Tuesday, August 08, 2006



I started writing last night, but I was just plain exhausted, so I saved it and finished this morning. These are perennials blooming in my garden. And they inspired this:

It's my first fabric postcard. I worked on it last night. My sister-in-law sent me this stamp to use on the other side as a friendship gift. Isn't it the greatest??!!??!! I should have finished cleaning my sewing room, but I was rewarding myself for my 7 mile bike ride with Don this evening. I was going to wait until it was completed to share...but I couldn't wait. I'll finish it tonight---maybe. No promises, because this is about fun. No pressure, because I have realized that summer in the U.P. is winding down. I'm going to savor all of it I can. That means long walks, Bike rides, and incredible amount of weed pulling (it's really theraputic!!!) I realize working full time I have to make choices, while my love for quilting is first, I know there are other things that must get taken care of. If I don't exercise I might not be here for the next 25 years I plan on quilting. The U.P. winters being so long, I can make up for lost time quilting November thru April. Without the Laundry washing, We're going to catch colds running around naked without clothes--How much quilting will I do if I'm sick. And then there's Ransom... quilting would be pretty lonely without him, so he needs exercise and brushing to make sure he's around for a long time... I want to make Judy's quilt, but I think I'm going to be the cheerleader from the sidelines. Now I'm going to be disappointed if someone doesn't make one out of the country Thimbleberries colors (my favorites)...I can just picture how it would look. There are lots of changes going on at work and even at home with Eric getting ready to go off to school. I don't think I can sub-divide my focus another inch. Hey I'm not bumbed, recognizing limits is a huge step for me.

I was stressing to Chelsey about not being able to fit it all in.. and through the wisdom of a 16-year-old--believe it or not--her response was "Mom you'll get your turn, It's just not your time...But you will" You know, she's right... and I'm OK with that...I can wait.

Gratitudes:
1. Crickets
2. Coffee in the Morning
3. My scissors - Christmas presents from the kids

17 comments:

Patti said...

Yes - enjoye these days while you can. Your time - with no kids at home - will come soon enough. Then, if you are like me, you'll be hoping for grandchildren!

Love the black eyed susans! I used to have lots of them, but they are all gone now. My husband, bless his heart, can't tell a flower from a weed when they are just coming up.

The Calico Cat said...

Love the post card & that stamp is great! (You wanna swap post cards?)

I too am only going to cheer on those playing with Judy... I have too many UFO's and want to dos already...

Bonnie said...

Yes, there are other things besides quilting and we do need to take care of essentials. Even now that I am retired I find that quilting time still needs to be fitted into the schedule.
Your postcard is so cute. You may not have a lot of time for quilting, but the time you do have is productive!

Saska said...

Love your susans! Never have started postcards, but love the thought of a fast-project. Yours with flowers is real tempting!

Country colors...what could be better?!

Libby said...

Love your garden -- the little fence around the bed is right up my alley. And your fabric interpretation of the flowers is a delight. A nice way to have with you summer well into fall and winter.

Jeanne said...

Black-eyed susans are my favorite flowers :)

Later, when my room gets put back together, I'll join in on Judy's project and do it in scrappy country colors.

Jeanne

Laurie Ann said...

I know what you mean! Working full time sure takes away from other stuff we'd rather be doing! :) How many times do I have to ask for a picture of Ransom? :0

Fiona said...

I love that postcard and the stamp is so cool. You know how I feel about fitting it all in - you just can't do everything but what you do accomplish should be fun - if we start to pressurise ourselves even the stuff we do for pleasure becomes a burden.

Mary Johnson said...

I also feel that my hiking is eating into quilting time but I remind myself that it's good for me both mentally and physically. I still have plenty of quilting time left. Unlike you, I don't have to work although my travel feels like a full time job sometimes!

I love the postcard! My sister was here at my Mom's the early part of this week and we worked on preparing a couple blocks for her to applique and frame for her guest bathroom. She doesn't have much time for quilting between working full time and running two young teenagers around so I suggested she focus on smaller easier to complete projects for now.

Judy said...

Very very cool!!

Linda C said...

Good of you to recognize that you have limits--just not enough hours in the day sometimes to do it all. Just make yourself more stressed if you try.

Lovely real flowers and the postcard looks great!

Gail said...

The black eyed Susan's are terrific.`Not going to think about postcards- setting my limits not on how many quilts I start, but on how many crafts I attempt! LOL

Joanne said...

Summer's end is coming too fast for all of us, I think. Wise of you to slow it down and enjoy it while you can. Always good to take time to smell the flowers -- and great postcard, btw!

MARCIE said...

Can you believe that a week ago we
were sweltering and now cooler air is coming through and summer is winding down? Get out there and enjoy what is left. Take a bike ride for me. I don't think I could sit on a bike to save my life. But it sure sounds fun! Luckily quilting is a wonderful winter activity!

ForestJane said...

Beautiful flowers, both quilted and real!

Of all your blue and purple blocks, I think I like yours the best. :)

Tazzie said...

Hey Melanie, such a great post *hugs*. For someone who works full time, you do already cram a lot into your day. I'm always impressed with the amount of exercise you get, you'll be healthy for a good long time!
Your postcard is wonderful, an excellent reward for your exercise, and the stamp is awesome!
Have a great week hon!
*hugs*
Tazzie
:-)

Laura said...

Love the postcard and I want that stamp! It looks so neat, what fun you will have making postcards!