your life and can't wait to see your new sewing space.

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  14. I'm so very glad you share your journey with us! I just love peeking into your creative process and the fact that you always share what Jackson and the grands are up to always makes me smile. Sending you big hugs and lots of encouragement on your big transitions! Love your journal idea, I need to get back to that myself. Thanks for the nudge. ;)

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  15. I really enjoyed reading through your post the other day. Sorry, I just barely got to a point where I felt like I had time to comment.:) Acceptance feels so good. It's amazing how other people can have such an impact on our lives and it's a hard journey to get where we feel more in control of how to move forward! Always a pleasure to read your blog. I've mostly been a lurker through the years but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy following along.

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I have to admit, your comments make me smile! Thanks for sharing and for letting me know you stopped by. I Hope your day is awesome!

Val:)

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