We have a Phoebe nest on the abandoned sound box on the back of the house and a robin's nest on the front veranda. I tried to discourage the robin because, years ago, the last to nest there came to a sad end. But my banging about out there didn't work. How I wish she had chosen the light on the wall just opposite her. Last year's robin family did quite well there.
This was a good week for me and here are some of the things that made it so.
#1This bird below is another first for me! I know I've never seen one before. At first glance, I thought it was some kind of swallow. But no, from my birding books, I think it is an Eastern Kingbird. While staying put only a minute, I was lucky to manage a couple of shots. A pretty looking bird.
Part of what made it a good week was getting lots done in the garden-between rain showers- and around the house too. I tidied the small garage where I park the car and cleared out more trash. For me, it always feels good to be getting rid of stuff.
And we have a house guest. Ned's brother, Petey, is staying with us for a couple of weeks. He is getting a little slower and is not as rambunctious as he once was. He's a sweetheart of a dog who we would keep if Beth and family would let us. Here they are tired out from a little ball playing in the backyard. And that is a good thing for me too...keeps me moving. Enjoying keeping up with Petey and the added benefit of being able to help out family is #2.
The last time I sorted scraps I put aside a bag of small ones and started a new leaders/enders project on the machine. I cut 3 inch squares from a thrifted cotton sheet at night in front of the tv. (mostly remembering to use my pinking shears) and, in the sewing room, am sewing a little bit of coloured scrap to one corner. So my #3 is having a satisfying, very easy machine stitching project to do, one you don't have to think about.
Layout to be determined later
Also satisfying stitching...the last of my EPP starry hexagons in greens- had to scrape the bottom of the barrel to find these but happy to be moving this RSC project along.
I realize I have a theme when it comes to projects and feelings. First I get excited, then I get critical and it doesn't take long for one to turn into the other. Being critical can stymy creativity and progress that's for sure. Does that happen to you? But then, maybe months later, I'll pick up said project and get going again as if the crisis in faith never happened. Sometimes I'll even feel excited about it again. Maybe that's just me. Do you find your interest ebbs and flows? I saw this quote over at Michele's 3 P's and a Nana post and thought it brilliant. #4 is when we find words/sayings that amuse, inspire or motivate us to keep going.
It's so nice to visit folks who just seem to keep producing beautiful quilts. Like Jeni at In Color Order. She just finished a gorgeous take on the vintage schoolhouse pattern. She used old sheets and has made a vibrant beautiful and summery quilt. I actually have one of the sheets she used! And there is always a good selection of sheets to be found at thrift stores, a win on a couple of levels.
HERE is a link to Jeni's Quilting Category and you'll see why I like her work. I think I could stitch them too. #5 is enjoying all the online wonderful, hard working quilters and the inspiration they give us.
Paige Alexander reproduced a page of an old hand writing practice manual in this quilt. It is hard for me to believe that cursive writing is no longer taught in school. It used to be thought an essential life skill and I enjoyed the little writing practice book we worked our way through in grade 3. I was a bit of a nervous student so this time would have been calm and relaxing for me. Anyway. what a neat quilt! She is found on instagram @quiltedblooms. #6 is when we find something that stirs good memories and the internet sure is great for that.
A couple of things I'm checking out... Dish podcast on YouTube daughter told me about. They have celebrity guests each show. I watched the one with Stephen Fry and enjoyed it very much.
And English Heritage ...In this episode, Mrs. Crocombe makes Sad Cakes, the kind that would have been fed to servants. What a great name but I would call them cookies.
Besides cooking and baking, they cover a wide range of topics including Elizabeth 1's makeup routine, for instance. Finding great podcasts/channels- especially ones you can stitch to- on YouTube is #7.
And #8 is the reason I keep writing this blog. Having readers who take their time to write me and share their ideas, wisdom and kind words always brighten my day and is the best thing about having a blog.
Be sure to drop over to Not Afraid of Color where LeeAnna and other folks are sharing their likes this week too.
Oh my! My husband & I just spied a "different" bird too sitting on our deck hummingbird feeders hook. Looked it up and it also was an Eastern Kingbird! Wonder where they're coming from? My bird book says that we can see these in Summer in my area. Surprising to see one since we've been so cool this spring. Your hexies are really pretty and coming right along!
do they just teach kids how to sign their name now - so many things you need to at least no that. I'm amazed at times how much is depending on a key board now instead of writing.
Lovely bird, and the dogs seem eager to chase after the ball! Great new L/E project, and I agree with the saying ;) I love Paige's quilt, and I'm glad that in France the cursive writing is still taught in school, I don't see how kids can learn to write without practicing cursive. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and pretty blocks, and linking up!
I don't think we've ever had any Eastern Kingbirds around her though it would be fun to spot one in the wild. It is sad that cursive writing isn't being taught anymore. It was a shock to us when our grandson handed his birthday card to his mom to read for him because he couldn't read our writing.
I enjoy your bird sightings, Jocelyn, and especially knowing we share some of the same birds way out west here. I love your leader/ender project with the squares and triangles. You'll have some fun layout possibilities with those! I remember Paige's cursive quilt - I thought it was really unique. Happy weekend and enjoy your time with Petey and Ned!
8 marvelous things indeed. Having Ned's brother to stay is always a fun time in your household. As for multiple projects, I'm guilty of that, so easy to start a new one, and then it gets put away. I like your idea of your new leaders and enders project, I did something like this a few years ago and really liked the effect. But........I'm one of those stitchers who has to have the small coloured pieces all the same size, I just cant do random. What does that say about me, I wonder?
Such a fun post! Great photo of that bird in the tree. They really don't teach cursive writing in school anymore. We did have one teacher that had both my kids and did teach how to sign their name, but we had employees just out of school that did not know how. I made sure mine can.... and mostly can read it as well. I guess I am old school, and want them to be able to read old documents... like the important ones in history as they are all in cursive. Glad the two dogs are around to keep you both company for a few weeks. Animals do keep us moving. Have a great weekend!
I have only seen a Kingbird once. They really are a pretty bird. Yesterday, before the smoke rolled in I watched some robins chasing away a rather large bird could have been a hawk. It was really quite funny. Glad the dogs are around and you can keep right on moving. Oh yes, I loose interest in projects and put them aside quite regularly. I have a counted cross stitch from a couple of years ago I really should pull out and get finished at some point.
those two doggies make me happy... sloppy wet kisses to them I enjoyed all of it, thanks for the post we're getting a lot more rain too, and it's upped the humidity which isn't good but still. Did you see the eaglets are sisters? more strong females in the world! lol LeeAnna
I adore dog brothers that get to stay in touch. Thanks for sharing your own process of stopping and starting projects. I have too many to count. I get energy...steam ahead and then move on to something else. I never thought I had ADHD, but perhaps there's a craft variation that applies to me. I saw some cardinals today but later when I pointed one out on a dog walk, my husband said it's a red flag left by a gardener. Oops, seems my eye sight isn't too great. The first birds I saw were in our garden and were definitely real...two females. The last one was a mirage. I guess I'll stick to sewing and not bird watching!
What a lovely post this is. We should take the time to notice and enjoy the little things in life like seeing a new bird in the neighborhood or the benefits of having pets. Thank you for reminding us. Love the EPP star. That's a project I forgot I have hidden somewhere and need to finish it. Thanks also for the links. I can so relate to the quote you found on Michele's post. And I can truly say that #8 is mutual. I love reading your post too. Enjoy! ;^)
I've never seen an Eastern Kingbird but it sure is pretty! The pups are adorable and look so happy!!! Is that new leaders and enders quilt called a confetti quilt? I have always liked the look and can't wait to see the layout you pick! Yes I get discouraged all the time with projects. We should really trust our abilities at this point but I sometimes still feel like a 12 year old again when I sew. Glad you liked the quote I posted. I love the cursive meme as well. Have a great day!
That bird is beautiful, reminds me a little of a penguin! I wish you could keep Petey, I bet Ned would just be thrilled. I love your leaders/enders project and just decided to copy it. I have a bunch of little triangles left from a quilt and was just sewing them together as HSTs but I like your idea much better! Speaking of makeup, I get drawn into ads for "eye makeup for older women" and try various things they suggest, and I never look quite as good as they do - lol!
I am very familiar with the ebb and flow of emotions surrounding a new project. I start at a high point, eager to get started with visions of the end project and/or process in my head. Then things to go askew. This doesn't look right, that part is fiddly and I feel my patience ebbing and I could just toss the whole thing and try something new. Fortunately, I have learned from decades of experience if I just push through this period of despair things work out in the end. Perhaps not like my vision, but close enough.
What a great list of likes! I always have several projects gong at once. Sometimes, there is a deadline involved; but, more often I need the variety. . piecing, quilting, binding, designing as some days my body is better at one task than another!
A great list of things to be thankful for! I always love seeing what’s happening in your corner of the world. Your green stars are pretty. I met Paige at QuiltCon a few years ago…a very precise and creative quilter, and a nice person too. I’m thankful for the people I have met personally and through blogs/instagram too. Have a wonderful week. Ear scratches for Ned and Petey. Gail at the cozy quilter
I'm not much of a commenter, but I've been enjoying your blog ever since I discovered it. I find Dr. Kirketerp's quote comforting as I have a lot of projects in several states of completion.
You always post the best content! I love all your likes! It's so nice to see the 2 dogs enjoying each other's company. I like having various projects to keep me occupied. You never know what you'll feel like working on!
I love your list of likes, and here are the ones I was most enamored with... You started off with a bird sighting! I have been especially aware of the birds in our yard and have been using an app on my phone called Merlin. It records and identifies the birds. I can then click on each one to hear it on its own, and then try to listen for it in the yard. I've kept a tally of the number of birds the app has identified - we are up to 51! Whoo-hoo!
Then, you share a quote about working on multiple projects - so very relatable!! And, the demise of cursive writing - a retired English teacher here, and it saddens me, too!
And now my response is getting long, so let me just say, that I look forward to seeing you each week at Kathy's Quilts and will try to post comments more often. *wink*
Apologies in advance fo the long comment -- great list of marvelous things this week! Beautiful shot of the bird against that deep, clear blue sky. Hmmm, that would make a beautiful collage or Scrapplique piece.
Ned and Petey look so cute together! Just like with kids, 'ya gotta tire 'em out to get a break. Also love a "no thinking" scrap project. Make them leader/ender and it's like getting a bonus quilt both in fabric and in sewing time.
I too like to collect inspirational quotes or observations that relate to the creative process. I have experienced that "enthusiasm flux" during projects. For me, falling in or out of love with a project has a lot to do with expectations -- when my production or "vision" expectations aren't met (expected it to be easier or expected it to go faster or it's not looking like I expected), unless I can change my perspective about it, sometimes the only way to fall back in love is for it to go into "time out" for a while (could be days, could be years!). Absence does make the heart grow fonder or at least heals disappointment wounds!
Yes, love Jeni Baker's work!! --- I made her Featherweight tote and made a tree skirt based on her Spiderweb skirt design.
Are you familiar with the iPhone App called Merlin? It records bird calls in the vicinity and identifies them. I use it in the mornings when all the magpies, finches, grosbeaks, and towhees are waking up.
Lovely likes! I like those scrappy projects. Cursive - my handwriting has gotten so bad! The nuns would never have approved. LOL. Writing in my journal is probably the only thing keeping it legible. I've never heard of sad cakes!
I like everything in this post, Jocelyn. Your nature photos are always fantastic and interesting. And you are so sweet to share links to other interesting articles.
That blue sky behind your lovely bird is amazing. It may be the bluest sky I've ever seen! I have a stack of triangles, too, and I keep thinking about doing a similar quilt to the one you're working on. Maybe one day.... Multiple projects always make sense to me--at least one for hand work, one for machine sewing, and maybe cutting. I was sad to learn they stopped teaching cursive, but I think they're bringing it back again. I'm sure it looks like a foreign language to anyone who doesn't have experience with it.
I don't think I've ever seen a kingbird and would have thought it was a swallow too. Of course you know I love those sweet little doggy faces....they look so happy. I love that quote too and it's good to have affirmation that having more than one project on the go is an okay thing.
29 comments :
Oh my! My husband & I just spied a "different" bird too sitting on our deck hummingbird feeders hook. Looked it up and it also was an Eastern Kingbird! Wonder where they're coming from? My bird book says that we can see these in Summer in my area. Surprising to see one since we've been so cool this spring. Your hexies are really pretty and coming right along!
Marvelous!
do they just teach kids how to sign their name now - so many things you need to at least no that. I'm amazed at times how much is depending on a key board now instead of writing.
What a thoughtful list of likes, Jocelyn. LOVE your new leader/ender project! I've had that pattern on my Wish List for quite some time. Enjoy!
Lovely bird, and the dogs seem eager to chase after the ball! Great new L/E project, and I agree with the saying ;) I love Paige's quilt, and I'm glad that in France the cursive writing is still taught in school, I don't see how kids can learn to write without practicing cursive. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and pretty blocks, and linking up!
I don't think we've ever had any Eastern Kingbirds around her though it would be fun to spot one in the wild. It is sad that cursive writing isn't being taught anymore. It was a shock to us when our grandson handed his birthday card to his mom to read for him because he couldn't read our writing.
I enjoy your bird sightings, Jocelyn, and especially knowing we share some of the same birds way out west here. I love your leader/ender project with the squares and triangles. You'll have some fun layout possibilities with those! I remember Paige's cursive quilt - I thought it was really unique. Happy weekend and enjoy your time with Petey and Ned!
8 marvelous things indeed. Having Ned's brother to stay is always a fun time in your household. As for multiple projects, I'm guilty of that, so easy to start a new one, and then it gets put away. I like your idea of your new leaders and enders project, I did something like this a few years ago and really liked the effect. But........I'm one of those stitchers who has to have the small coloured pieces all the same size, I just cant do random. What does that say about me, I wonder?
Such a fun post! Great photo of that bird in the tree. They really don't teach cursive writing in school anymore. We did have one teacher that had both my kids and did teach how to sign their name, but we had employees just out of school that did not know how. I made sure mine can.... and mostly can read it as well. I guess I am old school, and want them to be able to read old documents... like the important ones in history as they are all in cursive. Glad the two dogs are around to keep you both company for a few weeks. Animals do keep us moving. Have a great weekend!
I have only seen a Kingbird once. They really are a pretty bird. Yesterday, before the smoke rolled in I watched some robins chasing away a rather large bird could have been a hawk. It was really quite funny. Glad the dogs are around and you can keep right on moving.
Oh yes, I loose interest in projects and put them aside quite regularly. I have a counted cross stitch from a couple of years ago I really should pull out and get finished at some point.
God bless.
those two doggies make me happy... sloppy wet kisses to them
I enjoyed all of it, thanks for the post
we're getting a lot more rain too, and it's upped the humidity which isn't good but still.
Did you see the eaglets are sisters? more strong females in the world! lol
LeeAnna
I adore dog brothers that get to stay in touch. Thanks for sharing your own process of stopping and starting projects. I have too many to count. I get energy...steam ahead and then move on to something else. I never thought I had ADHD, but perhaps there's a craft variation that applies to me. I saw some cardinals today but later when I pointed one out on a dog walk, my husband said it's a red flag left by a gardener. Oops, seems my eye sight isn't too great. The first birds I saw were in our garden and were definitely real...two females. The last one was a mirage. I guess I'll stick to sewing and not bird watching!
What a wonderful positive post. You have had a very productive week and I always enjoy the links you provide.
What a lovely post this is. We should take the time to notice and enjoy the little things in life like seeing a new bird in the neighborhood or the benefits of having pets. Thank you for reminding us. Love the EPP star. That's a project I forgot I have hidden somewhere and need to finish it. Thanks also for the links. I can so relate to the quote you found on Michele's post. And I can truly say that #8 is mutual. I love reading your post too. Enjoy! ;^)
I've never seen an Eastern Kingbird but it sure is pretty! The pups are adorable and look so happy!!! Is that new leaders and enders quilt called a confetti quilt? I have always liked the look and can't wait to see the layout you pick! Yes I get discouraged all the time with projects. We should really trust our abilities at this point but I sometimes still feel like a 12 year old again when I sew. Glad you liked the quote I posted. I love the cursive meme as well. Have a great day!
That bird is beautiful, reminds me a little of a penguin! I wish you could keep Petey, I bet Ned would just be thrilled. I love your leaders/enders project and just decided to copy it. I have a bunch of little triangles left from a quilt and was just sewing them together as HSTs but I like your idea much better! Speaking of makeup, I get drawn into ads for "eye makeup for older women" and try various things they suggest, and I never look quite as good as they do - lol!
I am very familiar with the ebb and flow of emotions surrounding a new project. I start at a high point, eager to get started with visions of the end project and/or process in my head. Then things to go askew. This doesn't look right, that part is fiddly and I feel my patience ebbing and I could just toss the whole thing and try something new. Fortunately, I have learned from decades of experience if I just push through this period of despair things work out in the end. Perhaps not like my vision, but close enough.
What a great list of likes! I always have several projects gong at once. Sometimes, there is a deadline involved; but, more often I need the variety. . piecing, quilting, binding, designing as some days my body is better at one task than another!
A great list of things to be thankful for! I always love seeing what’s happening in your corner of the world. Your green stars are pretty. I met Paige at QuiltCon a few years ago…a very precise and creative quilter, and a nice person too. I’m thankful for the people I have met personally and through blogs/instagram too. Have a wonderful week. Ear scratches for Ned and Petey. Gail at the cozy quilter
I'm not much of a commenter, but I've been enjoying your blog ever since I discovered it. I find Dr. Kirketerp's quote comforting as I have a lot of projects in several states of completion.
You always post the best content! I love all your likes! It's so nice to see the 2 dogs enjoying each other's company. I like having various projects to keep me occupied. You never know what you'll feel like working on!
I love your list of likes, and here are the ones I was most enamored with...
You started off with a bird sighting! I have been especially aware of the birds in our yard and have been using an app on my phone called Merlin. It records and identifies the birds. I can then click on each one to hear it on its own, and then try to listen for it in the yard. I've kept a tally of the number of birds the app has identified - we are up to 51! Whoo-hoo!
Then, you share a quote about working on multiple projects - so very relatable!! And, the demise of cursive writing - a retired English teacher here, and it saddens me, too!
And now my response is getting long, so let me just say, that I look forward to seeing you each week at Kathy's Quilts and will try to post comments more often. *wink*
Apologies in advance fo the long comment -- great list of marvelous things this week! Beautiful shot of the bird against that deep, clear blue sky. Hmmm, that would make a beautiful collage or Scrapplique piece.
Ned and Petey look so cute together! Just like with kids, 'ya gotta tire 'em out to get a break. Also love a "no thinking" scrap project. Make them leader/ender and it's like getting a bonus quilt both in fabric and in sewing time.
I too like to collect inspirational quotes or observations that relate to the creative process. I have experienced that "enthusiasm flux" during projects. For me, falling in or out of love with a project has a lot to do with expectations -- when my production or "vision" expectations aren't met (expected it to be easier or expected it to go faster or it's not looking like I expected), unless I can change my perspective about it, sometimes the only way to fall back in love is for it to go into "time out" for a while (could be days, could be years!). Absence does make the heart grow fonder or at least heals disappointment wounds!
Yes, love Jeni Baker's work!! --- I made her Featherweight tote and made a tree skirt based on her Spiderweb skirt design.
Are you familiar with the iPhone App called Merlin? It records bird calls in the vicinity and identifies them. I use it in the mornings when all the magpies, finches, grosbeaks, and towhees are waking up.
Lovely likes! I like those scrappy projects. Cursive - my handwriting has gotten so bad! The nuns would never have approved. LOL. Writing in my journal is probably the only thing keeping it legible. I've never heard of sad cakes!
I like everything in this post, Jocelyn. Your nature photos are always fantastic and interesting. And you are so sweet to share links to other interesting articles.
That blue sky behind your lovely bird is amazing. It may be the bluest sky I've ever seen!
I have a stack of triangles, too, and I keep thinking about doing a similar quilt to the one you're working on. Maybe one day....
Multiple projects always make sense to me--at least one for hand work, one for machine sewing, and maybe cutting.
I was sad to learn they stopped teaching cursive, but I think they're bringing it back again. I'm sure it looks like a foreign language to anyone who doesn't have experience with it.
Aww Ned and Petey - what cuties!!!
I don't think I've ever seen a kingbird and would have thought it was a swallow too. Of course you know I love those sweet little doggy faces....they look so happy.
I love that quote too and it's good to have affirmation that having more than one project on the go is an okay thing.
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