A Time for Planning

Happy Thursday!

As I began to approach the challenge of writing everyday for the month it seem natural that I should put down a list of all the things I want to do, and all the things that have to be done... this reminded me almost immediately that I've been wanting to take some time and work on a

5-Year Life Plan...
One that hits on the basics areas of - personal - career - fun.

The universe is conspiring --- thank you universe.

I'm thinking about beginning the process by writing a letter to my 5 year older future self. Have any of you ever done this? It was an idea introduced to me in a book purchased for a teenage niece many years ago. The letter idea helps say the who I am today and write about what I want to see in my life waaaay out there.

So, tonight with a cup of tea and a pile of white paper and a whole array of colored pens, (no one said it could not be illustrated or just pretty with color), and write my letter. Then I believe I will have the beginnings of the plan.

Have any of you ever done something like this, or made a more official 5 year plan? I would love to hear how you got started and any other tidbits to get this going.

From searching on-line there are those that like to do flow charts...
and some who like spreadsheets...

I'm thinking about starting a notebook...hmmm/ something I can add pages to and move them around, or pull out a page to hang above my desk.....

And, if there is anyone that would like to join in on the adventure I'd love to have company!

Waving So-Long

Well, my darling dh and I have just returned from dropping mom off in Nashville. It is a longish trip and the cats were certainly glad to see their food authorities return home.

Mom and I spent our last full day hanging out together by working on some Hanuakah mixed media canvases for her to take back with her for friends in Seattle. (true confessions, we baked a batch of our favorite cookies, too.)

It all starts with a blank canvas -- and sometimes a spark of an idea.
Mom and I went looking for images of Menorahs on Pinterest to help the spark take shape.

Where do you go when you're
in need of a bit of inspiration?

Then layer by layer the canvas takes shape.
I think her friends will enjoy our attempts at Menorahs.

This is Mom and I at one of our outings while she was here visiting.

It was hard to leave her heading for home...
So long mom...
missing you already.

Accepting the Challenge

Thanksgiving is behind us. Family visiting me in Paducah from far off places have headed home, or in the case of my Mom will be heading home tomorrow.

One more trip to Nashville to see her on her way, and I will have time on my hands (NOT!) As December is laying out in front of me I have a long, long list of things to do, and things I want to do....

Kinda like yours I am sure.

I was actually thinking about it all and trying to think of a way to share it all when this call to action from Cheryl Sieboda popped up in FaceBook.

She has challenged us blog writers to post everyday from now til the end of the year.

Perfect, right?
RIGHT!

So here's where you will find me...once a day.

There are some amazing bloggers who have signed on for the challenge, too. You can find all of their links by click over to the official,
31 Day Blog Writing Challenge page.

If there's a special topic you'd like me to cover I would love to know.

Talk with you again tomorrow...
In between a trip to and from Nashville.

~Rose

And the winner is...

Linda -- whose family is from Holland.
I'm sure that Mandy's book
will inspire a trip soon!!


congratulations!!!

The World is A Wonderful Place! Blog Hop Along

Today I am here to share an incredible new book by one of my favorite wanderers --
Mandy Leins & her Wanderlust Quilts!

Mandy found me and my Fast-Piece Applique a couple of years ago as she wandered the web, and contacted me to ask if it was ok to share about it on her blog (like I might say no!). She not only shared the technique but found a way to use it in a no-sew glue construction method that she could use when creating quilt tops that she then long-armed in her Craftsy Class. Later that same year we met in person at Quilt Market --
a delight one should not miss you get the chance.

A grand book/ here's a peek!
Mandy's words and quilts take us on her shared journey of another of Mandy's loves (archaeology), allowing us find inspiration and guidance throughout. She doesn't stop at supplying amazing images of ancient places but provides a full array of construction methods to bring these places to life with fabric.

My own favorite (very hard to choose) is Aqueducts for I felt like I was getting a peek of a modern beautiful representation of part of the life blood of old Rome.

My own quilting journey has been inspired by wandering, so when she asked us to find a photo to share with you I jumped at the chance. Mandy shared some wise words in her Quick Color Lessons -- some that I could definitely use when designing my own quilt from this picture taken in St.Thomas while on a quilting cruise - the perfect place to relax and enjoy this wonderful book!

Want to join me?
Mandy is letting each of us blog hop stops give away one copy of her book, so if you want to get your chance to win leave a comment here telling me of a place you would love to go wandering -- camera and sketchbook in hand. Keep in mind that inspiration from wandering can happen anywhere -- the backyard, local park, or the other side of the world.

I will be drawing a winner on 11/15, so just a few days to get in on the fun.
The list below contains all the blog-hop stops so you can enjoy all the wandering this lovely book is making.

November 2: Kickoff with Maddie Kertay at Bad Ass Quilters Society 

My podcast interview with Sandi of Crafty Planner

November 3: Stephanie Palmer the Late Night Quilter

November 4: Christa Watson of Christa Quilts

November 5: Gen Q

November 6: Casey York Designs

November 7: Bill Volckening

November 8: Angela Walters

November 9: Kitty Wilkin, the Night Quilter

November 10: Lynn Harris of the Little Red Hen

November 11: Latifah Saafir Studios

November 12: Rose Hughes

November 13: Rossie Hutchison of Rossie Crafts

November 14: Sam Hunter of Hunter’s Design Studio

Bundle Fun!

I picked up a wonderful fat quarter bundle of delightful Me+You Hoffman batik prints while at Quilt Market --

looking at them, I could hardly wait to cut into them...
hmmm?

Since it is getting closer to the holidays I thought I could use a bit of this one and that one to make some holiday cards. I used the fabric and a few other items I had in hand and came up with these.

The fabrics could also make some great tags, too...
I'll have to work on some of those as well.

Meanwhile, that were fast and easy so I have written up an instruction sheet and am offering them as a give-away to anyone signing up for my Fabric'ating Embellishments on-line workshop.

Starts Friday, from silks to sheers there will be plenty of opportunities to learn about some of my favorite embellishments!

Join in and stitch up some fun!
~Rose

Quilt Market = COLOR Adventure

I have made it home from a fun filled, time exploring all things new and new to me at Fall Quilt Market. There was a game plan to check on certain - must see - products, but other than these I was on the look out for inspirational color.

At market so many fabric companies are there sharing their latest, but most include a bit of a 'how we got here' view, or a lookie, lookie at just what colors are 'in'! It is one of the things I love, so I thought you might want a peek, too.

Mind you there were 25 rows of vendors and an awful lot of color that had to be left behind, but I hope this little peek has got you thinking of all the new possibilities.

Happy Stitching!
~Rose