Valerean

Based on how long it takes me to do one 14" crazy quilt block the way I want to do it, I'm probably going to be spending upwards of 1000 hours this year to make one quilt (and at this point I'm not sure I'll even finish it.) The finished project cannot be actually used as a quilt, so it's definitely art. I'm not especially gifted or skilled with embroidery, so it won't be one of those spectacular crazies that ends up in a museum, either. So why do it? Wait, it gets even more depressing. I'm making this quilt from recycled silk, which even if it is carefully preserved will likely fall apart in less than a hundred years. Only no one in my family really likes my art or my quilting much unless it's something they can use, so I expect after I'm gone the finished quilt will be sold or donated -- or possibly thrown out. Whatever happens to it, I doubt it will stay together longer than maybe fifty years. So really, why do it? This is a question ...

I've finally finished going through my stash, and in the end I was able to empty thirty bins, which I stacked up so I could take this atta-girl pic. One was filled with yarn, and three with old books, but the rest were packed with fabric and craft supplies. Mostly fabric, I'm sorry to say. What I decided to keep fit into five bins, which is still a lot, but way better than thirty. All of the unwanted fabric went to our local Goodwill, where I know a lot of quilters in the area do shop for fabric, so it has another chance to be made into something. Some surprises I found during this project: Ten brand new spools of Holographic Sulky, including one in a rose color that I can't find at the shops here anymore. I had them in a couple of project bags that I tucked away and never got back to. A brand new disappearing ink marker and a couple of old ones; also stashed with various old projects. I'll have to test the latter to make sure they still work. My old C...

I just finished reading The Body ~ A Guide for Occupants by Bill Bryson, which I stretched out over three months so I could enjoy it slowly. Like all of his books this is an information-dense yet easy to read resource. The Body is indeed focused primarily on the wonders and oddities of the human body, covering all of the parts, systems, functions and disfunctions. In the hands of another writer it might read like any boring anatomy and physiology text; the talented Mr. Bryson effortlessly interlaces the facts with historical background, the people who have contributed to our understanding of the subject, and his own wry commentary. As always the combination is fun and really entertaining. As a former medical professional I have a fairly decent understanding of the human body, and yet I learned things I didn't know -- such as how exactly Alzheimer's progresses and affects brain tissue. That, I admit, was a bit distressing, as I lost Dad to the disease, but it explained ...

Another trip to the past today. Back in 2013 I joined a CSA to support Juniper Moon Farm, an organic, no-kill farm that produced the loveliest wool. From my share I made this crocheted lap blanket, which I washed this morning: The farm retired the CSA and their flock in 2015, sadly, and their web site is gone. Last I heard they were importing the wool they spin and sell to specialty shops. Oh, well, at least I have a little share of their past.

One trick I have for maintaining a creative attitude (and staving off depression) is to hang art that inspires me in my work space. This always nudges me in the right direction. I also change the art around from now and again when I think I need a new focus. This photograph of a floating bubble, taken by Maria-Thérèse Sommar from Afiori , currently resides in my eyeline space. This is a spot just above my computer monitor that I look at every day, and was previously occupied by an abstract watercolor of a winter creek. Since that was actually starting to depress me, I thought something more whimsical was needed. Green happens to be my favorite color, and I love the bokeh style of photographing light so that it blurs. I also adore this picture, which to me illustrates the beauty (and fragility) of creativity. This is a photo of the roses someone had left behind in a tree that I saw during a moment of crisis while in the Smoky Mountains. I took this shot myself just a mom...

Ten Things I Wish for Constantly A Device That Remotely Switches Off Smart Phones : I promise, I would only use it when I see someone texting and driving, or in the checkout line so I don't have to listen to what have to be the stupidest conversations I've never wanted to hear. Books That Surprise Me : Occupational hazard, I suppose, but I hardly ever find anything with a plot I can't completely predict by chapter two anymore. Bras That Fit Me : Bali wireless has come the closest, but I still have issues with the way the cups are constructed and the too-chunky straps. My girls are tired of being squashed or unsupported. Eye Drops that Last All Day : One fallout from cataract surgery X 2 is that I have dry eyes all the time, and have to use hydrating drops. Systan Ultra are about the best, but after eight hours they wear off. Food Product Seals that I Can Remove Without Asking for Help : Another byproduct of old age, I guess. It's getting harder and har...

A little update on our situation here in regard to COVID-19. I haven't said anything on the topic before now, mainly because of all the hysteria and misinformation being spread along with the virus. There has been a couple of cases of infection in a neighboring county, but so far none here. Due to tourism in our area we're expecting that to get worse and head our way. Edward and I are not youngsters, of course, and I have some health issues that could complicate things if I catch the virus, so we need to be careful. In addition to paying attention to our hygiene habits, basically we are limiting how often we go out in public right now. When we have to run to the store or do errands we're avoiding physical contact with other people. For the first time in twenty years I did not shake my tax guy's hand when I went in to do my taxes; that sort of thing. Due to our annual hurricane season, and just the fact that we live in a rural area, we're always stocked up on s...