Bit of a recap

Hey all! I'm sorry that I haven't posted in a while, and I'm a bit disappointed in myself that I didn't make it all the way through April with my posts, so I decided to do a bit of a recap of some things that were inspirational/motivating towards the end of the month:

• There has been quite a bit of quilting and sewing going on, especially on my batik Grandmother's Flower Garden (I even got my background fabric today and am staring to put some flowers together!!)
• I sold a set of my embroidered tea towels on Etsy, and I wasn't even sure people out there still used them! I now have a drive to finish other sets that I have started!
• Work is finally getting a bit busier! Things were a bit worrisome for a while without out any projects to work on, but I think we have finally jumped that hurdle and have things coming in with more on the horizon.
• I have been out golfing a bit more, and I am working my way at getting better! Seriously, pretty sure I just love being outside now that winter is officially gone!
• My hubby and I got new phones! We took that jump and have officially switched over to Blackberries...I wasn't so sure about it at first, but pretty sure I have a great understanding now of why people say they are so addictive.
• I brought all of my things in to work for the Habitat for Humanity silent auction, and it felt great to know I made things that will be helping others in the long run! (and its great to show things you've made to others, you know we all love the compliments!)
• There is a great little possible budding of a friendship/maybe more for a dear friend! I love seeing people all happy and giddy!
• The Farmer's Market is now open! An official sign that summer is coming!

So there are a few things, though I am sure there were many, many more. As for now, I'm off to continue working on my flower garden quilt! I will post a few pictures as I get a bit farther!

Happy crafting/quilting to all!!

Day 22: Happy Earth Day!

First off, Happy Earth Day to all! The wonderful inspiration today was seen tonight on a nice evening bike ride with my hunny.

After a long, and somewhat stressful day at work, I was ready to do something a bit active. A bike ride on a cool, spring evening was just the answer! And not only did it get my blood pumping, but I saw this beautiful sight on the way home:

What more does one need than a beautiful sunset that fills the sky with color to end a rough day?

What inspired you today??

Day 16-21:It's no fun being sick/having a migraine...

Okay all, I will say, I am sorry that I haven't kept up with this as well as I had hoped! I have had an off and on migrain the last few days, and was in bed most of Sunday, and all yesterday with the nasty virus going around. So here I am, here to update my blog with the last few days I've missed!

Day 16 (Thursday, April 16): I was determined to hop back on the horse, so I went to work early so that I could leave and make it to my yoga class. Actually its a yoga/pilates/tai chi class, and I felt so good and rejuvinated afterwards! I always have a great day the next day! Which leads us to...

Day 17 (Friday, April 17): My and my husbands 6 month anniversary! (of marriage, we really have been together much, much longer...) So we decided we would treat ourselves to a delicious dinner out to a place with a patio to enjoy the beautiful (70 degree weather!). We haven't really been on a "date" in a while, though we do try to plan a night together doing something we both enjoy at least once a week. Such a wonderful evening and such beautiful weather!

Day 18 (Saturday, April 18): We went golfing, and I did so much better than I thought I would! Not only was it another beautiful day (plus I got some sun while out!), I also got to sleep in, lounge around, then play a wonderful game of golf! Pretty sure I am totally ready to go out again, even though I may not be the best...

Day 19 (Sunday, April 19): Not such a wonderful day...the migraine and sicky stuff really set in, so I wasn't really sure if there would be much to inspire me that day. At the grocery store, though, I did some planning for a meal later this week (which really, could this be inspiring, I'm sure you are asking, but you have to understand, I'm not the cook in the family, and to know that I am planning a meal, all on my own, that I am going to do all of the preparing, pretty exciting for me!!). I am getting together with a couple friends later this week, and can't wait for the great food and time together we are going to have!

Day 20 (Monday, April 20): I hate to say it, but I didn't really have much inspiring or motivating that happened yesterday, I was up for a total of about 7 hours, slept the rest with the migraine and virus. I suppose the only real motivating thing was that I was feeling a bit better in the evening with not really any migraine left!

And that ends with today, Day 21: I will say, one great thing about being sick (tho I was back at work today, thank goodness!!), is that I was able to do a bit of hand sewing on my batik Grandma's Flower Garden! I don't remember how many I had last time that I posted about them, but I now have 30 done! Still many to go, but still exciting! And they are beautiful! It is so exciting to watch them all come out, and the same fabric can look so different on the petals in one flower!


What inspired you lately???

Day 15: Beautiful again!!

Today was another beautiful day! It was almost 70, and great for an after-dinner bike ride! People were out, the sun was out, and things are turning green. The most inspiring today was seeing all of the new buds on the trees and the little things sprouting through the earth, welcoming the spring with new beginnings! Who doesn't love Spring!


What inspired you today??

Day 14: Gotta love them shorts!

What a great spring day it was today! It made it up to about 67 degrees, which meant driving with the windows open and the music up! You know it's finally spring/summer here in the midwest when you and your neighbors come out of hibernation and you see each other outside again. Also when you see someone pretty much every 20 feet or so on a bike, walking with a partner, or with a dog on a leash, you know its finally spring! Those are all scenes that I saw/took part in today, and let me tell you, it was glorious! I love spring, and summer, and fall, okay, and winter! We have the wonderful change of seasons here (but I'm glad that is it time Spring has finally come)!

What inspired you today?!?

Day 13: And it's open!

My inspiration for {yesterday} was actually taking the step to open my second store on Etsy, Starbound Photography! There isn't too many in there just yet, but I have listed a few that I hadn't yet added to my original store, Starbound Studios. Ever since I opened my first store, people have commented that I should have a separate store for my photography, and I was going to maybe, possibly do it eventually, but wasn't sure I wanted to take that step just yet. After having someone in the forums tell me that they were a little confused with how all of the items in my store went together, I decided to just do it. It can't hurt, and its about the buyer's ease, right? So there we are! I have one store for all of my photography, and the other for my handmade items, two passions of mine that I am sure I will forever continue to do!

What inspired you??

Day 12: Another project done!

I am always inspired and motivated to keep going when I finished a project! Today I finished the quilt that I am donating to my work's silent auction, and I couldn't be happier with it! Really, if I didn't already tell a couple people what it looked like...I would maybe keep this one and make a different one for them. Thankfully though, I do still have enough to make another one to put in the closet for when a little one happens to come our way. :o)

And here is the beautiful table runner that I finished earlier this week!

Two projects in one week! I'm on a roll!

What inspired you today??

Day 11: Light box & bc's

I finally got my light box made today! Had help from my wonderful mother, then took some new photos and got them all posted and updated! Take a look at my Etsy shop, and let me know what you think!

Also, saw a forum thread about business cards, and read thru many of the responses. Quite inspiring I must say (some people showed what their's look like), I've been in a bit of a rut lately, and haven't come up with a very successful design as of yet. I'm still doing a bit of reworking, so hopefully something will come out of it soon!

Day 10: The greens aren't quite green, but.....

that doesn't mean people aren't out on the golf courses! My husband is quite the avid golfer and has gotten me into the sport! For about the last 3 or so months, he's been ready to head out to the course (we just finally got rid of all of our snow this past weekend, mind you). Well, we made it out to the driving range today for the first time this season! I left work a little earlier than usual, came home to have a bit of a snack, packed the clubs, and headed on our way! Considering that I just started golfing last year, I wasn't so sure how I would do... But when I got out there, I was doing pretty good! I was very proud of my self, and now I'm ready to go out an play some courses!

There's my motivation for the day, and I'm ready for some golfing!

What inspired you today??

Day 9: Oh, the beauty and the smell!

*Once again, quick post for yesterday's inspiration, because I was dog tired last night and didn't even get on here...

Yesterday, I was totally inspired and motivated for spring after going to the Annual Spring Flower show at our local Macy's store. The flowers were all so beautiful, and the smell...oh my goodness, I could have just sat there for hours with all of the fresh and blooming flowers! I'm ready to do some planting now (in pots since we can't have gardens at our development). Can't wait for warmer weather, and those beautiful, deliciously scented lilacs, on of my faves!

What was your inspiration {yesterday}?

Day 8: Spring is coming!!

While driving into my driveway tonight after work, I saw a bit of green sprouting out of the rocks! A sure sign that spring is on its way!

Here in the midwest we are teased often with nice sunny weather just before being hit with a snow storm during this time of year, so it is quite encouraging that green is coming!

Oh, and I finished a sewing project tonight!! Woot!

I know this is quick, and short, but I've been up sewing all night and wanted to get a post up before bed!


What was your inspiration today??

Day 7: Tuesday Night Sewing Date

*Sorry I didn't get this out last night, was super busy...

My inspiration/motivation for today was nothing too big, so this may be short and sweet. Mom and I had our usual Tuesday night Sewing night, and I always get motivated those nights! We were very productive last night, and I went home and did more sewing, I just didn't want to stop! I have about 4 projects that I am working on/trying to finish right now, and I am so close to being done! I love the finishing them and that sense of accomplishment when they are all done. I will have to post a couple pics on here of them when they are done (hopefully by this weekend!).

What inspired you {yesterday}?

Day 6: Let's gitter done!

Okay, I know this isn't anything business or craft or creativity related...but still got me thinking and doing!

So my husband and I have been taking this financial class, Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University, and let me tell you....its pretty much amazing! I know some of the stuff that he goes through might be common sense, but it has helped us get to a better, more comfortable place with our finances. Now don't get me wrong, we have a far way to go to get where we want to be, but we're heading in the right direction! If you haven't ever heard of Dave Ramsey or his financial classes, check out his website. We started this class (it is a 13-week class) in January, and have already paid off a credit card, are a month ahead on our mortgage, and have paid a bit more on student loans than if we had stayed on our previous path. Seriously guys, this isn't a quick fix, but you would be amazed how it works if you really set your mind to it! With taking the class and going thru his baby steps, my husband and I also have some of our emergancy fund funded, are working with a budget where all our money has it's place to go, and are paying off our debt! And having that lifted off our shoulders is such a great feeling!

I also have to say, it wouldn't have been possible with the support of our family as well. Knowing we have them that we can go to with questions or for advice has also helped.

In this financially tough time, I think this was one of the best financial decisions that we have made! It really is such a great thing that I just want to share it with everyone! I know we all could use a little help at times like these.

I highly suggest that you check out Dave's website, see if there is a class being hosted near you, and participate! I'm not trying to be all preachy, but really, if you get a chance check it out, and walk into it with an open mind and willingness to change. It will change your mindset and your life! And for those who may be reading this and think there isn't anything to learn, it never hurts to read and maybe find another way of doing things, right? Or just maybe get that little push you've been looking for? I know it has helped us greatly, and we have so much more to do!

What inspired or motivated you today??

Day 5: Haven't done that in a while!

Today was a pretty uneventful day, just a usual Sunday. The inspiring/motivating part though happened when a friend came over for some crafting and a movie. We both decided to do a bit of scrapbooking, and let me tell you....I have a lot to do! With recently getting married, I have quite a bit to do! I haven't done any since before the wedding, so it took a bit to get back into it. But after getting started, and seeing some of the pages she had done, I didn't want to stop! I finished a few pages, and cleaned my table upstairs to keep working! Such great creations and memories in scrapbooks!

What inspired you today??

Day 4: Maybe in 60-some years....

...I will have enough different quilts finished to do an old fashion "bed turning" event with friends.

"You might be asking, "What is a bed turning?" "Bed Turnings" were common during the pioneer days when women would lay out all of their handmade quilts on a bed, and then invite their friends and neighbors over to see the quilts they had made. Some women also sold their quilts, just as they might have sold eggs. A bed turning was a great way to display quilts to prospective buyers as well.

Join us as Evelyn presents an “old fashioned bed turning”. Quilters and non-quilters alike will enjoy and be inspired by a presentation of some beautiful quilts that Evelyn has made over the years. Quilts will be layered on the bed in the middle of the store where Evelyn will tell you a story about each quilt; “turning” each quilt back to reveal another beautiful quilt and story. Evelyn will tell you about each of the quilts she has made, the year it was made, and the pattern she used. " -From the Fabric Town website.

And quite an event it was! Evelyn was in her mid-80's, and had to have shown at least 45 quilts to us that she had made herself, many of which were hand quilted and were absolutely exquisite! Going to see her bed turning event was definitely my inspiration and motivation of the day! She even had a "Grandmother's Flower Garden" in the mix, which made me what to go and work on mine even more! So what do you think I'm doing this evening? That's right, making little flowers!

What was your inspiration today??

Day 3: Worried I wouldn't have one.....

So I was sitting here thinking, 'what inspired me today?' I was almost afraid I wouldn't have one for today, nothing stuck out right away! How dissapointing to only be on day 3, and not be inspired... But then I started working on the quilt that I will be donating to my work, and I just wanted to keep going!! I have the back and front both done, but the batting and binding are at mom's house, so I have to wait to finish it. Then I started working on another quilt that I've been working on. I am working on machine quilting it, and got a few more stars done. Then those darn flowers were just calling my name! So here I am, working on the batik flowers, of which I stayed up a little bit too late last night working on (and may tonight as well!).

Oh, and I got a sale today!! Yay! My store only a bit over a month old, and I got my 4th sale! Got it all packed up, and ready to ship in the morning!

What inspired you today? Leave me a comment, I'd love to know!

Day 2: Why I'd love to!

Day number 2, and I was almost afraid I wouldn't have anything to write about! No worries though, I do! I have been inspired :o)

A little back story.....
Last year, a group of us at work spent a couple days donating our hours, and worked with Habitat for Humanity on a build. This year, we weren't able to get the funding from corporate to do a build again, so the committee has decided to do a couple fundraisers, one of which is going to be a silent auction for items made/donated by fellow co-workers. One person on the committee, a very close friend, knew that I sew and such and asked if I would be willing to make something and donate it. Needless to say....I always enjoy a new project! And for it to go to a good cause is always a plus! So then I started coming up with a bunch of ideas, trying to think of what I could come up with from my stash, and my mom's stash, of fabric. I have come up with a few things that I can't wait to get going on! I've decided to make a table runner, baby quilt, and throw in a couple of my wine vests! I will be sure to post a pic or two of what the final product is!

So there is Day 2, what inspired you today??

Day 1: Beauty of Mother Nature

Well...waking up this morning, I looked outside and thought "Mother Nature is playing an April Fool's joke on us!" That's right, 'Spring has Spring', and last night/today it snowed. Now I must say, I love snow, (and would have loved to go snowboarding one last time), but I am ready for spring and some warm weather & sun! So you are asking, 'Why is a bit of snow inspiration?' It was just that type of snow that comes down in huge flakes, and sits delicately on all of the branches of the trees. And you get that peacefully, serene feeling as you drive along and look at the landscape.

Then on the way home from work, I noticed something along the road that brought a smile: a sign that spring is coming (or here)!

That's right, the golf courses are open!

So there's my inspiration, and a couple smiles for the day! What inspired you today?