But that's not all. My heart has been heavy, and I haven't known what to say here. I've heard so many sad stories lately about bad things happening to people I care about. Several friends have lost a parent, people are very seriously ill, and while none of these things are directly happening to me, my heart hurts for them. It's hard to keep a positive attitude when there seems to be so much pain around.
But I'm trying. I haven't gotten much sewing accomplished during the day, but my evenings have been filled with handquilting and Netflix.
Work on my Gypsy Wife quilt is coming along slowly, but I'm enjoying it. Lots of echo quilting and straight lines, but in various colors (and weights) of thread. I love the look of it, even if it will take me until the end of time to finish.
I've started more EPP flowers for a friend of mine who recently lost her mom. I have plans to make a cushion cover for her, which I had better finish up soon since I'll be seeing her in a couple of weeks.
And I cut fabric for a birthday gift. A loooooooong overdue birthday gift. But it will be epic (I hope) when it's done, so that will make it totally worth the wait, right? RIGHT.
I usually feel a bit overwhelmed with my to-do list, but recently, it has felt impossible. My husband took this past week off though, and we crossed several things off the list. There are still several things hanging about--like fixing my dishwasher, eep!--but I'm hoping after this weekend that I will feel that the list is back under control. (Then I have to start another big mountain of things. My newest nephew's baby quilt! A quilt for my daddy! Placemats for my mama!)
I'm not the only one who feels this way, am I right? In the meantime, I will be stroking the new fabric I received this week for my nephew's quilt. I feel this quilt will be downright opulent given the number of fabrics it will require, but this baby is blood, and he deserves an amazing quilt. Come back tomorrow for Sunday Stash, and I will show it all to you! Until then, have a most lovely Saturday.
So sorry to hear that so many people you know, care for, and love are hurting. Much love to you as you are obviously holding them so close and dear to your heart. How wonderful that your husband was able to take a week off after his trip to be with you and help calm the overwhelming. I am excited to see your pretty new fabrics tomorrow. *hugs*
ReplyDeleteOoh a writing career milestone?? That sounds exciting! I'm just gearing up for camp nanowrimo. My goal this year is to finish a novel length first draft instead of giving up 75% of the way through when I realize the plot isn't working like I usually do. Wish me luck!!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry you've been feeling overwhelmed. Sometimes it feels like all the sad and difficult things about life are all showcased at once so it feels like there's just sadness everywhere. But hopefully it will be balanced out in the near future with lots of amazing things happening and there will just be happiness everywhere :)
I'm super impressed that you're hand quilting that beautiful quilt! It is definitely something I'd like to try someday :)
First- the handquilting looks AH-mazing! Second- so curious about the writing milestone. Third- sending happy vibes to balance all the sadness you are feeling.
ReplyDeleteAudrey, you're a very compassionate person. It's a wonderful trait to have, and frankly, we need more people like you in the world. But that doesn't mean compassion is easy. Sometimes, it's anything but easy. But making awesome quilty things for people in your life, whether they've experienced a loss or are just going through a big change, is a wonderful way to say you're thinking about them. I bet it cheers them up a lot -- maybe knowing this is one way to feel less overwhelmed?
ReplyDeleteThis is what I'm hoping, anyway, because the weight of the world has been on my shoulders, too. I'm thinking about making some dog toys and blankets for the pooches at my favorite doggy rescue place, to show the pups I care. I would rather adopt every single one of them, but my house would cry. So would John.
Also, if there's anything you need, like brownies or cookies or maybe a batch of my spicy black bean soup, let me know. I'd be more than happy to make a food delivery. You have a lot on your proverbial plate, and it sounds like you've earned some goodies for the literal one!
Holy hand-quilting! Keep us in the loop on the Gypsy Quilt scene. I'm not hand-quilter, but I love to see your progress.
ReplyDeleteAnd I can only imagine what you're going to do with the fabrics in that last picture. I spy the tree batik that you've used in another quilt. : )
Audrey, you have a lot going on. Between the craziness in your own life and the loss and challenges in the lives of those close to you, it's a big physical and emotional load to carry. I'm praying for a sense of peace amid the chaos.