Projects in the Works

Some of my projects take a little longer than others, and yesterday was that kind of day!

One project is a memory quilt that Jessica is making for her brother as a Christmas gift. She needed a little help getting started, so we spent some time cutting out the t-shirts. Next up, sashing and a border ... I really hope we can get it done in time for their holiday get-together!

And next, another donation to Snohomish County DVS. McArthur and I were Younique distributors for a time and both of us ended up with lots of make-up that we didn't sell and didn't want. So into gift bags for the the women who will be spending their holidays in the shelter. With our combined new inventory, I made up 38 bags ... these will get dropped off today or tomorrow!

It feels so good to share!

More projects are in the works and I really can't wait to tell you about Charlie's good turn tomorrow!!

Soup's On!

Lots of friends are doing Weight Watchers right now. My girlfriend Nancy invited me to go to meetings with her ... no excuses, they are at a convenient time and right around the corner from my house. So I'm back on the wagon (and being successful).

Anyway, a couple of weeks ago, Nancy and I started sharing lunches. She brings something in one day and I bring something in the next. It's been great! We can have a friend test out recipes, we know how many smart points we're eating, and we're eating more healthy.

Today was my day, so I made a pot of mulligatawny soup ... I must say, it smelt heavenly while I was cooking last night! The recipe made a lot, so I've packaged up a bit for my in-laws. Charlie is going to drop it off on his way home from work this afternoon.

Hardest part about this is that it is a first-time recipe; hope everyone enjoys it!

So far I've been very pleased with all of the recipes out of this cookbook; and the mulligatawny is on Page 21. Thanks, Oprah!

Food, Health and Happiness by Oprah Winfrey

Take My Car

At work yesterday ... it was a crazy day. I had brought my lunch, but one of my co-workers hadn't; she was waiting for her lunch companion who was going to buy lunch. But like I said, it was a crazy day and it kept getting later and later. Finally he had to leave for an appointment and asked her to go along, they would get something on the way. However at that point she was in the middle of something else and couldn't leave ... but he had to go.

By that time I had eaten all of my lunch, so didn't have anything to share. She didn't have a car or any cash. Again, that crazy day and I couldn't run and get anything for her. So, I handed her the keys to the car and some cash ... "Go get yourself something to eat."

I know things like this happen at a lot of work places every day so it isn't really remarkable, but that doesn't mean they don't matter!

Just a little help from my friends

A couple of years ago, a friend of mine started volunteering with Snohomish County Domestic Violence Services. That holiday season she wanted to make sure that every woman and child staying at the shelter received the gift of a handmade blanket. She put out the call and blankets started rolling in ... one from me.

Then last year, we worked on this again. And I think I did two of them.

This year, I was a little better prepared. I started buying fabric in January! I ended up with enough fabric for 10 blankets, but was running out of time to get them done. So off to my quilting group me and that pile of fleece went.

And within an hour 10 blankets were done ... and we had a great time doing it! All will be delivered to the DVS today or tomorrow. And 10 people will know that someone wanted to wrap them in warmth during a very difficult time!

Need a Ride?

I am very fortunate to have close girlfriends in many areas of my life. There is a group of us that has been meeting for over ten years; my quilting friends, The Closet Cut-Ups. We meet once a month, usually work on something and just catch up.

One of our group lives further North than the rest of us. She usually meets me at my house and we drive to our meetings together.

I haven't seen Diann for several months, she has been in a lot of pain and wasn't able to come. But as our meeting was approaching for this month, I put out the email ... "Need a Ride?"

I was elated when I got the response! "See you about 6:30"

Diann brings so much to our group! And it was amazing to see her, up and about, no longer in any pain. We talked all the way to the meeting and all the way home. She is truly a special woman in my life!

It's funny, but sometimes when you do something for someone else you have to wonder who gets the bigger benefit ... them or you? Last night I gave Diann a ride, but I think I came out ahead.

Threads that Hold Us Together

I opened up my email Monday to see that another fabric store was closing its doors. Fabric stores have been closing everywhere. Many quilters buy their fabrics online, but I haven't done much of that ... I like to fondle the fabric first. For me sewing is very tactile and not just visual.

Anyway, another store closing. But THIS store? The news really saddened me. The store hasn't been open that long. But the owner had it right ... lots of fabric and lots of natural light, you could actually see the true colors and subtleties of the fabric. The layout of the store made sense, the people were helpful and fun.

My issue was location. The store is in Kirkland ... not really that far away, but far enough that it required a special trip and an entire afternoon (at a minimum, 45 minutes one way).I don't feel like I have enough time in my life for quilting, much less a commute to buy fabric!

I had met the owner only once, a super nice person who seemed to understand what we sewers wanted. But today I reached out and sent her a little note just to let her know that she had made an impact and will be missed. I got a reply almost immediately, expressing her disappointment but promising to continue the store with her online presence. Also thanking me for the note.

In the past there have been many times when I've said nothing, when a kind word of encouragement might have made a difference to someone. Today I'm glad I made a leap and did what felt right.

P.S. If you are shopping online for fabric, please don't hesitate to visit Circa 15 Fabric Studio. You won't be disappointed with the quality or the customer service!

Pan Dulce

It was a gorgeous morning yesterday. The sun was shining and I wanted to get outside before we cozied up and watched a football game (or two). I convinced Charlie to take a walk with me ... he got to pick the place. We headed over to the small Latino market to get a few pastries (not on the Weight Watchers plan, but we did walk to the store).

As we got to the store, we noticed an older gentleman sitting by the dumpster, surrounded by bags of belongings. So we bought him a pastry.

On leaving the store, we took it over and he struck up a little bit of a conversation. He was from Alaska, he said. And he was so happy that the rain had stopped, that he could dry out and get warm. He was definitely going to enjoy the sun!

He was happy about the pastry, but I think he was happier that he had friendly company for a few minutes.

How it all started ... the power of words

I've been a volunteer for many things for most of my adult life. But I'm at a crossroads. Right now I am not "involved" with any group on a regular basis and I am scattered. I know there is need everywhere and so much of it interests me. How do I help, without getting too tied to one organization?

I'd been considering the question for some time, when one day I came across The Compassion Games ... maybe that should be my outlet. I could get together a team, participate in the games, and help build compassion in a world that seems bereft. Nope, my timing was off and there was no time.

But the wheels started turning. Maybe I didn't have to "belong" to anything but myself. And I could find ways to contribute to a wide variety of organizations and people that needed help.

Over a few days I consider how to proceed and I can't seem to find my way. The weekend comes and there are a few things to do in the front yard before the weather gets nasty. We live on a fairly busy street. Often the cars just whiz by, but there is pedestrian traffic and we always try say hello.

On this particular day, a man I had never met/seen before leans over the fence and says hello before I can. And he tells me that the yard looks wonderful and that our work and the garden have inspired him!

That 10 seconds made the difference to my day! That man, making the effort to say something nice to me, made my heart swell with gratitude. And here a couple of weeks later, I'm still basking in the glow!

That's how this all started ... I want to give that same feeling to other people. I want to do my good turn each and every day (yes, I was involved with Boy Scouts of America for many years). The good turns might only be a few encouraging words. But they might also be something bigger. It all depends on what each day brings. And this space is where I'll write about my journey.