Tuesday, January 11, 2011

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!

31 comments:

Mommarock said...

My favorite meal..pizza.. I know it isn't good for me.. but we try to make our own on occasion (is that healthier LOL).. but I just LOVE it..

Helle said...

The favorite meal of the day is dinner, any thing with melted cheese! Quick meals are always great. Thanks for the chance to win! Greetings from Seoul

Lynda said...

Love your Butter Churn quilt and your BOM with the snowman and bird. 2 quilts so different. When I started quilting all my quilts seemed to be the same. Now I can't decide which I like more, brights, pastels, Civil War, country etc. My favorite meal: I think meal of the day would be breakfast....out....since I seldom get a good one at home since I'm always in a rush to get to work. Favorite meal to eat would probably be tacos, or lasagna, or Chinese or....

quiltingnana said...

my favorite meal is breakfast. I like to sit and look out the window and think about the day to come

Charity said...

I know exactly what you mean when you talk about stress. I am my own worse enemy some days. It's good to know your limitations, and to be comfortable somedays with letting it go until tomorrow.

Karen said...

My favorite meal of the day is dinner. That's when I can create something new (I like to take recipes and add my own touch to them) or my husband can take me out to dinner! Love the giveaway. Have a wonderful day!

Tracy said...

My favorite meal of the day is supper. It's when we all come together and can eat and then sit back for a movie or a good show on TV or play a game with each other.

Needled Mom said...

Dirty diapers is the PERFECT description!!! I love them outside in my garden, but never bring them in the house.

Your blocks look fabulous. I love the snowman and it looks great in four. That is what I am using too.

Vroomans' Quilts said...

My favorite meal of the day is brunch. I don't like to eat to early in the morning and I don't do lunch - Brunch just fits my lifestyle. A sit down, relax time of day. Love the birdies, yes, 6 strands is way too much stress on the fabric and you would never get the stitches to lay nicely. I don't do a lot of spending on those extras, or frills - so I treat myself when the time is right. Just got the new line Buttercup for a summer project.

Vesuviusmama said...

Ack! Now I'm going to HAVE TO make those birdies - they are so darned CUTE! Already printed out month 1 and started following her. Your Buttern Churn is coming along nicely - very neat to hear your goals one day and see them come to fruition the next - I like that new element in your posts.

OK, favorite meal of the day is lunch because it doesn't take much preparation. I don't like to cook, but when I do, I make LOTS so there are leftovers to take to work for lunch. I find that I like many meals better when they are reheated anyway. So, some recipe books with quick meals is right up my alley. Thanks!

Char said...

My favorite meal of the day is dinner, mostly because I eat my other meals alone most times.

I'm having a very hard time not buying fabric. I bought lots of fabric at the end of 2010. I said I would only buy fabric this year if I needed it to finish a quilt! We'll see how long that lasts.

Shannon said...

I know what you mean about being our own worse critic. I try to help my kids understand that and I try to teach them to forgive themselves just as fast. Life is hard without beating yourself up all the time. Hang in there, for now there is more time. The swaps I am in with your groups are my first and I love them. Your blocks are on there way. TTFN

krisgray said...

Lovely butter churn quilt and great Oscar Wilde quote - LOL!

My fave meal is lunch mainly b/c I need it - I'm hungry. I often have a great big salad with all kinds of veggies that leaves me satisfied but not stuffed.

Anita said...

My favorite meal is dinner, it's usually the only time all three of us are together. :)

Hayley M said...

My favourite meal of the day has to be breakfast, so much choice and after all that sleep i need some food! :)

Hayley

Staci said...

I hate the smell of Narcissus, too! I love to see those little star flowers, but outside where the wind can whisk away the awful scent!

quiltzyx said...

My favorite meal is any one that I get to spend with family or friends! (Especially my sister who LOVES to cook...) And I can eat Mexican food any time of the day.
I, too, am working on not beating myself up for not getting things done - and, just as importantly, celebrating when I DO get things accomplished!

Mad about Craft said...

We are each much harder on ourselves than others are. We owe it to ourselves and others we live with to ease up on ourselves.

Thank you for the Barndoor swap button, I've joined, I love this type of swap.

I shouldn't be spending money either at present but The Fat Quarter shop had '12 Days of Christmas' FQ bundle at nearly half price, I couldn't resist.

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

My favorite meal of the day would be breakfast. It's only dry cheerios to get my pills down, but is brought to me by my DH along with coffee, news of the morning, and sometimes a load song.....grin. Can't beat that.

My favorite food is Puffy Tacos!

Terry said...

Love your birdie block! I used three strands of floss as I thought six was too much too! :0)

Stitched With Prayer said...

Oh Val, I love your Birdie stitches block, it is wonderful. I haven't even started mine yet. Soon, very soon I will get back to my sewing. I also want to get started on Bunny Hills Henrietta Whiskers BOM. *sigh* We pick out carpet and linoleum for the kitchen and bathroom today, I think the renovations are winding down. Lord...I pray so. Started the week after Thanksgiving and haven't sewn a stitch on a quilt since then. I do a little stitchery in the evenings but not much. Ah well, it will be wonderful when it's done, that is where I have to focus. Hugs...

Carin said...

My favorite meal of the day is dinner. I just LOVE to cook and make a nice meal for everybody who wants to come :-) I like fish recipes, nice meat recipes, or something with vegetables or grain products. Just what I said ... I LOVE to cook !! So please enter my name.

Christine M said...

My favourite meal of the day is dinner. That is when the whole family sits down together and we talk about our day. It is lovely spending that time together.

Sarah Craig said...

Love that Oscar Wilde quote!!

JANET said...

my fav meal of the day is breakfast and it doesn't matter what time of the day we have it.

Toni said...

My favorite meal of the day is dessert! Wait, you can have that all day long :) Dessert needs to be it's OWN meal!

I love your flowers! I am soooo ready for spring, aren't you? Well, us here on the east coast are soo done with snow and we have another whole month of winter to get through!

OOOO I love your churn dashes! And your Birdie block is beautiful!! I think I really need to jump on the band wagon for that BOM.

I normally don't do a lot of swaps anymore but I had to do that mug rug swap!!

Great post Linda!

Peach Rainbow said...

My favorite meal of the day is Dinner :)

Helen@Till We Quilt Again said...

My favorite meal is Diner too! It is the time that we all come together.

Just a note on 1/11/11--6 of us drove up to NYC to be in the audiance of "The View". He had a GREAT DAY!!! Next time want to visit the fabric section!!!

Tiffany said...

Never enough cookbooks!! :D

I think my favorite meal right now is breakfast. So many yummy delicious things to cook up. I can "dressup" pancakes, or go basic. And it's the one meal my son will eat and eat and eat! :D

Nancy said...

I'm not sure I have a favorite meal, but one of my favorites is breakfast - at night! Fried eggs over easy, bacon, hashbrowns, grits, toast, yum!

Sammy said...

Lovely quilt, but oscar wild quote is a favorite.

Take care.

-Samya :-)

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