Butter, Birds, & Books!

Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Yesterday I got mad at myself for once again not working on my DD's quilt.  It felt like another failed day.  Then I thought, 'It's only Monday, you still have more days in the week left to work on it'.  Why are we always own worse critic?  Nobody can give us a harder time about something than ourselves.  I have decided that I need to be a little less critical of my own work, goals, and desires.  Stress is something I quite often cause myself.  It's time to relax and smell the roses a little more.  How about you?  Did you beat your head against the wall and feel like a failure because you didn't complete everything yesterday?  Well, don't.  Take that deep breath and move on.  Anything not done yesterday can be worked on today.

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PHOTO OF THE DAY

Narcissus in my garden

There are two derivations of the name. One is that of the youth of Greek mythology called Narcissus, who, in at least one of many variations of the tale, became so obsessed with his own reflection as he kneeled and gazed into a pool of water that he fell into the water and drowned. In some variations, he died of starvation and thirst from just sitting by the edge of the pool until he gave out, gazing at his reflection until he died. In both versions, the Narcissus plant first sprang from where he died.  The other derivation is that the plant is named after its narcotic properties (ναρκάω narkao, "to grow numb" in Greek).

My family and I do not care for the scent of Narcissus.  For some reasons, when the girls were young, they said they smelled like dirty diapers.  And, from then on, that is what we have called this innocent little flower - Dirty Diapers - making it quite difficult at times for me to remember its proper name.

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DID YOU NOTICE?

 

Did you notice the date today?  Yes, it's January 11, 2011 or  1-11-11.  I wonderful if something special will happen with all of those 1's?

 

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I accomplished yesterday's goal of working on my Buttern Churn quilt.

First I made 32 HST

Followed by 8 Jacobs Ladders

I sewed the blocks together to finish this part of the quilt top.  Of course, once I placed it on the floor, Snickerdoodle just had to check it out.  Tomorrow I hope to put the border together.  Another step closer for the WIP to become a Finished Project!

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I finished the January Birdie Stitches BOM.  It was so much to make.

I used four strands of DMC floss to do the embroidery.  Little Miss Shabby (the creator of this cute block) recommended 6 strands but I couldn't bring myself to use that many.  I was pleased with the way the four strands looked.  I'm already looking forward to next months block!

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A NEW GIVEAWAY

Are you looking for a new collection of recipes? Check out the Quilter's Cookbooks filled with yummy recipes, quilts and heart-warming stories from quilters around the world. Michele from the Quilting Gallery has professionally put together these fabulous books that can be downloaded instantly.

The theme for the 2009 edition of the Cookbook was "Quick and easy recipes, so we can get back to quilting!". It contains 119 recipes and 76 photos of gorgeous quilts. The theme for the 2010 edition is "Holiday Traditions". It contains 135 recipes and 72 photos of gorgeous quilts.

To help celebrate the release of the 2010 edition, Michele has generously donated two sets of Cookbooks for my blog friends.  There will be two chances to win - each winner will receive both the 2009 and the 2010 edition of the Cookbook.  To enter just tell me what your favorite meal of the day is.  One comment only please - duplicate entries will be deleted.  You must have some way for me to reach you - if you have a 'no reply blogger', then please leave your email along with your comment.  This is going to be a quick giveaway and will close Thursday night at 8:00 PM PST. 

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I plan to put the border on my Butter Churn quilt.  I also have to make a little hexie flower for One Flower Wednesday.  Two things for one day - I can do it!

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TWO MORE SWAPS

I need another swap like I need another hole in my head.  But how can you say no?  I can't.  I just joined up with Barn Door Swap.  Shauna is starting up a brand new swap where you make blocks using the Hole In the Barn Door block pattern and make either 12" or 7.5" blocks, or both.  I'm not sure when this one will be starting but Shauna is looking for participants.  If you are interested you can either click on the link above or on button on the sidebar.

The other swap I just joined is the Mug Rug Swap being hosted by Quilting Bloggers.  This is a quick, one time swap.  You will make two mug rugs that will finish at approximately 10″x6″.  They do not have to be the same or made of the same fabrics.  Registration closes January 18th. Partner information will be sent by January 21st.  All Mug Rugs should arrive at their destination no later than February 28th.   It is a secret swap so you won't know who you will be swapping with.  Doesn't this sound like fun?  If you would like to join, click on the link above or on the button in the right sidebar.


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GIVEAWAYS

Fussy Cut is having a Heather Ross giveaway.  Angela is giving away a set of fat eights of Heather Ross' Lightning Bugs and Other Mysteries line.  You must enter by Friday, January 14th.

Sew Fantastic is having a sponsor giveaway.  You could win a $35 gift certificate from Fashionable fabrics.  A winner will be chosen on Thursday, January 13th.

Pink Pincushion is celebrating her 250th post and having over 400 followers.  Sinta has put together a darling kit of Henrietta Turtle - just so cute!  She will continue this giveaway thru January 19th.

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FINAL THOUGHT

Once Christmas shopping was finally done, I told myself that I wouldn't buy another thing until I paid off my credit cards.  Well, I lied!  There are so many great sales going on and so many things I want to create I just couldn't live up to my promise.  Why is it that the internet stores have to put things on sale just when I don't have the money?  Why is it that a new line of fabric finally comes out that I really, really want at a time when I shouldn't be spending?  I have refrained from buying the fabric, hoping they don't sell out or that maybe, just maybe, it will go on sale at a later date.  How about you?  How do manage to put a stop to buying?

Anyone who lives within their means suffers from a lack of imagination.
 ~Oscar Wilde


Today is Tuesday - too terrific for words!